WICHITA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating illegal protest activity that has occurred since Wednesday in Wichita.

The Wichita Police Department has monitored and is investigating illegal activity involving a group of protestors who have been meeting downtown, according to officer Charley Davidson. 

The group is alleged to have been blocking traffic, causing disturbances, vandalizing property, aggravated assault with a firearm, and battery. Charges will be forthcoming, according to Davidson.

If anyone has any information regarding illegal activity or can identify photos of protestors who have engaged in illegal behavior, please call WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, or call the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282.

According to Davidson, the Wichita Police Department has always supported individual's right to demonstrate lawfully and has previously worked alongside other demonstration leaders to ensure their groups were able to share their views safely. However, the individuals protesting the past few days refuse to demonstrate lawfully.

"Police will continue to monitor any protest activities throughout Wichita. Illegal activity will not be tolerated, and criminals will be arrested and held accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596375478117.png" alt="Black Lives Matter protest late Friday night in Wichita -image courtesy Liberty ICT" />
 <figcaption>Black Lives Matter protest late Friday night in Wichita -image courtesy Liberty ICT</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating illegal protest activity that has occurred since Wednesday in Wichita.The Wichita Police Department has monitored and is investigating illegal activity involving a group of protestors who have been meeting downtown, according to officer Charley Davidson. The group is alleged to have been blocking traffic, causing disturbances, vandalizing property, aggravated assault with a firearm, and battery. Charges will be forthcoming, according to Davidson.If anyone has any information regarding illegal activity or can identify photos of protestors who have engaged in illegal behavior, please call WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, or call the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282.According to Davidson, the Wichita Police Department has always supported individual's right to demonstrate lawfully and has previously worked alongside other demonstration leaders to ensure their groups were able to share their views safely. However, the individuals protesting the past few days refuse to demonstrate lawfully."Police will continue to monitor any protest activities throughout Wichita. Illegal activity will not be tolerated, and criminals will be arrested and held accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law."

Police investigate alleged illegal protest activity in Kansas

Kansas City (AP) — John Barrett plans to keep his daughter home from elementary school this year in suburban Atlanta, but he wishes she were going. Molly Ball is sending her teenage sons to school in the same district on Monday, but not without feelings of regret.

As the academic year begins in many places across the country this week, parents are faced with the difficult choice of whether to send their children to school or keep them home for remote learning because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many are unhappy with either option.

“I definitely think it’s healthy for a child to go back to school,” said Ball, who feels her sons, William and Henry, both at River Ridge High School in Georgia’s Cherokee County district, suffered through enough instability in the spring. “At the same time, I wish they weren’t going back to school right now. It’s very scary.”

Offering parents choices eases some of the problems facing schools. If some students stay home, that creates more space in buildings and on buses.

But the number of families with a choice has dwindled as the virus’s spread has prompted school districts to scrap in-person classes — at least to start the academic year — in cities including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/45ec4b2f9a3b1c0007c059ba65b68a4f">Los Angeles</a>, Philadelphia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/59979f39cefcbc3da55c5f6c20371b67">Washington</a>, as well as parts of the South and Midwest where school is starting this week.

Many districts that don’t begin instruction until after Labor Day are warily tracking the virus — and weighing concerns of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4e8a446186df3c1962137dbe9faf7f38">educators&nbsp;</a>and parents — as they consider plans including hybrid approaches, with in-person learning at least a few days a week.

In Cherokee County, administrators have stuck with plans to offer in-person school five days a week despite pressure from some parents and teachers. The countywide district also rejected demands to require masks inside school buildings. The families of about 23% of Cherokee County’s 43,000 students have opted for them to learn remotely from home.

Barrett said the mask decision contributed to his decision to keep Autumn, who is in a special education program, home to start third grade at Bascomb Elementary School.

“At a minimum, there ought to be a mask mandate, and maybe a staggered schedule. They’re not interested in responding to the realities of the virus as it’s happening in Georgia,” Barrett said.

Barrett works from home and his wife, who has an educational background, isn’t employed. He says that gives them “an ability to bridge the gap.” But he worries that Autumn will still fall behind, especially on her individualized education program, the plan written for each special education student.

“She gives up a lot of the ability to make progress on her IEP,” Barrett said. “It’s a big decision, and it feels like a definite loss.”

Parents are not the only ones who are struggling. Districts that offer two modes of instruction create new challenges for teachers as well, especially those in smaller districts who are being asked to educate students in person and online at the same time.

“The key is going to be the complexity, how they handle it,” said Allen Pratt, executive director of the National Rural Education Association. “Is it going to be standards-driven, what students need to move to the next grade level? Is it going to be equal to face-to-face or better than face-to-face?”

Denise Dalrymple is reluctantly sending her two sons back to first and sixth grades in Cherokee County because she says it’s impossible for her to work otherwise. Like many districts, the county says it will have increased academic expectations for online learning this fall, compared to the spring.

“You basically have to make the student’s education time a priority over your own job,” Dalrymple said.

Others are more enthusiastic about a return.

“It was automatic because my husband and I both work, because it would have upset both of our schedules,” said Jackie Taylor, who has three school-aged children and lives in nearby Canton.

She said her children have been around other kids this summer, making the transition back to school less concerning.

“We use the neighborhood pool, we do the sports,” Taylor said as she watched her son practice baseball. “Obviously they’re in close proximity in the dugouts.”

Siana Onanovic said her son Kelvin will be attending Woodstock High, also in the Cherokee district, in person as a freshman. That’s in part because the special science and engineering curriculum that drew her family to the school’s attendance zone isn’t available online.

But, like many, she had her reservations.

“There are so many pros and cons on each side,” she said.

Kansas City (AP) — John Barrett plans to keep his daughter home from elementary school this year in suburban Atlanta, but he wishes she were going. Molly Ball is sending her teenage sons to school in the same district on Monday, but not without feelings of regret.As the academic year begins in many places across the country this week, parents are faced with the difficult choice of whether to send their children to school or keep them home for remote learning because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many are unhappy with either option.“I definitely think it’s healthy for a child to go back to school,” said Ball, who feels her sons, William and Henry, both at River Ridge High School in Georgia’s Cherokee County district, suffered through enough instability in the spring. “At the same time, I wish they weren’t going back to school right now. It’s very scary.”Offering parents choices eases some of the problems facing schools. If some students stay home, that creates more space in buildings and on buses.But the number of families with a choice has dwindled as the virus’s spread has prompted school districts to scrap in-person classes — at least to start the academic year — in cities including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/45ec4b2f9a3b1c0007c059ba65b68a4f">Los Angeles</a>, Philadelphia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/59979f39cefcbc3da55c5f6c20371b67">Washington</a>, as well as parts of the South and Midwest where school is starting this week.Many districts that don’t begin instruction until after Labor Day are warily tracking the virus — and weighing concerns of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4e8a446186df3c1962137dbe9faf7f38">educators&nbsp;</a>and parents — as they consider plans including hybrid approaches, with in-person learning at least a few days a week.In Cherokee County, administrators have stuck with plans to offer in-person school five days a week despite pressure from some parents and teachers. The countywide district also rejected demands to require masks inside school buildings. The families of about 23% of Cherokee County’s 43,000 students have opted for them to learn remotely from home.Barrett said the mask decision contributed to his decision to keep Autumn, who is in a special education program, home to start third grade at Bascomb Elementary School.“At a minimum, there ought to be a mask mandate, and maybe a staggered schedule. They’re not interested in responding to the realities of the virus as it’s happening in Georgia,” Barrett said.Barrett works from home and his wife, who has an educational background, isn’t employed. He says that gives them “an ability to bridge the gap.” But he worries that Autumn will still fall behind, especially on her individualized education program, the plan written for each special education student.“She gives up a lot of the ability to make progress on her IEP,” Barrett said. “It’s a big decision, and it feels like a definite loss.”Parents are not the only ones who are struggling. Districts that offer two modes of instruction create new challenges for teachers as well, especially those in smaller districts who are being asked to educate students in person and online at the same time.“The key is going to be the complexity, how they handle it,” said Allen Pratt, executive director of the National Rural Education Association. “Is it going to be standards-driven, what students need to move to the next grade level? Is it going to be equal to face-to-face or better than face-to-face?”Denise Dalrymple is reluctantly sending her two sons back to first and sixth grades in Cherokee County because she says it’s impossible for her to work otherwise. Like many districts, the county says it will have increased academic expectations for online learning this fall, compared to the spring.“You basically have to make the student’s education time a priority over your own job,” Dalrymple said.Others are more enthusiastic about a return.“It was automatic because my husband and I both work, because it would have upset both of our schedules,” said Jackie Taylor, who has three school-aged children and lives in nearby Canton.She said her children have been around other kids this summer, making the transition back to school less concerning.“We use the neighborhood pool, we do the sports,” Taylor said as she watched her son practice baseball. “Obviously they’re in close proximity in the dugouts.”Siana Onanovic said her son Kelvin will be attending Woodstock High, also in the Cherokee district, in person as a freshman. That’s in part because the special science and engineering curriculum that drew her family to the school’s attendance zone isn’t available online.But, like many, she had her reservations.“There are so many pros and cons on each side,” she said.

As school begins amid virus, parents see few good options

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have released additional details in the arrest of a&nbsp; highly sought after shooting suspect.

Just after 3p.m. July 29, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrants Unit arrived at a residence in the 1500 block of SE 10th Avenue in Topeka to search for a wanted suspect, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

While arresting the primary individual, a deputy recognized another male subject, Michael D. Shadoan, 35, of Topeka, outside the residence.

Shadoan had a federal warrant for his arrest and was wanted by the Topeka Police Department for questioning in reference to a shooting on July 16. 

When Shadoan realized he was noticed, he ran inside a residence and barricaded himself.

Deputies were notified that Shadoan was armed with a shotgun. A gunshot was also heard inside the residence.

After several hours of negotiating, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Team deployed CS gas inside the residence. After a few minutes, Shadoan surrendered and deputies took him&nbsp; into custody. The SWAT Team doctor and paramedic provided medical attention to Shadoan before he was released to the United States Marshals Service.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — After asking the public for assistance in locating a person of interest in a July shooting investigation, police have made an arrest.

Police on the scene of the investigation July 16-photo courtesy WIBW TV

On Wednesday, police arrested 35-year-old&nbsp;Michael D. Shadoan in the 1500 block of SE 10th street in Topeka, according to Police Lieutenant John Trimble.&nbsp;

Just before 6:30 a.m. on July 16, police were dispatched to the 600 block of SW Taylor Street on a report of shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 55-year-old Michael L. Brown of Topeka suffering from life-threatening injuries believed to be associated with the shooting, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

Throughout the course of the investigation information was developed indicating that Michael D. Shadoan, 35 of Topeka was a person of interest in the shooting.&nbsp;

Shadoan is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charges of Aggravated Battery.

He has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Correctons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595932253972.png" alt="Michael Shadoan-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Michael Shadoan-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have released additional details in the arrest of a&nbsp; highly sought after shooting suspect.Just after 3p.m. July 29, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrants Unit arrived at a residence in the 1500 block of SE 10th Avenue in Topeka to search for a wanted suspect, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.While arresting the primary individual, a deputy recognized another male subject, Michael D. Shadoan, 35, of Topeka, outside the residence.Shadoan had a federal warrant for his arrest and was wanted by the Topeka Police Department for questioning in reference to a shooting on July 16. When Shadoan realized he was noticed, he ran inside a residence and barricaded himself.Deputies were notified that Shadoan was armed with a shotgun. A gunshot was also heard inside the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596194281857.png" alt="Michael Shadoan following his arrest -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Shadoan following his arrest -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>After several hours of negotiating, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Team deployed CS gas inside the residence. After a few minutes, Shadoan surrendered and deputies took him&nbsp; into custody. The SWAT Team doctor and paramedic provided medical attention to Shadoan before he was released to the United States Marshals Service.-------SHAWNEE COUNTY — After asking the public for assistance in locating a person of interest in a July shooting investigation, police have made an arrest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594907101067.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police on the scene of the investigation July 16-photo courtesy WIBW TVOn Wednesday, police arrested 35-year-old&nbsp;Michael D. Shadoan in the 1500 block of SE 10th street in Topeka, according to Police Lieutenant John Trimble.&nbsp;Just before 6:30 a.m. on July 16, police were dispatched to the 600 block of SW Taylor Street on a report of shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 55-year-old Michael L. Brown of Topeka suffering from life-threatening injuries believed to be associated with the shooting, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.Throughout the course of the investigation information was developed indicating that Michael D. Shadoan, 35 of Topeka was a person of interest in the shooting.&nbsp;Shadoan is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charges of Aggravated Battery.He has previous convictions for burglary, aggravated failure to appear and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Correctons.---------

Kansas shooting suspect released to U.S. Marshals

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-30/feds-say-filth-hazards-at-kansas-group-homes-put-foster-care-children-at-risk">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas let foster care children live in group homes with broken 
windows, mold, exposed electrical wiring, trashed porches and rodent 
droppings.

That’s according to <a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region7/71906087.asp" target="_blank">an audit</a>
 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector
 General. Federal inspectors dug into the state’s system of group homes 
in 2018 and 2019, but their final report only came out this week.

The auditors say Kansas wasn’t making homes meet health and safety requirements, even though state inspectors visited regularly.

“The homes were generally allowed to maintain operations without making needed repairs,” they wrote in their report.

Before
 the audit went public, the Kansas Department for Children and Families 
reviewed and responded to the findings. It disputes part of the report, 
saying auditors at times missed important information and documents.

The agency also says it has made changes to improve oversight of 
group homes, spokesman Mike Deines said in an email to the Kansas News 
Service.

In 2018 and 2019, inspectors came to Kansas and visited 
all 31 group homes licensed at the time to house between 5 and 24 kids. 
They said they were met with walls that had holes in them, missing 
windows, subpar fire extinguishers, rundown playgrounds littered with 
trash, beds without proper bedding, long nails sticking out of wooden 
stairs and other dangerous debris.

At one place that housed six 
boys, they found an unsafe gas heater connected to an exposed natural 
gas line running through a child’s room. Another boy’s bed had an 
electric space heater pushed up against it, and the outside decks were 
in disrepair.

“Porches were propped up in a makeshift fashion,” the auditors wrote. “Trash and debris were strewn around.”

Twenty-four
 of the 31 homes violated physical health and safety rules, and 29 broke
 background check or fingerprint requirements. One place housed teenage 
boys and girls, even though its license only allowed it to care for the 
latter.

State inspectors knew but didn’t close the home or make it
 undergo licensing to care for boys, the auditors say. That home has 
since been stripped of its license and closed.

Federal auditors 
said 40 employees at the group homes had out-of-date background 
paperwork on file. More than 120 people had been on the job for more 
than a week before their employers submitted requests for background 
checks to the state. Paperwork was missing or undated for a few dozen 
more workers.

The state agency that oversees foster care pushed 
back against the findings regarding violations of environmental rules 
and background checks. Kansas also said it had begun reviewing employee 
lists at the homes monthly, and had stopped letting them put people to 
work before background checks are complete.

In its email to the Kansas News Service, DCF explained some of the changes.

“While
 we do not agree with all the audit teams' conclusions, we have taken 
several steps to correct deficiencies identified during the previous 
administration,” Deines said.

Gov. Laura Kelly took over in January 2019, and pledged to fix the 
state’s ailing foster care system, which had already come under fire for
 the deaths of several children, as well as putting children in crowded 
spaces, moving them too often and not doing enough to find children that
 go missing.

Under Kelly’s watch, DCF has worked to rope in 
higher-level supervisors when facilities have unresolved violations, 
Deines said, as well as put licensing staff through fire hazard training
 and added a manager position focused on group home oversight and 
licensing.

DCF also sent staff to each of the 31 homes in the federal audit, he said, to make sure the problems identified there get fixed.

Earlier this month, DCF <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-08/kansas-foster-care-advocates-settle-lawsuit-against-the-state" target="_blank">settled a class-action lawsuit</a>
 that accused Kansas of failing to provide mental health care to 
children in foster care, and of putting kids in a different home each 
night, or even keeping them in offices or other spaces not meant for 
housing.

Under the settlement, Kansas must work over the next few 
years to fix those problems and others. It has to make sure foster care 
sites don’t go over capacity and track whether children end up in jail 
or the juvenile justice system.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596206214739.png" alt="A door with a boarded-up window opens to a platform missing its railing. U.S. Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General" />
 <figcaption>A door with a boarded-up window opens to a platform missing its railing. U.S. Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-30/feds-say-filth-hazards-at-kansas-group-homes-put-foster-care-children-at-risk">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas let foster care children live in group homes with broken 
windows, mold, exposed electrical wiring, trashed porches and rodent 
droppings.That’s according to <a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region7/71906087.asp" target="_blank">an audit</a>
 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector
 General. Federal inspectors dug into the state’s system of group homes 
in 2018 and 2019, but their final report only came out this week.The auditors say Kansas wasn’t making homes meet health and safety requirements, even though state inspectors visited regularly.“The homes were generally allowed to maintain operations without making needed repairs,” they wrote in their report.Before
 the audit went public, the Kansas Department for Children and Families 
reviewed and responded to the findings. It disputes part of the report, 
saying auditors at times missed important information and documents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596206277320.png" alt="A porch at a group home for foster children is blocked with broken furniture, paint cans and other trash." />
 <figcaption>A porch at a group home for foster children is blocked with broken furniture, paint cans and other trash.</figcaption>
 </figure>The agency also says it has made changes to improve oversight of 
group homes, spokesman Mike Deines said in an email to the Kansas News 
Service.In 2018 and 2019, inspectors came to Kansas and visited 
all 31 group homes licensed at the time to house between 5 and 24 kids. 
They said they were met with walls that had holes in them, missing 
windows, subpar fire extinguishers, rundown playgrounds littered with 
trash, beds without proper bedding, long nails sticking out of wooden 
stairs and other dangerous debris.At one place that housed six 
boys, they found an unsafe gas heater connected to an exposed natural 
gas line running through a child’s room. Another boy’s bed had an 
electric space heater pushed up against it, and the outside decks were 
in disrepair.“Porches were propped up in a makeshift fashion,” the auditors wrote. “Trash and debris were strewn around.”Twenty-four
 of the 31 homes violated physical health and safety rules, and 29 broke
 background check or fingerprint requirements. One place housed teenage 
boys and girls, even though its license only allowed it to care for the 
latter.State inspectors knew but didn’t close the home or make it
 undergo licensing to care for boys, the auditors say. That home has 
since been stripped of its license and closed.Federal auditors 
said 40 employees at the group homes had out-of-date background 
paperwork on file. More than 120 people had been on the job for more 
than a week before their employers submitted requests for background 
checks to the state. Paperwork was missing or undated for a few dozen 
more workers.The state agency that oversees foster care pushed 
back against the findings regarding violations of environmental rules 
and background checks. Kansas also said it had begun reviewing employee 
lists at the homes monthly, and had stopped letting them put people to 
work before background checks are complete.In its email to the Kansas News Service, DCF explained some of the changes.“While
 we do not agree with all the audit teams' conclusions, we have taken 
several steps to correct deficiencies identified during the previous 
administration,” Deines said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596206305818.png" alt="Nails poke out of wooden stairs at a group home for foster care children in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Nails poke out of wooden stairs at a group home for foster care children in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Laura Kelly took over in January 2019, and pledged to fix the 
state’s ailing foster care system, which had already come under fire for
 the deaths of several children, as well as putting children in crowded 
spaces, moving them too often and not doing enough to find children that
 go missing.Under Kelly’s watch, DCF has worked to rope in 
higher-level supervisors when facilities have unresolved violations, 
Deines said, as well as put licensing staff through fire hazard training
 and added a manager position focused on group home oversight and 
licensing.DCF also sent staff to each of the 31 homes in the federal audit, he said, to make sure the problems identified there get fixed.Earlier this month, DCF <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-07-08/kansas-foster-care-advocates-settle-lawsuit-against-the-state" target="_blank">settled a class-action lawsuit</a>
 that accused Kansas of failing to provide mental health care to 
children in foster care, and of putting kids in a different home each 
night, or even keeping them in offices or other spaces not meant for 
housing.Under the settlement, Kansas must work over the next few 
years to fix those problems and others. It has to make sure foster care 
sites don’t go over capacity and track whether children end up in jail 
or the juvenile justice system.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Feds: Filth, hazards at Kan. group homes put foster children at risk

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas child welfare agency determined on Friday that a 3-year-old girl whose battered body was found earlier this month died as the result of child abuse, a belated finding that comes months after the agency first received reports of abuse.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families released a “Child Fatality Summary” pertaining to Olivia Ann Jansen in response to an open records request from The Associated Press. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9313cd8643d6ff402103fd65cb31ba70">had initially balked</a>&nbsp;at releasing any information despite a 2018 law that aimed to make such documents more transparent when a child dies.

Olivia’s remains were found in a shallow grave on July 10 after her father, Howard Jansen III, 29, reported the Kansas City, Kansas, girl missing. The 29-year-old father and his 33-year-old girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, have since been charged with felony murder and other crimes.

The father’s attorney, James Spies, said he has not seen the agency’s report. Spies said the father “client adamantly denies the charges against him.”

The attorney for the girlfriend did not immediately return a voice message left at her office.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Olivia’s body&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddd6d421bf98c1b1cef6ff40e46539a1">was covered with bruises</a>&nbsp;and she died of a brain bleed.

The newly released information shows the agency received two reports of alleged physical abuse on Feb. 28. One report alleged her father hit Olivia on the leg, leaving a bruise and possibly breaking her leg. The other report alleged the father’s girlfriend hit the girl.

The agency said it interviewed and observed Olivia on the same day the report was made and observed no marks or bruises. After additional interviews, the person who alleged abuse recanted the story. It found the reports unsubstantiated and closed the case without offering any services.

On June 22, Kansas Protection Report Center received a report alleging the girl’s caregiver was unavailable or unable to care for her and alleging substance abuse. Because they were reported out of state, the agency initiated a video call June 30 with Kirkpatrick and spoke with Olivia during that call. They noted the girl appeared excited about the upcoming Independence Day holiday.

The agency also contacted the father that same day and requested he take a drug test. He tested positive for THC on July 7, The Family in Need of Assessment case remains open.

While the report does not indicate who made the complaints, the girl’s grandparents, Elisabeth and Howard Jansen II, said earlier this month that said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/51ce115cfa9b845b540e732254ebbbb7">they expressed fears</a>&nbsp;to the agency last month that drugs were in the home where Olivia lived.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596232659832.png" alt="Olivia Jansen-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Jansen-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas child welfare agency determined on Friday that a 3-year-old girl whose battered body was found earlier this month died as the result of child abuse, a belated finding that comes months after the agency first received reports of abuse.The Kansas Department for Children and Families released a “Child Fatality Summary” pertaining to Olivia Ann Jansen in response to an open records request from The Associated Press. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9313cd8643d6ff402103fd65cb31ba70">had initially balked</a>&nbsp;at releasing any information despite a 2018 law that aimed to make such documents more transparent when a child dies.Olivia’s remains were found in a shallow grave on July 10 after her father, Howard Jansen III, 29, reported the Kansas City, Kansas, girl missing. The 29-year-old father and his 33-year-old girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, have since been charged with felony murder and other crimes.The father’s attorney, James Spies, said he has not seen the agency’s report. Spies said the father “client adamantly denies the charges against him.”The attorney for the girlfriend did not immediately return a voice message left at her office.According to a probable cause affidavit, Olivia’s body&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddd6d421bf98c1b1cef6ff40e46539a1">was covered with bruises</a>&nbsp;and she died of a brain bleed.The newly released information shows the agency received two reports of alleged physical abuse on Feb. 28. One report alleged her father hit Olivia on the leg, leaving a bruise and possibly breaking her leg. The other report alleged the father’s girlfriend hit the girl.The agency said it interviewed and observed Olivia on the same day the report was made and observed no marks or bruises. After additional interviews, the person who alleged abuse recanted the story. It found the reports unsubstantiated and closed the case without offering any services.On June 22, Kansas Protection Report Center received a report alleging the girl’s caregiver was unavailable or unable to care for her and alleging substance abuse. Because they were reported out of state, the agency initiated a video call June 30 with Kirkpatrick and spoke with Olivia during that call. They noted the girl appeared excited about the upcoming Independence Day holiday.The agency also contacted the father that same day and requested he take a drug test. He tested positive for THC on July 7, The Family in Need of Assessment case remains open.While the report does not indicate who made the complaints, the girl’s grandparents, Elisabeth and Howard Jansen II, said earlier this month that said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/51ce115cfa9b845b540e732254ebbbb7">they expressed fears</a>&nbsp;to the agency last month that drugs were in the home where Olivia lived.

Agency releases documents on slain 3-year-old Kansas girl 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp; &nbsp;19-year-old Andreas Carlyle of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting call in the 600 block of North Pinecrest in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located Carlyle, who had been shot and was lying in the street.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.

This was not a random incident, and investigators are currently working to determine the circumstances of what occurred in this incident.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp; &nbsp;19-year-old Andreas Carlyle of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting call in the 600 block of North Pinecrest in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located Carlyle, who had been shot and was lying in the street.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.This was not a random incident, and investigators are currently working to determine the circumstances of what occurred in this incident.

Police ID Kansas teen found shot to death in the street

Federal health officials say an outbreak of salmonella infecting nearly 400 people in more than 30 states has been linked to red onions, and identified a California company as the likely source.

The Food and Drug Administration said<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020#:~:text=Product%20Recall-,Thomson%20International%2C%20Inc.%20has%20notified%20FDA%20that%20it%20will%20be,onions%20from%20Thomson%20International%2C%20Inc."> in a statement</a>&nbsp;that Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California, has notified the food agency that it will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions because of the risk of cross-contamination.

This recall would include red, white, yellow, and sweet onions from Thomson International, the agency said.

Thomson couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that Salmonella Newport has sickened 396 people and landed nearly 60 in the hospital. There have been no deaths linked to the outbreak, which was first identified July 10 and has since grown. The agency says the illnesses began between mid-June and mid-July.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport illnesses that have a genetic fingerprint closely related to the U.S. outbreak, that agency said Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596321000836.png" alt="image FDA" />
 <figcaption>image FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO, Associated PressFederal health officials say an outbreak of salmonella infecting nearly 400 people in more than 30 states has been linked to red onions, and identified a California company as the likely source.The Food and Drug Administration said<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020#:~:text=Product%20Recall-,Thomson%20International%2C%20Inc.%20has%20notified%20FDA%20that%20it%20will%20be,onions%20from%20Thomson%20International%2C%20Inc."> in a statement</a>&nbsp;that Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California, has notified the food agency that it will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions because of the risk of cross-contamination.This recall would include red, white, yellow, and sweet onions from Thomson International, the agency said.Thomson couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that Salmonella Newport has sickened 396 people and landed nearly 60 in the hospital. There have been no deaths linked to the outbreak, which was first identified July 10 and has since grown. The agency says the illnesses began between mid-June and mid-July.The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport illnesses that have a genetic fingerprint closely related to the U.S. outbreak, that agency said Thursday.___

Health officials link US salmonella outbreak to red onions

OSBORNE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a death that occurred Friday in Osborne.

Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, the Osborne Police Department was notified of a shooting that occurred on Washington Street in Osborne,&nbsp; according to a facebook announcement posted by the department Saturday.

"A deceased individual was located in the residence and the scene was secured for processing," the department said.

The Osborne County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation were assisting in the investigation.

The name of the victim has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596324701606.jpeg" alt="KBI on the scene of the investigation -photo Osborne Police" />
 <figcaption>KBI on the scene of the investigation -photo Osborne Police</figcaption>
 </figure>OSBORNE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a death that occurred Friday in Osborne.Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, the Osborne Police Department was notified of a shooting that occurred on Washington Street in Osborne,&nbsp; according to a facebook announcement posted by the department Saturday."A deceased individual was located in the residence and the scene was secured for processing," the department said.The Osborne County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation were assisting in the investigation.The name of the victim has not been released.

Police: Shooting death under investigation in Osborne

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college has reached a settlement with the New Jersey family of a football player who died of heatstroke after team conditioning drills in 2018.

Details of the settlement reached between Garden City Community College and the family of Braeden Bradforth, of Newton, New Jersey, were not released. The college said in a news release late Friday that a court recently approved the settlement.

Bradforth, a 315-pound defensive lineman, died after being found unconscious in an alley outside his dormitory after the first day of football conditioning on Aug. 1, 2018. He was 19 years old.

An independent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4660086d9a0c4147ac7256dc30a74cbd">investigation</a>&nbsp;strongly criticized the school, saying a serious lack of oversight caused a chain of events that led to Bradforth’s death. Investigators noted that the coaching staff didn’t consider if Bradforth was properly acclimated to working out in summer temperatures at a higher altitude than he was used to in New Jersey.

<a href="https://apnews.com/30ff72c661c44b22860a792bec3d9a41">E-mails</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press last year indicated that 25 minutes elapsed between when an assistant coach was called to Bradforth’s side and paramedics arrived. The assistant coach called the head coach before summoning medical help.

The college hired the independent investigators under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62817a10fe554801aa03e489fc4b4688">pressure&nbsp;</a>from Bradforth’s family and New Jersey’s congressional delegation.

College President Ryan Ruda said in a news release Friday the school has made several changes to its facilities, procedures and protocols in response to Bradforth’s death and the investigation’s findings.

“We continue to extend our deepest condolences to Braeden’s family and friends — there is no comparison to the grief and sorrow they have experienced over the last two years,” Ruda said. “It is the hope of college leaders, including myself, that the settlement will offer some respite to Braeden’s loved ones who have suffered the most from his untimely passing.”

The changes at the school include renovating and updating athletic training facilities, creating a sports medicine advisory team that meets monthly to discuss topics concerning the safety of athletes, and drafting plans to respond to medical and emergency needs.

Other improvements include the hiring of a third full-time athletic trainer and a new strength and conditioning coach, the start of player welfare checks and the modification of practice times because of heat. All coaching staff also are required to take annual first aid and CPR training.

Two attorneys for the family didn’t immediately reply to messages left Saturday at their offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573757028473.png" alt="Braeden Bradforth with his mother -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Braeden Bradforth with his mother -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas community college has reached a settlement with the New Jersey family of a football player who died of heatstroke after team conditioning drills in 2018.Details of the settlement reached between Garden City Community College and the family of Braeden Bradforth, of Newton, New Jersey, were not released. The college said in a news release late Friday that a court recently approved the settlement.Bradforth, a 315-pound defensive lineman, died after being found unconscious in an alley outside his dormitory after the first day of football conditioning on Aug. 1, 2018. He was 19 years old.An independent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4660086d9a0c4147ac7256dc30a74cbd">investigation</a>&nbsp;strongly criticized the school, saying a serious lack of oversight caused a chain of events that led to Bradforth’s death. Investigators noted that the coaching staff didn’t consider if Bradforth was properly acclimated to working out in summer temperatures at a higher altitude than he was used to in New Jersey.<a href="https://apnews.com/30ff72c661c44b22860a792bec3d9a41">E-mails</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press last year indicated that 25 minutes elapsed between when an assistant coach was called to Bradforth’s side and paramedics arrived. The assistant coach called the head coach before summoning medical help.The college hired the independent investigators under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62817a10fe554801aa03e489fc4b4688">pressure&nbsp;</a>from Bradforth’s family and New Jersey’s congressional delegation.College President Ryan Ruda said in a news release Friday the school has made several changes to its facilities, procedures and protocols in response to Bradforth’s death and the investigation’s findings.“We continue to extend our deepest condolences to Braeden’s family and friends — there is no comparison to the grief and sorrow they have experienced over the last two years,” Ruda said. “It is the hope of college leaders, including myself, that the settlement will offer some respite to Braeden’s loved ones who have suffered the most from his untimely passing.”The changes at the school include renovating and updating athletic training facilities, creating a sports medicine advisory team that meets monthly to discuss topics concerning the safety of athletes, and drafting plans to respond to medical and emergency needs.Other improvements include the hiring of a third full-time athletic trainer and a new strength and conditioning coach, the start of player welfare checks and the modification of practice times because of heat. All coaching staff also are required to take annual first aid and CPR training.Two attorneys for the family didn’t immediately reply to messages left Saturday at their offices.

Settlement reached in death of football player in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man accused in the fatal shooting at a business in Wichita made his first court appearance Friday.

Lamontae Lucas, 18, of Wichita, is charged with second-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Investigators have determined that just after 9p.m. Sunday July 26, Lucas entered the Auto Zone store in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita in an attempt to commit robbery, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

While in the store, Lucas shot and killed employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue and then fled on foot.

Through community response to the security camera image of the suspect entering the store and diligent police work officers were able make the arrest.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067128">police booked&nbsp; Lucas</a>&nbsp;a on a requested charge of First-Degree Murder, according Stephens.

&nbsp;Police have not released details on whether Lucas was involved in three other armed robberies in area on the same night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting at a business in Wichita continue their search for a suspect and have asked&nbsp; the public for help to identify the person captured on security cameras.

Just after 9p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the Auto Zone in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens.

Upon arrival, police discovered store employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue dead of a gunshot&nbsp; wound.

The investigation revealed an unknown suspect entered the business, pulled out a handgun and shot Blue. There were two other employees in the business at the time, in other parts of the store, and no customers.

The store was open for business at the time of the shooting, according to Stephens.

Police have not determined a motive for the shooting and on Monday afternoon released a security camera image of the alleged suspect.

If you know the identity of this suspect or saw anyone wearing the pictured clothing, please call 911, WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 immediately. This

The individual should be considered armed and dangerous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596032625997.png" alt="Lucas photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lucas photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man accused in the fatal shooting at a business in Wichita made his first court appearance Friday.Lamontae Lucas, 18, of Wichita, is charged with second-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Investigators have determined that just after 9p.m. Sunday July 26, Lucas entered the Auto Zone store in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita in an attempt to commit robbery, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.While in the store, Lucas shot and killed employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue and then fled on foot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595873499101.png" alt="Security camera image courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Through community response to the security camera image of the suspect entering the store and diligent police work officers were able make the arrest.Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067128">police booked&nbsp; Lucas</a>&nbsp;a on a requested charge of First-Degree Murder, according Stephens.&nbsp;Police have not released details on whether Lucas was involved in three other armed robberies in area on the same night.&nbsp;&nbsp;---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting at a business in Wichita continue their search for a suspect and have asked&nbsp; the public for help to identify the person captured on security cameras.Just after 9p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the Auto Zone in the in the 900 Block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens.Upon arrival, police discovered store employee 40-year-old Nicholas Blue dead of a gunshot&nbsp; wound.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595856779122.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation late Sunday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation late Sunday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed an unknown suspect entered the business, pulled out a handgun and shot Blue. There were two other employees in the business at the time, in other parts of the store, and no customers.The store was open for business at the time of the shooting, according to Stephens.Police have not determined a motive for the shooting and on Monday afternoon released a security camera image of the alleged suspect.If you know the identity of this suspect or saw anyone wearing the pictured clothing, please call 911, WPD detectives at 316-268-4407, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 immediately. ThisThe individual should be considered armed and dangerous.---------

Charges filed in fatal shooting of Kan. auto parts store employee

HOLTON, Kan. (AP) — Two employees at a rural county clerk’s office in Jackson County have come down with COVID-19, forcing its other two employees to quarantine just days before the primary election. 

Jackson County Clerk Kathy Mick has COVID-19. Mick says members of the Jackson County Elections Board are filling in to ensure the county's election goes forward Tuesday. 

The Kansas Secretary of State’s office said Friday it is unaware of any other election office in Kansas whose staff has been quarantined. The secretary of state’s office has told local officials that individuals cannot be turned away from voting for not wearing a mask.&nbsp;

HOLTON, Kan. (AP) — Two employees at a rural county clerk’s office in Jackson County have come down with COVID-19, forcing its other two employees to quarantine just days before the primary election. Jackson County Clerk Kathy Mick has COVID-19. Mick says members of the Jackson County Elections Board are filling in to ensure the county's election goes forward Tuesday. The Kansas Secretary of State’s office said Friday it is unaware of any other election office in Kansas whose staff has been quarantined. The secretary of state’s office has told local officials that individuals cannot be turned away from voting for not wearing a mask.&nbsp;

Kan. county clerk workers quarantined days before election

By MITZI E. MCFATRICH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/30/kansans-in-care-facilities-have-a-right-to-visitors-its-time-to-give-them-a-voice/">Kansas Advocates for Better Care</a>

We see the images — older 
adults in beds and wheelchairs, separated by windows from family members
 holding signs with messages of encouragement and love. We share the 
sadness of countless elders dying alone without the comfort of family, 
denied essential human contact and human rights at a time when these 
matter the most.

In March, the federal 
Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services blocked visitation to 
residents of nursing facilities except “for certain compassionate care 
situations” at the “end of life.” Kansas followed suit for other adult 
care facilities. Sadly, many facilities misinterpreted this to mean only at the very end after a person had slipped into non-responsiveness; other facilities simply didn’t allow family in at all.

Unlike the rest of us, 
adults in nursing homes have no say in how or when they will see family 
and friends or gather for a meal. Their legal rights, while not formally
 suspended, are suspended in practice by the policies and 
decision-making protocols issued by government agencies managing the 
pandemic.

For 45 years, <a href="https://www.kabc.org/">Kansas Advocates for Better Care</a>
 has been helping elders and families advocate for their rights, find 
better care, and stop abuse in long-term care. Each year we respond to 
thousands of people who need help, training and resources.

There is understandable 
fear about opening up. Older adults with chronic conditions living in 
close quarters are at higher risk and feel the impacts more harshly. But
 there is injury too from continuous isolation. Falls and confusion, 
weight loss, depression and anxiety all have risen with isolation.

In hindsight, we see what 
older residents and families have long known: Visits literally save 
lives. Not only do friends and family offer elders the social connection
 and emotional support we all need, they serve as essential monitors of 
care.

There is not always agreement about the way forward.

Emma, who has lived in a 
Kansas care facility for five years, was not even able to visit with 
friends who lived in the same facility. Depressed after months-long 
isolation with no end to restrictions in sight and no say in facility 
policies, she left to stay with family in a nearby state.

Kathy, meanwhile, is 
grateful for the maximum restrictions in her husband’s nursing home. 
Alarmed by COVID-19’s upward surge, she supports the restrictions, 
believing it is more important than ever to protect vulnerable&nbsp;elders.

So we must 
wrestle with competing imperatives of well-being. Older adults bearing 
the brunt of COVID-19 in nursing homes have legal and civil rights, yet 
current government guidance leaves decision-making to local health 
departments and facilities, with no requirement to seek input from the 
adults who reside within.

Safe visitation during 
COVID-19 is a complex but not unsolvable puzzle. Some of the basics are:
 adequate staff to provide care and assist elders in visiting with loved
 ones by phone, video, in a designated indoor room or outdoors; clear 
protocols for infection control; education, screening and logging of 
visitors just as is done with staff and elders; use of masks and 
appropriate protective equipment; disinfecting surfaces between visits.

Prior to the pandemic, few
 facilities operated at safe staffing levels of just over four hours of 
daily care for each resident, and inspectors found that 77% of Kansas 
facilities were not complying with standard infection control practices.
 The COVID-19 crisis underscores how understaffing dangerously increases
 the workload for nurse aides.

We are all living in ways 
unthinkable prior to this pandemic. But we are not living without choice
 or voice, nor should adults in long-term care facilities be asked to do
 so.

By law, every facility has
 a resident council. These resident councils could be surveyed for their
 input. Kansas Advocates for Better Care has asked the Kansas Department
 of Aging and Disability Services to direct local health departments and
 individual facilities to seek the input of residents (or, for those 
without capacity, their legal representative).

We have also requested 
that when state agencies are meeting with hospital and facility 
providers to define policies, resident voices be present through 
consumer legal or resident advocates such as the <a href="https://ombudsman.ks.gov/about-us/about-our-program">Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman</a>.

It is time to recognize 
and restore residents’ right to essential visitors. As Kansas defines 
its path to reopening, government must engage with elders and learn what
 they believe are reasonable steps to address their well-being and 
safety.

Mitzi E. McFatrich is the executive director of <a href="https://www.kabc.org/">Kansas Advocates for Better Care</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596208023148.jpeg" alt="Linda Mason, left, has frequently advocated on her mother’s behalf after encountering issues in nursing facilities. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Linda Mason, left, has frequently advocated on her mother’s behalf after encountering issues in nursing facilities. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MITZI E. MCFATRICH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/30/kansans-in-care-facilities-have-a-right-to-visitors-its-time-to-give-them-a-voice/">Kansas Advocates for Better Care</a>We see the images — older 
adults in beds and wheelchairs, separated by windows from family members
 holding signs with messages of encouragement and love. We share the 
sadness of countless elders dying alone without the comfort of family, 
denied essential human contact and human rights at a time when these 
matter the most.In March, the federal 
Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services blocked visitation to 
residents of nursing facilities except “for certain compassionate care 
situations” at the “end of life.” Kansas followed suit for other adult 
care facilities. Sadly, many facilities misinterpreted this to mean only at the very end after a person had slipped into non-responsiveness; other facilities simply didn’t allow family in at all.Unlike the rest of us, 
adults in nursing homes have no say in how or when they will see family 
and friends or gather for a meal. Their legal rights, while not formally
 suspended, are suspended in practice by the policies and 
decision-making protocols issued by government agencies managing the 
pandemic.For 45 years, <a href="https://www.kabc.org/">Kansas Advocates for Better Care</a>
 has been helping elders and families advocate for their rights, find 
better care, and stop abuse in long-term care. Each year we respond to 
thousands of people who need help, training and resources.There is understandable 
fear about opening up. Older adults with chronic conditions living in 
close quarters are at higher risk and feel the impacts more harshly. But
 there is injury too from continuous isolation. Falls and confusion, 
weight loss, depression and anxiety all have risen with isolation.In hindsight, we see what 
older residents and families have long known: Visits literally save 
lives. Not only do friends and family offer elders the social connection
 and emotional support we all need, they serve as essential monitors of 
care.There is not always agreement about the way forward.Emma, who has lived in a 
Kansas care facility for five years, was not even able to visit with 
friends who lived in the same facility. Depressed after months-long 
isolation with no end to restrictions in sight and no say in facility 
policies, she left to stay with family in a nearby state.Kathy, meanwhile, is 
grateful for the maximum restrictions in her husband’s nursing home. 
Alarmed by COVID-19’s upward surge, she supports the restrictions, 
believing it is more important than ever to protect vulnerable&nbsp;elders.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596208090048.jpeg" alt="A woman named Brenda, who has engaged with Kansas Advocates for Better Care, submitted this photo of her mother." />
 <figcaption>A woman named Brenda, who has engaged with Kansas Advocates for Better Care, submitted this photo of her mother.</figcaption>
 </figure>So we must 
wrestle with competing imperatives of well-being. Older adults bearing 
the brunt of COVID-19 in nursing homes have legal and civil rights, yet 
current government guidance leaves decision-making to local health 
departments and facilities, with no requirement to seek input from the 
adults who reside within.Safe visitation during 
COVID-19 is a complex but not unsolvable puzzle. Some of the basics are:
 adequate staff to provide care and assist elders in visiting with loved
 ones by phone, video, in a designated indoor room or outdoors; clear 
protocols for infection control; education, screening and logging of 
visitors just as is done with staff and elders; use of masks and 
appropriate protective equipment; disinfecting surfaces between visits.Prior to the pandemic, few
 facilities operated at safe staffing levels of just over four hours of 
daily care for each resident, and inspectors found that 77% of Kansas 
facilities were not complying with standard infection control practices.
 The COVID-19 crisis underscores how understaffing dangerously increases
 the workload for nurse aides.We are all living in ways 
unthinkable prior to this pandemic. But we are not living without choice
 or voice, nor should adults in long-term care facilities be asked to do
 so.By law, every facility has
 a resident council. These resident councils could be surveyed for their
 input. Kansas Advocates for Better Care has asked the Kansas Department
 of Aging and Disability Services to direct local health departments and
 individual facilities to seek the input of residents (or, for those 
without capacity, their legal representative).We have also requested 
that when state agencies are meeting with hospital and facility 
providers to define policies, resident voices be present through 
consumer legal or resident advocates such as the <a href="https://ombudsman.ks.gov/about-us/about-our-program">Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman</a>.It is time to recognize 
and restore residents’ right to essential visitors. As Kansas defines 
its path to reopening, government must engage with elders and learn what
 they believe are reasonable steps to address their well-being and 
safety.Mitzi E. McFatrich is the executive director of <a href="https://www.kabc.org/">Kansas Advocates for Better Care</a>.

OPINION: Kansans in care facilities have a right to visitors

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Seven people, including an Alaska state lawmaker, died Friday when two small airplanes collided in midair near the airport in Soldotna, a small community on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.

Alaska State Troopers said state Rep. Gary Knopp, 67, of Kenai was the sole occupant of one plane. The other plane was flown by a local pilot, and carried a guide from Kansas and four people from South Carolina.

“This is an unfathomable tragedy for multiple families today,” Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price said. “Troopers and partner agencies have worked together diligently at the scene and have reached out to next of kin to notify them of this heartbreaking incident.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the fatal accident, which occurred just before 8:30 a.m.

Rita Geller, who works at a golf course near the airport, said she started running when she heard the planes hit, and watched one fall to the ground,

“I ran to more of a clearing and basically saw it explode,” she told the Anchorage Daily News. “The engine, things were flying off of it. I didn’t see the second plane, but I saw a lot of debris flying around. It was horrific. It was just like 9/11.”

Troopers say six of the seven people were pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident. The seventh person died while being transported to a hospital.

Besides Knopp, troopers identified the other six people killed as pilot Gregory Bell, 57, of Soldotna; <a href="https://www.gobeyondthebend.com/?fbclid=IwAR147u_srG7VtR1WuCONERGJ6eKZTaGndLSKFEdV2Qxc1AAt0Z6rtfiVYv8">guide David Rogers, 40, </a>of Kansas; and Caleb Hulsey, 26; Heather Hulsey, 25; Mackay Hulsey, 24, and Kirstin Wright, 23, all of South Carolina.

Bell was one of the owners of High Adventure Air Charter in Soldotna, which offers bear viewing adventures, fishing and hunting trips and glacier tours, according to its website.

A person who answered the at the charter business Friday afternoon said the company had no comment.

“We live in a small, tight community here in the Central Peninsula. When I heard the horrific sounds of a plane crash this morning, which occurred very close to my home, I knew there was a high probability it involved someone we knew well,” state Sen. Peter Micciche said in a statement.

“I have known Gary Knopp and Greg Bell for most of my life. Gary has served the Kenai Peninsula community for decades. I have flown with Greg and never felt to be in better, more safety-focused hands while in the air. We are reeling from the loss to our community,” he said.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered U.S. and state flags to be lowered to half-staff and to remain in that position of honor for Knopp until sunset Monday.

“The first lady and I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Rep. Knopp’s family as they mourn his untimely passing,” Dunleavy said in a statement. “Throughout his 42 years on the Kenai Peninsula, Gary became well known as an avid outdoorsman, a skilled pilot, and a dedicated public servant. His presence will no doubt be missed by those he faithfully served.”

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon of Dillingham said he was shocked and devastated upon hearing of Knopp’s death. “Gary was a one-of-a-kind leader and a true Alaskan who worked tirelessly for his district in the Legislature. He will be missed by many.”

Senate President Cathy Giessel, a Republican from Anchorage, called it “a heart-breaking tragedy. More than a legislator, Gary Knopp was a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be tremendously missed.”

The Federal Aviation Administration initially said the two planes involved were a single-engine de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and a twin-engine Piper Aztec, However, the FAA later said it did not believe the second plane was a Piper Aztec, but it had not yet confirmed the make and model of the airplane involved.

The NTSB later tweeted the second plane was a Piper PA-12.

The two planes collided approximately 2 miles northeast of the Soldotna Airport, the FAA statement said after crash.

The FAA sent two investigators to the crash site, which is about 150 miles (241 kilometres) southwest of Anchorage.

Knopp, a Republican, left the House GOP caucus and served in a coalition of Democrats, independents and GOP lawmakers that comprised the House Majority. That left the remaining House Republicans in the minority.

Knopp faced two Republican challengers in the Aug. 18 primary. A message sent to the state Division of Elections to see if Knopp’s name would remain on the ballot was not immediately returned.

Knopp was first elected to the state House in 2016, and served for years before that on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.

He was born in Whitefish, Montana, and moved to Alaska in 1979. He eventually settled in Kenai and worked as a general contractor.

His hobbies included flying , diving, hunting, golfing “and enjoying life in general at home on the Peninsula,” according to his legislative biography.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596282267021.png" alt="Crash scene photo by&nbsp;Angela Krenzien courtesy&nbsp;KTVA&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Crash scene photo by&nbsp;Angela Krenzien courtesy&nbsp;KTVA&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Seven people, including an Alaska state lawmaker, died Friday when two small airplanes collided in midair near the airport in Soldotna, a small community on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.Alaska State Troopers said state Rep. Gary Knopp, 67, of Kenai was the sole occupant of one plane. The other plane was flown by a local pilot, and carried a guide from Kansas and four people from South Carolina.“This is an unfathomable tragedy for multiple families today,” Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner Amanda Price said. “Troopers and partner agencies have worked together diligently at the scene and have reached out to next of kin to notify them of this heartbreaking incident.”The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the fatal accident, which occurred just before 8:30 a.m.Rita Geller, who works at a golf course near the airport, said she started running when she heard the planes hit, and watched one fall to the ground,“I ran to more of a clearing and basically saw it explode,” she told the Anchorage Daily News. “The engine, things were flying off of it. I didn’t see the second plane, but I saw a lot of debris flying around. It was horrific. It was just like 9/11.”Troopers say six of the seven people were pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident. The seventh person died while being transported to a hospital.Besides Knopp, troopers identified the other six people killed as pilot Gregory Bell, 57, of Soldotna; <a href="https://www.gobeyondthebend.com/?fbclid=IwAR147u_srG7VtR1WuCONERGJ6eKZTaGndLSKFEdV2Qxc1AAt0Z6rtfiVYv8">guide David Rogers, 40, </a>of Kansas; and Caleb Hulsey, 26; Heather Hulsey, 25; Mackay Hulsey, 24, and Kirstin Wright, 23, all of South Carolina.Bell was one of the owners of High Adventure Air Charter in Soldotna, which offers bear viewing adventures, fishing and hunting trips and glacier tours, according to its website.A person who answered the at the charter business Friday afternoon said the company had no comment.“We live in a small, tight community here in the Central Peninsula. When I heard the horrific sounds of a plane crash this morning, which occurred very close to my home, I knew there was a high probability it involved someone we knew well,” state Sen. Peter Micciche said in a statement.“I have known Gary Knopp and Greg Bell for most of my life. Gary has served the Kenai Peninsula community for decades. I have flown with Greg and never felt to be in better, more safety-focused hands while in the air. We are reeling from the loss to our community,” he said.Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered U.S. and state flags to be lowered to half-staff and to remain in that position of honor for Knopp until sunset Monday.“The first lady and I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Rep. Knopp’s family as they mourn his untimely passing,” Dunleavy said in a statement. “Throughout his 42 years on the Kenai Peninsula, Gary became well known as an avid outdoorsman, a skilled pilot, and a dedicated public servant. His presence will no doubt be missed by those he faithfully served.”House Speaker Bryce Edgmon of Dillingham said he was shocked and devastated upon hearing of Knopp’s death. “Gary was a one-of-a-kind leader and a true Alaskan who worked tirelessly for his district in the Legislature. He will be missed by many.”Senate President Cathy Giessel, a Republican from Anchorage, called it “a heart-breaking tragedy. More than a legislator, Gary Knopp was a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be tremendously missed.”The Federal Aviation Administration initially said the two planes involved were a single-engine de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and a twin-engine Piper Aztec, However, the FAA later said it did not believe the second plane was a Piper Aztec, but it had not yet confirmed the make and model of the airplane involved.The NTSB later tweeted the second plane was a Piper PA-12.The two planes collided approximately 2 miles northeast of the Soldotna Airport, the FAA statement said after crash.The FAA sent two investigators to the crash site, which is about 150 miles (241 kilometres) southwest of Anchorage.Knopp, a Republican, left the House GOP caucus and served in a coalition of Democrats, independents and GOP lawmakers that comprised the House Majority. That left the remaining House Republicans in the minority.Knopp faced two Republican challengers in the Aug. 18 primary. A message sent to the state Division of Elections to see if Knopp’s name would remain on the ballot was not immediately returned.Knopp was first elected to the state House in 2016, and served for years before that on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.He was born in Whitefish, Montana, and moved to Alaska in 1979. He eventually settled in Kenai and worked as a general contractor.His hobbies included flying , diving, hunting, golfing “and enjoying life in general at home on the Peninsula,” according to his legislative biography.

Midair collision kills 7 in Alaska including guide from Kansas

Many left jobless by the crisis are already behind on payments. And the arrival of August brings new anxieties. A supplemental $600 in weekly federal unemployment benefits that helped many pay their bills is set to expire as July ends, with Congress bogged down in disagreement over a new round of aid.

Also set to end, unless lawmakers intervene, is a federal moratorium on evictions that has shielded millions of renters — though some Americans remain protected by similar state and local actions.

The Associated Press reconnected with renters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6665117bf47b47667635b9e6a65b1dd5">first interviewed</a>&nbsp;ahead of their April payments. Four months later, some have returned to work. One saw her church step in to cover her rent. Some found landlords willing to negotiate, while others are still looking for relief.

Sakai Harrison moved to New York to try to make it as a personal trainer and designer - but his gym shuttered early in the pandemic, and after weeks of struggling to both pay the rent and put food in his fridge, he knew what he had to do.

He moved back to Georgia for greater stability.

In May, he left his Brooklyn apartment and its $1,595 monthly rent for Atlanta. When the first of the month rolls around, his new place costs about $400 less - and it’s larger.

“This is the biggest silver lining I’ve ever seen,” he said.

He’s training with a few one-on-one clients, and he’s launched a boot camp with a dozen more.

This week, he met four of them at a park, where they did lunging squats, pull-ups, and a military-like crawl. Harrison then led them into a gym for dumbbell exercises. They didn’t wear masks for virus protection - Harrison says they take precautions, but pointed out that the state doesn’t mandate face coverings.

Harrison modeled the proper form and pace, corrected the men when needed, and gently teased when they tired or slowed down. Some shot barbs back, and Harrison smiled.

He’s charging clients slightly less than he got at Blink Fitness in New York, but that amount’s helping him develop an apparel brand. He’s taking orders for a line of shoes, T-shirts and hats.

Barring another shutdown, Harrison said, “I’ll be fine.”

--- Aaron Morrison, New York, and Ron Harris, Atlanta

Eli Oderberg of Denver remains out of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/736cb9bad85ca35b0589466d331d7a51">He lost his job</a>&nbsp;at a Colorado energy company in a wave of mid-April layoffs sparked by the pandemic’s economic fallout.

By RUSS BYNUM, Associated PressMany left jobless by the crisis are already behind on payments. And the arrival of August brings new anxieties. A supplemental $600 in weekly federal unemployment benefits that helped many pay their bills is set to expire as July ends, with Congress bogged down in disagreement over a new round of aid.Also set to end, unless lawmakers intervene, is a federal moratorium on evictions that has shielded millions of renters — though some Americans remain protected by similar state and local actions.The Associated Press reconnected with renters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6665117bf47b47667635b9e6a65b1dd5">first interviewed</a>&nbsp;ahead of their April payments. Four months later, some have returned to work. One saw her church step in to cover her rent. Some found landlords willing to negotiate, while others are still looking for relief.Sakai Harrison moved to New York to try to make it as a personal trainer and designer - but his gym shuttered early in the pandemic, and after weeks of struggling to both pay the rent and put food in his fridge, he knew what he had to do.He moved back to Georgia for greater stability.In May, he left his Brooklyn apartment and its $1,595 monthly rent for Atlanta. When the first of the month rolls around, his new place costs about $400 less - and it’s larger.“This is the biggest silver lining I’ve ever seen,” he said.He’s training with a few one-on-one clients, and he’s launched a boot camp with a dozen more.This week, he met four of them at a park, where they did lunging squats, pull-ups, and a military-like crawl. Harrison then led them into a gym for dumbbell exercises. They didn’t wear masks for virus protection - Harrison says they take precautions, but pointed out that the state doesn’t mandate face coverings.Harrison modeled the proper form and pace, corrected the men when needed, and gently teased when they tired or slowed down. Some shot barbs back, and Harrison smiled.He’s charging clients slightly less than he got at Blink Fitness in New York, but that amount’s helping him develop an apparel brand. He’s taking orders for a line of shoes, T-shirts and hats.Barring another shutdown, Harrison said, “I’ll be fine.”--- Aaron Morrison, New York, and Ron Harris, AtlantaEli Oderberg of Denver remains out of work.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/736cb9bad85ca35b0589466d331d7a51">He lost his job</a>&nbsp;at a Colorado energy company in a wave of mid-April layoffs sparked by the pandemic’s economic fallout.Oderberg, 36, once worked on apps to track spills and leaks. Now he receives unemployment benefits as he sends out resumes and interviews for new jobs. He said he’s been a runner-up for several positions but hasn’t been hired.Oderberg and his wife, Katie, have been making their mortgage payments. She’s on unemployment after losing her retail job. She’s also pregnant, and the couple fears running out of money after the baby arrives. They also have a 5-year-old daughter.“I’m trying to get a good balance so I can enjoy my family,” he said. “And I keep reminding myself there are a lot of people in a much worse situation.”- Anita Snow, Phoenix___Financial challenges keep piling up for Roushaunda Williams months after she lost her job of nearly 20 years tending bar at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago.Potential reopening dates for the hotel have been pushed back, Williams said, and hospitality jobs remain scarce. She anticipates being unable to pay her $1,900 rent by September — especially if Congress doesn’t reauthorize the weekly $600 in additional unemployment aid as part of a new relief package.Williams, 52, said she asked the management company that owns her apartment for a rent reduction or other help. So far, she’s been told her rent will just accrue if she can’t pay.The Illinois governor recently extended a moratorium on evictions into August. Still, Williams worries about debt piling up while she’s unemployed.“I’ve exhausted my savings,” she said. “So I don’t have a safety net at all now.”- Kathleen Foody, Chicago___Jas Wheeler once hoped to ride out the pandemic and return to work at a Vermont bakery. Not anymore.Wheeler, 30, is immunocompromised and fears going back to the bakery would increase risk of infection. The former social worker started working at a small grocery store that pays less but allows more room for social distancing.Wheeler took the gig in anticipation of losing the $600 weekly unemployment aid. That money ensured Wheeler and their wife, Lucy, could afford their $850 monthly mortgage payment.The couple closed on their house in Vergennes the same day Wheeler was laid off in March. Wheeler’s wife kept her jobs, but money remains tight. They’ve sold a car and are growing some food.“The unemployment without the enhanced benefit is not enough to live on at all,” Wheeler said. “We’re broke.”- Michael Casey, Boston___Though the pandemic took away Itza Sanchez’s two incomes, it has strengthened her faith. The mother of two says the generosity of her Richmond, Virginia, church has saved them from hunger and eviction.Sanchez fell behind on rent when she stopped selling homemade tamales and collecting scrap metal over fears of contracting the virus. By mid-July, she owed about $950 in unpaid rent. That’s when Sanchez got a notice to vacate the mobile home where her family lives.She was spared when her church sent $800 directly to the landlord.Now she’s trying to scrape together $460 for August’s rent. She gets food donations from church. The school system delivers lunches for her children, 11 and 7.An immigrant from Honduras, Sanchez isn’t eligible for unemployment benefits.“In this crisis we have moments of anguish, and one feels desperate, Sanchez said.“But I have been blessed so far.”- Regina Garcia Cano, Washington___For Andrea Larson, life took an unexpectedly good turn.She lost her sommelier job in mid-March, when restaurants closed in Nashville, Tennessee. She was just getting by on unemployment, but worried about choosing between losing benefits or going back to an unsafe restaurant job.Then a former boss offered her a spot at a new restaurant - the White Limozeen, named in tribute to a Dolly Parton song and decorated in over-the-top kitsch.While Larson still fears the virus, she appreciates that her employer “spent a lot of money to make sure people are extremely safe.”At her duplex, a plumbing disaster forced her to live in a construction zone for a couple of months. But she counts that as luck: She didn’t have to pay rent.- Travis Loller, Nashville, Tennessee___Jade Brooks and her family have counted on an eviction moratorium in Massachusetts to get them through the pandemic. Still, 22-year-old Brooks worries: How long will it last?Brooks’ mother hasn’t found find full-time work since losing her insurance-company job. And Brooks doesn’t get paid enough as a hospital switchboard operator to cover rent — recently raised to $2,075 monthly — for their two-bedroom Boston apartment.Her family had an August eviction hearing scheduled in court after they refused to pay the $265 increase. Then the governor extended the eviction ban until mid-October, giving temporary relief.“It kind of gave me extra hope to figure things out, instead of jumping into the fire,” said Brooks, who lives with her mother and an 8-year-old cousin.Brooks hopes the extra time gives her mom a chance to find work, and perhaps they’ll negotiate a new lease rather than go to court.- Michael Casey, Boston___After two months of missing payments as part of a “rent strike,” Neal Miller and his housemates heard from their landlord.To their surprise, he agreed to reduce the monthly $1,500 rent for their home on Chicago’s West Side. Miller’s share is now $150, down from $400.Miller, 38, said his landlord gave the impression that he’d prefer some income from the house over nothing at all.Miller’s last stable job was as an adjunct professor at Loyola University. During the pandemic, he’s patched together odd jobs — dissertation editing, bookkeeping for a psychiatrist’s office.He said lower rent cuts the pressure: “We are definitely in a unique situation by the response we got.”- Kathleen Foody, Chicago___Tnia Morgan’s family has grown by one since the pandemic upended their lives. The birth of a grandson, her youngest daughter’s first child, June 25 was a rare blessing during a spring and summer otherwise filled with stress.“I love his smell. I love his smile. I love everything about him,” said Morgan, who shares a townhouse in Baltimore County, Maryland, with her newborn grandson, her daughter and a nephew.She needed something to celebrate. Her income plummeted after she lost her hotel banquet-hall job in March. Bills pile up monthly.Four rent checks have come due since then. Morgan’s landlord lets her pay what she can. She estimates that’s been nearly half what she’s owed since April.Food stamps help feed her family. She says she’s tried in vain to sign up for unemployment benefits. Her only income comes from working for a food delivery service.“It’s not much,” she said, “but it’s better than not having anything.”- Michael Kunzelman, Silver Spring, Maryland___Ruqayyah Bailey has lost much of her independence and wants to get her life back on track.Bailey, 31, has autism. Until March, she lived in her own apartment, worked part time as a cashier at a St. Louis cafe, and attended college.The coronavirus tossed all that structure out the window. Bailey could no longer get the one-on-one tutoring that helped her thrive in college. The cafe closed. With no money coming in, she moved back in with her mother.The cafe reopened in June, but Bailey now works just four hours a week. She’s signed up for seven hours of college classes but isn’t sure she’ll get tutoring. She uses savings to pay bills and worries about losing her weekly $600 in extra aid.“I am completely stressed,” Bailey said. “I don’t know how to pay my bills. I’m not sure how I’m going to able to get back into my apartment.”- Jim Salter, St. Louis___Jason W. Still spent nearly three months without work before he went back to cooking at a high-end restaurant in Spokane, Washington.Still, 30, returned to the kitchen at Clover when it reopened in early June. Before then, his wife’s job in Washington’s legal marijuana industry and Still’s unemployment checks helped assure they never missed a rent payment.Still is back to working 40 hours a week. But he wonders whether that’ll last, as COVID-19 infections surge in the U.S.“It’s terrifying to me to be in a service industry that can just shut down again at any time,” he said.- Anita Snow, Phoenix___Tinisha Dixon scraped money together to cover her $1,115 monthly rent for April and May. Since then, she’s been unable to pay.Dixon, 26, shares a downtown Atlanta apartment with her partner and their five children. Before that, Dixon was homeless. Now she worries daily about her family ending up on the street.Dixon’s partner works as a security guard, but reduced hours have shrunk his earnings to about $800 a month. Dixon said she worked briefly at a coronavirus testing site outside the city, but relying on her partner for rides interfered with his job.Before the pandemic, Dixon says, her landlord had begun taking legal steps to evict them.“I’m pretty overwhelmed trying to get everything situated, not knowing how long I can hold out here,” she said.- Sudhin Thanawala, Atlanta___