SALINE COUNTY —Authorities notified the Saline County Health Department of one additional positive COVID-19 case in a Saline County resident, according to a media release Sunday.

The patient, in this case, was a man in is 60’s. A COVID-19 test was administered and results were received by the Saline County Health Department on Sunday. They man has died, according to the release.

This additional case brings the total to 6 in Saline County.

The KDHE reported Sunday a total of 747 cases in Kansas. 

“We’re saddened to learn that we have lost one of our Saline County residents,” said Health Officer Jason Tiller. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and those impacted by his passing.” 

The Saline County Health Department will continue to conduct contact investigations in this case as with the other active cases. This is a process where the Health Department retraces the patient’s steps and activities so that we can identify anyone who may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.

Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>. It has always been and will continue to be our intention to ensure that businesses and individuals are educated on the statewide order. Stay-at-Home simply means Stay at Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a>&nbsp;to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

SALINE COUNTY —Authorities notified the Saline County Health Department of one additional positive COVID-19 case in a Saline County resident, according to a media release Sunday.The patient, in this case, was a man in is 60’s. A COVID-19 test was administered and results were received by the Saline County Health Department on Sunday. They man has died, according to the release.This additional case brings the total to 6 in Saline County.The KDHE reported Sunday a total of 747 cases in Kansas. “We’re saddened to learn that we have lost one of our Saline County residents,” said Health Officer Jason Tiller. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and those impacted by his passing.” The Saline County Health Department will continue to conduct contact investigations in this case as with the other active cases. This is a process where the Health Department retraces the patient’s steps and activities so that we can identify anyone who may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>. It has always been and will continue to be our intention to ensure that businesses and individuals are educated on the statewide order. Stay-at-Home simply means Stay at Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a>&nbsp;to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

Man in his 60s dies from coronavirus in Salina

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following a car stop, brief vehicle pursuit and search early Friday.

Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2 a.m., a Sheriff’s Office deputy made contact with a 2006 Chrysler 300 near SE Blair Street and SE 25th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

During the investigation, the driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. The deputy chased the suspect who quickly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver was identified as Tyrik A. Akpabio, 27, of Topeka and had multiple felony warrants for his arrest, according to Christian.

Through the investigation, it was determined that Akpabio had connections with a residence in the 2400 block of SE Alamar Road. A search of the residence lead to the location and arrest of Akpabio for three felony warrants and multiple other charges.

Deputies also arrested Dinah J. Koeppen, 57, of Topeka was arrested for obstructing apprehension or prosecution of a felony suspect.

Akpabio and Koeppen were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586051026220.png" alt="Koeppen-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Koeppen-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following a car stop, brief vehicle pursuit and search early Friday.Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2 a.m., a Sheriff’s Office deputy made contact with a 2006 Chrysler 300 near SE Blair Street and SE 25th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. The deputy chased the suspect who quickly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver was identified as Tyrik A. Akpabio, 27, of Topeka and had multiple felony warrants for his arrest, according to Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586050896412.png" alt="Akpabio" />
 <figcaption>Akpabio</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the investigation, it was determined that Akpabio had connections with a residence in the 2400 block of SE Alamar Road. A search of the residence lead to the location and arrest of Akpabio for three felony warrants and multiple other charges.Deputies also arrested Dinah J. Koeppen, 57, of Topeka was arrested for obstructing apprehension or prosecution of a felony suspect.Akpabio and Koeppen were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Kansas woman accused of preventing arrest of a felony suspect

PERRY, Kan. (AP) — Divers have recovered the body of a Kansas trash truck driver who was reported missing on Friday. Authorities say 32-year-old Bernard Singleton, of Topeka, apparently lost control of his truck west of Perry during inclement weather Friday morning. 

The truck hit a guard rail and overturned in the river, where it sank. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig said Deffenbaugh Industries contacted the sheriff's office Friday evening after Singleton didn't return from his route. 

Authorities used his phone to find Singleton's location. His body and truck were recovered Saturday afternoon.

PERRY, Kan. (AP) — Divers have recovered the body of a Kansas trash truck driver who was reported missing on Friday. Authorities say 32-year-old Bernard Singleton, of Topeka, apparently lost control of his truck west of Perry during inclement weather Friday morning. The truck hit a guard rail and overturned in the river, where it sank. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig said Deffenbaugh Industries contacted the sheriff's office Friday evening after Singleton didn't return from his route. Authorities used his phone to find Singleton's location. His body and truck were recovered Saturday afternoon.

Divers recover body of trash truck driver from Kansas river

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government expects to begin making payments to millions of Americans under the new stimulus law in mid-April, but some people without direct deposit information may not get checks until mid-August or later, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.

The document from the House Ways and Means Committee says the IRS will make about 60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit in mid-April, likely the week of April 13. The IRS has direct deposit information for these individuals from their 2018 or 2019 tax returns.

Then, starting the week of May 4, the IRS will begin issuing paper checks to individuals, the memo says. The paper checks will be issued at a rate of about 5 million per week, which means it could take up to 20 weeks to get all the checks out. That timeline would delay some checks until the week of Aug. 17.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that while he initially pledged to get payments started within three weeks of the law’s adoption, “I’m now committing to two weeks. We’re delivering on our commitments.”

The IRS, which he oversees, will ensure that “within two weeks the first money will be in people’s accounts,” Mnuchin said during a White House briefing.

“This money does people no good if it shows up in four months,” he added.

The memo from the committee’s Democratic majority says the timeline it made public Thursday was based on “extensive conversations with the IRS and the Department of Treasury.″ The timeline is subject to change, given ongoing discussions between Congress and the Trump administration.

“The Committee remains focused on ensuring all eligible Americans receive their payment as quickly as possible,″ the memo says.

The payments are part of the $2.2 trillion rescue package signed into law March 27 by President Donald Trump aimed at combating the economic ravages of the coronavirus outbreak.

Most people don’t need to do anything to get the money.

Reversing an earlier position, the government said this week that Social Security recipients who are not required to file a tax return will not need to file a very simplified tax return to receive their government stimulus check. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate the $1,200 checks to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.

The checks will be issued in reverse order of adjusted gross income, meaning that people with the lowest income will get payments first.

The committee estimates that there are 150 million to 170 million U.S. taxpayers, which leaves 90 million to 110 million taxpayers who are either filers or nonfilers but about whom the IRS wants information.

The filers will need to receive a paper check unless their direct deposit information can be updated in the IRS portal. Nonfilers may need to file the simple tax return and likely include direct deposit information if they want to receive their rebates quickly. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file their 2019 returns as soon as possible.

The IRS expects to create a portal in late April or early May that will allow taxpayers to find out the status of their rebate payment and update direct deposit information, the memo says.

Anyone earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and who has a Social Security number will receive a $1,200 payment. That means married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment — $2,400 — if their adjusted gross income, which is what they report on their taxes, is under $150,000.

The payment steadily declines for those who make more. Those earning more than $99,000, or $198,000 for joint filers, are not eligible. The thresholds are slightly different for those who file as a head of household.

Parents will also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

The IRS did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585875071611.png" alt="President signed the virus-relief package March 27" />
 <figcaption>President signed the virus-relief package March 27</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government expects to begin making payments to millions of Americans under the new stimulus law in mid-April, but some people without direct deposit information may not get checks until mid-August or later, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.The document from the House Ways and Means Committee says the IRS will make about 60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit in mid-April, likely the week of April 13. The IRS has direct deposit information for these individuals from their 2018 or 2019 tax returns.Then, starting the week of May 4, the IRS will begin issuing paper checks to individuals, the memo says. The paper checks will be issued at a rate of about 5 million per week, which means it could take up to 20 weeks to get all the checks out. That timeline would delay some checks until the week of Aug. 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864355430.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answered questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answered questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that while he initially pledged to get payments started within three weeks of the law’s adoption, “I’m now committing to two weeks. We’re delivering on our commitments.”The IRS, which he oversees, will ensure that “within two weeks the first money will be in people’s accounts,” Mnuchin said during a White House briefing.“This money does people no good if it shows up in four months,” he added.The memo from the committee’s Democratic majority says the timeline it made public Thursday was based on “extensive conversations with the IRS and the Department of Treasury.″ The timeline is subject to change, given ongoing discussions between Congress and the Trump administration.“The Committee remains focused on ensuring all eligible Americans receive their payment as quickly as possible,″ the memo says.The payments are part of the $2.2 trillion rescue package signed into law March 27 by President Donald Trump aimed at combating the economic ravages of the coronavirus outbreak.Most people don’t need to do anything to get the money.Reversing an earlier position, the government said this week that Social Security recipients who are not required to file a tax return will not need to file a very simplified tax return to receive their government stimulus check. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate the $1,200 checks to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.The checks will be issued in reverse order of adjusted gross income, meaning that people with the lowest income will get payments first.The committee estimates that there are 150 million to 170 million U.S. taxpayers, which leaves 90 million to 110 million taxpayers who are either filers or nonfilers but about whom the IRS wants information.The filers will need to receive a paper check unless their direct deposit information can be updated in the IRS portal. Nonfilers may need to file the simple tax return and likely include direct deposit information if they want to receive their rebates quickly. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file their 2019 returns as soon as possible.The IRS expects to create a portal in late April or early May that will allow taxpayers to find out the status of their rebate payment and update direct deposit information, the memo says.Anyone earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and who has a Social Security number will receive a $1,200 payment. That means married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment — $2,400 — if their adjusted gross income, which is what they report on their taxes, is under $150,000.The payment steadily declines for those who make more. Those earning more than $99,000, or $198,000 for joint filers, are not eligible. The thresholds are slightly different for those who file as a head of household.Parents will also receive $500 for each qualifying child.The IRS did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.___

Why some won't receive virus stimulus checks until August

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Sunday.

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for additi</a>onal details.

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Sunday.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for additi</a>onal details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586108768239.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 22 deaths

NEW YORK (AP) — Despite state and local limits on public gatherings, some faith leaders have persisted in holding in-person services -- a matter of religious freedom, they say, as the nation approached its fourth Sunday battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The most high-profile clash over in-person worship – and crowd limits designed to stop the virus’ spread -- came in Florida, where Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested Monday for violating a county order by hosting a large number of congregants at his Tampa church.

Howard-Browne said after his release he would move future worship online, but the county later ended its effort to apply limits on large gatherings to religious services after a statewide order described religious gatherings as essential.

Law enforcement officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3248693c8b52f19c3a40625eb1a754ec">in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and Maryland took separate action this week against pastors who continue to hold in-person services in the face of stay-home orders in most states.

But more than a half-dozen of those state orders provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f43faf0dbb54cbda06564fe34b100301">a degree of exemption</a>&nbsp;for religious activity, underscoring the political sensitivity of the decisions being made by states and localities. Vice President Mike Pence said this week that churches should not host groups bigger than 10 people.

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would be watching Palm Sunday services broadcast from Riverside, Calif., from a laptop. “People are watching on computers and laptops,” Trump said. “It’s sad.”

Trump said he asked about endorsing the idea of people being able to gather outside for services on Easter Sunday if they practice social distancing, but recalled being told “Do we want to take a chance on doing that when we have been doing so well?” Trump earlier said that “my biggest disappointment is that churches can’t meet in a time of need.”

The application of guidance on the ground has raised questions for some faith leaders.

Pastor Alvin Gwynn Sr., of Baltimore’s Friendship Baptist Church, said that police tried to halt services at his church on Sunday even though he had limited in-person attendance to 10 people.

Gwynn said in an interview that he still plans to hold in-person Easter services, citing the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of worship and assembly. Baltimore has “been through a lot” in recent years, said Gwynn, who leads a local ministers’ group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e56d41e0113643dd9871d49133cd4e3f">that criticized</a>&nbsp;the city’s police department leadership in 2015 following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.

“Which is safer, in the church with potential virus, or go out the door and catch a bullet?” Gwynn said.

Instructions for church gatherings in Maryland have been issued piecemeal. State guidance dated Monday described houses of worship as non-essential under a stay-home order issued by Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan that allowing them only to conduct “minimal operations.” But&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-09.pdf" target="_blank">follow-up guidance</a>&nbsp;dated Wednesday states that “in-person services” can be held with 10 or fewer people.

In Florida, attorneys at the Christian legal nonprofit representing Howard-Browne&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/040220-hillsborough-county-reverses-and-recognizes-churches-as-essential" target="_blank">tabled their plans</a>&nbsp;to file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the county order used against him after the county reversed course.

“Instead of using a scalpel to address this, they’re using a chainsaw,” said Liberty Counsel founder Mathew Staver, who added that executive orders designed to limit gatherings during the pandemic were “flying off printers and being signed by government officials with no constitutional readiness.”

On Wednesday, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-91-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">stay-home order</a>&nbsp;describing religious services as essential, followed by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-92.pdf" target="_blank">second order</a>&nbsp;that overrides any localities’ conflicting guidelines — an edict that could impede local attempts to shut down future large worship services.

Elsewhere, Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott also described religious services as essential in his order to limit gatherings during the pandemic. In Georgia, where some of the state’s worst virus outbreaks have been linked to large religious services, GOP Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday issued a stay-home order that states no faith-based gathering can occur with more than 10 people unless they keep a six-foot distance.

While some faith leaders who continue to hold in-person services have pointed to their First Amendment rights, including Ohio’s Solid Rock megachurch, it’s not clear that their activity during the pandemic would be legally protected.

State or local governments would be “constitutionally justified” in including houses of worship in their closure orders during a public health emergency as long as those orders are “generally applicable,” said John Inazu, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis who studies the First Amendment.

But the burden shifts if a government attempts to stop a church from holding services with less than 10 people while allowing secular businesses to operate under the same conditions, Inazu added: “There, I think there’s a very plausible religious freedom claim.”

Before issuing his order, Kemp held two calls with hundreds of clergy from across Georgia, urging houses of worship to stream services online or implement other social distancing measures, like holding drive-up services where people listen from their cars.

Most religious services across the country have already moved online.

“We’re making the best of a bad situation. It’s going to be devastating in the short term,” said Todd Gaddis, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, referring to the loss of donations from in-person services. “But I’m confident there will be spiritual dividends in the long run.”

And the Trump administration’s entreaties for churches to stop meeting in person extended beyond the White House. Sam Brownback, the president’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.”

Brownback, a Catholic, said that he’s skipped Mass for “several weeks, and it’s the longest period I’ve gone without going to Mass. And I think people should be doing this to stop the spread of the virus.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586052372246.png" alt="Former Kansas governor Sam Brownback, President Trump’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.” -photo courtesy U.S. State Department" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas governor Sam Brownback, President Trump’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.” -photo courtesy U.S. State Department</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Despite state and local limits on public gatherings, some faith leaders have persisted in holding in-person services -- a matter of religious freedom, they say, as the nation approached its fourth Sunday battling the coronavirus pandemic.The most high-profile clash over in-person worship – and crowd limits designed to stop the virus’ spread -- came in Florida, where Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested Monday for violating a county order by hosting a large number of congregants at his Tampa church.Howard-Browne said after his release he would move future worship online, but the county later ended its effort to apply limits on large gatherings to religious services after a statewide order described religious gatherings as essential.Law enforcement officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3248693c8b52f19c3a40625eb1a754ec">in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and Maryland took separate action this week against pastors who continue to hold in-person services in the face of stay-home orders in most states.But more than a half-dozen of those state orders provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f43faf0dbb54cbda06564fe34b100301">a degree of exemption</a>&nbsp;for religious activity, underscoring the political sensitivity of the decisions being made by states and localities. Vice President Mike Pence said this week that churches should not host groups bigger than 10 people.President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would be watching Palm Sunday services broadcast from Riverside, Calif., from a laptop. “People are watching on computers and laptops,” Trump said. “It’s sad.”Trump said he asked about endorsing the idea of people being able to gather outside for services on Easter Sunday if they practice social distancing, but recalled being told “Do we want to take a chance on doing that when we have been doing so well?” Trump earlier said that “my biggest disappointment is that churches can’t meet in a time of need.”The application of guidance on the ground has raised questions for some faith leaders.Pastor Alvin Gwynn Sr., of Baltimore’s Friendship Baptist Church, said that police tried to halt services at his church on Sunday even though he had limited in-person attendance to 10 people.Gwynn said in an interview that he still plans to hold in-person Easter services, citing the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of worship and assembly. Baltimore has “been through a lot” in recent years, said Gwynn, who leads a local ministers’ group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e56d41e0113643dd9871d49133cd4e3f">that criticized</a>&nbsp;the city’s police department leadership in 2015 following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.“Which is safer, in the church with potential virus, or go out the door and catch a bullet?” Gwynn said.Instructions for church gatherings in Maryland have been issued piecemeal. State guidance dated Monday described houses of worship as non-essential under a stay-home order issued by Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan that allowing them only to conduct “minimal operations.” But&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-09.pdf" target="_blank">follow-up guidance</a>&nbsp;dated Wednesday states that “in-person services” can be held with 10 or fewer people.In Florida, attorneys at the Christian legal nonprofit representing Howard-Browne&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/040220-hillsborough-county-reverses-and-recognizes-churches-as-essential" target="_blank">tabled their plans</a>&nbsp;to file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the county order used against him after the county reversed course.“Instead of using a scalpel to address this, they’re using a chainsaw,” said Liberty Counsel founder Mathew Staver, who added that executive orders designed to limit gatherings during the pandemic were “flying off printers and being signed by government officials with no constitutional readiness.”On Wednesday, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-91-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">stay-home order</a>&nbsp;describing religious services as essential, followed by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-92.pdf" target="_blank">second order</a>&nbsp;that overrides any localities’ conflicting guidelines — an edict that could impede local attempts to shut down future large worship services.Elsewhere, Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott also described religious services as essential in his order to limit gatherings during the pandemic. In Georgia, where some of the state’s worst virus outbreaks have been linked to large religious services, GOP Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday issued a stay-home order that states no faith-based gathering can occur with more than 10 people unless they keep a six-foot distance.While some faith leaders who continue to hold in-person services have pointed to their First Amendment rights, including Ohio’s Solid Rock megachurch, it’s not clear that their activity during the pandemic would be legally protected.State or local governments would be “constitutionally justified” in including houses of worship in their closure orders during a public health emergency as long as those orders are “generally applicable,” said John Inazu, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis who studies the First Amendment.But the burden shifts if a government attempts to stop a church from holding services with less than 10 people while allowing secular businesses to operate under the same conditions, Inazu added: “There, I think there’s a very plausible religious freedom claim.”Before issuing his order, Kemp held two calls with hundreds of clergy from across Georgia, urging houses of worship to stream services online or implement other social distancing measures, like holding drive-up services where people listen from their cars.Most religious services across the country have already moved online.“We’re making the best of a bad situation. It’s going to be devastating in the short term,” said Todd Gaddis, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, referring to the loss of donations from in-person services. “But I’m confident there will be spiritual dividends in the long run.”And the Trump administration’s entreaties for churches to stop meeting in person extended beyond the White House. Sam Brownback, the president’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.”Brownback, a Catholic, said that he’s skipped Mass for “several weeks, and it’s the longest period I’ve gone without going to Mass. And I think people should be doing this to stop the spread of the virus.”—-

New coronavirus limits bring new religious freedom tension


TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister have announced a state-federal partnership to investigate and prosecute scammers attempting to prey on Kansans
during the COVID-19 outbreak.


The two offices agree coordinating information and manpower will allow the agencies to more quickly verify allegations and prosecute those who are profiteering off the crisis.


“This partnership will allow our two agencies to bring the maximum state and federal resources to bear to stop scams, frauds and price gouging during this state of emergency,” Schmidt said. “I appreciate Steve’s
strong leadership in the U.S. attorney’s office and look forward to working closely with his team to protect Kansans in the face of this crisis.”


The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division will work directly with two prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office designated for handling COVID-19-related matters.


“Nationally, we have seen everything from people offering for sale respiratory masks they were not going to deliver to people seeking donations for non-existent COVID-19 charities,” McAllister said. “We are not
going to stand by while that happens in Kansas.”

Anyone with information about COVID-19-related scams or price gouging should file a complaint with the attorney general’s office online on a form specifically designed for coronavirus issues, available along with
other resources about the state’s response to the outbreak, at <a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>. Kansans may also call the
attorney general’s consumer protection hotline at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail.

Complaints can also be submitted to the U.S. attorney’s office by email at <a href="mailto:USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov" target="_blank">USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov</a>
or by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at (866) 720-5721.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585854832578.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OFFICE OF KANSAS AG
TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister have announced a state-federal partnership to investigate and prosecute scammers attempting to prey on Kansans
during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The two offices agree coordinating information and manpower will allow the agencies to more quickly verify allegations and prosecute those who are profiteering off the crisis.
“This partnership will allow our two agencies to bring the maximum state and federal resources to bear to stop scams, frauds and price gouging during this state of emergency,” Schmidt said. “I appreciate Steve’s
strong leadership in the U.S. attorney’s office and look forward to working closely with his team to protect Kansans in the face of this crisis.”
The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division will work directly with two prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office designated for handling COVID-19-related matters.
“Nationally, we have seen everything from people offering for sale respiratory masks they were not going to deliver to people seeking donations for non-existent COVID-19 charities,” McAllister said. “We are not
going to stand by while that happens in Kansas.”
Anyone with information about COVID-19-related scams or price gouging should file a complaint with the attorney general’s office online on a form specifically designed for coronavirus issues, available along with
other resources about the state’s response to the outbreak, at <a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>. Kansans may also call the
attorney general’s consumer protection hotline at (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail.
Complaints can also be submitted to the U.S. attorney’s office by email at <a href="mailto:USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov" target="_blank">USAKS.Covid.Fraud@usdoj.gov</a>
or by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at (866) 720-5721.&nbsp;

Kansas AG, US Attorney partner to combat COVID-19 fraud

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Saturday that a modified operational schedule has been implemented at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) after a fourth staff member, and the first resident,&nbsp; tested positive for COVID-19 virus. This schedule began with the 2 to 10 p.m. shift on Saturday April 4, 2020.&nbsp;

According to a media release from the KDOC, the staff member is a male over the age of 20 and the resident is a male over age 50. In order to protect the identity of each, no other information will be released.

As with the cases on March 31, the KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. Additional steps taken today include:

“The additional steps today illustrate our continued effort to follow all guidelines issued by public health officials,” Zmuda said. “We appreciate the continued support and guidance of KDHE and Governor Laura Kelly, as we conduct our work in these challenging times.”

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced Saturday that a modified operational schedule has been implemented at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) after a fourth staff member, and the first resident,&nbsp; tested positive for COVID-19 virus. This schedule began with the 2 to 10 p.m. shift on Saturday April 4, 2020.&nbsp;According to a media release from the KDOC, the staff member is a male over the age of 20 and the resident is a male over age 50. In order to protect the identity of each, no other information will be released.As with the cases on March 31, the KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. Additional steps taken today include:<ol>
 <li>Reduced movement of residents so that they will remain in their units, but are not locked down in cells&nbsp;</li><li>Necessary movement to recreation or jobs will occur primarily in groups, or cohorts, from the same unit</li><li>Staffing has been modified due to increased absences</li>
 </ol>“The additional steps today illustrate our continued effort to follow all guidelines issued by public health officials,” Zmuda said. “We appreciate the continued support and guidance of KDHE and Governor Laura Kelly, as we conduct our work in these challenging times.”

Kansas prison modifies operation due to new coronavirus cases

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after an early morning traffic stop.

Just after 1 a.m. Friday, a Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 2003 Dodge Neon near SE Burton Street and SE 34th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The vehicle had two occupants inside. Deputies arrested Gregory S. Raby, 29, of Topeka for driving while license suspended, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.

Colby R. Allen (34) of Topeka was arrested for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.

Both were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586049002165.png" alt="Raby photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Raby photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after an early morning traffic stop.Just after 1 a.m. Friday, a Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a 2003 Dodge Neon near SE Burton Street and SE 34th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The vehicle had two occupants inside. Deputies arrested Gregory S. Raby, 29, of Topeka for driving while license suspended, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.Colby R. Allen (34) of Topeka was arrested for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-16 requiring individuals to remain in their residence.Both were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections

Sheriff: Kan. man jailed on drug charge, violation of stay-at-home order 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A cluster of COVID-19 cases has been found at a rehabilitation center in Kansas City, Kansas, where 17 residents and two staff members have tested positive for the virus.

Six of those 17 residents at the Riverbend Post Acute Care Center have been hospitalized, said Dr. Allen Greiner, chief medical officer with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The facility has 135 residents.

Riverbend executive director Cory Schulte told&nbsp;The Kansas City Star&nbsp;that patients who remain at the facility are receiving care from its clinical team.

Kansas health officials on Saturday reported 21 coronavirus deaths as the number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 698, up 78 from a day earlier.

The greatest number of cases are in the Kansas City area, with 185 cases in Johnson County and 149 in Wyandotte County. But the outbreak continues to spread across Kansas with 49 of the state’s 105 counties now having a confirmed case.

Most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks, such as fever and cough. But older adults and people with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Kansas officials said they have received some medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. Starting this weekend, the Kansas National Guard and Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol are distributing masks, face shields, surgical gowns and gloves to all 105 counties, based on each county’s population. The supplies are being coordinated through county emergency managers who are distributing them.

Wichita State University also announced it has decided to move this summer’s classes to an online or remote format. Provost Rick Muma said in a letter to students and faculty that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.

“As our lives, both on campus and off, continue to be disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community. While we had hoped to be able to return to some sense of normal by the summer months, the situation remains uncertain,” he wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586045672182.png" alt="Image courtesy Riverbend Post Acute Care Center" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Riverbend Post Acute Care Center</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A cluster of COVID-19 cases has been found at a rehabilitation center in Kansas City, Kansas, where 17 residents and two staff members have tested positive for the virus.Six of those 17 residents at the Riverbend Post Acute Care Center have been hospitalized, said Dr. Allen Greiner, chief medical officer with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The facility has 135 residents.Riverbend executive director Cory Schulte told&nbsp;The Kansas City Star&nbsp;that patients who remain at the facility are receiving care from its clinical team.Kansas health officials on Saturday reported 21 coronavirus deaths as the number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 698, up 78 from a day earlier.The greatest number of cases are in the Kansas City area, with 185 cases in Johnson County and 149 in Wyandotte County. But the outbreak continues to spread across Kansas with 49 of the state’s 105 counties now having a confirmed case.Most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks, such as fever and cough. But older adults and people with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.Kansas officials said they have received some medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. Starting this weekend, the Kansas National Guard and Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol are distributing masks, face shields, surgical gowns and gloves to all 105 counties, based on each county’s population. The supplies are being coordinated through county emergency managers who are distributing them.Wichita State University also announced it has decided to move this summer’s classes to an online or remote format. Provost Rick Muma said in a letter to students and faculty that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.“As our lives, both on campus and off, continue to be disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community. While we had hoped to be able to return to some sense of normal by the summer months, the situation remains uncertain,” he wrote.

Coronavirus cluster found at Kansas rehabilitation center

COWLEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a fatal shooting and are asking the public for help to locate the suspect.

The victim in the shooting&nbsp; identified as Jonathan Martinez, 28, Arkansas City,&nbsp; died from the gunshot wound he sustained after being transported by air ambulance Friday afternoon to a Wichita hospital.

The investigation has identified the shooting suspect as Christopher Robert Henry, 37, of Wichita, according Police Chief Dan Ward.

“We believe Henry is no longer in our community and is likely in the Wichita area,” said Ward. 

“A warrant for Hentry's arrest has been obtained and we are working with the Wichita Police department to locate him. Henry should be considered armed and dangerous.”

Henry and Martinez knew each other, and Ward said this was not a random shooting or “road rage.”

The Arkansas City Police Department was able to identify Henry quickly due to the teamwork and assistance of the public and several other law enforcement agencies, including the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Wichita Police Department. He has a previous conviction for aggravated battery in Lyon County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Anyone with information on Henry’s whereabouts should immediately contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586041806433.png" alt="Henry- photo Arkansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Henry- photo Arkansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a fatal shooting and are asking the public for help to locate the suspect.The victim in the shooting&nbsp; identified as Jonathan Martinez, 28, Arkansas City,&nbsp; died from the gunshot wound he sustained after being transported by air ambulance Friday afternoon to a Wichita hospital.The investigation has identified the shooting suspect as Christopher Robert Henry, 37, of Wichita, according Police Chief Dan Ward.“We believe Henry is no longer in our community and is likely in the Wichita area,” said Ward. “A warrant for Hentry's arrest has been obtained and we are working with the Wichita Police department to locate him. Henry should be considered armed and dangerous.”Henry and Martinez knew each other, and Ward said this was not a random shooting or “road rage.”The Arkansas City Police Department was able to identify Henry quickly due to the teamwork and assistance of the public and several other law enforcement agencies, including the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Wichita Police Department. He has a previous conviction for aggravated battery in Lyon County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Anyone with information on Henry’s whereabouts should immediately contact police.

Police ask for help to locate wanted Kan. felon for fatal shooting

WASHINGTON — The White House is stepping up precautions to protect the president and vice president from contracting the new coronavirus.

Starting Friday, anyone who is expected to be in “close proximity” to either President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence will be given a quick COVID-19 test “to evaluate for pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers status to limit inadvertent transmission.”

That’s according to White House spokesman Judd Deere.

All visitors to the White House complex already have their temperatures taken when entering the building and if they will be in close proximity to either Trump or Pence.

Trump took the new COVID-19 test on Thursday and the White House doctor said results were back in 15 minutes. He tested negative.

A first look at recent U.S. death certificate data confirms that most of the initial American coronavirus deaths were people age 65 and older. But it also notes that about 1 in 5 were middle-aged.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the data online Friday. It reflects 1,150 U.S. coronavirus deaths that occurred through the last week of March. That tally is several hundreds deaths lower than other totals reported for the same period, because it relies on death certificate information which can come in weeks after other kinds of reports.

The new data says 56% of deaths were people 75 and older, and another 23% were people in their late 60s and early 70s. But another 17% were ages 45 to 64, and 3% were 35 to 44. The statistics were smaller for younger adults. One child died

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585949419593.png" alt="President Trump and Vice President Pence during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Vice President Pence during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The White House is stepping up precautions to protect the president and vice president from contracting the new coronavirus.Starting Friday, anyone who is expected to be in “close proximity” to either President Donald Trump or Vice President Mike Pence will be given a quick COVID-19 test “to evaluate for pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers status to limit inadvertent transmission.”That’s according to White House spokesman Judd Deere.All visitors to the White House complex already have their temperatures taken when entering the building and if they will be in close proximity to either Trump or Pence.Trump took the new COVID-19 test on Thursday and the White House doctor said results were back in 15 minutes. He tested negative.___A first look at recent U.S. death certificate data confirms that most of the initial American coronavirus deaths were people age 65 and older. But it also notes that about 1 in 5 were middle-aged.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the data online Friday. It reflects 1,150 U.S. coronavirus deaths that occurred through the last week of March. That tally is several hundreds deaths lower than other totals reported for the same period, because it relies on death certificate information which can come in weeks after other kinds of reports.The new data says 56% of deaths were people 75 and older, and another 23% were people in their late 60s and early 70s. But another 17% were ages 45 to 64, and 3% were 35 to 44. The statistics were smaller for younger adults. One child died

US stepping up protection of Trump, Pence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">CDC</a> now recommends wearing cloth face masks in public places.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tPx1yqvJgf4"></iframe>
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams demonstrates how to make low-tech face masks using what you have at home.</figcaption>
 </figure>CDCWASHINGTON, D.C. - The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">CDC</a> now recommends wearing cloth face masks in public places.<h2>Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others</h2><ol>
 <li>You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.</li><li>Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.</li><li>Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.</li><li>The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.</li><li>Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.</li><li>Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.</li>
 </ol>

🎥 CDC: How to make a face mask in 45 seconds

WICHITA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Searchers looking for a 20-month-old girl who had been swept away in an accident along the Little Walnut River found her remains Saturday.

A search team found the child's body about 3,700 feet downriver from the area where the vehicle entered the Little Walnut River near Leon,&nbsp;Kansas.

Detectives with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office took the body to the Regional Forensic Science Center in Wichita for an autopsy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586027543729.png" alt="Crews on the river last month search for the body of the toddler -photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Butler-County-crews-work-to-rescue-adult-child-after-vehicle-goes-into-pond-568721911.html">courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the river last month search for the body of the toddler -photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Butler-County-crews-work-to-rescue-adult-child-after-vehicle-goes-into-pond-568721911.html">courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Searchers looking for a 20-month-old girl who had been swept away in an accident along the Little Walnut River found her remains Saturday.A search team found the child's body about 3,700 feet downriver from the area where the vehicle entered the Little Walnut River near Leon,&nbsp;Kansas.Detectives with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office took the body to the Regional Forensic Science Center in Wichita for an autopsy.

Kansas searchers find body of child swept away in accident

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest report on coronavirus in Kansas Saturday.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData"> Click here </a>for additional details.

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest report on coronavirus in Kansas Saturday.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData"> Click here </a>for additional details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586020138546.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 21 deaths

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could run out of personal protective equipment for medical personnel and others dealing directly with the coronavirus pandemic by the middle of next week, Gov. Laura Kelly said Friday, as the state saw its largest spike in the number of COVID-19-related deaths since the outbreak began.

The Democratic governor’s warning came a day after she sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s administration as unprepared. She said Kansas received a shipment of personal protective equipment from the federal government, including masks and gloves, late Thursday, but that six requests for more equipment have yet to be filled.

Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment didn’t say how much equipment Kansas had received or how much more it was requesting. But the governor said supplies will last only until Tuesday.

“We will absolutely clear it out,” Kelly said during a daily coronavirus briefing at the Statehouse. “Everything will go down to our local county health officials for distribution to their health facilities, so that’s got to get restocked.”

COVID-19-related deaths reported in Kansas jumped by five Friday to 18. Three of those deaths were in Johnson County, two men in their 80s and a woman in her 70s, and one was in neighboring Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area. Leavenworth County also reported its first, a woman in her 50s.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases grew in a single day to 620, up 68, or 12%. Forty-five of the state’s 105 counties have a confirmed case.

Kansas has turned to private companies to help restock its protective equipment supplies, but Kelly said the state has seen orders diverted to other states or the federal government.

“We’re hoping though that at least some of that will reach Kansas by Tuesday, before we’re completely out,” she said.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Friday that state and local agencies have filed some of the roughly dozen complaints alleging price-gouging by providers of emergency supplies. State law limits price increases for necessary goods and services during an emergency.

Schmidt said his office has received more than 160 complaints since March 12, when Kelly declared a state of emergency. He said many came from consumers upset over retail prices.

Meanwhile, several groups, including the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Midwest Innocence Project, urged Kansas to release medically fragile and older adult inmates from prison, to make social distancing easier and to protect inmates who have underlying health conditions.

Three staff members at the state prison in Lansing have tested positive for the coronavirus, and about 15 inmates are in isolation. A detention deputy at the Sedgwick County jail also has the virus.

The state has no plans to release inmates early, an option Schmidt described as “a last resort.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585941832643.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Friday news conference." />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Friday news conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could run out of personal protective equipment for medical personnel and others dealing directly with the coronavirus pandemic by the middle of next week, Gov. Laura Kelly said Friday, as the state saw its largest spike in the number of COVID-19-related deaths since the outbreak began.The Democratic governor’s warning came a day after she sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s administration as unprepared. She said Kansas received a shipment of personal protective equipment from the federal government, including masks and gloves, late Thursday, but that six requests for more equipment have yet to be filled.Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment didn’t say how much equipment Kansas had received or how much more it was requesting. But the governor said supplies will last only until Tuesday.“We will absolutely clear it out,” Kelly said during a daily coronavirus briefing at the Statehouse. “Everything will go down to our local county health officials for distribution to their health facilities, so that’s got to get restocked.”COVID-19-related deaths reported in Kansas jumped by five Friday to 18. Three of those deaths were in Johnson County, two men in their 80s and a woman in her 70s, and one was in neighboring Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area. Leavenworth County also reported its first, a woman in her 50s.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases grew in a single day to 620, up 68, or 12%. Forty-five of the state’s 105 counties have a confirmed case.Most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks, such as fever and cough. But older adults and people with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.Kansas has turned to private companies to help restock its protective equipment supplies, but Kelly said the state has seen orders diverted to other states or the federal government.“We’re hoping though that at least some of that will reach Kansas by Tuesday, before we’re completely out,” she said.Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Friday that state and local agencies have filed some of the roughly dozen complaints alleging price-gouging by providers of emergency supplies. State law limits price increases for necessary goods and services during an emergency.Schmidt said his office has received more than 160 complaints since March 12, when Kelly declared a state of emergency. He said many came from consumers upset over retail prices.Meanwhile, several groups, including the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Midwest Innocence Project, urged Kansas to release medically fragile and older adult inmates from prison, to make social distancing easier and to protect inmates who have underlying health conditions.Three staff members at the state prison in Lansing have tested positive for the coronavirus, and about 15 inmates are in isolation. A detention deputy at the Sedgwick County jail also has the virus.The state has no plans to release inmates early, an option Schmidt described as “a last resort.”___

Coronavirus crisis: Kan. could exhaust protective gear next week

Lopez has previous convictions that include forgery, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Wichita Police

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the double murder of a mother and her 8-year-old daughter and continue to search for the suspect identified as 25-year-old Daniel O. Lopez.&nbsp; 

On Friday police presented the case against Lopez to the Sedgwick County District attorney who charge him with&nbsp; Capital Murder, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon and Aggravated Assault, according to officer Paul Cruz.

On Monday, police responded to a welfare check call at a home in the 4500 Block of South Walnut in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens from the Wichita Police Department Persons Crime Bureau.

When officers arrived, they entered the home and found two victims identified as 25-year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old Natalia Sorell-Lopez dead from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Stephens.

Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH

Police had responded after a call that&nbsp;Mickayla had not shown up for work Monday. Investigators believe the shooting occurred late Saturday, March 28, according to Stephens.

&nbsp;Police are asking the public for help to find him. Lopez is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who knows where he is should call 911.

&nbsp;These were the 13th and 14th homicides in Wichita this year, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585674774744.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lopez has previous convictions that include forgery, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Wichita PoliceSEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the double murder of a mother and her 8-year-old daughter and continue to search for the suspect identified as 25-year-old Daniel O. Lopez.&nbsp; On Friday police presented the case against Lopez to the Sedgwick County District attorney who charge him with&nbsp; Capital Murder, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon and Aggravated Assault, according to officer Paul Cruz.On Monday, police responded to a welfare check call at a home in the 4500 Block of South Walnut in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens from the Wichita Police Department Persons Crime Bureau.When officers arrived, they entered the home and found two victims identified as 25-year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old Natalia Sorell-Lopez dead from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585662112788.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCHPolice had responded after a call that&nbsp;Mickayla had not shown up for work Monday. Investigators believe the shooting occurred late Saturday, March 28, according to Stephens.&nbsp;Police are asking the public for help to find him. Lopez is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who knows where he is should call 911.&nbsp;These were the 13th and 14th homicides in Wichita this year, according to Stephens.

Boyfriend charged with murder in death of Kan. woman, 8-year-old

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/libraries-across-kansas-search-ways-do-their-work-after-covid-19-shut-their-doors#stream/0">By LINDSAY KANSON METCALF &amp; The Journal</a>

Librarians across Kansas struggled in March to find a balance between
 serving the intellectually curious and protecting public health.

Now,
 a statewide stay-at-home order from Gov. Laura Kelly appears to mean 
that all Kansas libraries will close or remain closed through April 19.

“In
 normal situations of ‘emergency,’ I believe public libraries would very
 much be considered an essential service,” State Librarian Eric Norris 
wrote in an email. “One of the functions would be as a place to bring 
people together and right now, going to the library is not in the best 
interest of any community. Closing doors and encouraging people to stay 
home is.”

It’s a difficult change to come to grips with. The 
state’s public libraries, which now number 325, haven’t faced closures 
this widespread since the 1918 influenza pandemic hit.

“It is very much in our DNA to keep the doors open at all costs,” Norris said in a previous interview.

But
 as conditions have kept changing and influencing more and more 
libraries to close, librarians across haven’t stopped acting 
experimentally to find coronavirus-proof ways to keep serving patrons.

At
 the beginning of March, for example, staff members at the Frank Carlson
 Library in Concordia regularly wiped down tables and required computer 
users to apply hand sanitizer. (Disclosure: This reporter serves on the 
library’s board of trustees.)

Days later, new federal guidelines 
for social distancing made staffers rethink using the bank of public 
computers altogether. By March 17, when the American Library Association
 urged all libraries to close, director Denise de Rochefort-Reynolds was
 brainstorming ways to avoid shuttering completely, including a 
no-contact “carryout” service based out of a sealed entryway.

But
 unknowns persisted. What would materials collection look like? 
Librarians could wipe down book jackets, but what if a patron sneezed on
 the pages?

By March 18, “closing seemed like the only thing we could do,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says.

Most libraries plan to stay closed only as long as they have to. In 
the meantime, they’ve been grappling with how to shift services online, a
 task that’s crucial following the governor’s order forcing most of the 
state’s roughly 500,000 K-12 students to learn from home.

Youth 
services librarians have responded by moving story times online, but 
copyright protections limit movement into a digital space, where content
 is often recorded. Publishers such as<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/penguin-random-house-temporary-open-license/" target="_blank"> Penguin Random House</a>
 have moved quickly to create open licenses that allow librarians to 
livestream read-alouds on social media, as long as the sessions are not 
archived.

Some patrons, including those with children, rely on 
libraries for internet access. De Rochefort-Reynolds says her library 
removed the Wi-Fi password in case someone wants to sit outside and 
borrow the signal. But what about residents who want to use a library 
for the first time? How will a library fill requests for new library 
cards in cases where a digital process doesn’t exist?&nbsp;

“We can’t solve every problem right away,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says. “It’s going to be an ongoing process.”

In
 places where no COVID-19 cases had been confirmed, a handful of 
libraries attempted to remain open even as most of their peers had 
closed.

Norma Mullen, director of the Logan Library in Phillips 
County, kept the doors open and chose to battle COVID-19 with sanitizer 
on the front counter, a ready supply of Lysol and wipes for returns. But
 on the day this reporter interviewed her just over a week ago, zero 
patrons walked through the door.

“Maybe they’re not expecting me to be open,” she said.

Already,
 the handwriting was on the wall that closure might be inevitable. 
Mullen noted how the statewide book courier, an alternative to sending 
materials to other libraries through the mail, was ceasing deliveries of
 interlibrary loans, and as the days went by, the library ultimately 
decided to close.

Closing down is a bitter pill to swallow, but librarians planned to keep up the fight to serve.

“We
 are face-to-face people, and we want to put books in people’s hands,” 
de Rochefort-Reynolds said. “The transfer of information is what we’re 
all about. But by transferring information, are we transferring virus?”

For
 now, she has shifted money for collections into digital resources. Last
 week, she ordered 45 “cozy mysteries” for the Sunflower eLibrary, a 
cooperative service to which the Frank Carlson Library belongs.

“I’m
 thinking, ‘What is almost brainless fluff?’” she said. “That’s 
something we don’t want to lose in the shuffle of this — the need to 
escape.”

The Kansas State Library has recently aggregated digital resources <a href="https://kslib.info/1441/Resource-Guides-for-Educators" target="_blank">for educators</a>
 and families looking to supplement learning at home. Some services, 
including many e-book lending libraries, require a state library e-Card.
 “Right now we are working out how to get Kansans easier access to an 
e-Card while still verifying that they are indeed a Kansas resident,” 
state librarian Eric Norris says.

e-Card information: <a href="https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User</a>

Services listed here: <a href="https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending</a>

<a href="https://cloudlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Cloud Library</a>

<a href="https://www.freading.com/index" target="_blank">Freading</a>

<a href="http://rbdigital.rbdigital.com/" target="_blank">RB Digital</a> audiobooks

<a href="https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids" target="_blank">Youth materials </a>such as <a href="https://www.tumblebooks.com/" target="_blank">TumbleBooks</a> (through Aug. 31)

<a href="https://kslib.info/221/Online-Databases" target="_blank">Online databases</a>

This
 story comes from The Journal, the print and digital magazine of the 
Kansas Leadership Center. The Journal is publishing a digital newsletter
 that explores what is working, what isn’t working and what’s being 
learned during the response to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week 
updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853860903.jpeg" alt=" Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal " />
 <figcaption> Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/libraries-across-kansas-search-ways-do-their-work-after-covid-19-shut-their-doors#stream/0">By LINDSAY KANSON METCALF &amp; The Journal</a>Librarians across Kansas struggled in March to find a balance between
 serving the intellectually curious and protecting public health.Now,
 a statewide stay-at-home order from Gov. Laura Kelly appears to mean 
that all Kansas libraries will close or remain closed through April 19.“In
 normal situations of ‘emergency,’ I believe public libraries would very
 much be considered an essential service,” State Librarian Eric Norris 
wrote in an email. “One of the functions would be as a place to bring 
people together and right now, going to the library is not in the best 
interest of any community. Closing doors and encouraging people to stay 
home is.”It’s a difficult change to come to grips with. The 
state’s public libraries, which now number 325, haven’t faced closures 
this widespread since the 1918 influenza pandemic hit.“It is very much in our DNA to keep the doors open at all costs,” Norris said in a previous interview.But
 as conditions have kept changing and influencing more and more 
libraries to close, librarians across haven’t stopped acting 
experimentally to find coronavirus-proof ways to keep serving patrons.At
 the beginning of March, for example, staff members at the Frank Carlson
 Library in Concordia regularly wiped down tables and required computer 
users to apply hand sanitizer. (Disclosure: This reporter serves on the 
library’s board of trustees.)Days later, new federal guidelines 
for social distancing made staffers rethink using the bank of public 
computers altogether. By March 17, when the American Library Association
 urged all libraries to close, director Denise de Rochefort-Reynolds was
 brainstorming ways to avoid shuttering completely, including a 
no-contact “carryout” service based out of a sealed entryway.But
 unknowns persisted. What would materials collection look like? 
Librarians could wipe down book jackets, but what if a patron sneezed on
 the pages?By March 18, “closing seemed like the only thing we could do,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853927041.jpeg" alt=" It's rare for Kansas libraries to close, the but the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 has forced the Concordia library and others across the state to shut their doors. Credit Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal" />
 <figcaption> It's rare for Kansas libraries to close, the but the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 has forced the Concordia library and others across the state to shut their doors. Credit Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal</figcaption>
 </figure>Most libraries plan to stay closed only as long as they have to. In 
the meantime, they’ve been grappling with how to shift services online, a
 task that’s crucial following the governor’s order forcing most of the 
state’s roughly 500,000 K-12 students to learn from home.Youth 
services librarians have responded by moving story times online, but 
copyright protections limit movement into a digital space, where content
 is often recorded. Publishers such as<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/penguin-random-house-temporary-open-license/" target="_blank"> Penguin Random House</a>
 have moved quickly to create open licenses that allow librarians to 
livestream read-alouds on social media, as long as the sessions are not 
archived.Some patrons, including those with children, rely on 
libraries for internet access. De Rochefort-Reynolds says her library 
removed the Wi-Fi password in case someone wants to sit outside and 
borrow the signal. But what about residents who want to use a library 
for the first time? How will a library fill requests for new library 
cards in cases where a digital process doesn’t exist?&nbsp;“We can’t solve every problem right away,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says. “It’s going to be an ongoing process.”In
 places where no COVID-19 cases had been confirmed, a handful of 
libraries attempted to remain open even as most of their peers had 
closed.Norma Mullen, director of the Logan Library in Phillips 
County, kept the doors open and chose to battle COVID-19 with sanitizer 
on the front counter, a ready supply of Lysol and wipes for returns. But
 on the day this reporter interviewed her just over a week ago, zero 
patrons walked through the door.“Maybe they’re not expecting me to be open,” she said.Already,
 the handwriting was on the wall that closure might be inevitable. 
Mullen noted how the statewide book courier, an alternative to sending 
materials to other libraries through the mail, was ceasing deliveries of
 interlibrary loans, and as the days went by, the library ultimately 
decided to close.Closing down is a bitter pill to swallow, but librarians planned to keep up the fight to serve.“We
 are face-to-face people, and we want to put books in people’s hands,” 
de Rochefort-Reynolds said. “The transfer of information is what we’re 
all about. But by transferring information, are we transferring virus?”For
 now, she has shifted money for collections into digital resources. Last
 week, she ordered 45 “cozy mysteries” for the Sunflower eLibrary, a 
cooperative service to which the Frank Carlson Library belongs.“I’m
 thinking, ‘What is almost brainless fluff?’” she said. “That’s 
something we don’t want to lose in the shuffle of this — the need to 
escape.”_____FREE ONLINE RESOURCESThe Kansas State Library has recently aggregated digital resources <a href="https://kslib.info/1441/Resource-Guides-for-Educators" target="_blank">for educators</a>
 and families looking to supplement learning at home. Some services, 
including many e-book lending libraries, require a state library e-Card.
 “Right now we are working out how to get Kansans easier access to an 
e-Card while still verifying that they are indeed a Kansas resident,” 
state librarian Eric Norris says.e-Card information: <a href="https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User</a>e-Card required:Services listed here: <a href="https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending</a><a href="https://cloudlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Cloud Library</a><a href="https://www.enkilibrary.org/" target="_blank">Enki</a><a href="https://www.freading.com/index" target="_blank">Freading</a><a href="http://rbdigital.rbdigital.com/" target="_blank">RB Digital</a> audiobookse-Card not required:<a href="https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids" target="_blank">Youth materials </a>such as <a href="https://www.tumblebooks.com/" target="_blank">TumbleBooks</a> (through Aug. 31)<a href="https://kslib.info/221/Online-Databases" target="_blank">Online databases</a>This
 story comes from The Journal, the print and digital magazine of the 
Kansas Leadership Center. The Journal is publishing a digital newsletter
 that explores what is working, what isn’t working and what’s being 
learned during the response to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week 
updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

Libraries across Kan. search for ways to do their work amid COVID-19

KANSAS CITY —The University of Kansas Cancer Center will receive an additional $5 million from the state budget for the
 KU Cancer Center Research Fund, approved by the Kansas legislature and signed by Governor Laura Kelly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585749046889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KUMCKANSAS CITY —The University of Kansas Cancer Center will receive an additional $5 million from the state budget for the
 KU Cancer Center Research Fund, approved by the Kansas legislature and signed by Governor Laura Kelly.
“These funds will be crucial to the KU Cancer Center’s competitive application for National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer center designation,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., Director of the KU Cancer Center.
 “We commend Kansas state leaders and Governor Kelly for recognizing that, even during these most difficult of times with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue our fight against cancer, the number one cause of death in the state of Kansas.”
In two years, the Cancer Center will apply for NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation.&nbsp;
That designation will bring with it many millions of dollars in new NCI funding that would enhance cancer care and research at the KU Cancer Center, Jensen explained.&nbsp;

“Achieving comprehensive designation would be a boon to our regional economic development as well an important step forward in advancing public health in our state. We anticipate comprehensive cancer center
 designation would lead to the creation of 89 new KU Cancer Center jobs and 106 new regional jobs, for a total of 195 jobs created,” Jensen said.
In 2007, the State of Kansas established a line item in the state budget in the amount of $5 million per year in support of The University of Kansas Cancer Center for obtaining National Cancer Institute designation.
 This funding served as a critical resource for the KU Cancer Center and was essential in winning NCI designation in 2012 and its renewal in 2017.

Jensen pointed out that it was Fred Logan, chair of the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA) Board, who spearheaded the effort to increase funding from the state. The MCA is the outreach arm of the KU Cancer Center.
“All of the credit goes to Fred Logan,” Jensen said.

“Winning a comprehensive cancer center designation would be a landmark achievement for our state,” Logan said. “This appropriation will have a lasting beneficial impact on all Kansans.”