KANSAS CITY —(AP) — Four civil lawsuits alleging sexual and physical assault by the owners of a southwest Missouri reform school have been settled.

An attorney for four former Circle of Hope Girls Ranch students, identified only as Jane Does, said that the settlement amounts are confidential.

The four former students sued the school's owners shortly after two dozen girls were removed from the Humansville-area school last year during an investigation into the abuse allegations.

The owners, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, together face more than 100 criminal charges including statutory rape, sodomy, physical abuse and neglect.

Boyd Householder faces 80 charges, including statutory rape and statutory sodomy. His wife has been charged with 22 counts, most involving abuse or neglect of a child. They both pleaded not guilty in March.

The plaintiffs in the civil suits allege they were raped, thrown against walls, forced to eat until they vomited and starved by the Householders.

A Missouri law dating to 1982 exempted religious residential care facilities from state licensure requirements. Republican Gov. Mike Parson last week signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-business-government-and-politics-bd92fb70f530938fc54c5a0a3bc50418">bill</a>&nbsp;into law to regulate the unlicensed schools.

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — The owners of a former Christian reform school for girls in southwest Missouri are charged with more than 100 counts alleging they sexually, emotionally and physically abused girls for years.

Sixteen former residents of the Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Cedar County say Boyd and Stephanie Householder frequently restrained them with handcuffs, whipped them with belts, taped their mouths shut and struck or punched them for minor offenses such as drinking from a spring or singing.

Several of the charges allege Boyd Householder, 71, sexually abused the girls.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt said during a news conference Wednesday that the alleged victims also said they were forced to shovel manure for hours on end, stand with their noses against a wall while handcuffed for days at a time, and were locked in rooms without beds or lights.

“There are no words that I can say here today to describe the mixture of great sadness, horror, disgust and sympathy that I feel about these reports of cruel and almost unbelievable abuse and neglect,” Schmitt said. “We intend to do everything in the power of this office to get justice for these victims.”

Schmitt said Boyd Householder also told at least seven girls the “proper way” to commit suicide, and he's accused of forcing a girl to drink at least 220 ounces of water, run a mile until she vomited and then run again.

The Householders were charged Tuesday and are being held in the Vernon County Jail.

Boyd Householder faces 79 felony and one misdemeanor charge, including several counts of statutory rape, statutory sodomy, and abuse and neglect of a child. Stephanie Householder, 55, was charged with 22 counts, most involving abuse or neglect of a child. Her charges do not involve sexual contact.

Stephanie Householder is accused of restraining students and allowing her husband to have continued contact with several girls after he physically assaulted them.

“With 16 victims so far, we believe this to be one of the most widespread cases of sexual, physical and mental abuse practiced against young girls in Missouri history,” Schmitt said.

He declined to say the ages of the victims who have come forward, describing them only as girls and young women. Circle of Hope closed in August after investigators removed about two dozen girls. Many of the girls were sent to the home from out-of-state.

The charges came after an investigation by law enforcement in Cedar County and elsewhere that started when former residents of the home made allegations against the Householders on social media. Cedar County Prosecutor Ty Gaither asked Schmitt's office to help with the investigation in mid-November.

Online court records do not name attorneys for the Householders.

The Householders told The Kansas City Star in September that the allegations were lies prompted by their estranged daughter and girls who lived at the ranch who have not been successful in life.

“They’re angry and they’re bitter, and they want to blame somebody,” said Stephanie Householder. “They feel like they’re victims, and they just want to take their anger out on somebody."

Schmitt said the investigation continues and urged anyone who was a victim or knows of further cases of abuse to contact his office.

Under Missouri law, faith-based boarding schools such as Circle of Hope are not subject to state oversight and are not required to be licensed. Circle of Hope described itself as a school that used the Bible to teach the girls proper behavior.

After The Star published an investigation of faith-based homes last year, Democratic Rep. Keri Ingle, of Lee’s Summit, and Republican Rep. Rudy Veit, of Wardsville, introduced identical bills that would require some regulation of these unlicensed schools.

The Missouri House Committee on Children and Families unanimously passed those measures last month and they are expected to be considered by the full House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615414551416.png" alt="Householder photo Vernon County" />
 <figcaption>Householder photo Vernon County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —(AP) — Four civil lawsuits alleging sexual and physical assault by the owners of a southwest Missouri reform school have been settled.An attorney for four former Circle of Hope Girls Ranch students, identified only as Jane Does, said that the settlement amounts are confidential.The four former students sued the school's owners shortly after two dozen girls were removed from the Humansville-area school last year during an investigation into the abuse allegations.The owners, Boyd and Stephanie Householder, together face more than 100 criminal charges including statutory rape, sodomy, physical abuse and neglect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615414571281.png" alt="Householder-photo Vernon Co." />
 <figcaption>Householder-photo Vernon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Boyd Householder faces 80 charges, including statutory rape and statutory sodomy. His wife has been charged with 22 counts, most involving abuse or neglect of a child. They both pleaded not guilty in March.The plaintiffs in the civil suits allege they were raped, thrown against walls, forced to eat until they vomited and starved by the Householders.A Missouri law dating to 1982 exempted religious residential care facilities from state licensure requirements. Republican Gov. Mike Parson last week signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-business-government-and-politics-bd92fb70f530938fc54c5a0a3bc50418">bill</a>&nbsp;into law to regulate the unlicensed schools.-----------LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — The owners of a former Christian reform school for girls in southwest Missouri are charged with more than 100 counts alleging they sexually, emotionally and physically abused girls for years.Sixteen former residents of the Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Cedar County say Boyd and Stephanie Householder frequently restrained them with handcuffs, whipped them with belts, taped their mouths shut and struck or punched them for minor offenses such as drinking from a spring or singing.Several of the charges allege Boyd Householder, 71, sexually abused the girls.Attorney General Eric Schmitt said during a news conference Wednesday that the alleged victims also said they were forced to shovel manure for hours on end, stand with their noses against a wall while handcuffed for days at a time, and were locked in rooms without beds or lights.“There are no words that I can say here today to describe the mixture of great sadness, horror, disgust and sympathy that I feel about these reports of cruel and almost unbelievable abuse and neglect,” Schmitt said. “We intend to do everything in the power of this office to get justice for these victims.”Schmitt said Boyd Householder also told at least seven girls the “proper way” to commit suicide, and he's accused of forcing a girl to drink at least 220 ounces of water, run a mile until she vomited and then run again.The Householders were charged Tuesday and are being held in the Vernon County Jail.Boyd Householder faces 79 felony and one misdemeanor charge, including several counts of statutory rape, statutory sodomy, and abuse and neglect of a child. Stephanie Householder, 55, was charged with 22 counts, most involving abuse or neglect of a child. Her charges do not involve sexual contact.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615414551416.png" alt="Stephanie Householder photo Vernon Co." />
 <figcaption>Stephanie Householder photo Vernon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephanie Householder is accused of restraining students and allowing her husband to have continued contact with several girls after he physically assaulted them.“With 16 victims so far, we believe this to be one of the most widespread cases of sexual, physical and mental abuse practiced against young girls in Missouri history,” Schmitt said.He declined to say the ages of the victims who have come forward, describing them only as girls and young women. Circle of Hope closed in August after investigators removed about two dozen girls. Many of the girls were sent to the home from out-of-state.The charges came after an investigation by law enforcement in Cedar County and elsewhere that started when former residents of the home made allegations against the Householders on social media. Cedar County Prosecutor Ty Gaither asked Schmitt's office to help with the investigation in mid-November.Online court records do not name attorneys for the Householders.The Householders told The Kansas City Star in September that the allegations were lies prompted by their estranged daughter and girls who lived at the ranch who have not been successful in life.“They’re angry and they’re bitter, and they want to blame somebody,” said Stephanie Householder. “They feel like they’re victims, and they just want to take their anger out on somebody."Schmitt said the investigation continues and urged anyone who was a victim or knows of further cases of abuse to contact his office.Under Missouri law, faith-based boarding schools such as Circle of Hope are not subject to state oversight and are not required to be licensed. Circle of Hope described itself as a school that used the Bible to teach the girls proper behavior.After The Star published an investigation of faith-based homes last year, Democratic Rep. Keri Ingle, of Lee’s Summit, and Republican Rep. Rudy Veit, of Wardsville, introduced identical bills that would require some regulation of these unlicensed schools.The Missouri House Committee on Children and Families unanimously passed those measures last month and they are expected to be considered by the full House.___

Abuse claims against Christian boarding school settled

TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers plan to hold 14 town hall meetings across the state to gather opinions this summer and fall on how the Legislature should redraw political boundaries next year.

Six legislative leaders agreed to have the same number of town hall meetings that lawmakers held ahead of the last redistricting in 2012.

On Monday, The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns sent a joint letter to the Kansas Redistricting Committee outlining steps it should take to ensure constituent participation, transparency, and accessibility during the redistricting process, according to a media release from the governor's office.

“It is crucial that the redistricting process is as transparent as possible and that as many people have the opportunity to be involved in the decisions that will impact who their voice in the legislature is for potentially the next decade,”&nbsp;the letter says.&nbsp;“Yet, there remain several steps this committee should take to ensure constituent participation.”

The state must redraw congressional, legislative and State Board of Education districts every 10 years to reflect shifts in the population. The Republican-controlled Legislature plans to tackle the work next year and have new lines in place for the June 2022 candidate filing deadline.

Lawmakers in both parties expect Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, to pick up seats in the Legislature and western and southeast Kansas to lose them. They’re also expecting a contentious debate over redrawing the state’s four congressional districts.

—The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590523973873.png" alt="Kansas legislative districts" />
 <figcaption>Kansas legislative districts</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers plan to hold 14 town hall meetings across the state to gather opinions this summer and fall on how the Legislature should redraw political boundaries next year.Six legislative leaders agreed to have the same number of town hall meetings that lawmakers held ahead of the last redistricting in 2012.On Monday, The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns sent a joint letter to the Kansas Redistricting Committee outlining steps it should take to ensure constituent participation, transparency, and accessibility during the redistricting process, according to a media release from the governor's office.“It is crucial that the redistricting process is as transparent as possible and that as many people have the opportunity to be involved in the decisions that will impact who their voice in the legislature is for potentially the next decade,”&nbsp;the letter says.&nbsp;“Yet, there remain several steps this committee should take to ensure constituent participation.”The state must redraw congressional, legislative and State Board of Education districts every 10 years to reflect shifts in the population. The Republican-controlled Legislature plans to tackle the work next year and have new lines in place for the June 2022 candidate filing deadline.Lawmakers in both parties expect Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, to pick up seats in the Legislature and western and southeast Kansas to lose them. They’re also expecting a contentious debate over redrawing the state’s four congressional districts.—The Associated Press contributed to this report

Kan. commissions urge transparency in redistricting process

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell implored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-government-and-politics-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-8318e3f406278f3ebf09871128cc91de">unvaccinated Americans</a>&nbsp;Tuesday to take the COVID-19 shot, issuing a stark and grave warning of a repeat of last year’s rising caseloads and shutdowns if people refuse to protect themselves from the coronavirus.

McConnell urged Americans to ignore the “demonstrably bad advice” coming from pundits and others against the vaccines. As cases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-c053fae3d462705c39e3ffcd612d8a50">skyrocket</a>, he noted that nearly all the new virus hospitalizations in the U.S. are among people who have not been vaccinated.

“If there is anybody out there willing to listen: Get vaccinated,” McConnell, R-Ky., said at his weekly press conference at the Capitol.

“These shots need to get in everybody’s arms as rapidly as possible or we’re going to be back in a situation in the fall that we don’t yearn for — that we went through last year,” he said. “This is not complicated.”

McConnell has been one of the most outspoken members of his party in urging vaccinations to stop the virus spread, speaking often in his home state of Kentucky of the need for people to get the shot.

Without criticizing prominent Republicans who refuse the vaccine or mock the severity of the virus, including members of Congress, he has expressed dismay at those who choose to go unvaccinated.

As a survivor of childhood polio,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-ap-top-news-mitch-mcconnell-politics-ky-state-wire-f696c0bff070b46f9c62e03be50bd187">McConnell often draws on his own experience&nbsp;</a>of having endured that disease and he has spoken publicly of the relief that eventually came with the development of vaccines.

On Tuesday he said “it never occurred to me” that after the COVID-19 vaccines that were quickly developed for use in the U.S., “we’d have difficulty getting Americans to get the shot.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell implored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-government-and-politics-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-8318e3f406278f3ebf09871128cc91de">unvaccinated Americans</a>&nbsp;Tuesday to take the COVID-19 shot, issuing a stark and grave warning of a repeat of last year’s rising caseloads and shutdowns if people refuse to protect themselves from the coronavirus.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Get vaccinated! These shots need to get into arms as rapidly as possible, or else we&#39;re gonna be back in a situation this fall like what we went through last year. <a href="https://t.co/J4o6yL5cn4">pic.twitter.com/J4o6yL5cn4</a>&mdash; Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell/status/1417577257296666626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McConnell urged Americans to ignore the “demonstrably bad advice” coming from pundits and others against the vaccines. As cases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-c053fae3d462705c39e3ffcd612d8a50">skyrocket</a>, he noted that nearly all the new virus hospitalizations in the U.S. are among people who have not been vaccinated.“If there is anybody out there willing to listen: Get vaccinated,” McConnell, R-Ky., said at his weekly press conference at the Capitol.“These shots need to get in everybody’s arms as rapidly as possible or we’re going to be back in a situation in the fall that we don’t yearn for — that we went through last year,” he said. “This is not complicated.”McConnell has been one of the most outspoken members of his party in urging vaccinations to stop the virus spread, speaking often in his home state of Kentucky of the need for people to get the shot.Without criticizing prominent Republicans who refuse the vaccine or mock the severity of the virus, including members of Congress, he has expressed dismay at those who choose to go unvaccinated.As a survivor of childhood polio,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-ap-top-news-mitch-mcconnell-politics-ky-state-wire-f696c0bff070b46f9c62e03be50bd187">McConnell often draws on his own experience&nbsp;</a>of having endured that disease and he has spoken publicly of the relief that eventually came with the development of vaccines.On Tuesday he said “it never occurred to me” that after the COVID-19 vaccines that were quickly developed for use in the U.S., “we’d have difficulty getting Americans to get the shot.”

🎥  Senate GOP leader: 'Get vaccinated' or risk shutdowns again

EDITOR's Note: The story has been updated to show semi driver Dean Keating is from Fulton, Kansas.

BOURBON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Bourbon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Dodge Ram 350 driven by Fabiana V.&nbsp;Anez-Sierra, 23, Miami Florida, was southbound on Kansas Highway 7 two miles south of U.S. 169.

The pickup crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2006 Kenworth semi driven by Dean E. Keating, 43, Fulton, Kansas.&nbsp;

Anez-Sierra was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported a passenger in the Ram&nbsp; Alvaro Jesus&nbsp;Casadiego, 31, Miami, FL., to Freeman Hospital in Joplin.

Keating and a 1-year-old in the Ram were not injured. The adults in the Ram were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

BOURBON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Bourbon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a southbound vehicle&nbsp; drifted and crossed the center line on Kansas Highway 7 two miles south of U.S. 169.&nbsp; The vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle.

Authorities released no additional details including the number of victims.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

EDITOR's Note: The story has been updated to show semi driver Dean Keating is from Fulton, Kansas.BOURBON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Bourbon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Dodge Ram 350 driven by Fabiana V.&nbsp;Anez-Sierra, 23, Miami Florida, was southbound on Kansas Highway 7 two miles south of U.S. 169.The pickup crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2006 Kenworth semi driven by Dean E. Keating, 43, Fulton, Kansas.&nbsp;Anez-Sierra was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported a passenger in the Ram&nbsp; Alvaro Jesus&nbsp;Casadiego, 31, Miami, FL., to Freeman Hospital in Joplin.Keating and a 1-year-old in the Ram were not injured. The adults in the Ram were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.----------BOURBON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Bourbon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a southbound vehicle&nbsp; drifted and crossed the center line on Kansas Highway 7 two miles south of U.S. 169.&nbsp; The vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle.Authorities released no additional details including the number of victims.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP IDs woman who died in pickup crash with a semi

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 38-year-old man has been charged in connection with the deaths of three people who were found dead last week in a home in Kansas City.

The Jackson County prosecutors office announced Monday that Rahman M. Muhammad of Kansas City faces three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action after he was linked to the slayings by investigators.

Prosecutors said he is a relative of the three victims.

Police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-kansas-city-858fe6bfb52b0de1b9e3ca8d7ffb2756">discovered the bodies</a>&nbsp;Thursday after another concerned family member called police after not hearing from the people in the home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626777016837.png" alt="Muhammad photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Muhammad photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 38-year-old man has been charged in connection with the deaths of three people who were found dead last week in a home in Kansas City.The Jackson County prosecutors office announced Monday that Rahman M. Muhammad of Kansas City faces three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action after he was linked to the slayings by investigators.Prosecutors said he is a relative of the three victims.Police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-kansas-city-858fe6bfb52b0de1b9e3ca8d7ffb2756">discovered the bodies</a>&nbsp;Thursday after another concerned family member called police after not hearing from the people in the home.

Police charge man in deaths of 3 in Kansas City home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and looking for suspects.

Just after 9:30 p.m.&nbsp; Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 400 block of North Emporia in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located evidence of a shooting in the 500 block of East Central. However, no victims or suspects were located after searching the area.

Later, a 32-year-old male arrived at an area hospital who had been shot.&nbsp; He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that the victim got into a disturbance with a known suspect when the suspect fired multiple shots from a handgun, striking the victim.

Detectives are working to locate other individuals involved in this case.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and looking for suspects.Just after 9:30 p.m.&nbsp; Monday, police responded to a shooting call in the 400 block of North Emporia in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located evidence of a shooting in the 500 block of East Central. However, no victims or suspects were located after searching the area.Later, a 32-year-old male arrived at an area hospital who had been shot.&nbsp; He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that the victim got into a disturbance with a known suspect when the suspect fired multiple shots from a handgun, striking the victim.Detectives are working to locate other individuals involved in this case.

Police: Kan. suspect fired multiple shots from handgun

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an assault and have made an arrest.

Just after 1a.m. Monday,&nbsp; police responded to a parking lot outside an apartment complex in the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson

A 39-year-old man reported that he had been threatened by a man with a baseball bat as the victim was working on a vehicle in the parking lot. 

The suspect later identified as 44-year-old Jason L. Seager then left the scene and was not immediately located.

Just after 4p.m. and following a subsequent investigation, police located and arrested Seager at this residence. 

The victim was familiar with the suspect as both lived in the apartment complex but there had not been any previous confrontation prior to this incident, according to Wilson.

There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; In addition to a requested charge for aggravated assault, Seager is also in custody on two District Court warrants for failure to appear in court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626789254609.png" alt="Seager photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Seager photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an assault and have made an arrest.Just after 1a.m. Monday,&nbsp; police responded to a parking lot outside an apartment complex in the 300 block Santa Fe in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike WilsonA 39-year-old man reported that he had been threatened by a man with a baseball bat as the victim was working on a vehicle in the parking lot. The suspect later identified as 44-year-old Jason L. Seager then left the scene and was not immediately located.Just after 4p.m. and following a subsequent investigation, police located and arrested Seager at this residence. The victim was familiar with the suspect as both lived in the apartment complex but there had not been any previous confrontation prior to this incident, according to Wilson.There were no injuries reported.&nbsp; In addition to a requested charge for aggravated assault, Seager is also in custody on two District Court warrants for failure to appear in court.

Police: Kan. man threatened victim with baseball bat

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries and have a suspect in custody.

On July 15, police asked the public for help to identify a suspect in the burglaries that occurred over the last few months at various businesses in downtown Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Police received multiple responses and as a result of the investigation, police identified Stan W. Chavez, 35 of Topeka as a suspect.

On Monday police located and arrested Chavez and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal damage and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626777777007.png" alt="Chavez photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Chavez photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries and have a suspect in custody.On July 15, police asked the public for help to identify a suspect in the burglaries that occurred over the last few months at various businesses in downtown Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Police received multiple responses and as a result of the investigation, police identified Stan W. Chavez, 35 of Topeka as a suspect.On Monday police located and arrested Chavez and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal damage and Theft.

Tip leads to arrest of Kansas burglary suspect

Former Cpl. Walton checks off Kansas on 50-state ‘No Regrets’ tour

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/20/kansas-officials-honor-102-year-old-world-war-ii-vet-raising-money-for-frontline-health-workers/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Sidney Walton regretted 
missing an opportunity to personally meet some of the last surviving 
Civil War veterans at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City.

Walton, 102, is in the final stage of a 50-state “No Regrets” tour to
 offer people a chance to visit with a veteran of World War II and to 
raise money for charity. The former U.S. Army corporal started the 
nationwide mission in 2018. Kansas was his 39th state on the U.S. road 
trip.

During a visit to the Kansas Capitol, Gov. Laura Kelly presented 
Walton a state flag as well as a coin decorated with an image of ruby 
red slippers worn by Dorothy in the film “Wizard of the Oz.” In 
response, Walton gave the governor a cap commemorating his whistle-stop 
visits of the state capitols.

Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, of the Kansas Air National guard, shared 
appreciation for Walton’s decision to join the U.S. Army eight months 
before Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Walton became a medical 
technician in the 34th Infantry, 8th Division and was posted in India 
during the war. He remained in the Army for five years until the war’s 
end.

“Thank you very much for your continued service to the nation and 
remarkable service in World War II. May you continue that service to the
 nation throughout the rest of your life,” Weishaar said.

Walton, who was born in 1919 and lives in San Diego, said his World 
War II assignment took him far away from his preferred objective: “I 
joined the Army to fight Hitler.”

His current quest has assumed outlines of&nbsp; the campaign launched by 
Capt. Tom Moore, who was in the British Army during World War II and 
fought in Burma. Moore turned his 100th birthday into a project to raise
 contributions for charity, eventually generating $46 million for 
healthcare workers in England. He died in February.

Walton’s son, Paul, accompanies Walton on touring now dedicated to 
generating support for U.S. nurses engaged in responding to the COVID-19
 pandemic.

“Three and a half years ago,” said Paul Walton, “we set upon this 
magnificent tour called the ‘No Regrets’ tour. Because all my dad’s life
 I always heard that he regretted one thing. He had one regret.”

Turning to his dad, he asked: “You regret you did not meet Civil War 
veterans when you were young? If you could go back in time could you 
meet them?”

“Yes, right,” said Walton, who planned to spend the night in Wichita 
before heading to Oklahoma City to meet Friday with Oklahoma’s governor.

In February 2020, Walton was among four surviving World War II 
veterans who participated in the coin flip for Super Bowl LIV, a game 
won by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Paul Walton said his father was more frail than when they embarked on
 the 50-state journey, but each day of the tour was a blessing. The 
COVID-19 pandemic reduced opportunities to fly to state capitol cities, 
compelling them to travel in a vehicle elaborately decorated with 
signage noting their task.

“We are going to accomplish this mission,” he said. “Delaware, known as the first state, is going to be our last state.”

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626811678863.png" alt="World War II veteran Sidney Walton, 102, met Tuesday with Gov. Laura Kelly at the Capitol during a 50-state tour to raise awareness and financial support for veterans and frontline nurses. Kelly presented him with a Kansas flag. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>World War II veteran Sidney Walton, 102, met Tuesday with Gov. Laura Kelly at the Capitol during a 50-state tour to raise awareness and financial support for veterans and frontline nurses. Kelly presented him with a Kansas flag. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Former Cpl. Walton checks off Kansas on 50-state ‘No Regrets’ tour</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/20/kansas-officials-honor-102-year-old-world-war-ii-vet-raising-money-for-frontline-health-workers/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sidney Walton regretted 
missing an opportunity to personally meet some of the last surviving 
Civil War veterans at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City.Walton, 102, is in the final stage of a 50-state “No Regrets” tour to
 offer people a chance to visit with a veteran of World War II and to 
raise money for charity. The former U.S. Army corporal started the 
nationwide mission in 2018. Kansas was his 39th state on the U.S. road 
trip.During a visit to the Kansas Capitol, Gov. Laura Kelly presented 
Walton a state flag as well as a coin decorated with an image of ruby 
red slippers worn by Dorothy in the film “Wizard of the Oz.” In 
response, Walton gave the governor a cap commemorating his whistle-stop 
visits of the state capitols.Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, of the Kansas Air National guard, shared 
appreciation for Walton’s decision to join the U.S. Army eight months 
before Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Walton became a medical 
technician in the 34th Infantry, 8th Division and was posted in India 
during the war. He remained in the Army for five years until the war’s 
end.“Thank you very much for your continued service to the nation and 
remarkable service in World War II. May you continue that service to the
 nation throughout the rest of your life,” Weishaar said.Walton, who was born in 1919 and lives in San Diego, said his World 
War II assignment took him far away from his preferred objective: “I 
joined the Army to fight Hitler.”His current quest has assumed outlines of&nbsp; the campaign launched by 
Capt. Tom Moore, who was in the British Army during World War II and 
fought in Burma. Moore turned his 100th birthday into a project to raise
 contributions for charity, eventually generating $46 million for 
healthcare workers in England. He died in February.Walton’s son, Paul, accompanies Walton on touring now dedicated to 
generating support for U.S. nurses engaged in responding to the COVID-19
 pandemic.“Three and a half years ago,” said Paul Walton, “we set upon this 
magnificent tour called the ‘No Regrets’ tour. Because all my dad’s life
 I always heard that he regretted one thing. He had one regret.”Turning to his dad, he asked: “You regret you did not meet Civil War 
veterans when you were young? If you could go back in time could you 
meet them?”“Yes, right,” said Walton, who planned to spend the night in Wichita 
before heading to Oklahoma City to meet Friday with Oklahoma’s governor.In February 2020, Walton was among four surviving World War II 
veterans who participated in the coin flip for Super Bowl LIV, a game 
won by the Kansas City Chiefs.Paul Walton said his father was more frail than when they embarked on
 the 50-state journey, but each day of the tour was a blessing. The 
COVID-19 pandemic reduced opportunities to fly to state capitol cities, 
compelling them to travel in a vehicle elaborately decorated with 
signage noting their task.“We are going to accomplish this mission,” he said. “Delaware, known as the first state, is going to be our last state.”Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kan. officials honor 102-year-old WWII vet raising money for health workers

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend high-speed chase and attempting to locate 32-year-old Robert R. Boyles following a vehicle pursuit in the 500 block of SW Gage Boulevard early Sunday morning, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver,&nbsp; 32-year-old Robert R. Boyles of Colorado, fled the scene and has not been located. 

Just after 1a.m.&nbsp; Sunday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a spray painted black 2005 Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 500 block of SW Gage Boulevard for a stolen license plate. 

The driver later identified as Boyles refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The Topeka Police Department assisted and successfully deployed stop sticks at SW 15th Street and SW Gage Boulevard. 

In the 3700 block of SW Cambridge Avenue, the driver drove out of the lane of traffic and struck a deputy’s vehicle before continuing northbound on SW Gage Boulevard, according to Christian.

In the 2000 block of SW Atwood Avenue, two passengers fled from the vehicle and were taken into custody. Sarah L. Followell, 32, of Topeka was arrested, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and a narcotics warrant out of Colorado. 

The other passenger David W. Bentley, 42, of Topeka, was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response for minor injuries and will be charged with interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626811630270.png" alt="Boyles photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Boyles photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend high-speed chase and attempting to locate 32-year-old Robert R. Boyles following a vehicle pursuit in the 500 block of SW Gage Boulevard early Sunday morning, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The driver,&nbsp; 32-year-old Robert R. Boyles of Colorado, fled the scene and has not been located. Just after 1a.m.&nbsp; Sunday, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a spray painted black 2005 Dodge Ram pickup truck in the 500 block of SW Gage Boulevard for a stolen license plate. The driver later identified as Boyles refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The Topeka Police Department assisted and successfully deployed stop sticks at SW 15th Street and SW Gage Boulevard. In the 3700 block of SW Cambridge Avenue, the driver drove out of the lane of traffic and struck a deputy’s vehicle before continuing northbound on SW Gage Boulevard, according to Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626812024567.png" alt="Followell photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Followell photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the 2000 block of SW Atwood Avenue, two passengers fled from the vehicle and were taken into custody. Sarah L. Followell, 32, of Topeka was arrested, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and a narcotics warrant out of Colorado. The other passenger David W. Bentley, 42, of Topeka, was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response for minor injuries and will be charged with interference with law enforcement.

Sheriff: Man who fled Kansas high-speed chase still missing

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A full federal appeals court has decided to rehear a case over a sweeping Missouri abortion law that would ban the procedures at or around the eighth week of a pregnancy.

The U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals last week decided to take up the case on its own motion.

At issue is a 2019 state law that would ban abortions as early as eight weeks into a pregnancy and prohibit abortions based on a Down syndrome diagnosis.

A three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-brown-courts-abortion-health-924bc83f136b73f68cb5c6f0171de4ed">last month</a>&nbsp;upheld an injunction from U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs prohibiting Missouri from enforcing the provisions. But the full appeals court will now consider the case.

“We have long said the fight to protect abortion access in Missouri is far from over," Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO of Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, said in a statement. “The Eighth Circuit’s sudden change to reconsider Missouri’s sweeping abortion ban — one the court said was unconstitutional — is just another troubling signal in a long line of threats to our reproductive freedom.”

A spokesman for the Missouri attorney general's office, which is defending the law, didn't immediately reply to a request for comment.

Sachs said when he ruled last year that he thought Planned Parenthood and the ACLU would likely succeed in their lawsuit challenging the law as unconstitutional. Similar laws have been struck down in North Dakota and Iowa.

Legislators who helped draft the Missouri law had said it was meant to withstand court challenges instead of spark them. It included a provision stating that if the eight-week ban was struck down, then a series of less-restrictive abortion limits would kick in at 14, 18 or 20 weeks. But courts have blocked enforcement of all of those limits thus far.

Missouri's Republican attorney general, Eric Schmitt, earlier this month asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case. In a court filing, he said the U.S. Supreme Court should consider whether Missouri’s restrictions are “reasonable regulations on abortion” and should also use the case to decide whether to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established a nationwide right to abortion at any point before a fetus can survive outside the womb, which is roughly around the 24th week.

The Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">has agreed to consider</a>&nbsp;allowing the enforcement of a Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which could dramatically alter nearly 50 years of court precedent on abortion rights.

Missouri also is among several conservative states in recent years that have passed abortion restrictions in the hopes that the increasingly conservative Supreme Court will eventually overturn Roe v. Wade.

The next hearing on the Missouri abortion law has not yet been scheduled, according to online court records.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A full federal appeals court has decided to rehear a case over a sweeping Missouri abortion law that would ban the procedures at or around the eighth week of a pregnancy.The U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals last week decided to take up the case on its own motion.At issue is a 2019 state law that would ban abortions as early as eight weeks into a pregnancy and prohibit abortions based on a Down syndrome diagnosis.A three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-brown-courts-abortion-health-924bc83f136b73f68cb5c6f0171de4ed">last month</a>&nbsp;upheld an injunction from U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs prohibiting Missouri from enforcing the provisions. But the full appeals court will now consider the case.“We have long said the fight to protect abortion access in Missouri is far from over," Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO of Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, said in a statement. “The Eighth Circuit’s sudden change to reconsider Missouri’s sweeping abortion ban — one the court said was unconstitutional — is just another troubling signal in a long line of threats to our reproductive freedom.”A spokesman for the Missouri attorney general's office, which is defending the law, didn't immediately reply to a request for comment.Sachs said when he ruled last year that he thought Planned Parenthood and the ACLU would likely succeed in their lawsuit challenging the law as unconstitutional. Similar laws have been struck down in North Dakota and Iowa.Legislators who helped draft the Missouri law had said it was meant to withstand court challenges instead of spark them. It included a provision stating that if the eight-week ban was struck down, then a series of less-restrictive abortion limits would kick in at 14, 18 or 20 weeks. But courts have blocked enforcement of all of those limits thus far.Missouri's Republican attorney general, Eric Schmitt, earlier this month asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case. In a court filing, he said the U.S. Supreme Court should consider whether Missouri’s restrictions are “reasonable regulations on abortion” and should also use the case to decide whether to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established a nationwide right to abortion at any point before a fetus can survive outside the womb, which is roughly around the 24th week.The Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-15-week-ban-5d066a9dc0030a4f8297711f341c9f5a">has agreed to consider</a>&nbsp;allowing the enforcement of a Mississippi law that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which could dramatically alter nearly 50 years of court precedent on abortion rights.Missouri also is among several conservative states in recent years that have passed abortion restrictions in the hopes that the increasingly conservative Supreme Court will eventually overturn Roe v. Wade.The next hearing on the Missouri abortion law has not yet been scheduled, according to online court records.

Full federal appeals court to consider Missouri abortion law

TOPEKA, Kansas - El Dorado Correctional Facility resident 33-year-old Keith Wade died Monday at the correctional facility, according to a media release from the State.

 The cause of death is pending an autopsy but is not believed to be COVID-19 related.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of KDOC, the death is under investigation by KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Wade was serving an 84-month sentence for battery of a juvenile correctional facility officer. He had been imprisoned with KDOC since February 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626811254979.png" alt="Wade" />
 <figcaption>Wade</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kansas - El Dorado Correctional Facility resident 33-year-old Keith Wade died Monday at the correctional facility, according to a media release from the State. The cause of death is pending an autopsy but is not believed to be COVID-19 related.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of KDOC, the death is under investigation by KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).Wade was serving an 84-month sentence for battery of a juvenile correctional facility officer. He had been imprisoned with KDOC since February 2017.

33-year-old inmate dies at Kansas prison

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an Emergency&nbsp;Order of Suspension to Totsy Turtles Daycare, owned by Amber Simmons at 129 S Railroad in the Cloud County community of Clyde. The day care license expired on Monday.&nbsp;

The last survey the state did at the facility was in 2019. The state didn't do a survey in 2020 due to COVID.

State law allows the Secretary of KDHE to issue such an order when, in the opinion of the Secretary, the order is necessary to protect children in the home from any potential threat to health or safety.

Compliance history on this day care facility can be found by searching the Child Care and Early&nbsp;Education Portal for license No. 72983 at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MjAuNDM0NDk3MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvYmNjbHIvY2FwcC5odG0_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.CrLEl_0NoJewFhnMDAFjla5iREW3IPardHV4qQhzCEo/s/1305935158/br/109620219489-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/bcclr/capp.htm</a>.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an Emergency&nbsp;Order of Suspension to Totsy Turtles Daycare, owned by Amber Simmons at 129 S Railroad in the Cloud County community of Clyde. The day care license expired on Monday.&nbsp;The last survey the state did at the facility was in 2019. The state didn't do a survey in 2020 due to COVID.State law allows the Secretary of KDHE to issue such an order when, in the opinion of the Secretary, the order is necessary to protect children in the home from any potential threat to health or safety.The order is subject to appeal.Compliance history on this day care facility can be found by searching the Child Care and Early&nbsp;Education Portal for license No. 72983 at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA3MjAuNDM0NDk3MDEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvYmNjbHIvY2FwcC5odG0_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.CrLEl_0NoJewFhnMDAFjla5iREW3IPardHV4qQhzCEo/s/1305935158/br/109620219489-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/bcclr/capp.htm</a>.

Kan. issues emergency suspension of group day care home 

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-19/covid-is-putting-as-many-kansans-in-the-hospital-as-it-did-in-march">Kansas News Service</a>

For six straight months, COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped steadily.

Kansans let down their guard. They stopped wearing masks. Most didn’t bother to get the vaccine.

Then the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/07/17/1017075240/delta-variant-is-spreading-fast-and-new-cases-are-rising-is-time-to-mask-up-agai" target="_blank">highly contagious</a> delta variant arrived.

It
 took root, and is fueling a surge of the coronavirus worse than 
anything in the past several months. That’s led to steep increases in 
hospitalizations and fresh outbreaks in long-term care.

And this is before schoolchildren and college students head back to classes in August.

“It is scary,” Fredonia,
 Kansas, family doctor Jennifer Bacani McKenney said. “Because we don’t 
have people wearing masks in the community. Pretty much here nobody’s 
wearing masks except for us in health care.”

The delta variant recently found its way into an assisted living 
center in rural Wilson County in southeast Kansas, where Bacani-McKenney
 is the local health officer. About two dozen people got sick.

Most
 of those people were vaccinated and got only mildly ill, 
Bacani-McKenney said. She declined to disclose whether any of the 
center’s residents died, but said her county has had three recent 
COVID-19 deaths.

Fewer than half of Kansans have gotten <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">fully</a><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">vaccinated</a> against COVID-19.

With so many still unprotected, the delta variant has no shortage of hosts to choose from.

It can also affect those who’ve gotten the shots, though vaccination significantly cuts the risks of hospitalization and death.

How did the delta variant get into the Wilson County assisted living center?

Confirming
 that is difficult. As far as health officials can tell, they believe a 
vaccinated staff member unwittingly carried in the germs from a side gig
 cleaning the home of an unvaccinated couple who got sick.

Topeka physician Erin Locke, health officer for Shawnee County, urged anyone with even mild symptoms to get a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free COVID test</a> instead of assuming it’s just a cold.

“We
 have just over half of our county that are not protected” with 
vaccines, she said. “And going about and doing all the normal activities
 without taking any precautions is really, really risky right now.”

Shawnee County confirmed its first delta case in early June and it is now the dominant version of coronavirus there.

Last
 week the county pleaded for residents to get vaccinated after 
confirming 112 COVID cases in just four days, compared to 156 cases for 
the whole month of June.

The increase is fueled by unvaccinated 
adults and children. Locke said the county has seen very few cases of 
vaccinated people getting sick.

“We’ve calculated that rate at 
about one individual for every 1,000 fully vaccinated individuals,” she 
said. “So it's really quite low.”

Though children 11 and younger 
can’t get the shots yet, those 12 through 17 can. Yet Shawnee County 
estimates just 30% of that age group has done so.

Pediatrician
 Barbara Pahud researches infectious disease at Children's Mercy 
Hospital, where she leads the clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine for 
children under 12.

If you have children in that age group, Pahud 
said, don’t expect shots this fall. The clinical study and federal 
review process may well take until early next year.

That doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t go back to classes in August, she said. But families and schools should take precautions.

“The
 problem is, people don’t want to wear masks,” she said. “We want to go 
back to school, but not with masks. You can’t do that in the middle of a
 pandemic.”

“Until we get everybody vaccinated, you're going to have to continue doing what we know works,” Pahud said. “Masks work.”

Several Kansas school districts have already <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-07-08/even-with-delta-driving-a-covid-resurgence-most-kansas-schools-ditch-mask-rules" target="_blank">made masks optional</a>, including some of the state’s biggest in Sedgwick and Johnson counties.

Last
 week, the Johnson County health department urged school districts to 
make masks mandatory for anyone who is unvaccinated come August.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626802783616.png" alt="Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-19/covid-is-putting-as-many-kansans-in-the-hospital-as-it-did-in-march">Kansas News Service</a>For six straight months, COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped steadily.Kansans let down their guard. They stopped wearing masks. Most didn’t bother to get the vaccine.Then the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/07/17/1017075240/delta-variant-is-spreading-fast-and-new-cases-are-rising-is-time-to-mask-up-agai" target="_blank">highly contagious</a> delta variant arrived.It
 took root, and is fueling a surge of the coronavirus worse than 
anything in the past several months. That’s led to steep increases in 
hospitalizations and fresh outbreaks in long-term care.<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/" target="_blank">Kansas reported</a> 3,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past week. The state hasn’t seen an increase like that since February.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The daily count of COVID inpatients hit 275 last Wednesday — the highest since early March.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Nursing homes and other long-term care sites are battling nine outbreaks this week, four times as many as three months ago.</li>
 </ul>And this is before schoolchildren and college students head back to classes in August.“It is scary,” Fredonia,
 Kansas, family doctor Jennifer Bacani McKenney said. “Because we don’t 
have people wearing masks in the community. Pretty much here nobody’s 
wearing masks except for us in health care.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626802897897.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The delta variant recently found its way into an assisted living 
center in rural Wilson County in southeast Kansas, where Bacani-McKenney
 is the local health officer. About two dozen people got sick.Most
 of those people were vaccinated and got only mildly ill, 
Bacani-McKenney said. She declined to disclose whether any of the 
center’s residents died, but said her county has had three recent 
COVID-19 deaths.<h2>Low vaccination rate</h2>Fewer than half of Kansans have gotten <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">fully</a><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">vaccinated</a> against COVID-19.With so many still unprotected, the delta variant has no shortage of hosts to choose from.It can also affect those who’ve gotten the shots, though vaccination significantly cuts the risks of hospitalization and death.How did the delta variant get into the Wilson County assisted living center?Confirming
 that is difficult. As far as health officials can tell, they believe a 
vaccinated staff member unwittingly carried in the germs from a side gig
 cleaning the home of an unvaccinated couple who got sick.Topeka physician Erin Locke, health officer for Shawnee County, urged anyone with even mild symptoms to get a <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">free COVID test</a> instead of assuming it’s just a cold.“We
 have just over half of our county that are not protected” with 
vaccines, she said. “And going about and doing all the normal activities
 without taking any precautions is really, really risky right now.”Shawnee County confirmed its first delta case in early June and it is now the dominant version of coronavirus there.Last
 week the county pleaded for residents to get vaccinated after 
confirming 112 COVID cases in just four days, compared to 156 cases for 
the whole month of June.The increase is fueled by unvaccinated 
adults and children. Locke said the county has seen very few cases of 
vaccinated people getting sick.“We’ve calculated that rate at 
about one individual for every 1,000 fully vaccinated individuals,” she 
said. “So it's really quite low.”Though children 11 and younger 
can’t get the shots yet, those 12 through 17 can. Yet Shawnee County 
estimates just 30% of that age group has done so.<h2>Masks and schools</h2>Pediatrician
 Barbara Pahud researches infectious disease at Children's Mercy 
Hospital, where she leads the clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine for 
children under 12.If you have children in that age group, Pahud 
said, don’t expect shots this fall. The clinical study and federal 
review process may well take until early next year.That doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t go back to classes in August, she said. But families and schools should take precautions.“The
 problem is, people don’t want to wear masks,” she said. “We want to go 
back to school, but not with masks. You can’t do that in the middle of a
 pandemic.”“Until we get everybody vaccinated, you're going to have to continue doing what we know works,” Pahud said. “Masks work.”Several Kansas school districts have already <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-07-08/even-with-delta-driving-a-covid-resurgence-most-kansas-schools-ditch-mask-rules" target="_blank">made masks optional</a>, including some of the state’s biggest in Sedgwick and Johnson counties.Last
 week, the Johnson County health department urged school districts to 
make masks mandatory for anyone who is unvaccinated come August.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

COVID putting as many Kansans in the hospital as it did in March

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police investigating a fatal Monday accident in Johnson County have identified the victim as 31-year-old Elizabeth K. Busby of Kansas City, Missouri., according to Overland Park Police spokesman John Lacy.

Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, Overland Park Police reported a vehicle driven by Busby was northbound on U.S. 69 attempting to exit on eastbound Interstate 435.

The driver lost control of the vehicle, struck the median and was ejected. First responders pronounced Busby dead at the scene.

The crash remains under investigation, according to police.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Monday in Johnson County.

Overland Park Police reported a vehicle driven by woman was northbound on U.S. 69 attempting to exit on eastbound Interstate 435.

The driver lost control of the vehicle, struck the median and was ejected. First responders pronounced the woman dead at the scene.

Police have identified the victim and were working to notify family before they released her name.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police investigating a fatal Monday accident in Johnson County have identified the victim as 31-year-old Elizabeth K. Busby of Kansas City, Missouri., according to Overland Park Police spokesman John Lacy.Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, Overland Park Police reported a vehicle driven by Busby was northbound on U.S. 69 attempting to exit on eastbound Interstate 435.The driver lost control of the vehicle, struck the median and was ejected. First responders pronounced Busby dead at the scene.The crash remains under investigation, according to police.--------JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Monday in Johnson County.Overland Park Police reported a vehicle driven by woman was northbound on U.S. 69 attempting to exit on eastbound Interstate 435.The driver lost control of the vehicle, struck the median and was ejected. First responders pronounced the woman dead at the scene.Police have identified the victim and were working to notify family before they released her name.

Police ID woman who died after ejected in Kan. crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County on Monday made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Tuesday morning. The injured two-year-old had surgery and is recovering, according to the sheriff's department.

In a very short hearing, 22-year-old Kamden Campos answered two questions with one word answers and did not make any request for a reduction of his bond which is $2,101,500.

Campos is facing possible charges of four counts of attempted first degree murder, kidnapping and theft. Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her daughter in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she remained in critical condition, according to the Sheriff's office.

District Attorney Tom Stanton said he hopes to have formal charges filed by no later than Monday. Campos is due back in court Tuesday, July 27 unless charges are brought against him before then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626793076473.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County on Monday made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Tuesday morning. The injured two-year-old had surgery and is recovering, according to the sheriff's department.In a very short hearing, 22-year-old Kamden Campos answered two questions with one word answers and did not make any request for a reduction of his bond which is $2,101,500.Campos is facing possible charges of four counts of attempted first degree murder, kidnapping and theft. Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her daughter in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she remained in critical condition, according to the Sheriff's office.District Attorney Tom Stanton said he hopes to have formal charges filed by no later than Monday. Campos is due back in court Tuesday, July 27 unless charges are brought against him before then.

Kan. toddler recovering after kidnapping, shooting

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities  investigating a man's death in Great Bend have located a Person of Interest identified as 36-year-old Elias Trejo, according to Great Bend Police.

Just after 6:31 p.m. Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to an area near SW 60th Avenue and SW 60th Road, according to a media relase.

A citizen had reported sighting Trejo. A deputy located the suspect, conducted a felony traffic stop and took him into custody without incident.

Trejo is being held on requested charges of murder in the 2nd degree&nbsp; on a $500,000 bond

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a man's death in Great Bend have located a&nbsp;Person of Interest identified as 36-year-old Elias Trejo, according to Great Bend Police.

Police have not reported an arrest or possible charges in the case.

"This was a great example of the Police Department, Barton County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol working together behind the scenes to keep the community safe," the police department wrote on social media.

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man's death and asking for help to locate a suspect.

Just after 11:30 p.m., Sunday, the Great Bend Police and Fire Department ambulance personnel were dispatched to the Best Western, 2920 Tenth Street in Great Bend for report of a man&nbsp;on the ground, bleeding, and not moving, according to a media release.

 Upon arrival, officers found 39-year-old Micah Merryman-Scifres deceased. Through the investigation police identified 36-year-old Elias Trejo as a person of interest. 

Trejo was last seen in a dark colored, 4-door passenger car with unknown Texas license plates. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626714651434.png" alt="Trejo photo Great Bend Police" />
 <figcaption>Trejo photo Great Bend Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a man's death in Great Bend have located a Person of Interest identified as 36-year-old Elias Trejo, according to Great Bend Police.Just after 6:31 p.m. Monday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to an area near SW 60th Avenue and SW 60th Road, according to a media relase.A citizen had reported sighting Trejo. A deputy located the suspect, conducted a felony traffic stop and took him into custody without incident.Trejo is being held on requested charges of murder in the 2nd degree&nbsp; on a $500,000 bond---------BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a man's death in Great Bend have located a&nbsp;Person of Interest identified as 36-year-old Elias Trejo, according to Great Bend Police.Police have not reported an arrest or possible charges in the case."This was a great example of the Police Department, Barton County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol working together behind the scenes to keep the community safe," the police department wrote on social media.--------BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man's death and asking for help to locate a suspect.Just after 11:30 p.m., Sunday, the Great Bend Police and Fire Department ambulance personnel were dispatched to the Best Western, 2920 Tenth Street in Great Bend for report of a man&nbsp;on the ground, bleeding, and not moving, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers found 39-year-old Micah Merryman-Scifres deceased. Through the investigation police identified 36-year-old Elias Trejo as a person of interest. Trejo was last seen in a dark colored, 4-door passenger car with unknown Texas license plates. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.