NEW YORK (AP) — Everyone wants to know: When, oh when, will it go back to normal?&nbsp;

As some governors across the United States begin to ease restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, hopes are soaring that life as Americans knew it might be returning. But plans emerging in many states indicate that “normal” is still a long way off.

White House adviser Dr. Deborah Birx says social distancing will be with Americans through the summer. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards warns of a “different way of life” until there is a widely available vaccine — maybe not until next year. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says: “There is no return to yesterday in life.”

From the beginning, the pandemic forced impossible choices: physical health or mental health? Economic well-being or medical safety? Most states joined the world and turned the dial down hard, closing shops and restaurants, factories and schools. Asking people to largely keep to their homes. Now, the dial is beginning to inch in the opposite direction. 

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's stay-at-home order ends Sunday at 11:59p.m. She is expected to reveal more of her plan to open the economy later this week.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson released details on his 'Show-me-Strong recovery plan last week.&nbsp;All businesses can open starting May 4, as long as the social distancing guidelines outlined in the state's reopening order are followed.

In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp is pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7bf69c10b514dad22bbd35cacca2c04d">one of the most aggressive reopening plans&nbsp;</a>in the United States. Barbershops, gyms and nail salons were allowed to reopen Friday, and dine-in restaurant service and movie screenings were freed to resume Monday — despite warnings that, without sufficient testing, the state could see a surge in infections.

Even there, though, life was far from normal. Patrons went to restaurants with X’s on some tables, chatted across the room to one another and gave orders to servers whose faces were covered by masks.

In Alaska, restaurants are keeping logs with every customer’s name and phone number — in case they’re needed for contact tracing.&nbsp;

Draft guidance for reopening from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b232361992c4118f9cfce84b48f7879">provided more evidence&nbsp;</a>that “normal” would not be on the menu — at restaurants or anywhere else. No break rooms for employees and no field trips for school children, the guidelines recommended. Children should eat in their classrooms, and congregants should stay 6 feet apart in church.&nbsp;

In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan laid out a phased reopening. First small shops could open, and some outdoor recreation could resume, then perhaps restaurants and bars. Phase three, which the administration cautions it has no realistic time frame for reaching, would allow larger social gatherings and high-capacity bars, restaurants and entertainment venues could reopen.

You know — the stuff that two months ago might have just been called “city life.”

Even with strict rules in place, it’s a delicate dance, as Dennis McKinley learned this weekend. He had planned to open two of the three branches of his restaurant, The Original Hot Dog Factory, for dine-in service in the Atlanta area. He reversed himself Monday after getting about 40 calls from politicians, community leaders and customers urging him to keep diners out.

“Ultimately, The Original Hot Dog Factory can’t make it without the community’s support, so I felt it was important to hold back and wait,” McKinley said.

What he calls community support, economists might refer to as confidence. Economies run on that, especially the American one, in which consumer spending accounts for 70% of all activity. When people are scared or times uncertain, they tend not to shell out.

“After an initial pop to growth, when businesses do reopen, it’s going to be a slog until there’s a vaccine,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “I think there’s going to be a lot of cautious people and therefore a lot of cautious businesses.”&nbsp;

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and lead to death. And while many point to a vaccine as the surest path to normal, public health experts see another way that’s no less daunting: millions more tests, 100,000 or more health workers to track and isolate those exposed to COVID-19, and a seamless data network to coordinate the effort.

The U.S. is far from implementing this. So in the absence of a vaccine or other reassuring measures — and in the face of a threat that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e4e17c01b216bda73ee5735efa69eb54">is largely invisible&nbsp;</a>— how will Americans believe that it’s safe to go out again?

“You know when a flood is there and when it’s gone,” says Steven Taylor, a professor at the University of British Columbia who wrote “The Psychology of Pandemics.” He predicts confidence will return when people see others hugging, shaking hands and crowding into elevators — and not getting sick.

While Taylor believes most people will bounce back quickly, he notes that some calamities like the Great Depression have caused lasting changes to habits.&nbsp;

What will fade and what will survive after the coronavirus? Friday nights in restaurants where the tables are just a few inches apart, jostling for space in sweaty nightclubs, a peck-on-the-cheek hello? What about sleepaway camp and freshmen bunking together in dorms and the ever-shrinking seats in economy class?

Historian Francis Bremer can’t help but wonder whether the new normal will ever mean an end to “doing history from my dining room.” Like many others, the professor emeritus of history at Pennsylvania’s Millersville University has found that much can be done from a distance — in his case, through the rapidly expanding online availability of historical documents.&nbsp;

Clues lie in places that are weeks, even months ahead of the United States in this global experience.

In China, where the virus emerged late last year, people proven healthy can generally move around within their own cities now — tracked by mobile apps and monitored with temperature checks in public. Germany&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/44336d671fc0592be0003aae2165d0fe">has seen far fewer deaths than many of its European neighbors</a>, but life remains curtailed: While it allowed smaller shops to reopen last week, it stuck to strict social-distancing guidelines and continued widely requiring face masks in public.

As spring blooms, Americans look to a whole new set of activities they hope they won’t be barred from. Californians&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b3bf80cdcb04019b4220d42f7dcb66b2">flooded beaches and river fronts&nbsp;</a>this past weekend as temperatures soared, prompting warnings that they might lose the few privileges they have.

But in Pennsylvania, the dial is turning the other way. Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a990e6b7c53f46cc62d2823d11f73a27">he would lift some restrictions&nbsp;</a>on outdoor recreation. Not just because the virus was starting to be contained, but also because people simply needed it.

“As the weather warms and daylight lengthens,” Wolf said, “enjoying time outdoors is an important way to manage stress.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586725126011.png" alt="Dr. Deborah Birx serves as the Trump Administration's Coronavirus Response Coordinator-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Deborah Birx serves as the Trump Administration's Coronavirus Response Coordinator-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Everyone wants to know: When, oh when, will it go back to normal?&nbsp;As some governors across the United States begin to ease restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, hopes are soaring that life as Americans knew it might be returning. But plans emerging in many states indicate that “normal” is still a long way off.White House adviser Dr. Deborah Birx says social distancing will be with Americans through the summer. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards warns of a “different way of life” until there is a widely available vaccine — maybe not until next year. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says: “There is no return to yesterday in life.”From the beginning, the pandemic forced impossible choices: physical health or mental health? Economic well-being or medical safety? Most states joined the world and turned the dial down hard, closing shops and restaurants, factories and schools. Asking people to largely keep to their homes. Now, the dial is beginning to inch in the opposite direction. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586440392187.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly cancelled her daily press briefing Tuesday afternoon as she works on her plan to reopen the state." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly cancelled her daily press briefing Tuesday afternoon as she works on her plan to reopen the state.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's stay-at-home order ends Sunday at 11:59p.m. She is expected to reveal more of her plan to open the economy later this week.Missouri Governor Mike Parson released details on his 'Show-me-Strong recovery plan last week.&nbsp;All businesses can open starting May 4, as long as the social distancing guidelines outlined in the state's reopening order are followed.In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp is pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7bf69c10b514dad22bbd35cacca2c04d">one of the most aggressive reopening plans&nbsp;</a>in the United States. Barbershops, gyms and nail salons were allowed to reopen Friday, and dine-in restaurant service and movie screenings were freed to resume Monday — despite warnings that, without sufficient testing, the state could see a surge in infections.Even there, though, life was far from normal. Patrons went to restaurants with X’s on some tables, chatted across the room to one another and gave orders to servers whose faces were covered by masks.In Alaska, restaurants are keeping logs with every customer’s name and phone number — in case they’re needed for contact tracing.&nbsp;Draft guidance for reopening from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b232361992c4118f9cfce84b48f7879">provided more evidence&nbsp;</a>that “normal” would not be on the menu — at restaurants or anywhere else. No break rooms for employees and no field trips for school children, the guidelines recommended. Children should eat in their classrooms, and congregants should stay 6 feet apart in church.&nbsp;In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan laid out a phased reopening. First small shops could open, and some outdoor recreation could resume, then perhaps restaurants and bars. Phase three, which the administration cautions it has no realistic time frame for reaching, would allow larger social gatherings and high-capacity bars, restaurants and entertainment venues could reopen.You know — the stuff that two months ago might have just been called “city life.”Even with strict rules in place, it’s a delicate dance, as Dennis McKinley learned this weekend. He had planned to open two of the three branches of his restaurant, The Original Hot Dog Factory, for dine-in service in the Atlanta area. He reversed himself Monday after getting about 40 calls from politicians, community leaders and customers urging him to keep diners out.“Ultimately, The Original Hot Dog Factory can’t make it without the community’s support, so I felt it was important to hold back and wait,” McKinley said.What he calls community support, economists might refer to as confidence. Economies run on that, especially the American one, in which consumer spending accounts for 70% of all activity. When people are scared or times uncertain, they tend not to shell out.“After an initial pop to growth, when businesses do reopen, it’s going to be a slog until there’s a vaccine,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “I think there’s going to be a lot of cautious people and therefore a lot of cautious businesses.”&nbsp;For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and lead to death. And while many point to a vaccine as the surest path to normal, public health experts see another way that’s no less daunting: millions more tests, 100,000 or more health workers to track and isolate those exposed to COVID-19, and a seamless data network to coordinate the effort.The U.S. is far from implementing this. So in the absence of a vaccine or other reassuring measures — and in the face of a threat that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e4e17c01b216bda73ee5735efa69eb54">is largely invisible&nbsp;</a>— how will Americans believe that it’s safe to go out again?“You know when a flood is there and when it’s gone,” says Steven Taylor, a professor at the University of British Columbia who wrote “The Psychology of Pandemics.” He predicts confidence will return when people see others hugging, shaking hands and crowding into elevators — and not getting sick.While Taylor believes most people will bounce back quickly, he notes that some calamities like the Great Depression have caused lasting changes to habits.&nbsp;What will fade and what will survive after the coronavirus? Friday nights in restaurants where the tables are just a few inches apart, jostling for space in sweaty nightclubs, a peck-on-the-cheek hello? What about sleepaway camp and freshmen bunking together in dorms and the ever-shrinking seats in economy class?Historian Francis Bremer can’t help but wonder whether the new normal will ever mean an end to “doing history from my dining room.” Like many others, the professor emeritus of history at Pennsylvania’s Millersville University has found that much can be done from a distance — in his case, through the rapidly expanding online availability of historical documents.&nbsp;Clues lie in places that are weeks, even months ahead of the United States in this global experience.In China, where the virus emerged late last year, people proven healthy can generally move around within their own cities now — tracked by mobile apps and monitored with temperature checks in public. Germany&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/44336d671fc0592be0003aae2165d0fe">has seen far fewer deaths than many of its European neighbors</a>, but life remains curtailed: While it allowed smaller shops to reopen last week, it stuck to strict social-distancing guidelines and continued widely requiring face masks in public.As spring blooms, Americans look to a whole new set of activities they hope they won’t be barred from. Californians&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b3bf80cdcb04019b4220d42f7dcb66b2">flooded beaches and river fronts&nbsp;</a>this past weekend as temperatures soared, prompting warnings that they might lose the few privileges they have.But in Pennsylvania, the dial is turning the other way. Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a990e6b7c53f46cc62d2823d11f73a27">he would lift some restrictions&nbsp;</a>on outdoor recreation. Not just because the virus was starting to be contained, but also because people simply needed it.“As the weather warms and daylight lengthens,” Wolf said, “enjoying time outdoors is an important way to manage stress.”

The US reopening is coming, but 'normal' is still a ways off

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas has announced that 40 of its top-paid employees, including its chancellor, will take temporary 10% pay cuts to help cushion the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

KU Chancellor Douglas Girod announced the cuts in a letter this week. The letter said he, the chancellor’s cabinet, vice provosts, deans and department heads will take the salary reduction for six months.

The cuts will generate $853,000 in savings for the university, Girod said, and the money will be redeployed for urgent needs.

Also taking the 10% pay cut are head men’s basketball coach Bill Self, head football coach Les Miles and Athletic Director Jeff Long.

Girod said in his letter that KU’s losses in the wake of the pandemic are expected to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583199779683.png" alt="KU Chancellor Doug Girod -photo courtesy University of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>KU Chancellor Doug Girod -photo courtesy University of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas has announced that 40 of its top-paid employees, including its chancellor, will take temporary 10% pay cuts to help cushion the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak.KU Chancellor Douglas Girod announced the cuts in a letter this week. The letter said he, the chancellor’s cabinet, vice provosts, deans and department heads will take the salary reduction for six months.The cuts will generate $853,000 in savings for the university, Girod said, and the money will be redeployed for urgent needs.Also taking the 10% pay cut are head men’s basketball coach Bill Self, head football coach Les Miles and Athletic Director Jeff Long.Girod said in his letter that KU’s losses in the wake of the pandemic are expected to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

40 KU leaders to take 10% pay cuts in wake of pandemic

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman has been charged in the deadly shooting of her boyfriend, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Tuesday, Bobbie Williams, 36, was&nbsp; charged with second-degree murder in the April 23 death of Blake Mayes. 

She and William Moore, 51, were also charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault when they&nbsp;&nbsp;made first appearances in court.

&nbsp;Police investigators say the shooting happened after a disturbance occurred between Mayes, Williams and another acquaintance identified as 28-year-old Jesse Sweeney of Wichita, in connection with the shooting.

Police are asking the public for help locating Sweeney.

Police arrested Moore in Wichita and Williams in the Topeka area over the weekend.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587900733026.png" alt="Williams" />
 <figcaption>Williams</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman has been charged in the deadly shooting of her boyfriend, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Tuesday, Bobbie Williams, 36, was&nbsp; charged with second-degree murder in the April 23 death of Blake Mayes. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587856746805.png" alt="Moore photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Moore photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>She and William Moore, 51, were also charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault when they&nbsp;&nbsp;made first appearances in court.&nbsp;Police investigators say the shooting happened after a disturbance occurred between Mayes, Williams and another acquaintance identified as 28-year-old Jesse Sweeney of Wichita, in connection with the shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587762685888.png" alt="Sweeney" />
 <figcaption>Sweeney</figcaption>
 </figure>Police are asking the public for help locating Sweeney.Police arrested Moore in Wichita and Williams in the Topeka area over the weekend.&nbsp;

Kan. woman charged in deadly shooting of her boyfriend 

NEW YORK (AP) — The government says it has approved an additional $50 billion in loans to small businesses, although banks are complaining that a bottleneck at the Small Business Administration is severely slowing the process.

Banking industry groups said Tuesday that the SBA’s loan processing system is still unable to handle the heavy volume of loan applications from business owners trying to get aid under the Paychceck Protection Program, part of the government’s $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package.

“Today is just another slow, frustrating slog for getting PPP loans through,” said Paul Merski, a vice president at the Independent Community Bankers of America.

The government’s small business loan program was replenished with $310 billion and started taking applications again Monday. Without addressing any glitches, President Donald Trump said at a press conference with small business owners Tuesday that twice as many users had accessed the SBA’s processing system as on any day during the first round of funding, during which about 1.7 million loans totaling $349 billion were approved.

At Bank of America, which submitted 184,000 applications by Monday morning and has tried sending in another 48,000 since then, only 1,000 have beeen approved, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the process.

Tuesday afternoon the SBA said about 476,000 loans had been approved totaling more than $52 billion. Trump said most of the loans approved were for smaller amounts, an indication that loans were going to smaller companies. The average loan during the first round of funding was $206,000.

The loans are aimed at helping small businesses retain workers or rehire those who they laid off in response to the virus outbreak. Any money from the loan used toward payroll will be forgiven. Restaurants, retailers, gyms and other businesses were forced to shut down to try to contain the virus’s spread, and other companies have seen a steep drop in revenue as customers stayed home or cut back their spending.

The SBA did not immediately respond for a request for comment Tuesday on the delays. But in a memo the agency sent to banks at midday Tuesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the SBA said it would stop banks from using a system that automatically submits applications into the agency’s ETran system. Without that system, “the loan processing system will be more reliable, accessible and equitable for all businesses,” the memo said.

At some banks, the change means having to manually submit the applications, a much slower process, said Nick Simpson, a spokesman for the Consumer Bankers Association. Others are able to submit applications in batches of more than 5,000, but it wasn’t known how or when the SBA would process them, he said.

The $349 billion first round of funding was exhausted in less than two weeks. In this round, banks have reported that they were being allowed to submit only 350 applications an hour, if that many. Meanwhile, they have thousands on hand.

“I don’t know of any bank who’s reaching 350 per hour,” said Richard Hunt, president of the Consumer Bankers Association. He said there appeared to be technical issues at the SBA similar to ones that held up processing early in the first round of funding.

PNC Financial said it has submitted 55,000 loan applications since the program reopened Monday. In a statement, the bank said that given the overall volume of applications, “it is quite possible that not every qualified applicant will receive loan proceeds under the PPP.”

The Treasury, which oversees the loan program, has come under criticism for allowing large public companies to obtain loans, some of which have been returned. Speaking at the Tuesday press conference, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said any loans approved for more than $2 million would be subject to an SBA review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586986967714.png" alt="This closed thrift store is one of thousands of business shuttered across Kansas.&nbsp; Photo by Jim McLean, Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>This closed thrift store is one of thousands of business shuttered across Kansas.&nbsp; Photo by Jim McLean, Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The government says it has approved an additional $50 billion in loans to small businesses, although banks are complaining that a bottleneck at the Small Business Administration is severely slowing the process.Banking industry groups said Tuesday that the SBA’s loan processing system is still unable to handle the heavy volume of loan applications from business owners trying to get aid under the Paychceck Protection Program, part of the government’s $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package.“Today is just another slow, frustrating slog for getting PPP loans through,” said Paul Merski, a vice president at the Independent Community Bankers of America.The government’s small business loan program was replenished with $310 billion and started taking applications again Monday. Without addressing any glitches, President Donald Trump said at a press conference with small business owners Tuesday that twice as many users had accessed the SBA’s processing system as on any day during the first round of funding, during which about 1.7 million loans totaling $349 billion were approved.At Bank of America, which submitted 184,000 applications by Monday morning and has tried sending in another 48,000 since then, only 1,000 have beeen approved, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the process.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tuesday afternoon the SBA said about 476,000 loans had been approved totaling more than $52 billion. Trump said most of the loans approved were for smaller amounts, an indication that loans were going to smaller companies. The average loan during the first round of funding was $206,000.The loans are aimed at helping small businesses retain workers or rehire those who they laid off in response to the virus outbreak. Any money from the loan used toward payroll will be forgiven. Restaurants, retailers, gyms and other businesses were forced to shut down to try to contain the virus’s spread, and other companies have seen a steep drop in revenue as customers stayed home or cut back their spending.The SBA did not immediately respond for a request for comment Tuesday on the delays. But in a memo the agency sent to banks at midday Tuesday and obtained by The Associated Press, the SBA said it would stop banks from using a system that automatically submits applications into the agency’s ETran system. Without that system, “the loan processing system will be more reliable, accessible and equitable for all businesses,” the memo said.At some banks, the change means having to manually submit the applications, a much slower process, said Nick Simpson, a spokesman for the Consumer Bankers Association. Others are able to submit applications in batches of more than 5,000, but it wasn’t known how or when the SBA would process them, he said.The $349 billion first round of funding was exhausted in less than two weeks. In this round, banks have reported that they were being allowed to submit only 350 applications an hour, if that many. Meanwhile, they have thousands on hand.“I don’t know of any bank who’s reaching 350 per hour,” said Richard Hunt, president of the Consumer Bankers Association. He said there appeared to be technical issues at the SBA similar to ones that held up processing early in the first round of funding.PNC Financial said it has submitted 55,000 loan applications since the program reopened Monday. In a statement, the bank said that given the overall volume of applications, “it is quite possible that not every qualified applicant will receive loan proceeds under the PPP.”The Treasury, which oversees the loan program, has come under criticism for allowing large public companies to obtain loans, some of which have been returned. Speaking at the Tuesday press conference, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said any loans approved for more than $2 million would be subject to an SBA review.

Gov't OKs $50B in small biz loans, banks complain of snags

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A duck boat sinking on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people two summers ago likely would not have happened if the U.S. Coast Guard had followed recommendations to improve the safety of such tourist attractions, federal safety regulators said Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety Board released the findings of its investigation into the July 2018 tragedy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">when a Ride the Ducks vehicle sank during a severe and sudden storm on Table Rock Lake</a>&nbsp;near Branson.

If the Coast Guard had followed recommendations for small passenger boats that the NTSB made after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97b6da0d8d814fbaad1516a3dacf25ef">a similar boat sank</a>&nbsp;in Arkansas in 1999, killing 13 people, the Missouri boat “likely would not have sunk,” said Brian Young, an NTSB accident investigator.

Young also said the agency’s staff believes Ride the Ducks should have suspended water operations that day because of the severe weather forecast.

Among the files released Tuesday was a letter the NTSB received from the Coast Guard agreeing that canopies and side curtains should be removed from amphibious tour vehicles known as stretch duck boats.

NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said at a telephone news conference that although the Coast Guard's recommendations don't have the force of a regulation, he's “very optimistic” the agency is committed to improving small passenger boat safety. Duck boats should not be allowed to operate again until the recommendations are fully implemented, he said.

The NTSB said one probable cause of the accident included the decision by Ripley Entertainment Inc., which purchased the Ride the Ducks attraction in 2017, to operate the lake tours despite a severe thunderstorm warning. The vessel flooded through an air intake hatch on the bow that was not weather tight.

It also blamed the Coast Guard's failure to require sufficient buoyancy in amphibious vehicles, and its failure to address emergency exits on such vehicles with fixed canopies that contributed to the sinking and loss of life. The findings echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f33ee0e1e93469daadd5f3da6bf649d">an NTSB report&nbsp;</a>released in November.

The April 15 letter from Daniel Abel, vice admiral of the Coast Guard, said the Guard agreed with an NTSB recommendation to remove canopies, side curtains and associated framing from the duck boats to improve passengers' chances of escape during emergencies.

The Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin, the first step in the process.

Ripley Entertainment has settled 31 lawsuits filed by survivors or relatives of those who died. The dead included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">nine members of one family</a>&nbsp;from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.

Spokeswoman Suzanne Smagala-Potts said Ripley Entertainment would review the NTSB report and that Ride the Ducks fully cooperated with the federal investigation.

"We remain dedicated to working with the community of Branson, and continuing our support of all those who were impacted by the accident,” Smagala-Potts said.

Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators interviewed duck boat Capt. Scott McKee the day after the accident. McKee said he took the boat into the water because radar indicated the storm was far away, but it quickly turned from calm to turbulent.

NTSB members were unable to interview McKee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97a50539272942bd9306a5937dc81cfb">because of ongoing criminal investigations</a>. McKee, of Verona, is charged with 17 counts of misconduct, negligence or inattention to duty.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/06f0918ee1904bd797d5089dabb84b70">Two Ripley executives&nbsp;</a>are also charged with misconduct and neglect.

Marcel Muise, marine accident investigator, told board members that it appeared McKee didn't have the information he needed to make a proper decision about going onto the lake. He noted that the lake was clear when McKee arrived, and the three other duck boats on the water indicated there was no cause for concern.

Some NTSB board members were skeptical, saying the National Weather Service issued the storm report in plenty of time to stop the boat from going in the water.

Ripley suspended operations of the boats after the accident and it remains unclear if they will ever return to the lake.

Robert Mongeluzzi, whose firm represents nearly two dozen people who were aboard the boat, commended the NTSB findings and said it supports the victims’ calls to prevent duck boats from ever being used again.

“Duck boats are death traps which, when flooded, become sinking coffins,” Mongeluzzi said. “The Coast Guard and duck boat industry have the blood of these Branson victims on their hands for continuing to ignore the warnings. Hopefully this time, they will listen.”

LIBERTY, Mo. -- The U.S. Coast Guard agrees that canopies and side curtains should be removed from amphibious tour vehicles known as stretch duck boats, according to documents released Tuesday following an investigation into a deadly accident two summers ago on a Missouri lake.

The National Transportation Safety Board released the findings of its investigation into the July 2018 tragedy, when a Ride the Ducks vehicle sank during a severe and sudden storm on Table Rock Lake near Branson, killing 17 of the 31 people on board.

Included among the documents released by the NTSB was a letter dated April 15 in which Daniel Abel, vice admiral of the Coast Guard, said the Guard agreed with an NTSB recommendation to modify vehicles like the one that sank in Missouri.

“The removal of canopies, side curtains, and associated framing from the DUKW fleet would improve emergency egress,” the report stated. The Coast Guard said it would issue a Marine Safety Information Bulletin, the first step in the process.

During a virtual meeting Tuesday, the NTSB repeated criticism of the Coast Guard that it issued in November, saying the agency had ignored its recommendations to improve the boats since a duck boat accident in Arkansas killed 13 people in 1999. The board said it has repeatedly urged the Coast Guard to require that the boats be upgraded to stay afloat when flooded, and to remove barriers to escape, such as canopies.

The boat's owner, Ripley Entertainment, has settled 31 lawsuits filed by survivors or relatives of those who died. The dead included nine members of one family from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.

Two Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators interviewed duck boat Capt. Scott McKee the day after the accident. McKee said radar indicated the storm was “quite a ways away,” so he took the boat into the water, but it quickly turned from calm to turbulent.

“I never expected it to get this rough,” McKee said. “Never had any — I’ve never seen it get that rough.”

McKee said he didn’t have time to tell passengers to don life jackets. He found himself in the water, struggling to survive, and someone saved him by pulling him onto the Branson Belle, another tourist boat.

NTSB members said they hadn't been able to interview McKee because of ongoing criminal investigations. McKee, of Verona, is charged with 17 counts of misconduct, negligence or inattention to duty. Two Ripley executives are also charged with misconduct and neglect.

Police say McKee didn't tell passengers to don life jackets or help them abandon ship, even after water started swamping the boat.

The NTSB acknowledged in its report that more duck boat passengers would have died if they had been wearing life jackets, because the flotation devices would have forced passengers upward and trapped them against the canopy, when they needed to swim downward to get into the water. They acknowledged that conflicts with general guidance to always wear life jackets on boats.

According to the NTSB report, the weather service had issued severe storm warnings with sufficient time to stop the boat, known as Stretch Duck 7, from going in the water. Investigators couldn't determine if McKee saw an email warning about the upcoming storm before going into the water.

Witnesses on the Branson Belle recalled the harrowing moments as the duck boat sank, with people suddenly swimming for their lives.

Deckhand Elijah Romero said he could see the waves overwhelming the boat.

"And as soon as the windows in the back of the boat dropped below the water line on the stern, the whole thing went down in 10 seconds, it was gone,” Romero told investigators. “The whole thing was under water, and we could see people floating in the water.”

NTSB investigators said quick action by Branson Belle passengers and staff saved lives.

The refurbished amphibious duck boats were a major tourist attraction in Branson for nearly 50 years, and Ripley purchased the attraction in 2017. The boats started out on land and then entered the water for a brief tour around the lake. Ripley suspended operations of the boats after the accident and it remains unclear if they will ever return to the lake.

LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — Nearly two years after 17 people died when a tourist boat sank on a Missouri lake, federal transportation safety investigators on Tuesday will release the results of an investigation into the tragedy.

<a href="https://apnews.com/444b6898aca3450eb6ac718f0bf9460f">The National Transportation Safety Board has been investigating</a>&nbsp;what caused the Ride the Ducks vehicle to sink at Table Rock Lake near Branson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">killing 17</a>&nbsp;of the 31 people on board. The boat, known as Stretch Duck 7, was unable to make it back to shore when a severe storm hit in July 2018.

The boat's owner, Ripley Entertainment, has settled 31 lawsuits filed by survivors or relatives of those who died. The dead included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">nine members of one family</a>&nbsp;from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.

In November, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f33ee0e1e93469daadd5f3da6bf649d">NTSB criticized the U.S. Coast Guard</a>&nbsp;for ignoring its recommendations to improve the boats since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97b6da0d8d814fbaad1516a3dacf25ef">duck boat accident in Arkansas</a>&nbsp;killed 13 people in 1999. The board said it has repeatedly urged the Coast Guard to require that the boats be upgraded to better stay afloat when flooded, and to remove barriers to escape, such as canopies.

That report found that a fixed canopy and closed side curtain on the Branson boat prevented passengers from escaping and likely caused more deaths.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97a50539272942bd9306a5937dc81cfb">boat’s captain</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/06f0918ee1904bd797d5089dabb84b70">two company executives</a>&nbsp;were indicted after the sinking. Curtis Lanham, the general manager at Ride the Ducks Branson, and Charles Baltzell, the operations supervisor, are charged with misconduct and neglect.

The boat's captain, Kenneth Scott McVee, of Verona, is charged with 17 counts of misconduct, negligence or inattention to duty. Investigators contend he did not tell the boat's passengers to don life jackets or help them abandon ship even after water started swamping the boat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573695624494.png" alt="Photo courtesy NTSB" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy NTSB</figcaption>
 </figure>LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — A duck boat sinking on a Missouri lake that killed 17 people two summers ago likely would not have happened if the U.S. Coast Guard had followed recommendations to improve the safety of such tourist attractions, federal safety regulators said Tuesday.The National Transportation Safety Board released the findings of its investigation into the July 2018 tragedy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">when a Ride the Ducks vehicle sank during a severe and sudden storm on Table Rock Lake</a>&nbsp;near Branson.If the Coast Guard had followed recommendations for small passenger boats that the NTSB made after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97b6da0d8d814fbaad1516a3dacf25ef">a similar boat sank</a>&nbsp;in Arkansas in 1999, killing 13 people, the Missouri boat “likely would not have sunk,” said Brian Young, an NTSB accident investigator.Young also said the agency’s staff believes Ride the Ducks should have suspended water operations that day because of the severe weather forecast.Among the files released Tuesday was a letter the NTSB received from the Coast Guard agreeing that canopies and side curtains should be removed from amphibious tour vehicles known as stretch duck boats.NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said at a telephone news conference that although the Coast Guard's recommendations don't have the force of a regulation, he's “very optimistic” the agency is committed to improving small passenger boat safety. Duck boats should not be allowed to operate again until the recommendations are fully implemented, he said.The NTSB said one probable cause of the accident included the decision by Ripley Entertainment Inc., which purchased the Ride the Ducks attraction in 2017, to operate the lake tours despite a severe thunderstorm warning. The vessel flooded through an air intake hatch on the bow that was not weather tight.It also blamed the Coast Guard's failure to require sufficient buoyancy in amphibious vehicles, and its failure to address emergency exits on such vehicles with fixed canopies that contributed to the sinking and loss of life. The findings echoed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f33ee0e1e93469daadd5f3da6bf649d">an NTSB report&nbsp;</a>released in November.The April 15 letter from Daniel Abel, vice admiral of the Coast Guard, said the Guard agreed with an NTSB recommendation to remove canopies, side curtains and associated framing from the duck boats to improve passengers' chances of escape during emergencies.The Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin, the first step in the process.Ripley Entertainment has settled 31 lawsuits filed by survivors or relatives of those who died. The dead included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">nine members of one family</a>&nbsp;from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.Spokeswoman Suzanne Smagala-Potts said Ripley Entertainment would review the NTSB report and that Ride the Ducks fully cooperated with the federal investigation."We remain dedicated to working with the community of Branson, and continuing our support of all those who were impacted by the accident,” Smagala-Potts said.Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators interviewed duck boat Capt. Scott McKee the day after the accident. McKee said he took the boat into the water because radar indicated the storm was far away, but it quickly turned from calm to turbulent.NTSB members were unable to interview McKee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97a50539272942bd9306a5937dc81cfb">because of ongoing criminal investigations</a>. McKee, of Verona, is charged with 17 counts of misconduct, negligence or inattention to duty.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/06f0918ee1904bd797d5089dabb84b70">Two Ripley executives&nbsp;</a>are also charged with misconduct and neglect.Marcel Muise, marine accident investigator, told board members that it appeared McKee didn't have the information he needed to make a proper decision about going onto the lake. He noted that the lake was clear when McKee arrived, and the three other duck boats on the water indicated there was no cause for concern.Some NTSB board members were skeptical, saying the National Weather Service issued the storm report in plenty of time to stop the boat from going in the water.Ripley suspended operations of the boats after the accident and it remains unclear if they will ever return to the lake.Robert Mongeluzzi, whose firm represents nearly two dozen people who were aboard the boat, commended the NTSB findings and said it supports the victims’ calls to prevent duck boats from ever being used again.“Duck boats are death traps which, when flooded, become sinking coffins,” Mongeluzzi said. “The Coast Guard and duck boat industry have the blood of these Branson victims on their hands for continuing to ignore the warnings. Hopefully this time, they will listen.”___-----LIBERTY, Mo. -- The U.S. Coast Guard agrees that canopies and side curtains should be removed from amphibious tour vehicles known as stretch duck boats, according to documents released Tuesday following an investigation into a deadly accident two summers ago on a Missouri lake.The National Transportation Safety Board released the findings of its investigation into the July 2018 tragedy, when a Ride the Ducks vehicle sank during a severe and sudden storm on Table Rock Lake near Branson, killing 17 of the 31 people on board.Included among the documents released by the NTSB was a letter dated April 15 in which Daniel Abel, vice admiral of the Coast Guard, said the Guard agreed with an NTSB recommendation to modify vehicles like the one that sank in Missouri.“The removal of canopies, side curtains, and associated framing from the DUKW fleet would improve emergency egress,” the report stated. The Coast Guard said it would issue a Marine Safety Information Bulletin, the first step in the process.During a virtual meeting Tuesday, the NTSB repeated criticism of the Coast Guard that it issued in November, saying the agency had ignored its recommendations to improve the boats since a duck boat accident in Arkansas killed 13 people in 1999. The board said it has repeatedly urged the Coast Guard to require that the boats be upgraded to stay afloat when flooded, and to remove barriers to escape, such as canopies.The boat's owner, Ripley Entertainment, has settled 31 lawsuits filed by survivors or relatives of those who died. The dead included nine members of one family from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.Two Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators interviewed duck boat Capt. Scott McKee the day after the accident. McKee said radar indicated the storm was “quite a ways away,” so he took the boat into the water, but it quickly turned from calm to turbulent.“I never expected it to get this rough,” McKee said. “Never had any — I’ve never seen it get that rough.”McKee said he didn’t have time to tell passengers to don life jackets. He found himself in the water, struggling to survive, and someone saved him by pulling him onto the Branson Belle, another tourist boat.NTSB members said they hadn't been able to interview McKee because of ongoing criminal investigations. McKee, of Verona, is charged with 17 counts of misconduct, negligence or inattention to duty. Two Ripley executives are also charged with misconduct and neglect.Police say McKee didn't tell passengers to don life jackets or help them abandon ship, even after water started swamping the boat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563393605763.png" alt="Rescue crews at the scene of the Duck boat accident -photo courtesy KYTV" />
 <figcaption>Rescue crews at the scene of the Duck boat accident -photo courtesy KYTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The NTSB acknowledged in its report that more duck boat passengers would have died if they had been wearing life jackets, because the flotation devices would have forced passengers upward and trapped them against the canopy, when they needed to swim downward to get into the water. They acknowledged that conflicts with general guidance to always wear life jackets on boats.According to the NTSB report, the weather service had issued severe storm warnings with sufficient time to stop the boat, known as Stretch Duck 7, from going in the water. Investigators couldn't determine if McKee saw an email warning about the upcoming storm before going into the water.Witnesses on the Branson Belle recalled the harrowing moments as the duck boat sank, with people suddenly swimming for their lives.Deckhand Elijah Romero said he could see the waves overwhelming the boat."And as soon as the windows in the back of the boat dropped below the water line on the stern, the whole thing went down in 10 seconds, it was gone,” Romero told investigators. “The whole thing was under water, and we could see people floating in the water.”NTSB investigators said quick action by Branson Belle passengers and staff saved lives.The refurbished amphibious duck boats were a major tourist attraction in Branson for nearly 50 years, and Ripley purchased the attraction in 2017. The boats started out on land and then entered the water for a brief tour around the lake. Ripley suspended operations of the boats after the accident and it remains unclear if they will ever return to the lake.------------LIBERTY, Mo. (AP) — Nearly two years after 17 people died when a tourist boat sank on a Missouri lake, federal transportation safety investigators on Tuesday will release the results of an investigation into the tragedy.<a href="https://apnews.com/444b6898aca3450eb6ac718f0bf9460f">The National Transportation Safety Board has been investigating</a>&nbsp;what caused the Ride the Ducks vehicle to sink at Table Rock Lake near Branson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">killing 17</a>&nbsp;of the 31 people on board. The boat, known as Stretch Duck 7, was unable to make it back to shore when a severe storm hit in July 2018.The boat's owner, Ripley Entertainment, has settled 31 lawsuits filed by survivors or relatives of those who died. The dead included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">nine members of one family</a>&nbsp;from Indianapolis. Other victims were from Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas.The refurbished amphibious duck boats were a major tourist attraction in Branson for nearly 50 years, and Ripley purchased the attraction in 2017. The boats started out on land and then entered the water for a brief tour around the lake. Ripley suspended operations of the boats after the accident and it remains unclear if they will ever return to the lake.In November, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f33ee0e1e93469daadd5f3da6bf649d">NTSB criticized the U.S. Coast Guard</a>&nbsp;for ignoring its recommendations to improve the boats since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97b6da0d8d814fbaad1516a3dacf25ef">duck boat accident in Arkansas</a>&nbsp;killed 13 people in 1999. The board said it has repeatedly urged the Coast Guard to require that the boats be upgraded to better stay afloat when flooded, and to remove barriers to escape, such as canopies.That report found that a fixed canopy and closed side curtain on the Branson boat prevented passengers from escaping and likely caused more deaths.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/97a50539272942bd9306a5937dc81cfb">boat’s captain</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/06f0918ee1904bd797d5089dabb84b70">two company executives</a>&nbsp;were indicted after the sinking. Curtis Lanham, the general manager at Ride the Ducks Branson, and Charles Baltzell, the operations supervisor, are charged with misconduct and neglect.The boat's captain, Kenneth Scott McVee, of Verona, is charged with 17 counts of misconduct, negligence or inattention to duty. Investigators contend he did not tell the boat's passengers to don life jackets or help them abandon ship even after water started swamping the boat.

Coast Guard, Ripley Entertainment criticized in duck boat crash

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for&nbsp;

Just after 7a.m. April 26, deputies responded to 4780 County Road 4600 for report of a 2027 Honda 4-wheeler and 2016 Honda Pioneer side-by-side, according to sheriff Ron Wade.

The owners had followed the vehicle's tracks into a business in the city of Independence. In addition, multiple community members provided tips about where the stolen vehicles had gone.

Just after 5p.m., a citizen called the sheriff's office to report two men were driving a 4-wheeler near Burns and Maple in Independence. Police located the vehicle at 1016 East Edison, according to Wade.&nbsp; Two men ran from the vehicle into a garaged where they were arrested.

Dalton Higginbothom is being held on warrants for failure to appear, theft and interference with law enforcement. Nathan Wiebelhause is being held on requested charges of possession of stolen property and interference with law enforcement, according to Wade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588023168299.png" alt="Higginbotham photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Higginbotham photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for&nbsp;Just after 7a.m. April 26, deputies responded to 4780 County Road 4600 for report of a 2027 Honda 4-wheeler and 2016 Honda Pioneer side-by-side, according to sheriff Ron Wade.The owners had followed the vehicle's tracks into a business in the city of Independence. In addition, multiple community members provided tips about where the stolen vehicles had gone.Just after 5p.m., a citizen called the sheriff's office to report two men were driving a 4-wheeler near Burns and Maple in Independence. Police located the vehicle at 1016 East Edison, according to Wade.&nbsp; Two men ran from the vehicle into a garaged where they were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588023096219.png" alt="Wiebelhaus photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Wiebelhaus photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dalton Higginbothom is being held on warrants for failure to appear, theft and interference with law enforcement. Nathan Wiebelhause is being held on requested charges of possession of stolen property and interference with law enforcement, according to Wade.

Kan. deputies follow tracks, arrest 2 for alleged theft

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman accused of repeatedly and intentionally running over and killing a man with his own car, then running down and injuring a witness who called police, has been charged in the case, authorities said.

Sasha Waloke, 32, is charged with second-degree murder, assault and two counts of armed criminal action in the Saturday night incident.

Police have said Larry Green, 68, of Kansas City, died at the scene and was the owner of the car Waloke is accused of using to kill him.

The witness who was injured, Michelle “Micaela” Hernandez, 26, told The Kansas City Star she was walking down her street to call her children for supper when she saw two men and a woman beating a man with a bat and shovel. While she was on the phone with 911, she saw the woman get into a car and repeatedly run over the man. Hernandez said the woman yelled that the man had tried to rape her, then got back in the car, chased Hernandez up a street and hit her with the car, injuring Hernandez's leg.

Waloke is being held in lieu of $200,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588089261158.png" alt="Waloke " />
 <figcaption>Waloke </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman accused of repeatedly and intentionally running over and killing a man with his own car, then running down and injuring a witness who called police, has been charged in the case, authorities said.Sasha Waloke, 32, is charged with second-degree murder, assault and two counts of armed criminal action in the Saturday night incident.Police have said Larry Green, 68, of Kansas City, died at the scene and was the owner of the car Waloke is accused of using to kill him.The witness who was injured, Michelle “Micaela” Hernandez, 26, told The Kansas City Star she was walking down her street to call her children for supper when she saw two men and a woman beating a man with a bat and shovel. While she was on the phone with 911, she saw the woman get into a car and repeatedly run over the man. Hernandez said the woman yelled that the man had tried to rape her, then got back in the car, chased Hernandez up a street and hit her with the car, injuring Hernandez's leg.Waloke is being held in lieu of $200,000 bond.

Police: KC woman ran down man, woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump took executive action Tuesday to order meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns over growing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus cases&nbsp;</a>and the impact on the nation’s food supply.

The order uses the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as critical infrastructure to try to prevent a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on supermarket shelves. Unions fired back, saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers’ health.

More than 20 meatpacking plants have closed temporarily under pressure from local authorities and their own workers because of the virus, including two of the nation’s largest, one in Iowa and one in South Dakota. Others have slowed production as workers have fallen ill or stayed home to avoid getting sick.

“Such closures threaten the continued functioning of the national meat and poultry supply chain, undermining critical infrastructure during the national emergency,” the order states.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million food and retail workers, said Tuesday that 20 food-processing and meatpacking union workers in the U.S. have died of the virus. An estimated 6,500 are sick or have been exposed while working near someone who tested positive, the union says.

As a result, industry leaders have warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb9fd324e9e3276dd56075a78223b7bb">consumers could see meat shortages</a>&nbsp;in a matter of days. Tyson Foods Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies, ran a full-page advertisement in The New York Times and other newspapers Sunday warning, “The food supply chain is breaking.”

“As pork, beef and chicken plants are being forced to close, even for short periods of time, millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the supply chain,” it read.

Tyson suspended operations at its pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa after a slew of infections, and Smithfield Foods halted production at its plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after an outbreak infected 853 workers there.

The 15 largest pork-packing plants account for 60% of all pork processed in the U.S., and the country has already seen a 25% reduction in pork slaughter capacity, according to UFCW.

A senior White House official said the administration was trying to prevent a situation in which a “vast majority” of the nation’s meat processing plants might have temporarily closed operations, reducing the availability of meat in supermarkets by as much as 80%.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the order before its release, said the White House was also working with the Labor Department to provide enhanced safety guidance for meatpacking workers. That will include trying to minimize the risk to workers who may be prone to serious complications from the virus, including strongly recommending those over the age of 65 and with preexisting conditions stay home.

The order, which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield, is designed, in part, to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick.

Trump on Tuesday said the order would address what he described as a “legal roadblock.” It will “solve any liability problems where they had certain liability problems and we’ll be in very good shape.”

But UFCW International President Marc Perrone said that more must be done to protect the safety of workers.

“Simply put, we cannot have a secure food supply without the safety of these workers,” he said in a statement, urging the administration “to immediately enact clear and enforceable safety standards” and compel companies to provide protective equipment, make daily testing available to workers, and enforce physical distancing, among other measures.

Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said the administration should have acted earlier to put safety measures in place.

“We only wish that this administration cared as much about the lives of working people as it does about meat, pork and poultry products,” he said.

And Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, which represents 3,000 workers at the JBS meat processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, said the order “will only ensure that more workers get sick, jeopardizing lives, family’s income, communities, and of course, the country’s food supply chain.”

The administration is working with companies to help them secure protective equipment, like face shields and masks, and ramp up testing, the official said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/meat-poultry-processing-workers-employers.html" target="_blank">extensive guidelines</a>&nbsp;on steps companies and workers should take.

Protecting workers can be especially challenging at plants that typically employ thousands of people who often work side-by-side carving meat, making social distancing all but impossible. Some companies have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131">been working to reduce infections</a>&nbsp;by checking workers’ temperatures, staggering breaks and altering start times. Owners said they have also done more to clean plants and added plastic shields between workstations.

When outbreaks have happened, local public health agencies have pushed in some cases for temporary closures so they can limit wider outbreaks in communities and conduct mass testing to determine who is carrying the virus. Some plants have also briefly closed for deep cleaning and to install new safety measures.

Yet concerns about working conditions persist and have led some to walk off the job. In central Minnesota, some workers at the Pilgrim’s Pride poultry plant walked out Monday night to protest the company’s record on worker safety.

Mohamed Goni, an organizer with Greater Minnesota Worker Center, said workers have complained the company is not sharing information about sick colleagues, has not implemented social distancing on the line, and that workers who were sick returned after just two or three days, and some workers who developed symptoms were not allowed to leave when they asked to go home.

“The company refused, saying there would be a shortage of workers,” Goni said, adding that 80% to 85% of the plant’s workers are Somali.

“They have other family members living with them — elderly, children, people with underlying conditions. So if one of them brings that to their homes, it’s going to be more worse and a more serious problem,” Goni said.

Cameron Bruett, head of corporate affairs for JBS USA and Pilgrim’s, said in an email that employees are never forced to work or punished for an absence due to health reasons.

“We will endeavor to keep our facilities open to help feed the nation, but we will not operate a facility if we do not believe it is safe. The health and safety of our team members remains our number one priority,” Bruett said.

In South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem has said she hopes to see a reopening plan for Smithfield this week, but sidestepped questions Tuesday about whether she agreed with Trump’s order, which might have prevented the Sioux Falls plant from shutting down if it had been in place earlier.

“We need to keep (plants) running, but we also need to protect people,” Noem said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday meant to stave off a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on American supermarket shelves because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>.

The order will use the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as critical infrastructure to keep production plants open.

The order comes after industry leaders warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb9fd324e9e3276dd56075a78223b7bb">consumers could see meat shortages</a>&nbsp;in a matter of days after workers at major facilities tested positive for the virus. A senior White House official said the administration was working to prevent a situation in which a majority of processing plants shut down for a period of time, which could lead to an 80% drop in the availability of meat in supermarkets. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the order before its release.

Trump on Tuesday told reporters that “there’s plenty of supply,” but that supply chains had hit what he called a “road block. It’s sort of a legal roadblock more than anything else,” he said.

Two of the nation’s biggest pork processing plants are currently closed. Meat processing giant Tyson Foods suspended operations at its plant in Waterloo, Iowa. And Smithfield Foods halted production at its plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The 15 largest pork-packing plants account for 60% of all pork processed in the country.

GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota had written a letter to Trump asking him to use the DPA to declare the food supply industry an essential industry, warning that consumers would see a meat shortage in a matter of days akin to the panic over toilet paper the virus created in its early days.

Tyson ran a full-page advertisement in The New York Times and other newspapers Sunday outlining the difficulty of producing meat while keeping more than 100,000 workers safe and shutting some plants.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million food and retail workers, said Tuesday that 20 U.S. food-processing and meatpacking union workers in the U.S. have died and that an estimated 6,500 are sick or have been exposed to the virus while working near someone who tested positive.

COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, has infected hundreds of workers at meat-processing plants and forced some of the largest to close and others to slow production. While the output at beef and poultry plants has diminished, pork plants in the Midwest have been hit especially hard. The viral outbreaks have persisted despite efforts by the meat companies to keep workers at home with pay if they become sick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588106235019.png" alt="President Trump during&nbsp; a celebration of American workers and small businesses Tuesday -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during&nbsp; a celebration of American workers and small businesses Tuesday -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump took executive action Tuesday to order meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns over growing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus cases&nbsp;</a>and the impact on the nation’s food supply.The order uses the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as critical infrastructure to try to prevent a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on supermarket shelves. Unions fired back, saying the White House was jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers’ health.More than 20 meatpacking plants have closed temporarily under pressure from local authorities and their own workers because of the virus, including two of the nation’s largest, one in Iowa and one in South Dakota. Others have slowed production as workers have fallen ill or stayed home to avoid getting sick.“Such closures threaten the continued functioning of the national meat and poultry supply chain, undermining critical infrastructure during the national emergency,” the order states.The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million food and retail workers, said Tuesday that 20 food-processing and meatpacking union workers in the U.S. have died of the virus. An estimated 6,500 are sick or have been exposed while working near someone who tested positive, the union says.As a result, industry leaders have warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb9fd324e9e3276dd56075a78223b7bb">consumers could see meat shortages</a>&nbsp;in a matter of days. Tyson Foods Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies, ran a full-page advertisement in The New York Times and other newspapers Sunday warning, “The food supply chain is breaking.”“As pork, beef and chicken plants are being forced to close, even for short periods of time, millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the supply chain,” it read.Tyson suspended operations at its pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa after a slew of infections, and Smithfield Foods halted production at its plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after an outbreak infected 853 workers there.The 15 largest pork-packing plants account for 60% of all pork processed in the U.S., and the country has already seen a 25% reduction in pork slaughter capacity, according to UFCW.A senior White House official said the administration was trying to prevent a situation in which a “vast majority” of the nation’s meat processing plants might have temporarily closed operations, reducing the availability of meat in supermarkets by as much as 80%.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the order before its release, said the White House was also working with the Labor Department to provide enhanced safety guidance for meatpacking workers. That will include trying to minimize the risk to workers who may be prone to serious complications from the virus, including strongly recommending those over the age of 65 and with preexisting conditions stay home.The order, which was developed in consultation with industry leaders including Tyson and Smithfield, is designed, in part, to provide companies with additional liability protections in case workers get sick.Trump on Tuesday said the order would address what he described as a “legal roadblock.” It will “solve any liability problems where they had certain liability problems and we’ll be in very good shape.”But UFCW International President Marc Perrone said that more must be done to protect the safety of workers.“Simply put, we cannot have a secure food supply without the safety of these workers,” he said in a statement, urging the administration “to immediately enact clear and enforceable safety standards” and compel companies to provide protective equipment, make daily testing available to workers, and enforce physical distancing, among other measures.Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said the administration should have acted earlier to put safety measures in place.“We only wish that this administration cared as much about the lives of working people as it does about meat, pork and poultry products,” he said.And Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, which represents 3,000 workers at the JBS meat processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, said the order “will only ensure that more workers get sick, jeopardizing lives, family’s income, communities, and of course, the country’s food supply chain.”The administration is working with companies to help them secure protective equipment, like face shields and masks, and ramp up testing, the official said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have issued&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/meat-poultry-processing-workers-employers.html" target="_blank">extensive guidelines</a>&nbsp;on steps companies and workers should take.Protecting workers can be especially challenging at plants that typically employ thousands of people who often work side-by-side carving meat, making social distancing all but impossible. Some companies have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3245fe475b5552e493cfeb288ce04131">been working to reduce infections</a>&nbsp;by checking workers’ temperatures, staggering breaks and altering start times. Owners said they have also done more to clean plants and added plastic shields between workstations.When outbreaks have happened, local public health agencies have pushed in some cases for temporary closures so they can limit wider outbreaks in communities and conduct mass testing to determine who is carrying the virus. Some plants have also briefly closed for deep cleaning and to install new safety measures.Yet concerns about working conditions persist and have led some to walk off the job. In central Minnesota, some workers at the Pilgrim’s Pride poultry plant walked out Monday night to protest the company’s record on worker safety.Mohamed Goni, an organizer with Greater Minnesota Worker Center, said workers have complained the company is not sharing information about sick colleagues, has not implemented social distancing on the line, and that workers who were sick returned after just two or three days, and some workers who developed symptoms were not allowed to leave when they asked to go home.“The company refused, saying there would be a shortage of workers,” Goni said, adding that 80% to 85% of the plant’s workers are Somali.“They have other family members living with them — elderly, children, people with underlying conditions. So if one of them brings that to their homes, it’s going to be more worse and a more serious problem,” Goni said.Cameron Bruett, head of corporate affairs for JBS USA and Pilgrim’s, said in an email that employees are never forced to work or punished for an absence due to health reasons.“We will endeavor to keep our facilities open to help feed the nation, but we will not operate a facility if we do not believe it is safe. The health and safety of our team members remains our number one priority,” Bruett said.In South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem has said she hopes to see a reopening plan for Smithfield this week, but sidestepped questions Tuesday about whether she agreed with Trump’s order, which might have prevented the Sioux Falls plant from shutting down if it had been in place earlier.“We need to keep (plants) running, but we also need to protect people,” Noem said.___---------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday meant to stave off a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on American supermarket shelves because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus</a>.The order will use the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as critical infrastructure to keep production plants open.The order comes after industry leaders warned that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cb9fd324e9e3276dd56075a78223b7bb">consumers could see meat shortages</a>&nbsp;in a matter of days after workers at major facilities tested positive for the virus. A senior White House official said the administration was working to prevent a situation in which a majority of processing plants shut down for a period of time, which could lead to an 80% drop in the availability of meat in supermarkets. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the order before its release.Trump on Tuesday told reporters that “there’s plenty of supply,” but that supply chains had hit what he called a “road block. It’s sort of a legal roadblock more than anything else,” he said.Two of the nation’s biggest pork processing plants are currently closed. Meat processing giant Tyson Foods suspended operations at its plant in Waterloo, Iowa. And Smithfield Foods halted production at its plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The 15 largest pork-packing plants account for 60% of all pork processed in the country.GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota had written a letter to Trump asking him to use the DPA to declare the food supply industry an essential industry, warning that consumers would see a meat shortage in a matter of days akin to the panic over toilet paper the virus created in its early days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587045646390.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tyson ran a full-page advertisement in The New York Times and other newspapers Sunday outlining the difficulty of producing meat while keeping more than 100,000 workers safe and shutting some plants.“As pork, beef and chicken plants are being forced to close, even for short periods of time, millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the supply chain,” it read.The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million food and retail workers, said Tuesday that 20 U.S. food-processing and meatpacking union workers in the U.S. have died and that an estimated 6,500 are sick or have been exposed to the virus while working near someone who tested positive.COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, has infected hundreds of workers at meat-processing plants and forced some of the largest to close and others to slow production. While the output at beef and poultry plants has diminished, pork plants in the Midwest have been hit especially hard. The viral outbreaks have persisted despite efforts by the meat companies to keep workers at home with pay if they become sick.

The Latest: Trump orders meat processing plants to stay open

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have made an arrest.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a possible burglary of a vacant home in the 3100 block of SE 45th Street, according to deputy Shayna Anderson.

 Deputies&nbsp;discovered evidence that indicated forced entry was made and believed that suspects were possibly still inside the residence. 

A sheriff's K9 handler made announcements into the residence which resulted in the suspect identified as Luke A. Bennett, 47, Topeka surrendering without incident.

Deputies booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on reqyested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage and violation of the governor's executive order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588017771471.png" alt="Bennett" />
 <figcaption>Bennett</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 10a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a possible burglary of a vacant home in the 3100 block of SE 45th Street, according to deputy Shayna Anderson. Deputies&nbsp;discovered evidence that indicated forced entry was made and believed that suspects were possibly still inside the residence. A sheriff's K9 handler made announcements into the residence which resulted in the suspect identified as Luke A. Bennett, 47, Topeka surrendering without incident.Deputies booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on reqyested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage and violation of the governor's executive order.

Kan. sheriff's K9 helps convince burglary suspect to surrender

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Turnout is on the upswing since the Democratic party in Kansas switched from a presidential caucus to an all-mail primary.

With several days of voting left to go, the party already had processed 138,430 ballots as of Monday evening, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article242340181.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. That is compared to a turnout of 39,266 voters in 2016, when caucus goers went for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Voters have until Saturday to get their ballots to party headquarters.

The spike in turnout occurred despite Sanders dropping out this month and endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden, the party’s presumptive nominee.

Democrats made the decision last year to drop the caucus format, which required voters to meet and split into groups. The party already was taking steps to encourage mail voting, but switched to an entirely mail-in ballot after COVID-19 raised safety concerns. Every registered Democrat in the state — more than 400,000 people — received a ballot.

“The record-breaking turnout for the 2020 Presidential Primary is testament to the growing enthusiasm and cohesion of Democrats to make Donald Trump a one-term President,” Kansas Democratic Party Chair Vicki Hiatt said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587385328985.png" alt="Democrat mail in ballot" />
 <figcaption>Democrat mail in ballot</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Turnout is on the upswing since the Democratic party in Kansas switched from a presidential caucus to an all-mail primary.With several days of voting left to go, the party already had processed 138,430 ballots as of Monday evening, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article242340181.html" target="_blank">reports</a>. That is compared to a turnout of 39,266 voters in 2016, when caucus goers went for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Voters have until Saturday to get their ballots to party headquarters.The spike in turnout occurred despite Sanders dropping out this month and endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden, the party’s presumptive nominee.Democrats made the decision last year to drop the caucus format, which required voters to meet and split into groups. The party already was taking steps to encourage mail voting, but switched to an entirely mail-in ballot after COVID-19 raised safety concerns. Every registered Democrat in the state — more than 400,000 people — received a ballot.“The record-breaking turnout for the 2020 Presidential Primary is testament to the growing enthusiasm and cohesion of Democrats to make Donald Trump a one-term President,” Kansas Democratic Party Chair Vicki Hiatt said in a statement.

Kan. democrat voter turnout up after switch to mail-in primary

TOPEKA, KAN. —Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and frequent critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, unveiled a proposal for reopening the state's economy, though such decisions rest with Kelly.

Kansas reported four additional COVID-19-related deaths Tuesday to bring the total to 124. The state had 3,491 confirmed cases, up 163 from Monday.

The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.

Wagle, who is also running for the U.S. Senate, called for reopening most Kansas businesses at half capacity. Kelly has said she will outline her plan Thursday.

Kelly issued a stay-at-home order that took effect March 30 and expires at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Wagle said stay-at-home restrictions should be retained on assisted living facilities and nursing homes, where COVID-19 outbreaks can be more lethal. She also said Kelly should permit state executive orders to expire so that county health officials can take the lead.

Wagle said that original projections of COVID-19 cases and deaths had been significantly reduced, with health officials now saying there are enough hospital and ICU beds to adequately treat those who become infected.

Public health officials say the cases and deaths have been fewer because of strong social distancing practices.

Kelly said last week that her goal is to start reopening the Kansas economy Sunday but she may not be able to do it because the state was “nowhere near” having the supplies needed for adequate coronavirus testing. The governor has said she is meeting with officials from various industries and plans to release her reopening strategy Thursday.

Before the coronavirus outbreak started, the University of Kansas Health System’s Poison Control Center averaged two calls a day. But it has been averaging three or four a day in March and April, for a 40% increase over the same time period a year ago.

Most calls are from people not following instructions when mixing and using cleaning supplies. Other calls concern children getting into cleaning supplies as they are home from school and daycare.

Dr. Steve Thornton, the center’s director, said uptick in calls is “predictable” and added that the risk going forward is people trying unproven remedies.

TOPEKA, KAN. —Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and frequent critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, unveiled a proposal for reopening the state's economy, though such decisions rest with Kelly.NEW NUMBERSKansas reported four additional COVID-19-related deaths Tuesday to bring the total to 124. The state had 3,491 confirmed cases, up 163 from Monday.The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest that people can be infected without feeling sick.REOPENING THE ECONOMYWagle, who is also running for the U.S. Senate, called for reopening most Kansas businesses at half capacity. Kelly has said she will outline her plan Thursday.Kelly issued a stay-at-home order that took effect March 30 and expires at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.Wagle said stay-at-home restrictions should be retained on assisted living facilities and nursing homes, where COVID-19 outbreaks can be more lethal. She also said Kelly should permit state executive orders to expire so that county health officials can take the lead.Wagle said that original projections of COVID-19 cases and deaths had been significantly reduced, with health officials now saying there are enough hospital and ICU beds to adequately treat those who become infected.Public health officials say the cases and deaths have been fewer because of strong social distancing practices.Kelly said last week that her goal is to start reopening the Kansas economy Sunday but she may not be able to do it because the state was “nowhere near” having the supplies needed for adequate coronavirus testing. The governor has said she is meeting with officials from various industries and plans to release her reopening strategy Thursday.FEARS OF SELF-POISONINGBefore the coronavirus outbreak started, the University of Kansas Health System’s Poison Control Center averaged two calls a day. But it has been averaging three or four a day in March and April, for a 40% increase over the same time period a year ago.Most calls are from people not following instructions when mixing and using cleaning supplies. Other calls concern children getting into cleaning supplies as they are home from school and daycare.Dr. Steve Thornton, the center’s director, said uptick in calls is “predictable” and added that the risk going forward is people trying unproven remedies.

Kan. Senate Pres. unveils plan for reopening state's economy

Mayor Peggy Ruebke -photo courtesy city of Nickerson

NICKERSON, Kan. (AP) — In the heart of Kansas and tornado country, officials in the town of Nickerson say they’re faced with the danger of an unreliable tornado siren system.

The sirens didn’t sound when the town last had a tornado threat last year, newly-elected Nickerson Mayor Peggy Ruebke&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/unreliable-mayor-residents-say-sirens-in-nickerson-fail-to-consistently-work-properly/">told&nbsp;</a>Wichita station KSN. Ruebke said the county volunteer fire department is in charge of sounding the sirens in town and that they have had some problems and malfunctions with the system. Fixing or replacing the aging siren system could cost thousands of dollars, she said.

“It needs to be addressed. We need to take care of the citizens,” Ruebke said.

The city plans to address the issue at its May council meeting, she said.

Until the system is reliable, Reno County Emergency Management suggested residents use a system the county has paid for called Everbridge that provides tornado and weather alerts. Residents can sign up using email, a landline or cellphone.

The StormTrack3 Weather App also is available for free and provides local alerts.

Residents can also use the National Weather Service or buy a weather radio, the county emergency office said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588093004939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mayor Peggy Ruebke -photo courtesy city of NickersonNICKERSON, Kan. (AP) — In the heart of Kansas and tornado country, officials in the town of Nickerson say they’re faced with the danger of an unreliable tornado siren system.The sirens didn’t sound when the town last had a tornado threat last year, newly-elected Nickerson Mayor Peggy Ruebke&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/unreliable-mayor-residents-say-sirens-in-nickerson-fail-to-consistently-work-properly/">told&nbsp;</a>Wichita station KSN. Ruebke said the county volunteer fire department is in charge of sounding the sirens in town and that they have had some problems and malfunctions with the system. Fixing or replacing the aging siren system could cost thousands of dollars, she said.“It needs to be addressed. We need to take care of the citizens,” Ruebke said.The city plans to address the issue at its May council meeting, she said.Until the system is reliable, Reno County Emergency Management suggested residents use a system the county has paid for called Everbridge that provides tornado and weather alerts. Residents can sign up using email, a landline or cellphone.The StormTrack3 Weather App also is available for free and provides local alerts.Residents can also use the National Weather Service or buy a weather radio, the county emergency office said.

Kansas town mayor says tornado sirens unreliable

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 163 to a total of 3491, the state health department reported Tuesday afternoon.

<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 163 to a total of 3491, the state health department reported Tuesday afternoon.Coronavirus deaths were reported at 124<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/2020/4/1588094211554.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>