KANSAS CITY (AP) — The rapidly rising number of confirmed new coronavirus cases has prompted an update to facial- covering requirements in Kansas City.

The Missouri Department of health on Thursday reported 795 new cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. 

That was the most in a single day since the pandemic began, topping the 773 confirmed new cases reported Tuesday. In the first four days of this week, Missouri has reported 2,563 new cases. They also reported&nbsp; 13 more virus deaths on Friday. The Kansas Department of Health reported nearly 1,000 new cases since Wednesday and two more deaths.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Friday extended the requirement to wear a facial covering through at least Aug. 15. The original face mask order that went into effect June 29 was scheduled to expire Sunday, but Kansas City has averaged 290 confirmed new COVID-19 cases over the past four days, including 370 on Thursday.

“As we've seen in a number of other jurisdictions, there continues to be significant concerns with the spread of COVID-19, continuing taxation on certain public health and medical resources, and that's why we are taking the ongoing steps we will today,” Lucas, a Democrat, said at a news conference.

Kansas City also is maintaining it 50% capacity limit for drinking establishments, Lucas said.

The face mask rule in Kansas City mandates all employees or visitors to any place of public accommodation must wear face coverings in an area or while performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible. Also effective Monday, June 29, percentage capacity limits as required by Mayor Lucas’s Eighth Amended Order will be eliminated, except for taverns and bars.

“Our country’s leading health and scientific experts have indicated in no uncertain terms that mask-weari­ng is the most effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Lucas. “Case numbers in Kansas City continue to rise, and we are taking all steps we can to ensure public health and safety. I know wearing masks can be uncomfortable, but this is a necessary step to ensure we can save lives and keep our economy open. We wear masks to protect our loved ones, those around us, and their loved ones.”

“We are keeping a close watch on our cases and hospitalizations, but know widespread mask-use is one essential way to slow COVID-19 and keep Kansas City businesses open,” said Dr. Archer. “It’s up to us. Let’s learn from Texas and Florida and what’s happening there now. Their mitigations and closures weren’t as quickly adopted or embraced. Now their case counts are rising at a disturbing rate and they’ve had to slow their reopening plans.”

Exceptions to the face covering requirement are as follows:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590784947764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The rapidly rising number of confirmed new coronavirus cases has prompted an update to facial- covering requirements in Kansas City.The Missouri Department of health on Thursday reported 795 new cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. That was the most in a single day since the pandemic began, topping the 773 confirmed new cases reported Tuesday. In the first four days of this week, Missouri has reported 2,563 new cases. They also reported&nbsp; 13 more virus deaths on Friday. The Kansas Department of Health reported nearly 1,000 new cases since Wednesday and two more deaths.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589226208948.png" alt="Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during a press briefing in April- photo courtesy city of KCMO" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during a press briefing in April- photo courtesy city of KCMO</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas on Friday extended the requirement to wear a facial covering through at least Aug. 15. The original face mask order that went into effect June 29 was scheduled to expire Sunday, but Kansas City has averaged 290 confirmed new COVID-19 cases over the past four days, including 370 on Thursday.“As we've seen in a number of other jurisdictions, there continues to be significant concerns with the spread of COVID-19, continuing taxation on certain public health and medical resources, and that's why we are taking the ongoing steps we will today,” Lucas, a Democrat, said at a news conference.Kansas City also is maintaining it 50% capacity limit for drinking establishments, Lucas said.The face mask rule in Kansas City mandates all employees or visitors to any place of public accommodation must wear face coverings in an area or while performing an activity which will necessarily involve close contact or proximity to co-workers or the public where six feet of separation is not feasible. Also effective Monday, June 29, percentage capacity limits as required by Mayor Lucas’s Eighth Amended Order will be eliminated, except for taverns and bars.“Our country’s leading health and scientific experts have indicated in no uncertain terms that mask-weari­ng is the most effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Lucas. “Case numbers in Kansas City continue to rise, and we are taking all steps we can to ensure public health and safety. I know wearing masks can be uncomfortable, but this is a necessary step to ensure we can save lives and keep our economy open. We wear masks to protect our loved ones, those around us, and their loved ones.”“We are keeping a close watch on our cases and hospitalizations, but know widespread mask-use is one essential way to slow COVID-19 and keep Kansas City businesses open,” said Dr. Archer. “It’s up to us. Let’s learn from Texas and Florida and what’s happening there now. Their mitigations and closures weren’t as quickly adopted or embraced. Now their case counts are rising at a disturbing rate and they’ve had to slow their reopening plans.”Exceptions to the face covering requirement are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Minors, though Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance recommends that all individuals over the age of two wear masks.</li><li>People who have disabilities that:Prevent them from comfortably wearing or taking off face coverings.Prevent them from communicating while wearing face coverings.</li><li>Prevent them from comfortably wearing or taking off face coverings.</li><li>Prevent them from communicating while wearing face coverings.</li><li>People who have respiratory conditions or breathing trouble.</li><li>People who have been told by a medical, legal, or behavioral health professional not to wear face coverings.</li><li>People who are seated in a restaurant, tavern, or bar and are actively engaged in consuming food or drink while adequately distanced from other tables.</li>
 </ul>

Kansas City mayor extends face covering mandate into mid-August

On Friday afternoon, police cancelled the Silver Alert for Richard Plush. He has been located and is safe, according to office Kevin Wheeler of the Wichita Police Department.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities needs the public's help locating 75-year-old Richard Plush.

He was last seen leaving the Marigold Hotel in the 2400 block of North Ridge Road at approximately 2 a.m, according to Wichita Police officer Charley Davidson.

He is believed to be traveling in a White 2012 Chevy Equinox bearing Kansas tag 778JCZ.

He is described as 5-foot-7,&nbsp; 170 pounds with grey hair, blue eyes, and last seen wearing a white undershirt, blue jeans, blue sketches, and white socks. He has been diagnosed with dementia.

If you know the whereabouts of Richard, see him or see his vehicle, please call 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594389033383.png" alt="Richard Plush photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Richard Plush photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday afternoon, police cancelled the Silver Alert for Richard Plush. He has been located and is safe, according to office Kevin Wheeler of the Wichita Police Department.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities needs the public's help locating 75-year-old Richard Plush.He was last seen leaving the Marigold Hotel in the 2400 block of North Ridge Road at approximately 2 a.m, according to Wichita Police officer Charley Davidson.He is believed to be traveling in a White 2012 Chevy Equinox bearing Kansas tag 778JCZ.He is described as 5-foot-7,&nbsp; 170 pounds with grey hair, blue eyes, and last seen wearing a white undershirt, blue jeans, blue sketches, and white socks. He has been diagnosed with dementia.If you know the whereabouts of Richard, see him or see his vehicle, please call 911 immediately.

Police cancel Silver Alert for missing Kansas man

ATLANTA (AP) — Federal health officials won’t revise their coronavirus guidelines for reopening schools despite criticism from President Donald Trump, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. What they will do, he said, is provide additional information to help states, communities and parents decide what to do and when.

“Our guidelines are our guidelines,” Dr. Robert Redfield declared.

In draft CDC documents obtained by The Associated Press, the agency says there are steps that schools can take to safely reopen but that it “cannot provide one-size-fits-all criteria for opening and closing schools or changing the way schools are run.”

“Decisions about how to open and run schools safely should be made based on local needs and conditions,” the documents say.

They also include a checklist that encourages parents to carefully consider whether they should send their kids back to school in person or seek virtual instruction. Many districts nationwide are offering parents a choice of either mode of instruction. New York City, among other school districts, has announced that students will only return part-time in the fall.

That runs counter to Trump’s messaging. He has been repeatedly pressuring state and local officials to reopen schools this fall, even threatening to withhold federal funds from those that keep teaching and learning remote.

Trump on Wednesday criticized the CDC’s guidelines as “very tough and expensive” and said the agency was “asking schools to do very impractical things.” Speaking of CDC officials, he tweeted, “I will be meeting with them!!!” And Vice President Mike Pence said revised guidelines would be issued next week.

But in an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Redfield firmly stuck to the existing CDC guidelines.

“It’s really important, it’s not a revision of the guidelines, it’s just to provide additional information to help schools be able to use the guidance that we put forward.”

Asked about the apparent discrepancy between Redfield’s and Pence’s statements, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said they were on the same page. She said “supplemental guidelines” would be forthcoming.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has said that schools will be failing kids if they don’t provide full-time, in-person instruction.

But the draft CDC documents, which have yet to be released publicly, say decisions like that should be left to local officials. They say, “Each school and each community will have different needs and should implement the strategies best designed to meet them.”

The documents say that in-person schooling will lead to at least some infections but that there are steps schools can take to lessen the risk.

A graph of the CDC’s disease modeling indicates there’s likely to be significantly more virus spread if all students attend school five days a week. The graph projects alternate schedules could cut infections by as much as 80%, although the agency acknowledges there is much more to learn about the disease.

“Scientists are still learning about how it spreads, how it impacts children and what role children may play in its spread,” the introduction to the parent checklist states.

Redfield said the upcoming reference documents in part would cover how to monitor for symptoms and use face masks in schools.

The CDC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html" target="_blank">current guidance</a>&nbsp;recommends that students and teachers wear masks whenever feasible, spread out desks, stagger schedules, eat meals in classrooms instead of the cafeteria and add physical barriers between bathroom sinks.

When asked about the documents AP obtained, CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes wrote in an email that the agency would distribute additional guidance next week and pointed to what has already been released.

The White House declined to comment on the documents.

The 30-question parent checklist asks about a child’s health, use of special education services, comfort with local school plans and whether parents can facilitate at-home learning. It warns that if parents check multiple items on the “stay-at-home” column, that “could be an indicator that your family should consider alternative learning formats other than in-person schooling.”

The checklist says parents should evaluate school district plans, including how districts are “preparing for when someone gets sick.”

“If your child, members of your household, or individuals with whom you interact frequently are at increased risk for severe illness, the best way to reduce risk of getting sick is to limit your interaction with other people,” it states.

In his tweet on Wednesday, Trump did not clarify which of the CDC guidelines he opposed. But McEnany said, for example, that the president takes issue with the CDC’s suggestion that students bring their own meals to school when feasible.

“There are 22 million children in this country who depend on these meals at schools, who depend on access to nutrition in schools,” she said.

Democrats have warned Trump to keep out of the CDC’s work. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, ranking Democrat on the Education Committee, said the agency needs to be trusted to make decisions based on scientific evidence, “not on President Trump’s Twitter outbursts.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594383296234.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield addressed the guidelines during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing this week- image CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield addressed the guidelines during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing this week- image CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Federal health officials won’t revise their coronavirus guidelines for reopening schools despite criticism from President Donald Trump, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. What they will do, he said, is provide additional information to help states, communities and parents decide what to do and when.“Our guidelines are our guidelines,” Dr. Robert Redfield declared.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CDC has outlined a number of strategies that schools can use to reopen safely. In addition to our guidelines, CDC will soon provide reference documents for parents, caregivers, &amp; schools to help them test &amp; monitor for symptoms &amp; use face coverings. <a href="https://t.co/G6I4bXMGjr">https://t.co/G6I4bXMGjr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CNN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNN</a> <a href="https://t.co/rKP9cppXsB">pic.twitter.com/rKP9cppXsB</a>&mdash; Dr. Robert R. Redfield (@CDCDirector) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCDirector/status/1281386163484401666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In draft CDC documents obtained by The Associated Press, the agency says there are steps that schools can take to safely reopen but that it “cannot provide one-size-fits-all criteria for opening and closing schools or changing the way schools are run.”“Decisions about how to open and run schools safely should be made based on local needs and conditions,” the documents say.They also include a checklist that encourages parents to carefully consider whether they should send their kids back to school in person or seek virtual instruction. Many districts nationwide are offering parents a choice of either mode of instruction. New York City, among other school districts, has announced that students will only return part-time in the fall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594154849112.png" alt="President Trump during this week's White House summit on Safely Reopening America’s Schools-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during this week's White House summit on Safely Reopening America’s Schools-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>That runs counter to Trump’s messaging. He has been repeatedly pressuring state and local officials to reopen schools this fall, even threatening to withhold federal funds from those that keep teaching and learning remote.Trump on Wednesday criticized the CDC’s guidelines as “very tough and expensive” and said the agency was “asking schools to do very impractical things.” Speaking of CDC officials, he tweeted, “I will be meeting with them!!!” And Vice President Mike Pence said revised guidelines would be issued next week.But in an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Redfield firmly stuck to the existing CDC guidelines.“It’s really important, it’s not a revision of the guidelines, it’s just to provide additional information to help schools be able to use the guidance that we put forward.”Asked about the apparent discrepancy between Redfield’s and Pence’s statements, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said they were on the same page. She said “supplemental guidelines” would be forthcoming.Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has said that schools will be failing kids if they don’t provide full-time, in-person instruction.But the draft CDC documents, which have yet to be released publicly, say decisions like that should be left to local officials. They say, “Each school and each community will have different needs and should implement the strategies best designed to meet them.”The documents say that in-person schooling will lead to at least some infections but that there are steps schools can take to lessen the risk.A graph of the CDC’s disease modeling indicates there’s likely to be significantly more virus spread if all students attend school five days a week. The graph projects alternate schedules could cut infections by as much as 80%, although the agency acknowledges there is much more to learn about the disease.“Scientists are still learning about how it spreads, how it impacts children and what role children may play in its spread,” the introduction to the parent checklist states.Redfield said the upcoming reference documents in part would cover how to monitor for symptoms and use face masks in schools.The CDC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html" target="_blank">current guidance</a>&nbsp;recommends that students and teachers wear masks whenever feasible, spread out desks, stagger schedules, eat meals in classrooms instead of the cafeteria and add physical barriers between bathroom sinks.When asked about the documents AP obtained, CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes wrote in an email that the agency would distribute additional guidance next week and pointed to what has already been released.The White House declined to comment on the documents.The 30-question parent checklist asks about a child’s health, use of special education services, comfort with local school plans and whether parents can facilitate at-home learning. It warns that if parents check multiple items on the “stay-at-home” column, that “could be an indicator that your family should consider alternative learning formats other than in-person schooling.”The checklist says parents should evaluate school district plans, including how districts are “preparing for when someone gets sick.”“If your child, members of your household, or individuals with whom you interact frequently are at increased risk for severe illness, the best way to reduce risk of getting sick is to limit your interaction with other people,” it states.In his tweet on Wednesday, Trump did not clarify which of the CDC guidelines he opposed. But McEnany said, for example, that the president takes issue with the CDC’s suggestion that students bring their own meals to school when feasible.“There are 22 million children in this country who depend on these meals at schools, who depend on access to nutrition in schools,” she said.Democrats have warned Trump to keep out of the CDC’s work. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, ranking Democrat on the Education Committee, said the agency needs to be trusted to make decisions based on scientific evidence, “not on President Trump’s Twitter outbursts.”___

CDC head sticking to school-opening guides despite criticism 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 993 to a total of 18,611, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 993 to a total of 18,611, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 284<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594402542454.png" alt="Friday July 10, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday July 10, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

KINGMAN COUNTY—Residents in Kingman living with a water emergency this week received good news Friday morning. The Kansas Department of Health lifted the do not drink order.

The state issued the order due to high levels of nitrate in secondary water sources activated to meet the needs of the community, according to a media release from the city.

The secondary water source is not longer in use and and all other conditions that placed the water system at risk of contamination are resolved, according to the KDHE.

KINGMAN COUNTY—Residents in Kingman continue to live with a water emergency in the city.

On Tuesday evening, emergency management officials acquired 3-gallon jugs of water for distribution to those unable to afford water bottles, according to media release from the city.

Authorities distributed the limited supply of water at the armory, one to each member of a household, on Tuesday evening and will continue to distribute water on Wednesday morning while supplies last.

On Tuesday afternoon, the city reported they had identified a blockage in the water line due a faulty valve and repaired the issue in the wells south of the city.

&nbsp;The state's do not drink order will continue until the KDHE has completed test results on the water system.

Those wells feed the city of around 3000 people and a rural water district covering the eastern portion of Kingman County.

KINGMAN COUNTY — Authorities in the city of Kingman are warning of a water supply issue and asking residents to limit use to sanitary purposes only, according to a media release from the city.

This is a supply issue as the wells south of the city are not sending the usual rate of water to the storage facilities.

In addition, the Kansas Department of Health on Monday morning also issued a No Drink Order for the city's water system.&nbsp; This is due to the re-activation of older wells into the system. 

The city is working on emergency water supplies and ways to address the issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594053743620.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KINGMAN COUNTY—Residents in Kingman living with a water emergency this week received good news Friday morning. The Kansas Department of Health lifted the do not drink order.The state issued the order due to high levels of nitrate in secondary water sources activated to meet the needs of the community, according to a media release from the city.The secondary water source is not longer in use and and all other conditions that placed the water system at risk of contamination are resolved, according to the KDHE.--------KINGMAN COUNTY—Residents in Kingman continue to live with a water emergency in the city.On Tuesday evening, emergency management officials acquired 3-gallon jugs of water for distribution to those unable to afford water bottles, according to media release from the city.Authorities distributed the limited supply of water at the armory, one to each member of a household, on Tuesday evening and will continue to distribute water on Wednesday morning while supplies last.On Tuesday afternoon, the city reported they had identified a blockage in the water line due a faulty valve and repaired the issue in the wells south of the city.&nbsp;The state's do not drink order will continue until the KDHE has completed test results on the water system.Those wells feed the city of around 3000 people and a rural water district covering the eastern portion of Kingman County.--------KINGMAN COUNTY — Authorities in the city of Kingman are warning of a water supply issue and asking residents to limit use to sanitary purposes only, according to a media release from the city.This is a supply issue as the wells south of the city are not sending the usual rate of water to the storage facilities.In addition, the Kansas Department of Health on Monday morning also issued a No Drink Order for the city's water system.&nbsp; This is due to the re-activation of older wells into the system. The city is working on emergency water supplies and ways to address the issues.

Six-day water emergency in Kansas community is over

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident have identified the victim as 22-year-old Malik Hayden of Wichita.

Just after 8:00 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to a single-vehicle accident at South Seneca Street and West Greenfield Street in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers located the driver, Hayden, who was unresponsive in a Chevy Malibu.&nbsp; Fire and EMS provided life-saving measures, but Hayden was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; 

EMS transported a 23-year-old female passenger to a local hospital for treatment. She remains hospitalized, according to Wheeler.

The investigation reveals that Hayden was traveling north on Seneca, when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a curb, and crashed into a tree.

Hayden was not wearing a seatbelt, according to Wheeler. The accident is the 12th&nbsp;fatality accident in Wichita in 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594394295161.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash Thursday evening -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash Thursday evening -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal accident have identified the victim as 22-year-old Malik Hayden of Wichita.Just after 8:00 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to a single-vehicle accident at South Seneca Street and West Greenfield Street in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located the driver, Hayden, who was unresponsive in a Chevy Malibu.&nbsp; Fire and EMS provided life-saving measures, but Hayden was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported a 23-year-old female passenger to a local hospital for treatment. She remains hospitalized, according to Wheeler.The investigation reveals that Hayden was traveling north on Seneca, when the vehicle left the roadway, struck a curb, and crashed into a tree.Hayden was not wearing a seatbelt, according to Wheeler. The accident is the 12th&nbsp;fatality accident in Wichita in 2020.

Police ID Kansas man who died in crash

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff
Zmuda announced Friday that one staff member at Hutchinson Correctional Facility
(HCF) tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the seventh KDOC facility with a
confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF),
Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile
Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional
Facility, according to a media release from the KDOC.

The staff member at HCF is a male over the age of 20. In order to protect the identity
of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for
staff was implemented at HCF on July 3 and on July 6 for residents.


The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a
result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:


• KDOCwillremaindiligentinmonitoringotherstaffandresidentsfor
symptoms


“We know that our battle with this virus is far from over as positive cases in our state
are continuing to rise,” Zmuda said. “We know far more about COVID-19 today
than we did three months ago so we are very hopeful that the risk to any others is
low. We will continue to diligently monitor those within our care for symptoms.”


The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses


1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility


has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels), East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.


TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Secretary Jeff
Zmuda announced Friday that one staff member at Hutchinson Correctional Facility
(HCF) tested positive for COVID-19.This is the seventh KDOC facility with a
confirmed case, with the first cases reported at Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF),
Wichita Work Release Facility, Topeka Correctional Facility, Kansas Juvenile
Correctional Complex, El Dorado Correctional Facility and Ellsworth Correctional
Facility, according to a media release from the KDOC.The staff member at HCF is a male over the age of 20. In order to protect the identity
of the person, no other information will be released. Mandatory mask protocol for
staff was implemented at HCF on July 3 and on July 6 for residents.
The KDOC has been in consultation with officials from the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment (KDHE) on next steps to address these circumstances. As a
result of that consultation with KDHE, the following steps were implemented:
<ul>
 <li>Thelivingunitwherethestaffmemberworkedwillquarantineinplacefora
minimum of 14 days

								</li><li>Testingofthelivingunitwillbeconducted

								</li><li>Contacttracingwasconductedtodeterminewhoamongourstaffand
residents have been in close contact with this individual

								</li>
 </ul>• KDOCwillremaindiligentinmonitoringotherstaffandresidentsfor
symptoms
“We know that our battle with this virus is far from over as positive cases in our state
are continuing to rise,” Zmuda said. “We know far more about COVID-19 today
than we did three months ago so we are very hopeful that the risk to any others is
low. We will continue to diligently monitor those within our care for symptoms.”
The Hutchinson Correctional Facility is Kansas’ second-oldest prison and houses
1,884 men. Formerly known as the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, the facility
has three buildings including the Central (all custody levels), East (low-medium custody) and South (minimum custody) units.

Seventh Kan. correctional facility reports case of coronavirus

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Four in 10 Kansans live in counties that have overruled Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide mask order even as coronavirus cases in the state soar.

More than 90 of the state’s 105 counties have opted out of the mandate issued last week under a new state law that allows local leaders to follow or discard Kelly’s pandemic-related executive orders.

“I’m not surprised. I think most of the local health officers aren’t, either, at this point. The mask issue has become political,” said Dennis Kriesel, director of the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments.

Six of the 10 counties with the most cases have decided against mandatory mask wearing. Nine of the 10 counties with the lowest rates of testing have also opted out, according to an analysis of public health data.

Additionally, Ford, Seward and Finney counties, where the state’s meatpacking industry is concentrated, aren’t requiring masks even though about 5% of residents in each county have tested positive — by far the highest percentages in the state.

Many county officials have touted the importance of masks while choosing not to mandate them. Among them is Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst, who readily acknowledges masks are a way to help slow the spread of the virus.

“But I don’t think that we can put a burden on our sheriff and our health department to try to even think about enforcing this,” he said at a July 2 meeting in which commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the mandate. “Therefore in my opinion, it’s up to the public to look out after their neighbors. And they should pay attention to this.”

Of the 10 counties with the most coronavirus cases, only Wyandotte, Johnson and Douglas counties let Kelly’s order stand. Another top 10 county, Shawnee, adopted its own mask order.

The others -- Ford, Sedgwick, Finney, Leavenworth, Seward and Lyon -- all opted out of the mandate. The six counties have collectively recorded more than 8,000 cases, representing 47% of the state’s total as of Monday.

The situation is complicated, though, in Sedgwick County, where health officer Garold Minns ordered a mask mandate on his own authority, effective Friday. County commissioners can overturn his decision, but some who voted against mandatory masks last week say conditions have changed and they’ll support Minns’ order if it comes back before them.

Meanwhile, the county seat of Wichita, which is the state’s largest city, passed its own mask order, so Minns’ directive would primarily affect Sedgwick’s outlying areas.

Other cities also have taken action, including Manhattan, home to Kansas State University, along with Winfield and Parsons.

Lee Norman, the state health officer, tweeted Tuesday that Kansas was “a shining example of success, only to squander it.” Kelly was the first governor in the country to close school buildings for the rest of the school year, and restrictions on gatherings and non-essential businesses cut the rate of spread.

But that advantage has largely evaporated. The Department of Health and Environment reported 17,618 cases as of Wednesday, an increase of 717 since Monday. The agency also reported 282 deaths, up two since Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594062014716.png" alt="Photo office of Governor Laura Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Photo office of Governor Laura Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Four in 10 Kansans live in counties that have overruled Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide mask order even as coronavirus cases in the state soar.More than 90 of the state’s 105 counties have opted out of the mandate issued last week under a new state law that allows local leaders to follow or discard Kelly’s pandemic-related executive orders.“I’m not surprised. I think most of the local health officers aren’t, either, at this point. The mask issue has become political,” said Dennis Kriesel, director of the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments.Six of the 10 counties with the most cases have decided against mandatory mask wearing. Nine of the 10 counties with the lowest rates of testing have also opted out, according to an analysis of public health data.Additionally, Ford, Seward and Finney counties, where the state’s meatpacking industry is concentrated, aren’t requiring masks even though about 5% of residents in each county have tested positive — by far the highest percentages in the state.Many county officials have touted the importance of masks while choosing not to mandate them. Among them is Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst, who readily acknowledges masks are a way to help slow the spread of the virus.“But I don’t think that we can put a burden on our sheriff and our health department to try to even think about enforcing this,” he said at a July 2 meeting in which commissioners voted unanimously to repeal the mandate. “Therefore in my opinion, it’s up to the public to look out after their neighbors. And they should pay attention to this.”Of the 10 counties with the most coronavirus cases, only Wyandotte, Johnson and Douglas counties let Kelly’s order stand. Another top 10 county, Shawnee, adopted its own mask order.The others -- Ford, Sedgwick, Finney, Leavenworth, Seward and Lyon -- all opted out of the mandate. The six counties have collectively recorded more than 8,000 cases, representing 47% of the state’s total as of Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594227704495.png" alt="Wednesday July 8, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday July 8, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The situation is complicated, though, in Sedgwick County, where health officer Garold Minns ordered a mask mandate on his own authority, effective Friday. County commissioners can overturn his decision, but some who voted against mandatory masks last week say conditions have changed and they’ll support Minns’ order if it comes back before them.Meanwhile, the county seat of Wichita, which is the state’s largest city, passed its own mask order, so Minns’ directive would primarily affect Sedgwick’s outlying areas.Other cities also have taken action, including Manhattan, home to Kansas State University, along with Winfield and Parsons.Lee Norman, the state health officer, tweeted Tuesday that Kansas was “a shining example of success, only to squander it.” Kelly was the first governor in the country to close school buildings for the rest of the school year, and restrictions on gatherings and non-essential businesses cut the rate of spread.But that advantage has largely evaporated. The Department of Health and Environment reported 17,618 cases as of Wednesday, an increase of 717 since Monday. The agency also reported 282 deaths, up two since Monday.

4 in 10 Kansans don't have to wear masks despite mandate

COWLEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted kidnapping and after asking the public for help in locating a suspect have made an arrest following a Wednesday standoff with police in Nebraska.

Just after 4:30 Monday afternoon, police responded to a report of a disturbance in a vehicle
northbound from the intersection of 15th Street and Radio Lane in Arkansas City, Kansas.

A citizen told police a woman was injured and out of a vehicle in the area south of 252nd Road and 51st Road, according to police spokesperson Andrew Lawson.

An officer arrived and learned a 27-year-old Arkansas City woman had been involved in the
disturbance, after which a suspect identified as&nbsp; Leongrys Castellanos-Mesa, 35, of Grand Island, Nebraska &nbsp;had fled in the woman’s vehicle. 

The female victim was
transported by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department to South Central Kansas Medical Center.


Investigators later learned Castellanos-Mesa had entered the woman’s van unlawfully and hid until he reportedly attacked her.


Cowley County District Court issued an arrest warrant Tuesday for Castellanos-Mesa on suspicion
of aggravated battery, aggravated burglary of a motor vehicle, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated
robbery, battery-domestic violence, criminal threat, stalking and theft.


The initial incident took place within the city limits of Arkansas City and then moved north, out of the
city limits, where the woman was able to attempt to flee her attacker. She suffered injuries in the attempt,
but was successful in reaching safety. Castellanos-Mesa then allegedly fled the scene in her vehicle.

Officers were able to identify the suspect quickly and placed notifications to other law enforcement
agencies to be on the lookout for the suspect and the victim’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Sienna minivan.


Shortly after midnight Wednesday, Grand Island police located a vehicle known to be owned by
Castellanos-Mesa, parked in front of his residence.


They applied for a search warrant, which was executed at 1:26 a.m. Wednesday.&nbsp; The Grand Island Police Department’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) assisted at the scene after
Castellanos-Mesa allegedly barricaded himself in his basement.


Just before 5:30a.m. police took him into custody without further incident.

Castellanos-Mesa was transported to and booked into the Hall County (Neb.) Jail in lieu of $250,000
through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City. He remained in custody at the time of this report.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594325943549.png" alt="Castellanos-Mesa photo Hall County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Castellanos-Mesa photo Hall County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted kidnapping and after asking the public for help in locating a suspect have made an arrest following a Wednesday standoff with police in Nebraska.Just after 4:30 Monday afternoon, police responded to a report of a disturbance in a vehicle
northbound from the intersection of 15th Street and Radio Lane in Arkansas City, Kansas.A citizen told police a woman was injured and out of a vehicle in the area south of 252nd Road and 51st Road, according to police spokesperson Andrew Lawson.An officer arrived and learned a 27-year-old Arkansas City woman had been involved in the
disturbance, after which a suspect identified as&nbsp; Leongrys Castellanos-Mesa, 35, of Grand Island, Nebraska &nbsp;had fled in the woman’s vehicle. The female victim was
transported by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department to South Central Kansas Medical Center.
Investigators later learned Castellanos-Mesa had entered the woman’s van unlawfully and hid until he reportedly attacked her.
Cowley County District Court issued an arrest warrant Tuesday for Castellanos-Mesa on suspicion
of aggravated battery, aggravated burglary of a motor vehicle, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated
robbery, battery-domestic violence, criminal threat, stalking and theft.
The initial incident took place within the city limits of Arkansas City and then moved north, out of the
city limits, where the woman was able to attempt to flee her attacker. She suffered injuries in the attempt,
but was successful in reaching safety. Castellanos-Mesa then allegedly fled the scene in her vehicle.Officers were able to identify the suspect quickly and placed notifications to other law enforcement
agencies to be on the lookout for the suspect and the victim’s vehicle, a silver Toyota Sienna minivan.
Shortly after midnight Wednesday, Grand Island police located a vehicle known to be owned by
Castellanos-Mesa, parked in front of his residence.
They applied for a search warrant, which was executed at 1:26 a.m. Wednesday.&nbsp; The Grand Island Police Department’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) assisted at the scene after
Castellanos-Mesa allegedly barricaded himself in his basement.
Just before 5:30a.m. police took him into custody without further incident.Castellanos-Mesa was transported to and booked into the Hall County (Neb.) Jail in lieu of $250,000
through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City. He remained in custody at the time of this report.

Police: Suspect who hid in Kan. woman's van captured after standoff

SCOTT COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Scott County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda CRV driven by&nbsp; Devon R&nbsp; Inguanza, 28, Shallow Water, Kansas, was northbound on Falcon Road three miles south of Kansas 96.

The driver attempted to pass a semi and visibility was low due to the dust. The Honda struck a 2017 Ram 2500 driven by Adrian&nbsp;Ruelas, 20, Scott City, head-on.

&nbsp;Inguanza was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Prices and Sons Funeral Home.&nbsp;

EMS transported Ruelas and a passenger in the Honda 9-year-old Bentley Chase&nbsp;Inguanza of Shallow Water to the Scott County Hospital.

Devon Inguanza was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SCOTT COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Scott County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda CRV driven by&nbsp; Devon R&nbsp; Inguanza, 28, Shallow Water, Kansas, was northbound on Falcon Road three miles south of Kansas 96.The driver attempted to pass a semi and visibility was low due to the dust. The Honda struck a 2017 Ram 2500 driven by Adrian&nbsp;Ruelas, 20, Scott City, head-on.&nbsp;Inguanza was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Prices and Sons Funeral Home.&nbsp;EMS transported Ruelas and a passenger in the Honda 9-year-old Bentley Chase&nbsp;Inguanza of Shallow Water to the Scott County Hospital.Devon Inguanza was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, 9-year-old hospitalized after head-on crash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four former guards at a Kansas City jail have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two years to nearly four years for beating a handcuffed inmate as a punishment.

The U.S. attorney's office said in a news release that 30-year-old Travis Hewitt and 34-year-old Jen-I Pulos were sentenced Thursday. Terrance Dooley, 39, and Dakota Pearce, 27, were sentenced last month.

Prosecutors said the victim was detained on the Fourth of July in 2015 on a probation violation in a driving while intoxicated case. He was placed in the medical housing unit of the Jackson County Detention Center because he was experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

The victim subsequently got into a scuffle with a corrections officer when he attempted to go somewhere he wasn't supposed to while “clearly disoriented and unaware of his whereabouts," the release said. When the officer called for help, Hewitt and Pearce, who served as acting sergeants, responded and placed the victim in a holding cell.

Prosecutors said those two and Dooley and Pulos, who served on a team that is responsible for intervening in inmate altercations, were upset that a supervisor decided the victim wouldn't be placed in a “restraint chair” as a punishment because he was so disoriented. Several hours later, Dooley and Pulos entered the victim's cell, purportedly to remove a comb that had been fashioned into a “shank.” They then moved him to a holding cell that was out of the range of surveillance cameras, where the four assaulted him as a punishment, with one of the officers standing outside at times as a lookout, the release said.

Doctors found that the inmate had broken ribs, a punctured lung, and bruises on his face. He settled a lawsuit for $437,500 in a case that drew attention to problems at the jail and included an FBI investigation.

Federal jurors found Hewitt and Dooley guilty in October of participating in a conspiracy to deprive the victim of his civil rights and one count of deprivation of rights. The week before the trial, Pearce pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy, and Pulos pleaded guilty to the deprivation of rights.

“The sentences handed down in this case show that law enforcement officers who break the law, violate their oaths, and deprive inmates of their civil rights will be held accountable for their actions” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division in the news release.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Four former guards at a Kansas City jail have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from two years to nearly four years for beating a handcuffed inmate as a punishment.The U.S. attorney's office said in a news release that 30-year-old Travis Hewitt and 34-year-old Jen-I Pulos were sentenced Thursday. Terrance Dooley, 39, and Dakota Pearce, 27, were sentenced last month.Prosecutors said the victim was detained on the Fourth of July in 2015 on a probation violation in a driving while intoxicated case. He was placed in the medical housing unit of the Jackson County Detention Center because he was experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.The victim subsequently got into a scuffle with a corrections officer when he attempted to go somewhere he wasn't supposed to while “clearly disoriented and unaware of his whereabouts," the release said. When the officer called for help, Hewitt and Pearce, who served as acting sergeants, responded and placed the victim in a holding cell.Prosecutors said those two and Dooley and Pulos, who served on a team that is responsible for intervening in inmate altercations, were upset that a supervisor decided the victim wouldn't be placed in a “restraint chair” as a punishment because he was so disoriented. Several hours later, Dooley and Pulos entered the victim's cell, purportedly to remove a comb that had been fashioned into a “shank.” They then moved him to a holding cell that was out of the range of surveillance cameras, where the four assaulted him as a punishment, with one of the officers standing outside at times as a lookout, the release said.Doctors found that the inmate had broken ribs, a punctured lung, and bruises on his face. He settled a lawsuit for $437,500 in a case that drew attention to problems at the jail and included an FBI investigation.Federal jurors found Hewitt and Dooley guilty in October of participating in a conspiracy to deprive the victim of his civil rights and one count of deprivation of rights. The week before the trial, Pearce pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy, and Pulos pleaded guilty to the deprivation of rights.“The sentences handed down in this case show that law enforcement officers who break the law, violate their oaths, and deprive inmates of their civil rights will be held accountable for their actions” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division in the news release.

4 ex-guards at a Kansas City jail sentenced in beating of cuffed inmate

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities charged a 42-year-old Missouri man Thursday in the death of a woman whose body was found by police responding to a burglary call in Olathe.

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office said in a Twitter post that Clyde J. Barnes Jr., of Kansas City, Missouri, has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, unlawful tampering with electronic monitoring, criminal threat and violation of a protection order.

The burglary was reported around 3. a.m. Sunday, police said in a news release. The victim was identified as 42-year-old Jessica L. Smith.

Police say the killer apparently fled before officers arrived.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594330565958.png" alt="Barnes" />
 <figcaption>Barnes</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Authorities charged a 42-year-old Missouri man Thursday in the death of a woman whose body was found by police responding to a burglary call in Olathe.The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office said in a Twitter post that Clyde J. Barnes Jr., of Kansas City, Missouri, has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, unlawful tampering with electronic monitoring, criminal threat and violation of a protection order.The burglary was reported around 3. a.m. Sunday, police said in a news release. The victim was identified as 42-year-old Jessica L. Smith.Police say the killer apparently fled before officers arrived.

Man charged in death of Kansas woman during home burglary

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The federal government is stepping up to stop violent crime in Kansas City with a program named after a 4-year-old boy who was killed when someone shot into his home.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday that the new program, “Operation Legend,” which is named after 4-year-old LeGend Taliferro, is aimed at reducing the violence that is plaguing the city.

Kansas City was reporting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/2941/7820-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">99</a>&nbsp;homicides as of Wednesday. With nearly half a year left, that puts the city on track to far exceed last year's total of 150.

Attorney General William Barr has directed agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to help local law enforcement. McEnany said they will be on the ground in the next 10 days.

In a news release, Barr described the death of LeGend, who was fatally shot in his bed last month, as “a horrifying reminder that violent crime left unchecked is a threat to us all and cannot be allowed to continue.”

McEnany noted that Tallifero survived a heart surgery as an infant before he “tragically lost his life.”

“We at the federal government want to make sure that never happens and use our resources to the fullest extent of the law to ensure individuals and young children like LeGend are able to live their lives and live so peacefully," she said.

Taliferro is not the first child shot this year while sleeping in his bedroom in Kansas City. In February, an 11-year-old girl was critically injured by gunfire and police found her covered in blood in the bedroom of her south Kansas City home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594331616316.png" alt="LeGend Taliferro photo courtesy Serenity Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>LeGend Taliferro photo courtesy Serenity Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The federal government is stepping up to stop violent crime in Kansas City with a program named after a 4-year-old boy who was killed when someone shot into his home.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday that the new program, “Operation Legend,” which is named after 4-year-old LeGend Taliferro, is aimed at reducing the violence that is plaguing the city.Kansas City was reporting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/2941/7820-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">99</a>&nbsp;homicides as of Wednesday. With nearly half a year left, that puts the city on track to far exceed last year's total of 150.Attorney General William Barr has directed agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to help local law enforcement. McEnany said they will be on the ground in the next 10 days.In a news release, Barr described the death of LeGend, who was fatally shot in his bed last month, as “a horrifying reminder that violent crime left unchecked is a threat to us all and cannot be allowed to continue.”McEnany noted that Tallifero survived a heart surgery as an infant before he “tragically lost his life.”“We at the federal government want to make sure that never happens and use our resources to the fullest extent of the law to ensure individuals and young children like LeGend are able to live their lives and live so peacefully," she said.Taliferro is not the first child shot this year while sleeping in his bedroom in Kansas City. In February, an 11-year-old girl was critically injured by gunfire and police found her covered in blood in the bedroom of her south Kansas City home.

Federal government to combat violent crime in Kansas City

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

A Ft. Leavenworth soldier who ran over an active shooter on the Centennial Bridge in late May has been honored by the Missouri General Assembly.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. David Royer was honored with a Senate Resolution sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville and passed by the legislature.

On May 27th, Royer was driving to his Platte City residence after working at Ft. Leavenworth, across the Missouri River, in Kansas. Royer saw traffic at a standstill on the Centennial Bridge and observed an armed driver get out of a vehicle in front of him and start shooting. Royer ran the shooter over with his car, pinning him underneath.

Royer, who is a corrections officer with the 705th Military Police Battalion, secured the scene until police could arrive.

“The word hero is overused these days, but it certainly applies to Master Sgt. Royer,” Luetkemeyer said in a written statement released by his office. “His quick and decisive action saved countless lives and prevented a tragedy. It is my great honor to recognize this brave warrior and thank him for his heroism on that fateful day.”

The shooter, 37-year-old Jason Westrem, faces numerous charges, including attempted first-degree murder. One of the bullets hit and wounded another Ft. Leavenworth soldier.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594323271278.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer presents resolution to Master Sgt. David Royer (Photo supplied by Sen. Luetkemeyer's Office." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer presents resolution to Master Sgt. David Royer (Photo supplied by Sen. Luetkemeyer's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph PostA Ft. Leavenworth soldier who ran over an active shooter on the Centennial Bridge in late May has been honored by the Missouri General Assembly.U.S. Army Master Sgt. David Royer was honored with a Senate Resolution sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville and passed by the legislature.On May 27th, Royer was driving to his Platte City residence after working at Ft. Leavenworth, across the Missouri River, in Kansas. Royer saw traffic at a standstill on the Centennial Bridge and observed an armed driver get out of a vehicle in front of him and start shooting. Royer ran the shooter over with his car, pinning him underneath.Royer, who is a corrections officer with the 705th Military Police Battalion, secured the scene until police could arrive.“The word hero is overused these days, but it certainly applies to Master Sgt. Royer,” Luetkemeyer said in a written statement released by his office. “His quick and decisive action saved countless lives and prevented a tragedy. It is my great honor to recognize this brave warrior and thank him for his heroism on that fateful day.”The shooter, 37-year-old Jason Westrem, faces numerous charges, including attempted first-degree murder. One of the bullets hit and wounded another Ft. Leavenworth soldier.

Kan. soldier who ran over shooter on bridge and saved lives honored

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted robbery and have made an arrest.

Just before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a bomb threat call involving a robbery at a business in the 1500 block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Officers were already nearby the business, saw the 13-year-old run from the business followed by a customer.&nbsp; 

Police arrested the 13-year-old after a short foot pursuit/

The investigation revealed, the boy entered the business and handed a note to an employee demanding money and that he had an explosive.&nbsp; 

The employee called 911, and the juvenile ran from the business after seeing police arriving.&nbsp; 

As the boy fled from the store, he struck a customer as he pushed open the door to leave.&nbsp; There was no loss from the business, and no one was injured.

The boy was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility on requested charges of aggravated robbery and battery.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted robbery and have made an arrest.Just before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a bomb threat call involving a robbery at a business in the 1500 block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Officers were already nearby the business, saw the 13-year-old run from the business followed by a customer.&nbsp; Police arrested the 13-year-old after a short foot pursuit/The investigation revealed, the boy entered the business and handed a note to an employee demanding money and that he had an explosive.&nbsp; The employee called 911, and the juvenile ran from the business after seeing police arriving.&nbsp; As the boy fled from the store, he struck a customer as he pushed open the door to leave.&nbsp; There was no loss from the business, and no one was injured.The boy was booked into the Juvenile Detention Facility on requested charges of aggravated robbery and battery.

Police: 13-year-old made bomb threat during attempted robbery

KANSAS CITY — Kansas City is getting another splash of magenta.&nbsp; T-Mobile on Thursday unveiled details for T-Mobile Center, formerly Sprint Center, reinforcing its commitment to the community of Kansas City. 

A staple in Kansas City since 2007, the newly named T-Mobile Center will serve up awesome events through 2032, along with special perks for T-Mobile customers and upgrades for everyone in the coming years, according to a media release.

“I couldn’t be prouder to announce T-Mobile Center and show the Kansas City community that we’re deeply invested in the home of our second headquarters! We’re proud to be with you, and when it’s safe to re-open, we’re bringing you some incredible Un-carrier experiences,” said T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. “Kansas City has a rich culture, known for live entertainment, sports, a thriving arts scene and my personal favorite, Kansas City BBQ, and we are honored to help bring it all to life in T-Mobile Center well into the next decade! Get ready for a good time!”

“We’re thrilled to team up with one of the world’s most innovative and fan-focused partners in T-Mobile to offer amazing entertainment experiences in Kansas City,” said Bob Newman, President and CEO of ASM Global. “As the anchor of a vibrant entertainment district, T-Mobile Center will welcome guests from throughout the world for the best of live entertainment, family and sporting events.”

T-Mobile takes pride in being a company that puts customer experience at the forefront of everything. So naturally, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint customers can beat the crowd using the fast pass entrance on the corner of 13th&nbsp;Street and Grand Boulevard, when they’re heading to concerts, entertainment and sporting events at T-Mobile Center… all ticketed customers have to do is show their phone! Plus, every visitor will continue to receive free Wi-Fi around the venue from T-Mobile.

Kansas City locals can expect to see T-Mobile Center come to life over the next few months, with initial signage updates expected to go up this August. T-Mobile Center annually hosts more than 100 ticketed events and is a unique partnership between ASM Global&nbsp;and the City of Kansas City.

T-Mobile Center joins the Un-carrier’s slate of world-class venues across the globe, including T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, T-Mobile Park in Seattle and Distrito T-Mobile in Puerto Rico.

Sprint and T-Mobile have a long history of giving back to their communities. In 2019 as standalone companies, Sprint and T-Mobile contributed a combined $20 million to programs and organizations across the country. Now as the merged T-Mobile, the supercharged Un-carrier is more committed than ever to leveraging its scale for good. That includes building on Sprint’s strong legacy of philanthropic support across the Kansas City metro, which since 2007 has exceeded over $37 million supporting groups like Harvesters and United Way of Kansas City, as well as arts organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594319870918.png" alt="Photo courtesy T Mobile Center" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy T Mobile Center</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Kansas City is getting another splash of magenta.&nbsp; T-Mobile on Thursday unveiled details for T-Mobile Center, formerly Sprint Center, reinforcing its commitment to the community of Kansas City. A staple in Kansas City since 2007, the newly named T-Mobile Center will serve up awesome events through 2032, along with special perks for T-Mobile customers and upgrades for everyone in the coming years, according to a media release.“I couldn’t be prouder to announce T-Mobile Center and show the Kansas City community that we’re deeply invested in the home of our second headquarters! We’re proud to be with you, and when it’s safe to re-open, we’re bringing you some incredible Un-carrier experiences,” said T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. “Kansas City has a rich culture, known for live entertainment, sports, a thriving arts scene and my personal favorite, Kansas City BBQ, and we are honored to help bring it all to life in T-Mobile Center well into the next decade! Get ready for a good time!”“We’re thrilled to team up with one of the world’s most innovative and fan-focused partners in T-Mobile to offer amazing entertainment experiences in Kansas City,” said Bob Newman, President and CEO of ASM Global. “As the anchor of a vibrant entertainment district, T-Mobile Center will welcome guests from throughout the world for the best of live entertainment, family and sporting events.”T-Mobile takes pride in being a company that puts customer experience at the forefront of everything. So naturally, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint customers can beat the crowd using the fast pass entrance on the corner of 13th&nbsp;Street and Grand Boulevard, when they’re heading to concerts, entertainment and sporting events at T-Mobile Center… all ticketed customers have to do is show their phone! Plus, every visitor will continue to receive free Wi-Fi around the venue from T-Mobile.Kansas City locals can expect to see T-Mobile Center come to life over the next few months, with initial signage updates expected to go up this August. T-Mobile Center annually hosts more than 100 ticketed events and is a unique partnership between ASM Global&nbsp;and the City of Kansas City.T-Mobile Center joins the Un-carrier’s slate of world-class venues across the globe, including T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, T-Mobile Park in Seattle and Distrito T-Mobile in Puerto Rico.Sprint and T-Mobile have a long history of giving back to their communities. In 2019 as standalone companies, Sprint and T-Mobile contributed a combined $20 million to programs and organizations across the country. Now as the merged T-Mobile, the supercharged Un-carrier is more committed than ever to leveraging its scale for good. That includes building on Sprint’s strong legacy of philanthropic support across the Kansas City metro, which since 2007 has exceeded over $37 million supporting groups like Harvesters and United Way of Kansas City, as well as arts organizations.

Kansas City's Sprint Center turns pink, gets new name

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities say a man critically injured in a Monday shooting in Wichita has died.

On Wednesday, Broderick Lloyd, 20, Wichita died from his injuries, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 21-year-old man was also hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Just after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, officers responded to a shooting in the area of Kellogg and Grove. Upon arrival, officers located Lloyd, who had several gunshot wounds, in a wrecked vehicle below the Kellogg and Grove Street Bridge.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital for treatment.

A 21-year-old man wounded in the shooting was transported by private vehicle to an area hospital&nbsp;

The initial investigation revealed an unknown suspect shot at the victims, who were in a vehicle traveling east on East Kellogg.&nbsp; The vehicle then left the roadway and crashed underneath the bridge.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 20-year-old man with life threatening injuries and 21-year-old male with non-life threatening injuries.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Monday police responded to a shooting in the area of Kellogg and Grove, according to office Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, officers located a 20-year-old victim who had several gunshot wounds to his body. Also, a 21-year-old male arrived to an area hospital via a private vehicle with multiple gunshots wounds to his body.

The initial investigation revealed an unknown suspect shot at the victim’s vehicle while on the eastbound lanes of Kellogg. 

Investigators are still trying to determine what led up to the shooting and are asking for the public’s help.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594066090533.png" alt="Police conducting their investigation early Monday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police conducting their investigation early Monday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities say a man critically injured in a Monday shooting in Wichita has died.On Wednesday, Broderick Lloyd, 20, Wichita died from his injuries, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 21-year-old man was also hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.Just after 12:30 a.m. on Monday, officers responded to a shooting in the area of Kellogg and Grove. Upon arrival, officers located Lloyd, who had several gunshot wounds, in a wrecked vehicle below the Kellogg and Grove Street Bridge.&nbsp; EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital for treatment.A 21-year-old man wounded in the shooting was transported by private vehicle to an area hospital&nbsp;The initial investigation revealed an unknown suspect shot at the victims, who were in a vehicle traveling east on East Kellogg.&nbsp; The vehicle then left the roadway and crashed underneath the bridge.&nbsp;--------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 20-year-old man with life threatening injuries and 21-year-old male with non-life threatening injuries.Just after 12:30 a.m. Monday police responded to a shooting in the area of Kellogg and Grove, according to office Paul Cruz. Upon arrival, officers located a 20-year-old victim who had several gunshot wounds to his body. Also, a 21-year-old male arrived to an area hospital via a private vehicle with multiple gunshots wounds to his body.The initial investigation revealed an unknown suspect shot at the victim’s vehicle while on the eastbound lanes of Kellogg. Investigators are still trying to determine what led up to the shooting and are asking for the public’s help.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas man wounded in drive-by shooting has died

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After insisting at its last meeting that the Kansas State Fair would go on as scheduled, the Kansas State Fair Board will meet on Monday to reconsider holding this year's event.

GM Robin Jennison said Thursday morning that factors outside of their control are pushing the decision to potentially cancel the event for the first time in 107 years.&nbsp;

On June 30, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman advised the State Fair Board that they should cancel this year's fair.

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

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594205779878.jpeg" alt="Robin Jennison State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Robin Jennison State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After insisting at its last meeting that the Kansas State Fair would go on as scheduled, the Kansas State Fair Board will meet on Monday to reconsider holding this year's event.GM Robin Jennison said Thursday morning that factors outside of their control are pushing the decision to potentially cancel the event for the first time in 107 years.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590504469923.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 30, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman advised the State Fair Board that they should cancel this year's fair."If I were only talking about it from a public health perspective, it would be best to not have the State Fair," Norman said. "There's no question, it will engender illness." Norman doesn't think fairgoers will wear masks.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

State Fair Board to reconsider decision to hold 2020 fair

BROWN COUNTY— Authorities with Union Pacific are investigating the cause of a Wednesday train derailment in Kansas.

Just after 3p.m. approximately 12 northbound Union Pacific train cars derailed near 320 Road east of Reserve Kansas, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594307722085.png" alt="Train derailment photo courtesy Brown County Sheriff&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Train derailment photo courtesy Brown County Sheriff&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY— Authorities with Union Pacific are investigating the cause of a Wednesday train derailment in Kansas.Just after 3p.m. approximately 12 northbound Union Pacific train cars derailed near 320 Road east of Reserve Kansas, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; &nbsp;Approximately half of the train cars were carrying petroleum products and the others were grain haulers.&nbsp; There were no spills or injuries reported, according to Merchant.Officials closed 320th Road due to the derailment as crews continue work to clear the area. A spokesperson for Union Pacific released no additional details Thursday morning.