TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.

“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”

Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.

To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>

The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly removed her face mask Monday just before beginning a news conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has issued an order directing Kansas residents to wear masks in public places and their workplaces.“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said in a media release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.To view EO #20-52,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgovernor.kansas.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2F20200702093130003.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cd0393e73597e4261404a08d81e973ed2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637292982220415218&amp;sdata=Og56J0QqjqBR87kmMyAv7zXzf%2BIeTqzEtHvyNmlb9pY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">click here.</a>The order Thursday is likely to provoke a backlash from the Republican-controlled Legislature even though enforcement is expected to be lax. Kelly issued the order after the state saw a surge in reported coronavirus cases following her decision to lift statewide restrictions on businesses and public gatherings May 26. She left the rules to the state’s 105 counties after weeks of complaints from Republican lawmakers that she was moving too slowly to reopen the economy. The new mask requirement will take effect Friday.

Governor signs order requiring masks be worn in public, at work

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A 21-year-old Kansas man arrested in connection with a June 18, shooting in Wichita has made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Larry Triplett of Wichita was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is charged with aggravated battery, great bodily harm, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, failure to comply and remains jailed on a bond of $750,000, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just before 1a.m. June 18, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment of serious conditions.

The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.

Triplett pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a silver Chrysler 200 vehicle belonging to the victim’s friend.&nbsp; Triplett then took property from the victim and fled with the other individuals.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and after asking the public for help with information have made an arrest.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as&nbsp;21-year-old Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.

Late Thursday, Triplet was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is being held on a bond of $750,000 on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and failure to comply, according to online jail records.

If any community members have video or photos of this incident, they can upload them at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118" target="_blank">https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118</a>

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help with information.&nbsp;

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 Block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the scene, officers located a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his body. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, police determined the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains when a disturbance occurred with a male suspect, according to Davidson.&nbsp;

The suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots which struck the victim and also a vehicle owned by the victim's friend.

The victim also reported the suspect took property from him and then fled with other individuals who were in the area.&nbsp; During the investigation, police also recovered multiple shell casings.

Authorities do not believe this is a random incident, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593188114068.png" alt="Triplett photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Triplett photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A 21-year-old Kansas man arrested in connection with a June 18, shooting in Wichita has made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.Larry Triplett of Wichita was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is charged with aggravated battery, great bodily harm, aggravated robbery, criminal discharge of a firearm, failure to comply and remains jailed on a bond of $750,000, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just before 1a.m. June 18, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment of serious conditions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593103931771.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.Triplett pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a silver Chrysler 200 vehicle belonging to the victim’s friend.&nbsp; Triplett then took property from the victim and fled with the other individuals.----SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and after asking the public for help with information have made an arrest.Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located the 19-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his body. Officers also found multiple shell casings.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for medical treatment. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593103931771.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains parking lot in Wichita when a disturbance ensued with a suspect identified as&nbsp;21-year-old Larry Triplett, III of Wichita.Triplett pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking the victim and a silver Chrysler 200 vehicle belonging to the victim’s friend.&nbsp; Triplett then took property from the victim and fled with the other individuals.Late Thursday, Triplet was arrested without incident with the assistance of Kansas Highway Patrol during a vehicle stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Cassoday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler. He is being held on a bond of $750,000 on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and failure to comply, according to online jail records.If any community members have video or photos of this incident, they can upload them at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118" target="_blank">https://wichitapd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/20c038118</a>------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help with information.&nbsp;Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in a parking lot in the 900 Block of West Central in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the scene, officers located a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his body. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment.During the investigation, police determined the 19-year-old and a friend were in the small parking area on the north side of The Keeper of the Plains when a disturbance occurred with a male suspect, according to Davidson.&nbsp;The suspect pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots which struck the victim and also a vehicle owned by the victim's friend.The victim also reported the suspect took property from him and then fled with other individuals who were in the area.&nbsp; During the investigation, police also recovered multiple shell casings.Authorities do not believe this is a random incident, according to Davidson.

Suspect charged in shooting, robbery near Wichita attraction

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus, speeding the measure to President Donald Trump.

Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.

The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8. Lawmakers created the program in March and have modified it twice since, adding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives.

About $130 billion of $660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.

Sponsors of the program, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Small Business Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., want to re-purpose the money in a way that’s more targeted for businesses suffering during the upswing in cases.

It was part of an almost $3 trillion federal response to a menacing virus that has slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.

The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans have been a lifeline to almost 5 million firms, but business owners are looking for more flexibility and aid that helps them survive over the long haul.

Congressional action came as lawmakers were set to exit Washington for more than two weeks. Upon their return, talks were expected to begin on a fifth coronavirus relief measure.

The House has already passed a $3.5 trillion measure that’s a dead letter in the Senate, but the spike in cases may mean less resistance among Senate Republicans to a new measure. The next COVID rescue effort was likely to focus on aid to state and local governments, an extension of unemployment insurance benefits, and another round of direct payments to individuals.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats drove a temporary extension of a popular subsidy program for small businesses through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday, an unexpected development that came as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states are causing renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.

The move by Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin came hours before a deadline for applying for the program, which was created in March and modified twice since. Cardin, the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, asked for unanimous approval of the extension of the Paycheck Protection Program through Aug. 8.

Minority lawmakers are hardly ever successful in such attempts, but the pressure swayed Republicans controlling the Senate, who have delayed consideration of a fifth coronavirus relief bill and are preparing to go home for a two-week recess.

About $130 billion remains of $660 billion approved so far for the subsidy program, which provides direct subsidies to businesses harmed by the coronavirus pandemic, which slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.

The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans been a lifeline to more than 4 million businesses.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York took a victory lap after the unexpectedly successful maneuver, saying renewed economic troubles are reviving interest in the program.

“There are large numbers of businesses who are going to need to apply now. Had this program run out today, they would have been out of luck,” Schumer said. “Now with this renewal, short time, August 8, they at least get the chance to reapply.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary extension of a subsidy program for small businesses slammed by the coronavirus, speeding the measure to President Donald Trump.Approval by voice vote without debate came after Democrats pushed the legislation through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states led to renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.Trump was expected to sign the measure.The legislation extends the June 30 deadline for applying for the program to Aug. 8. Lawmakers created the program in March and have modified it twice since, adding money on one occasion and more recently permitting more flexible use of the funding despite some grumbling among GOP conservatives.About $130 billion of $660 billion approved for the program remains eligible for businesses to seek direct federal subsidies for payroll and other costs such as rent, though demand for the Paycheck Protection Program has pretty much dried up in recent weeks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593545192155.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin testified Tuesday before a House Committee on Financial Services on oversight of the Treasury Department&nbsp; pandemic response.&nbsp; Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin testified Tuesday before a House Committee on Financial Services on oversight of the Treasury Department&nbsp; pandemic response.&nbsp; Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Sponsors of the program, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Senate Small Business Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., want to re-purpose the money in a way that’s more targeted for businesses suffering during the upswing in cases.It was part of an almost $3 trillion federal response to a menacing virus that has slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans have been a lifeline to almost 5 million firms, but business owners are looking for more flexibility and aid that helps them survive over the long haul.Congressional action came as lawmakers were set to exit Washington for more than two weeks. Upon their return, talks were expected to begin on a fifth coronavirus relief measure.The House has already passed a $3.5 trillion measure that’s a dead letter in the Senate, but the spike in cases may mean less resistance among Senate Republicans to a new measure. The next COVID rescue effort was likely to focus on aid to state and local governments, an extension of unemployment insurance benefits, and another round of direct payments to individuals.---------WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats drove a temporary extension of a popular subsidy program for small businesses through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday, an unexpected development that came as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states are causing renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses.The move by Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin came hours before a deadline for applying for the program, which was created in March and modified twice since. Cardin, the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, asked for unanimous approval of the extension of the Paycheck Protection Program through Aug. 8.Minority lawmakers are hardly ever successful in such attempts, but the pressure swayed Republicans controlling the Senate, who have delayed consideration of a fifth coronavirus relief bill and are preparing to go home for a two-week recess.About $130 billion remains of $660 billion approved so far for the subsidy program, which provides direct subsidies to businesses harmed by the coronavirus pandemic, which slammed the economy as consumers and workers were forced to stay at home through much of spring.The subsidies come in the form of federal loans that can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs. The loans been a lifeline to more than 4 million businesses.Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York took a victory lap after the unexpectedly successful maneuver, saying renewed economic troubles are reviving interest in the program.“There are large numbers of businesses who are going to need to apply now. Had this program run out today, they would have been out of luck,” Schumer said. “Now with this renewal, short time, August 8, they at least get the chance to reapply.”

Congress extends relief program for COVID-slammed businesses

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.

Dr. Lee Norman, the top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”

Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.

Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.

Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.

One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.

The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.

“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”

Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.

Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.

Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”

Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.

“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”

The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.

The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.

Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.

<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.

Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593684498845.png" alt="During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."" />
 <figcaption>During his Wednesday news conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said,&nbsp; "We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it."</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ top public health official predicted Wednesday that the state will face steeper increases in coronavirus cases and suggested that it blew its chance for a summer respite from the pandemic by reopening its economy too quickly.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F574144539956381%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>Dr. Lee Norman, the top administrator at the state Department of Health and Environment, blamed a recent surge in new confirmed cases on gatherings over the long Memorial Day weekend and the May 26 lifting of statewide restrictions on businesses and gatherings. He said Kansas remains struck in its first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.“We’d have to have some calm before the next wave, and we’re not there or anywhere close to it,” Norman said after a Statehouse news conference during which he described Kansas as being “in the middle of a bad convergence.”Norman’s comments came a day before Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who appointed him, was to issue&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">an executive order requiring people to wear masks</a>&nbsp;in public. The order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2ed56b6d64038adee0dc17465073232b">could be toothless</a>&nbsp;in much of the state because a law enacted last month allows counties to opt out and a mask requirement might not be enforced even if counties don’t do that.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593622993638.png" alt="July 1, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 1, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area and Douglas County in northeastern Kansas, which is home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks. The health officer in Douglas County also ordered bars there closed for two weeks, starting Friday, after reported COVID-19 cases more than doubled in the last two weeks, from 85 to 188 as of Wednesday.Kansas has had 14,990 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started, including 547 new ones since Monday for a 3.8% increase in two days. There were also two new COVID-19 deaths since Monday, raising the state’s overall tally to 272.One new case involved an employee of the Kansas Legislature who tested positive along with his father and stepmother. Tom Day, director of legislative administrative services, said the employee has been working from home for a week and, “There has been very little contact with anyone else” in the Statehouse.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">Kelly lifted statewide restrictions</a>&nbsp;on businesses and public gatherings immediately after Memorial Day, Kansas has had 5,653 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which amounted to a 61% increase, and 84 deaths, for a 45% jump.The Democratic governor’s action left the rules for businesses and gatherings to the state’s 105 counties and came after weeks of criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was reopening the economy too slowly.“We are seeing a significant increase in clusters related to gatherings where masks are not being worn, bars in particular,” Norman said. “I’m worried about what we’re going to see happening over July Fourth.”Norman said he’s also worried that Kansas will see another spike in cases this fall because the State Fair is still set to take place in Hutchinson despite the pandemic. The fair board voted Tuesday to hold the event Sept. 11-20.Patrons will be required to wear masks at indoor commercial and competitive exhibit spaces and will be encouraged to wear them elsewhere. But crowds won’t be limited.Norman called the decision to proceed with the event against his recommendation “disappointing.”Fair General Manager Robin Jennison said its safety plan will be fine-tuned as needed.“It’s a tremendous boost for the economy of the area,”&nbsp; “A lot of us feel at some point we need to get back on with our lives.”The novel coronavirus’ spread slowed in Kansas from mid-May until mid-June, but it has since had a resurgence.The number of new cases a day for the two-week period ending Wednesday was 236, which was the state’s highest figure since the two weeks that ended May 15. The figure dipped to 95 for the two weeks that ended June 14.Sixteen counties have seen reported cases more than double during the past two weeks, and another six counties that had none as of June 17 have had at least one, including Thomas County in northwest Kansas, which now has 15.<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">Riley County</a>&nbsp;has seen its reported cases more than double, to 219 from 88 two weeks ago, something local officials attribute mainly to cases among people 18 to 24 who’ve frequented the Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan.Neighboring Geary County also has seen its reported cases more than double, to 70 from 30 two weeks ago, and adjacent Pottawatomie County has seen an 85% jump, from 40 to 74.___

🎥  Dr. Lee Norman: Kansas blew chance for coronavirus respite

SEWARD COUNTY—A tornado moved across northern Seward County just before 8p.m. Wednesday, according the National Weather Service.

 Areas north of Kismet were in the path of the tornado that briefly touched down.

The area received heavy rain but there were no reports of damage or injury early Thursday, according to law enforcement authorities in Seward County.

SEWARD COUNTY—A tornado moved across northern Seward County just before 8p.m. Wednesday, according the National Weather Service. Areas north of Kismet were in the path of the tornado that briefly touched down.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> possible <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tornado?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tornado</a> definite <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/funnelcloud?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#funnelcloud</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KSNStormTrack3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KSNStormTrack3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ReedTimmerAccu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReedTimmerAccu</a> <a href="https://t.co/uLOe82rh6Z">pic.twitter.com/uLOe82rh6Z</a>&mdash; Troy Mayhew (@TroyMayhew) <a href="https://twitter.com/TroyMayhew/status/1278489537652686855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The area received heavy rain but there were no reports of damage or injury early Thursday, according to law enforcement authorities in Seward County.

Tornado rolls across portions of southwest Kansas 

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for a 2018 shooting outside a Kansas elementary school that killed one man and left another paralyzed.

Anthony Grable, 34, of Kansas City, Missouri, will not be eligible for parole for 50 years.

He pleaded guilty last year to first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and burglary.

In July 2018, Grable was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c59a04d4095b4f7087eb010bac7ffd9e">installing playground equipment&nbsp;</a>at Sunrise Point Elementary in Overland Park when a fight over tools escalated into a crime spree. Grable fatally shot Todd Eugene Davis and critically injured Efren Joaquin Gomez.

There were no children at the school at the time.

Grable then unsuccessfully tried to carjack someone at a car wash, then stole an SUV from a man a few blocks away. Police said he drove to the carjacking victim’s house, where he was taken into custody after a standoff.

In an unsuccessful defense motion that sought a lesser sentence, his attorney said Grable was experiencing a mental health crisis on the day of the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593685570792.png" alt="Grable photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Grable photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for a 2018 shooting outside a Kansas elementary school that killed one man and left another paralyzed.Anthony Grable, 34, of Kansas City, Missouri, will not be eligible for parole for 50 years.He pleaded guilty last year to first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and burglary.In July 2018, Grable was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c59a04d4095b4f7087eb010bac7ffd9e">installing playground equipment&nbsp;</a>at Sunrise Point Elementary in Overland Park when a fight over tools escalated into a crime spree. Grable fatally shot Todd Eugene Davis and critically injured Efren Joaquin Gomez.There were no children at the school at the time.Grable then unsuccessfully tried to carjack someone at a car wash, then stole an SUV from a man a few blocks away. Police said he drove to the carjacking victim’s house, where he was taken into custody after a standoff.In an unsuccessful defense motion that sought a lesser sentence, his attorney said Grable was experiencing a mental health crisis on the day of the shooting.

Man sentenced for fatal shooting at Kansas school playground

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp;an internal theft that included guns, drugs and $145,000 in cash at the Sedgwick County Property and Evidence storage site have made a second arrest.

On Wednesday, Marc Gordon, the former Property and Evidence Technician, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on a warrant for Felony Official Misconduct and 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, according to sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers.

On June 26, Robert White, the former Property and Evidence Supervisor, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility for Distribution of Cocaine, Felony Official Misconduct, 2 counts of Felony Theft, 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, and 10 counts of Possession with Intent, according to Myers.

On January 24, an administrative investigation was initiated on a Gordon for not following proper procedures and policy violations. He was then suspended from work on February 3.

On February 5, White, the Property and Evidence Supervisor was reassigned to another function of the Sheriff’s Office. On February 26, the investigation turned from an administrative investigation to a criminal investigation. As of February 27, both of White and&nbsp; are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office.

While conducting an internal audit, evidence was found to be missing and it was discovered that items set for destruction were missing. The time line stretches of effected cases goes back several years.&nbsp;

Since February 26, sheriff's department investigators have been trying to identify any and all evidence that has been stolen and auditing evidence that is still in our possession. During this same time frame the criminal investigation has been progressing. Over 50,000 pieces of evidence are stored in Property and Evidence. Currently, we know that approximately $145,000 in money, drugs, seven guns, and power tools were stolen. One of the stolen guns has been recovered.

Authorities do not anticipate any other arrests in connection to the investigation at Property and Evidence, according to Myers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593632950182.png" alt="Gordon photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Gordon photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp;an internal theft that included guns, drugs and $145,000 in cash at the Sedgwick County Property and Evidence storage site have made a second arrest.On Wednesday, Marc Gordon, the former Property and Evidence Technician, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility on a warrant for Felony Official Misconduct and 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, according to sheriff's Lt. Tim Myers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593361566910.png" alt="White" />
 <figcaption>White</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 26, Robert White, the former Property and Evidence Supervisor, was booked in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility for Distribution of Cocaine, Felony Official Misconduct, 2 counts of Felony Theft, 3 counts of Misdemeanor Theft, and 10 counts of Possession with Intent, according to Myers.On January 24, an administrative investigation was initiated on a Gordon for not following proper procedures and policy violations. He was then suspended from work on February 3.On February 5, White, the Property and Evidence Supervisor was reassigned to another function of the Sheriff’s Office. On February 26, the investigation turned from an administrative investigation to a criminal investigation. As of February 27, both of White and&nbsp; are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office.While conducting an internal audit, evidence was found to be missing and it was discovered that items set for destruction were missing. The time line stretches of effected cases goes back several years.&nbsp;Since February 26, sheriff's department investigators have been trying to identify any and all evidence that has been stolen and auditing evidence that is still in our possession. During this same time frame the criminal investigation has been progressing. Over 50,000 pieces of evidence are stored in Property and Evidence. Currently, we know that approximately $145,000 in money, drugs, seven guns, and power tools were stolen. One of the stolen guns has been recovered.Authorities do not anticipate any other arrests in connection to the investigation at Property and Evidence, according to Myers.

2nd Kan. jail employee accused of theft from property, evidence site

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — An Overland Park police officer who fatally shot a 17-year-old who was backing out of the family’s garage received $70,000 as part of a severance package when he agreed to resign, city officials said.

Former officer Clayton Jenison killed John Albers in January 2018 after responding to the family’s home when Albers’ friends reporting he was making suicidal comments. Police said Albers backed the minivan out of the family’s garage toward Jenison, who yelled at him to stop and then fired 13 times.

Albers parents were not home at the time.

The Johnson County District Attorney later ruled the shooting was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e1f2fd04bf44b068f51897677880dfc">justified</a>&nbsp;because Jenison feared for his life.

In a statement Tuesday, the city of Overland Park said the compensation package and severance payment given to Jenison in exchange for his resignation were in the best interest of the community, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/overland-park-officer-who-shot-17-year-old-received-70000-payout-to-resign/" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Albers’ family settled a wrongful death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af71e84e02ea41b8af098e2dee11ec4f">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the city for $2.3 million. His mother, Sheila Albers, said Tuesday she was “disgusted” by the Jenison’s payout.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593636325995.png" alt="John Albers photo courtesy&nbsp; McGilley Memorial Chapel" />
 <figcaption>John Albers photo courtesy&nbsp; McGilley Memorial Chapel</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — An Overland Park police officer who fatally shot a 17-year-old who was backing out of the family’s garage received $70,000 as part of a severance package when he agreed to resign, city officials said.Former officer Clayton Jenison killed John Albers in January 2018 after responding to the family’s home when Albers’ friends reporting he was making suicidal comments. Police said Albers backed the minivan out of the family’s garage toward Jenison, who yelled at him to stop and then fired 13 times.Albers parents were not home at the time.The Johnson County District Attorney later ruled the shooting was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8e1f2fd04bf44b068f51897677880dfc">justified</a>&nbsp;because Jenison feared for his life.In a statement Tuesday, the city of Overland Park said the compensation package and severance payment given to Jenison in exchange for his resignation were in the best interest of the community, WDAF-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/overland-park-officer-who-shot-17-year-old-received-70000-payout-to-resign/" target="_blank">reported.</a>Albers’ family settled a wrongful death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/af71e84e02ea41b8af098e2dee11ec4f">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the city for $2.3 million. His mother, Sheila Albers, said Tuesday she was “disgusted” by the Jenison’s payout.

Kansas officer who fatally shot teen gets $70,000 payout

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three reports of alleged aggravated battery involving fireworks.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a disturbance with a weapons call at a business in the 1600 Block of East Lincoln in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the scene, a 19-year-old woman told police she was sitting in her vehicle with the window down. A suspect in a white vehicle threw a mortar-style firework that exploded next to her vehicle. The blast caused minor injuries to her and her vehicle, according to Davidson.

A short time later, police responded to the Pumphouse, 825 East 2nd Street in Wichita's Old Town.

A white Dodge Avenger with tinted windows pulled up along outdoor diners and the vehicle's passenger tossed a lit mortar firework onto the patio and under a table. There were no series injuries or damage to property.

Just after 10:45 p.m. police responded to the 600 Block of North Seneca where multiple individuals told officers a suspect in a white vehicle threw fireworks at those walking in the area. There were no injuries.

Police are looking for the newer model Dodge Avenger, driver and multiple passengers reportedly involved. In addition to the tinted windows, the vehicle has damage on the rear drivers side bumper, according to Davidson.

Police believe all three cases are connected.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three reports of alleged aggravated battery involving fireworks.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FtheREALpumphouse%2Fvideos%2F736137433826230%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="317" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a disturbance with a weapons call at a business in the 1600 Block of East Lincoln in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the scene, a 19-year-old woman told police she was sitting in her vehicle with the window down. A suspect in a white vehicle threw a mortar-style firework that exploded next to her vehicle. The blast caused minor injuries to her and her vehicle, according to Davidson.A short time later, police responded to the Pumphouse, 825 East 2nd Street in Wichita's Old Town.A white Dodge Avenger with tinted windows pulled up along outdoor diners and the vehicle's passenger tossed a lit mortar firework onto the patio and under a table. There were no series injuries or damage to property.Just after 10:45 p.m. police responded to the 600 Block of North Seneca where multiple individuals told officers a suspect in a white vehicle threw fireworks at those walking in the area. There were no injuries.Police are looking for the newer model Dodge Avenger, driver and multiple passengers reportedly involved. In addition to the tinted windows, the vehicle has damage on the rear drivers side bumper, according to Davidson.Police believe all three cases are connected.&nbsp;

🎥 Police investigate lit fireworks thrown onto patio at Kan. restaurant

BARTON COUNTY&nbsp; —Two people were injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Barton County.

&nbsp;Investigation at the scene indicates a 2020 Ford F250 pickup truck operated by Kayden M Calloway age 24, Hoisington, was northbound on NE. 50th Avenue, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Calloway failed to yield right-of-way while attempting to make a turn onto Kansas 96.&nbsp; A westbound 2010 Peterbilt truck tractor operated by Francis E Mastel age 71, Rantoul, Kansas, struck the F250.

&nbsp;A third vehicle, a 2017 Ford F 150 operated by Craig Fischer, 66 of Ellinwood was eastbound and went into the south ditch in an attempt to avoid the collision of the other two vehicles. 

The F250 struck Fischer's vehicle&nbsp; when it overturned and rolled into the ditch, according to Bellendir.

Mastel and Calloway were transported to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Fischer was treated at the scene and released. 

The semi-trailer was loaded with 58 head of cattle and overturned during the collision. Men and equipment were brought to the scene to assist in removing the cattle from the truck. K96 was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours, according to Bellendir.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS service and Kansas Department of Transportation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593640235434.jpeg" alt="Photo of Wednesday crash photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo of Wednesday crash photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY&nbsp; —Two people were injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Barton County.&nbsp;Investigation at the scene indicates a 2020 Ford F250 pickup truck operated by Kayden M Calloway age 24, Hoisington, was northbound on NE. 50th Avenue, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Calloway failed to yield right-of-way while attempting to make a turn onto Kansas 96.&nbsp; A westbound 2010 Peterbilt truck tractor operated by Francis E Mastel age 71, Rantoul, Kansas, struck the F250.&nbsp;A third vehicle, a 2017 Ford F 150 operated by Craig Fischer, 66 of Ellinwood was eastbound and went into the south ditch in an attempt to avoid the collision of the other two vehicles. The F250 struck Fischer's vehicle&nbsp; when it overturned and rolled into the ditch, according to Bellendir.Mastel and Calloway were transported to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Fischer was treated at the scene and released. The semi-trailer was loaded with 58 head of cattle and overturned during the collision. Men and equipment were brought to the scene to assist in removing the cattle from the truck. K96 was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours, according to Bellendir.The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS service and Kansas Department of Transportation.

2 hospitalized after crash with cattle truck on Kansas highway

Kansas City (AP) — Police in suburban Kansas City say a teenager has been killed and two others injured in a shooting outside a shopping center.

Raytown police said officers were called to the Raytown Plaza shopping center around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a male teen with gunshot wounds outside a smoke shop. The teen, who had not been identified by Wednesday morning, died at the scene, police said.

A short time later, officers found two other men with wounds about a block away inside a laundromat at the other end of the shopping center. At least one had been shot, police said. Both were taken to hospitals, but their medical conditions were not known.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593634855477.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation late Tuesday -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation late Tuesday -photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — Police in suburban Kansas City say a teenager has been killed and two others injured in a shooting outside a shopping center.Raytown police said officers were called to the Raytown Plaza shopping center around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a male teen with gunshot wounds outside a smoke shop. The teen, who had not been identified by Wednesday morning, died at the scene, police said.A short time later, officers found two other men with wounds about a block away inside a laundromat at the other end of the shopping center. At least one had been shot, police said. Both were taken to hospitals, but their medical conditions were not known.

Teen killed, 2 injured in suburban Kansas City shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the disappearance and death of a 23-year-old Kansas woman say it was not a homicide.

Investigators have determined that Savannah Schneider who was last seen at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo in Wichita on May 31, used a Lyft to travel to the address on South Meridian south of Haysville near where search crews found her body, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens

On that same evening, through phone records and additional information, investigators learned that she walked approximately 3 miles around that property in the dark for approximately 2 hours. Her sight disability would have made it difficult to find her way in the dark. The autopsy didn't find any tramatic injury to her body, according to Stephens.&nbsp; 

In addition, at the location where searchers found her body, there was no indication of any type of assault and she still had her personal belongings with her. That rules out homicide in this case, according to Stephens.

Officials are still waiting on toxicology tests results.&nbsp;

Stephens also confirmed that Schneider's death and that of 27-year-old&nbsp;Shalan Gannon, whose body was recovered from the Ninnescah River on June 7 in Sumner County are not related. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is still working to determine circumstances in Gannon's murder.

WICHITA —Police have identified the body found south of Haysville on Saturday as 23-year-old Savannah Schneider of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schneider's body was found by citizens who formed a search group to look for her.

Investigators are currently working with the Regional Forensic Science Center to determine the circumstances of her death.

Schneider was last seen on Sunday, May 31, at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo in Wichita.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to please call detectives at 316-268-4407, See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591390996010.png" alt="Savannah Schneider -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Savannah Schneider -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the disappearance and death of a 23-year-old Kansas woman say it was not a homicide.Investigators have determined that Savannah Schneider who was last seen at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo in Wichita on May 31, used a Lyft to travel to the address on South Meridian south of Haysville near where search crews found her body, according to Wichita Police Captain Jason StephensOn that same evening, through phone records and additional information, investigators learned that she walked approximately 3 miles around that property in the dark for approximately 2 hours. Her sight disability would have made it difficult to find her way in the dark. The autopsy didn't find any tramatic injury to her body, according to Stephens.&nbsp; In addition, at the location where searchers found her body, there was no indication of any type of assault and she still had her personal belongings with her. That rules out homicide in this case, according to Stephens.Officials are still waiting on toxicology tests results.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591985077348.png" alt="Shalan Gannon -photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Shalan Gannon -photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephens also confirmed that Schneider's death and that of 27-year-old&nbsp;Shalan Gannon, whose body was recovered from the Ninnescah River on June 7 in Sumner County are not related. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is still working to determine circumstances in Gannon's murder.------------WICHITA —Police have identified the body found south of Haysville on Saturday as 23-year-old Savannah Schneider of Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592253748646.png" alt="Search crews and law enforcement on the scene near Haysville on Saturday- photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Search crews and law enforcement on the scene near Haysville on Saturday- photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Schneider's body was found by citizens who formed a search group to look for her.Investigators are currently working with the Regional Forensic Science Center to determine the circumstances of her death.Schneider was last seen on Sunday, May 31, at her home in the 10300 block of West Alamo in Wichita.Anyone with information on this case is asked to please call detectives at 316-268-4407, See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police: Kansas woman's death not homicide 

TOPEKA —Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman held a Wednesday news conference to discuss the recent increase in coronavirus cases across the state.&nbsp;

On Friday, Kansans will be required to wear face masks in public spaces, according to an executive order from Gov. Laura Kelly.

On Wednesday afternoon, the KDHE reported 547 additional coronavirus cases in Kansas since Monday.

TOPEKA —Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman held a Wednesday news conference to discuss the recent increase in coronavirus cases across the state.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F574144539956381%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>On Friday, Kansans will be required to wear face masks in public spaces, according to an executive order from Gov. Laura Kelly.On Wednesday afternoon, the KDHE reported 547 additional coronavirus cases in Kansas since Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593622993638.png" alt="July 1, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 1, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  KDHE Secretary on increase in coronavirus across Kansas

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 547 to a total of 14,990, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

<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 547 to a total of 14,990, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 272<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/2020/7/1593622993638.png" alt="July 1, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>July 1, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly’s planned order requiring Kansas residents to wear masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus could be toothless in many parts of the state because counties can exempt themselves and even those that don’t, might not enforce it.

Officials in some counties already were signalling Tuesday that they planned to opt out of Kelly’s mandate. The order, which Kelly is expected to issue Thursday ahead of it taking effect Friday, was to make masks mandatory in stores, restaurants and in any situation where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside.

Wyandotte County, in the Kansas City area, and Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks.

In Sedgwick County, which home to the state’s largest city, Wichita, County Commissioner Jim Howell said he has been inundated with emails since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">Kelly announced the mask requirement</a>&nbsp;Monday.

“In our state we love our freedom,” Howell said. “In practice we can encourage and educate. And then we have to trust them to make the best decision for themselves and their family.”

Kansas has seen a spike in confirmed coronavirus cases since May 26, when Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions&nbsp;</a>on businesses and public gathering and left decisions to the state’s 105 counties. The Democratic governor had faced complaints for weeks from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was too slow in reopening the state’s economy.

The state Department of Health and Environment reported 14,443 cases as of Monday, which was up by more than 3,000, or 26.5%, in the previous two weeks. Kansas also reported 270 COVID-19-related deaths, which was an increase of 25, or 10%, over the previous two weeks.

During those two weeks, reported cases tied to gatherings, such as groups in bars and restaurants, church events and family get-togethers, increased by 55%, up 110 to 311.

Warren Howe, a salesman for a fire alarm, extinguisher and safety-training company, said as he ate lunch at the Burger Stand in Topeka that Kelly’s executive order “makes sense” in areas like the Kansas capital.

“I’m not living out in small town western Kansas where I think it would probably be a different situation, but I don’t think it’s an issue with so many people,” Howe said. “It’s a temporary thing to do our thing to stay safe.”

In Topeka’s home county, Shawnee, the health officer issued an order limiting bars to operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting Thursday. They will also have to close their dance floors.

Sedgwick County’s top medical official is recommending limits on restaurant occupancy and a ban on large sports tournaments and similar activities that draw participants from states with high coronavirus rates. During the two weeks ending Monday, Sedgwick County saw a nearly 66% increase in reported cases, up 500 to 1,260.

Lacey Cruse, another Sedgwick County commissioner, called a mask requirement “one of the best options to keep people employed and out and about” while trying to check the pandemic.

But even with recent increases, Sedgwick County has 2.44 reported cases per 1,000 residents, less than half the state’s figure of 4.96. And Howell asked about a mask requirement, “How in the world are we going to enforce it?”

“Are we going to issue tickets and fines and potential jail time for people who refuse to wear masks in public?” he said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">In Riley County</a>&nbsp;in northeast Kansas, the city of Manhattan is considering a mask requirement after outbreaks in its Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus. But County Commissioner John Ford said most of the people who’ve reached out to him oppose a mandate — even if they’re pro-mask.

“It’s the ‘logistics,’” he said. “How do we get 18- to 20-years-old to comply?”

In Russell County, Commissioner Don Boxberger said he has been getting calls from people not wanting a mask requirement as the commission prepares to discuss it Monday. The rural western Kansas county, which relies on farming, cattle and oil wells, is one of just eight in the state still without a reported coronavirus case.

“People are saying they don’t want to do it and they aren’t going to do it,” said Boxberger, who said he hasn’t decided how to vote but is leaning against a mandate.

Russell County Administrator John Fletcher, a former sheriff, said even if local officials wanted to require masks, the sheriff’s department couldn’t enforce the rule.

“There’s no way we’d have the resources,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593465508296.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly announced the mask mandate during her Monday afternoon press briefing" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly announced the mask mandate during her Monday afternoon press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly’s planned order requiring Kansas residents to wear masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus could be toothless in many parts of the state because counties can exempt themselves and even those that don’t, might not enforce it.Officials in some counties already were signalling Tuesday that they planned to opt out of Kelly’s mandate. The order, which Kelly is expected to issue Thursday ahead of it taking effect Friday, was to make masks mandatory in stores, restaurants and in any situation where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside.Wyandotte County, in the Kansas City area, and Douglas County, home to the main University of Kansas campus, already require masks.In Sedgwick County, which home to the state’s largest city, Wichita, County Commissioner Jim Howell said he has been inundated with emails since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7457a306628413b9f3d6409a32e73283">Kelly announced the mask requirement</a>&nbsp;Monday.“In our state we love our freedom,” Howell said. “In practice we can encourage and educate. And then we have to trust them to make the best decision for themselves and their family.”Kansas has seen a spike in confirmed coronavirus cases since May 26, when Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a5e30a0ec7a5943ada9f03af22ee1970">lifted statewide restrictions&nbsp;</a>on businesses and public gathering and left decisions to the state’s 105 counties. The Democratic governor had faced complaints for weeks from the Republican-controlled Legislature that she was too slow in reopening the state’s economy.The state Department of Health and Environment reported 14,443 cases as of Monday, which was up by more than 3,000, or 26.5%, in the previous two weeks. Kansas also reported 270 COVID-19-related deaths, which was an increase of 25, or 10%, over the previous two weeks.During those two weeks, reported cases tied to gatherings, such as groups in bars and restaurants, church events and family get-togethers, increased by 55%, up 110 to 311.Warren Howe, a salesman for a fire alarm, extinguisher and safety-training company, said as he ate lunch at the Burger Stand in Topeka that Kelly’s executive order “makes sense” in areas like the Kansas capital.“I’m not living out in small town western Kansas where I think it would probably be a different situation, but I don’t think it’s an issue with so many people,” Howe said. “It’s a temporary thing to do our thing to stay safe.”In Topeka’s home county, Shawnee, the health officer issued an order limiting bars to operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. starting Thursday. They will also have to close their dance floors.Sedgwick County’s top medical official is recommending limits on restaurant occupancy and a ban on large sports tournaments and similar activities that draw participants from states with high coronavirus rates. During the two weeks ending Monday, Sedgwick County saw a nearly 66% increase in reported cases, up 500 to 1,260.Lacey Cruse, another Sedgwick County commissioner, called a mask requirement “one of the best options to keep people employed and out and about” while trying to check the pandemic.But even with recent increases, Sedgwick County has 2.44 reported cases per 1,000 residents, less than half the state’s figure of 4.96. And Howell asked about a mask requirement, “How in the world are we going to enforce it?”“Are we going to issue tickets and fines and potential jail time for people who refuse to wear masks in public?” he said.<a href="https://apnews.com/80b931eac73e30698624559a5e068032">In Riley County</a>&nbsp;in northeast Kansas, the city of Manhattan is considering a mask requirement after outbreaks in its Aggieville bar and restaurant district near the Kansas State University campus. But County Commissioner John Ford said most of the people who’ve reached out to him oppose a mandate — even if they’re pro-mask.“It’s the ‘logistics,’” he said. “How do we get 18- to 20-years-old to comply?”In Russell County, Commissioner Don Boxberger said he has been getting calls from people not wanting a mask requirement as the commission prepares to discuss it Monday. The rural western Kansas county, which relies on farming, cattle and oil wells, is one of just eight in the state still without a reported coronavirus case.“People are saying they don’t want to do it and they aren’t going to do it,” said Boxberger, who said he hasn’t decided how to vote but is leaning against a mandate.Russell County Administrator John Fletcher, a former sheriff, said even if local officials wanted to require masks, the sheriff’s department couldn’t enforce the rule.“There’s no way we’d have the resources,” he said.

Kansas counties could make governor's mask order toothless

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting on Monday in Wichita and have identified the victim as&nbsp;25-year-old Joshua Steele of Wichita.

Just after 5 a.m. Monday, police&nbsp; responded to a shooting call at a home in the 6900 block of East Ayesbury Circle in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens

&nbsp;Upon arrival, they located Steele, who was injured and unresponsive from a gunshot wound, according to Stephens. Medical personnel responded to the scene and despite their efforts, Steele was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation revealed that Steele and his girlfriend were at the home of a friend on Ayesbury. Two men arrived at the home, and a disturbance ensued concerning property. During the disturbance, multiple shots were fired, striking Steele.

The two suspects then fled the scene in a moving style truck.

This was not a random incident, and the investigation is ongoing.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting that took the life of a Kansas man.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The investigation revealed the victim and his girlfriend were at the home of a friend on Ayesbury. Two other men arrived at the home, and a disturbance ensued outside between the 25-year-old victim, his girlfriend, and the two suspects. 

During the disturbance, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and fired multiple times, striking the victim.

The two suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle.

Police have not released the victim's name or reported an arrest.

The death was Wichita's 27th homicide of the year, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593453975258.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting on Monday in Wichita and have identified the victim as&nbsp;25-year-old Joshua Steele of Wichita.Just after 5 a.m. Monday, police&nbsp; responded to a shooting call at a home in the 6900 block of East Ayesbury Circle in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens&nbsp;Upon arrival, they located Steele, who was injured and unresponsive from a gunshot wound, according to Stephens. Medical personnel responded to the scene and despite their efforts, Steele was pronounced deceased at the scene.The investigation revealed that Steele and his girlfriend were at the home of a friend on Ayesbury. Two men arrived at the home, and a disturbance ensued concerning property. During the disturbance, multiple shots were fired, striking Steele.The two suspects then fled the scene in a moving style truck.This was not a random incident, and the investigation is ongoing.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a&nbsp; shooting that took the life of a Kansas man.Just after 5 a.m. Monday, police&nbsp; responded to a shooting call at a home in the 6900 block of East Ayesbury Circle in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason StephensUpon arrival, officers located the victim with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.The investigation revealed the victim and his girlfriend were at the home of a friend on Ayesbury. Two other men arrived at the home, and a disturbance ensued outside between the 25-year-old victim, his girlfriend, and the two suspects. During the disturbance, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and fired multiple times, striking the victim.The two suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle.Police have not released the victim's name or reported an arrest.The death was Wichita's 27th homicide of the year, according to Stephens.

Update: Kan. man dead after disturbance with girlfriend, 2 suspects

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Hospitals across the country have spent the past several months grappling with the unexpected costs of preparing for and managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The significant financial impact of those actions has forced many health care providers to make difficult decisions in how to realign care and services to continue to serve patients. As part of that realignment, Saint Luke’s Health System announced Tuesday it will be closing Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital,&nbsp;711 Marshall St, Leavenworth, effective October 1, 2020, according to a media release from Saint Luke's.

“This was an extremely difficult decision and one we never wanted to make,” said Adele Ducharme, CEO, Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital &amp; SLHS North Region. “In 2019, we launched a new model for Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital. Our hope was that by focusing on emergency services, we would set Cushing on a successful and sustainable financial path while providing the Leavenworth County community the services most essential to them. We were just a few months into this new model when COVID-19 hit.”

In addition to substantial increased costs for necessary supplies to treat and care for COVID-19 patients and protect health care workers, the health system also deferred many elective procedures out of concern for the health and safety of patients, staff, and the community.

“The financial impact of the unexpected global pandemic was unprecedented,” Ducharme said. “As a result, we never had the opportunity to fully test this new care model for Cushing Hospital to see how successful it could be.”

Saint Luke’s has invested more than $20 million in Cushing Hospital over the last five years to improve services and enhance the facility. Although the hospital will close October 1, Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Cushing will remain open and accessible to patients. Patients will also have access to Saint Luke’s virtual and telehealth options.

Approximately 70 employees may be impacted by this decision, but all are eligible to apply for other opportunities within the health system between now and the official closure date.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Hospitals across the country have spent the past several months grappling with the unexpected costs of preparing for and managing the COVID-19 pandemic.The significant financial impact of those actions has forced many health care providers to make difficult decisions in how to realign care and services to continue to serve patients. As part of that realignment, Saint Luke’s Health System announced Tuesday it will be closing Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital,&nbsp;711 Marshall St, Leavenworth, effective October 1, 2020, according to a media release from Saint Luke's.“This was an extremely difficult decision and one we never wanted to make,” said Adele Ducharme, CEO, Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital &amp; SLHS North Region. “In 2019, we launched a new model for Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital. Our hope was that by focusing on emergency services, we would set Cushing on a successful and sustainable financial path while providing the Leavenworth County community the services most essential to them. We were just a few months into this new model when COVID-19 hit.”In addition to substantial increased costs for necessary supplies to treat and care for COVID-19 patients and protect health care workers, the health system also deferred many elective procedures out of concern for the health and safety of patients, staff, and the community.“The financial impact of the unexpected global pandemic was unprecedented,” Ducharme said. “As a result, we never had the opportunity to fully test this new care model for Cushing Hospital to see how successful it could be.”Saint Luke’s has invested more than $20 million in Cushing Hospital over the last five years to improve services and enhance the facility. Although the hospital will close October 1, Saint Luke’s Primary Care–Cushing will remain open and accessible to patients. Patients will also have access to Saint Luke’s virtual and telehealth options.Approximately 70 employees may be impacted by this decision, but all are eligible to apply for other opportunities within the health system between now and the official closure date.

Virus victim: St. Luke's Health System closing Kansas hospital

Kansas City (AP) — Kansas City officials on Tuesday voted to strip the name of one of the city’s most influential developers from a city fountain and street because he barred Blacks and Jews from the neighborhoods he developed in the 1900s.

The process of removing J.C. Nichols’ name started in response to protests over racial injustice, sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed his knee onto the handcuffed Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes.

The unanimous vote by the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation will remove the name from the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain and an adjacent parkway running alongside the Country Club Plaza, which Nichols developed. It is the most recognizable fountain in the “City of Fountains” and a well-known gathering places for tourists, special events and protesters.

The city will continue taking suggestions for new names for the fountain and street until at least July 7. The street will temporarily be known as Mill Creek Parkway.

Board commissioner Chris Goode, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/695ed29be3c87a2a99e71922a6b5d67d">proposed</a>&nbsp;the removal, said the vote was “a gesture, not a solution” to racial problems in the city. He noted a 4-year-old Black child, LeGend Taliferro, was killed Monday when someone shot into his home.

Goode said the boy’s shooting might not seem connected to protests over Floyd’s death, but he called it part of a “big pot of muck” stemming from hatred in the U.S. and Kansas City.

“So while it may seem unrelated, we have an opportunity today to just make a gesture toward what is right,” Goode said. “It’s not a moment for celebration but a moment to open dialogue. A very, very important moment for long overdue dialogue in this city and in this country.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593597993468.png" alt="The vote to remove Nichols name was unanimous -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The vote to remove Nichols name was unanimous -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City (AP) — Kansas City officials on Tuesday voted to strip the name of one of the city’s most influential developers from a city fountain and street because he barred Blacks and Jews from the neighborhoods he developed in the 1900s.The process of removing J.C. Nichols’ name started in response to protests over racial injustice, sparked by the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed his knee onto the handcuffed Black man’s neck for nearly eight minutes.The unanimous vote by the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation will remove the name from the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain and an adjacent parkway running alongside the Country Club Plaza, which Nichols developed. It is the most recognizable fountain in the “City of Fountains” and a well-known gathering places for tourists, special events and protesters.The city will continue taking suggestions for new names for the fountain and street until at least July 7. The street will temporarily be known as Mill Creek Parkway.Board commissioner Chris Goode, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/695ed29be3c87a2a99e71922a6b5d67d">proposed</a>&nbsp;the removal, said the vote was “a gesture, not a solution” to racial problems in the city. He noted a 4-year-old Black child, LeGend Taliferro, was killed Monday when someone shot into his home.Goode said the boy’s shooting might not seem connected to protests over Floyd’s death, but he called it part of a “big pot of muck” stemming from hatred in the U.S. and Kansas City.“So while it may seem unrelated, we have an opportunity today to just make a gesture toward what is right,” Goode said. “It’s not a moment for celebration but a moment to open dialogue. A very, very important moment for long overdue dialogue in this city and in this country.”The change comes as protesters around the country demand the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/44d4f7bf9d4eb5447e7bce689ec0ae23">removal&nbsp;</a>of statues and other monuments because of complaints they honor people with racists views.Supporters of removing Nichols’ name noted he used deed restrictions to keep Blacks, Jews and other minorities from buying his homes, relegating them to poorer neighborhoods and helping to create a racially divided city. Nichols also was influential nationally, with developers elsewhere following his practices.The effort to remove the name drew widespread support, with no organized opposition. No one spoke against the motion at Tuesday’s meeting. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and some influential business and tourism organizations also voiced support for the idea.Hours before the vote, descendants of Nichols and the Miller Nichols Charitable Trust, issued a statement saying they supported renaming the fountain and street. Miller Nichols was J.C. Nichols son.“This is a defining moment for our city,” said J.C. Nichols’ great-grandson Mark Callison. “Our family stands squarely behind the spirit of diversity, equality and social justice that has taken hold in our region and in our nation. My grandfather, Miller, taught us these values.”