Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced 
the latest phase-out of her coronavirus-driven statewide shutdown. The 
changes start on Friday.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-19/kansas-rolls-back-more-restrictions-but-the-pool-wont-be-open-for-memorial-day">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Starting Friday, Kansans can gather in slightly larger groups, take in a movie, go to an art museum and bowl a few frames.

But concerts, festivals, summer camps and parades will remain shut down. And you still won’t be able to get a drink at a bar.

At
 a news conference Tuesday a day before a meeting with President Donald 
Trump in the White House, Gov. Laura Kelly announced another round of 
gradually eased restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19.

"We
 may be transitioning to Phase 2," the governor told reporters, "but we 
still have a long ways to go before arriving at anything bordering on 
normal.”

Kelly already delayed what she’d billed as Phase 2 of her
 plan to reopen the Kansas economy. It was scheduled to kick in Monday. 
Instead, she <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-14/kansas-scales-back-next-phase-of-reopening-but-will-allow-haircuts-and-workouts" target="_blank">moved to Phase 1.5</a>
 at the start of the week, allowing gyms, salons and tattoo parlors to 
open their doors — as long as they followed social distancing guidelines
 and scheduled appointments.

Kansas is still seeing coronavirus 
hot spots across the state, like meatpacking counties in southwestern 
Kansas and a new cluster in Topeka related to a nearby lake. But her 
next round of loosened rules — coming just before the Memorial Day 
weekend — follow a weekend where Kansas recorded only one death and a 
handful of new hospitalizations.

So far, the state has recorded more than 8,000 cases, some 740 hospitalizations and more than 170 deaths from COVID-19.

About
 a week ago, Kelly instituted a modified version of her reopening plans,
 despite record unemployment claims and scores of businesses warning the
 shutdown could doom them.

Even in the latest phase that starts 
Friday, both indoor and outdoor entertainment venues built for more than
 2,000 people can’t open. Self-service food or beverage operations 
remain forbidden.

Bars, nightclubs and swimming pools must stay closed.

But
 the lid on gatherings increases to 15 people. State-owned casinos can 
open (the governor doesn’t have authority over tribal casinos, though 
many have closed, but they have to run their operations plans by state 
health officials.

Community centers can open if they limit the 
number of people who can come in. Recreational sports leagues get a 
go-ahead, but only if they meet in small groups and players keep their 
distance from each other. Small graduation ceremonies are OK, increasing
 the number from 10 to 15 people at a time.

The Kansas News 
Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High 
Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health
 and their connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589982033865.png" alt="Movie theaters like this one in Wichita will be able to reopen on Friday. Hugo Phan / KMUW " />
 <figcaption>Movie theaters like this one in Wichita will be able to reopen on Friday. Hugo Phan / KMUW </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced 
the latest phase-out of her coronavirus-driven statewide shutdown. The 
changes start on Friday.</h2><a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-19/kansas-rolls-back-more-restrictions-but-the-pool-wont-be-open-for-memorial-day">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Starting Friday, Kansans can gather in slightly larger groups, take in a movie, go to an art museum and bowl a few frames.But concerts, festivals, summer camps and parades will remain shut down. And you still won’t be able to get a drink at a bar.At
 a news conference Tuesday a day before a meeting with President Donald 
Trump in the White House, Gov. Laura Kelly announced another round of 
gradually eased restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19."We
 may be transitioning to Phase 2," the governor told reporters, "but we 
still have a long ways to go before arriving at anything bordering on 
normal.”Kelly already delayed what she’d billed as Phase 2 of her
 plan to reopen the Kansas economy. It was scheduled to kick in Monday. 
Instead, she <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-05-14/kansas-scales-back-next-phase-of-reopening-but-will-allow-haircuts-and-workouts" target="_blank">moved to Phase 1.5</a>
 at the start of the week, allowing gyms, salons and tattoo parlors to 
open their doors — as long as they followed social distancing guidelines
 and scheduled appointments.Kansas is still seeing coronavirus 
hot spots across the state, like meatpacking counties in southwestern 
Kansas and a new cluster in Topeka related to a nearby lake. But her 
next round of loosened rules — coming just before the Memorial Day 
weekend — follow a weekend where Kansas recorded only one death and a 
handful of new hospitalizations.So far, the state has recorded more than 8,000 cases, some 740 hospitalizations and more than 170 deaths from COVID-19.About
 a week ago, Kelly instituted a modified version of her reopening plans,
 despite record unemployment claims and scores of businesses warning the
 shutdown could doom them.Even in the latest phase that starts 
Friday, both indoor and outdoor entertainment venues built for more than
 2,000 people can’t open. Self-service food or beverage operations 
remain forbidden.Bars, nightclubs and swimming pools must stay closed.But
 the lid on gatherings increases to 15 people. State-owned casinos can 
open (the governor doesn’t have authority over tribal casinos, though 
many have closed, but they have to run their operations plans by state 
health officials.Community centers can open if they limit the 
number of people who can come in. Recreational sports leagues get a 
go-ahead, but only if they meet in small groups and players keep their 
distance from each other. Small graduation ceremonies are OK, increasing
 the number from 10 to 15 people at a time.The Kansas News 
Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High 
Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health
 and their connection to public policy.

Kan. rolls back restrictions, but pool won't be open for Memorial Day 

WASHINGTON — Governor Laura Kelly is in Washington and will attend a meeting with President Trump at 3p.m. CDT Wednesday in the White House Cabinet Room, according the daily White House schedule.

During her Tuesday afternoon news conference, Kelly said, "My bottom line in what I hope to achieve with the President is...he understands that state and local governments need assistance well beyond stimulus three, the Cares Act, that will allow us to pay the bills for COVID-19 but will not allow us cover any of the revenue losses that both the state government and local entities are experiencing.&nbsp; 

That's imperative if we are going to save not only the Kansas economy but the national economy. That's the conversation I want to have with the President. I think he will use his position to work with Congress and get that done."

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson is also scheduled to attend Wednesday's meeting with Trump, according to the White House schedule.

"I'm not asking for them to take care of any problems we created by mismanagement," Kelly said Tuesday. " I am asking them to help us out here as our revenues decline through no fault of our own."

Kelly said her trip, meeting and the issues are not&nbsp; political at all. "This is a public health and economic health issue. It's all about the state of Kansas, the people of Kansas. I have no intention of playing politics there. I don't play it here in the statehouse so I don't have that baggage to take with me to Washington."

When asked if she was concerned about the virus outbreak among several staffers at the White House, Kelly said she would get a test as she goes in for her meeting. 

"I think it's one of those quick answer (virus) tests that will be given. I will have a mask and I plan to wear that. I'm assuming there won't be that many people in the room so we'll be able to socially distance. I will do what I can to protect myself and others."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589975677202.png" alt="Governor Kelly will meet with President Trump in the White House Cabinet Room along with the Republican Governor of Arkansas" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly will meet with President Trump in the White House Cabinet Room along with the Republican Governor of Arkansas</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Governor Laura Kelly is in Washington and will attend a meeting with President Trump at 3p.m. CDT Wednesday in the White House Cabinet Room, according the daily White House schedule.During her Tuesday afternoon news conference, Kelly said, "My bottom line in what I hope to achieve with the President is...he understands that state and local governments need assistance well beyond stimulus three, the Cares Act, that will allow us to pay the bills for COVID-19 but will not allow us cover any of the revenue losses that both the state government and local entities are experiencing.&nbsp; That's imperative if we are going to save not only the Kansas economy but the national economy. That's the conversation I want to have with the President. I think he will use his position to work with Congress and get that done."Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson is also scheduled to attend Wednesday's meeting with Trump, according to the White House schedule."I'm not asking for them to take care of any problems we created by mismanagement," Kelly said Tuesday. " I am asking them to help us out here as our revenues decline through no fault of our own."Kelly said her trip, meeting and the issues are not&nbsp; political at all. "This is a public health and economic health issue. It's all about the state of Kansas, the people of Kansas. I have no intention of playing politics there. I don't play it here in the statehouse so I don't have that baggage to take with me to Washington."When asked if she was concerned about the virus outbreak among several staffers at the White House, Kelly said she would get a test as she goes in for her meeting. "I think it's one of those quick answer (virus) tests that will be given. I will have a mask and I plan to wear that. I'm assuming there won't be that many people in the room so we'll be able to socially distance. I will do what I can to protect myself and others."

Kan. Gov. not taking political baggage to meeting with Trump

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly discussed the latest updates on the coronavirus battle in Kansas prior to her meeting with President Trump at the White House on Wednesday. 

The governor opened her press conference admitting she did get her hair cut. She also reported that the state will move into a modified phase&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.ks.gov/ad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas/">2 reopening plan&nbsp;</a>on Friday.&nbsp;

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will sign Executive Order 20-34, which moves Kansas into Phase 2 of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas.” Phase 2 will be modified to include data-driven restrictions necessary to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, all of my administration’s decision-making regarding our reopening efforts has been driven by data – not dates,” Kelly said. “Because of the great work Kansans and businesses have done to keep others safe, data now indicate we are seeing a more consistent decline in hospitalizations, COVID-19-related deaths and a consistent decrease in disease spread. This puts our state in a position to safely move into a modified version of Phase 2.

“I would like to be clear – moving forward in Kansas’ reopening plan does not mean that COVID-19 no longer threatens our communities. Modifying Phase 2 to keep some restrictions allows us to reopen Kansas’ economy as quickly and safely as possible, while exercising necessary caution to keep Kansans healthy.”&nbsp;

Under Phase 2, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed to the public:

The Governor will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability when determining if the state should move to the next “Phase.” Regardless of phase, the State Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk.

Throughout all phases, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

Kelly’s&nbsp;“<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FReopen-Kansas-Framework-v6.2-5.19.20.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C82a285842daa485cbb8308d7fc2d9c02%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637255145120326699&amp;sdata=ZHuQRYwH%2Bs7JwNHcpE7Ip9ufHI0YZjNATdstRj%2FZpWI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas</a>,” is available in full at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C82a285842daa485cbb8308d7fc2d9c02%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637255145120326699&amp;sdata=WDY7WPGuBHGjahol20fJGfflBylyhPBTLYlAVIxg%2B54%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">covid.ks.gov</a>, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly discussed the latest updates on the coronavirus battle in Kansas prior to her meeting with President Trump at the White House on Wednesday. The governor opened her press conference admitting she did get her hair cut. She also reported that the state will move into a modified phase&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.ks.gov/ad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas/">2 reopening plan&nbsp;</a>on Friday.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F171065194317593%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will sign Executive Order 20-34, which moves Kansas into Phase 2 of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas.” Phase 2 will be modified to include data-driven restrictions necessary to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589916379219.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, all of my administration’s decision-making regarding our reopening efforts has been driven by data – not dates,” Kelly said. “Because of the great work Kansans and businesses have done to keep others safe, data now indicate we are seeing a more consistent decline in hospitalizations, COVID-19-related deaths and a consistent decrease in disease spread. This puts our state in a position to safely move into a modified version of Phase 2.“I would like to be clear – moving forward in Kansas’ reopening plan does not mean that COVID-19 no longer threatens our communities. Modifying Phase 2 to keep some restrictions allows us to reopen Kansas’ economy as quickly and safely as possible, while exercising necessary caution to keep Kansans healthy.”&nbsp;Key changes to Phase 2:<ol>
 <li>Mass gatherings of more than&nbsp;15&nbsp;individuals will be prohibited;</li><li>All businesses and activities slated to open during Phase 2 will be allowed, with the exception of bars, night clubs and swimming pools. These will be moved to Phase 3;</li><li>Businesses and activities that will be allowed to open in Phase 2 include:</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Recreational organized sports facilities, tournaments and practices will be allowed to begin on Friday, May 22, and must adhere to social distancing requirements and follow Parks and Recs guidelines, which can be found on&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FKRPA-Support-Guidelines-5.19.20.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C82a285842daa485cbb8308d7fc2d9c02%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637255145120316739&amp;sdata=r%2Fd6Im3DzGCYELjfaZ3XFuOFam6JmrGuti3iiL2iE6s%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">covid.ks.gov</a>;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Community Centers will be allowed to open, except for indoor and outdoor swimming pools;</li><li>Indoor leisure spaces such as arcades, trampoline parks, theaters, museums and bowling allies will be allowed to open on May 22;</li><li>State-owned-and-operated casinos will be allowed to open once their re-opening plan has been approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment;</li><li>In-person group exercise classes will be allowed to begin with groups of no more than 15 at a time. Locker rooms remain closed except for restroom facilities;</li><li>Everything opened in Phase 1 and Phase 1.5 remains open pursuant to the restrictions outlined in Executive Order 20-34.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Phase 2 will last until Sunday, June 7, assuming the current trends continue. Phase 3 is expected to begin on Monday, June 8, with mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals prohibited.</li>
 </ol>Under Phase 2, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed to the public:<ol>
 <li>Bars and night clubs, excluding curbside and carryout services;</li><li>Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more;</li><li>Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades;</li><li>Swimming pools (other than backyard pools);</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Summer camps (with the exception of licensed childcare facilities).</li>
 </ol>The Governor will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability when determining if the state should move to the next “Phase.” Regardless of phase, the State Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk.Throughout all phases, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:<ol>
 <li>Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;</li><li>Remaining home when sick or running a fever;</li><li>Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;</li><li>Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;</li><li>Working remotely, if possible.</li>
 </ol>Kelly’s&nbsp;“<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FReopen-Kansas-Framework-v6.2-5.19.20.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C82a285842daa485cbb8308d7fc2d9c02%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637255145120326699&amp;sdata=ZHuQRYwH%2Bs7JwNHcpE7Ip9ufHI0YZjNATdstRj%2FZpWI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas</a>,” is available in full at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C82a285842daa485cbb8308d7fc2d9c02%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637255145120326699&amp;sdata=WDY7WPGuBHGjahol20fJGfflBylyhPBTLYlAVIxg%2B54%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">covid.ks.gov</a>, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

🎥  Kansas will move into modified Phase 2 reopening Friday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the gravest U.S. economic crisis in decades, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered U.S. Senators contrasting views Tuesday of what the government’s most urgent priority should be.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPDl_xETXoI">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>Senator Moran's turn at questioning Mnuchin and Powell.

Striking a theme frequently pushed by President Donald Trump, Mnuchin warned that prolonged business shutdowns would pose long-term threats to the economy, from widespread bankruptcies for small businesses to long-term unemployment for millions of Americans.

“There is risk of permanent damage,” Mnuchin said.

Powell, by contrast, stressed, as he has in recent weeks, that the nation is gripped by an economic shock “without modern precedent” and that Congress must consider providing further financial aid soon to support states, localities, businesses and individuals to prevent an even deeper recession.

“What Congress has done to date has been remarkably timely and forceful,” Powell said. “But we need to step back and ask, ’Is it enough?”

Their points of emphasis reflect the contours of a debate occurring across the country, among individuals, business people and political leaders, about when and under what circumstances the economy should reopen and what further help the government can or should provide.

Mnuchin and Powell offered their views at an oversight hearing of the Senate Banking Committee at which members of both parties questioned them about when their agencies will distribute more of the emergency aid that Congress provided in late March to struggling small businesses and households.

Powell said that a highly anticipated lending program the Fed is creating for small businesses should be operating by the end of the month. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abbc3e930e7d8cff7da05bbd7921ee2">in a turnaround</a>, Mnuchin said the Treasury is now prepared to absorb some losses in that program, which is funded by Treasury. Doing so could enable the Fed to take on further risk with the program and help more struggling companies.

During the hearing, Mnuchin clashed sharply with Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts over the administration’s support for a phased reopening of the economy and over its reluctance to require that all companies that receive government aid keep their workers on the payroll.

Brown charged that the Trump administration was risking the lives of lower-income workers by supporting reopening efforts and was doing so simply to boost financial markets. He asserted that the administration hasn’t done enough to protect front-line workers — by, for example, ramping up viral testing — even as most states start allowing restaurants, stores and gyms to reopen.

“The administration wants to put more workers at risk to boost the stock market,” Brown said.

“Your characterization is unfair,” Mnuchin responded.

The hearing was the first in a planned series of quarterly oversight sessions focused on spending programs authorized in the $2 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">federal relief package</a>&nbsp;that is overseen by the Treasury Department and Fed. They include the $660 billion small business lending facility, known as the paycheck protection program, as well as $46 billion in grants to airlines and $454 billion to support the Fed’s lending.

The Fed announced in March that it would set up the Main Street Lending Program, which will provide up to $600 billion in loans to medium-sized businesses that are too large to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury has provided $75 billion, drawn from the $454 billion set aside by Congress, to cover any losses from the Main Street program.

Mnuchin said that under some scenarios the Treasury could lose some or all of that $75 billion.

“Our intention is that we intend to take some losses,” he said.

The Fed has also said it will buy debt issued by state and local governments, which are facing plummeting revenues as the viral outbreak has eliminated tens of millions of jobs and slashed income tax and sales tax revenue. At the same time, states and cities are facing much higher health care costs.

Yet the Fed’s program will make it easier for governments to borrow in the municipal bond market. Powell, under questioning, said that states might need more direct help from the federal government to avoid laying off workers, with the unemployment rate, at 14.7%, already the highest since the Great Depression.

Mnuchin came under sharp questioning from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who charged that he wasn’t doing enough to force companies that receive aid from the Main Street Lending program, as well as other aid provided by the Fed and Treasury, to keep workers on their payrolls.

The senator pressed Mnuchin to ensure that the loans include that requirement. When Mnuchin declined to commit to that change, Warren said, “You’re boosting your Wall Street buddies.”

Mnuchin told Warren that the legislation providing the funds includes restrictions on top executive pay and on company dividends and stock buybacks.

Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far, the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $530 billion “to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.” The loans need not be repaid as long as the borrowing business uses 75% of the money to cover workers’ paychecks.

But many small companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/380b07b9292ea7ae4d382f091d99bf10">say the terms are too onerous</a>. To have the loans forgiven, they must rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds, even if they have little business or work for them to do. These companies argue that they might have to lay off their workers again at the end of the eight weeks — and may have little money left to help ramp up when business does return.

Mnuchin, pressed about those issues and about opening the loan program to more nonprofits, said his department was considering making changes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government’s $2 trillion relief package.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472163-1/fed-reserve-chair-powell-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-testify-cares-act-coronavirus-relief-bill&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;Tuesday's hearing that started at 9a.m. CDT

Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program, which initially provided $349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems.

Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted. A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies ended up receiving money that Mnuchin demanded be paid back to the government.

<a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mnuchin%20Testimony%205-19-201.pdf">Click here to read</a> Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's opening statement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A small, overlooked federal agency is shouldering a massive relief effort for the nation’s small businesses and their workers left reeling by the pandemic.

The Small Business Administration has committed to auditing every sizable emergency loan it approves.

But six weeks after the $600 billion-plus program was launched, the agency has yet to make public the recipients of taxpayer aid.

A signature piece of Congress’ multitrillion-dollar pandemic rescue, the unprecedented lending program is targeted to help small employers stay afloat and preserve jobs in a cratering economy losing tens of millions of them.

“Our swift action supported or saved 30 million American jobs at least,” President Donald Trump said at a White House event on small business late last month with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

Managing the program fell to the SBA, an agency with some 3,200 employees and an $819 million annual budget that’s one-tenth the size of the Commerce Department’s. On at least two occasions last month, the SBA’s computer system slowed under the crush of loan applications, creating a bottleneck. The agency says it has processed 4.2 million loans for some $530 billion in awards.

The need for a detailed public accounting of the small-business relief program is amplified by controversy over how it has unfolded since early April. It’s important as a way for the public to know whether the program is working as Congress intended.

Several hundred publicly traded companies received hundreds of millions of the low-interest, potentially forgivable loans. They tapped the federal aid despite their likely ability to get the money from private financial sources. Some had market values well over $100 million, and many had executives earning millions annually.

On its website, the SBA says it “is becoming more transparent, participatory and collaborative through open government.” It cites, among other things, its Freedom of Information Act program and improvements to online services.

So far, the agency has only provided general information, such as the total amounts of loans awarded in a given time period.

With huge amounts of money flying out the government’s door in a crisis, full public disclosure can help prevent fraud and improper spending, says Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis and expert in government ethics.

Otherwise, “the risks to taxpayers are greater,” Clark said. “I would think the SBA would be proactive in making information public.”

Asked by news organizations for information on the companies receiving loans and when it might be provided, the SBA has said it’s too consumed now by the urgent effort of helping small businesses through the economic downturn. It says specific loan data may be released sometime “in the near future.”

“At this time, the agency is focusing its efforts on assisting small businesses during this unprecedented disruption to the economy,” the SBA says. “The agency recognizes the need to balance the interests of transparency with the privacy and confidentiality issues release of loan information raises.”

The loans made to big deep-pocketed companies in the Paycheck Protection Program meant that less money was available for smaller businesses. Publicly shamed, big corporations, including national restaurant chains Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said they would return their loans.

It was news reports of big companies receiving loans that sparked the public outcry. The Associated Press and several other news organizations combed through voluminous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission to unearth public companies that had received PPP loans. The SBA did not make the information public.

That may be surprising because, until now, the SBA has regularly released information on businesses that have borrowed under its main lending program, the so-called 7(a) program.

In fact, the loan application for the Paycheck Protection Program includes this notice to potential borrowers: Under the Freedom of Information Act and with certain exceptions, the SBA “must supply information reflected in agency files and records to a person requesting it.”

Several news organizations, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, have sued the SBA in federal court over its not having released the loan data despite several FOIA requests. They accuse the agency of violating the FOIA law. The SBA has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Amid the public outcry, Mnuchin recently threatened criminal prosecution and warned companies they must return the money if they falsely certified that they needed federal aid to operate and couldn’t get it elsewhere. SBA set a deadline of Monday for companies with improperly received loans to return the money without penalty.

But last week, SBA issued revised guidance indicating that criminal action won’t be pursued if companies found to have falsely certified their needs return the money.

Elsewhere in the government, the Treasury Department recently released an accounting of its emergency lending program for airlines and air cargo carriers under the pandemic relief legislation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589905117701.png" alt="As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Jerry Moran attended the virtual hearing&nbsp; with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell " />
 <figcaption>As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Jerry Moran attended the virtual hearing&nbsp; with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the gravest U.S. economic crisis in decades, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered U.S. Senators contrasting views Tuesday of what the government’s most urgent priority should be.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPDl_xETXoI">Click here to watch&nbsp;</a>Senator Moran's turn at questioning Mnuchin and Powell.Striking a theme frequently pushed by President Donald Trump, Mnuchin warned that prolonged business shutdowns would pose long-term threats to the economy, from widespread bankruptcies for small businesses to long-term unemployment for millions of Americans.“There is risk of permanent damage,” Mnuchin said.Powell, by contrast, stressed, as he has in recent weeks, that the nation is gripped by an economic shock “without modern precedent” and that Congress must consider providing further financial aid soon to support states, localities, businesses and individuals to prevent an even deeper recession.“What Congress has done to date has been remarkably timely and forceful,” Powell said. “But we need to step back and ask, ’Is it enough?”Their points of emphasis reflect the contours of a debate occurring across the country, among individuals, business people and political leaders, about when and under what circumstances the economy should reopen and what further help the government can or should provide.Mnuchin and Powell offered their views at an oversight hearing of the Senate Banking Committee at which members of both parties questioned them about when their agencies will distribute more of the emergency aid that Congress provided in late March to struggling small businesses and households.Powell said that a highly anticipated lending program the Fed is creating for small businesses should be operating by the end of the month. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0abbc3e930e7d8cff7da05bbd7921ee2">in a turnaround</a>, Mnuchin said the Treasury is now prepared to absorb some losses in that program, which is funded by Treasury. Doing so could enable the Fed to take on further risk with the program and help more struggling companies.During the hearing, Mnuchin clashed sharply with Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts over the administration’s support for a phased reopening of the economy and over its reluctance to require that all companies that receive government aid keep their workers on the payroll.Brown charged that the Trump administration was risking the lives of lower-income workers by supporting reopening efforts and was doing so simply to boost financial markets. He asserted that the administration hasn’t done enough to protect front-line workers — by, for example, ramping up viral testing — even as most states start allowing restaurants, stores and gyms to reopen.“The administration wants to put more workers at risk to boost the stock market,” Brown said.“Your characterization is unfair,” Mnuchin responded.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589897693671.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during Tuesday's virtual Senate Banking Committee hearing" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during Tuesday's virtual Senate Banking Committee hearing</figcaption>
 </figure>The hearing was the first in a planned series of quarterly oversight sessions focused on spending programs authorized in the $2 trillion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200409a.htm">federal relief package</a>&nbsp;that is overseen by the Treasury Department and Fed. They include the $660 billion small business lending facility, known as the paycheck protection program, as well as $46 billion in grants to airlines and $454 billion to support the Fed’s lending.The Fed announced in March that it would set up the Main Street Lending Program, which will provide up to $600 billion in loans to medium-sized businesses that are too large to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. The Treasury has provided $75 billion, drawn from the $454 billion set aside by Congress, to cover any losses from the Main Street program.Mnuchin said that under some scenarios the Treasury could lose some or all of that $75 billion.“Our intention is that we intend to take some losses,” he said.The Fed has also said it will buy debt issued by state and local governments, which are facing plummeting revenues as the viral outbreak has eliminated tens of millions of jobs and slashed income tax and sales tax revenue. At the same time, states and cities are facing much higher health care costs.Yet the Fed’s program will make it easier for governments to borrow in the municipal bond market. Powell, under questioning, said that states might need more direct help from the federal government to avoid laying off workers, with the unemployment rate, at 14.7%, already the highest since the Great Depression.Mnuchin came under sharp questioning from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who charged that he wasn’t doing enough to force companies that receive aid from the Main Street Lending program, as well as other aid provided by the Fed and Treasury, to keep workers on their payrolls.The senator pressed Mnuchin to ensure that the loans include that requirement. When Mnuchin declined to commit to that change, Warren said, “You’re boosting your Wall Street buddies.”Mnuchin told Warren that the legislation providing the funds includes restrictions on top executive pay and on company dividends and stock buybacks.Mnuchin said in prepared testimony that so far, the paycheck program has processed more than 4.2 million loans for over $530 billion “to keep tens of millions of hardworking Americans on the payroll.” The loans need not be repaid as long as the borrowing business uses 75% of the money to cover workers’ paychecks.But many small companies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/380b07b9292ea7ae4d382f091d99bf10">say the terms are too onerous</a>. To have the loans forgiven, they must rehire all their employees within eight weeks of receiving the funds, even if they have little business or work for them to do. These companies argue that they might have to lay off their workers again at the end of the eight weeks — and may have little money left to help ramp up when business does return.Mnuchin, pressed about those issues and about opening the loan program to more nonprofits, said his department was considering making changes.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will likely come under tough questioning from senators Tuesday about a small business lending program included in the government’s $2 trillion relief package.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?472163-1/fed-reserve-chair-powell-treasury-secretary-mnuchin-testify-cares-act-coronavirus-relief-bill&amp;live">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;Tuesday's hearing that started at 9a.m. CDTLawmakers from both parties have criticized the Payroll Protection Program, which initially provided $349 billion in forgivable loans to small companies but has been plagued by a host of problems.Many businesses were unable to get loans before the initial funding was exhausted. A second round of loans faced computer processing delays and a number of publicly traded companies ended up receiving money that Mnuchin demanded be paid back to the government.<a href="https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Mnuchin%20Testimony%205-19-201.pdf">Click here to read</a> Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's opening statement.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — A small, overlooked federal agency is shouldering a massive relief effort for the nation’s small businesses and their workers left reeling by the pandemic.The Small Business Administration has committed to auditing every sizable emergency loan it approves.But six weeks after the $600 billion-plus program was launched, the agency has yet to make public the recipients of taxpayer aid.A signature piece of Congress’ multitrillion-dollar pandemic rescue, the unprecedented lending program is targeted to help small employers stay afloat and preserve jobs in a cratering economy losing tens of millions of them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584462219509.png" alt="President Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force meeting last month. -Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin during a Coronavirus Task Force meeting last month. -Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our swift action supported or saved 30 million American jobs at least,” President Donald Trump said at a White House event on small business late last month with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.Managing the program fell to the SBA, an agency with some 3,200 employees and an $819 million annual budget that’s one-tenth the size of the Commerce Department’s. On at least two occasions last month, the SBA’s computer system slowed under the crush of loan applications, creating a bottleneck. The agency says it has processed 4.2 million loans for some $530 billion in awards.The need for a detailed public accounting of the small-business relief program is amplified by controversy over how it has unfolded since early April. It’s important as a way for the public to know whether the program is working as Congress intended.Several hundred publicly traded companies received hundreds of millions of the low-interest, potentially forgivable loans. They tapped the federal aid despite their likely ability to get the money from private financial sources. Some had market values well over $100 million, and many had executives earning millions annually.On its website, the SBA says it “is becoming more transparent, participatory and collaborative through open government.” It cites, among other things, its Freedom of Information Act program and improvements to online services.So far, the agency has only provided general information, such as the total amounts of loans awarded in a given time period.With huge amounts of money flying out the government’s door in a crisis, full public disclosure can help prevent fraud and improper spending, says Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis and expert in government ethics.Otherwise, “the risks to taxpayers are greater,” Clark said. “I would think the SBA would be proactive in making information public.”Asked by news organizations for information on the companies receiving loans and when it might be provided, the SBA has said it’s too consumed now by the urgent effort of helping small businesses through the economic downturn. It says specific loan data may be released sometime “in the near future.”“At this time, the agency is focusing its efforts on assisting small businesses during this unprecedented disruption to the economy,” the SBA says. “The agency recognizes the need to balance the interests of transparency with the privacy and confidentiality issues release of loan information raises.”The loans made to big deep-pocketed companies in the Paycheck Protection Program meant that less money was available for smaller businesses. Publicly shamed, big corporations, including national restaurant chains Shake Shack, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, said they would return their loans.It was news reports of big companies receiving loans that sparked the public outcry. The Associated Press and several other news organizations combed through voluminous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission to unearth public companies that had received PPP loans. The SBA did not make the information public.That may be surprising because, until now, the SBA has regularly released information on businesses that have borrowed under its main lending program, the so-called 7(a) program.In fact, the loan application for the Paycheck Protection Program includes this notice to potential borrowers: Under the Freedom of Information Act and with certain exceptions, the SBA “must supply information reflected in agency files and records to a person requesting it.”Several news organizations, including The Washington Post and The New York Times, have sued the SBA in federal court over its not having released the loan data despite several FOIA requests. They accuse the agency of violating the FOIA law. The SBA has declined to comment on the lawsuit.Amid the public outcry, Mnuchin recently threatened criminal prosecution and warned companies they must return the money if they falsely certified that they needed federal aid to operate and couldn’t get it elsewhere. SBA set a deadline of Monday for companies with improperly received loans to return the money without penalty.But last week, SBA issued revised guidance indicating that criminal action won’t be pursued if companies found to have falsely certified their needs return the money.Elsewhere in the government, the Treasury Department recently released an accounting of its emergency lending program for airlines and air cargo carriers under the pandemic relief legislation.&nbsp;

🎥 Who got what? Moran questions small-business virus relief effort

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase and search.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic investigation on a 2013 Ford Taurus for inoperable tail lights in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

The deputy advised dispatch and other deputies that the vehicle was refusing to stop and driving recklessly. 

Deputies joined the pursuit at Oak and 21st street in Independence and proceeded through the soccer field on Peter Pan Road. 

Deputies suspended chase through the field and positioned themselves on county roads surrounding the field where they were able to see a subject run from the vehicle. 

Deputies approached the vehicle on foot and cleared the vehicle for any other suspects and then began to follow footprints in the mud until they could no longer see them. Deputies cleared the area and responded to the address that the vehicle was registered to on Peter Pan Road.

Once at the residence the owner of the vehicle advised that 57-year-old Tonia Kay Harris was driving the vehicle. 

The owner of the residence stated that Harris was not there at that time. Deputies returned the following day to apprehend her. She was hiding in a closet, according to Wade.

Deputies booked Harris on requested charges that include Fleeing or Attempting to elude a LEO, Theft of property/services,&nbsp;Interference with LEO, Criminal damage to property, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589830120616.png" alt="Harris photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Harris photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a chase and search.Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic investigation on a 2013 Ford Taurus for inoperable tail lights in Independence, Kansas, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.The deputy advised dispatch and other deputies that the vehicle was refusing to stop and driving recklessly. Deputies joined the pursuit at Oak and 21st street in Independence and proceeded through the soccer field on Peter Pan Road. Deputies suspended chase through the field and positioned themselves on county roads surrounding the field where they were able to see a subject run from the vehicle. Deputies approached the vehicle on foot and cleared the vehicle for any other suspects and then began to follow footprints in the mud until they could no longer see them. Deputies cleared the area and responded to the address that the vehicle was registered to on Peter Pan Road.Once at the residence the owner of the vehicle advised that 57-year-old Tonia Kay Harris was driving the vehicle. The owner of the residence stated that Harris was not there at that time. Deputies returned the following day to apprehend her. She was hiding in a closet, according to Wade.Deputies booked Harris on requested charges that include Fleeing or Attempting to elude a LEO, Theft of property/services,&nbsp;Interference with LEO, Criminal damage to property, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked.

Sheriff: Kansas suspect found hiding in a closet

BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was put to death by lethal injection Tuesday for fatally stabbing an 81-year-old woman nearly three decades ago, the first U.S. execution since the coronavirus pandemic took hold.

Walter Barton, 64, had long maintained he was innocent of killing Gladys Kuehler, and his case was tied up for years due to appeals, mistrials and two overturned convictions. His fate was sealed when neither the courts nor Gov. Mike Parson intervened.

Barton breathed heavily five times after the lethal drug entered his body Tuesday evening, then suddenly stopped. In his final statement released prior to his execution, Barton said: “I, Walter ”Arkie” Barton, am innocent and they are executing an innocent man!!”

Concerns related to the coronavirus caused several states to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/059fba5d4602b5f7eb8dd04adb3fd393">postpone or cancel executions</a>&nbsp;over the past 2 ½ months. Until Tuesday, no one had been executed in the U.S. since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/510bd98355f49724cc3b343faa4c066e">Nathaniel Woods was put to death</a>&nbsp;in Alabama on March 5. Ohio, Tennessee and Texas were among states calling off executions.

The last execution in Texas, the nation’s busiest capital punishment state, was Feb. 6. Seven executions that were scheduled since then have been delayed.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/984c818a009a7a9064719584abf01402">Six of the delays</a>&nbsp;had some connection to the pandemic while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/040867450a648073c26697371176afa2">seventh</a>&nbsp;was related to claims that a death row inmate is intellectually disabled.

Barton’s attorney, Fred Duchardt Jr., and attorneys for death row inmates in the other states argued that the pandemic prevented them from safely conducting thorough investigations for clemency petitions and last-minute appeals. They said they were unable to secure records or conduct interviews due to closures.

Attorneys also expressed concerns about interacting with individuals and possibly being exposed to the virus, and they worried that the close proximity of witnesses and staff at executions could lead to spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Barton was executed in Bonne Terre, Missouri, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of St. Louis, at a prison that has no confirmed cases of the virus. Strict protocols were in place to protect workers and visitors from exposure to the coronavirus.

Everyone entering the prison had their temperatures checked. Face coverings were required, and the prison provided masks and gloves for those who didn’t have them.

Six state witnesses — a reporter for a Springfield television station, an Associated Press reporter and four department of corrections employees — waited in a room together for about an hour prior the execution. All six were masked. At one point, four department of corrections officials, including Director Anne Precythe and three other officials, briefly entered. They did not wear facial protection. The witness waiting room was about 300 square feet.

Facial protection was not required under Parson's statewide reopening that began May 4, but social distancing has been encouraged since the pandemic began. Parson has called the decision to wear a mask a personal choice. In fact, Parson has appeared in public without a mask.

In the execution witness room, all six state witness and two corrections officers wore masks, but Jeff Norman, director of adult institutions, did not.

But several employees clocking in and out for the day, without masks, came into the same room used by media prior to and after the execution. They remained more than six feet away from the lone reporter in the media room at the time.

Witnesses were divided into three rooms. Those witnesses include an Associated Press reporter and other journalists and state witnesses, and people there to support Barton. No relatives or other supporters of the victim attended.

Barton often spent time at the mobile home park that Kuehler operated. He was with her granddaughter and a neighbor on the evening of Oct. 9, 1991, when they found her dead in her bedroom.

Police noticed what appeared to be blood stains on Barton’s clothing, and DNA tests confirmed it was Kuehler’s. Barton said the stains must have occurred when he pulled Kuehler’s granddaughter away from the body. The granddaughter first confirmed that account, but testified that Barton never came into the bedroom. A blood spatter expert at Barton’s trial said the three small stains likely resulted from the “impact” of the knife.

In new court filings, Duchardt cited the findings of Lawrence Renner, who examined Barton’s clothing and boots. Renner concluded the killer would have had far more blood stains.

Duchardt said three jurors recently signed affidavits calling Renner’s determination “compelling” and saying it would have affected their deliberations. The jury foreman said, based on the evidence, he would have been “uncomfortable” recommending the death penalty.

The last execution in Texas, the nation’s busiest capital punishment state, was Feb. 6. Seven executions that were scheduled since then have been delayed. Six of the delays had some connection to the pandemic while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/040867450a648073c26697371176afa2">seventh</a>&nbsp;was related to claims that a death row inmate is intellectually disabled.

The next execution in Texas is set for June 16. Officials have instituted a process requiring witnesses to be be subject to the same screening required of prison employees before entering the facility, Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jeremy Desel said. The screening involves questions based on potential exposure to the coronavirus and health inquiries.

Texas’ death chamber is not a heavy traffic area and is isolated from all parts of the prison in Huntsville, and it is constantly cleaned, Desel said.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The pause in U.S. executions during the coronavirus pandemic likely will end Tuesday with the scheduled lethal injection of a Missouri inmate for slaying an elderly woman nearly three decades ago.

Walter Barton, 64, would be the first person executed in the U.S. since Nathaniel Woods was put to death in Alabama on March 5. Soon after that, efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus shut down the U.S. economy and led to strict limits on social distancing, including inside prisons. Three states have put aside executions over the past 2 ½ months.

Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Monday that he had not heard anything to make him reconsider the execution, which he said would “move forward as scheduled.” A federal appeals court on Sunday overturned a 30-day stay of execution granted by a judge two days earlier. Barton's attorney has asked for a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gladys Kuehler operated a mobile home park in the town of Ozark, Missouri, near Springfield. In October 1991 she was found dead in her bedroom. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and stabbed more than 50 times.

Barton has long said he was innocent, and his case has been tied up for years due to appeals, mistrials and two overturned convictions.

Other states, including Ohio, Tennessee and Texas, have postponed executions after attorneys argued that pandemic-related closures prevented them from securing records or conducting interviews for clemency petitions and court appeals.

Attorneys also expressed concerns about interacting with individuals and possibly being exposed to the virus. And, they've argued that the execution process, which includes placing prison workers and witnesses in close proximity to each other, could lead to spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

There have been no confirmed cases of the virus in the prison housing Missouri's execution chamber in Bonne Terre, about 60 mile south of St. Louis.

Missouri Department of Corrections spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said everyone entering the prison will have their temperatures checked and will be offered face coverings. Witnesses will be divided into three rooms. Those witnesses include an Associated Press reporter and other journalists and state witnesses, and people there to support Barton. No relatives or other supporters of the victim plan to attend, Pojmann said.

Barton often spent time at the mobile home park that Kuehler operated. He was with her granddaughter and a neighbor on the evening of Oct. 9, 1991, when they found Kuehler dead in her bedroom.

Police noticed what appeared to be blood stains on Barton’s clothing, and DNA tests later confirmed it was Kuehler’s. Barton said the stains must have occurred when he pulled Kuehler’s granddaughter away from the body. The granddaughter first confirmed that account but testified that Barton never came into the bedroom. A blood spatter expert at Barton’s trial said the three small stains likely resulted from the “impact” of the knife.

In recent court filings, Barton's attorney, Fred Duchardt Jr., cited the findings of another blood spatter expert. Lawrence Renner examined Barton’s clothing and boots and concluded the killer would have had far more blood stains.

Duchardt said three jurors recently signed affidavits calling Renner’s determination “compelling” and saying it would have affected their deliberations. The jury foreman said that based on the new evidence, he would have been “uncomfortable” recommending the death penalty.

“I don't know how anybody could look at the evidence now and convict him,” Duchardt said.

The last execution in Texas, the nation’s busiest capital punishment state, was Feb. 6. Seven executions that were scheduled since then have been delayed. Six of the delays had some connection to the pandemic while the seventh was related to claims that a death row inmate is intellectually disabled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582060521986.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Walter BartonBONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was put to death by lethal injection Tuesday for fatally stabbing an 81-year-old woman nearly three decades ago, the first U.S. execution since the coronavirus pandemic took hold.Walter Barton, 64, had long maintained he was innocent of killing Gladys Kuehler, and his case was tied up for years due to appeals, mistrials and two overturned convictions. His fate was sealed when neither the courts nor Gov. Mike Parson intervened.Barton breathed heavily five times after the lethal drug entered his body Tuesday evening, then suddenly stopped. In his final statement released prior to his execution, Barton said: “I, Walter ”Arkie” Barton, am innocent and they are executing an innocent man!!”Concerns related to the coronavirus caused several states to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/059fba5d4602b5f7eb8dd04adb3fd393">postpone or cancel executions</a>&nbsp;over the past 2 ½ months. Until Tuesday, no one had been executed in the U.S. since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/510bd98355f49724cc3b343faa4c066e">Nathaniel Woods was put to death</a>&nbsp;in Alabama on March 5. Ohio, Tennessee and Texas were among states calling off executions.The last execution in Texas, the nation’s busiest capital punishment state, was Feb. 6. Seven executions that were scheduled since then have been delayed.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/984c818a009a7a9064719584abf01402">Six of the delays</a>&nbsp;had some connection to the pandemic while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/040867450a648073c26697371176afa2">seventh</a>&nbsp;was related to claims that a death row inmate is intellectually disabled.Barton’s attorney, Fred Duchardt Jr., and attorneys for death row inmates in the other states argued that the pandemic prevented them from safely conducting thorough investigations for clemency petitions and last-minute appeals. They said they were unable to secure records or conduct interviews due to closures.Attorneys also expressed concerns about interacting with individuals and possibly being exposed to the virus, and they worried that the close proximity of witnesses and staff at executions could lead to spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.Barton was executed in Bonne Terre, Missouri, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of St. Louis, at a prison that has no confirmed cases of the virus. Strict protocols were in place to protect workers and visitors from exposure to the coronavirus.Everyone entering the prison had their temperatures checked. Face coverings were required, and the prison provided masks and gloves for those who didn’t have them.Six state witnesses — a reporter for a Springfield television station, an Associated Press reporter and four department of corrections employees — waited in a room together for about an hour prior the execution. All six were masked. At one point, four department of corrections officials, including Director Anne Precythe and three other officials, briefly entered. They did not wear facial protection. The witness waiting room was about 300 square feet.Facial protection was not required under Parson's statewide reopening that began May 4, but social distancing has been encouraged since the pandemic began. Parson has called the decision to wear a mask a personal choice. In fact, Parson has appeared in public without a mask.In the execution witness room, all six state witness and two corrections officers wore masks, but Jeff Norman, director of adult institutions, did not.But several employees clocking in and out for the day, without masks, came into the same room used by media prior to and after the execution. They remained more than six feet away from the lone reporter in the media room at the time.Witnesses were divided into three rooms. Those witnesses include an Associated Press reporter and other journalists and state witnesses, and people there to support Barton. No relatives or other supporters of the victim attended.Barton often spent time at the mobile home park that Kuehler operated. He was with her granddaughter and a neighbor on the evening of Oct. 9, 1991, when they found her dead in her bedroom.Police noticed what appeared to be blood stains on Barton’s clothing, and DNA tests confirmed it was Kuehler’s. Barton said the stains must have occurred when he pulled Kuehler’s granddaughter away from the body. The granddaughter first confirmed that account, but testified that Barton never came into the bedroom. A blood spatter expert at Barton’s trial said the three small stains likely resulted from the “impact” of the knife.In new court filings, Duchardt cited the findings of Lawrence Renner, who examined Barton’s clothing and boots. Renner concluded the killer would have had far more blood stains.Duchardt said three jurors recently signed affidavits calling Renner’s determination “compelling” and saying it would have affected their deliberations. The jury foreman said, based on the evidence, he would have been “uncomfortable” recommending the death penalty.The last execution in Texas, the nation’s busiest capital punishment state, was Feb. 6. Seven executions that were scheduled since then have been delayed. Six of the delays had some connection to the pandemic while the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/040867450a648073c26697371176afa2">seventh</a>&nbsp;was related to claims that a death row inmate is intellectually disabled.The next execution in Texas is set for June 16. Officials have instituted a process requiring witnesses to be be subject to the same screening required of prison employees before entering the facility, Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jeremy Desel said. The screening involves questions based on potential exposure to the coronavirus and health inquiries.Texas’ death chamber is not a heavy traffic area and is isolated from all parts of the prison in Huntsville, and it is constantly cleaned, Desel said.___O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The pause in U.S. executions during the coronavirus pandemic likely will end Tuesday with the scheduled lethal injection of a Missouri inmate for slaying an elderly woman nearly three decades ago.Walter Barton, 64, would be the first person executed in the U.S. since Nathaniel Woods was put to death in Alabama on March 5. Soon after that, efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus shut down the U.S. economy and led to strict limits on social distancing, including inside prisons. Three states have put aside executions over the past 2 ½ months.Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Monday that he had not heard anything to make him reconsider the execution, which he said would “move forward as scheduled.” A federal appeals court on Sunday overturned a 30-day stay of execution granted by a judge two days earlier. Barton's attorney has asked for a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court.Gladys Kuehler operated a mobile home park in the town of Ozark, Missouri, near Springfield. In October 1991 she was found dead in her bedroom. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and stabbed more than 50 times.Barton has long said he was innocent, and his case has been tied up for years due to appeals, mistrials and two overturned convictions.Other states, including Ohio, Tennessee and Texas, have postponed executions after attorneys argued that pandemic-related closures prevented them from securing records or conducting interviews for clemency petitions and court appeals.Attorneys also expressed concerns about interacting with individuals and possibly being exposed to the virus. And, they've argued that the execution process, which includes placing prison workers and witnesses in close proximity to each other, could lead to spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.There have been no confirmed cases of the virus in the prison housing Missouri's execution chamber in Bonne Terre, about 60 mile south of St. Louis.Missouri Department of Corrections spokeswoman Karen Pojmann said everyone entering the prison will have their temperatures checked and will be offered face coverings. Witnesses will be divided into three rooms. Those witnesses include an Associated Press reporter and other journalists and state witnesses, and people there to support Barton. No relatives or other supporters of the victim plan to attend, Pojmann said.Barton often spent time at the mobile home park that Kuehler operated. He was with her granddaughter and a neighbor on the evening of Oct. 9, 1991, when they found Kuehler dead in her bedroom.Police noticed what appeared to be blood stains on Barton’s clothing, and DNA tests later confirmed it was Kuehler’s. Barton said the stains must have occurred when he pulled Kuehler’s granddaughter away from the body. The granddaughter first confirmed that account but testified that Barton never came into the bedroom. A blood spatter expert at Barton’s trial said the three small stains likely resulted from the “impact” of the knife.In recent court filings, Barton's attorney, Fred Duchardt Jr., cited the findings of another blood spatter expert. Lawrence Renner examined Barton’s clothing and boots and concluded the killer would have had far more blood stains.Duchardt said three jurors recently signed affidavits calling Renner’s determination “compelling” and saying it would have affected their deliberations. The jury foreman said that based on the new evidence, he would have been “uncomfortable” recommending the death penalty.“I don't know how anybody could look at the evidence now and convict him,” Duchardt said.The last execution in Texas, the nation’s busiest capital punishment state, was Feb. 6. Seven executions that were scheduled since then have been delayed. Six of the delays had some connection to the pandemic while the seventh was related to claims that a death row inmate is intellectually disabled.The next execution in Texas is set for June 16. Officials have instituted a process requiring witnesses to be be subject to the same screening required of prison employees before entering the facility, Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jeremy Desel said. The screening involves questions based on potential exposure to the coronavirus and health inquiries.Texas’ death chamber is not a heavy traffic area and is isolated from all parts of the prison in Huntsville, and it is constantly cleaned, Desel said.___

State carries out 1st US execution since pandemic began

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Republican congressman from Kansas who is also a doctor says he has been taking a malaria drug being touted by President Donald Trump as way to protect against the coronavirus, despite warnings that it could have potentially fatal side effects.

U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, who is running for the U.S. Senate, said he doesn’t have COVID-19 but is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative drug. His parents, siblings and wife also are taking the drug, a spokesman for Marshall said.

“I would encourage any person over the age of 65 or with an underlying medical condition to talk to their own physician about taking hydroxychloroquine and I’m relieved President Trump is taking it,” Marshall told The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the congressman’s use of the drug.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/64aef9a9f98dbb5ff20df60da8914cd6">said Monday</a>&nbsp;that he has been taking the drug and a zinc supplement for more than a week. His decision comes despite guidance from health officials in his administration that the drug should be administered only in hospital or research settings.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/21249a99b29d7b2c8648acb1f01a9812">last month warned doctors</a>&nbsp;not to prescribe hydroxychloroquine to treat the coronavirus outside of hospitals or research settings because of reports of serious side effects, including irregular heart rhythms and death among patients. Preliminary results from a study done on coronavirus patients at U.S. veterans hospitals showed no benefit, casting more doubt on the drug’s efficacy during the pandemic.

Marshall, though, has defended the use of the drug, saying previously that “in many cases, patients have a lot to gain and little to lose if they consider taking it.”

In the U.S. Senate race, Marshall is still struggling to consolidate opponents of his main rival, immigration hardliner and former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. In a crowded GOP field, Marshall faces attacks from the right, with a political action committee for the small-government, free-market group Club for Growth planning to spend $2.2 million on anti-Marshall ads starting in mid-June.

Some Republicans also are watching the candidacy of Bob Hamilton, a former Kansas City-area plumbing business owner, who has been able to use personal funds to keep up with Marshall’s fundraising.

GOP candidates in the race have been stressing their loyalty to Trump. Kobach was the first prominent Kansas elected official to endorse Trump in 2016.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589474130484.png" alt="Dr. Marshall assisted hospital staff Southwest Medical Center in Liberal earlier this month" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Marshall assisted hospital staff Southwest Medical Center in Liberal earlier this month</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Republican congressman from Kansas who is also a doctor says he has been taking a malaria drug being touted by President Donald Trump as way to protect against the coronavirus, despite warnings that it could have potentially fatal side effects.U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, who is running for the U.S. Senate, said he doesn’t have COVID-19 but is taking hydroxychloroquine as a preventative drug. His parents, siblings and wife also are taking the drug, a spokesman for Marshall said.“I would encourage any person over the age of 65 or with an underlying medical condition to talk to their own physician about taking hydroxychloroquine and I’m relieved President Trump is taking it,” Marshall told The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the congressman’s use of the drug.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/64aef9a9f98dbb5ff20df60da8914cd6">said Monday</a>&nbsp;that he has been taking the drug and a zinc supplement for more than a week. His decision comes despite guidance from health officials in his administration that the drug should be administered only in hospital or research settings.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/21249a99b29d7b2c8648acb1f01a9812">last month warned doctors</a>&nbsp;not to prescribe hydroxychloroquine to treat the coronavirus outside of hospitals or research settings because of reports of serious side effects, including irregular heart rhythms and death among patients. Preliminary results from a study done on coronavirus patients at U.S. veterans hospitals showed no benefit, casting more doubt on the drug’s efficacy during the pandemic.Marshall, though, has defended the use of the drug, saying previously that “in many cases, patients have a lot to gain and little to lose if they consider taking it.”In the U.S. Senate race, Marshall is still struggling to consolidate opponents of his main rival, immigration hardliner and former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. In a crowded GOP field, Marshall faces attacks from the right, with a political action committee for the small-government, free-market group Club for Growth planning to spend $2.2 million on anti-Marshall ads starting in mid-June.Some Republicans also are watching the candidacy of Bob Hamilton, a former Kansas City-area plumbing business owner, who has been able to use personal funds to keep up with Marshall’s fundraising.GOP candidates in the race have been stressing their loyalty to Trump. Kobach was the first prominent Kansas elected official to endorse Trump in 2016.

Kansas congressman using malaria drug to ward off virus

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;A small plane was forced to land on an interstate in suburban Kansas City Tuesday afternoon when one of the plane's two engines apparently failed, authorities said.

The pilot was the only one on board and was not injured when the plane landed on eastbound 470 in Lee's Summit, police said. The plane hit a few signs while landing but no other serious damage was reported.

Police said the plane is a twin-engine Bonanza based at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport.

Photo courtesy Missouri State Highway Patrol

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said on Twitter that the pilot was making his final approach to the Lee's Summit airport when the engine failed.

The interstate was expected to be closed for two to three hours while the airplane is removed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589916666855.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Scout" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;A small plane was forced to land on an interstate in suburban Kansas City Tuesday afternoon when one of the plane's two engines apparently failed, authorities said.The pilot was the only one on board and was not injured when the plane landed on eastbound 470 in Lee's Summit, police said. The plane hit a few signs while landing but no other serious damage was reported.Police said the plane is a twin-engine Bonanza based at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589921841554.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Photo courtesy Missouri State Highway PatrolThe Missouri State Highway Patrol said on Twitter that the pilot was making his final approach to the Lee's Summit airport when the engine failed.The interstate was expected to be closed for two to three hours while the airplane is removed.

Small plane makes emergency landing on I-470 in Kansas City 

RENO COUNTY —&nbsp;Two people suffered injuries in a three-vehicle accident on US-50 Tuesday morning in Reno County.

According to the Reno County Sheriff’s department, an eastbound SUV attempted to pass another vehicle when it was hit by a westbound semi. After striking the tractor trailer, the SUV hit the other vehicle.

A woman in the SUV was airlifted to a Wichita hospital in serious condition while the driver of the other vehicle was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. The driver of the semi was not injured. No names have been released at this time.

US-50 was closed for more than seven hours while the wreckage was cleared away and the accident could be investigated.

The accident happened around 7:20 a.m. near the intersection of US-50 and Kent Road, or about three miles east of Hutchinson.

RENO COUNTY —A Tuesday morning accident closed all lanes of U.S. 50 at Kent Road on the east side of Hutchinson, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The highway is closed&nbsp;from Yoder to Haven Road.

 Traffic is being rerouted at Airport Road and Buhler Road.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589895679873.jpeg" alt="First responders on the scene of Tuesday's injury accident-photo Reno County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of Tuesday's injury accident-photo Reno County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —&nbsp;Two people suffered injuries in a three-vehicle accident on US-50 Tuesday morning in Reno County.According to the Reno County Sheriff’s department, an eastbound SUV attempted to pass another vehicle when it was hit by a westbound semi. After striking the tractor trailer, the SUV hit the other vehicle.A woman in the SUV was airlifted to a Wichita hospital in serious condition while the driver of the other vehicle was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. The driver of the semi was not injured. No names have been released at this time.US-50 was closed for more than seven hours while the wreckage was cleared away and the accident could be investigated.The accident happened around 7:20 a.m. near the intersection of US-50 and Kent Road, or about three miles east of Hutchinson.--------RENO COUNTY —A Tuesday morning accident closed all lanes of U.S. 50 at Kent Road on the east side of Hutchinson, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.The highway is closed&nbsp;from Yoder to Haven Road. Traffic is being rerouted at Airport Road and Buhler Road.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Update: 2 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Kansas crash

By ANGIE HAFLICH, <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/finney-county-moves-phase-15-despite-quickly-accelerating-increase-covid-19-cases">Kansas News Service</a>

GARDEN CITY — Finney
 County residents will be able to get their haircut or get in a workout 
in starting Tuesday, despite a rapidly accelerating rate of increase in 
COVID-19 cases.

Finney County Commissioners — acting as the 
county’s board of health Monday —&nbsp;decided to follow the state’s 
reopening plan, which allows hair and nail salons, barber shops and 
tattoo parlors to open for pre-scheduled appointments. Gyms and fitness 
centers are also allowed to reopen, but without access to locker rooms 
or group classes.

Phase 1.5, as Gov. Laura Kelly referred to it 
last week, continues to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people and takes
 effect on Tuesday. Phase 1 allowed previously nonessential retailers to
 open.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The rate of COVID-19 cases continued its fast rate of 
ascent in Finney County over the past week. As of Monday, according to 
the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">Kansas Department of Health and Environment</a>, there were 1,281 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Finney County, up from 861 cases 10 days ago.

That
 put Finney County at the No. 2 spot behind Ford County, which reported 
1,403 cases Monday, for the highest number of cases in the state.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr.
 Rachael Svaty, a physician at Plaza Medical Center, was one of three 
local medical providers to speak before the commission Monday. She said 
Finney County’s rapid COVID-19 growth rate landed it in the top 10 
emerging COVID-19 hotspots in the U.S. last week.

“That’s not a 
top 10 list that any of us wanted to be on. But I think it speaks to the
 fact that we need to be doing what we can to continue to slow this rate
 of increase so that we can continue to handle these cases as a medical 
community,” Svaty said.

Colleen Drees, Finney County Health 
Department Director and Public Health Officer, said 48% of the tests 
conducted during the week of May 11 to May 15 came back positive.&nbsp;

In
 a written statement, Medical Director Dr. Lindsey Byrnes called that 
rate “incredibly high, indicating significant ongoing disease 
transmission in our community,” and said a positivity rate of 15% to 20%
 is more indicative of a controlled outbreak.

Drees said that the
 health department was still awaiting results of some tests. As of 5:30 
p.m. Monday, there were 158 pending cases, seven hospitalizations and 
six deaths on the Finney County Health Department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finneycounty.org/755/Coronavirus-COVID-19">website</a>.

Byrnes’
 statement also said hospitalization of more serious COVID-19 patients 
typically doesn’t occur until five to seven days after symptoms begin, 
so deaths being reported now likely reflect infections from three to 
four weeks ago.

“If our goal, as I believe it should be, is to 
lessen transmission thereby limiting morbidity and mortality in our 
community, it does not make sense to proceed with reopening at the same 
pace as other counties that have much less transmission,” her statement 
read.

She also recommended strict adherence to social distancing guidelines and wearing masks.

“Physical
 distancing is difficult and goes against our human nature, yet each 
individual must act to protect their family, their friends and their 
neighbors,” the statement read.

Drees recommended the county 
continue to operate under Phase 1 for two more weeks, then evaluate the 
COVID-19 data before reopening any further.

“We have one of the —
 if not the highest — positivity rates in the state. This should not be 
dismissed,” she said, adding that Finney County should be evaluated 
separately from other counties. “We are seeing a drastically different 
trend here than the rest of the state.”

She said KDHE Secretary 
Lee Norman recommended last week that the county remain in Phase 1 until
 it sees a decrease in the case positivity rate. &nbsp;

Merilyn 
Douglass, nurse practitioner at Grow Well Clinic, has been acting as the
 medical provider at one of the county’s shelters for COVID-19 patients,
 the Sleep Inn. &nbsp;

She called COVID-19 unpredictable, covert and 
cryptic in describing some of her experiences treating people with the 
disease, including an elderly woman who she said was in an intensive 
care unit at St. Catherine Hospital on Monday.

Douglass said 
prior to the woman’s hospitalization, her oxygen-saturation level was 
51, well below the normal range of 94 to 100. But Douglass said neither 
the woman nor her husband understood the seriousness of the illness.

“It
 fools you. It fooled me,” Douglass said. “So I ask for your respect and
 support as we work on the health of our communities in Finney County 
and make it the top priority.”

Commissioner Bill Clifford, an eye
 surgeon who is also running for the 1st Congressional District seat, 
said he is in favor of reopening because he had spoken to a number of 
barbers and hair stylists who demonstrated they intend to wear masks and
 to keep people separated. But he also encouraged Finney County 
residents to do the same.

“But I do think that the public needs 
to be responsible and realize that we are literally swimming in this 
virus and if you don’t want to get it, you need to keep yourself safe,” 
he said.

Commissioner Dave Jones said Finney County was forced to
 shut down prior to there being any cases being reported, which has made
 it difficult for local businesses to survive.

“Certainly lives are important, but also there’s some importance that we need to assign to keeping our economy going,” he said.

He also asked Drees if she expects to see a jump in cases with the county’s move to Phase 1.5.

“I
 believe that there’s going to be increased exposure, yes, and so I 
would expect that we could see an increase in positive cases,” she said.

The
 motion to move into Phase 1.5 was ultimately passed by 4-1 vote; 
Clifford voted against it. Phase 1.5 remains in effect until midnight 
May 31.&nbsp;

Commissioners will meet again May 29 to re-evaluate the latest COVID-19 data and determine whether to proceed with reopening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589915649628.jpeg" alt=" Finney County, as of Monday, ranked second behind Ford County for the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Kansas. Angie Haflich / High Plains Public Radio" />
 <figcaption> Finney County, as of Monday, ranked second behind Ford County for the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Kansas. Angie Haflich / High Plains Public Radio</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANGIE HAFLICH, <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/finney-county-moves-phase-15-despite-quickly-accelerating-increase-covid-19-cases">Kansas News Service</a>GARDEN CITY — Finney
 County residents will be able to get their haircut or get in a workout 
in starting Tuesday, despite a rapidly accelerating rate of increase in 
COVID-19 cases.Finney County Commissioners — acting as the 
county’s board of health Monday —&nbsp;decided to follow the state’s 
reopening plan, which allows hair and nail salons, barber shops and 
tattoo parlors to open for pre-scheduled appointments. Gyms and fitness 
centers are also allowed to reopen, but without access to locker rooms 
or group classes.Phase 1.5, as Gov. Laura Kelly referred to it 
last week, continues to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people and takes
 effect on Tuesday. Phase 1 allowed previously nonessential retailers to
 open.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rate of COVID-19 cases continued its fast rate of 
ascent in Finney County over the past week. As of Monday, according to 
the <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/">Kansas Department of Health and Environment</a>, there were 1,281 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Finney County, up from 861 cases 10 days ago.That
 put Finney County at the No. 2 spot behind Ford County, which reported 
1,403 cases Monday, for the highest number of cases in the state.&nbsp; &nbsp;Dr.
 Rachael Svaty, a physician at Plaza Medical Center, was one of three 
local medical providers to speak before the commission Monday. She said 
Finney County’s rapid COVID-19 growth rate landed it in the top 10 
emerging COVID-19 hotspots in the U.S. last week.“That’s not a 
top 10 list that any of us wanted to be on. But I think it speaks to the
 fact that we need to be doing what we can to continue to slow this rate
 of increase so that we can continue to handle these cases as a medical 
community,” Svaty said.Colleen Drees, Finney County Health 
Department Director and Public Health Officer, said 48% of the tests 
conducted during the week of May 11 to May 15 came back positive.&nbsp;In
 a written statement, Medical Director Dr. Lindsey Byrnes called that 
rate “incredibly high, indicating significant ongoing disease 
transmission in our community,” and said a positivity rate of 15% to 20%
 is more indicative of a controlled outbreak.Drees said that the
 health department was still awaiting results of some tests. As of 5:30 
p.m. Monday, there were 158 pending cases, seven hospitalizations and 
six deaths on the Finney County Health Department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.finneycounty.org/755/Coronavirus-COVID-19">website</a>.Byrnes’
 statement also said hospitalization of more serious COVID-19 patients 
typically doesn’t occur until five to seven days after symptoms begin, 
so deaths being reported now likely reflect infections from three to 
four weeks ago.“If our goal, as I believe it should be, is to 
lessen transmission thereby limiting morbidity and mortality in our 
community, it does not make sense to proceed with reopening at the same 
pace as other counties that have much less transmission,” her statement 
read.She also recommended strict adherence to social distancing guidelines and wearing masks.“Physical
 distancing is difficult and goes against our human nature, yet each 
individual must act to protect their family, their friends and their 
neighbors,” the statement read.Drees recommended the county 
continue to operate under Phase 1 for two more weeks, then evaluate the 
COVID-19 data before reopening any further.“We have one of the —
 if not the highest — positivity rates in the state. This should not be 
dismissed,” she said, adding that Finney County should be evaluated 
separately from other counties. “We are seeing a drastically different 
trend here than the rest of the state.”She said KDHE Secretary 
Lee Norman recommended last week that the county remain in Phase 1 until
 it sees a decrease in the case positivity rate. &nbsp;Merilyn 
Douglass, nurse practitioner at Grow Well Clinic, has been acting as the
 medical provider at one of the county’s shelters for COVID-19 patients,
 the Sleep Inn. &nbsp;She called COVID-19 unpredictable, covert and 
cryptic in describing some of her experiences treating people with the 
disease, including an elderly woman who she said was in an intensive 
care unit at St. Catherine Hospital on Monday.Douglass said 
prior to the woman’s hospitalization, her oxygen-saturation level was 
51, well below the normal range of 94 to 100. But Douglass said neither 
the woman nor her husband understood the seriousness of the illness.“It
 fools you. It fooled me,” Douglass said. “So I ask for your respect and
 support as we work on the health of our communities in Finney County 
and make it the top priority.”Commissioner Bill Clifford, an eye
 surgeon who is also running for the 1st Congressional District seat, 
said he is in favor of reopening because he had spoken to a number of 
barbers and hair stylists who demonstrated they intend to wear masks and
 to keep people separated. But he also encouraged Finney County 
residents to do the same.“But I do think that the public needs 
to be responsible and realize that we are literally swimming in this 
virus and if you don’t want to get it, you need to keep yourself safe,” 
he said.Commissioner Dave Jones said Finney County was forced to
 shut down prior to there being any cases being reported, which has made
 it difficult for local businesses to survive.“Certainly lives are important, but also there’s some importance that we need to assign to keeping our economy going,” he said.He also asked Drees if she expects to see a jump in cases with the county’s move to Phase 1.5.“I
 believe that there’s going to be increased exposure, yes, and so I 
would expect that we could see an increase in positive cases,” she said.The
 motion to move into Phase 1.5 was ultimately passed by 4-1 vote; 
Clifford voted against it. Phase 1.5 remains in effect until midnight 
May 31.&nbsp;Commissioners will meet again May 29 to re-evaluate the latest COVID-19 data and determine whether to proceed with reopening.