WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A granite monument honoring Confederate soldiers at Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park has been defaced with spray paint. 

Someone painted over the words Çonfederate and courage, devotion and military duty referring to Confederate troops. The monument, called the Reconciliation Memorial, is a four-sided granite obelisk with two sides honoring Confederate troops and two sides honoring Union soldiers. 

It was dedicated in 2016, a year after the removal of a Confederate battle flag in the veterans park. It was commissioned as a compromise designed to tamp down the controversy between Confederate flag supporters and opponents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626723565131.png" alt="Photo courtesy city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A granite monument honoring Confederate soldiers at Wichita’s Veterans Memorial Park has been defaced with spray paint. Someone painted over the words Çonfederate and courage, devotion and military duty referring to Confederate troops. The monument, called the Reconciliation Memorial, is a four-sided granite obelisk with two sides honoring Confederate troops and two sides honoring Union soldiers. It was dedicated in 2016, a year after the removal of a Confederate battle flag in the veterans park. It was commissioned as a compromise designed to tamp down the controversy between Confederate flag supporters and opponents.

Confederate monument defaced at Kansas veterans park

MEADE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Meade man following a standoff at a residence on Sunday, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 7 a.m., the Meade County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance after a male subject, who was known to possess firearms, barricaded himself inside a home at 617 E. Vine St. in Meade, Kan. The KBI’s High Risk Warrant Team responded.

A deputy from the Meade County Sheriff’s Office had made contact with 38-year-old Daryl J. Wilkerson, of Meade, at about 5:30 a.m., when he tried to arrest him related to allegations of harassment and assault. When told he would be arrested, Wilkerson ran into the home and refused to come out.

During the standoff, verbal contact was made with Wilkerson and negotiators attempted to convince him to surrender peacefully. At approximately 2:45 p.m., he emerged from the house in an angry state. When he would not comply with commands and attempted to return inside, a KBI agent fired a less lethal munition at him, striking him. Wilkerson was still able to retreat back into the house. Then at approximately 2:50 p.m., Wilkerson fired a shot through the south side of the house. No law enforcement officers were hit by the round.

Negotiations continued. At 4:50 p.m., Wilkerson came out of the residence peacefully and was taken into custody. He was booked into the Meade County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault and harassment by a telecommunication device.

Additional charges related to the barricade and shooting incident are expected.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), the Gray County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), and Meade County EMS also responded to help during the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626732871948.png" alt="Wilkerson has previous convictions for burglary, theft, forgery, stalking, violation of a protection order and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Wilkerson has previous convictions for burglary, theft, forgery, stalking, violation of a protection order and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MEADE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Meade man following a standoff at a residence on Sunday, according to a media release from the KBI.Just before 7 a.m., the Meade County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance after a male subject, who was known to possess firearms, barricaded himself inside a home at 617 E. Vine St. in Meade, Kan. The KBI’s High Risk Warrant Team responded.A deputy from the Meade County Sheriff’s Office had made contact with 38-year-old Daryl J. Wilkerson, of Meade, at about 5:30 a.m., when he tried to arrest him related to allegations of harassment and assault. When told he would be arrested, Wilkerson ran into the home and refused to come out.During the standoff, verbal contact was made with Wilkerson and negotiators attempted to convince him to surrender peacefully. At approximately 2:45 p.m., he emerged from the house in an angry state. When he would not comply with commands and attempted to return inside, a KBI agent fired a less lethal munition at him, striking him. Wilkerson was still able to retreat back into the house. Then at approximately 2:50 p.m., Wilkerson fired a shot through the south side of the house. No law enforcement officers were hit by the round.Negotiations continued. At 4:50 p.m., Wilkerson came out of the residence peacefully and was taken into custody. He was booked into the Meade County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault and harassment by a telecommunication device.Additional charges related to the barricade and shooting incident are expected.The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), the Gray County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), and Meade County EMS also responded to help during the incident.

KBI: Felon arrested following SW Kansas standoff 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — With the delta variant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-94a50e07b52002771a83e51cc6cebfba">causing a surge of new COVID-19 cases</a>&nbsp;and hospitalizations in southwestern Missouri, health officials have taken to going door-to-door in an effort to encourage vaccinations.

<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article252837233.html">The Kansas City Star&nbsp;</a>recently followed along as health officials knocked on doors in Springfield, handing out brochures. The effort was non-confrontational and the officials always took “no” for an answer, the newspaper reported, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-health-coronavirus-pandemic-600303954d6364c69d080f6bd75cd363">concerns raised by Gov. Mike Parson and other Republican leaders</a>&nbsp;that the outreach would be heavy-handed.

Southwestern Missouri has seen an alarming rise in illnesses caused by COVID-19 in recent weeks. There was a tinge of good news Monday: The number of people hospitalized dipped slightly both in southwestern Missouri and across the state, according to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services data.

After several days of more than 1,000 newly confirmed cases, the state reported 826 on Monday, bringing the total for the pandemic to 545,551. No new deaths were reported, keeping the total at 9,474.

Southwestern Missouri lags well behind the national average for vaccinations, but persuading the unvaccinated to get a shot is proving difficult.

In Springfield, Annaliese Schroeder, a community health advocate, knocked on a door and briefly talked about an upcoming clinic. She offered a door tag with information about the virus, and asked a few question: Do you want information about the clinic? Do you know someone who does? Do you have any questions about other clinics, or the vaccines?

Josh Gollaher and Nikki Schaub turned down a flyer as they walked home to their apartment complex. Both told a reporter they were adamantly against taking a vaccine.

“I just don’t want to,” Schaub, 42, said. “I’d rather wear a mask.”

Gollaher, 29, said he doesn't trust the studies about the spread of the virus.

“Their studies could be wrong,” he said. “It’ll blow over.”

Schroeder and Kelsey Connor, a public health information specialist, said those sort of encounters are rare. She and Conner are careful not to push back when residents turn them down. They never ask the resident’s vaccination status, they said.

“If somebody is already a little uncertain, being aggressive … is not something that’s going to make them feel more comfortable to come in and get vaccinated,” Schroeder said. “It’s a lot about creating that community bond … so when they see us they don’t feel unsafe or threatened.”

Greene County and Springfield have held nearly 10 door-to-door canvasses so far. Officials are using surveys at clinics to track the impact, but data isn't yet available.

Health officials know the door-to-door outreach isn't an option in some places. In low-vaccinated Shannon County 135 miles east of Springfield, anti-vaccine sentiment is so high a clinic has offered private rooms for patients who don’t want to be seen getting a shot.

“We’re not going to go knocking on doors,” said Kandra Counts, Shannon County's health administrator. “We’ve made that very clear to the public.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626727724386.png" alt="Health officials know the door-to-door outreach isn't an option in some places.-google image" />
 <figcaption>Health officials know the door-to-door outreach isn't an option in some places.-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — With the delta variant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-94a50e07b52002771a83e51cc6cebfba">causing a surge of new COVID-19 cases</a>&nbsp;and hospitalizations in southwestern Missouri, health officials have taken to going door-to-door in an effort to encourage vaccinations.<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article252837233.html">The Kansas City Star&nbsp;</a>recently followed along as health officials knocked on doors in Springfield, handing out brochures. The effort was non-confrontational and the officials always took “no” for an answer, the newspaper reported, despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-health-coronavirus-pandemic-600303954d6364c69d080f6bd75cd363">concerns raised by Gov. Mike Parson and other Republican leaders</a>&nbsp;that the outreach would be heavy-handed.Southwestern Missouri has seen an alarming rise in illnesses caused by COVID-19 in recent weeks. There was a tinge of good news Monday: The number of people hospitalized dipped slightly both in southwestern Missouri and across the state, according to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services data.After several days of more than 1,000 newly confirmed cases, the state reported 826 on Monday, bringing the total for the pandemic to 545,551. No new deaths were reported, keeping the total at 9,474.Southwestern Missouri lags well behind the national average for vaccinations, but persuading the unvaccinated to get a shot is proving difficult.In Springfield, Annaliese Schroeder, a community health advocate, knocked on a door and briefly talked about an upcoming clinic. She offered a door tag with information about the virus, and asked a few question: Do you want information about the clinic? Do you know someone who does? Do you have any questions about other clinics, or the vaccines?Josh Gollaher and Nikki Schaub turned down a flyer as they walked home to their apartment complex. Both told a reporter they were adamantly against taking a vaccine.“I just don’t want to,” Schaub, 42, said. “I’d rather wear a mask.”Gollaher, 29, said he doesn't trust the studies about the spread of the virus.“Their studies could be wrong,” he said. “It’ll blow over.”Schroeder and Kelsey Connor, a public health information specialist, said those sort of encounters are rare. She and Conner are careful not to push back when residents turn them down. They never ask the resident’s vaccination status, they said.“If somebody is already a little uncertain, being aggressive … is not something that’s going to make them feel more comfortable to come in and get vaccinated,” Schroeder said. “It’s a lot about creating that community bond … so when they see us they don’t feel unsafe or threatened.”Greene County and Springfield have held nearly 10 door-to-door canvasses so far. Officials are using surveys at clinics to track the impact, but data isn't yet available.Health officials know the door-to-door outreach isn't an option in some places. In low-vaccinated Shannon County 135 miles east of Springfield, anti-vaccine sentiment is so high a clinic has offered private rooms for patients who don’t want to be seen getting a shot.“We’re not going to go knocking on doors,” said Kandra Counts, Shannon County's health administrator. “We’ve made that very clear to the public.”

Vaccine outreach aims to be non-confrontational

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Robert E. “Robby” Steinhardt, a violinist and vocalist with the progressive rock band Kansas, has died due to complications from pancreatitis. He was 71.

His wife, Cindy Steinhardt, said he died Saturday at a hospital in Tampa, Florida. She announced on Facebook Monday that he had just recorded his first solo album, and had been looking forward to being back on stage and going on tour.

Steinhardt, a native of Lawrence, Kansas, was an original member of the band, teaming up with Topeka West High School graduates Kerry Livgren, Rich Williams, Phil Ehart and Dave Hope and with Steve Walsh, who grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri. Steinhardt performed with Kansas from 1973 to 1982 and 1997 to 2006, the Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2021/07/19/robby-steinhardt-former-kansas-band-singer-violinist-dead-complications-pancreatitis/8013244002/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

The band sold more than 15 million records and notched up seven top 40 hits, including “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry on Wayward Son.”

The band, which now makes its home in Atlanta, continues to perform with Williams and Ehart as the only original remaining members.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Robert E. “Robby” Steinhardt, a violinist and vocalist with the progressive rock band Kansas, has died due to complications from pancreatitis. He was 71.His wife, Cindy Steinhardt, said he died Saturday at a hospital in Tampa, Florida. She announced on Facebook Monday that he had just recorded his first solo album, and had been looking forward to being back on stage and going on tour.Steinhardt, a native of Lawrence, Kansas, was an original member of the band, teaming up with Topeka West High School graduates Kerry Livgren, Rich Williams, Phil Ehart and Dave Hope and with Steve Walsh, who grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri. Steinhardt performed with Kansas from 1973 to 1982 and 1997 to 2006, the Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2021/07/19/robby-steinhardt-former-kansas-band-singer-violinist-dead-complications-pancreatitis/8013244002/" target="_blank">reported</a>.The band sold more than 15 million records and notched up seven top 40 hits, including “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry on Wayward Son.”The band, which now makes its home in Atlanta, continues to perform with Williams and Ehart as the only original remaining members.

'Kansas' rock violinist, singer Robby Steinhardt, dies at 71

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs fans will have to get tickets in advance to visit the Super Bowl runner-up's training camp this year, and they won't be able to get autographs from players because of COVID-19.

Dr. Paul Schroeppel, the AFC champions' head orthopedic surgeon, said Monday that fans won't be allowed to interact with players under the NFL's protocols for preventing coronavirus outbreaks. He discussed the rules during a daily webcast by the University of Kansas Health System.

The Chiefs open their training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, on July 28 with a special event for season ticket holders, with practices open to other fans July 29, with attendance limited.

Missouri has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-fc8de32279eb2a37d17a92bbb1912a94">a surge in new COVID-19 cases</a>&nbsp;because of the faster-spreading delta variant.

“The league has very strict protocols,” Schroeppel said. “I think they've done everything they can to control transmission in those situations. Of course, when you get a crowd together, it's going to be very difficult, particularly for those unvaccinated.”

He said the Chiefs are “doing quite well” among NFL teams with players voluntarily getting vaccinated.

Schroeppel said the team plans to allow full attendance at Arrowhead Stadium during the season, but that could change based on COVID-19 case numbers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs fans will have to get tickets in advance to visit the Super Bowl runner-up's training camp this year, and they won't be able to get autographs from players because of COVID-19.Dr. Paul Schroeppel, the AFC champions' head orthopedic surgeon, said Monday that fans won't be allowed to interact with players under the NFL's protocols for preventing coronavirus outbreaks. He discussed the rules during a daily webcast by the University of Kansas Health System.The Chiefs open their training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, on July 28 with a special event for season ticket holders, with practices open to other fans July 29, with attendance limited.Missouri has seen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-fc8de32279eb2a37d17a92bbb1912a94">a surge in new COVID-19 cases</a>&nbsp;because of the faster-spreading delta variant.“The league has very strict protocols,” Schroeppel said. “I think they've done everything they can to control transmission in those situations. Of course, when you get a crowd together, it's going to be very difficult, particularly for those unvaccinated.”He said the Chiefs are “doing quite well” among NFL teams with players voluntarily getting vaccinated.Schroeppel said the team plans to allow full attendance at Arrowhead Stadium during the season, but that could change based on COVID-19 case numbers.

Chiefs to bar fan interaction with players at training camp

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 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.

Police: Great Bend homicide suspect driving car with Texas plates

WASHINGTON (AP) — A proposal to strengthen IRS enforcement to crack down on tax scofflaws and help fund a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure spending bill is officially off the table,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d6c12b4a41608e5c6e8c1e275e451732">Republican Sen. Rob Portman</a>&nbsp;said Sunday.

Portman, who is involved in negotiating the bill, cited “pushback” from fellow Republican lawmakers who dislike the idea of expanding the reach of the IRS, which they have accused over the years of unfairly targeting conservatives. He said another reason the IRS provision was shelved is that Democrats are including a more robust enforcement plan in a separate $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill that they intend to pass through the Senate using special budget rules and without Republican votes.

“That created quite a problem because the general agreement is that this is the bipartisan, negotiated infrastructure package and that we will stick with that,” the Ohio senator said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2021/07/18/rob-portman-irs-enforcement-infrastructure-bill-sot-vpx-sotu.cnn" target="_blank">CNN’s “State of the Union.”</a>

Portman’s announcement that the IRS provision had been removed underscores the difficulty facing the bipartisan group of Republican and Democratic senators in finding mutually agreeable ways to pay for billions of dollars of new spending their White House-backed plan calls for.

Portman said meetings were planned Sunday to discuss alternatives to the IRS provision, which had been estimated to bring in an estimated $100 billion over 10 years. The proposal to go after taxpayers who skip out on income taxes initially had potential bipartisan appeal, but outside groups came forward to lambaste it as a way to enable the IRS to snoop around Americans’ personal finances.

IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said at a congressional hearing in April that the national gap between federal taxes owed and actually collected is about $1 trillion annually, more than double what official government estimates have previously indicated.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pressuring lawmakers to reach agreement this week on the pair of massive domestic spending measures, signaling Democrats’ desire to push ahead aggressively on President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar agenda.

Schumer, D-N.Y., said last week that he is scheduling a procedural vote for Wednesday to begin debate on the still-evolving bipartisan infrastructure bill. Senators from both parties, bargaining for weeks, have struggled to reach final agreement on a $1 trillion package of highway, water systems and other public works projects.

Portman on Sunday called that an “arbitrary deadline” and one that was premature given that senators haven’t even agreed on details of the “complex” bill yet.

“We want to get it right. It’s not too much to ask that we have time to do that,” Portman said. “We ought not to have an arbitrary deadline forcing this process.”

Schumer said he also wanted Democratic senators to reach agreement among themselves by Wednesday on the specific details of a separate 10-year budget blueprint that envisions $3.5 trillion in spending for climate change, education, an expansion of Medicare and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626283910947.png" alt="Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pressuring lawmakers to reach agreement this week on the pair of massive domestic spending measures, signaling Democrats’ desire to push ahead aggressively on President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar agenda-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pressuring lawmakers to reach agreement this week on the pair of massive domestic spending measures, signaling Democrats’ desire to push ahead aggressively on President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar agenda-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A proposal to strengthen IRS enforcement to crack down on tax scofflaws and help fund a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure spending bill is officially off the table,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d6c12b4a41608e5c6e8c1e275e451732">Republican Sen. Rob Portman</a>&nbsp;said Sunday.Portman, who is involved in negotiating the bill, cited “pushback” from fellow Republican lawmakers who dislike the idea of expanding the reach of the IRS, which they have accused over the years of unfairly targeting conservatives. He said another reason the IRS provision was shelved is that Democrats are including a more robust enforcement plan in a separate $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill that they intend to pass through the Senate using special budget rules and without Republican votes.“That created quite a problem because the general agreement is that this is the bipartisan, negotiated infrastructure package and that we will stick with that,” the Ohio senator said on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2021/07/18/rob-portman-irs-enforcement-infrastructure-bill-sot-vpx-sotu.cnn" target="_blank">CNN’s “State of the Union.”</a>Portman’s announcement that the IRS provision had been removed underscores the difficulty facing the bipartisan group of Republican and Democratic senators in finding mutually agreeable ways to pay for billions of dollars of new spending their White House-backed plan calls for.Portman said meetings were planned Sunday to discuss alternatives to the IRS provision, which had been estimated to bring in an estimated $100 billion over 10 years. The proposal to go after taxpayers who skip out on income taxes initially had potential bipartisan appeal, but outside groups came forward to lambaste it as a way to enable the IRS to snoop around Americans’ personal finances.IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said at a congressional hearing in April that the national gap between federal taxes owed and actually collected is about $1 trillion annually, more than double what official government estimates have previously indicated.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pressuring lawmakers to reach agreement this week on the pair of massive domestic spending measures, signaling Democrats’ desire to push ahead aggressively on President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar agenda.Schumer, D-N.Y., said last week that he is scheduling a procedural vote for Wednesday to begin debate on the still-evolving bipartisan infrastructure bill. Senators from both parties, bargaining for weeks, have struggled to reach final agreement on a $1 trillion package of highway, water systems and other public works projects.Portman on Sunday called that an “arbitrary deadline” and one that was premature given that senators haven’t even agreed on details of the “complex” bill yet.“We want to get it right. It’s not too much to ask that we have time to do that,” Portman said. “We ought not to have an arbitrary deadline forcing this process.”Schumer said he also wanted Democratic senators to reach agreement among themselves by Wednesday on the specific details of a separate 10-year budget blueprint that envisions $3.5 trillion in spending for climate change, education, an expansion of Medicare and more.

Proposal to strengthen IRS enforcement cut from spending bill

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 802 to a total of 324,187, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5198.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 802 to a total of 324,187, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 1 new COVID-19 death for a total of 5198.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626715232828.png" alt="Monday July 19, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday July 19, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

HARVEY COUNTY (AP) — Authorities in south-central Kansas say a 15-year-girl drowned in a private swimming pool over the weekend. Officials say the drowning happened Friday night at a home in Harvey County. 

First responders were called to the home around 9:30 p.m. Officials say the girl was swimming alone in the pool when she drowned. 

Others in the home found the girl in the pool and called 911. Medics who arrived on the scene performed CPR and rushed her to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The girl's name had not been released by early Monday morning.

HARVEY COUNTY (AP) — Authorities in south-central Kansas say a 15-year-girl drowned in a private swimming pool over the weekend. Officials say the drowning happened Friday night at a home in Harvey County. First responders were called to the home around 9:30 p.m. Officials say the girl was swimming alone in the pool when she drowned. Others in the home found the girl in the pool and called 911. Medics who arrived on the scene performed CPR and rushed her to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The girl's name had not been released by early Monday morning.

Officials: 15-year-old drowns in pool at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have arrested a 16-year-old boy.

Just before 10p.m. on Saturday, police responded to a burglary in progress call at a home in the 2600 block of North Piatt inW Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

 Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old victim who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

While investigating the scene, a 16-year-old male suspect and a 20-year-old male suspect arrived at an area hospital with gunshot wounds.&nbsp; 

The 16-year-old was treated, released, and booked into jail. The 20-year-old male remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to Davidson.

The investigation revealed the two suspects and victim are known to each other.&nbsp; The suspects arrived at the victim’s home, a disturbance ensued, and multiple shots were fired that struck all three individuals.&nbsp; Investigators have recovered two handguns during the investigation.

This was not a random incident, according to Davidson. He did not released names of the victim or the suspects.

Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend shooting and have arrested a 16-year-old boy.Just before 10p.m. on Saturday, police responded to a burglary in progress call at a home in the 2600 block of North Piatt inW Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old victim who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.While investigating the scene, a 16-year-old male suspect and a 20-year-old male suspect arrived at an area hospital with gunshot wounds.&nbsp; The 16-year-old was treated, released, and booked into jail. The 20-year-old male remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to Davidson.The investigation revealed the two suspects and victim are known to each other.&nbsp; The suspects arrived at the victim’s home, a disturbance ensued, and multiple shots were fired that struck all three individuals.&nbsp; Investigators have recovered two handguns during the investigation.This was not a random incident, according to Davidson. He did not released names of the victim or the suspects.Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

1  jailed, 1 hospitalized after gunfight that killed Kan. boy

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Monday blamed China for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-national-security-hacking-email-4813d462835dcf54cd1397adb94d468b">a hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software</a>&nbsp;that compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world earlier this year.

The administration and allied nations also disclosed a broad range of other cyberthreats from Beijing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-europe-business-government-and-politics-cd21d84b5fd070421f871610b40e91d0">ransomware attacks</a>&nbsp;from government-affiliated hackers that have targeted companies with demands for millions of dollars. China’s Ministry of State Security has been using criminal contract hackers, who have engaged in cyber extortion schemes and theft for their own profit, according to a senior administration official. That official briefed reporters about the investigation on the condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department on Monday announced charges against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said were working with the Ministry of State Security in a hacking campaign that targeted dozens of computer systems, including companies, universities and government entities.

The announcements highlighted the ongoing cyberthreat posed by Chinese government hackers even as the administration has been consumed with trying to curb&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-russia-hacking-business-b4ee1835a2368aa27cb4321a47bbbcf6">ransomware attacks from Russia-based syndicates</a>&nbsp;that have targeted critical infrastructure, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ga-state-wire-business-c6ef4314af911fb58b8445d2b121e82d">a massive fuel pipeline</a>. Even though the finger-pointing was not accompanied by any sanctions of Beijing, a senior administration official who disclosed the actions to reporters said that the U.S. has confronted senior Chinese officials and that the White House regards the multination public shaming as sending an importance message.

That hackers affiliated with the Ministry of State Security carried out a ransomware attack was surprising and concerning to the U.S. government, the senior administration official said. But the attack, in which an unidentified American company received a high-dollar ransom demand, also gave U.S. officials new insight into what the official said was “the kind of aggressive behavior that we’re seeing coming out of China.”

The European Union and Britain also pointed the finger at China. The EU said malicious cyber activities with “significant effects” that targeted government institutions, political organizations and key industries in the bloc’s 27 member states could be linked to Chinese hacking groups.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/uk-allies-hold-chinese-state-responsible-for-pervasive-pattern-of-hacking" target="_blank">The U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre</a>&nbsp;said the groups targeted maritime industries and naval defense contractors in the U.S. and Europe and the Finnish parliament.

<a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/07/19/declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-urging-china-to-take-action-against-malicious-cyber-activities-undertaken-from-its-territory/?utm_source=dsms-auto&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Declaration+by+the+High+Representative+on+behalf+of+the+EU%3a+urging+China+to+take+action+against+malicious+cyber+activities+undertaken+from+its+territory" target="_blank">In a statement</a>, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the hacking was “conducted from the territory of China for the purpose of intellectual property theft and espionage.”

The Microsoft Exchange cyberattack “by Chinese state-backed groups was a reckless but familiar pattern of behaviour,” U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.

The majority of the most damaging and high-profile recent ransomware attacks have involved Russian criminal gangs. Though the U.S. has sometimes seen connections between Russian intelligence agencies and individual hackers, the use of criminal contract hackers by the Chinese government “to conduct unsanctioned cyber operations globally is distinct,” the official said.

The Microsoft Exchange hack was first identified in January and was rapidly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-email-89a61f711e14e51dc9f5b74ffe9c2ebf">attributed to Chinese cyber spies</a>&nbsp;by private sector groups. An administration official said the government’s attribution to hackers affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security took until now in part because of the discovery of the ransomware and for-profit hacking operations and because the administration wanted to pair the announcement with guidance for businesses about tactics that the Chinese have been using.

An advisory Monday from the FBI, the National Security Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency laid out specific techniques and ways that government agencies and businesses can protect themselves.

The White House also wanted to line up an international coalition of allies to call out China, according to the official, who said it was the first time NATO had condemned Beijing’s hacking operations.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, asked about the Microsoft Exchange hack, has previously said that China “firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms” and cautioned that attribution of cyberattacks should be based on evidence and not “groundless accusations.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Monday blamed China for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-national-security-hacking-email-4813d462835dcf54cd1397adb94d468b">a hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software</a>&nbsp;that compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world earlier this year.The administration and allied nations also disclosed a broad range of other cyberthreats from Beijing, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-europe-business-government-and-politics-cd21d84b5fd070421f871610b40e91d0">ransomware attacks</a>&nbsp;from government-affiliated hackers that have targeted companies with demands for millions of dollars. China’s Ministry of State Security has been using criminal contract hackers, who have engaged in cyber extortion schemes and theft for their own profit, according to a senior administration official. That official briefed reporters about the investigation on the condition of anonymity.Meanwhile, the Justice Department on Monday announced charges against four Chinese nationals who prosecutors said were working with the Ministry of State Security in a hacking campaign that targeted dozens of computer systems, including companies, universities and government entities.The announcements highlighted the ongoing cyberthreat posed by Chinese government hackers even as the administration has been consumed with trying to curb&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-russia-hacking-business-b4ee1835a2368aa27cb4321a47bbbcf6">ransomware attacks from Russia-based syndicates</a>&nbsp;that have targeted critical infrastructure, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ga-state-wire-business-c6ef4314af911fb58b8445d2b121e82d">a massive fuel pipeline</a>. Even though the finger-pointing was not accompanied by any sanctions of Beijing, a senior administration official who disclosed the actions to reporters said that the U.S. has confronted senior Chinese officials and that the White House regards the multination public shaming as sending an importance message.That hackers affiliated with the Ministry of State Security carried out a ransomware attack was surprising and concerning to the U.S. government, the senior administration official said. But the attack, in which an unidentified American company received a high-dollar ransom demand, also gave U.S. officials new insight into what the official said was “the kind of aggressive behavior that we’re seeing coming out of China.”The European Union and Britain also pointed the finger at China. The EU said malicious cyber activities with “significant effects” that targeted government institutions, political organizations and key industries in the bloc’s 27 member states could be linked to Chinese hacking groups.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/uk-allies-hold-chinese-state-responsible-for-pervasive-pattern-of-hacking" target="_blank">The U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre</a>&nbsp;said the groups targeted maritime industries and naval defense contractors in the U.S. and Europe and the Finnish parliament.<a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/07/19/declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-urging-china-to-take-action-against-malicious-cyber-activities-undertaken-from-its-territory/?utm_source=dsms-auto&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Declaration+by+the+High+Representative+on+behalf+of+the+EU%3a+urging+China+to+take+action+against+malicious+cyber+activities+undertaken+from+its+territory" target="_blank">In a statement</a>, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the hacking was “conducted from the territory of China for the purpose of intellectual property theft and espionage.”The Microsoft Exchange cyberattack “by Chinese state-backed groups was a reckless but familiar pattern of behaviour,” U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.The majority of the most damaging and high-profile recent ransomware attacks have involved Russian criminal gangs. Though the U.S. has sometimes seen connections between Russian intelligence agencies and individual hackers, the use of criminal contract hackers by the Chinese government “to conduct unsanctioned cyber operations globally is distinct,” the official said.The Microsoft Exchange hack was first identified in January and was rapidly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-email-89a61f711e14e51dc9f5b74ffe9c2ebf">attributed to Chinese cyber spies</a>&nbsp;by private sector groups. An administration official said the government’s attribution to hackers affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security took until now in part because of the discovery of the ransomware and for-profit hacking operations and because the administration wanted to pair the announcement with guidance for businesses about tactics that the Chinese have been using.An advisory Monday from the FBI, the National Security Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency laid out specific techniques and ways that government agencies and businesses can protect themselves.The White House also wanted to line up an international coalition of allies to call out China, according to the official, who said it was the first time NATO had condemned Beijing’s hacking operations.A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, asked about the Microsoft Exchange hack, has previously said that China “firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms” and cautioned that attribution of cyberattacks should be based on evidence and not “groundless accusations.”___

US blames China for Microsoft Exchange email hack

SEDGWICK — One person has been killed in a train/ pedestrian accident Monday morning.

According to Kyle McCaskey with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department the accident happened around 5 a.m. when a male was hit by a BNSF train in the 6100 block of South West Road which is about six miles southwest of Newton near the town of Sedgwick.

The investigation into the accident continues at this time. Trains were brought to a halt on the line which runs through Newton for about three hours during the initial investigation.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK—Train traffic through Newton was blocked Monday morning due to an early morning fatal train/pedestrian accident. 

Dispatch reported that trains were moving shortly after 8 a.m., but there is a four-hour backlog, so it may take time to clear out.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626700985855.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK — One person has been killed in a train/ pedestrian accident Monday morning.According to Kyle McCaskey with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department the accident happened around 5 a.m. when a male was hit by a BNSF train in the 6100 block of South West Road which is about six miles southwest of Newton near the town of Sedgwick.The investigation into the accident continues at this time. Trains were brought to a halt on the line which runs through Newton for about three hours during the initial investigation.&nbsp;No name was released.-------SEDGWICK—Train traffic through Newton was blocked Monday morning due to an early morning fatal train/pedestrian accident. Dispatch reported that trains were moving shortly after 8 a.m., but there is a four-hour backlog, so it may take time to clear out.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional additional details as they become available.

Update: Pedestrian struck, killed by train in So. Central Kan.

TOKYO (AP) — An alternate on the United States women’s gymnastics team has tested positive for COVID-19 in a training camp in Japan, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said Monday.

The USOPC did not say if Olympic champion Simone Biles or any of the other favorites to win the team gold were isolated because of contact tracing. The positive test was the latest in growing line of daily reports of athletes and others testing positive at the pandemic-delayed Olympics. The unnamed gymnast was the first American.

“The health and safety of our athletes, coaches and staff is our top priority. We can confirm that an alternate on the women’s artistic gymnastics team tested positive for COVID-19,” the USOPC statement said. “In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. Out of respect for the individual’s privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time.”

The four alternates — Leanne Wong, Kayla DiCello, Emma Malabuyo and Kara Eaker — traveled to Japan with the six-woman U.S. delegation of Biles, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee, MyKayla Skinner and Jade Carey.

The alternates are rooming and training with the alternates. While they have been traveling to training along with the actual team, they have been split into groups, with the team working on one apparatus while the alternates work on another.

The U.S. women’s team dealt with what USA Gymnastics called a “false positive” over the weekend for an unidentified athlete but the ensuing test results for the athlete were negative, according to the organization.

Biles, the defending world champion, and the rest of the regular team have been vaccinated.

The Games are set to open on Friday with a state of emergency in force in Tokyo, which means almost all venues will be without any fans with new cases rising in the capital. The women’s gymnastic team begins competing on Sunday.

The U.S. officials said the test took place when the team was training just outside Tokyo in Inzai City. Team members arrived last week for the camp to great fanfare at Narita airport.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Monday reported 727 new cases in the capital. It is the 30th straight day that cases were higher than the previous week. The cases last Monday were 502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585573932484.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOKYO (AP) — An alternate on the United States women’s gymnastics team has tested positive for COVID-19 in a training camp in Japan, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee said Monday.The USOPC did not say if Olympic champion Simone Biles or any of the other favorites to win the team gold were isolated because of contact tracing. The positive test was the latest in growing line of daily reports of athletes and others testing positive at the pandemic-delayed Olympics. The unnamed gymnast was the first American.“The health and safety of our athletes, coaches and staff is our top priority. We can confirm that an alternate on the women’s artistic gymnastics team tested positive for COVID-19,” the USOPC statement said. “In alignment with local rules and protocols, the athlete has been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. Out of respect for the individual’s privacy, we cannot provide more information at this time.”The four alternates — Leanne Wong, Kayla DiCello, Emma Malabuyo and Kara Eaker — traveled to Japan with the six-woman U.S. delegation of Biles, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee, MyKayla Skinner and Jade Carey.The alternates are rooming and training with the alternates. While they have been traveling to training along with the actual team, they have been split into groups, with the team working on one apparatus while the alternates work on another.The U.S. women’s team dealt with what USA Gymnastics called a “false positive” over the weekend for an unidentified athlete but the ensuing test results for the athlete were negative, according to the organization.Biles, the defending world champion, and the rest of the regular team have been vaccinated.The Games are set to open on Friday with a state of emergency in force in Tokyo, which means almost all venues will be without any fans with new cases rising in the capital. The women’s gymnastic team begins competing on Sunday.The U.S. officials said the test took place when the team was training just outside Tokyo in Inzai City. Team members arrived last week for the camp to great fanfare at Narita airport.The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Monday reported 727 new cases in the capital. It is the 30th straight day that cases were higher than the previous week. The cases last Monday were 502.___

American gymnastics alternate tests positive at Olympics

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the convictions of a woman who participated in the deaths of three people who were strangled or smothered with trash bags in her Topeka home. 

In a unanimous opinion released Friday, the high court also affirmed Kora Liles’ sentences on 11 charges,  including three counts of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping. 

 Liles was one of five people charged in the March 2017 deaths of 19-year-old Matthew Leavitt, 38-year-old Nicole Fisher and 20-year-old Luke Davis in a Topeka basement. Police said the violence stemmed from an unproven rape allegation against Leavitt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626470180677.png" alt="Liles photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Liles photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the convictions of a woman who participated in the deaths of three people who were strangled or smothered with trash bags in her Topeka home. In a unanimous opinion released Friday, the high court also affirmed Kora Liles’ sentences on 11 charges, including three counts of felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping. Liles was one of five people charged in the March 2017 deaths of 19-year-old Matthew Leavitt, 38-year-old Nicole Fisher and 20-year-old Luke Davis in a Topeka basement. Police said the violence stemmed from an unproven rape allegation against Leavitt.

Court upholds convictions in Kan. trash bag triple murder

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. surgeon general said Sunday that he's concerned about what lies ahead with cases of COVID-19 increasing in every state, millions still unvaccinated and a highly contagious virus variant spreading rapidly.

Noting that nearly all coronavirus deaths now are among the tens of millions of people who haven't received shots, despite widespread vaccine availability, Dr. Vivek Murthy painted an unsettling picture of what the future could hold.

“I am worried about what is to come because we are seeing increasing cases among the unvaccinated in particular. And while, if you are vaccinated, you are very well protected against hospitalization and death, unfortunately that is not true if you are not vaccinated," Murthy said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

U.S. cases of COVID-19 last week increased by 17,000 nationwide over a 14-day period for the first time since late fall, and an increase in death historically follows a spike in illness. Much of the worsening problem is being driven by the delta variant first identified in India, that has since hit the United Kingdom and other countries, said Murthy.

While U.S. case numbers and hospitalizations are still far below levels from the worst of the pandemic early this year, Murthy said the worsening situation shows the need to convince more people to get inoculations.

“It is our fastest, most effective way out of this pandemic,” he said.

About 186 million Americans have received at least one shot, but another 90 million eligible Americans haven't. Officials are trying to overcome a refusal among some — particularly conservative, rural white people — to get vaccinated, but it's unclear how to do that. So, for the meantime at least, some places have reverted to health precautions that had been cast aside.

In Las Vegas, some resorts and casinos are again requiring employees to wear masks in response to a recommendation issued by health officials amid rising COVID-19 case rates in Nevada; it ranks fifth among U.S. states for the most new cases per capita over the last two weeks.

Los Angeles County late Saturday reinstated rules&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-government-and-politics-los-angeles-coronavirus-pandemic-2a84d86250b0dcd3befa6b4bd266f5b6">requiring everyone to wear masks inside public buildings</a>. Around San Francisco's Bay Area, which has some of the highest vaccination rates in California, health officials have recommended that everyone again wear masks inside public buildings, regardless of their vaccination status.

But in conservative Alabama, where COVID-19 hospitalizations have more than doubled in a month and only about a third of the population is fully vaccinated, officials have refused to reinstitute statewide health rules or use gimmicks such as lotteries to boost immunizations.

“I think the best thing for us to do is just encourage everyone to use their common sense and practice personal responsibility and make themselves and their families safe,” Gov. Kay Ivey told reporters last week.

Cases also are on the rise in Springfield, Missouri, where Mayor Ken McClure told CBS-TV's “Face the Nation” that false information about the pandemic was hampering the fight to get people vaccinated.

“I think we are seeing a lot spread through social media as people are talking about fears which they have, health related fears, what it might do to them later on in their lives, what might be contained in the vaccinations,” he said.

Murthy, the surgeon general, said “not nearly enough” progress was being made in the fight against misinformation spread through social media about COVID-19 and vaccines. Individuals, not just platforms such as Facebook, need to combat the problem, he said.

"Each of us has a decision that we make every time we post something on social media, and I’m asking people to pause and to see, is a source accurate? Is it coming from a scientifically credible authority? And if it’s not, or if you’re not sure, don’t share,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626690532293.png" alt="Murthy said the worsening situation shows the need to convince more people to get inoculations.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Murthy said the worsening situation shows the need to convince more people to get inoculations.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. surgeon general said Sunday that he's concerned about what lies ahead with cases of COVID-19 increasing in every state, millions still unvaccinated and a highly contagious virus variant spreading rapidly.Noting that nearly all coronavirus deaths now are among the tens of millions of people who haven't received shots, despite widespread vaccine availability, Dr. Vivek Murthy painted an unsettling picture of what the future could hold.“I am worried about what is to come because we are seeing increasing cases among the unvaccinated in particular. And while, if you are vaccinated, you are very well protected against hospitalization and death, unfortunately that is not true if you are not vaccinated," Murthy said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”U.S. cases of COVID-19 last week increased by 17,000 nationwide over a 14-day period for the first time since late fall, and an increase in death historically follows a spike in illness. Much of the worsening problem is being driven by the delta variant first identified in India, that has since hit the United Kingdom and other countries, said Murthy.While U.S. case numbers and hospitalizations are still far below levels from the worst of the pandemic early this year, Murthy said the worsening situation shows the need to convince more people to get inoculations.“It is our fastest, most effective way out of this pandemic,” he said.About 186 million Americans have received at least one shot, but another 90 million eligible Americans haven't. Officials are trying to overcome a refusal among some — particularly conservative, rural white people — to get vaccinated, but it's unclear how to do that. So, for the meantime at least, some places have reverted to health precautions that had been cast aside.In Las Vegas, some resorts and casinos are again requiring employees to wear masks in response to a recommendation issued by health officials amid rising COVID-19 case rates in Nevada; it ranks fifth among U.S. states for the most new cases per capita over the last two weeks.Los Angeles County late Saturday reinstated rules&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-government-and-politics-los-angeles-coronavirus-pandemic-2a84d86250b0dcd3befa6b4bd266f5b6">requiring everyone to wear masks inside public buildings</a>. Around San Francisco's Bay Area, which has some of the highest vaccination rates in California, health officials have recommended that everyone again wear masks inside public buildings, regardless of their vaccination status.But in conservative Alabama, where COVID-19 hospitalizations have more than doubled in a month and only about a third of the population is fully vaccinated, officials have refused to reinstitute statewide health rules or use gimmicks such as lotteries to boost immunizations.“I think the best thing for us to do is just encourage everyone to use their common sense and practice personal responsibility and make themselves and their families safe,” Gov. Kay Ivey told reporters last week.Cases also are on the rise in Springfield, Missouri, where Mayor Ken McClure told CBS-TV's “Face the Nation” that false information about the pandemic was hampering the fight to get people vaccinated.“I think we are seeing a lot spread through social media as people are talking about fears which they have, health related fears, what it might do to them later on in their lives, what might be contained in the vaccinations,” he said.Murthy, the surgeon general, said “not nearly enough” progress was being made in the fight against misinformation spread through social media about COVID-19 and vaccines. Individuals, not just platforms such as Facebook, need to combat the problem, he said."Each of us has a decision that we make every time we post something on social media, and I’m asking people to pause and to see, is a source accurate? Is it coming from a scientifically credible authority? And if it’s not, or if you’re not sure, don’t share,” he said.

Surgeon General worried as COVID cases increase across U.S

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect after police executed a search warrant at a Kansas home.

On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 1600 Block of SW Central Park Avenue related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

While conducting the search warrant, the officers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, officers arrested Shannon Hardesty, 45 years of age, and Kelcey Lowry, 28 years of age, both of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Hardesty was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with the intent of distribution, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and Aggravated endangering a child

Kelcey Lowry was booked on a requested charge of Aggravated endangering a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626691585020.png" alt="Hardesty -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hardesty -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect after police executed a search warrant at a Kansas home.On Friday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 1600 Block of SW Central Park Avenue related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.While conducting the search warrant, the officers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626691605156.png" alt="Lowry-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lowry-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result, officers arrested Shannon Hardesty, 45 years of age, and Kelcey Lowry, 28 years of age, both of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Hardesty was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine with the intent of distribution, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and Aggravated endangering a childKelcey Lowry was booked on a requested charge of Aggravated endangering a child.

2 Kansas women jailed after drugs found near children

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A woman whose family went on an Iowa amusement ride shortly before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adventureland-raging-river-accident-273dbf870b1cbab93f92ea1df8bff413">an accident</a>&nbsp;that killed an 11-year-old boy and critically injured his brother said Friday her boat also had problems floating properly and felt unsafe.

Amber Estrada, 31, said the boat carrying her and her husband, their three children and nephew at times struck and dragged along the bottom of the manmade river on the Raging River ride at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-iowa-accidents-d69eb5812a5c1938d5e3666ff3a86e36">Adventureland Park</a>&nbsp;in Altoona on July 3.

She said the boat made a grinding sound that she could feel under her feet. Estrada, of Eagle Grove, Iowa, said her husband told her that he felt scared and wanted to get off the ride.

The couple made the decision to lean forward in their seats with their children because they were worried it would tip over, she said. They were able to reach the end of the ride safely, but “unfortunately that did happen to another family,” she said.

A boat carrying six members of the Jaramillo family of Marion, Iowa capsized minutes later, trapping 11-year-old Michael Jaramillo and his now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ia-state-wire-iowa-travel-lifestyle-accidents-aeffcb63bef90c63920b207c1bffa227">16-year-old brother David</a>&nbsp;in their seatbelts underneath the water for several minutes. Michael died of his injuries the next day.

A funeral service for the boy, who was going into sixth grade, was scheduled for Saturday in Des Moines. His family remembered him in an obituary as a “fun, loving child,” who loved playing with his older brothers, cousins and friends and liked to play the violin and read the bible.

David remains in critical condition at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, unable to talk, family attorney Ryan Best said. Their father, also David Jaramillo, underwent a four-hour surgery Tuesday to repair broken bones in his shoulder, he said.

Iowa inspectors are looking into what caused the boat to flip, and the ride has been shut down until the investigation is complete and hazards are corrected.

A state report dated July 4 said that the Jaramillos’ boat “immediately began taking on water as the ride began” and touched the bottom of the trough multiple times. Inspectors said they saw scrape marks on the trough’s concrete bottom and gouges in wooden poles along the ride from boat contact.

The boat eventually overturned during the ride’s final curve, according to the report, first reported by The Des Moines Register.

Estrada said she saw the Jaramillos in line a few places behind her and witnessed emergency responders rushing to the scene after her family got off. She said she did not report her family’s negative experience to Adventureland staff because her autistic son was upset about a stolen toy, and they left.

Estrada said she has been on the ride many times and never experienced such problems. She said she later reached out to the Jaramillo family through their pastor, and shared her experience with their lawyer Thursday.

“My heart breaks for them,” she said. “I think something needs to be done about this ride.”

Best said Estrada’s account was consistent with what happened to the Jaramillos and suggests “the boats were not properly floating on the day of the incident.”

“There was a broader problem,” he said.

Adventureland attorney Guy Cook said Friday that the park was unaware of Estrada’s claims and that the investigation to date has “found no such narrative.”

“The senior operators have no reports of any difficulties with the boats from guests prior to the tragic accident,” he said. “Nevertheless, all information and reports will be considered as the investigation continues.”

The state report notes that the park’s maintenance staff took the Jaramillos’ boat and others out of service earlier that day “due to rafts on boats deflating.” Workers replaced the deflated bladders in the rafts before putting the boats back into service.

Cook said each boat’s raft has eight bladders, and they are monitored and routinely taken out so they can be refilled with air or replaced if they get deflated.

“There’s nothing unusual about that,” he said.

He noted that the Jaramillos’ boat was found after the accident with only one of its bladders deflated and an “exterior indentation in the outer rubber tube.” He said the boats, which weigh 1,700 pounds and have a heavy metal plate on the bottom for ballast, would not flip due to a single deflated bladder and it’s not clear when its deflation occurred.

“If you stay in your seat and the weight is evenly distributed regardless of whether a bladder is fully inflated, it’s very difficult to see how a 1,700-pound boat flips over,” he said. “That’s why it would appear there was some other factor at work on this day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625693882938.png" alt="First responders at the park on the night of the accident -Photo courtesy KCCI" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the park on the night of the accident -Photo courtesy KCCI</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — A woman whose family went on an Iowa amusement ride shortly before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/adventureland-raging-river-accident-273dbf870b1cbab93f92ea1df8bff413">an accident</a>&nbsp;that killed an 11-year-old boy and critically injured his brother said Friday her boat also had problems floating properly and felt unsafe.Amber Estrada, 31, said the boat carrying her and her husband, their three children and nephew at times struck and dragged along the bottom of the manmade river on the Raging River ride at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-iowa-accidents-d69eb5812a5c1938d5e3666ff3a86e36">Adventureland Park</a>&nbsp;in Altoona on July 3.She said the boat made a grinding sound that she could feel under her feet. Estrada, of Eagle Grove, Iowa, said her husband told her that he felt scared and wanted to get off the ride.The couple made the decision to lean forward in their seats with their children because they were worried it would tip over, she said. They were able to reach the end of the ride safely, but “unfortunately that did happen to another family,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625696833028.png" alt="David, Michael and a cousin at the park-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>David, Michael and a cousin at the park-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>A boat carrying six members of the Jaramillo family of Marion, Iowa capsized minutes later, trapping 11-year-old Michael Jaramillo and his now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ia-state-wire-iowa-travel-lifestyle-accidents-aeffcb63bef90c63920b207c1bffa227">16-year-old brother David</a>&nbsp;in their seatbelts underneath the water for several minutes. Michael died of his injuries the next day.A funeral service for the boy, who was going into sixth grade, was scheduled for Saturday in Des Moines. His family remembered him in an obituary as a “fun, loving child,” who loved playing with his older brothers, cousins and friends and liked to play the violin and read the bible.David remains in critical condition at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, unable to talk, family attorney Ryan Best said. Their father, also David Jaramillo, underwent a four-hour surgery Tuesday to repair broken bones in his shoulder, he said.Iowa inspectors are looking into what caused the boat to flip, and the ride has been shut down until the investigation is complete and hazards are corrected.A state report dated July 4 said that the Jaramillos’ boat “immediately began taking on water as the ride began” and touched the bottom of the trough multiple times. Inspectors said they saw scrape marks on the trough’s concrete bottom and gouges in wooden poles along the ride from boat contact.The boat eventually overturned during the ride’s final curve, according to the report, first reported by The Des Moines Register.Estrada said she saw the Jaramillos in line a few places behind her and witnessed emergency responders rushing to the scene after her family got off. She said she did not report her family’s negative experience to Adventureland staff because her autistic son was upset about a stolen toy, and they left.Estrada said she has been on the ride many times and never experienced such problems. She said she later reached out to the Jaramillo family through their pastor, and shared her experience with their lawyer Thursday.“My heart breaks for them,” she said. “I think something needs to be done about this ride.”Best said Estrada’s account was consistent with what happened to the Jaramillos and suggests “the boats were not properly floating on the day of the incident.”“There was a broader problem,” he said.Adventureland attorney Guy Cook said Friday that the park was unaware of Estrada’s claims and that the investigation to date has “found no such narrative.”“The senior operators have no reports of any difficulties with the boats from guests prior to the tragic accident,” he said. “Nevertheless, all information and reports will be considered as the investigation continues.”The state report notes that the park’s maintenance staff took the Jaramillos’ boat and others out of service earlier that day “due to rafts on boats deflating.” Workers replaced the deflated bladders in the rafts before putting the boats back into service.Cook said each boat’s raft has eight bladders, and they are monitored and routinely taken out so they can be refilled with air or replaced if they get deflated.“There’s nothing unusual about that,” he said.He noted that the Jaramillos’ boat was found after the accident with only one of its bladders deflated and an “exterior indentation in the outer rubber tube.” He said the boats, which weigh 1,700 pounds and have a heavy metal plate on the bottom for ballast, would not flip due to a single deflated bladder and it’s not clear when its deflation occurred.“If you stay in your seat and the weight is evenly distributed regardless of whether a bladder is fully inflated, it’s very difficult to see how a 1,700-pound boat flips over,” he said. “That’s why it would appear there was some other factor at work on this day.”

 Woman: Ride had problems before fatal amusement park accident

SIBLEY, Mo. (AP) — Investigators in suburban Kansas City say a 25-year-old woman charged in the shooting death of her boyfriend last week killed him after finding his texts to another woman.

Katie Black, of Independence, is charged with second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action, domestic assault and illegal firearm use in the July 7 shooting death in Sibley.&nbsp; Police have not released the 29-year-old victim's name.

Black was at the scene of the shooting when officers and medics arrived, police said, and told investigators conflicting stories about what had transpired. Black first told police her boyfriend was shot during a struggle with an unknown man outside her boyfriend's vehicle.

She later admitted to shooting her boyfriend, police said, but described the shooting as an accident, saying he walked in front of her gun while she was practicing shooting. She then said she fired the gun in the boyfriend's direction to scare him but wound up shooting him. Black told investigators she and the man had argued before the shooting, police said.

A witness told police Black was angry after finding romantic text messages from her boyfriend to other women. Black is being held in Jackson County jail on $50,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626448340537.png" alt="Black photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Black photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>SIBLEY, Mo. (AP) — Investigators in suburban Kansas City say a 25-year-old woman charged in the shooting death of her boyfriend last week killed him after finding his texts to another woman.Katie Black, of Independence, is charged with second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action, domestic assault and illegal firearm use in the July 7 shooting death in Sibley.&nbsp; Police have not released the 29-year-old victim's name.Black was at the scene of the shooting when officers and medics arrived, police said, and told investigators conflicting stories about what had transpired. Black first told police her boyfriend was shot during a struggle with an unknown man outside her boyfriend's vehicle.She later admitted to shooting her boyfriend, police said, but described the shooting as an accident, saying he walked in front of her gun while she was practicing shooting. She then said she fired the gun in the boyfriend's direction to scare him but wound up shooting him. Black told investigators she and the man had argued before the shooting, police said.A witness told police Black was angry after finding romantic text messages from her boyfriend to other women. Black is being held in Jackson County jail on $50,000 bond.

Police: KC-area woman killed boyfriend over texts to other woman

KANSAS CITY – A Merriam Village, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court July 14 to sexually assaulting two young children to produce child pornography, and to receiving and distributing child pornography, after his wife pleaded guilty to the same charges last month, according to the United State's Attorney.

Mark John Millman, 37, a citizen of Great Britain and a legal alien resident, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of the sexual exploitation of minors and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Millman’s wife and co-defendant, Tara Sau Millman, 41, pleaded guilty to the same charges on June 30, 2021. Both Mark and Tara Millman have been in federal custody since their arrest and remain detained without bail.

The Millmans admitted that Mark used Tara’s iPhone to record video of her performing a sexual act on a 2-year-old child, identified in court documents as John Doe. Mark Millman admitted that he sexually assaulted a 4-year-old child victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, which was also recorded on video. Investigators found images and videos of child pornography on the Millmans’ iPhones, including files that depicted the Millmans sexually assaulting both child victims.

Mark and Tara Millman each admitted they used a social media application to share child pornography over the internet, and that they viewed child pornography together.

The investigation began when agents with Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, began investigating users of a cloud storage platform (identified in court documents as “Cloud Platform A”). The cloud platform provides encrypted, cloud-based services that enable private, secure online storage, communication, and collaboration for business and individuals. During the investigation, the agents accessed a weblink to an encrypted chat room with approximately 145 registered users. Files containing child pornography were uploaded/posted by participants in the chat room. Many users were actively involved in the distribution of child pornography. The child pornography distributed within the chat included 129 video files, 324 image files, and 43 cloud-storage weblinks which contained files of child pornography.

Mark Millman’s email was identified among the registered users of the chat room, and a search warrant was executed at the Millmans’ residence in Taney County, Mo., on Jan. 28, 2021.

Under federal statutes, Mark and Tara Millman each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled upon the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614439967146.png" alt="Millman photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Millman photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A Merriam Village, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court July 14 to sexually assaulting two young children to produce child pornography, and to receiving and distributing child pornography, after his wife pleaded guilty to the same charges last month, according to the United State's Attorney.Mark John Millman, 37, a citizen of Great Britain and a legal alien resident, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of the sexual exploitation of minors and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614439948313.png" alt="Millman photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Millman photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Millman’s wife and co-defendant, Tara Sau Millman, 41, pleaded guilty to the same charges on June 30, 2021. Both Mark and Tara Millman have been in federal custody since their arrest and remain detained without bail.The Millmans admitted that Mark used Tara’s iPhone to record video of her performing a sexual act on a 2-year-old child, identified in court documents as John Doe. Mark Millman admitted that he sexually assaulted a 4-year-old child victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, which was also recorded on video. Investigators found images and videos of child pornography on the Millmans’ iPhones, including files that depicted the Millmans sexually assaulting both child victims.Mark and Tara Millman each admitted they used a social media application to share child pornography over the internet, and that they viewed child pornography together.The investigation began when agents with Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, began investigating users of a cloud storage platform (identified in court documents as “Cloud Platform A”). The cloud platform provides encrypted, cloud-based services that enable private, secure online storage, communication, and collaboration for business and individuals. During the investigation, the agents accessed a weblink to an encrypted chat room with approximately 145 registered users. Files containing child pornography were uploaded/posted by participants in the chat room. Many users were actively involved in the distribution of child pornography. The child pornography distributed within the chat included 129 video files, 324 image files, and 43 cloud-storage weblinks which contained files of child pornography.Mark Millman’s email was identified among the registered users of the chat room, and a search warrant was executed at the Millmans’ residence in Taney County, Mo., on Jan. 28, 2021.Under federal statutes, Mark and Tara Millman each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled upon the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

Husband, wife admit sexually assaulting two young children 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities in south-central Kansas seized 89 marijuana plants and several bags of the drug during the recent search of a property northeast of El Dorado.

The Butler County Sheriff’s office said the 56 pounds of marijuana worth roughly $180,000 was seized during the search on Thursday as part of an investigation of a marijuana growing operation on the property.

No arrests were reported immediately after the search, but the sheriff’s office said charges are expected soon in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626645087286.png" alt="Charges are expected soon in the case -Photo Butler County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Charges are expected soon in the case -Photo Butler County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities in south-central Kansas seized 89 marijuana plants and several bags of the drug during the recent search of a property northeast of El Dorado.The Butler County Sheriff’s office said the 56 pounds of marijuana worth roughly $180,000 was seized during the search on Thursday as part of an investigation of a marijuana growing operation on the property.No arrests were reported immediately after the search, but the sheriff’s office said charges are expected soon in the case.

Kansas authorities find 56 pounds of marijuana in search

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A girl from Missouri was hospitalized after a large bolt and nut crashed through the windshield of the vehicle she was riding in.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said the incident happened in west Lawrence around 5 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and Bob Billings Parkway.

Fifteen-year-old Linzie Sanders, of Willard, Missouri, was struck in the face by the bolt. The Highway Patrol did not say in the accident report where the nut and bolt came from.

None of the four other people riding in the 2017 Honda Pilot was injured when the bolt crashed through the windshield. The vehicle was driven by 45-year-old Andrew Sears and the passengers were 43-year-old Amanda Sue Sanders, 19-year-old Lauren Sears and 10-year-old Dylan Sears. Everyone in the vehicle is from Willard, Missouri.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A girl from Missouri was hospitalized after a large bolt and nut crashed through the windshield of the vehicle she was riding in.The Kansas Highway Patrol said the incident happened in west Lawrence around 5 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and Bob Billings Parkway.Fifteen-year-old Linzie Sanders, of Willard, Missouri, was struck in the face by the bolt. The Highway Patrol did not say in the accident report where the nut and bolt came from.None of the four other people riding in the 2017 Honda Pilot was injured when the bolt crashed through the windshield. The vehicle was driven by 45-year-old Andrew Sears and the passengers were 43-year-old Amanda Sue Sanders, 19-year-old Lauren Sears and 10-year-old Dylan Sears. Everyone in the vehicle is from Willard, Missouri.