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.”

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.”

<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.”

Kansas City board votes to remove name from iconic fountain

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on theft charges after a traffic stop in Kansas.

Just before 6a.m., Monday a sheriff's deputy stopped a Ford Ranger pickup truck pulling a trailer in the 2600 block ofNE Calhoun Bluff Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The trailer was recently reported stolen out of Jefferson County. Deputies conducted a felony car stop and with the assistance of a Sheriff’s Office K9, arrested Travis D. Walker, 39, of Topeka and booked him into the Jefferson County Jail on requested felony theft charges.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office said the quick communication from Jefferson County led to the recovery of a stolen trailer and the arrest of the suspect. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593526039140.png" alt="Walker photo Jefferson County" />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Jefferson County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on theft charges after a traffic stop in Kansas.Just before 6a.m., Monday a sheriff's deputy stopped a Ford Ranger pickup truck pulling a trailer in the 2600 block ofNE Calhoun Bluff Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The trailer was recently reported stolen out of Jefferson County. Deputies conducted a felony car stop and with the assistance of a Sheriff’s Office K9, arrested Travis D. Walker, 39, of Topeka and booked him into the Jefferson County Jail on requested felony theft charges.The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office said the quick communication from Jefferson County led to the recovery of a stolen trailer and the arrest of the suspect.

Sheriff's K9 helps Kan. deputies recover stolen trailer

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man charged in a crash that killed longtime radio host and Wichita State University basketball announcer Don Hall had an empty alcohol bottle in his vehicle and told officers who asked him how much he had to drink that it was “probably too much,” according to court records.

An affidavit released Tuesday in the case against Ray Watkins said he had a 0.243 blood alcohol on the day of the April 29 crash that killed Hall, who was 70. The legal limit in Kansas is 0.08, KWCH&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/06/30/affidavit-mans-blood-alcohol-level-3x-legal-limit-in-deadly-crash-involving-radio-personality-don-hall/" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Watkins faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence.

Officers found Watkins still seated in his vehicle and noticed an empty alcohol bottle at his feet, according to the affidavit. When Watkins moved over to the passenger’s seat due to his door being jammed shut, an officer noticed an empty Modelo beer bottle on the passenger’s side floorboard, according to the affidavit.

In an interview, he admitted to drinking beer prior to driving, according to the affidavit.

Hall was a morning show co-host at KEYN Radio in Wichita, and radio station KNSS reported he had worked for more than 45 years in radio in Kansas, including stations KWBW in Hutchinson and Wichita radio stations KAKZ, KKRD and KZSN. He also had been the voice of Shocker men’s basketball since the 1983-84 season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588182421819.png" alt="Watkins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Watkins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man charged in a crash that killed longtime radio host and Wichita State University basketball announcer Don Hall had an empty alcohol bottle in his vehicle and told officers who asked him how much he had to drink that it was “probably too much,” according to court records.An affidavit released Tuesday in the case against Ray Watkins said he had a 0.243 blood alcohol on the day of the April 29 crash that killed Hall, who was 70. The legal limit in Kansas is 0.08, KWCH&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2020/06/30/affidavit-mans-blood-alcohol-level-3x-legal-limit-in-deadly-crash-involving-radio-personality-don-hall/" target="_blank">reports</a>.Watkins faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588158119316.png" alt="First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers found Watkins still seated in his vehicle and noticed an empty alcohol bottle at his feet, according to the affidavit. When Watkins moved over to the passenger’s seat due to his door being jammed shut, an officer noticed an empty Modelo beer bottle on the passenger’s side floorboard, according to the affidavit.In an interview, he admitted to drinking beer prior to driving, according to the affidavit.Hall was a morning show co-host at KEYN Radio in Wichita, and radio station KNSS reported he had worked for more than 45 years in radio in Kansas, including stations KWBW in Hutchinson and Wichita radio stations KAKZ, KKRD and KZSN. He also had been the voice of Shocker men’s basketball since the 1983-84 season

Records: Suspect in Kan. radio host's death had been drinking

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to block the execution of four federal prison inmates who are scheduled to be put to death in July and August.

The executions would mark the first use of the death penalty on the federal level since 2003.

The justices rejected an appeal from four inmates who were convicted of killing children. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor noted that they would have blocked the executions from going forward.

The court’s action leaves no obstacles standing in the way of the executions, the first of which is scheduled for July 13.

The inmates are separately asking a federal judge in Washington to impose a new delay on their executions over other legal issues that have yet to be resolved.

The activity at the high court came after Attorney General William Barr directed the federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the executions. Three of the men had been scheduled to be put to death when Barr&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1ab434fcc31e429089eb5e14de0d1324">first announced</a>&nbsp;the federal government would resume executions last year, ending an informal moratorium on federal capital punishment as the issue receded from the public domain.

“The American people, acting through Congress and Presidents of both political parties, have long instructed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5730e863beb5477c96a1b4f2bd6c5ab0">defendants convicted of the most heinous crimes</a>&nbsp;should be subject to a sentence of death,” Barr said in a statement last month. “The four murderers whose executions are scheduled today have received full and fair proceedings under our Constitution and laws. We owe it to the victims of these horrific crimes, and to the families left behind, to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system.”

The federal government’s initial effort was put on hold by a trial judge after the inmates challenged the new execution procedures, and the federal appeals court in Washington and the Supreme Court both declined to step in late last year. But in April, the appeals court threw out the judge’s order.

The federal prison in Indiana where the executions would take place, USP Terre Haute, has struggled to combat the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;behind bars. One inmate there has died from COVID-19.

The inmates scheduled for execution are: Danny Lee, who was convicted in Arkansas of killing a family of three, including an 8-year-old; Wesley Ira Purkey, of Kansas, who raped and murdered a 16-year-old girl and killed an 80-year-old woman; Dustin Lee Honken, who killed five people in Iowa, including two children; and Keith Dwayne Nelson, who kidnapped a 10-year-old girl who was rollerblading in front of her Kansas home and raped her in a forest behind a church before strangling the young girl with a wire.

Three of the executions — for Lee, Purkley and Honken — are scheduled days apart beginning July 13. Nelson’s execution is scheduled for Aug. 28. The Justice Department said additional executions will be set at a later date.

Ruth Friedman, an attorney for Lee, decried the federal death penalty as “arbitrary, racially-biased, and rife with poor lawyering and junk science.”

“Despite these problems, and even as people across the country are demanding that leaders rethink crime, punishment, and justice, the government is barreling ahead with its plans to carry out the first federal executions in 17 years,” Friedman said in a statement. “Given the unfairness built into the federal death penalty system and the many unanswered questions about both the cases of the men scheduled to die and the government’s new execution protocol, there must be appropriate court review before the government can proceed with any execution.”

Purkey’s lawyers separately filed court papers last week asking a federal judge to halt his execution, arguing that he isn’t mentally fit to be executed because he suffers from “advancing Alzheimer’s disease and deteriorating cognitive functioning.” The lawyers argue that Purkey doesn’t understand why the government plans to execute him and that he believes it is retaliation for many complaints about conditions in the federal prison system.

Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988 — most recently in 2003, when Louis Jones was executed for the 1995 kidnapping, rape and murder of a young female soldier.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the decision means the families of the victims and those in their communities will “finally receive some long-overdue justice.”

“The Supreme Court today rightly rejected yet another attempt by four death row inmates to escape justice,” McEnany said in a statement. “These four men each stand convicted of horrendous acts of violence — including the brutal rape and murder of children.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574950995361.png" alt="Purkey photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Purkey photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to block the execution of four federal prison inmates who are scheduled to be put to death in July and August.The executions would mark the first use of the death penalty on the federal level since 2003.The justices rejected an appeal from four inmates who were convicted of killing children. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor noted that they would have blocked the executions from going forward.The court’s action leaves no obstacles standing in the way of the executions, the first of which is scheduled for July 13.The inmates are separately asking a federal judge in Washington to impose a new delay on their executions over other legal issues that have yet to be resolved.The activity at the high court came after Attorney General William Barr directed the federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the executions. Three of the men had been scheduled to be put to death when Barr&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1ab434fcc31e429089eb5e14de0d1324">first announced</a>&nbsp;the federal government would resume executions last year, ending an informal moratorium on federal capital punishment as the issue receded from the public domain.“The American people, acting through Congress and Presidents of both political parties, have long instructed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5730e863beb5477c96a1b4f2bd6c5ab0">defendants convicted of the most heinous crimes</a>&nbsp;should be subject to a sentence of death,” Barr said in a statement last month. “The four murderers whose executions are scheduled today have received full and fair proceedings under our Constitution and laws. We owe it to the victims of these horrific crimes, and to the families left behind, to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system.”The federal government’s initial effort was put on hold by a trial judge after the inmates challenged the new execution procedures, and the federal appeals court in Washington and the Supreme Court both declined to step in late last year. But in April, the appeals court threw out the judge’s order.The federal prison in Indiana where the executions would take place, USP Terre Haute, has struggled to combat the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus pandemic</a>&nbsp;behind bars. One inmate there has died from COVID-19.The inmates scheduled for execution are: Danny Lee, who was convicted in Arkansas of killing a family of three, including an 8-year-old; Wesley Ira Purkey, of Kansas, who raped and murdered a 16-year-old girl and killed an 80-year-old woman; Dustin Lee Honken, who killed five people in Iowa, including two children; and Keith Dwayne Nelson, who kidnapped a 10-year-old girl who was rollerblading in front of her Kansas home and raped her in a forest behind a church before strangling the young girl with a wire.Three of the executions — for Lee, Purkley and Honken — are scheduled days apart beginning July 13. Nelson’s execution is scheduled for Aug. 28. The Justice Department said additional executions will be set at a later date.Ruth Friedman, an attorney for Lee, decried the federal death penalty as “arbitrary, racially-biased, and rife with poor lawyering and junk science.”“Despite these problems, and even as people across the country are demanding that leaders rethink crime, punishment, and justice, the government is barreling ahead with its plans to carry out the first federal executions in 17 years,” Friedman said in a statement. “Given the unfairness built into the federal death penalty system and the many unanswered questions about both the cases of the men scheduled to die and the government’s new execution protocol, there must be appropriate court review before the government can proceed with any execution.”Purkey’s lawyers separately filed court papers last week asking a federal judge to halt his execution, arguing that he isn’t mentally fit to be executed because he suffers from “advancing Alzheimer’s disease and deteriorating cognitive functioning.” The lawyers argue that Purkey doesn’t understand why the government plans to execute him and that he believes it is retaliation for many complaints about conditions in the federal prison system.Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988 — most recently in 2003, when Louis Jones was executed for the 1995 kidnapping, rape and murder of a young female soldier.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the decision means the families of the victims and those in their communities will “finally receive some long-overdue justice.”“The Supreme Court today rightly rejected yet another attempt by four death row inmates to escape justice,” McEnany said in a statement. “These four men each stand convicted of horrendous acts of violence — including the brutal rape and murder of children.”

Court refuses to block execution of Kansas man for child's murder

OGALLALA, Neb. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to four years of probation in a Nebraska crash that killed four Iowa motorcyclists.

Jeser Cisneros-Hernandez, 24, of Liberal, Kansas, also was ordered Friday to serve 400 hours of community service. He pleaded no contest in February to reckless and willful vehicular homicide. Prosecutors dropped three more counts and two other charges in return for his pleas.

Cisneros-Hernandez’s vehicle hit two motorcycles carrying two people each on July 1, 2017, near Ogallala, prosecutors have said.

Two of them were 54-year-old Sheila Matheny and 61-year-old James Matheny, from Bedford, Iowa. The other motorcyclists were 58-year-old Michal Weese and 59-year-old Jerolyn Weese, who lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Cisneros-Hernandez told investigators he was traveling on about an hour of sleep after his work shift in Sidney, Montana, and was heading home to Liberal, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565563981648.png" alt="Hernandez photo Keith County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hernandez photo Keith County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>OGALLALA, Neb. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to four years of probation in a Nebraska crash that killed four Iowa motorcyclists.Jeser Cisneros-Hernandez, 24, of Liberal, Kansas, also was ordered Friday to serve 400 hours of community service. He pleaded no contest in February to reckless and willful vehicular homicide. Prosecutors dropped three more counts and two other charges in return for his pleas.Cisneros-Hernandez’s vehicle hit two motorcycles carrying two people each on July 1, 2017, near Ogallala, prosecutors have said.Two of them were 54-year-old Sheila Matheny and 61-year-old James Matheny, from Bedford, Iowa. The other motorcyclists were 58-year-old Michal Weese and 59-year-old Jerolyn Weese, who lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa.Cisneros-Hernandez told investigators he was traveling on about an hour of sleep after his work shift in Sidney, Montana, and was heading home to Liberal, Kansas.

Kan. man sentenced for crash that killed 4 motorcyclists

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas is providing faculty more flexibility if they don’t feel comfortable teaching in-person classes in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer said Monday that decisions on courses, how they would be taught and teaching assignments “should be the purview of the department or program,” KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-30/ku-reverses-course-and-gives-faculty-choice-of-whether-to-teach-in-person-classes-in-the-fall" target="_blank">reports.</a>

The move came after faculty had pushed back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dadb98240b27a4922043fe790c5da99e">last week</a>&nbsp;after they were told to return to campus beginning Aug. 24, unless they could invoke an exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than 50 department leaders signed a letter to Bichelmeyer raising concerns.

Instead of filing for an accommodation under the ADA, instructors will simply be asked to indicate their teaching preferences and to note the safety level they require in order to teach in person.

Bichelmeyer said that the teachers’ concerns were legitimate and understandable, “and this was just a case where trying to solve a problem with a precedent using the ADA doesn’t work in an unprecedented situation.”

In a letter to faculty and staff Tuesday, Bichelmeyer said that it remained the university’s goal to have as many in-person and hybrid classes as possible in the fall

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas is providing faculty more flexibility if they don’t feel comfortable teaching in-person classes in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer said Monday that decisions on courses, how they would be taught and teaching assignments “should be the purview of the department or program,” KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-30/ku-reverses-course-and-gives-faculty-choice-of-whether-to-teach-in-person-classes-in-the-fall" target="_blank">reports.</a>The move came after faculty had pushed back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dadb98240b27a4922043fe790c5da99e">last week</a>&nbsp;after they were told to return to campus beginning Aug. 24, unless they could invoke an exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act. More than 50 department leaders signed a letter to Bichelmeyer raising concerns.Instead of filing for an accommodation under the ADA, instructors will simply be asked to indicate their teaching preferences and to note the safety level they require in order to teach in person.Bichelmeyer said that the teachers’ concerns were legitimate and understandable, “and this was just a case where trying to solve a problem with a precedent using the ADA doesn’t work in an unprecedented situation.”In a letter to faculty and staff Tuesday, Bichelmeyer said that it remained the university’s goal to have as many in-person and hybrid classes as possible in the fall

University of Kansas backs away from in-person requirement

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-29/kansas-will-require-masks-in-public-spaces-statewide-starting-friday">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp;—&nbsp;Kansans from Liberal to Leavenworth will need to wear a mask in public starting Friday.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she will issue a new executive order later this week requiring masks. While the State Finance Council will review the order — a Republican-majority panel of legislators that she has clashed with during the pandemic — they cannot revoke it. Only the full Legislature has the ability to do that with a "concurrent resolution" Kelly's office said.

"If they care about keeping the businesses in their district open, they won't fight this one," Kelly said at a news conference Monday.

However, counties can vote not to implement the mandate.

Kansas is one of several states in the U.S. that have seen an increase in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks. As of Monday, the state's tally is at more than 14,000 COVID-19 cases and 270 deaths.

Because of the uptick across the country as businesses have reopened, other states with Democratic governors, including California. Washington and North Carolina, have instituted mask ordinances. Florida and Texas, which have Republican governors, shut down bars after large spikes in COVID-19 cases.

Kelly said that there is "enough data to really prove that masks work, and no mask doesn't work," adding, "I know people don't like masks. I don't like them either. Too bad."

Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a member of the State Finance Council, said in a statement that Kelly is "inconsistent in her direction, one day giving authority to local government, and the next, taking it back, causing total confusion."

Wagle also said the focus should stay focused on the budget shortfall caused by the pandemic.

Already, Kansas City, Missouri, has instituted a mask ordinance, with Wyandotte County to follow at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Douglas County's mandate starts Wednesday.

The governor said the attorney general's office will enforce the statewide mandate.

The governor's office said that most Kansans will have to wear masks in stores, shops, restaurants and places where people cannot maintain a 6-foot distance. More details about the ordinance will be released on Thursday.

Kelly and Republican lawmakers on the State Finance Council had contentious fights over executive orders starting about a month into the pandemic over whether churches could be singled out in the statewide stay-at-home mandate.

Eventually, lawmakers and the governor had to compromise on things like Kansas' reopening plan, which became a recommendation instead of mandate, as well as who could decide on how to spend coronavirus aid.

Two of the leading candidates for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Kansas, former Secretary of State Kris Kobach and U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, came out in strong opposition to mask requirements at a debate last week in Wichita.

Kobach, who lost the 2018 governor’s race to Kelly, charged that she and other Democratic office holders have used the pandemic to expand their authority.

“All of the states that have the most oppressive, totalitarian rules in place are blue states and the state’s that allow freedom, that allow choice are red states,” Kobach said.

Marshall said while he’s against governments ordering people to wear masks, business owners “should have the right” to require it of their customers.

Jim McLean is an editor and reporter for KCUR 89.3. He is the managing director of KCUR's Kansas News Service, a collaboration between KCUR and other public media stations across Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593513419144.png" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly puts on a mask after a news conference on June 22. Photo by Jim McLean" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly puts on a mask after a news conference on June 22. Photo by Jim McLean</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-06-29/kansas-will-require-masks-in-public-spaces-statewide-starting-friday">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA&nbsp;—&nbsp;Kansans from Liberal to Leavenworth will need to wear a mask in public starting Friday.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she will issue a new executive order later this week requiring masks. While the State Finance Council will review the order — a Republican-majority panel of legislators that she has clashed with during the pandemic — they cannot revoke it. Only the full Legislature has the ability to do that with a "concurrent resolution" Kelly's office said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F3154697867948519%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>"If they care about keeping the businesses in their district open, they won't fight this one," Kelly said at a news conference Monday.However, counties can vote not to implement the mandate.Kansas is one of several states in the U.S. that have seen an increase in coronavirus cases over the past few weeks. As of Monday, the state's tally is at more than 14,000 COVID-19 cases and 270 deaths.Because of the uptick across the country as businesses have reopened, other states with Democratic governors, including California. Washington and North Carolina, have instituted mask ordinances. Florida and Texas, which have Republican governors, shut down bars after large spikes in COVID-19 cases.Kelly said that there is "enough data to really prove that masks work, and no mask doesn't work," adding, "I know people don't like masks. I don't like them either. Too bad."Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a member of the State Finance Council, said in a statement that Kelly is "inconsistent in her direction, one day giving authority to local government, and the next, taking it back, causing total confusion."Wagle also said the focus should stay focused on the budget shortfall caused by the pandemic.Already, Kansas City, Missouri, has instituted a mask ordinance, with Wyandotte County to follow at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Douglas County's mandate starts Wednesday.The governor said the attorney general's office will enforce the statewide mandate.The governor's office said that most Kansans will have to wear masks in stores, shops, restaurants and places where people cannot maintain a 6-foot distance. More details about the ordinance will be released on Thursday.Kelly and Republican lawmakers on the State Finance Council had contentious fights over executive orders starting about a month into the pandemic over whether churches could be singled out in the statewide stay-at-home mandate.Eventually, lawmakers and the governor had to compromise on things like Kansas' reopening plan, which became a recommendation instead of mandate, as well as who could decide on how to spend coronavirus aid.Two of the leading candidates for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Kansas, former Secretary of State Kris Kobach and U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, came out in strong opposition to mask requirements at a debate last week in Wichita.Kobach, who lost the 2018 governor’s race to Kelly, charged that she and other Democratic office holders have used the pandemic to expand their authority.“All of the states that have the most oppressive, totalitarian rules in place are blue states and the state’s that allow freedom, that allow choice are red states,” Kobach said.Marshall said while he’s against governments ordering people to wear masks, business owners “should have the right” to require it of their customers.Jim McLean is an editor and reporter for KCUR 89.3. He is the managing director of KCUR's Kansas News Service, a collaboration between KCUR and other public media stations across Kansas.&nbsp;

🎥  Kan. governor: Wearing mask necessary to avoid another shutdown

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board is allowing the fair to go forward in 2020, despite a&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87f4b55e-59f3-456b-9b1e-534c987ffe66">recommendation from the state's top health official</a>&nbsp;that the board not continue the fair.

"We understand what a difficult decision you guys have," said Fair General Manager Robin Jennison. "It was relatively easy for us to put together the safest plan we thought there was to have a fair. The only thing that I would say to you to make sure that you're all doing what's really in your heart in this case is, the further we go, the tougher it is to unwind, and that's why we picked today."

The board voted 8 to 5 to continue forward with the fair, but canceled the rabbit show and to change online and advance tickets to $10 with on-site tickets at the gate now $12 for adults.

"I think we've all studied this to death since it started," Jennison said. "I've read more about COVID. I read a 1940 study on how, when people cough, what happens. We will do everything we can to make this fair as safe as possible. If we determine between now and then that we need to do some social distancing in the buildings or on the, in the grandstands, we'll make every attempt to do it as effectively as we can."

The Kansas State Fair is scheduled for Sept. 11 to 20, 2020.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman advised the State Fair Board at their meeting on Tuesday that they should cancel the fair.

"If I were only talking about it from a public health perspective, it would be best to not have the State Fair," Norman said. "There's no question, it will engender illness."

Norman doesn't think fairgoers will wear masks.

"I think it will be a really tough sell for people to comply with social distancing and mask wearing for example, at a fair, whether it's a state fair, county fair, music venue, that kind of thing," Norman said. "People just aren't doing it, quite honestly."

Another concern is that inmates from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility often work helping to clean up the fairgrounds.

"I'm making the strong recommendation to Secretary Zmuda to not allow the offenders out of there," Norman said. "I've been through this at Lansing, I've been through this in the Wichita Work Release. If a few people go into that facility, there's going to be a thousand cases inside the correctional facility at Hutchinson. Not being hysterical, that's just what we've seen. Anytime it's a confined living situation like that and that facility is old."

At least sixteen other state fairs across the U.S. have already been canceled.

Check the Post for additional details on the State Fair as they become available.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair Board is allowing the fair to go forward in 2020, despite a&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87f4b55e-59f3-456b-9b1e-534c987ffe66">recommendation from the state's top health official</a>&nbsp;that the board not continue the fair."We understand what a difficult decision you guys have," said Fair General Manager Robin Jennison. "It was relatively easy for us to put together the safest plan we thought there was to have a fair. The only thing that I would say to you to make sure that you're all doing what's really in your heart in this case is, the further we go, the tougher it is to unwind, and that's why we picked today."The board voted 8 to 5 to continue forward with the fair, but canceled the rabbit show and to change online and advance tickets to $10 with on-site tickets at the gate now $12 for adults."I think we've all studied this to death since it started," Jennison said. "I've read more about COVID. I read a 1940 study on how, when people cough, what happens. We will do everything we can to make this fair as safe as possible. If we determine between now and then that we need to do some social distancing in the buildings or on the, in the grandstands, we'll make every attempt to do it as effectively as we can."The Kansas State Fair is scheduled for Sept. 11 to 20, 2020.-------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580602266609.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman advised the State Fair Board at their meeting on Tuesday that they should cancel the fair."If I were only talking about it from a public health perspective, it would be best to not have the State Fair," Norman said. "There's no question, it will engender illness."Norman doesn't think fairgoers will wear masks."I think it will be a really tough sell for people to comply with social distancing and mask wearing for example, at a fair, whether it's a state fair, county fair, music venue, that kind of thing," Norman said. "People just aren't doing it, quite honestly."Another concern is that inmates from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility often work helping to clean up the fairgrounds."I'm making the strong recommendation to Secretary Zmuda to not allow the offenders out of there," Norman said. "I've been through this at Lansing, I've been through this in the Wichita Work Release. If a few people go into that facility, there's going to be a thousand cases inside the correctional facility at Hutchinson. Not being hysterical, that's just what we've seen. Anytime it's a confined living situation like that and that facility is old."At least sixteen other state fairs across the U.S. have already been canceled.Check the Post for additional details on the State Fair as they become available.

Kansas State Fair to go forward, despite KDHE Sec.'s advice to cancel

RUSSELL COUNTY — At approximately 4 p.m. Monday, Russell County Dispatch received a 911 call of a possible drowning at the Lucas Swim beach at Wilson Lake, according to a media release.

The Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell County EMS, Dorrance Fire, Lucas Fire, Army Corp of Engineers, Kansas Department of Wildlife Park and Tourism, and the Kansas Highway Patrol Aircraft responded to the scene. 

After a thorough search of the area, a body was located by boat sonar under the water. 

A diver was dispatched to recover the body. At approximately 5:45 p.m., 45-year-old Clarence Edward Flores, Great Bend, was recovered. 

Next of kin for Flores has been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled. 

"The Sheriff's Office would like to thank all First Responders and Good Samaritans for their work In the recovery of Mr. Flores.&nbsp;

RUSSELL COUNTY — At approximately 4 p.m. Monday, Russell County Dispatch received a 911 call of a possible drowning at the Lucas Swim beach at Wilson Lake, according to a media release.The Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell County EMS, Dorrance Fire, Lucas Fire, Army Corp of Engineers, Kansas Department of Wildlife Park and Tourism, and the Kansas Highway Patrol Aircraft responded to the scene. After a thorough search of the area, a body was located by boat sonar under the water. A diver was dispatched to recover the body. At approximately 5:45 p.m., 45-year-old Clarence Edward Flores, Great Bend, was recovered. Next of kin for Flores has been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled. "The Sheriff's Office would like to thank all First Responders and Good Samaritans for their work In the recovery of Mr. Flores.&nbsp;

Body of drowning victim recovered at Wilson Lake

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it easier for religious schools to obtain public funds, upholding a Montana scholarship program that allows state tax credits for private schooling.

The court’s 5-4 ruling, with conservatives in the majority, came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26695164390544958922c1101cf60381/Montana-high-court-weighs-ban-on-religious-school-tax-credit">a dispute over a Montana scholarship program</a>&nbsp;for private K-12 education that also makes donors eligible for up to $150 in state tax credits.

The Legislature created the tax credit in 2015 for contributions made to certain scholarship programs for private education. The state’s highest court had struck down the tax credit as a violation of the Montana constitution’s ban on state aid to religious schools. The scholarships can be used at both secular and religious schools, but almost all the recipients attend religious schools.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion that said the state ruling violates the religious freedom of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0444c7240eb34bb59d9911789692191f">parents who want the scholarships</a>&nbsp;to help pay for their children’s private education. “A state need not subsidize private education. But once a state decides to do so, it cannot disqualify some private schools solely because they are religious,” Roberts wrote.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent that the high-court ruling “is perverse. Without any need or power to do so, the Court appears to require a State to reinstate a tax-credit program that the Constitution did not demand in the first place.”

Parents whose children attend religious schools sued to preserve the program.

Roughly three-dozen states have similar no-aid provisions in their constitutions. Courts in some states have relied on those provisions to strike down religious-school funding.

Advocates for allowing state money to be used in private schooling said the court recognized in its decision that parents should not be penalized for sending their children to schools that are a better fit than the public schools.

“This opinion will pave the way for more states to pass school choice programs that allow parents to choose a school that best meets their child’s individual needs, regardless of whether those schools are religious or nonreligious,” said Erica Smith, a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice, which represented the parents in their court fight.

But the president of the Montana Federation of Public Employees, which counts more than 12,000 teachers and other school workers as union members, called the decision “a slap in the face” to its members and the communities they serve.

“Today’s decision violates Montana’s commitment to public education, our children, and our constitution. Extremist special interests are manipulating our tax code to rob Montana children of quality education while padding the pockets of those who run exclusive, discriminatory private schools,” union president Amanda Curtis said.

Justice Samuel Alito pointed, in a separate opinion, to evidence of anti-Catholic bigotry that he said motivated the original adoption of the Montana provision and others like it in the 1800s, although Montana’s constitution was redone in 1972 with the provision intact. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whose two daughters attend Catholic schools, made a similar point during arguments in January when he talked about the “grotesque religious bigotry” against Catholics that underlay the amendment.

The decision was the latest in a line of decisions from the Supreme Court, which now includes Trump appointees Neil Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, that have favored religion-based discrimination claims. In 2014, the justices allowed family-held, for-profit businesses with religious objections to get out from under a requirement to pay for contraceptives for women covered under their health insurance plans. In 2017, the court ruled for a Missouri church that had been excluded from state grants to put softer surfaces in playgrounds.

The high court also is weighing a Trump administration policy that would make it easier for employers to claim a religious or moral exemption and avoid paying for contraceptives for women covered by their health plans. Still another case would shield religious institutions from more employment discrimination claims.

The Supreme Court also has upheld some school voucher programs and state courts have ratified others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588794154314.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it easier for religious schools to obtain public funds, upholding a Montana scholarship program that allows state tax credits for private schooling.The court’s 5-4 ruling, with conservatives in the majority, came in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/26695164390544958922c1101cf60381/Montana-high-court-weighs-ban-on-religious-school-tax-credit">a dispute over a Montana scholarship program</a>&nbsp;for private K-12 education that also makes donors eligible for up to $150 in state tax credits.The Legislature created the tax credit in 2015 for contributions made to certain scholarship programs for private education. The state’s highest court had struck down the tax credit as a violation of the Montana constitution’s ban on state aid to religious schools. The scholarships can be used at both secular and religious schools, but almost all the recipients attend religious schools.Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion that said the state ruling violates the religious freedom of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0444c7240eb34bb59d9911789692191f">parents who want the scholarships</a>&nbsp;to help pay for their children’s private education. “A state need not subsidize private education. But once a state decides to do so, it cannot disqualify some private schools solely because they are religious,” Roberts wrote.Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent that the high-court ruling “is perverse. Without any need or power to do so, the Court appears to require a State to reinstate a tax-credit program that the Constitution did not demand in the first place.”Parents whose children attend religious schools sued to preserve the program.Roughly three-dozen states have similar no-aid provisions in their constitutions. Courts in some states have relied on those provisions to strike down religious-school funding.Advocates for allowing state money to be used in private schooling said the court recognized in its decision that parents should not be penalized for sending their children to schools that are a better fit than the public schools.“This opinion will pave the way for more states to pass school choice programs that allow parents to choose a school that best meets their child’s individual needs, regardless of whether those schools are religious or nonreligious,” said Erica Smith, a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice, which represented the parents in their court fight.But the president of the Montana Federation of Public Employees, which counts more than 12,000 teachers and other school workers as union members, called the decision “a slap in the face” to its members and the communities they serve.“Today’s decision violates Montana’s commitment to public education, our children, and our constitution. Extremist special interests are manipulating our tax code to rob Montana children of quality education while padding the pockets of those who run exclusive, discriminatory private schools,” union president Amanda Curtis said.Justice Samuel Alito pointed, in a separate opinion, to evidence of anti-Catholic bigotry that he said motivated the original adoption of the Montana provision and others like it in the 1800s, although Montana’s constitution was redone in 1972 with the provision intact. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whose two daughters attend Catholic schools, made a similar point during arguments in January when he talked about the “grotesque religious bigotry” against Catholics that underlay the amendment.The decision was the latest in a line of decisions from the Supreme Court, which now includes Trump appointees Neil Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, that have favored religion-based discrimination claims. In 2014, the justices allowed family-held, for-profit businesses with religious objections to get out from under a requirement to pay for contraceptives for women covered under their health insurance plans. In 2017, the court ruled for a Missouri church that had been excluded from state grants to put softer surfaces in playgrounds.The high court also is weighing a Trump administration policy that would make it easier for employers to claim a religious or moral exemption and avoid paying for contraceptives for women covered by their health plans. Still another case would shield religious institutions from more employment discrimination claims.The Supreme Court also has upheld some school voucher programs and state courts have ratified others.

Supreme Court lifts ban on state aid to religious schooling

SALINA —Authorities are investigating an online car transaction involving a reported stolen credit card number.

An employee of Long McArthur Ford, 3450 South 9th Street in Salina, reported that a subject from Georgia purchased a 2018 Honda Accord for $24,500 on June 4, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The subject produced all the required paperwork and set up the transportation for the vehicle to his daughter in New York. The vehicle was picked up in Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593531756106.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Authorities are investigating an online car transaction involving a reported stolen credit card number.An employee of Long McArthur Ford, 3450 South 9th Street in Salina, reported that a subject from Georgia purchased a 2018 Honda Accord for $24,500 on June 4, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The subject produced all the required paperwork and set up the transportation for the vehicle to his daughter in New York. The vehicle was picked up in Salina.The dealership then received a phone call from a subject in Salina who told them that his credit card had been charged $25,000 by Long McArthur and that he did not make the purchase, according to Forrester.The credit card transaction matched the transaction for the vehicle.Long McArthur contacted the transport company to have them return the vehicle, but were informed the vehicle had already been delivered, according to Forrester.&nbsp;