HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Stir-crazy in some cases after the dreary Summer of COVID-19, Americans headed into the Labor Day weekend amid warnings from public health officials not to make the same mistakes they did over Memorial Day and July Fourth.

The fear is that backyard parties, crowded bars and other gatherings will cause the coronavirus to come surging back

“I look upon the Labor Day weekend really as a critical point,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert. “Are we going to go in the right direction and continue the momentum downward, or are we going to have to step back a bit as we start another surge?”

The warnings came as a widely cited model by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projected a worsening outbreak in the U.S. that will peak in early December at about 2,900 deaths per day, up from about 860 a day now, unless government officials take action.

Over the summer, the U.S. saw a rise in infections, deaths and hospitalizations, primarily in the South and West, that was blamed in part on Americans behaving heedlessly over Memorial Day and July Fourth.

The landscape has improved in recent weeks, with the numbers headed in the right direction in hard-hit states like Florida, Arizona and Texas, but there are certain risk factors that could combine with Labor Day: Children are going back to school, university campuses are seeing soaring case counts, college football is starting, more businesses are open, and flu season is around the corner.

And a few states are heading into the holiday with less room in hospitals than they had over Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Alabama, for example, had about 800 people hospitalized with the virus on July 1. This week, it has just under 1,000.

More beaches will be open on Labor Day than on Memorial Day, but Fauci said that is not cause in itself for concern, as long as people keep their distance.

“I would rather see someone on a beach, being physically separated enough, than someone crowded in an indoor bar,” he said.

Americans, cooped up for months, appeared more than ready to venture out and socialize — though with some precautions.

In New York City, once the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S., Jennifer Bolstad of Brooklyn picked up the keys to a rented minivan with plans to drive with her two children to Maryland this weekend to visit family she hasn’t seen in a year.

“I monitored the quarantine list pathologically, and they are finally a place I can visit,” she said, referring to the list of states that New York has advised are safe to travel to. “I think a lot of people are going stir-crazy and are going somewhere this weekend and possibly not be as cautious as they should about not bringing their germs back with them.”

Fellow New Yorker 30-year-old Heather Poole and her fiance, Jason Goldrosen, decided to pack up some bedding along with the makings for s’mores and head to a tiny home on the property of a brewery for the long weekend about two hours north of the city. She figures it will be one last blast of freedom before she is cooped up again this fall.

“It’s kind of a way to enjoy the outdoors and be able to walk outside and not run into a lot of people or feel the need to wear a mask the second you walk out your door,” she said.

In Cicero, Indiana, 40-year-old Matt McInnis planned to continue with tradition by getting together with about 15 neighborhood friends for a barbecue. And forget wearing masks.

“With the picnic being outdoors, we feel that we can space enough, and with the fresh air that we are going to be safe with it being outdoors and in the wide open,” McInnis said. He said they won’t be asking the eight children at the picnic to socially distance either.

Dawn Love of Bolton, Connecticut, decided to host an outdoor breakfast Saturday for her running group, The Crazy Legs, at her cottage on a lake. The 20 members normally run the local roads together every weekend but haven’t seen each other since March.

Love, 62, said she expects just a few people to show up, with some deciding it was still too risky and begging off.

“Everyone is bringing their own breakfast, their own beverage and a mask,” she said. “We’re going to meet and have the chairs 6 feet apart. Wearing the mask will depend on the comfort level with the person you’re talking to. I have a bathroom inside the cottage, with paper towels and a basket, so there is no shared towels.”

The gathering comes as governors throughout the Northeast discouraged people from traveling out of state this weekend. Visitors from 33 states and territories must quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New Jersey, New York or Connecticut.

The outbreak is blamed for about 187,000 deaths and almost 6.2 million confirmed infections in the U.S., by far the highest totals in the world. Cases of COVID-19, which spiked from about 20,000 per day to around 70,000 during the summertime surge in the South, are now down to about 40,000.

Worldwide, the number of deaths has topped 870,000, with more than 26.4 million infections.

The IHME model Friday predicted that worsening outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere will lead to 1.9 million more COVID-19 deaths in the remaining months of 2020 unless governments take action.

Mask mandates and social distancing could save hundreds of thousands of lives, but there is “a tremendous amount of COVID fatigue” among the world’s leaders because of the economic downturn, said IHME’s Dr. Christopher Murray.

Dr. Albert Ko, a Yale University epidemiologist, said he is concerned about students heading back to school across the nation next week after coming back from holiday travel and a weekend of social gatherings.

“Any transmission events that happen here could be amplified unless we’re careful about it,” Ko said. “Whether it’s going to be a perfect storm, l don’t think so. People are aware of the risk, and people have been socially distancing. But this is certainly a concern.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591911691981.png" alt="Snap Chat image of the crowded Memorial weekend pool party at Lake of the Ozarks." />
 <figcaption>Snap Chat image of the crowded Memorial weekend pool party at Lake of the Ozarks.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Stir-crazy in some cases after the dreary Summer of COVID-19, Americans headed into the Labor Day weekend amid warnings from public health officials not to make the same mistakes they did over Memorial Day and July Fourth.The fear is that backyard parties, crowded bars and other gatherings will cause the coronavirus to come surging back“I look upon the Labor Day weekend really as a critical point,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert. “Are we going to go in the right direction and continue the momentum downward, or are we going to have to step back a bit as we start another surge?”The warnings came as a widely cited model by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projected a worsening outbreak in the U.S. that will peak in early December at about 2,900 deaths per day, up from about 860 a day now, unless government officials take action.Over the summer, the U.S. saw a rise in infections, deaths and hospitalizations, primarily in the South and West, that was blamed in part on Americans behaving heedlessly over Memorial Day and July Fourth.The landscape has improved in recent weeks, with the numbers headed in the right direction in hard-hit states like Florida, Arizona and Texas, but there are certain risk factors that could combine with Labor Day: Children are going back to school, university campuses are seeing soaring case counts, college football is starting, more businesses are open, and flu season is around the corner.And a few states are heading into the holiday with less room in hospitals than they had over Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Alabama, for example, had about 800 people hospitalized with the virus on July 1. This week, it has just under 1,000.More beaches will be open on Labor Day than on Memorial Day, but Fauci said that is not cause in itself for concern, as long as people keep their distance.“I would rather see someone on a beach, being physically separated enough, than someone crowded in an indoor bar,” he said.Americans, cooped up for months, appeared more than ready to venture out and socialize — though with some precautions.In New York City, once the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S., Jennifer Bolstad of Brooklyn picked up the keys to a rented minivan with plans to drive with her two children to Maryland this weekend to visit family she hasn’t seen in a year.“I monitored the quarantine list pathologically, and they are finally a place I can visit,” she said, referring to the list of states that New York has advised are safe to travel to. “I think a lot of people are going stir-crazy and are going somewhere this weekend and possibly not be as cautious as they should about not bringing their germs back with them.”Fellow New Yorker 30-year-old Heather Poole and her fiance, Jason Goldrosen, decided to pack up some bedding along with the makings for s’mores and head to a tiny home on the property of a brewery for the long weekend about two hours north of the city. She figures it will be one last blast of freedom before she is cooped up again this fall.“It’s kind of a way to enjoy the outdoors and be able to walk outside and not run into a lot of people or feel the need to wear a mask the second you walk out your door,” she said.In Cicero, Indiana, 40-year-old Matt McInnis planned to continue with tradition by getting together with about 15 neighborhood friends for a barbecue. And forget wearing masks.“With the picnic being outdoors, we feel that we can space enough, and with the fresh air that we are going to be safe with it being outdoors and in the wide open,” McInnis said. He said they won’t be asking the eight children at the picnic to socially distance either.Dawn Love of Bolton, Connecticut, decided to host an outdoor breakfast Saturday for her running group, The Crazy Legs, at her cottage on a lake. The 20 members normally run the local roads together every weekend but haven’t seen each other since March.Love, 62, said she expects just a few people to show up, with some deciding it was still too risky and begging off.“Everyone is bringing their own breakfast, their own beverage and a mask,” she said. “We’re going to meet and have the chairs 6 feet apart. Wearing the mask will depend on the comfort level with the person you’re talking to. I have a bathroom inside the cottage, with paper towels and a basket, so there is no shared towels.”The gathering comes as governors throughout the Northeast discouraged people from traveling out of state this weekend. Visitors from 33 states and territories must quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New Jersey, New York or Connecticut.The outbreak is blamed for about 187,000 deaths and almost 6.2 million confirmed infections in the U.S., by far the highest totals in the world. Cases of COVID-19, which spiked from about 20,000 per day to around 70,000 during the summertime surge in the South, are now down to about 40,000.Worldwide, the number of deaths has topped 870,000, with more than 26.4 million infections.The IHME model Friday predicted that worsening outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere will lead to 1.9 million more COVID-19 deaths in the remaining months of 2020 unless governments take action.Mask mandates and social distancing could save hundreds of thousands of lives, but there is “a tremendous amount of COVID fatigue” among the world’s leaders because of the economic downturn, said IHME’s Dr. Christopher Murray.Dr. Albert Ko, a Yale University epidemiologist, said he is concerned about students heading back to school across the nation next week after coming back from holiday travel and a weekend of social gatherings.“Any transmission events that happen here could be amplified unless we’re careful about it,” Ko said. “Whether it’s going to be a perfect storm, l don’t think so. People are aware of the risk, and people have been socially distancing. But this is certainly a concern.”___

Will long Labor Day weekend mean another coronavirus spike?

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities identified on Friday the man and woman who were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a car a day earlier in Kansas City.

The Kansas City Police Department said in a news release that they were Raymond Trimble, 29, and Emonnie Nunez, 18, both of Kansas City.

Officers were called to the scene early Thursday after a caller reported a suspicious vehicle with someone inside. Police found the two people shot to death inside the vehicle and are investigating the deaths as a double homicide.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man and woman were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a car and Kansas City police were investigating the deaths as a double homicide.

Officers were called to the scene early Thursday after a caller reported a suspicious vehicle with someone inside, police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said.

Police found the two people shot to death inside the vehicle, Becchina said.

Detectives are trying to determine if the victims lived in the area and owned the car they were found in, he said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities identified on Friday the man and woman who were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a car a day earlier in Kansas City.The Kansas City Police Department said in a news release that they were Raymond Trimble, 29, and Emonnie Nunez, 18, both of Kansas City.Officers were called to the scene early Thursday after a caller reported a suspicious vehicle with someone inside. Police found the two people shot to death inside the vehicle and are investigating the deaths as a double homicide.--------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A man and woman were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a car and Kansas City police were investigating the deaths as a double homicide.Officers were called to the scene early Thursday after a caller reported a suspicious vehicle with someone inside, police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said.Police found the two people shot to death inside the vehicle, Becchina said.Detectives are trying to determine if the victims lived in the area and owned the car they were found in, he said.

Kansas City police ID two shot to death in car

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-03/scathing-federal-inspection-pulls-curtain-back-on-one-of-kansas-deadliest-coronavirus-outbreaks">Kansas News Service</a>

At a Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home, employees tested positive for COVID-19 and went back to work the next day.

Health
 workers cared for residents who had tested negative for the virus in 
the same gowns and masks they’d worn into the rooms of those who’d 
tested positive.

“I wash my hands,” a nurse told inspectors. “But I wear the same PPE.”

Now the <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/34/9a/c810154543818e1a6e3577a99bbb/riverbend-5.1.20%20-%20Statement%20of%20Deficiencies%20and%20Plan%20of%20Correction.pdf" target="_blank">federal inspection</a>
 that documented those and other risky practices could play into 12 
lawsuits brought by families against Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation
 over the deaths of residents at the nursing home.

Dozens died of the coronavirus at Riverbend — one of the state’s deadliest nursing home outbreaks, a <a href="https://data.cms.gov/Special-Programs-Initiatives-COVID-19-Nursing-Home/COVID-19-Nursing-Home-Dataset/s2uc-8wxp" target="_blank">federal database</a> shows.

“This
 report just confirms the allegations we’ve already made,” said Rachel 
Stahle, a lawyer representing families in seven of the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-23/first-lawsuit-filed-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-death" target="_blank">lawsuits</a>. “It certainly bolsters our position.”

What
 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found at Riverbend, she 
said, makes clear the home wasn’t taking proper steps to control 
infections.

“The report is not surprising,” Stahle said. 
“Nonetheless, it’s still quite shocking. You have numerous employees who
 (were) working with symptoms.”

Riverbend argued a federal law shields it against the lawsuits, but a federal judge <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/4e/33/13d4bace428da0ebe0034e69e92e/memorandum-order-remanding-case.pdf" target="_blank">rejected the argument</a> two weeks ago. That cleared the way for the families to proceed in state court in Wyandotte County.

Stahle expects discovery — an evidence-gathering stage — will start within a month.

Riverbend didn’t respond to a request for comment on what appears in the inspection report.

After
 scouring Riverbend’s daily logs and interviewing its staff, inspectors 
concluded the home didn’t take vital steps to protect residents. That 
made it likely they would get exposed to the coronavirus, “resulting in 
serious harm or death.”

The inspections took place in late April 
and early May, when the home had about 90 residents. Inspectors found 
employees weren’t following key guidelines to curb the virus’ spread — like segregating residents who’d tested positive for the virus from those who hadn’t.

Inspectors
 saw health workers caring for COVID-19 patients without proper 
protection. Some were missing gloves. Others lacked eye protection or a 
mask.

Residents were in “<a href="https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationEnforcement/Nursing-Home-Enforcement#:~:text=Immediate%20jeopardy%20means%20a%20situation,were%20affected%20by%20the%20deficiency." target="_blank">immediate jeopardy</a>,” the inspectors wrote.

That
 was after the virus made it into Riverbend sometime around late March, 
and ravaged the place. Already, 32 deaths at the facility had been 
attributed to it. The home’s management figured the real toll was higher
 because not everyone who had died had been tested.

Tallies that 
Riverbend later reported to the federal government say 37 residents died
 of COVID-19, and more than 60 residents and 30 staff tested positive.

One
 nurse told inspectors she’d wear a single mask for five days at a time.
 An aide said the building’s director of nursing told her she didn’t 
need one to work with coronavirus patients.

That aide ended up contracting the virus. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html" target="_blank">CDC guidelines</a> say nursing home staff should don an N95 mask when caring for anyone suspected of having the virus.

The
 federal team also saw COVID-19 patients leaving their rooms and eating 
in the same common areas that residents who had tested negative were 
allowed to use.

The home’s managers told inspectors that 21 
residents had still tested negative as of early April. But because a 
large number had tested positive, it was pointless to keep them apart or
 have staff don fresh protective gear between rooms. They assumed 
everyone was actually infected.

One resident who was clearly ill was kept with a roommate who seemed healthy. Both ultimately tested positive.

CMS
 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had already made 
clear by mid-March that nursing homes had to screen staff for a range of
 symptoms and tell anyone who was sick to quarantine at home.

Yet 
day after day, some employees walked into the building without anyone 
documenting their temperature or other symptoms. Others reported having 
coughs, shortness of breath or sore throats, then worked anyway.

A nurse and a medication aide both continued working in the days after they got tested and learned they were positive.

The
 lawsuits against Riverbend accuse it of negligence. They were filed in 
state court, but Riverbend argued a federal court needed to handle the 
matter because the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act 
shielded them against liability.

The PREP Act protects health care
 providers during health emergencies like the current pandemic against 
lawsuits over administering medications and other measures meant to 
combat a disease.

But Riverbend stands accused of failing to take measures, a federal judge found, so the PREP Act doesn’t apply and the cases will move forward in state court.

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599152326787.png" alt="A photo illustration shows medical-grade gloves and a surgical mask. Federal inspectors found a Kansas City, Kans., nursing home's poor use of protective gear put residents at risk. Carlos Moreno / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>A photo illustration shows medical-grade gloves and a surgical mask. Federal inspectors found a Kansas City, Kans., nursing home's poor use of protective gear put residents at risk. Carlos Moreno / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-03/scathing-federal-inspection-pulls-curtain-back-on-one-of-kansas-deadliest-coronavirus-outbreaks">Kansas News Service</a>At a Kansas City, Kansas, nursing home, employees tested positive for COVID-19 and went back to work the next day.Health
 workers cared for residents who had tested negative for the virus in 
the same gowns and masks they’d worn into the rooms of those who’d 
tested positive.“I wash my hands,” a nurse told inspectors. “But I wear the same PPE.”Now the <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/34/9a/c810154543818e1a6e3577a99bbb/riverbend-5.1.20%20-%20Statement%20of%20Deficiencies%20and%20Plan%20of%20Correction.pdf" target="_blank">federal inspection</a>
 that documented those and other risky practices could play into 12 
lawsuits brought by families against Riverbend Post-Acute Rehabilitation
 over the deaths of residents at the nursing home.Dozens died of the coronavirus at Riverbend — one of the state’s deadliest nursing home outbreaks, a <a href="https://data.cms.gov/Special-Programs-Initiatives-COVID-19-Nursing-Home/COVID-19-Nursing-Home-Dataset/s2uc-8wxp" target="_blank">federal database</a> shows.“This
 report just confirms the allegations we’ve already made,” said Rachel 
Stahle, a lawyer representing families in seven of the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-04-23/first-lawsuit-filed-against-kansas-city-kansas-rehab-facility-over-covid-19-death" target="_blank">lawsuits</a>. “It certainly bolsters our position.”What
 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found at Riverbend, she 
said, makes clear the home wasn’t taking proper steps to control 
infections.“The report is not surprising,” Stahle said. 
“Nonetheless, it’s still quite shocking. You have numerous employees who
 (were) working with symptoms.”Riverbend argued a federal law shields it against the lawsuits, but a federal judge <a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/4e/33/13d4bace428da0ebe0034e69e92e/memorandum-order-remanding-case.pdf" target="_blank">rejected the argument</a> two weeks ago. That cleared the way for the families to proceed in state court in Wyandotte County.Stahle expects discovery — an evidence-gathering stage — will start within a month.Riverbend didn’t respond to a request for comment on what appears in the inspection report.<h2>Federal inspection</h2>After
 scouring Riverbend’s daily logs and interviewing its staff, inspectors 
concluded the home didn’t take vital steps to protect residents. That 
made it likely they would get exposed to the coronavirus, “resulting in 
serious harm or death.”The inspections took place in late April 
and early May, when the home had about 90 residents. Inspectors found 
employees weren’t following key guidelines to curb the virus’ spread — like segregating residents who’d tested positive for the virus from those who hadn’t.Inspectors
 saw health workers caring for COVID-19 patients without proper 
protection. Some were missing gloves. Others lacked eye protection or a 
mask.Residents were in “<a href="https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationEnforcement/Nursing-Home-Enforcement#:~:text=Immediate%20jeopardy%20means%20a%20situation,were%20affected%20by%20the%20deficiency." target="_blank">immediate jeopardy</a>,” the inspectors wrote.That
 was after the virus made it into Riverbend sometime around late March, 
and ravaged the place. Already, 32 deaths at the facility had been 
attributed to it. The home’s management figured the real toll was higher
 because not everyone who had died had been tested.Tallies that 
Riverbend later reported to the federal government say 37 residents died
 of COVID-19, and more than 60 residents and 30 staff tested positive.One
 nurse told inspectors she’d wear a single mask for five days at a time.
 An aide said the building’s director of nursing told her she didn’t 
need one to work with coronavirus patients.That aide ended up contracting the virus. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/long-term-care.html" target="_blank">CDC guidelines</a> say nursing home staff should don an N95 mask when caring for anyone suspected of having the virus.<h2>No separation</h2>The
 federal team also saw COVID-19 patients leaving their rooms and eating 
in the same common areas that residents who had tested negative were 
allowed to use.The home’s managers told inspectors that 21 
residents had still tested negative as of early April. But because a 
large number had tested positive, it was pointless to keep them apart or
 have staff don fresh protective gear between rooms. They assumed 
everyone was actually infected.One resident who was clearly ill was kept with a roommate who seemed healthy. Both ultimately tested positive.CMS
 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had already made 
clear by mid-March that nursing homes had to screen staff for a range of
 symptoms and tell anyone who was sick to quarantine at home.Yet 
day after day, some employees walked into the building without anyone 
documenting their temperature or other symptoms. Others reported having 
coughs, shortness of breath or sore throats, then worked anyway.A nurse and a medication aide both continued working in the days after they got tested and learned they were positive.The
 lawsuits against Riverbend accuse it of negligence. They were filed in 
state court, but Riverbend argued a federal court needed to handle the 
matter because the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act 
shielded them against liability.The PREP Act protects health care
 providers during health emergencies like the current pandemic against 
lawsuits over administering medications and other measures meant to 
combat a disease.But Riverbend stands accused of failing to take measures, a federal judge found, so the PREP Act doesn’t apply and the cases will move forward in state court.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Scathing inspection pulls curtain back on deadly virus outbreak

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;If you're making a last trip for the summer this weekend, filling up at the pump should not get in your way.

"We're looking at the cheapest gas prices at Labor Day weekend since 2016," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "In terms of the impact from Hurricane Laura, some of the refineries and oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico that had shut down have started operations again. The exceptions are refineries in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area. Overall, though, there's been no major threat to supply or gasoline stocks."

Steward noted that there was plenty of fuel in the system ahead of the storm.

"We've seen some lower demand leading up to the holiday weekend," Steward said. "It's really kept prices stable. We could see a little bit of an uptick for the holiday weekend as people head to the lake or other road trips for the three-day weekend, but we don't see any major jumps in prices at the pump."

In Reno County and Hutchinson, prices are lower than last year, but higher than some points this summer.

"Reno County and Hutchinson are right at about $1.99 a gallon," Steward said Friday. "Overall, if you're traveling in this region, just in our general vicinity, in addition to Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas are all cheaper than we are here in the Sunflower State."

The national average as of Friday night was just under $2.23 a gallon.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;If you're making a last trip for the summer this weekend, filling up at the pump should not get in your way."We're looking at the cheapest gas prices at Labor Day weekend since 2016," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "In terms of the impact from Hurricane Laura, some of the refineries and oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico that had shut down have started operations again. The exceptions are refineries in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area. Overall, though, there's been no major threat to supply or gasoline stocks."Steward noted that there was plenty of fuel in the system ahead of the storm."We've seen some lower demand leading up to the holiday weekend," Steward said. "It's really kept prices stable. We could see a little bit of an uptick for the holiday weekend as people head to the lake or other road trips for the three-day weekend, but we don't see any major jumps in prices at the pump."In Reno County and Hutchinson, prices are lower than last year, but higher than some points this summer."Reno County and Hutchinson are right at about $1.99 a gallon," Steward said Friday. "Overall, if you're traveling in this region, just in our general vicinity, in addition to Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas are all cheaper than we are here in the Sunflower State."The national average as of Friday night was just under $2.23 a gallon.

AAA: Cheapest gas at Labor Day since 2016

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have made a second arrest.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20055987">police arrested Ariana Cook</a>, 29, Wichita, in connection with the investigation after the body of Roy Hayden was found in a vehicle on July 6 in 1500 Block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Cook made her first court appearance in the case Thursday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office and is charged with first degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.

On Tuesday, Matthew Small, 35, made his first court appearance and was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with Hayden's death, according to the district attorney's office.

More arrests are possible in the case, according to Davidson.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have charged a suspect in the case.

On Tuesday, Matthew Small, 35, made his first court appearance and was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon in connection to the death of Roy Hayden, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On July 6, police responded to the 1500 Block of North Broadway in Wichita where they found Hayden's body in a vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Small is being held on a <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20025626">bond of $250,000</a> and is due back in court September 17, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599148239408.png" alt="Cook-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cook-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have made a second arrest.On Wednesday, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20055987">police arrested Ariana Cook</a>, 29, Wichita, in connection with the investigation after the body of Roy Hayden was found in a vehicle on July 6 in 1500 Block of North Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Cook made her first court appearance in the case Thursday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office and is charged with first degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.On Tuesday, Matthew Small, 35, made his first court appearance and was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with Hayden's death, according to the district attorney's office.More arrests are possible in the case, according to Davidson.------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have charged a suspect in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599064385103.png" alt="Small-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Small-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Matthew Small, 35, made his first court appearance and was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon in connection to the death of Roy Hayden, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On July 6, police responded to the 1500 Block of North Broadway in Wichita where they found Hayden's body in a vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.Small is being held on a <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20025626">bond of $250,000</a> and is due back in court September 17, according to the district attorney's office.

Woman charged after Kan. man's body found in vehicle

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Friday announced her strong push to land the new U.S. Space Command headquarters in Kansas.&nbsp;

Four Kansas communities have submitted proposals to become home to the headquarters of the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), which is responsible for military operations in outer space. Derby, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, and Wichita have responded to requests for information from the federal government with proposed development sites in their communities, according to a media release from the governor's office.

“I have directed my Cabinet to use all resources necessary to support the selection of Kansas as the headquarters for the U.S. Space Command,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Our strong teams of state and local economic development professionals have the tools available for the attraction, growth, and retention of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Kansas is the perfect place for this facility, and we are prepared to do the work to get it here. We look forward to further discussion with the U.S. Air Force as it works toward a decision on the U.S. Space Command headquarters’ location.”&nbsp;

The interested Kansas communities are in the National Security Crossroads, a bi-state region with unique national security assets and talent. This would allow U.S. Space Command to quickly leverage this critical national security infrastructure and skills in establishing its permanent headquarters in Kansas.&nbsp;

The four proposals address facility space requirements, workforce needs, proximity to a military installation, and other vital elements necessary for the successful operation of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Each community has unique assets and attributes that would make it an attractive and practical location for the USSPACECOM headquarters, employees, and families.&nbsp;

“There’s no question Kansas is the best place in the nation for the U.S. Space Command headquarters,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“Our central location, talented and educated workforce, existing military infrastructure, the advanced network of higher education institutions across our state – the list of advantages is unmatched. I am confident that Kansas is the most strategic choice for the Space Command headquarters’ location, and we look forward to supporting these four outstanding Kansas cities throughout the process.”

Each proposed site in Kansas offers impressive assets, including an educated workforce, quality-of-life amenities, and robust infrastructure attractive to businesses and organizations. Along with its strong military and aviation presence, Kansas also boasts a longstanding record of enthusiastic support for military service members and their families – both active duty personnel and veterans as they transition from military to civilian life.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599236537550.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly Friday announced her strong push to land the new U.S. Space Command headquarters in Kansas.&nbsp;Four Kansas communities have submitted proposals to become home to the headquarters of the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), which is responsible for military operations in outer space. Derby, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, and Wichita have responded to requests for information from the federal government with proposed development sites in their communities, according to a media release from the governor's office.“I have directed my Cabinet to use all resources necessary to support the selection of Kansas as the headquarters for the U.S. Space Command,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Our strong teams of state and local economic development professionals have the tools available for the attraction, growth, and retention of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Kansas is the perfect place for this facility, and we are prepared to do the work to get it here. We look forward to further discussion with the U.S. Air Force as it works toward a decision on the U.S. Space Command headquarters’ location.”&nbsp;The interested Kansas communities are in the National Security Crossroads, a bi-state region with unique national security assets and talent. This would allow U.S. Space Command to quickly leverage this critical national security infrastructure and skills in establishing its permanent headquarters in Kansas.&nbsp;The four proposals address facility space requirements, workforce needs, proximity to a military installation, and other vital elements necessary for the successful operation of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Each community has unique assets and attributes that would make it an attractive and practical location for the USSPACECOM headquarters, employees, and families.&nbsp;“There’s no question Kansas is the best place in the nation for the U.S. Space Command headquarters,”&nbsp;Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“Our central location, talented and educated workforce, existing military infrastructure, the advanced network of higher education institutions across our state – the list of advantages is unmatched. I am confident that Kansas is the most strategic choice for the Space Command headquarters’ location, and we look forward to supporting these four outstanding Kansas cities throughout the process.”Each proposed site in Kansas offers impressive assets, including an educated workforce, quality-of-life amenities, and robust infrastructure attractive to businesses and organizations. Along with its strong military and aviation presence, Kansas also boasts a longstanding record of enthusiastic support for military service members and their families – both active duty personnel and veterans as they transition from military to civilian life.&nbsp;

4 cities in Kansas seek to land U.S. Space Command headquarters

Newton —The Harvey County Health Department, in conjunction with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed an inmate tested positive for COVID-19 in the Harvey County Detention Center, according to Kyle McCaskey, public information officer.

The inmate was recently taken into custody, and was identified through precautionary testing as a confirmed COVID-19 case. All new inmates brought into the Detention Center are immediately placed in a 14-day quarantine cell as a COVID-19 precaution before being released into the Detention Center’s general population.

“We worked with the Health Department to put these precautionary measures in place early on when COVID-19 first became a concern in our state,” said Harvey County Detention Center Capt. Scott Van Horn. “These safeguards help protect the health of our staff and our inmate population. Our deputies have done a great job to adapt to these changes.”

The individual is now in isolation at the Detention Center. The Detention Center has medical cells with negative pressure, which keeps air flow out of other areas of the facility.

Because the individual was not considered a close contact with Detention Center deputies or the general population of the Detention Center, additional testing is not anticipated. The Sheriff’s Office medical staff will regularly monitor the health of the individual.

Out of an abundance of caution, visitation and fingerprinting services at the Detention Center have been suspended until further notice.

The Detention Center previously implemented several initiatives to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19, including requiring deputies to wear face masks when in contact with inmates, health screenings of new inmates and additional cleaning of high-touch areas.

This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Harvey County Detention Center.

Newton —The Harvey County Health Department, in conjunction with the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, has confirmed an inmate tested positive for COVID-19 in the Harvey County Detention Center, according to Kyle McCaskey, public information officer.The inmate was recently taken into custody, and was identified through precautionary testing as a confirmed COVID-19 case. All new inmates brought into the Detention Center are immediately placed in a 14-day quarantine cell as a COVID-19 precaution before being released into the Detention Center’s general population.“We worked with the Health Department to put these precautionary measures in place early on when COVID-19 first became a concern in our state,” said Harvey County Detention Center Capt. Scott Van Horn. “These safeguards help protect the health of our staff and our inmate population. Our deputies have done a great job to adapt to these changes.”The individual is now in isolation at the Detention Center. The Detention Center has medical cells with negative pressure, which keeps air flow out of other areas of the facility.Because the individual was not considered a close contact with Detention Center deputies or the general population of the Detention Center, additional testing is not anticipated. The Sheriff’s Office medical staff will regularly monitor the health of the individual.Out of an abundance of caution, visitation and fingerprinting services at the Detention Center have been suspended until further notice.The Detention Center previously implemented several initiatives to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19, including requiring deputies to wear face masks when in contact with inmates, health screenings of new inmates and additional cleaning of high-touch areas.This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Harvey County Detention Center.

Inmate in isolation after positive COVID-19 test in Harvey Co.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Organizers of a plan to paint Black Lives Matter murals on six Kansas City streets say the project may be the largest of its kind.

The murals are scheduled to be painted Saturday. Several other cities have seen street murals honoring the Black Lives Matter movement in the months since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/GeorgeFloyd">George Floyd’s death</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis, but Kansas City organizers said they’re unaware of any matching the scope of what they have planned.

The project, KC Art on the Block, will cover 2,000 feet of street and involve 1,000 volunteers. Six Black artists will lead the designs, each featuring “Black Lives Matter” in block letters, but each featuring varying themes.

“Cities can affect lasting change when they come together,” said Damian Lair, who helped organize the project.

Lair, a managing director at a public affairs firm, first wanted to paint “Black Lives Matter” on the street outside of his downtown apartment. He and a friend, Crissy Dastrup, began asking community organizations to work on the project with them, and the project grew.

The City Council&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15675623309e942210c59da60df5d3c5">voted 12-1 last month</a>&nbsp;to support the project. A resolution said the city “recognizes the importance and significance of the Black Lives Matter movement,” and wants to “sanction the legitimacy of this powerful initiative aimed at advancing social justice and racial equity.”

The city is not paying for the murals, but will help control traffic and close streets during the painting. Donations will pay for supplies and artists’ time.

The size of the Kansas City project is “trendsetting,” said Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League. “It is definitely history making. And it speaks to the desire of most Kansas Citians to bridge the racial divide.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599235388119.png" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/865468157315109/">KCShade</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/865468157315109/">KCShade</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Organizers of a plan to paint Black Lives Matter murals on six Kansas City streets say the project may be the largest of its kind.The murals are scheduled to be painted Saturday. Several other cities have seen street murals honoring the Black Lives Matter movement in the months since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/GeorgeFloyd">George Floyd’s death</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis, but Kansas City organizers said they’re unaware of any matching the scope of what they have planned.The project, KC Art on the Block, will cover 2,000 feet of street and involve 1,000 volunteers. Six Black artists will lead the designs, each featuring “Black Lives Matter” in block letters, but each featuring varying themes.“Cities can affect lasting change when they come together,” said Damian Lair, who helped organize the project.Lair, a managing director at a public affairs firm, first wanted to paint “Black Lives Matter” on the street outside of his downtown apartment. He and a friend, Crissy Dastrup, began asking community organizations to work on the project with them, and the project grew.The City Council&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/15675623309e942210c59da60df5d3c5">voted 12-1 last month</a>&nbsp;to support the project. A resolution said the city “recognizes the importance and significance of the Black Lives Matter movement,” and wants to “sanction the legitimacy of this powerful initiative aimed at advancing social justice and racial equity.”The city is not paying for the murals, but will help control traffic and close streets during the painting. Donations will pay for supplies and artists’ time.The size of the Kansas City project is “trendsetting,” said Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League. “It is definitely history making. And it speaks to the desire of most Kansas Citians to bridge the racial divide.”

6 Black Lives Matter murals planned for streets of KC

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following a drug investigation in Great Bend.

Just after 9:30a.m. Thursday, members of the Great Bend Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at 2107 30th Street in Great Bend as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.

During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, items of illegal drug paraphernalia, and items of controlled substance were located. 

Martin Martinez, age 36; Morgan Olliff, age 22 and Joy Little (AKA Joy Wetig), age 39, were arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, and no drug tax stamp.

Martinez, Olliff and Littlewere all transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599243845491.jpeg" alt="Martin Martinez" />
 <figcaption>Martin Martinez</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following a drug investigation in Great Bend.Just after 9:30a.m. Thursday, members of the Great Bend Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant at 2107 30th Street in Great Bend as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599243864180.jpeg" alt="Morgan Oliff" />
 <figcaption>Morgan Oliff</figcaption>
 </figure>During a search of the residence, methamphetamine, items of illegal drug paraphernalia, and items of controlled substance were located. Martin Martinez, age 36; Morgan Olliff, age 22 and Joy Little (AKA Joy Wetig), age 39, were arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, and no drug tax stamp.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599243892267.jpeg" alt="Joy Wetig" />
 <figcaption>Joy Wetig</figcaption>
 </figure>Martinez, Olliff and Littlewere all transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.

Police: 3 were allegedly distributing meth near Kan. school


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran really isn't sure what the next stimulus bill will look like, or even if one will get passed in light of the upcoming election, though he believes one is necessary.

"We don't know a lot," Moran said. "Republican Senators have been meeting by conference call five days a week for the last about month, meeting with Secretary Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary and with Mark Meadows the President's Chief of Staff, all with the goal of trying to develop a plan that Republicans could get 51 votes for in the Senate. I think, where we are, the negotiations generally were in the hands of the White House and the Democrats in the House and those have gone nowhere."

Moran notes that even full Republican buy in won't be enough on the Senate side.

"That doesn't pass a bill," Moran said. "It takes 60 votes to pass anything. Again, Democrats and Republicans would have to reach an agreement. Then, there's this question, who wants a deal before an election and who doesn't want a deal before an election?"

Just for clarity, it takes 60 votes to invoke cloture, which is what stops debate on a measure and allows it to be voted on. That is what Moran is referring to. It takes just 51 senators to actually pass legislation once it gets to that final vote.

"We should pass something," Moran said. "My view is, it should be significantly smaller than what we did in the past. Already, incidentally, Kansas has received $13.4 billion in COVID relief. That's about two-thirds of the annual state budget in federal taxpayer or federal borrowed money coming to Kansas. I don't have the appetite to spend the trillions of dollars that we've spent in the past."

Moran said government does not have the ability to just keep funding and just keep developing new programs indefinitely.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599242728082.png" alt="Senator Moran during a tour August 28 at Thermo Fisher in Lenexa&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Senator Moran during a tour August 28 at Thermo Fisher in Lenexa&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran really isn't sure what the next stimulus bill will look like, or even if one will get passed in light of the upcoming election, though he believes one is necessary."We don't know a lot," Moran said. "Republican Senators have been meeting by conference call five days a week for the last about month, meeting with Secretary Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary and with Mark Meadows the President's Chief of Staff, all with the goal of trying to develop a plan that Republicans could get 51 votes for in the Senate. I think, where we are, the negotiations generally were in the hands of the White House and the Democrats in the House and those have gone nowhere."Moran notes that even full Republican buy in won't be enough on the Senate side."That doesn't pass a bill," Moran said. "It takes 60 votes to pass anything. Again, Democrats and Republicans would have to reach an agreement. Then, there's this question, who wants a deal before an election and who doesn't want a deal before an election?"Just for clarity, it takes 60 votes to invoke cloture, which is what stops debate on a measure and allows it to be voted on. That is what Moran is referring to. It takes just 51 senators to actually pass legislation once it gets to that final vote."We should pass something," Moran said. "My view is, it should be significantly smaller than what we did in the past. Already, incidentally, Kansas has received $13.4 billion in COVID relief. That's about two-thirds of the annual state budget in federal taxpayer or federal borrowed money coming to Kansas. I don't have the appetite to spend the trillions of dollars that we've spent in the past."Moran said government does not have the ability to just keep funding and just keep developing new programs indefinitely.

Moran: A lot we don't know about virus relief negotiations

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,280 to a total of 45,220 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 481, an increase of 23.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1,280 to a total of 45,220 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 481, an increase of 23.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599239075742.png" alt="Friday Sept. 4, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Sept. 4, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — The family of an 11-year-old Black girl who was injured in what they say was a racially-motivated attack in Kansas said Thursday it is important to talk to children about racism.

“We’ve seen a problem, and we’re here to give solutions and ask the community to come together to address this problem,” attorney La Ronna Lassiter Saunders told reporters.

Nevaeh Thomas was visiting friends in Shawnee when a 12-year-old white boy called the Black girls racial slurs, KCUR-FM&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-09-03/family-of-11-year-old-kansas-girl-who-was-attacked-and-called-racial-slurs-wants-more-than-a-conviction" target="_blank">reported</a>. The boy allegedly hit Thomas on the head, leaving her unconscious. She received eight stitches and is recovering from a concussion nearly a week later.

“I think kids need to get together and talk about racism. It’s okay if we’re different or we have different opinions. But it’s not okay to hate and judge each other on their color and their skin,” Thomas said.

The boy has been charged with aggravated battery.

Thomas’ mother said she hopes the boy and the community can both learn from this incident.

“It is so important that we talk to our children about racism. We need to tell them how expressions of hate can make others feel and how they can leave scars that last a lifetime,” Brandi Stewart said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599237991620.png" alt="Nevaeh spoke about the violent incident Thursday -<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/11-year-old-girl-who-was-target-of-attack-refused-to-be-bullied-for-the-color-of-her-skin">photo courtesy KSHB TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Nevaeh spoke about the violent incident Thursday -<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/11-year-old-girl-who-was-target-of-attack-refused-to-be-bullied-for-the-color-of-her-skin">photo courtesy KSHB TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — The family of an 11-year-old Black girl who was injured in what they say was a racially-motivated attack in Kansas said Thursday it is important to talk to children about racism.“We’ve seen a problem, and we’re here to give solutions and ask the community to come together to address this problem,” attorney La Ronna Lassiter Saunders told reporters.Nevaeh Thomas was visiting friends in Shawnee when a 12-year-old white boy called the Black girls racial slurs, KCUR-FM&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-09-03/family-of-11-year-old-kansas-girl-who-was-attacked-and-called-racial-slurs-wants-more-than-a-conviction" target="_blank">reported</a>. The boy allegedly hit Thomas on the head, leaving her unconscious. She received eight stitches and is recovering from a concussion nearly a week later.“I think kids need to get together and talk about racism. It’s okay if we’re different or we have different opinions. But it’s not okay to hate and judge each other on their color and their skin,” Thomas said.The boy has been charged with aggravated battery.Thomas’ mother said she hopes the boy and the community can both learn from this incident.“It is so important that we talk to our children about racism. We need to tell them how expressions of hate can make others feel and how they can leave scars that last a lifetime,” Brandi Stewart said.

Family of injured Kansas girl speaks out against racism

ELLSWORTH –&nbsp; A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 40 years in prison for convictions on four child sex-crime related charges, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

On Thursday, Karl Van Nice, 59, Ellsworth, was sentenced by Judge Carey Hipp on two counts of rape, one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of aggravated sexual battery. Van Nice was convicted by jury trial in February. In addition to the prison term, he is subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime sex offender registration.

The crimes were committed between September 2015 and January 2016. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ellsworth Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599230934118.png" alt="Van Nice-photo Ellsworth Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Van Nice-photo Ellsworth Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH –&nbsp; A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 40 years in prison for convictions on four child sex-crime related charges, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. On Thursday, Karl Van Nice, 59, Ellsworth, was sentenced by Judge Carey Hipp on two counts of rape, one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of aggravated sexual battery. Van Nice was convicted by jury trial in February. In addition to the prison term, he is subject to lifetime post-release supervision and lifetime sex offender registration. The crimes were committed between September 2015 and January 2016. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ellsworth Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Kansas man sentenced for child sex crimes

Isolation? Quarantine? KDHE offers guidance

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drowning have identified the victim as&nbsp;Khalil Fulton, 18 of Lake City, South Carolina.

Just after 11:00p.m. Wednesday, deputies were dispatched to State Lake for a possible drowning, according to sheriff Ron Wade.

First responders located several individuals near the dock. In speaking with the individuals on scene they learned the group of friends had been swimming in State Lake when Fulton did a flip off of the dock. 

Witnesses told deputies he resurfaced after going into the water and went back under once again and never resurfaced a second time, according to Wade.

There was no indication Fulton was in distress. In the early morning hours Fulton was located, not far from the area where he entered the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Fulton was a student at Independence Community College. The lake is located four miles south of the campus.

&nbsp;“This is a tragic situation where a young man lost his life, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Sheriff Wade said.&nbsp; He asked that you respect the privacy of the family as they morn for this young man who was taken way too soon.

Montgomery County Rural Fire Department, Kansas Wildlife and Parks and Coffeyville Fire Department water rescue personnel assisted at the scene, according to Wade.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drowning have identified the victim as&nbsp;Khalil Fulton, 18 of Lake City, South Carolina.Just after 11:00p.m. Wednesday, deputies were dispatched to State Lake for a possible drowning, according to sheriff Ron Wade.First responders located several individuals near the dock. In speaking with the individuals on scene they learned the group of friends had been swimming in State Lake when Fulton did a flip off of the dock. Witnesses told deputies he resurfaced after going into the water and went back under once again and never resurfaced a second time, according to Wade.There was no indication Fulton was in distress. In the early morning hours Fulton was located, not far from the area where he entered the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Fulton was a student at Independence Community College. The lake is located four miles south of the campus.&nbsp;“This is a tragic situation where a young man lost his life, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Sheriff Wade said.&nbsp; He asked that you respect the privacy of the family as they morn for this young man who was taken way too soon.Montgomery County Rural Fire Department, Kansas Wildlife and Parks and Coffeyville Fire Department water rescue personnel assisted at the scene, according to Wade.

Sheriff ID's 18-year-old who drowned in Kansas lake

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate fell sharply in August to 8.4% from 10.2% even as hiring slowed, with employers adding the fewest jobs since the pandemic began.

Employers added 1.4 million jobs, the Labor Department said, down from 1.7 million in July. The U.S. economy has recovered about half the 22 million jobs lost to the pandemic.

Friday’s report added to evidence that nearly six months after the coronavirus paralyzed the country, the economy is mounting only a fitful recovery. From small businesses to hotels, restaurants, airlines and entertainment venues, a wide spectrum of companies are struggling to survive the loss of customers with confirmed viral cases still high.

After an epic collapse in the spring, when the economy shrank at a roughly 30% annual rate, growth has been rebounding as states have reopened at least parts of their economies. Yet the recovery remains far from complete.

Many economists think significant hiring may be hard to sustain because employers are operating under a cloud of uncertainty about the virus. Daily confirmed case counts have fallen from 70,000 in June to about 40,000. The decline has leveled off in the past week and the viral caseload remains higher than it was in May and June.

As a result activities like restaurant dining and air travel are still far below pre-pandemic levels. Most economists say a meaningful economic recovery will likely be impossible until the coronavirus is brought under control, most likely from the widespread use of a vaccine.

Friday’s jobs data was the second-to-last employment report — for most voters, the most visible barometer of the economy — before Election Day, Nov. 3. President Donald Trump faces the daunting task of seeking re-election in the worst economic downturn since the 1930s. Yet voters in surveys have generally given him higher marks on the economy than they have on other aspects of his presidency.

The jobs report coincides with growing signs that more companies are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/89992979ca3c3ba72eb2cd31a9ca0e5d">making permanent job cuts</a>&nbsp;rather than temporary furloughs. That trend could keep the unemployment rate persistently high. It is typically harder for an unemployed worker to find a new job at a new company or in a new industry than to return to a previous employer.

Casino and hotel operator MGM Resorts, slammed by declines in travel and tourism, said last week that it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/707956d4258acfd535ddbae31d849217">eliminating 18,000 jobs</a>. Coca Cola, which derives half its sales from stadiums, theaters and other venues that have been largely shut down, is offering buyouts to 4,000 employees. Salesforce said it is cutting 1,000 jobs. Bed, Bath &amp; Beyond will shed 2,800.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abc046be35b12996fe00147013075e7b">Federal Reserve report</a>&nbsp;this week based on anecdotal reports from businesses found “rising instances of furloughed workers being laid off permanently as demand remained soft.”

Roughly 29 million Americans are receiving state unemployment aid, although their total benefits, on average, have shrunk by more than half since the expiration of a $600-a-week federal supplement more than a month ago. The Trump administration has set up a program that will provide some of the unemployed with $300 a week.

But new rules and requirements&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/195893e537c8f9b0680c7655486c1fcb">will make many of the unemployed ineligible</a>. Only people who receive at least $100 a week in state unemployment aid will qualify for the $300 federal supplement — a requirement that could exclude at least 850,000 Americans.

The ongoing job losses and economic slump have left a rising share of Americans out of work for longer periods. From June to July, the number of people who were unemployed for 15 weeks or longer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e0aca194f0f4870b01280049ca567a87">tripled to more than 6 million</a>.

One consequence is that rising stress and anxiety are evident at therapists’ offices and mental health hotlines around the country. Calls from March through July to the U.S. government-funded Disaster Distress Helpline, which offers counseling and emotional support,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/208872f1d9fa3a3f3b50a4a902132124">surged 335%</a>&nbsp;from the same period last year.

And half of U.S. adults reported at least some signs of depression, such as hopelessness, feelings of failure or an inability to derive pleasure from daily activities, in a survey published Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open. That amounted to twice the rate from a survey two years ago.

“Not many days go by where I don’t have a couple where one partner or both are not working or furloughed,” said Todd Creager, a therapist in Southern California who treats mostly middle- to upper-middle-class adults.

What’s more, the economy appears to be operating on two tracks, resulting in an uneven and unequal recovery. Manufacturers are enjoying a solid rebound in demand for cars, appliances and electronics, with factory orders nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.

Home sales are also booming. So are home prices. Sales of existing homes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d224305938a20e3bdfa8b8dc67689270">surged by the most on record</a>&nbsp;in July and are now nearly 9% higher than a year ago.

In addition, wealthier and well-educated workers have been far less likely to lose jobs to the pandemic than lower-income and minority workers have, in part because of a greater ability to work from home.

The coronavirus has also reshaped much of the consumption of affluent households: While spending less on restaurants and at shops and movie theaters, they are buying new homes to gain more space or renovating their houses to serve as workplaces as well as homes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate fell sharply in August to 8.4% from 10.2% even as hiring slowed, with employers adding the fewest jobs since the pandemic began.Employers added 1.4 million jobs, the Labor Department said, down from 1.7 million in July. The U.S. economy has recovered about half the 22 million jobs lost to the pandemic.Friday’s report added to evidence that nearly six months after the coronavirus paralyzed the country, the economy is mounting only a fitful recovery. From small businesses to hotels, restaurants, airlines and entertainment venues, a wide spectrum of companies are struggling to survive the loss of customers with confirmed viral cases still high.After an epic collapse in the spring, when the economy shrank at a roughly 30% annual rate, growth has been rebounding as states have reopened at least parts of their economies. Yet the recovery remains far from complete.Many economists think significant hiring may be hard to sustain because employers are operating under a cloud of uncertainty about the virus. Daily confirmed case counts have fallen from 70,000 in June to about 40,000. The decline has leveled off in the past week and the viral caseload remains higher than it was in May and June.As a result activities like restaurant dining and air travel are still far below pre-pandemic levels. Most economists say a meaningful economic recovery will likely be impossible until the coronavirus is brought under control, most likely from the widespread use of a vaccine.Friday’s jobs data was the second-to-last employment report — for most voters, the most visible barometer of the economy — before Election Day, Nov. 3. President Donald Trump faces the daunting task of seeking re-election in the worst economic downturn since the 1930s. Yet voters in surveys have generally given him higher marks on the economy than they have on other aspects of his presidency.The jobs report coincides with growing signs that more companies are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/89992979ca3c3ba72eb2cd31a9ca0e5d">making permanent job cuts</a>&nbsp;rather than temporary furloughs. That trend could keep the unemployment rate persistently high. It is typically harder for an unemployed worker to find a new job at a new company or in a new industry than to return to a previous employer.Casino and hotel operator MGM Resorts, slammed by declines in travel and tourism, said last week that it’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/707956d4258acfd535ddbae31d849217">eliminating 18,000 jobs</a>. Coca Cola, which derives half its sales from stadiums, theaters and other venues that have been largely shut down, is offering buyouts to 4,000 employees. Salesforce said it is cutting 1,000 jobs. Bed, Bath &amp; Beyond will shed 2,800.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/abc046be35b12996fe00147013075e7b">Federal Reserve report</a>&nbsp;this week based on anecdotal reports from businesses found “rising instances of furloughed workers being laid off permanently as demand remained soft.”Roughly 29 million Americans are receiving state unemployment aid, although their total benefits, on average, have shrunk by more than half since the expiration of a $600-a-week federal supplement more than a month ago. The Trump administration has set up a program that will provide some of the unemployed with $300 a week.But new rules and requirements&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/195893e537c8f9b0680c7655486c1fcb">will make many of the unemployed ineligible</a>. Only people who receive at least $100 a week in state unemployment aid will qualify for the $300 federal supplement — a requirement that could exclude at least 850,000 Americans.The ongoing job losses and economic slump have left a rising share of Americans out of work for longer periods. From June to July, the number of people who were unemployed for 15 weeks or longer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e0aca194f0f4870b01280049ca567a87">tripled to more than 6 million</a>.One consequence is that rising stress and anxiety are evident at therapists’ offices and mental health hotlines around the country. Calls from March through July to the U.S. government-funded Disaster Distress Helpline, which offers counseling and emotional support,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/208872f1d9fa3a3f3b50a4a902132124">surged 335%</a>&nbsp;from the same period last year.And half of U.S. adults reported at least some signs of depression, such as hopelessness, feelings of failure or an inability to derive pleasure from daily activities, in a survey published Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA Network Open. That amounted to twice the rate from a survey two years ago.“Not many days go by where I don’t have a couple where one partner or both are not working or furloughed,” said Todd Creager, a therapist in Southern California who treats mostly middle- to upper-middle-class adults.What’s more, the economy appears to be operating on two tracks, resulting in an uneven and unequal recovery. Manufacturers are enjoying a solid rebound in demand for cars, appliances and electronics, with factory orders nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.Home sales are also booming. So are home prices. Sales of existing homes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d224305938a20e3bdfa8b8dc67689270">surged by the most on record</a>&nbsp;in July and are now nearly 9% higher than a year ago.In addition, wealthier and well-educated workers have been far less likely to lose jobs to the pandemic than lower-income and minority workers have, in part because of a greater ability to work from home.The coronavirus has also reshaped much of the consumption of affluent households: While spending less on restaurants and at shops and movie theaters, they are buying new homes to gain more space or renovating their houses to serve as workplaces as well as homes.___

Unemployment below 10% for first time since pandemic began

KANSAS CITY, MO. – The FBI is asking for the public’s assistance to identify potential victims of Jeffrey Pierce. 

Pierce, a high school basketball coach at Seaman High School in Topeka, KS, has been charged with sexually exploiting minors, according to the United State's Attorney.

Using social networking platforms, Pierce would contact his victims while pretending to be a teenage girl. He would then solicit explicit photos or videos from the juvenile victims. Pierce used the following user/vanity names when contacting his victims through Instagram, Snapchat, KiK, and Grinder:

Instagram: addie8651, addiestrode111, Addie Strode, Kennedy, Addison Strode

Snapchat: jp131780 (Addilyn), Jordan_reh (Kennedy), Kennedy, Lacrone, Jordy Rey Rey, jacy townsend

KiK: jordyreyrey (Addie Strode) (Kennedy)

Pierce, a 40-year-old U.S. citizen, is currently in federal custody and is charged in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas with two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.

If you have reason to believe you or your child may be a victim, please email TopekaVAP@fbi.gov. Your response is voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the response provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599184633467.png" alt="Pierce is in Federal custody -photo Shawnee County Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Pierce is in Federal custody -photo Shawnee County Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO. – The FBI is asking for the public’s assistance to identify potential victims of Jeffrey Pierce. Pierce, a high school basketball coach at Seaman High School in Topeka, KS, has been charged with sexually exploiting minors, according to the United State's Attorney.Using social networking platforms, Pierce would contact his victims while pretending to be a teenage girl. He would then solicit explicit photos or videos from the juvenile victims. Pierce used the following user/vanity names when contacting his victims through Instagram, Snapchat, KiK, and Grinder:Instagram: addie8651, addiestrode111, Addie Strode, Kennedy, Addison StrodeSnapchat: jp131780 (Addilyn), Jordan_reh (Kennedy), Kennedy, Lacrone, Jordy Rey Rey, jacy townsendKiK: jordyreyrey (Addie Strode) (Kennedy)Grinder: DiscreetPierce, a 40-year-old U.S. citizen, is currently in federal custody and is charged in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas with two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.If you have reason to believe you or your child may be a victim, please email TopekaVAP@fbi.gov. Your response is voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the response provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

FBI: Kansas coach posed as teen girl; seeking victims

WASHINGTON (AP) —Public health departments, which have struggled for months to test and trace everyone exposed to the novel coronavirus, are now being told to prepare to distribute COVID-19 vaccines as early as Nov. 1.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://astho.informz.net/ASTHO/data/images/COVID-19%20Pandemic%20Vaccination%20Planning_aug%20State%20ltr_final.pdf" target="_blank">four-page memo</a>&nbsp;this summer, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told health departments across the country to draft vaccination plans by Oct. 1 “to coincide with the earliest possible release of COVID-19 vaccine.”

The CDC’s director, Dr. Robert Redfield, also wrote to governors last week about the urgent need to have vaccine distribution sites up and running by Nov. 1. Redfield asked governors to expedite the process for setting up these facilities. McClatchy first reported Redfield’s letter.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e28724a125a127f650a9b6f48f7bb938">health departments</a>&nbsp;that have been&nbsp;<a href="https://khn.org/news/get-the-data-hollowed-out-public-health-system-faces-more-cuts-amid-virus/" target="_blank">underfunded for decades</a>&nbsp;say they currently lack the staff, money and tools to educate people about vaccines and then to distribute, administer and track doses to some 330 million people. Nor do they know when, or if, they’ll get federal aid to do that.

By LIZ SZABOWASHINGTON (AP) —Public health departments, which have struggled for months to test and trace everyone exposed to the novel coronavirus, are now being told to prepare to distribute COVID-19 vaccines as early as Nov. 1.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://astho.informz.net/ASTHO/data/images/COVID-19%20Pandemic%20Vaccination%20Planning_aug%20State%20ltr_final.pdf" target="_blank">four-page memo</a>&nbsp;this summer, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told health departments across the country to draft vaccination plans by Oct. 1 “to coincide with the earliest possible release of COVID-19 vaccine.”The CDC’s director, Dr. Robert Redfield, also wrote to governors last week about the urgent need to have vaccine distribution sites up and running by Nov. 1. Redfield asked governors to expedite the process for setting up these facilities. McClatchy first reported Redfield’s letter.But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e28724a125a127f650a9b6f48f7bb938">health departments</a>&nbsp;that have been&nbsp;<a href="https://khn.org/news/get-the-data-hollowed-out-public-health-system-faces-more-cuts-amid-virus/" target="_blank">underfunded for decades</a>&nbsp;say they currently lack the staff, money and tools to educate people about vaccines and then to distribute, administer and track doses to some 330 million people. Nor do they know when, or if, they’ll get federal aid to do that.“There is a tremendous amount of work to be done to be prepared for this vaccination program and it will not be complete by Nov. 1,” said Dr. Kelly Moore, associate director of immunization education at the Immunization Action Coalition, a national vaccine education and advocacy organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. “States will need more financial resources than they have now.”Dozens of doctors, nurses and health officials interviewed by Kaiser Health News and The Associated Press expressed concern about the country’s readiness to conduct mass vaccinations, as well as frustration with months of inconsistent information from the federal government.The gaps include figuring out how officials will keep track of who has gotten which doses and how they’ll keep the workers who give the shots safe, with enough protective gear and syringes to do their jobs.With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dacdc8bc428dd4df6511bfa259cfec44">only about half</a>&nbsp;of Americans saying they would get vaccinated, according to a poll from AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, it also will be crucial to educate people about the benefits of vaccination, said Molly Howell, who manages the North Dakota Department of Health’s immunization program.The unprecedented pace of vaccine development has left many Americans skeptical about the safety of COVID-19 immunizations; others simply don’t trust the federal government.“We’re in a very deep-red state,” said Ann Lewis, CEO of CareSouth Carolina, a group of community health centers that serve mostly low-income people in five rural counties in South Carolina. “The message that is coming out is not a message of trust and confidence in medical or scientific evidence.”PAYING FOR THE ROLLOUTThe U.S. has committed more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicalcountermeasures.gov/app/barda/coronavirus/COVID19.aspx?filter=vaccine" target="_blank">$10 billion to develop new coronavirus vaccines</a>&nbsp;but hasn’t allocated money specifically for distributing and administering vaccines.And while states, territories and 154 large cities and counties received billions in congressional emergency funding, that money can be used for a variety of purposes, including testing and overtime pay.An ongoing investigation by KHN and the AP has detailed how state and local public health departments across the U.S. have been starved for decades, leaving them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/UnderfundedandUnderThreat">underfunded and without adequate resources</a>&nbsp;to confront the coronavirus pandemic. The investigation further found that federal coronavirus funds have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/33228796a8a66a50546c9e3ddacfef1b">slow to reach</a>&nbsp;public health departments, forcing some communities to cancel non-coronavirus vaccine clinics and other essential services.States are allowed to use some of the federal money they’ve already received to prepare for immunizations. But AP and KHN found that many health departments are so overwhelmed with the current costs of the pandemic — such as for testing and contact tracing — that they can’t reserve money for the vaccine work to come. Health departments will need to hire people to administer the vaccines and systems to track them, and pay for supplies such as protective medical masks, gowns and gloves, as well as warehouses and refrigerator space.CareSouth Carolina is collaborating with the state health department on testing and the pandemic response. It used federal funding to purchase $140,000 retrofitted vans for mobile testing, which it plans to continue to use to keep vaccines cold and deliver them to residents when the time comes, said Lewis.But most vaccine costs will be new.Pima County, Arizona, for example, is already at least $30 million short of what health officials need to fight the pandemic, let alone plan for vaccines, said Dr. Francisco Garcia, deputy county administrator and chief medical officer.Some federal funds will expire soon. The $150 billion that states and local governments received from a fund in the CARES Act, for example, covers only expenses made through&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/state-and-local-governments" target="_blank">the end of the year</a>, said Gretchen Musicant, health commissioner in Minneapolis. That’s a problem, given vaccine distribution may not have even begun.Although public health officials say they need more money, Congress left Washington for its summer recess without passing a new pandemic relief bill that would include additional funding for vaccine distribution.“States are anxious to receive those funds as soon as possible, so they can do what they need to be prepared,” said Moore of the Immunization Action Coalition, a national vaccine education and advocacy organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. “We can’t assume they can take existing funding and attempt the largest vaccination campaign in history.”WHAT’S THE PLAN?Then there’s the basic question of scale. The federally funded Vaccines for Children program immunizes&nbsp;<a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-04-10-00430.pdf" target="_blank">40 million children each year</a>. In 2009 and 2010, the CDC scaled up to vaccinate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2010/04/h1n1-lessons-learned-vaccination-campaign-weathered-rough-road-paid" target="_blank">81 million people</a>&nbsp;against pandemic H1N1 influenza. And last winter, the country distributed 175 million vaccines for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm" target="_blank">seasonal influenza vaccine</a>, according to the CDC.But for the U.S. to reach herd immunity against the coronavirus, most experts say, the nation would likely need to vaccinate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus/art-20486808" target="_blank">roughly 70% of Americans</a>, which translates to 200 million people and — because the first vaccines will require two doses to be effective — 400 million shots.Although the CDC has overseen immunization campaigns in the past, the Trump administration created a new program, called Operation Warp Speed, to facilitate vaccine development and distribution. In August, the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/08/14/trump-administration-collaborates-mckesson-covid-19-vaccine-distribution.html" target="_blank">announced that McKesson Corp.</a>, which distributed H1N1 vaccines during that pandemic, will also distribute COVID-19 vaccines to doctors’ offices and clinics.“With few exceptions, our commercial distribution partners will be responsible for handling all the vaccines,” Operation Warp Speed’s Paul Mango said in an email.“We’re not going to have 300 million doses all at once,” said Mango, deputy chief of staff for policy at the Health and Human Services Department, despite earlier government pledges to have many doses ready by the new year. “We believe we are maximizing our probability of success of having&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/08/14/cdc-asks-4-states-city-draft-coronavirus-distribution-plans/" target="_blank">tens of millions of doses</a>&nbsp;of vaccines by January 2021, which is our goal.”Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said it will take time for the vaccines to be widespread enough for life to return to what’s considered normal. “We have to be prepared to deal with this virus in the absence of significant vaccine-induced immunity for a period of maybe a year or longer,” Adalja said in August.In&nbsp;<a href="https://astho.informz.net/ASTHO/data/images/COVID-19%20Pandemic%20Vaccination%20Planning_aug%20State%20ltr_final.pdf" target="_blank">preliminary guidance</a>&nbsp;for state vaccine managers, the CDC said doses will be distributed free of charge from a central location. Health departments’ local vaccination plans may be reviewed by both the CDC and Operation Warp Speed.The CDC spent two days working with vaccine planners in five locations — North Dakota, Florida, California, Minnesota and Philadelphia — to discuss potential obstacles and solutions.No actual vaccines were distributed during the planning sessions, which focused on how to get vaccines to people in places as different as urban Philadelphia, where pharmacies abound, and rural North Dakota, which has few chain drugstores but many clinics run by the federal Indian Health Service, said Kris Ehresmann, who directs infectious disease control at the Minnesota Department of Health.Those planning sessions have made Ehresmann feel more confident about who’s in charge of distributing vaccines. “We are getting more specific guidance from CDC on planning now,” she said. “We feel better about the process, though there are still a lot of unknowns.”OUTDATED TECHNOLOGY COULD HAMPER RESPONSEStill, many public health departments will struggle to adequately track who has been vaccinated and when, because a lack of funding in recent decades has left them in the technological dark ages, said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.In Mississippi, for example, health officials still rely on faxes, said the state’s health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs. “You can’t manually handle 1,200 faxes a day and expect anything efficient to happen,″ he said.When COVID-19 vaccines become available, health providers will need to track where and when patients receive their vaccines, said Moore, the medical director of Tennessee’s immunization plan during the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009 and 2010. And with many different shots in the works, they will need to know exactly which one each patient got, she said.People will need to receive their second COVID-19 dose 21 or 28 days after the first, so health providers will need to remind patients to receive their second shot, Moore said, and ensure that the second dose is the same brand as the first.The CDC will require vaccinators to provide “&nbsp;<a href="https://astho.informz.net/ASTHO/data/images/COVID-19%20Pandemic%20Vaccination%20Planning_aug%20State%20ltr_final.pdf" target="_blank">dose-level accounting</a>&nbsp;and reporting” for immunizations, so that the agency knows where every dose of COVID-19 vaccine is “at any point in time,” Moore said. Although “the sophistication of these systems has improved dramatically” in the past decade, she said, “many states will still face major challenges meeting data tracking and reporting expectations.”The CDC is developing an app called the Vaccine Administration Monitoring System for health departments whose data systems don’t meet standards for COVID-19 response, said Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, a nonprofit based in Rockville, Maryland.“Those standards haven’t been released,” Hannan said, “so health departments are waiting to invest in necessary IT enhancements.″ The CDC needs to release standards and data expectations as quickly as possible, she added.Meanwhile, health departments are dealing with what Minnesota’s Ehresmann described as “legacy” vaccine registries, sometimes dating to the late 1980s.A HISTORIC TASKOverwhelmed public health teams are already working long hours to test patients and trace their contacts, a time-consuming process that will need to continue even after vaccines become available.When vaccines are ready, health departments will need more staffers to identify people at high risk for COVID-19, who should get the vaccine first, Moore said. Public health staff also will be needed to educate the public about the importance of vaccines and to administer shots, she said, as well as monitor patients and report serious side effects.At an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/08-07-2020/committee-on-equitable-allocation-of-vaccine-for-the-novel-coronavirus-committee-meeting-3" target="_blank">August meeting</a>&nbsp;about vaccine distribution, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of Illinois’ health department, said her state will need to recruit additional health professionals to administer the shots, including nursing students, medical students, dentists, dental hygienists and even veterinarians. Such vaccinators will need medical-grade masks, gowns and gloves to keep themselves safe as they handle needles.Many health officials say they feel burned by the country’s struggle to provide hospitals with ventilators last spring, when states found themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2cb6b67a6cce880b22f8d277a45b80b7">bidding against one another</a>&nbsp;for a limited supply. Those concerns are amplified by the continuing difficulties&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/113726f3a679413505f3524e3a131c7e">providing enough testing kits</a>; supplying health workers with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/712b9ddb2678ef0d67be57c71f7abe06">personal protective equipment</a>; allocating drugs such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b41b3eae4574d3630d6904261ad88871">remdesivir</a>; and recruiting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fe2fd477ac117c7d81d458ac2bf08cbc">contact tracers</a>&nbsp;— who track down everyone with whom people diagnosed with COVID-19 have been in contact.Although Ehresmann said she’s concerned Minnesota could run out of syringes, she said the CDC has assured her it will provide them.Given that vaccines are far more complex than personal protective equipment and other medical supplies — one vaccine candidate must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit — Plescia said people should be prepared for shortages, delays and mix-ups.“It’s probably going to be even worse than the problems with testing and PPE,” Plescia said.___Szabo is a writer for Kaiser Health News. Associated Press writer Michelle R. Smith and KHN Midwest correspondent Lauren Weber contributed to this report.