HARVEY COUNTY— Charges were filed Thursday against a Kansas couple for alleged threats of possibly spreading the coronavirus at a Walmart store in Newton on April 6, according to&nbsp;Harvey County Chief Deputy Attorney Jason Lane.

Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, both of Hesston are accused of stating and portraying that Williams was infected with COVID-19, to customers and employees inside the Walmart business in an attempt to cause fear.

Hamrick faces two felony counts of criminal threat. Each count carries a penalty range of 5-to-17 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Williams faces two felony counts of aiding and abetting criminal threat. Each count carries a penalty range of 5-to-17 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Both individuals also face one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. The maximum penalty of that count is one month in county jail and a fine of up to $500.

Both individuals have posted bond, which was set by the District Court at $5,000 each.

Hamrick’s and Williams’ first appearances are scheduled for June 2 at 3 p.m.

HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a viral video of two people walking through Walmart in Newton coughing on other people and saying they have coronavirus, according to a social media report police in Newton.

Police were not called at the time of this incident, but Newton officers began investigating after seeing the video on social media. Police identified the suspects, interviewed them and have arrested Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, both of Hesston,&nbsp; on requested charges of felony criminal threat and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. They've been booked into Harvey County Jail.

Both admitted to walking around Walmart with Williams coughing on people while Hamrick verbalized that Williams had the coronavirus. They both indicated they don't take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and thought it would be funny.

Harvey County Attorney's Office has indicated they will aggressively pursue prosecution of the two individuals, including other potential criminal charges, according to police

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586278382349.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Williams photo Harvey CountyHARVEY COUNTY— Charges were filed Thursday against a Kansas couple for alleged threats of possibly spreading the coronavirus at a Walmart store in Newton on April 6, according to&nbsp;Harvey County Chief Deputy Attorney Jason Lane.Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, both of Hesston are accused of stating and portraying that Williams was infected with COVID-19, to customers and employees inside the Walmart business in an attempt to cause fear.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588282116224.png" alt="Hazel Hamrick -photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Hazel Hamrick -photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hamrick faces two felony counts of criminal threat. Each count carries a penalty range of 5-to-17 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.Williams faces two felony counts of aiding and abetting criminal threat. Each count carries a penalty range of 5-to-17 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.Both individuals also face one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. The maximum penalty of that count is one month in county jail and a fine of up to $500.Both individuals have posted bond, which was set by the District Court at $5,000 each.Hamrick’s and Williams’ first appearances are scheduled for June 2 at 3 p.m.--------HARVEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a viral video of two people walking through Walmart in Newton coughing on other people and saying they have coronavirus, according to a social media report police in Newton.Police were not called at the time of this incident, but Newton officers began investigating after seeing the video on social media. Police identified the suspects, interviewed them and have arrested Hazel Hamrick, 29, and Ernest Williams, 47, both of Hesston,&nbsp; on requested charges of felony criminal threat and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. They've been booked into Harvey County Jail.Both admitted to walking around Walmart with Williams coughing on people while Hamrick verbalized that Williams had the coronavirus. They both indicated they don't take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and thought it would be funny.Harvey County Attorney's Office has indicated they will aggressively pursue prosecution of the two individuals, including other potential criminal charges, according to police

Kan. couple charged in coronavirus coughing prank

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-30/kansas-prisons-are-fighting-a-lawsuit-to-release-prisoners-to-reduce-covid-19-spread">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE — As coronavirus cases have climbed above 100
 in state prisons, the Kansas Department of Corrections is enmeshed in a
 legal battle that could result in thousands of inmates being released.

The
 American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas sued the agency and three 
state prisons on April 9, asking the state to release people who have 
been convicted of minor crimes, have less than 18 months left on their 
sentences or are vulnerable due to age or medical conditions.

At 
the time, less than 20 staff and inmates in the system had tested 
positive for COVID-19, all of them at the Lansing Correctional Facility 
in northeast Kansas. As of Thursday, it had increased to 160 cases 
across four facilities, including a juvenile prison. Less than half of 
the infected people have recovered, and two people incarcerated at 
Lansing have died.

Corrections facilities across the U.S. have 
released people from prisons and jails to prevent the spread of the 
virus. In Kansas, the Sedgwick County Jail released 200 people in March.
 Jails in New York City, New Jersey and Detroit also have released 
hundreds of people. And Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are 
planning to release more than 1,000 prisoners.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has said she is considering releasing some inmates, though has not announced anything yet.

The
 ACLU’s lawsuit was originally filed in the Kansas Supreme Court, but 
later moved to the Leavenworth County Court. The Lansing facility is in 
Leavenworth County.

In its lawsuit, the ACLU argues that the 
Department of Corrections is endangering the lives of prisoners and 
violating their constitutional rights by not enforcing proper social 
distancing or providing adequate soap and cleaning supplies.

Inmates
 named in the suit alleged the state dilutes cleaning supplies. They 
also say some prisoners need to buy soap from the commissary, which can 
be expensive — and prison jobs typically pay pennies an hour.

Other
 inmates have told the Kansas News Service in emails that despite being 
given masks and directed to socially distance in some situations, people
 still sleep and eat in close quarters.

The corrections department
 argued in court filings that inmates aren’t in substantial danger and 
that releasing such a large number — an estimated 5,300, more than half 
of the state’s prison population — would be impractical and dangerous, 
and could possibly result in people convicted of violent crimes walking 
free.

The agency also argued in an April 27 court filing that the 
Leavenworth County Court didn’t have jurisdiction over most of the 
state’s prisons, which are located elsewhere. It suggested that inmates 
would face a similar shortage of soap and ventilators outside of prisons
 and said it wasn’t reasonable to take every possible precaution to 
prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

The Department of Corrections declined to comment on the lawsuit to the Kansas News Service.

ACLU
 of Kansas Executive Director Nadine Johnson said that releasing people 
from prison would actually improve public safety by reducing the reach 
of a deadly virus.

“Every day that we are waiting, these 
individuals are at an increased risk of contracting the virus,” she 
said. “And by virtue of that, they’re at risk of spreading to other 
people.”

The ACLU expects that a judge in Leavenworth County will make a decision soon.

The Department of Corrections announced Thursday that all who are incarcerated there will be tested for COVID-19.

Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas
 News Service. You can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow
 her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588276619329.png" alt="The ACLU sued Kansas prisons in April, seeking the release of more than 5,000 prisoners. Nomin Ujiyediin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>The ACLU sued Kansas prisons in April, seeking the release of more than 5,000 prisoners. Nomin Ujiyediin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-30/kansas-prisons-are-fighting-a-lawsuit-to-release-prisoners-to-reduce-covid-19-spread">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE — As coronavirus cases have climbed above 100
 in state prisons, the Kansas Department of Corrections is enmeshed in a
 legal battle that could result in thousands of inmates being released.The
 American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas sued the agency and three 
state prisons on April 9, asking the state to release people who have 
been convicted of minor crimes, have less than 18 months left on their 
sentences or are vulnerable due to age or medical conditions.At 
the time, less than 20 staff and inmates in the system had tested 
positive for COVID-19, all of them at the Lansing Correctional Facility 
in northeast Kansas. As of Thursday, it had increased to 160 cases 
across four facilities, including a juvenile prison. Less than half of 
the infected people have recovered, and two people incarcerated at 
Lansing have died.Corrections facilities across the U.S. have 
released people from prisons and jails to prevent the spread of the 
virus. In Kansas, the Sedgwick County Jail released 200 people in March.
 Jails in New York City, New Jersey and Detroit also have released 
hundreds of people. And Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are 
planning to release more than 1,000 prisoners.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has said she is considering releasing some inmates, though has not announced anything yet.The
 ACLU’s lawsuit was originally filed in the Kansas Supreme Court, but 
later moved to the Leavenworth County Court. The Lansing facility is in 
Leavenworth County.In its lawsuit, the ACLU argues that the 
Department of Corrections is endangering the lives of prisoners and 
violating their constitutional rights by not enforcing proper social 
distancing or providing adequate soap and cleaning supplies.Inmates
 named in the suit alleged the state dilutes cleaning supplies. They 
also say some prisoners need to buy soap from the commissary, which can 
be expensive — and prison jobs typically pay pennies an hour.Other
 inmates have told the Kansas News Service in emails that despite being 
given masks and directed to socially distance in some situations, people
 still sleep and eat in close quarters.The corrections department
 argued in court filings that inmates aren’t in substantial danger and 
that releasing such a large number — an estimated 5,300, more than half 
of the state’s prison population — would be impractical and dangerous, 
and could possibly result in people convicted of violent crimes walking 
free.The agency also argued in an April 27 court filing that the 
Leavenworth County Court didn’t have jurisdiction over most of the 
state’s prisons, which are located elsewhere. It suggested that inmates 
would face a similar shortage of soap and ventilators outside of prisons
 and said it wasn’t reasonable to take every possible precaution to 
prevent the further spread of COVID-19.The Department of Corrections declined to comment on the lawsuit to the Kansas News Service.ACLU
 of Kansas Executive Director Nadine Johnson said that releasing people 
from prison would actually improve public safety by reducing the reach 
of a deadly virus.“Every day that we are waiting, these 
individuals are at an increased risk of contracting the virus,” she 
said. “And by virtue of that, they’re at risk of spreading to other 
people.”The ACLU expects that a judge in Leavenworth County will make a decision soon.The Department of Corrections announced Thursday that all who are incarcerated there will be tested for COVID-19.Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas
 News Service. You can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow
 her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.

Kan. prisons fighting lawsuit to release prisoners to reduce virus spread 

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The effort to reopen the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has set off a conflict at the state and federal level that is escalating by the day over how much legal protection companies should get if their returning workers get sick.

The White House, governors, members of congress and state lawmakers are all getting pressured by business leaders who want to be shielded from potential lawsuits brought by sick workers. They are also feeling heat on the other side from unions that want bolstered safety at workplaces and from the influential trial lawyers lobby, which hopes to preserve legal protections to go after corporations in court if people are sickened on the job.

The issue has vaulted to the forefront of the debate in Congress over the next, and fifth, coronavirus relief bill that’s still in its infancy. The safety of returning workers has dominated union negotiations between casino workers and their employers in Las Vegas. And governors in some states are imposing restrictions on the ability of people to collect unemployment if they choose not to return to work out of fear for their safety.

The debate has put policy makers on the hot seat at the same time that they are moving forward with reopening their states.

Utah lawmakers have moved to protect businesses from being sued if a customer or employee is exposed to the coronavirus after reopening, with supporters like Republican Rep. Norm Thurston saying establishments need to be rewarded for being willing to open their doors again.

The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Legislature the day before Gov. Gary Herbert announced the state would allow the reopening of restaurants, gyms and salons starting Friday. The governor has not yet signed it.

Skeptics like Democratic Rep. Brian King called the legislation a “get-out-of-liability-free card.”

“If a business wants to get open and make some money, that means they have to be responsible for the safety of both their employees and the public,” King said Wednesday. “They don’t get it both ways. They don’t get to both make money and be insulated from their negligent decision-making.”

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing the Republican-led state Legislature to expand protections from liability lawsuits to manufacturers, businesses, health care workers and first responders. Mississippi and North Carolina are considering similar protections for businesses.

“They don’t need to be concerned about liability from opportunistic people that might be trying to find a chink in their armor, to sue them for trying to do the right thing,” said chamber president Dan Mehan on Tuesday. “Lawsuit protection is paramount for this recovery.”

President Donald Trump’s executive action Tuesday ordering meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns about the nation’s food supply also put a spotlight on the delicate balance between protecting companies without leaving workers unfairly exposed.

The order, which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield, is designed, in part, to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick.

Unions fired back at Trump’s action, saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers’ health.

In California, Democratic state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez proposed legislation that would allow employees to qualify for workers’ compensation if they contracted coronavirus on the job, a provision that unions have advocated.

Business, insurers and local government organizations pushed back with a letter this week to legislative leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, saying the move could cost $2.2 billion to $33.6 billion annually, depending on the details of the plan. The workers are already covered under state law if they get the virus, opponents argue.

A separate legislative proposal by a Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez of California would protect small businesses by barring those who obtain unemployment benefits from also suing their employers.

As Congress prepares the next coronavirus relief bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made the issue a top priority. He has portrayed the protections as necessary to fend off opportunistic trial lawyers.

“Just as soon as the pandemic recedes, the lawyers will come in, and this is the important part of getting our country back to business,” McConnell said Wednesday on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show.”

The casino workers’ Culinary Union in Las Vegas said it is negotiating reopening protocols with casino companies to ensure there are stronger safety standards. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, has not said when he will allow casinos to reopen.

John Whiting isn’t going to rely on an employer to keep him safe. He was working at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta when the pandemic hit and had been planning to find a summer job until he returns to his job as a teacher next school year. But the 26-year-old is intentionally staying away from public-facing jobs out of fear he’ll get sick and infect the aunt and uncle he’s staying with. He’s instead trying to find a job where he can telecommute in a field like tech support.

“I have to think about them as well. I’d rather not risk that because we only go out for groceries, in terms of being out in the public like that. So I thought it was better to find something virtual,” Whiting said.

States are also focusing on unemployment rules as some leaders fret that workers’ fears of getting the virus or comfort with expanded unemployment benefits could keep them home.

State officials in Iowa this week warned furloughed workers that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they refuse to return when their employer calls them back to work, which is considered a “voluntary quit.” Restaurants, some bars, malls and retail stores will reopen in 77 of the state’s 99 counties Friday.

Iowa Workforce Development urged employers to report workers who don’t return for a good reason as soon as possible and warned that the federal law providing an additional $600 weekly in benefits contains “serious consequences” for fraudulent claims.

In Texas, several groups representing workers sent a letter Wednesday calling on state regulators to change unemployment rules to allow people who can’t go back to work because they or their family member face a high risk of contracting the coronavirus to still get unemployment benefits.

Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, on Monday outlined a plan to allow the state’s restaurants, retailers, movie theaters and malls to start letting customers trickle into their establishments starting Friday. He didn’t address whether employees might lose their jobs if they didn’t return to work, but said he understands the concerns and that no worker or business is required to return to work.

“You have every right to choose your own pathway in life and you have ultimate control over your own personal safety,” Abbott said.

The recent suggestion by an Oklahoma official that the state might ask the federal government to stop the $600-a-week federal government payments to unemployed people raised eyebrows, but the state’s Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Blair said in a statement Wednesday there is no plan to stop those federal payments.

She did acknowledge, however, that there is “legitimate concern” that people won’t go back to work because they can make more money in unemployment with the added federal stimulus fund than at their jobs.

“We really do need them to return so our economy can get started again,” Blair said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587120134875.png" alt="President Trump announced initial plans to reopen the country during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing -Photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announced initial plans to reopen the country during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing -Photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The effort to reopen the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has set off a conflict at the state and federal level that is escalating by the day over how much legal protection companies should get if their returning workers get sick.The White House, governors, members of congress and state lawmakers are all getting pressured by business leaders who want to be shielded from potential lawsuits brought by sick workers. They are also feeling heat on the other side from unions that want bolstered safety at workplaces and from the influential trial lawyers lobby, which hopes to preserve legal protections to go after corporations in court if people are sickened on the job.The issue has vaulted to the forefront of the debate in Congress over the next, and fifth, coronavirus relief bill that’s still in its infancy. The safety of returning workers has dominated union negotiations between casino workers and their employers in Las Vegas. And governors in some states are imposing restrictions on the ability of people to collect unemployment if they choose not to return to work out of fear for their safety.The debate has put policy makers on the hot seat at the same time that they are moving forward with reopening their states.Utah lawmakers have moved to protect businesses from being sued if a customer or employee is exposed to the coronavirus after reopening, with supporters like Republican Rep. Norm Thurston saying establishments need to be rewarded for being willing to open their doors again.The proposal passed the Republican-controlled Legislature the day before Gov. Gary Herbert announced the state would allow the reopening of restaurants, gyms and salons starting Friday. The governor has not yet signed it.Skeptics like Democratic Rep. Brian King called the legislation a “get-out-of-liability-free card.”“If a business wants to get open and make some money, that means they have to be responsible for the safety of both their employees and the public,” King said Wednesday. “They don’t get it both ways. They don’t get to both make money and be insulated from their negligent decision-making.”The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing the Republican-led state Legislature to expand protections from liability lawsuits to manufacturers, businesses, health care workers and first responders. Mississippi and North Carolina are considering similar protections for businesses.“They don’t need to be concerned about liability from opportunistic people that might be trying to find a chink in their armor, to sue them for trying to do the right thing,” said chamber president Dan Mehan on Tuesday. “Lawsuit protection is paramount for this recovery.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587045646390.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>President Donald Trump’s executive action Tuesday ordering meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns about the nation’s food supply also put a spotlight on the delicate balance between protecting companies without leaving workers unfairly exposed.The order, which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield, is designed, in part, to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick.Unions fired back at Trump’s action, saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers’ health.In California, Democratic state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez proposed legislation that would allow employees to qualify for workers’ compensation if they contracted coronavirus on the job, a provision that unions have advocated.Business, insurers and local government organizations pushed back with a letter this week to legislative leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, saying the move could cost $2.2 billion to $33.6 billion annually, depending on the details of the plan. The workers are already covered under state law if they get the virus, opponents argue.A separate legislative proposal by a Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez of California would protect small businesses by barring those who obtain unemployment benefits from also suing their employers.As Congress prepares the next coronavirus relief bill, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has made the issue a top priority. He has portrayed the protections as necessary to fend off opportunistic trial lawyers.“Just as soon as the pandemic recedes, the lawyers will come in, and this is the important part of getting our country back to business,” McConnell said Wednesday on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show.”The casino workers’ Culinary Union in Las Vegas said it is negotiating reopening protocols with casino companies to ensure there are stronger safety standards. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, has not said when he will allow casinos to reopen.John Whiting isn’t going to rely on an employer to keep him safe. He was working at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta when the pandemic hit and had been planning to find a summer job until he returns to his job as a teacher next school year. But the 26-year-old is intentionally staying away from public-facing jobs out of fear he’ll get sick and infect the aunt and uncle he’s staying with. He’s instead trying to find a job where he can telecommute in a field like tech support.“I have to think about them as well. I’d rather not risk that because we only go out for groceries, in terms of being out in the public like that. So I thought it was better to find something virtual,” Whiting said.States are also focusing on unemployment rules as some leaders fret that workers’ fears of getting the virus or comfort with expanded unemployment benefits could keep them home.State officials in Iowa this week warned furloughed workers that they will lose their unemployment benefits if they refuse to return when their employer calls them back to work, which is considered a “voluntary quit.” Restaurants, some bars, malls and retail stores will reopen in 77 of the state’s 99 counties Friday.Iowa Workforce Development urged employers to report workers who don’t return for a good reason as soon as possible and warned that the federal law providing an additional $600 weekly in benefits contains “serious consequences” for fraudulent claims.In Texas, several groups representing workers sent a letter Wednesday calling on state regulators to change unemployment rules to allow people who can’t go back to work because they or their family member face a high risk of contracting the coronavirus to still get unemployment benefits.Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, on Monday outlined a plan to allow the state’s restaurants, retailers, movie theaters and malls to start letting customers trickle into their establishments starting Friday. He didn’t address whether employees might lose their jobs if they didn’t return to work, but said he understands the concerns and that no worker or business is required to return to work.“You have every right to choose your own pathway in life and you have ultimate control over your own personal safety,” Abbott said.The recent suggestion by an Oklahoma official that the state might ask the federal government to stop the $600-a-week federal government payments to unemployed people raised eyebrows, but the state’s Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Blair said in a statement Wednesday there is no plan to stop those federal payments.She did acknowledge, however, that there is “legitimate concern” that people won’t go back to work because they can make more money in unemployment with the added federal stimulus fund than at their jobs.“We really do need them to return so our economy can get started again,” Blair said.____

Debate flares over legal protections as businesses open up

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 500 to a total of 4238, the state health department reported Thursday afternoon. This is largest 24-hour increase in positive cases.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 500 to a total of 4238, the state health department reported Thursday afternoon. This is largest 24-hour increase in positive cases.Coronavirus deaths were reported at 129<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588271899081.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

A Kansas lawmaker has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rep.owens/posts/855242734956160">shared a summary </a>of Gov. Laura Kelly's plans to reopen Kansas prior to tonight's press conference.

Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, shared the document — labeled "Confidential" and "Not For Distribution" on his Facebook page late Thursday morning.

"Kansas deserves information as soon as its available. People's livelihoods are at stake. I received a copy of the Govs re-opening plan this morning from an anonymous source."

"I have no reason to doubt it's legitimacy. Governor Kelly will be on TV this evening at 630p and will hopefully clarify and answer questions," Owens wrote on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rep.owens/posts/855242734956160"> his Facebook page.</a>

A Kansas lawmaker has <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rep.owens/posts/855242734956160">shared a summary </a>of Gov. Laura Kelly's plans to reopen Kansas prior to tonight's press conference.Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, shared the document — labeled "Confidential" and "Not For Distribution" on his Facebook page late Thursday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588271621231.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Kansas deserves information as soon as its available. People's livelihoods are at stake. I received a copy of the Govs re-opening plan this morning from an anonymous source."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588271641527.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I have no reason to doubt it's legitimacy. Governor Kelly will be on TV this evening at 630p and will hopefully clarify and answer questions," Owens wrote on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rep.owens/posts/855242734956160"> his Facebook page.</a>

GOP lawmaker shares summary of reopening plan in advance of press conference

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Spirit AeroSystems is offering voluntary layoffs to all its union-covered technical and professional workers in Wichita as the company continues to respond to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX and the coronavirus pandemic.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many jobs will be affected by the move, which was announced in an email to employees Wednesday night, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article242397886.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. The final day of work for those who take the buyout will be no later than May 14.

Last year, the employees’ union, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, represented more than 1,600 technical and professional workers at Spirit, but the company has since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4ac70c229417be48a7191000da3fddcb">announced several layoffs</a>, early retirement offers and furloughs.

The announcement comes after Boeing said Wednesday it would cut its workforce by 10% as the demand for new airplanes continues to drop during the coronavirus pandemic.

Spirit spirit also is struggling because it makes about 70% of the Boeing 737 MAX, which was grounded last spring after two deadly crashes.

The new voluntary layoffs are a “first step” in the company’s plans to deal with Boeing’s announcement, according to the email from Spirit CEO Tom Gentile.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Spirit AeroSystems is offering voluntary layoffs to all its union-covered technical and professional workers in Wichita as the company continues to respond to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX and the coronavirus pandemic.It wasn’t immediately clear how many jobs will be affected by the move, which was announced in an email to employees Wednesday night, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/business/aviation/article242397886.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. The final day of work for those who take the buyout will be no later than May 14.Last year, the employees’ union, the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, represented more than 1,600 technical and professional workers at Spirit, but the company has since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4ac70c229417be48a7191000da3fddcb">announced several layoffs</a>, early retirement offers and furloughs.The announcement comes after Boeing said Wednesday it would cut its workforce by 10% as the demand for new airplanes continues to drop during the coronavirus pandemic.Spirit spirit also is struggling because it makes about 70% of the Boeing 737 MAX, which was grounded last spring after two deadly crashes.The new voluntary layoffs are a “first step” in the company’s plans to deal with Boeing’s announcement, according to the email from Spirit CEO Tom Gentile.

Kan. aircraft parts maker offers more voluntary layoffs

DAKOTA CITY, NEB. (AP)&nbsp;— Tyson Foods said Thursday that it was temporarily suspending operations at a&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;beef processing plant that serves as the largest employer for neighboring Sioux City,&nbsp;Iowa, after a surge of coronavirus cases in the area.

Tyson announced in a news release that it would close the Dakota City plant Friday through Monday to perform a deep cleaning of the facility.

State health officials in recent days have reported hundreds of new coronavirus cases in both Nebraska’s Dakota County, where the plant is located, and Woodbury County, Iowa, where Sioux City is located. Tyson previously disclosed that some workers at the plant had tested positive for the virus, but it has not said how many. The&nbsp;Arkansas-based company said it was screening Dakota City employees for the virus this week with the help of the Nebraska National Guard.

The Dakota City facility is one of the largest beef processing plants in the country, employing about 4,300 people. The move follows recent closures of other meat processing facilities across the country due the coronavirus, which spreads rapidly among workers who often stand shoulder to shoulder on production lines.

It also comes after President Donald Trump this week issued an executive order requiring meat processing plants to stay open during the coronavirus crisis. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job.

The order followed a lawsuit accusing&nbsp;Virginia-based Smithfield Foods of not doing enough to protect employees at its plant in Milan,&nbsp;Missouri. A hearing on that suit was scheduled for Thursday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588259947500.png" alt="Entrance to the Tyson Plant in Dakota City, NE -google image" />
 <figcaption>Entrance to the Tyson Plant in Dakota City, NE -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>DAKOTA CITY, NEB. (AP)&nbsp;— Tyson Foods said Thursday that it was temporarily suspending operations at a&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;beef processing plant that serves as the largest employer for neighboring Sioux City,&nbsp;Iowa, after a surge of coronavirus cases in the area.Tyson announced in a news release that it would close the Dakota City plant Friday through Monday to perform a deep cleaning of the facility.State health officials in recent days have reported hundreds of new coronavirus cases in both Nebraska’s Dakota County, where the plant is located, and Woodbury County, Iowa, where Sioux City is located. Tyson previously disclosed that some workers at the plant had tested positive for the virus, but it has not said how many. The&nbsp;Arkansas-based company said it was screening Dakota City employees for the virus this week with the help of the Nebraska National Guard.The Dakota City facility is one of the largest beef processing plants in the country, employing about 4,300 people. The move follows recent closures of other meat processing facilities across the country due the coronavirus, which spreads rapidly among workers who often stand shoulder to shoulder on production lines.It also comes after President Donald Trump this week issued an executive order requiring meat processing plants to stay open during the coronavirus crisis. The order was widely seen as giving processors protection from liability for workers who become sick on the job.The order followed a lawsuit accusing&nbsp;Virginia-based Smithfield Foods of not doing enough to protect employees at its plant in Milan,&nbsp;Missouri. A hearing on that suit was scheduled for Thursday morning.

Virus outbreak: Tyson closes beef plant for deep cleaning

Organizers of the Heartland Stampede confirmed Thursday they have cancelled this summer's festival.

In a letter on the festival web site, the organization wrote, "We have watched as the COVID crisis has spread throughout the world, impacting people of all walks of life.&nbsp;&nbsp; Initially we had hoped that we could weather this storm and that Stampede fans would be ready to celebrate the end of social distancing at our festival.&nbsp;&nbsp; This was perhaps wishful thinking, as very few would have predicted how rapidly our world would unravel.

We are sorry to announce that&nbsp;we&nbsp;must&nbsp;cancel the 2020 Heartland Stampede&nbsp;Music Festival.&nbsp; From the bottom of our hearts, we are sorry for keeping your hopes up that we could make it happen. Every effort was made for a possible reschedule date, but dates and artists were not available.&nbsp;This is not the course of action we want to take, however with the new government COVID19 recovery measures indicating mass gatherings will not be permitted, and in times of unprecedented uncertainty, this is now our only viable option.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heartland Stampede&nbsp;Music Festival&nbsp;will take place in June 24, 25, 26, 2021. All customers who purchased festival tickets through Heartland Stampede will receive an email with details about transferring their tickets to the 2021 event or requesting a refund.&nbsp;

We thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to producing a fantastic festival for you in 2021. Please stay healthy, stay mentally connected and although physically apart, please remember we are all in this fight together!"

<a href="https://www.heartlandstampede.com/cancellation-information">Click here for more</a> information on ticket rollover and refunds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588261849404.png" alt="Photo courtesy Heartland Stampede" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Heartland Stampede</figcaption>
 </figure>Organizers of the Heartland Stampede confirmed Thursday they have cancelled this summer's festival.In a letter on the festival web site, the organization wrote, "We have watched as the COVID crisis has spread throughout the world, impacting people of all walks of life.&nbsp;&nbsp; Initially we had hoped that we could weather this storm and that Stampede fans would be ready to celebrate the end of social distancing at our festival.&nbsp;&nbsp; This was perhaps wishful thinking, as very few would have predicted how rapidly our world would unravel.We are sorry to announce that&nbsp;we&nbsp;must&nbsp;cancel the 2020 Heartland Stampede&nbsp;Music Festival.&nbsp; From the bottom of our hearts, we are sorry for keeping your hopes up that we could make it happen. Every effort was made for a possible reschedule date, but dates and artists were not available.&nbsp;This is not the course of action we want to take, however with the new government COVID19 recovery measures indicating mass gatherings will not be permitted, and in times of unprecedented uncertainty, this is now our only viable option.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heartland Stampede&nbsp;Music Festival&nbsp;will take place in June 24, 25, 26, 2021. All customers who purchased festival tickets through Heartland Stampede will receive an email with details about transferring their tickets to the 2021 event or requesting a refund.&nbsp;We thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to producing a fantastic festival for you in 2021. Please stay healthy, stay mentally connected and although physically apart, please remember we are all in this fight together!"<a href="https://www.heartlandstampede.com/cancellation-information">Click here for more</a> information on ticket rollover and refunds.

No Heartland Stampede this summer due to pandemic

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities are investigating an incident that sent a Kansas jail inmate to a hospital for treatment.

Just before 2:30a.m. Tuesday, deputies brought 55-year-old David Beasley&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County detention facility to be booked on misdemeanor charges, according to Lt. Tim Myers.

&nbsp;Beasley was very uncooperative and refused to exit the transport van. Approximately 5 minutes passed and a detention sergeant was able to convince Beasley to exit the van and walk into the facility with assistance from deputies.

While in the facility, Beasley became uncooperative again and refused to walk any further and started becoming resistant.&nbsp; He was yelling and was passive aggressive wanting us to kill him and then asking us not to kill him, according to Myers.

At this time deputies came to the conclusion that he was either under the influence of drugs or was having a manic episode.&nbsp; For his safety and the safety of others he was placed into a restraint chair and placed into a room until he calmed down and staff could approach him safely.

During the time he was in the restraint chair, checks were conducted to ensure he was safe and to see if he was calming down.&nbsp; At 5:38 a.m., deputies removed him from the restraint chair because Beasley had calmed down.&nbsp; Staff gave him breakfast and he ate.&nbsp;

At 6:35 a.m., Beasley was seen in his cell hitting his head against the concrete walls and metal door encasement.&nbsp;

<a href="http://sedgwick.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=4294">Click here to view</a> security camera video of the incident.

Deputies responded and tried to calm him down.&nbsp; Beasley continued to strike his head against the concrete wall and striking the metal door with both fists.&nbsp; He also started biting his hands.&nbsp;&nbsp; Deputies tried to calm him down through the door by utilizing Interpersonal Communication skills and Crisis Intervention Team skills.

Due to Beasley’s aggressive behavior and taking a fighting stance as deputies were standing outside the door, additional deputies and equipment were brought to booking to safely deal with him.

&nbsp; The door to his cell was opened and a shield was utilized for the deputy’s safety to put Beasley up against the wall and other deputies were then able to restrain him, according to Myers.

Deputies contacted EMS to come to the facility.&nbsp; Beasley was still very combative and was spitting blood on deputies and EMS personnel.&nbsp; 

EMS did transport Beasley to St. Francis hospital.&nbsp; He was placed into ICU due to the narcotics he had ingested.&nbsp; He suffered lacerations to his head and a broken hand.&nbsp; All of Beasley’s injuries were self-inflicted, according to Myers.

Beasley was released from jail custody by the City of Wichita Municipal Court at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday.&nbsp; At the time of release&nbsp; Beasley was still in the hospital.

According to Myers, "unfortunately, these types of events happen all too often inside the facility.&nbsp; We deal with people that are extremely intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs that cause manic episodes.&nbsp; The deputies handled this situation with professionalism and compassion.&nbsp; These are not easy situations to deal with; however, the deputies handled this situation admirably."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588209562610.png" alt="Beasley photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Beasley photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities are investigating an incident that sent a Kansas jail inmate to a hospital for treatment.Just before 2:30a.m. Tuesday, deputies brought 55-year-old David Beasley&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County detention facility to be booked on misdemeanor charges, according to Lt. Tim Myers.&nbsp;Beasley was very uncooperative and refused to exit the transport van. Approximately 5 minutes passed and a detention sergeant was able to convince Beasley to exit the van and walk into the facility with assistance from deputies.While in the facility, Beasley became uncooperative again and refused to walk any further and started becoming resistant.&nbsp; He was yelling and was passive aggressive wanting us to kill him and then asking us not to kill him, according to Myers.At this time deputies came to the conclusion that he was either under the influence of drugs or was having a manic episode.&nbsp; For his safety and the safety of others he was placed into a restraint chair and placed into a room until he calmed down and staff could approach him safely.During the time he was in the restraint chair, checks were conducted to ensure he was safe and to see if he was calming down.&nbsp; At 5:38 a.m., deputies removed him from the restraint chair because Beasley had calmed down.&nbsp; Staff gave him breakfast and he ate.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588209660000.png" alt="Beasley from security camera images courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Offie" />
 <figcaption>Beasley from security camera images courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Offie</figcaption>
 </figure>At 6:35 a.m., Beasley was seen in his cell hitting his head against the concrete walls and metal door encasement.&nbsp;<a href="http://sedgwick.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?clip_id=4294">Click here to view</a> security camera video of the incident.Deputies responded and tried to calm him down.&nbsp; Beasley continued to strike his head against the concrete wall and striking the metal door with both fists.&nbsp; He also started biting his hands.&nbsp;&nbsp; Deputies tried to calm him down through the door by utilizing Interpersonal Communication skills and Crisis Intervention Team skills.Due to Beasley’s aggressive behavior and taking a fighting stance as deputies were standing outside the door, additional deputies and equipment were brought to booking to safely deal with him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588256705148.png" alt="Security camera image of Beasley as deputies opened his cell -courtesy Sedgwick Co. Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of Beasley as deputies opened his cell -courtesy Sedgwick Co. Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; The door to his cell was opened and a shield was utilized for the deputy’s safety to put Beasley up against the wall and other deputies were then able to restrain him, according to Myers.Deputies contacted EMS to come to the facility.&nbsp; Beasley was still very combative and was spitting blood on deputies and EMS personnel.&nbsp; EMS did transport Beasley to St. Francis hospital.&nbsp; He was placed into ICU due to the narcotics he had ingested.&nbsp; He suffered lacerations to his head and a broken hand.&nbsp; All of Beasley’s injuries were self-inflicted, according to Myers.Beasley was released from jail custody by the City of Wichita Municipal Court at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday.&nbsp; At the time of release&nbsp; Beasley was still in the hospital.According to Myers, "unfortunately, these types of events happen all too often inside the facility.&nbsp; We deal with people that are extremely intoxicated or have taken illicit drugs that cause manic episodes.&nbsp; The deputies handled this situation with professionalism and compassion.&nbsp; These are not easy situations to deal with; however, the deputies handled this situation admirably."

🎥 Kansas inmate hospitalized after violent incident 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A surge in unemployment stemming from the coronavirus shutdown of large parts of the U.S. economy is starting to push some state jobless funds toward insolvency.

At least a half-dozen states already have notified the federal government that they could need to borrow billions of dollars to pay unemployment benefits because their own trust funds are running out of money.

While the shortfalls won't prevent unemployed workers from getting government aid, the federal loans could lead to higher taxes for businesses in future years to repay the debt.

U.S. Treasury data shows&nbsp;California,&nbsp;Connecticut&nbsp;and&nbsp;Illinois&nbsp;all expect to borrow soon from the federal government to prop up their unemployment funds. Officials in&nbsp;Massachusetts,&nbsp;New York&nbsp;and&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;confirmed to The Associated Press that they also have notified the federal government of their anticipated need for loans.

All six of those states' unemployment funds ranked among those at the greatest risk of insolvency because they didn't have adequate reserves to weather a recession, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report released before the coronavirus outbreak. Many more states also could need federal loans given the widespread economic damage.

“I can't imagine a state that's not going to have to borrow by the end of this year,” said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, a New York-based group that advocates for low-wage workers and the unemployed.

As of mid-April, about 26 million Americans had filed unemployment claims in the first five weeks since governments began ordering people to stay home and some businesses to close as a precaution against spreading the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. It's already the worst stretch of job losses in U.S. history. New unemployment data to be released Thursday is expected to push that total even higher.

State unemployment benefits are funded by special taxes on employers and paid through state trust funds. Each state sets its own tax rate and benefit payment amounts. When trust funds run low, states can get federal loans that must be repaid with interest. Loans taken out this year would need to be repaid by November 2022, or else the federal government could raise taxes on businesses to recoup the money.

A law signed by President Donald Trump last month waived the interest on state unemployment loans through the end of this year. But that's a shorter reprieve than was granted during the Great Recession, when interest was waived from February 2009 through December 2010.

The last recession led to the insolvency of unemployment trust funds in 35 states that collectively racked up more than $40 billion of debt to keep paying unemployed workers. It took years for states to repay that.

“Unfortunately, many of them got caught in this vicious cycle now, where they spent most of the 11 years of economic growth looking backwards, paying off the prior accrued debt rather than being able to save and invest for this current crisis,” said Jared Walczak, director of state tax policy at the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.

From the beginning of March through mid-April, state unemployment trust funds have declined by a median of 10%, according to an AP analysis of U.S. Treasury data. But the drop has been far more dramatic in states that were among the first to shut down their economies and among the quickest to pay benefits to the unemployed.

Massachusetts, which provides among the most generous unemployment benefits nationally, saw its trust fund cut in half from early March to mid-April, from $1.6 billion to less than $750 million. That marked the largest percentage decline nationally.

In a letter to the U.S. labor secretary, Gov. Charlie Baker estimated the state could need to borrow $1.2 billion in May and June to pay unemployment benefits.

New York's unemployment trust fund also declined by nearly half during that six-week period, from almost $2.5 billion to less than $1.3 billion. The state has applied for up to $4 billion in federal loans, said New York Department of Labor spokeswoman Deanna Cohen.

How much help New York ultimately needs will depend on how many more people seek unemployment benefits and how long they are without work, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

“But it’s in the billions of dollars," he said. “There’s no doubt about that.”

At the start of this year, California's trust fund had barely one-fifth of the recommended amount needed to weather a recession, the worst rating among all states. It's trust fund balance fell from $3.1 billion in early March to $1.9 billion in mid-April and has continued to slide.

The state could need to start borrowing from the federal government by the beginning of May, said Barry White, a spokesman for the California Employment Development Department.

Officials in Connecticut and Texas also said they could need to start borrowing in May to pay unemployment claims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588193128049.png" alt="Empty gas pumps at station in Kansas-google image" />
 <figcaption>Empty gas pumps at station in Kansas-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A surge in unemployment stemming from the coronavirus shutdown of large parts of the U.S. economy is starting to push some state jobless funds toward insolvency.At least a half-dozen states already have notified the federal government that they could need to borrow billions of dollars to pay unemployment benefits because their own trust funds are running out of money.While the shortfalls won't prevent unemployed workers from getting government aid, the federal loans could lead to higher taxes for businesses in future years to repay the debt.U.S. Treasury data shows&nbsp;California,&nbsp;Connecticut&nbsp;and&nbsp;Illinois&nbsp;all expect to borrow soon from the federal government to prop up their unemployment funds. Officials in&nbsp;Massachusetts,&nbsp;New York&nbsp;and&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;confirmed to The Associated Press that they also have notified the federal government of their anticipated need for loans.All six of those states' unemployment funds ranked among those at the greatest risk of insolvency because they didn't have adequate reserves to weather a recession, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report released before the coronavirus outbreak. Many more states also could need federal loans given the widespread economic damage.“I can't imagine a state that's not going to have to borrow by the end of this year,” said Michele Evermore, a senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, a New York-based group that advocates for low-wage workers and the unemployed.As of mid-April, about 26 million Americans had filed unemployment claims in the first five weeks since governments began ordering people to stay home and some businesses to close as a precaution against spreading the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. It's already the worst stretch of job losses in U.S. history. New unemployment data to be released Thursday is expected to push that total even higher.State unemployment benefits are funded by special taxes on employers and paid through state trust funds. Each state sets its own tax rate and benefit payment amounts. When trust funds run low, states can get federal loans that must be repaid with interest. Loans taken out this year would need to be repaid by November 2022, or else the federal government could raise taxes on businesses to recoup the money.A law signed by President Donald Trump last month waived the interest on state unemployment loans through the end of this year. But that's a shorter reprieve than was granted during the Great Recession, when interest was waived from February 2009 through December 2010.The last recession led to the insolvency of unemployment trust funds in 35 states that collectively racked up more than $40 billion of debt to keep paying unemployed workers. It took years for states to repay that.“Unfortunately, many of them got caught in this vicious cycle now, where they spent most of the 11 years of economic growth looking backwards, paying off the prior accrued debt rather than being able to save and invest for this current crisis,” said Jared Walczak, director of state tax policy at the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit.From the beginning of March through mid-April, state unemployment trust funds have declined by a median of 10%, according to an AP analysis of U.S. Treasury data. But the drop has been far more dramatic in states that were among the first to shut down their economies and among the quickest to pay benefits to the unemployed.Massachusetts, which provides among the most generous unemployment benefits nationally, saw its trust fund cut in half from early March to mid-April, from $1.6 billion to less than $750 million. That marked the largest percentage decline nationally.In a letter to the U.S. labor secretary, Gov. Charlie Baker estimated the state could need to borrow $1.2 billion in May and June to pay unemployment benefits.New York's unemployment trust fund also declined by nearly half during that six-week period, from almost $2.5 billion to less than $1.3 billion. The state has applied for up to $4 billion in federal loans, said New York Department of Labor spokeswoman Deanna Cohen.How much help New York ultimately needs will depend on how many more people seek unemployment benefits and how long they are without work, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.“But it’s in the billions of dollars," he said. “There’s no doubt about that.”At the start of this year, California's trust fund had barely one-fifth of the recommended amount needed to weather a recession, the worst rating among all states. It's trust fund balance fell from $3.1 billion in early March to $1.9 billion in mid-April and has continued to slide.The state could need to start borrowing from the federal government by the beginning of May, said Barry White, a spokesman for the California Employment Development Department.Officials in Connecticut and Texas also said they could need to start borrowing in May to pay unemployment claims.

Unemployment surge pushing state funds toward insolvency

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 8a.m. April 25, deputies responded to 5518 County Road 5800 near Cherryvale for report of a burglary. 

The owner reported his shed was broken into and security camera video also showed the suspects enter the victim's home while he was asleep, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies identified the suspects as Christopher Whittley and Melinda Mattlock. With the help of police and the Kansas Highway Patrol, deputies located the suspect's vehicle and made an arrest during a traffic stop.

Whittley is being held on requested charges of theft, criminal damage to property and aggravated burglary. Mattlock is being held for aggravated burglary, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588023335773.png" alt="Whittley -Photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Whittley -Photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.Just after 8a.m. April 25, deputies responded to 5518 County Road 5800 near Cherryvale for report of a burglary. The owner reported his shed was broken into and security camera video also showed the suspects enter the victim's home while he was asleep, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588023261505.png" alt="Matlock-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Matlock-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies identified the suspects as Christopher Whittley and Melinda Mattlock. With the help of police and the Kansas Highway Patrol, deputies located the suspect's vehicle and made an arrest during a traffic stop.Whittley is being held on requested charges of theft, criminal damage to property and aggravated burglary. Mattlock is being held for aggravated burglary, according to Wilson.

Sheriff: Kan. homeowner was sleeping during burglary 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday the federal government will not be extending its coronavirus social distancing guidelines once they expire Thursday, and his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, predicted that by July the country will be “really rocking again.”

Putting a positive face on the latest grim numbers — the U.S. death toll has now surpassed the Vietnam War — Trump delivered his daily upbeat update and Kushner described the administration’s much-criticized response to the pandemic as “a great success story.”

Trump also talked up the good news the day provided: Hopeful results for a possible COVID-19 treatment. But the government announced dismal new economic numbers as the pandemic took hold and shut down much of the country.

The U.S. economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate in first quarter of the year — a precursor to far grimmer reports that are expected this summer from the severe recession triggered by the pandemic.

The White House has been trying to pivot to a new stage of the crisis, focused on efforts to reopen the nation’s economy state-by-state amid concerns that lifting restrictions too quickly and without sufficient testing and contact tracing will spur a resurgence.

As part of that effort, Trump, who has both threatened to force states to reopen and said decisions will be left to them, said the White House will not be extending its “30 Days to Slow the Spread” guidelines when they expire Thursday.

“They’ll be fading out because now the governors are doing it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office as he met with John Bel Edwards, the Democratic governor of Louisiana.

Those guidelines — which were originally supposed to last 15 days and were then extended an additional 30 — encouraged Americans to work from home and avoid restaurants and discretionary travel and advised older Americans and those with serious underlying health conditions to isolate themselves.

Vice President Mike Pence said the guidelines have been incorporated into the new guidance issued by the White House earlier this month that lays out how states can gradually ease restrictions and begin to reopen as the rate of new cases slows.

Edwards, who recently extended Louisiana’s stay-at-home order through May 15, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2aa854e201d19ecddf18326b926fb19f">currently under fire</a>&nbsp;from Republican lawmakers in his state after he extended Louisiana’s stay-at-home order through May 15. As he was in Washington, some GOP legislators were trying to rally support to take the extraordinary step of trying to override the governor’s emergency decision-making about the state’s outbreak.

But Trump commended Edwards on the job he’s done after New Orleans became one of the nation’s coronavirus hot spots. “I just wanted to congratulate you,” Trump said.

The White House on Wednesday was also pointing to the prospect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b894f3b39f6915dcc3cc402438deaf0b">an experimental drug</a>, Remdesivir, which proved effective against the virus in a major new study run by the National Institutes of Health, shortening the time it takes for patients to recover by four days on average.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said the drug reduced the time it takes patients to recover by 31% — 11 days on average versus 15 days for those just given usual care.

“It’s highly significant,′ said the usually cautious doctor. “What it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”

The White House and Trump in particular have been eager to give the country positive news as they work to move past the crisis and rebuild the economy, even as the country’s death tally continues to rise. The U.S. has now recorded more than 58,000 deaths from the virus, surpassing the total number of Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/military/vietnam-war/casualty-statistics" target="_blank">who were killed</a>&nbsp;in the Vietnam War. More than one million people have now tested positive.

Trump said that number has risen so high in large part because of increased U.S. testing.

“That’s a tremendous amount and the reason is because of testing,” he said.

The U.S. has dramatically increased its testing after a slow and rocky start, but many health experts say the country still must do more — as many as 5 million a day — to safely reopen the economy. Otherwise, they warn, cases will skyrocket as Americans return to work, creating another deadly spike.

Trump has dismissed that recommended number, calling it unnecessary and a “media trap.”

Meanwhile Kushner, who has been helping with the effort to get medical supplies to states that need them, suggested in an interview with “Fox and Friends” that the federal government has accomplished its mission.

“We’re on the other side of the medical aspect of this. And I think that we’ve achieved all the different milestones that are needed. So the federal government rose to the challenge, and this is a great success story,” he said.

The administration, he added, is preparing the country to “get as close back to normal as possible as quickly as possible.”

“I think what you’ll see in May, as the states are reopening now, is May will be a transition month,” he said. “And I think you’ll see by June, a lot of the country should be back to normal and the hope is that ... by July the country is really rocking again.”

Fox News Channel will be holding a two-hour “virtual town hall” with Trump on Sunday evening at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588194794796.png" alt="President Trump answered questions during a roundtable with industry executives Wednesday-White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answered questions during a roundtable with industry executives Wednesday-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday the federal government will not be extending its coronavirus social distancing guidelines once they expire Thursday, and his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, predicted that by July the country will be “really rocking again.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Putting a positive face on the latest grim numbers — the U.S. death toll has now surpassed the Vietnam War — Trump delivered his daily upbeat update and Kushner described the administration’s much-criticized response to the pandemic as “a great success story.”Trump also talked up the good news the day provided: Hopeful results for a possible COVID-19 treatment. But the government announced dismal new economic numbers as the pandemic took hold and shut down much of the country.The U.S. economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate in first quarter of the year — a precursor to far grimmer reports that are expected this summer from the severe recession triggered by the pandemic.The White House has been trying to pivot to a new stage of the crisis, focused on efforts to reopen the nation’s economy state-by-state amid concerns that lifting restrictions too quickly and without sufficient testing and contact tracing will spur a resurgence.As part of that effort, Trump, who has both threatened to force states to reopen and said decisions will be left to them, said the White House will not be extending its “30 Days to Slow the Spread” guidelines when they expire Thursday.“They’ll be fading out because now the governors are doing it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office as he met with John Bel Edwards, the Democratic governor of Louisiana.Those guidelines — which were originally supposed to last 15 days and were then extended an additional 30 — encouraged Americans to work from home and avoid restaurants and discretionary travel and advised older Americans and those with serious underlying health conditions to isolate themselves.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vice President Mike Pence said the guidelines have been incorporated into the new guidance issued by the White House earlier this month that lays out how states can gradually ease restrictions and begin to reopen as the rate of new cases slows.Edwards, who recently extended Louisiana’s stay-at-home order through May 15, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2aa854e201d19ecddf18326b926fb19f">currently under fire</a>&nbsp;from Republican lawmakers in his state after he extended Louisiana’s stay-at-home order through May 15. As he was in Washington, some GOP legislators were trying to rally support to take the extraordinary step of trying to override the governor’s emergency decision-making about the state’s outbreak.But Trump commended Edwards on the job he’s done after New Orleans became one of the nation’s coronavirus hot spots. “I just wanted to congratulate you,” Trump said.The White House on Wednesday was also pointing to the prospect of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b894f3b39f6915dcc3cc402438deaf0b">an experimental drug</a>, Remdesivir, which proved effective against the virus in a major new study run by the National Institutes of Health, shortening the time it takes for patients to recover by four days on average.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, said the drug reduced the time it takes patients to recover by 31% — 11 days on average versus 15 days for those just given usual care.“It’s highly significant,′ said the usually cautious doctor. “What it has proven is that a drug can block this virus.”The White House and Trump in particular have been eager to give the country positive news as they work to move past the crisis and rebuild the economy, even as the country’s death tally continues to rise. The U.S. has now recorded more than 58,000 deaths from the virus, surpassing the total number of Americans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/military/vietnam-war/casualty-statistics" target="_blank">who were killed</a>&nbsp;in the Vietnam War. More than one million people have now tested positive.Trump said that number has risen so high in large part because of increased U.S. testing.“That’s a tremendous amount and the reason is because of testing,” he said.The U.S. has dramatically increased its testing after a slow and rocky start, but many health experts say the country still must do more — as many as 5 million a day — to safely reopen the economy. Otherwise, they warn, cases will skyrocket as Americans return to work, creating another deadly spike.Trump has dismissed that recommended number, calling it unnecessary and a “media trap.”Meanwhile Kushner, who has been helping with the effort to get medical supplies to states that need them, suggested in an interview with “Fox and Friends” that the federal government has accomplished its mission.“We’re on the other side of the medical aspect of this. And I think that we’ve achieved all the different milestones that are needed. So the federal government rose to the challenge, and this is a great success story,” he said.The administration, he added, is preparing the country to “get as close back to normal as possible as quickly as possible.”“I think what you’ll see in May, as the states are reopening now, is May will be a transition month,” he said. “And I think you’ll see by June, a lot of the country should be back to normal and the hope is that ... by July the country is really rocking again.”Fox News Channel will be holding a two-hour “virtual town hall” with Trump on Sunday evening at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.___

Federal social distancing guidelines to expire

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Worried relatives are demanding that Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly release some inmates to allow for better social distancing to control the spread of the coronavirus in prisons, the corrections department said Wednesday, as an outbreak at one facility grew to 150 cases.

Seventy-five members of staff at the Lansing Correction Facility have tested positive, amounting to 18% of the prison’s workforce, according to data posted on the Kansas Department of Corrections’ website. Fifteen of them have recovered and returned to work. In addition, 75 inmates are sick, and one of them — an unidentified man serving a sentence for first-degree murder — died over the weekend. The sickened include two inmates who were moved to Lansing from a work-release facility in Wichita after they tested positive.

Two inmates and one staffer at the women’s prison in Topeka also tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

Kelly has said repeatedly that efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and could be released early. She said Monday that an announcement would come this week.

Corrections spokeswoman Rebecca Witte said the department has received hundreds of calls from family members and friends inquiring about Kelly’s plan and “pleading the case for their loved one” to be released. Kelly has indicated that the number of inmates subject to early release won’t be large and that it isn’t possible to assess each inmate for eligibility on a case-by-case basis, Witte said.

“We realize that everyone in our system is someone’s sibling, someone’s child someones parent,” Witte said. “And all of those people want their loved ones home with them.”

Prisons nationally have been hit hard by the virus. The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has filed a lawsuit seeking the release of vulnerable inmates, contending it would not only prevent harm to vulnerable inmates, but would also reduce prison populations to ensure proper social distancing and reduce transmission of the virus to the remaining inmates.

The department isn’t able to test all inmates, Witte said. Inmates at two of the state’s prisons are making masks for other inmates to wear.

Kelly announced Wednesday that she would release her plan for reopening the state’s economy on Thursday evening. The state of emergency will run out on Friday and her stay-at-home order, which was imposed to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the general population, runs out at midnight on Sunday.

Kansas reported one additional COVID-19-related death Wednesday to bring the state’s total to 125. The state had 3,738 people who have tested positive, up 247 from Tuesday. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, or death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588193586788.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Wednesday press conference" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Wednesday press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Worried relatives are demanding that Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly release some inmates to allow for better social distancing to control the spread of the coronavirus in prisons, the corrections department said Wednesday, as an outbreak at one facility grew to 150 cases.Seventy-five members of staff at the Lansing Correction Facility have tested positive, amounting to 18% of the prison’s workforce, according to data posted on the Kansas Department of Corrections’ website. Fifteen of them have recovered and returned to work. In addition, 75 inmates are sick, and one of them — an unidentified man serving a sentence for first-degree murder — died over the weekend. The sickened include two inmates who were moved to Lansing from a work-release facility in Wichita after they tested positive.Two inmates and one staffer at the women’s prison in Topeka also tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588193753416.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly responded to questions about inmates during her press conference on Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly responded to questions about inmates during her press conference on Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly has said repeatedly that efforts are underway to identify inmates who are close to finishing their sentences and could be released early. She said Monday that an announcement would come this week.Corrections spokeswoman Rebecca Witte said the department has received hundreds of calls from family members and friends inquiring about Kelly’s plan and “pleading the case for their loved one” to be released. Kelly has indicated that the number of inmates subject to early release won’t be large and that it isn’t possible to assess each inmate for eligibility on a case-by-case basis, Witte said.“We realize that everyone in our system is someone’s sibling, someone’s child someones parent,” Witte said. “And all of those people want their loved ones home with them.”Prisons nationally have been hit hard by the virus. The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has filed a lawsuit seeking the release of vulnerable inmates, contending it would not only prevent harm to vulnerable inmates, but would also reduce prison populations to ensure proper social distancing and reduce transmission of the virus to the remaining inmates.The department isn’t able to test all inmates, Witte said. Inmates at two of the state’s prisons are making masks for other inmates to wear.Kelly announced Wednesday that she would release her plan for reopening the state’s economy on Thursday evening. The state of emergency will run out on Friday and her stay-at-home order, which was imposed to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the general population, runs out at midnight on Sunday.Kansas reported one additional COVID-19-related death Wednesday to bring the state’s total to 125. The state had 3,738 people who have tested positive, up 247 from Tuesday. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, or death.

Prison infections up with early release announcement coming

A federal appeals court says it is unconstitutional for Kansas to require proof of citizenship to vote.

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-29/federal-appeals-court-says-kansas-cant-demand-proof-of-citizenship-from-voters">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas law requiring people to prove they
 are U.S. citizens before registering to vote is unconstitutional, a 
federal court has ruled.

<a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/51/85/da9ad0de4c2a924a7f6ba7cea65c/10thcircuit.Ruling.042920.pdf" target="_blank">The decision</a> handed down Wednesday by the 10th
 Circuit Court of Appeals means that no proof of citizenship is needed 
ahead of this year’s August primary and November general elections.

It
 stymies an effort by the state to reinstate the law, which a lower 
court overturned in 2016 in response to a challenge filed by the 
American Civil Liberties Union.

“This decision safeguarding the 
rights of over 30,000 Kansas voters — including our clients — to 
participate in the 2020 upcoming elections free from unconstitutional 
burdens is a victory for democracy in Kansas,” ACLU of Kansas Executive 
Director Nadine Johnson.

Kansas lawmakers passed the 
proof-of-citizenship law in 2013 at the urging of former Kansas 
Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who at the time was building a national 
reputation for his efforts to combat what he claimed was pervasive voter
 fraud.

Later, as the leader of President Donald Trump’s 
now-defunct voter fraud commission, Kobach repeated the president’s 
unsubstantiated claim that millions of undocumented immigrants illegally
 voted in the 2016 election.

The appeals court said in its ruling 
that voter fraud isn’t a significant problem in Kansas. Between 1999 and
 2013, a total of 39 non-citizens living in Kansas registered to vote, 
mostly due to administrative mistakes. At the time, that was 0.002% of 
the state’s more than 1.76 million registered voters.

The panel 
also said that both Kobach and his successor, current Kansas Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab, “failed to show that a substantial number of 
non-citizens registered to vote.”

The relatively few cases of 
fraud, the justices said, don’t justify the burden the law imposed on 
the 31,089 voters who had their registration applications canceled or 
suspended between 2013 and 2016.

Schwab, a Republican elected in 
2018, issued a one-sentence statement Wednesday, saying his office was 
“thoroughly reviewing” the ruling and conferring with Kansas Attorney 
General Derek Schmidt on “how to move forward.”

Kobach, who is running for the GOP nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Dale
 Ho, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, urged Schwab to “turn
 the page on Kris Kobach’s sorry legacy of voter suppression” by not 
appealing the ruling.

Jim McLean is the senior correspondent 
for 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. You can 
reach him on Twitter @jmcleanks or email jim@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588187805638.png" alt="Kris Kobach urged for the passage of the law several years ago when he was Kansas' secretary of state. Scott Canon / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kris Kobach urged for the passage of the law several years ago when he was Kansas' secretary of state. Scott Canon / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A federal appeals court says it is unconstitutional for Kansas to require proof of citizenship to vote.</h2>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-29/federal-appeals-court-says-kansas-cant-demand-proof-of-citizenship-from-voters">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas law requiring people to prove they
 are U.S. citizens before registering to vote is unconstitutional, a 
federal court has ruled.<a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/51/85/da9ad0de4c2a924a7f6ba7cea65c/10thcircuit.Ruling.042920.pdf" target="_blank">The decision</a> handed down Wednesday by the 10th
 Circuit Court of Appeals means that no proof of citizenship is needed 
ahead of this year’s August primary and November general elections.It
 stymies an effort by the state to reinstate the law, which a lower 
court overturned in 2016 in response to a challenge filed by the 
American Civil Liberties Union.“This decision safeguarding the 
rights of over 30,000 Kansas voters — including our clients — to 
participate in the 2020 upcoming elections free from unconstitutional 
burdens is a victory for democracy in Kansas,” ACLU of Kansas Executive 
Director Nadine Johnson.Kansas lawmakers passed the 
proof-of-citizenship law in 2013 at the urging of former Kansas 
Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who at the time was building a national 
reputation for his efforts to combat what he claimed was pervasive voter
 fraud.Later, as the leader of President Donald Trump’s 
now-defunct voter fraud commission, Kobach repeated the president’s 
unsubstantiated claim that millions of undocumented immigrants illegally
 voted in the 2016 election.The appeals court said in its ruling 
that voter fraud isn’t a significant problem in Kansas. Between 1999 and
 2013, a total of 39 non-citizens living in Kansas registered to vote, 
mostly due to administrative mistakes. At the time, that was 0.002% of 
the state’s more than 1.76 million registered voters.The panel 
also said that both Kobach and his successor, current Kansas Secretary 
of State Scott Schwab, “failed to show that a substantial number of 
non-citizens registered to vote.”The relatively few cases of 
fraud, the justices said, don’t justify the burden the law imposed on 
the 31,089 voters who had their registration applications canceled or 
suspended between 2013 and 2016.Schwab, a Republican elected in 
2018, issued a one-sentence statement Wednesday, saying his office was 
“thoroughly reviewing” the ruling and conferring with Kansas Attorney 
General Derek Schmidt on “how to move forward.”Kobach, who is running for the GOP nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.Dale
 Ho, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, urged Schwab to “turn
 the page on Kris Kobach’s sorry legacy of voter suppression” by not 
appealing the ruling.Jim McLean is the senior correspondent 
for 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. You can 
reach him on Twitter @jmcleanks or email jim@kcur.org.