KANSAS CITY(AP) — A Kansas City man who was prosecuted after filming two police officers who he thought were being too aggressive in their arrest of a black transgender woman is suing the city and the officers.

Roderick Reed contends in his lawsuit that the charges against him were an attempt to stop him from releasing the video of the May 2019 arrest of Breona or “Bryia” Hill by officers Matthew Brummett and Charles Prichard.

Police said Reed was arrested because he refused the officers' commands to move his car, which he had stopped in the middle of the street to record the arrest. Reed was convicted of a city ordinance violation, but Mayor Quinton Lucas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db41066b7d28cdca8aad6f3317202cbb">pardoned</a>&nbsp;him last week.

A grand jury indicted Brummett and Prichard on a misdemeanor assault charge for “recklessly causing pain” to Hill while she was handcuffed. Prosecutors cited Reed's video of the arrest when the charges were announced.

Reed said in the lawsuit, filed Friday in Jackson County Circuit Court, that he started recording the arrest after he saw an officer hit Hill. Reed, who never got out of his car, ignored officers' orders to move the vehicle and continued recording because he “believed that Hill would be killed" if he stopped.

Reed is seeking $5 million in damages for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.

Jamie Walker, Reed’s attorney, said the prosecution was obviously retaliation and suggested Reed was a Good Samaritan whom the city should have commended, not condemned.

Kansas City police spokeswoman Doaa El-Ashkar said in a statement that the police department “regrets all of the circumstances surrounding this incident” but could not comment further because of the pending litigation.

Last week, the City Council&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db41066b7d28cdca8aad6f3317202cbb">approved</a>&nbsp;an amendment to the city code that ensures witnesses aren’t barred from filming the actions of police officers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589657213001.png" alt="Image from the arrest video courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Image from the arrest video courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A Kansas City man who was prosecuted after filming two police officers who he thought were being too aggressive in their arrest of a black transgender woman is suing the city and the officers.Roderick Reed contends in his lawsuit that the charges against him were an attempt to stop him from releasing the video of the May 2019 arrest of Breona or “Bryia” Hill by officers Matthew Brummett and Charles Prichard.Police said Reed was arrested because he refused the officers' commands to move his car, which he had stopped in the middle of the street to record the arrest. Reed was convicted of a city ordinance violation, but Mayor Quinton Lucas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db41066b7d28cdca8aad6f3317202cbb">pardoned</a>&nbsp;him last week.A grand jury indicted Brummett and Prichard on a misdemeanor assault charge for “recklessly causing pain” to Hill while she was handcuffed. Prosecutors cited Reed's video of the arrest when the charges were announced.Reed said in the lawsuit, filed Friday in Jackson County Circuit Court, that he started recording the arrest after he saw an officer hit Hill. Reed, who never got out of his car, ignored officers' orders to move the vehicle and continued recording because he “believed that Hill would be killed" if he stopped.Reed is seeking $5 million in damages for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.Jamie Walker, Reed’s attorney, said the prosecution was obviously retaliation and suggested Reed was a Good Samaritan whom the city should have commended, not condemned.Kansas City police spokeswoman Doaa El-Ashkar said in a statement that the police department “regrets all of the circumstances surrounding this incident” but could not comment further because of the pending litigation.Last week, the City Council&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/db41066b7d28cdca8aad6f3317202cbb">approved</a>&nbsp;an amendment to the city code that ensures witnesses aren’t barred from filming the actions of police officers.

Man sues over arrest while filming Kansas City police

HAYSVILLE, Kan. (AP) — Volunteers have found a woman’s body alongside railroad tracks in a field south of Wichita while searching for a 23-year-old who went missing two weeks ago. 

The discovery was made Saturday near Haysville as 75 to 100 volunteers looked for Savannah Schneider in an area where her cell phone last pinged off a tower. 

The body hasn’t been identified. Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Brad Hoch said the discovery was made in the same area were the Wichita Police Department and Sheriff’s Office had searched with cadaver dogs on Tuesday.&nbsp;

On June 5, the KBI issued a statewide endangered person advisory for Schneider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591390996010.png" alt="Savanah Schneider photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Savanah Schneider photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYSVILLE, Kan. (AP) — Volunteers have found a woman’s body alongside railroad tracks in a field south of Wichita while searching for a 23-year-old who went missing two weeks ago. The discovery was made Saturday near Haysville as 75 to 100 volunteers looked for Savannah Schneider in an area where her cell phone last pinged off a tower. The body hasn’t been identified. Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Brad Hoch said the discovery was made in the same area were the Wichita Police Department and Sheriff’s Office had searched with cadaver dogs on Tuesday.&nbsp;On June 5, the KBI issued a statewide endangered person advisory for Schneider.

Body found during search for missing Kansas woman

TOPEKA – With cooperation from the community, the Topeka Police Department has
identified and made additional arrests for those identified in the&nbsp; June 1, unlawful assembly at the Law
Enforcement Center, according to police Lt. Manuel.

On June 8, 2020, detectives arrested Joshua Adam Simon, 23, of Mayetta and was booked into
the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Riot; Incitement, Criminal damage to property&nbsp; and Unlawful Assembly.

On June 11, 2020, detectives arrested Feliciano Jose Anguiano, 18, of Topeka and was booked
into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Riot; Incitement, Criminal damage to property&nbsp; and Unlawful Assembly


In addition, on June 11, 2020, detectives also arrested Brett Michael House, 19, of Topeka and
was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Riot; Incitement and Criminal damage to property

House was also arrested on June 1, 2020 and was booked into the Shawnee County Department
of Corrections for Unlawful Assembly 
Interference with Law Enforcement
Criminal Damage to Property
Disobeying Lawful Police Order

The additional arrest of House was made after further investigation by detectives and great
cooperation from our community, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591698985075.png" alt="Simon-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Simon-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – With cooperation from the community, the Topeka Police Department has
identified and made additional arrests for those identified in the&nbsp; June 1, unlawful assembly at the Law
Enforcement Center, according to police Lt. Manuel.On June 8, 2020, detectives arrested Joshua Adam Simon, 23, of Mayetta and was booked into
the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Riot; Incitement, Criminal damage to property&nbsp; and Unlawful Assembly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591994385670.png" alt="Anguiano photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Anguiano photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 11, 2020, detectives arrested Feliciano Jose Anguiano, 18, of Topeka and was booked
into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Riot; Incitement, Criminal damage to property&nbsp; and Unlawful Assembly
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591111074275.png" alt="House-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>House-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, on June 11, 2020, detectives also arrested Brett Michael House, 19, of Topeka and
was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Riot; Incitement and Criminal damage to property
House was also arrested on June 1, 2020 and was booked into the Shawnee County Department
of Corrections for Unlawful Assembly 
Interference with Law Enforcement
Criminal Damage to Property
Disobeying Lawful Police Order
The additional arrest of House was made after further investigation by detectives and great
cooperation from our community, according to Munoz.

Police arrest suspects for protest confrontation in Topeka

TOPEKA — Three people were injured in a house fire early Friday in Topeka.

Just before 9a.m., fire responded to a fire at 1828 SW Central Park Avenue, according to&nbsp;Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the two story home. 

Firefighters rescued one adult victim from the roof of the structure. Two other adults were able to self-evacuate prior to the fire departments arrival. All three victims were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A Topeka Fire Department Investigation Unit determined the fire cause to be accidental and started in the first floor kitchen.

 Estimated dollar loss – $10,000.00; of which $8,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,000.00 associated with contents loss.

Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591993790768.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the Friday morning house fire -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the Friday morning house fire -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Three people were injured in a house fire early Friday in Topeka.Just before 9a.m., fire responded to a fire at 1828 SW Central Park Avenue, according to&nbsp;Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the two story home. Firefighters rescued one adult victim from the roof of the structure. Two other adults were able to self-evacuate prior to the fire departments arrival. All three victims were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.A Topeka Fire Department Investigation Unit determined the fire cause to be accidental and started in the first floor kitchen. Estimated dollar loss – $10,000.00; of which $8,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,000.00 associated with contents loss.Working smoke detectors were not located within the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshall: 3 hospitalized after Kansas house fire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge in the nation’s capital said Friday he will work quickly to deliver a ruling in a case centered on who is eligible for coronavirus relief funding set aside for tribes.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta heard more than three hours of arguments in the case he characterized as challenging. He is deciding whether Alaska Native corporations, which are unique to the state, can receive a share of $8 billion in funding that Congress approved in March.

Numerous Native American tribes that sued the U.S. Treasury Department, which is tasked with doling out the money, say no.

Mehta earlier ruled to limit distribution to tribal governments while he took on the eligibility question.

The Treasury Department has sent $4.8 billion in payments to tribal governments based on federal population data population and has said it will start distributing the rest no later than Monday — well past the deadline set by Congress.

Attorneys in the hearing Friday picked apart the language included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and dissected the history of a federal law that gave tribes the ability to deliver services like health care, policing and housing to tribal members through federal contracts.

Attorneys representing the tribes said Congress intended the virus relief money to go to the 574 tribes that have a political relationship with the federal government. Because the corporations are not the recognized bodies of government for any tribe, they don’t qualify, they argued.

“They are not in any scenario able to compete with tribal governments for finite resources,” said Natalie Landreth.

Riyaz Kanji said Alaska Native corporations do not satisfy a clause in the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act to obtain federal contracts without authorization from the tribal governments themselves.

Department of Justice Attorney Jason Lynch disagreed and told Mehta that if the judge finds even one of dozens of regional and village corporations eligible for the funding, all must be deemed eligible.

Daniel Wolff, an attorney representing some of the corporations, pointed to one that he said delivers heath care to Alaska Natives in the Anchorage area with the blessing of Congress and without express approval from all village governments. That circumstance is rare.

“The sovereign tribal villages simply don’t have the resources to get the job done” he said. “That’s the job of ANCs, that’s why ANCs were created.”

In a related case Thursday, Mehta denied a request from a tribe in Kansas to halt further distribution of the funding for tribal nations.

The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation sued the Treasury Department earlier this month, alleging it was shortchanged in the agency’s initial distribution of funding. The tribe, whose reservation is north of Topeka, said the Treasury Department should have relied on the tribe’s own enrollment data, rather than population data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The HUD data showed the tribe had 883 citizens. The tribe argued it should have received $7.65 million dollars more based on its enrollment figure of more than 4,840.

The Treasury Department has said it used HUD data because it would correlate with the amount of money tribal governments have spent responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Tribal data doesn’t distinguish between members who live on and off reservations, the agency said.

Mehta said he had no jurisdiction over the matter because Congress gave the Treasury secretary discretion in how to distribute the funding.

“The CARES Act thus contains no ‘statutory reference point’ by which to judge the secretary’s decision to use HUD’s population data set, as opposed to some other,” Mehta wrote.

The judge also faulted the tribe for filing its lawsuit more than a month after the Treasury Department said it would use HUD data following a request for tribes to submit enrollment figures.

Carol Heckman, an attorney for the Prairie Band, said the tribe doesn’t use the HUD database and did not immediately understand the Treasury Department’s methodology. She said reports by Harvard researchers who dug into the HUD data showed the tribe it was underrepresented.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge in the nation’s capital has denied a request from a Native American tribe in Kansas to halt further distribution of coronavirus relief funds for tribal nations.

The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation recently sued the U.S. Treasury Department, alleging it was shortchanged in an initial distribution of $4.8 billion. The tribe, whose reservation is north of Topeka, said the Treasury Department should have relied on the tribe’s own enrollment data, rather than population data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Treasury Department intends to start distributing the remaining $3.2 billion from a coronavirus relief package approved in March to tribes no later than Monday.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta held a hearing Thursday on the Prairie Band’s request to keep the Treasury Department from moving forward. He ruled later that he had no jurisdiction over the matter because Congress gave the Treasury secretary discretion in how to dole out the funding.

Mehta is scheduled to hear arguments in a related case Friday. It is centered on whether Alaska Native corporations are eligible for a share of the $8 billion set aside for tribes in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that Congress approved in March.

Mehta earlier ruled to limit distribution to tribal governments while he decides the eligibility question.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586818253618.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in April.&nbsp;The Treasury Department has sent $4.8 billion in payments to tribal governments." />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and President Trump during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing in April.&nbsp;The Treasury Department has sent $4.8 billion in payments to tribal governments.</figcaption>
 </figure>FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge in the nation’s capital said Friday he will work quickly to deliver a ruling in a case centered on who is eligible for coronavirus relief funding set aside for tribes.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta heard more than three hours of arguments in the case he characterized as challenging. He is deciding whether Alaska Native corporations, which are unique to the state, can receive a share of $8 billion in funding that Congress approved in March.Numerous Native American tribes that sued the U.S. Treasury Department, which is tasked with doling out the money, say no.Mehta earlier ruled to limit distribution to tribal governments while he took on the eligibility question.The Treasury Department has sent $4.8 billion in payments to tribal governments based on federal population data population and has said it will start distributing the rest no later than Monday — well past the deadline set by Congress.Attorneys in the hearing Friday picked apart the language included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act and dissected the history of a federal law that gave tribes the ability to deliver services like health care, policing and housing to tribal members through federal contracts.Attorneys representing the tribes said Congress intended the virus relief money to go to the 574 tribes that have a political relationship with the federal government. Because the corporations are not the recognized bodies of government for any tribe, they don’t qualify, they argued.“They are not in any scenario able to compete with tribal governments for finite resources,” said Natalie Landreth.Riyaz Kanji said Alaska Native corporations do not satisfy a clause in the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act to obtain federal contracts without authorization from the tribal governments themselves.Department of Justice Attorney Jason Lynch disagreed and told Mehta that if the judge finds even one of dozens of regional and village corporations eligible for the funding, all must be deemed eligible.Daniel Wolff, an attorney representing some of the corporations, pointed to one that he said delivers heath care to Alaska Natives in the Anchorage area with the blessing of Congress and without express approval from all village governments. That circumstance is rare.“The sovereign tribal villages simply don’t have the resources to get the job done” he said. “That’s the job of ANCs, that’s why ANCs were created.”In a related case Thursday, Mehta denied a request from a tribe in Kansas to halt further distribution of the funding for tribal nations.The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation sued the Treasury Department earlier this month, alleging it was shortchanged in the agency’s initial distribution of funding. The tribe, whose reservation is north of Topeka, said the Treasury Department should have relied on the tribe’s own enrollment data, rather than population data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.The HUD data showed the tribe had 883 citizens. The tribe argued it should have received $7.65 million dollars more based on its enrollment figure of more than 4,840.The Treasury Department has said it used HUD data because it would correlate with the amount of money tribal governments have spent responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Tribal data doesn’t distinguish between members who live on and off reservations, the agency said.Mehta said he had no jurisdiction over the matter because Congress gave the Treasury secretary discretion in how to distribute the funding.“The CARES Act thus contains no ‘statutory reference point’ by which to judge the secretary’s decision to use HUD’s population data set, as opposed to some other,” Mehta wrote.The judge also faulted the tribe for filing its lawsuit more than a month after the Treasury Department said it would use HUD data following a request for tribes to submit enrollment figures.Carol Heckman, an attorney for the Prairie Band, said the tribe doesn’t use the HUD database and did not immediately understand the Treasury Department’s methodology. She said reports by Harvard researchers who dug into the HUD data showed the tribe it was underrepresented.---------FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge in the nation’s capital has denied a request from a Native American tribe in Kansas to halt further distribution of coronavirus relief funds for tribal nations.The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation recently sued the U.S. Treasury Department, alleging it was shortchanged in an initial distribution of $4.8 billion. The tribe, whose reservation is north of Topeka, said the Treasury Department should have relied on the tribe’s own enrollment data, rather than population data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.The HUD data showed the tribe had 883 citizens. The tribe argued it should have received $7.65 million dollars more based on its enrollment figure of more than 4,840.The Treasury Department has said it used HUD data because it would correlate with the amount of money tribal governments have spent responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Tribal data doesn’t distinguish between members who live on and off reservations, the agency said.The Treasury Department intends to start distributing the remaining $3.2 billion from a coronavirus relief package approved in March to tribes no later than Monday.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta held a hearing Thursday on the Prairie Band’s request to keep the Treasury Department from moving forward. He ruled later that he had no jurisdiction over the matter because Congress gave the Treasury secretary discretion in how to dole out the funding.“The CARES Act thus contains no ‘statutory reference point’ by which to judge the secretary’s decision to use HUD’s population data set, as opposed to some other,” Mehta wrote.The judge also faulted the tribe for filing its lawsuit more than a month after the Treasury Department said it would use HUD data following a request for tribes to submit enrollment figures.Carol Heckman, an attorney for the Prairie Band, said the tribe doesn’t use the HUD database and did not immediately understand the Treasury Department’s methodology. She said reports by Harvard researchers who dug into the HUD data showed the tribe it was underrepresented.Mehta is scheduled to hear arguments in a related case Friday. It is centered on whether Alaska Native corporations are eligible for a share of the $8 billion set aside for tribes in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that Congress approved in March.Mehta earlier ruled to limit distribution to tribal governments while he decides the eligibility question.

US judge says he'll rule quickly on virus funding for tribes in Kan., nationwide

NEOSHO COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Neosho County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Ronald Bigpond, 52, Chanute, was eastbound in the 2400 Block of 200th Road just east of Chanute.

The motorcycle traveled&nbsp; off the roadway to the left, continued across the railroad tracks and over turned ejecting the driver and a passenger.

&nbsp;Bigpond and&nbsp; Richard&nbsp; Standridge, 47, Chanute, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Countryside Funeral Home. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

NEOSHO COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Neosho County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Ronald Bigpond, 52, Chanute, was eastbound in the 2400 Block of 200th Road just east of Chanute.The motorcycle traveled&nbsp; off the roadway to the left, continued across the railroad tracks and over turned ejecting the driver and a passenger.&nbsp;Bigpond and&nbsp; Richard&nbsp; Standridge, 47, Chanute, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Countryside Funeral Home. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

2 Kansas men dead after motorcycle crash

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent assault and have made an arrest.

Just after 6:30 a.m. Friday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center received a non-emergency call from a 31-year old Manhattan woman reporting she had been battered a few hours earlier by another adult woman known to her, according to a media release.

Initial investigation revealed the victim received serious but non-life threatening injuries to her head resulting from blunt force trauma. She was treated in the Emergency Room at Via Christi Ascension and later released.

Further investigation by officers and detectives throughout the day led to the arrest of Ashley Nicole Wright, 26, of Manhattan. Wright is confined in the Riley County Jail on a $250,000.00 bond on requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Burglary.

Wright has previous convictions for aggravated endangerment of a child, theft, criminal damage to property and criminal use of a financial card, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592048350865.png" alt="Wright photo from an earlier arrest in Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Wright photo from an earlier arrest in Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent assault and have made an arrest.Just after 6:30 a.m. Friday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center received a non-emergency call from a 31-year old Manhattan woman reporting she had been battered a few hours earlier by another adult woman known to her, according to a media release.Initial investigation revealed the victim received serious but non-life threatening injuries to her head resulting from blunt force trauma. She was treated in the Emergency Room at Via Christi Ascension and later released.Further investigation by officers and detectives throughout the day led to the arrest of Ashley Nicole Wright, 26, of Manhattan. Wright is confined in the Riley County Jail on a $250,000.00 bond on requested charges of&nbsp;Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Burglary.Wright has previous convictions for aggravated endangerment of a child, theft, criminal damage to property and criminal use of a financial card, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Woman from Manhattan jailed for alleged attempted murder

NEW YORK (AP) — Take the stairs, not the elevator, down from your hotel room. Encourage people to bring their own food and drinks to your cookout. Use hand sanitizer after banking at an ATM. Call ahead to restaurants and nail salons to make sure staff are wearing face coverings. And no high-fives — or even elbow bumps — at the gym.

These are some of the tips <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/activities.html">in long-awaited guidance</a> from U.S. health officials about how to reduce risk of coronavirus infection for Americans who are attempting some semblance of normal life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidelines Friday, along with a second set for organizing and attending big gatherings such as includes concerts, sporting events, protests and political rallies.

But the guidelines are “not intended to endorse any particular type of event,” the CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler said in a Friday call with reporters.

The staging and attendance of such events should be in accordance with what local health officials are advising, based on much the coronavirus is spreading in a particular community, he added.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/activities.html">The guidelines </a>are long overdue, some health experts say.

Julia Marcus, an infectious disease researcher at Harvard Medical School, has likened stay-at-home suggestions to “abstinence-only” messaging and has pressed for advice to help people minimize risk. She said she was delighted by the CDC’s tips.

“I think it’s a huge step in the right direction,” Marcus said. “These guidelines are really directed toward ordinary Americans trying to make decisions about risk every day.”

But there are notable omissions. There’s nothing about precautions to take before going to church, no guidance about dating and sex and no explicit advice on a topic that some doctors say they get asked all the time: Is it OK to take the kids to visit grandparents?

“Visiting grandma is something I must address three times a week,“ said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious disease expert.

“My empathy goes out to the CDC. It’s very, very difficult to have a precise answer for every circumstance,” he added.

Stay-at-home orders, school shutdowns and business closings were followed by a national flattening in the rate of new cases. In recent weeks, many states have started reopening as they face pressure to get the pandemic-damaged economy going again. And cases are rising in nearly half the states, according to an Associated Press analysis.

The CDC has put out many sets of guidelines, including some for churches, camps, schools and transit agencies. But until now, the organization hasn’t offered specific advice to people trying to decide whether to take vacations, get their nails done, host barbecues, visit a bank or library, go out to eat or exercise at a gym.

The CDC’s director, Dr. Robert Redfield, called the new guidelines “common sense suggestions,” not mandates. State or local governments may want to reimpose stricter measures if new outbreaks occur, but that’s a call for them to make, CDC officials said.

The guidelines repeat earlier advice about wearing face coverings, especially if it’s difficult to keep at least 6 feet away from other people.

They also offers a list of questions people should consider before going out, and some things to think about in particular situations. For example, it suggests that house parties be held outside, guests be greeted with a wave instead of a hug and that everyone bring their own food and drinks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586545924801.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman demonstrates how to wear a face mask during a press briefing last month in Topeka." />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman demonstrates how to wear a face mask during a press briefing last month in Topeka.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Take the stairs, not the elevator, down from your hotel room. Encourage people to bring their own food and drinks to your cookout. Use hand sanitizer after banking at an ATM. Call ahead to restaurants and nail salons to make sure staff are wearing face coverings. And no high-fives — or even elbow bumps — at the gym.These are some of the tips <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/activities.html">in long-awaited guidance</a> from U.S. health officials about how to reduce risk of coronavirus infection for Americans who are attempting some semblance of normal life.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidelines Friday, along with a second set for organizing and attending big gatherings such as includes concerts, sporting events, protests and political rallies.But the guidelines are “not intended to endorse any particular type of event,” the CDC’s Dr. Jay Butler said in a Friday call with reporters.The staging and attendance of such events should be in accordance with what local health officials are advising, based on much the coronavirus is spreading in a particular community, he added.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/activities.html">The guidelines </a>are long overdue, some health experts say.Julia Marcus, an infectious disease researcher at Harvard Medical School, has likened stay-at-home suggestions to “abstinence-only” messaging and has pressed for advice to help people minimize risk. She said she was delighted by the CDC’s tips.“I think it’s a huge step in the right direction,” Marcus said. “These guidelines are really directed toward ordinary Americans trying to make decisions about risk every day.”But there are notable omissions. There’s nothing about precautions to take before going to church, no guidance about dating and sex and no explicit advice on a topic that some doctors say they get asked all the time: Is it OK to take the kids to visit grandparents?“Visiting grandma is something I must address three times a week,“ said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious disease expert.“My empathy goes out to the CDC. It’s very, very difficult to have a precise answer for every circumstance,” he added.Stay-at-home orders, school shutdowns and business closings were followed by a national flattening in the rate of new cases. In recent weeks, many states have started reopening as they face pressure to get the pandemic-damaged economy going again. And cases are rising in nearly half the states, according to an Associated Press analysis.The CDC has put out many sets of guidelines, including some for churches, camps, schools and transit agencies. But until now, the organization hasn’t offered specific advice to people trying to decide whether to take vacations, get their nails done, host barbecues, visit a bank or library, go out to eat or exercise at a gym.The CDC’s director, Dr. Robert Redfield, called the new guidelines “common sense suggestions,” not mandates. State or local governments may want to reimpose stricter measures if new outbreaks occur, but that’s a call for them to make, CDC officials said.The guidelines repeat earlier advice about wearing face coverings, especially if it’s difficult to keep at least 6 feet away from other people.They also offers a list of questions people should consider before going out, and some things to think about in particular situations. For example, it suggests that house parties be held outside, guests be greeted with a wave instead of a hug and that everyone bring their own food and drinks.

CDC posts long-awaited tips for minimizing everyday coronavirus risk

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld two state identity theft convictions following a decision by the nation’s highest court that makes it easier for states to prosecute immigrants who use fake Social Security numbers to secure employment. 

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in March that nothing in federal immigration law prevents states from going after immigrants who use phony documents and numbers. 

On Friday, the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed the convictions of Donaldo Morales and Ramiro Garcia. 

It backed off its earlier decision that the federal government has exclusive authority to determine whether an immigrant can work in the country.

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld two state identity theft convictions following a decision by the nation’s highest court that makes it easier for states to prosecute immigrants who use fake Social Security numbers to secure employment. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in March that nothing in federal immigration law prevents states from going after immigrants who use phony documents and numbers. On Friday, the Kansas Supreme Court affirmed the convictions of Donaldo Morales and Ramiro Garcia. It backed off its earlier decision that the federal government has exclusive authority to determine whether an immigrant can work in the country.

Kan. court upholds 2 convictions of immigrants for ID theft

PRATT – As data continues to emerge from the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is proactively putting measures in place to protect Kansas wildlife.

 Partnering with the state’s permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities, KDWPT originally advised wildlife rehabilitation permit holders to temporarily cease the release of any rehabilitated wildlife in an effort to limit potential transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to wild populations. 

With new scientific information available, KDWPT now allows the release of rehabilitated birds, reptiles and amphibians; there is currently no evidence the virus negatively affects these animals, and little to no shedding of the virus has been documented in several bird studies.

Further studies are needed to understand if and how different mammal species could be affected by the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as how this might affect human health. 

Studies documenting human to wildlife transmission are currently lacking, so KDWPT biologists stress the need to take caution until research indicates there is no danger of transmission for select species and/or staff have the ability to test mammals prior to release.

“There is evidence the virus has been transmitted from people to species like cats, dogs and mink. Models also suggest bats are at higher risk of contracting the virus from humans,” KDWPT wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting said. “These cases have been few in number, and scientists are trying to figure out how these types of transmissions occur. The concern is people transmitting the virus to animals, and the infected animals transmitting the virus back to people and/or transmitting it to more animals, hurting their populations.”

KDWPT recently issued a guidance document to all permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities outlining the department’s new wildlife handling protocol. Under the new guidelines, licensed rehabilitation facilities may continue taking in new animals as long as they have the capacity and ability to safely house mammals for an undetermined amount of time.

“To err on the side of safety is a good approach,” Dennis Dinwiddie, director of conservation and education at the Topeka Zoo and current director of the Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue said.

In his 24 years of involvement with the rescue group, Dinwiddie has seen new viruses jump from one species to another, including the West Nile outbreak in the early 2000s.

“For the first year, we were encountering West Nile in birds, and we thought birds were the only ones that were affected. Eventually, we found out that squirrels were starting to die from the virus, as well,” Dinwiddie said. “We have historical precedence to demonstrate that we need to make sure we know how it impacts our wildlife before we jump to conclusions.” 

Marty Birrell, nature interpretive supervisor for the city of Lawrence, mirrors Dinwiddie’s sentiments.

“There isn’t enough research yet,” Birrell said. “Because of that, we need to be especially cautious. We need to keep the virus from crossing into wildlife populations by avoiding exposure through people.”

Wildlife rehabilitation facilities are already seeing an increase in animal intake due to well-meaning individuals bringing in what they believe are orphaned young.

 Often in these cases, the mother is actually nearby gathering food or keeping away predators. This year, more than ever, KDWPT and rehabilitation facilities stress the need to “leave wildlife wild” in order to stay under capacity and to help the animals that are truly in need. If you’re unsure if an animal needs rescued, Birrell added that the best course of action is simply to call a rehabilitation center before removing the animal from the wild.

“When you call, rehabilitators can assess whether or not an animal is actually injured or orphaned,” Birrell said. “Based on the information we receive, we can determine if the animal needs intervention.”

“Sometimes animals are sick and harbor zoonotic diseases that can make people ill or even cause death,” Hesting said. “Sick wildlife should be reported to KDWPT; staff will make the decision to screen the animal based on symptoms.”

As with nearly all precautionary measures put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration of KDWPT’s new wildlife handling protocol will be determined by the best available data at the time. Until then, KDWPT staff will continue working with other states to determine transmission threats, obtain available testing, and communicate findings regularly with the state’s wildlife rehabilitation community.

For more on wildlife diseases, and wildlife rehabilitation in Kansas, visit <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation">https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation</a>.

For more information on COVID-19 in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJessica.Ward%40ks.gov%7C6308ca3f93734288fe7f08d7fcd95275%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637255882630743608&amp;sdata=f%2FqdQfMO%2Fl8afgQgBJ4Lw069gnjHkmXFl8mJO2qzIEI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">covid.ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://ksoutdoors.com/var/news/storage/images/kdwpt-info/news/weekly-news/6-3-20-kdwpt-and-wildlife-rehabilitators-partner-to-protect-wildlife-against-virus/kdwpt-and-wildlife-rehabilitators-partner-to-protect-wildlife-against-virus/529918-1-eng-US/KDWPT-And-Wildlife-Rehabilitators-Partner-to-Protect-Wildlife-Against-Virus_imagelarge.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPTPRATT – As data continues to emerge from the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is proactively putting measures in place to protect Kansas wildlife. Partnering with the state’s permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities, KDWPT originally advised wildlife rehabilitation permit holders to temporarily cease the release of any rehabilitated wildlife in an effort to limit potential transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to wild populations. With new scientific information available, KDWPT now allows the release of rehabilitated birds, reptiles and amphibians; there is currently no evidence the virus negatively affects these animals, and little to no shedding of the virus has been documented in several bird studies.Further studies are needed to understand if and how different mammal species could be affected by the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as how this might affect human health. Studies documenting human to wildlife transmission are currently lacking, so KDWPT biologists stress the need to take caution until research indicates there is no danger of transmission for select species and/or staff have the ability to test mammals prior to release.“There is evidence the virus has been transmitted from people to species like cats, dogs and mink. Models also suggest bats are at higher risk of contracting the virus from humans,” KDWPT wildlife disease coordinator Shane Hesting said. “These cases have been few in number, and scientists are trying to figure out how these types of transmissions occur. The concern is people transmitting the virus to animals, and the infected animals transmitting the virus back to people and/or transmitting it to more animals, hurting their populations.”KDWPT recently issued a guidance document to all permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities outlining the department’s new wildlife handling protocol. Under the new guidelines, licensed rehabilitation facilities may continue taking in new animals as long as they have the capacity and ability to safely house mammals for an undetermined amount of time.“To err on the side of safety is a good approach,” Dennis Dinwiddie, director of conservation and education at the Topeka Zoo and current director of the Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue said.In his 24 years of involvement with the rescue group, Dinwiddie has seen new viruses jump from one species to another, including the West Nile outbreak in the early 2000s.“For the first year, we were encountering West Nile in birds, and we thought birds were the only ones that were affected. Eventually, we found out that squirrels were starting to die from the virus, as well,” Dinwiddie said. “We have historical precedence to demonstrate that we need to make sure we know how it impacts our wildlife before we jump to conclusions.” Marty Birrell, nature interpretive supervisor for the city of Lawrence, mirrors Dinwiddie’s sentiments.“There isn’t enough research yet,” Birrell said. “Because of that, we need to be especially cautious. We need to keep the virus from crossing into wildlife populations by avoiding exposure through people.”Wildlife rehabilitation facilities are already seeing an increase in animal intake due to well-meaning individuals bringing in what they believe are orphaned young. Often in these cases, the mother is actually nearby gathering food or keeping away predators. This year, more than ever, KDWPT and rehabilitation facilities stress the need to “leave wildlife wild” in order to stay under capacity and to help the animals that are truly in need. If you’re unsure if an animal needs rescued, Birrell added that the best course of action is simply to call a rehabilitation center before removing the animal from the wild.“When you call, rehabilitators can assess whether or not an animal is actually injured or orphaned,” Birrell said. “Based on the information we receive, we can determine if the animal needs intervention.”“Sometimes animals are sick and harbor zoonotic diseases that can make people ill or even cause death,” Hesting said. “Sick wildlife should be reported to KDWPT; staff will make the decision to screen the animal based on symptoms.”As with nearly all precautionary measures put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration of KDWPT’s new wildlife handling protocol will be determined by the best available data at the time. Until then, KDWPT staff will continue working with other states to determine transmission threats, obtain available testing, and communicate findings regularly with the state’s wildlife rehabilitation community.For more on wildlife diseases, and wildlife rehabilitation in Kansas, visit <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation">https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Rehabilitation</a>.For more information on COVID-19 in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcovid.ks.gov%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CJessica.Ward%40ks.gov%7C6308ca3f93734288fe7f08d7fcd95275%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637255882630743608&amp;sdata=f%2FqdQfMO%2Fl8afgQgBJ4Lw069gnjHkmXFl8mJO2qzIEI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">covid.ks.gov</a>.

KDWPT and wildlife rehabilitators partner to protect wildlife against virus

COWLEY COUNTY —The City-Cowley County Health Department&nbsp; says a 14-year-old likely exposed people to coronavirus in Cowley and Sedgwick counties this week. She was at a public pool and&nbsp; a sleepover in Arkansas City, according to news release.

Kansas on Friday reported 11,047 cases of coronavirus, up 2% or 235 from Wednesday. The state health department says the number of statewide COVID-19 deaths rose by three to 243.

COWLEY COUNTY —The City-Cowley County Health Department&nbsp; says a 14-year-old likely exposed people to coronavirus in Cowley and Sedgwick counties this week. She was at a public pool and&nbsp; a sleepover in Arkansas City, according to news release.Kansas on Friday reported 11,047 cases of coronavirus, up 2% or 235 from Wednesday. The state health department says the number of statewide COVID-19 deaths rose by three to 243.

Officials: Kan. teen with virus exposed others at pool, sleepover

FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a woman.

Just before midnight Thursday, police were called to the 3300 block of Amy Street in Garden City in reference to a battery-in-progress, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga.

 Upon arrival, officers met with a woman on scene who had injuries to her body and told officers a man that was known to her identified as Jesus Garcia-Ibanez, 31, beat and strangled her.

An investigation revealed Jesus Garcia-Ibanez got into a verbal argument with the woman, and the argument escalated to the point Garcia-Ibanez allegedly began to strangle, threaten, and beat the woman, according to Urteaga.

During the struggle, GarciaIbanez reportedly took some of the woman’s belongings and damaged her property.

The woman sustained multiple injuries and was treated by St. Catherine Hospital. 

Police located and arrested Garcia-Ibanez on requested charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Kidnapping, Robbery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Criminal, Threat, and Criminal Damage. 

He is being held in the Finney County Jail, and the case has been turned over to the Finney County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591986883346.png" alt="Garcia-Ibonez" />
 <figcaption>Garcia-Ibonez</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent attack on a woman.Just before midnight Thursday, police were called to the 3300 block of Amy Street in Garden City in reference to a battery-in-progress, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga. Upon arrival, officers met with a woman on scene who had injuries to her body and told officers a man that was known to her identified as Jesus Garcia-Ibanez, 31, beat and strangled her.An investigation revealed Jesus Garcia-Ibanez got into a verbal argument with the woman, and the argument escalated to the point Garcia-Ibanez allegedly began to strangle, threaten, and beat the woman, according to Urteaga.During the struggle, GarciaIbanez reportedly took some of the woman’s belongings and damaged her property.The woman sustained multiple injuries and was treated by St. Catherine Hospital. Police located and arrested Garcia-Ibanez on requested charges of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Kidnapping, Robbery, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Criminal, Threat, and Criminal Damage. He is being held in the Finney County Jail, and the case has been turned over to the Finney County Attorney’s Office.

Police: Kansas man jailed for violent attack on a woman

First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been charged in a crash that killed a longtime Wichita radio personality. 

On Friday, 43-year-old Ray Anthony Watkins was charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence in the April 29 death of 70-year-old Don Hall, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office.

The felony carries a sentence of 3 to 14 years in prison, according to an email from District Attorney Marc Bennett.

 Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal traffic crash and have made an arrest.

Just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Rock Road, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 70-year-old Donald Hall of Wichita in critical condition and pinned inside of his vehicle.&nbsp;

Wichita Fire Department crews removed Hall from the vehicle &nbsp;and he was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson. &nbsp;Hall was a longtime Wichita radio host and Wichita State University basketball announcer, according to Hall’s employer, Entercom Communications.

The investigation revealed a 2000 Lincoln driven by Ray Watkins, 43, Wichita, was southbound on Rock Road and collided with an eastbound 2012 Lincoln that had exited onto Kellogg Drive to turn north on Rock Road.

It appears at this time that Watkins ran a red light before colliding with Hall, according to Davidson.

Based on evidence found in Watkins’ vehicle and on his person, alcohol, and drugs are believed to be a factor in the accident. &nbsp;

Watkins was contacted at the scene with minor injuries and was arrested without incident on requested charges of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.

Watkins has been previously arrested and convicted of a charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

“This is a very sad and tragic case,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said.&nbsp; “Don was a big part of the Wichita community for many years. He will be missed.&nbsp; WPD continues its thoughts and prayers for the Hall family and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588158119316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash -photo courtesy KWCHSEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been charged in a crash that killed a longtime Wichita radio personality. On Friday, 43-year-old Ray Anthony Watkins was charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence in the April 29 death of 70-year-old Don Hall, according to the Sedgwick County Attorney's office.The felony carries a sentence of 3 to 14 years in prison, according to an email from District Attorney Marc Bennett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588182421819.png" alt="Watkins photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Watkins photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure> Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal traffic crash and have made an arrest.Just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Rock Road, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 70-year-old Donald Hall of Wichita in critical condition and pinned inside of his vehicle.&nbsp;Wichita Fire Department crews removed Hall from the vehicle &nbsp;and he was pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson. &nbsp;Hall was a longtime Wichita radio host and Wichita State University basketball announcer, according to Hall’s employer, Entercom Communications.The investigation revealed a 2000 Lincoln driven by Ray Watkins, 43, Wichita, was southbound on Rock Road and collided with an eastbound 2012 Lincoln that had exited onto Kellogg Drive to turn north on Rock Road.It appears at this time that Watkins ran a red light before colliding with Hall, according to Davidson.Based on evidence found in Watkins’ vehicle and on his person, alcohol, and drugs are believed to be a factor in the accident. &nbsp;Watkins was contacted at the scene with minor injuries and was arrested without incident on requested charges of 2nd-degree murder, according to Davidson.Watkins has been previously arrested and convicted of a charge of aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.“This is a very sad and tragic case,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said.&nbsp; “Don was a big part of the Wichita community for many years. He will be missed.&nbsp; WPD continues its thoughts and prayers for the Hall family and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.”

Man charged in crash that killed longtime Kan. radio personality

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of firing a gun at police during civil unrest last week has been charged with more than 20 counts in the case. 

Television station KAKE reports that 28-year-old Henry Parker made his first appearance in court earlier this week. 

Police say he fired multiple shots at police during civil unrest on a Wichita street following protests on June 1. None of the officers was shot, but police say one officer’s helmet was hit by bullet pieces that had ricocheted near the officers. 

Parker is charged with two counts of aggravated battery of an officer, 19 counts of aggravated assault of an officer and a weapons count.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591210505871.png" alt="Wichita police camera view of the shooting" />
 <figcaption>Wichita police camera view of the shooting</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man accused of firing a gun at police during civil unrest last week has been charged with more than 20 counts in the case. Television station KAKE reports that 28-year-old Henry Parker made his first appearance in court earlier this week. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591371389592.png" alt="Parker photo Sedgwick Co" />
 <figcaption>Parker photo Sedgwick Co</figcaption>
 </figure>Police say he fired multiple shots at police during civil unrest on a Wichita street following protests on June 1. None of the officers was shot, but police say one officer’s helmet was hit by bullet pieces that had ricocheted near the officers. Parker is charged with two counts of aggravated battery of an officer, 19 counts of aggravated assault of an officer and a weapons count.

Kan. man charged with firing on officers during protest march violence

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. Friday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Gage Thomas Phelps, 41, Joplin, was eastbound on U.S. 166 one mile east of U.S. 400. 

The Chevy crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 1999 International semi driven by Jeremy L. Johnston, 40, Winfield, Missouri.

Phelps was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. EMS transported Johnston to the hospital in Joplin.

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

CHEROKEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. Friday in Cherokee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Gage Thomas Phelps, 41, Joplin, was eastbound on U.S. 166 one mile east of U.S. 400. The Chevy crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 1999 International semi driven by Jeremy L. Johnston, 40, Winfield, Missouri.Phelps was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. EMS transported Johnston to the hospital in Joplin.Phelps was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man dies after head-on crash with semi in Kansas 

SUMNER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office have identified the woman whose body was recovered from the Ninnescah River.

Pending DNA confirmation, authorities have identified the victim as 27-year-old Shalan Niccole Gannon, of Wichita, according to a media release from the KBI.

Gannon was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department on April 11.

On the afternoon of Sunday, June 7, Sumner County emergency personnel recovered Gannon’s body in the Ninnescah River near 130th Avenue North and North West Road, after a fisherman called 911 to report the discovery.

The Wichita Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Butler County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting the KBI and Sumner County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Wichita - Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591985077348.png" alt="Shalan Niccole Gannon" />
 <figcaption>Shalan Niccole Gannon</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI, and the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office have identified the woman whose body was recovered from the Ninnescah River.Pending DNA confirmation, authorities have identified the victim as 27-year-old Shalan Niccole Gannon, of Wichita, according to a media release from the KBI.Gannon was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department on April 11.On the afternoon of Sunday, June 7, Sumner County emergency personnel recovered Gannon’s body in the Ninnescah River near 130th Avenue North and North West Road, after a fisherman called 911 to report the discovery.The Wichita Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Butler County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting the KBI and Sumner County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Wichita - Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111.

KBI IDs body found in river as missing Kansas woman

By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/tax-backed-sports-complex-western-kansas-hold-over-devlopers-lawsuit">Kansas News Service</a>

GARDEN CITY — A legal dispute between two 
business partners has stalled the construction of a sports complex 
partially funded by $25.4 million in sales tax money.

That fight over finances, and the pending lawsuit it spawned, could jeopardize the completion of <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/kansas-bets-wrestling-tournaments-pickleball-and-trampolines-25-million-bonds">Sports of the World</a>.
 The project is financed by Kansas Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, or STAR 
bonds, and championed as a regional tourist draw for western Kansas.

“It’s
 currently on hold pending the kind of resolution of some litigation 
between the two ... partners that are involved in the Sports of the 
World project,” said Bob North, the chief counsel for the Kansas 
Department of Commerce.

Payments to the development company 
building Sports of the World, GC Investments Inc., have also stopped, 
said Garden City Manager Matt Allen.

“We’ve temporarily suspended
 reimbursement of the project until we get some word otherwise from the 
two parties of GC Investments Inc. and through their attorneys,” Allen 
said.

GC Investments estimated that the sports complex would be 
built by late 2021. But the lawsuit between the developers leaves the 
project hanging in the balance. Despite the delays, state and local 
officials say they’re optimistic that one of two partners will complete 
the complex — although it’s not certain that either partner will do so.

The
 sports complex has been touted as a way to draw visitors from Texas, 
Oklahoma and Colorado with indoor soccer fields, a trampoline park and 
volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. The developers and the 
state commerce department estimate that the complex will see more than 
one million visitors a year.

In October 2019, the commerce 
department approved another STAR bond proposal for a sports complex in 
Overland Park. Up to $66 million in bonds could be issued for the 
project, which is projected to bring in 1.7 to 2.5 million new visitors 
to the city annually, according to the 2019 STAR Bond Annual <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-STAR-Bonds-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf">Report</a>.

On
 April 13, CAIRO of Western Kansas — a business registered with Garden 
City resident Cecil O’Brate — filed a lawsuit against Amro Samy and his 
construction company American Warrior Construction. Both O’Brate and 
Samy own GC Investments and share ownership of several additional 
companies named in the lawsuit.

In the lawsuit, CAIRO accuses 
Samy of making “unauthorized payments” to American Warrior Construction 
from their jointly owned businesses. It also claims the construction 
company charged “an additional percentage on top of the invoices” sent 
to businesses Samy jointly owns with CAIRO. The business is asking for a
 judgment against Samy of more than $75,000.

CAIRO’s attorney’s 
office said it cannot comment on pending litigation. Calls to Samy and 
his attorneys were not returned. An American Warrior Construction 
employee said Samy was not commenting on anything related to Sports of 
the World.

American Warrior Construction held a groundbreaking 
ceremony for Sports of the World in November 2019. It drew Gov. Laura 
Kelly, Commerce Secretary David Toland, the Finney County Economic 
Development Corporation and county and local officials.

Between 
March 2019 and February 2020, GC Investments submitted $6.6 million in 
disbursement requests to the City of Garden City. The bulk of the costs 
were tied to construction done by American Warrior Construction. The 
construction company last shared a Sports of the World construction 
update on its Facebook page in February.

According to a 
Certificate of Project Costs maintained by Garden City, $18.7 million in
 STAR bond funding remains. If GC Investments defaults on the <a href="https://npr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy/sites/kcur/files/sports_of_the_world_-_development_agreement__signed_.pdf">development agreement</a>, it could be on the hook for the STAR bond money that it already spent if the city pursued legal action.

“However,
 at this point, GC Investments Inc. is still an active entity and both 
partners that make up the corporation have indicated to us a desire to 
complete the project,” Allen said in an email. He also estimates that 
site preparation work stopped in March.

North anticipates that 
one of the development partners will continue building the complex. In 
an email North said, “Right now it appears a default is unlikely.”

“Both
 the principals and their companies have a solid reputation, and that’s 
why the project was approved in the first place,” he said. “We look 
forward to working with whichever entity it’s decided is going to 
complete the project.”

If that doesn’t happen, the commerce department will look for another developer.

“But
 the important thing from the state’s perspective is that there will be a
 developer and the project will be able to go forward,” the state 
commerce official said.

Garden City Mayor Troy Unruh said he wasn’t aware the project had been suspended.

“The
 city does hold the funds for the STAR (Bond) district, and then they 
can only release them based upon reviewed and approved expenditures,” 
Unruh said. “So I do think we have good oversight in place.”

Architectural and engineering work has been done and dirt has been hauled to the site.

In
 the past, lawmakers have raised concerns about STAR Bond oversight. A 
new law went into effect last year that requires the commerce department
 to list state programs that issue more than $50,000 in economic 
development funds — though it doesn’t yet include STAR Bonds.

Between 2021 and 2023, the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit will <a href="https://www.kslpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Eco-Devo-Audit-Proposal.pdf">evaluate</a> some economic development incentive programs. STAR bonds is one of nine programs on the list.

North said projects have been delayed before, but not due to a legal dispute.

“I
 can’t think of a circumstance that is identical to this one, but 
definitely there have been other projects that have had delays,” he 
said. In past cases, he said, “either there’s difficulty getting 
financing or one of the component developers might have backed out of 
the project.”

Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer"> @corinne_boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591983669715.png" alt=" The Sports of the World site in Garden City, Kansas. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> The Sports of the World site in Garden City, Kansas. Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CORINNE BOYER <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/tax-backed-sports-complex-western-kansas-hold-over-devlopers-lawsuit">Kansas News Service</a>GARDEN CITY — A legal dispute between two 
business partners has stalled the construction of a sports complex 
partially funded by $25.4 million in sales tax money.That fight over finances, and the pending lawsuit it spawned, could jeopardize the completion of <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/kansas-bets-wrestling-tournaments-pickleball-and-trampolines-25-million-bonds">Sports of the World</a>.
 The project is financed by Kansas Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, or STAR 
bonds, and championed as a regional tourist draw for western Kansas.“It’s
 currently on hold pending the kind of resolution of some litigation 
between the two ... partners that are involved in the Sports of the 
World project,” said Bob North, the chief counsel for the Kansas 
Department of Commerce.Payments to the development company 
building Sports of the World, GC Investments Inc., have also stopped, 
said Garden City Manager Matt Allen.“We’ve temporarily suspended
 reimbursement of the project until we get some word otherwise from the 
two parties of GC Investments Inc. and through their attorneys,” Allen 
said.GC Investments estimated that the sports complex would be 
built by late 2021. But the lawsuit between the developers leaves the 
project hanging in the balance. Despite the delays, state and local 
officials say they’re optimistic that one of two partners will complete 
the complex — although it’s not certain that either partner will do so.The
 sports complex has been touted as a way to draw visitors from Texas, 
Oklahoma and Colorado with indoor soccer fields, a trampoline park and 
volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts. The developers and the 
state commerce department estimate that the complex will see more than 
one million visitors a year.In October 2019, the commerce 
department approved another STAR bond proposal for a sports complex in 
Overland Park. Up to $66 million in bonds could be issued for the 
project, which is projected to bring in 1.7 to 2.5 million new visitors 
to the city annually, according to the 2019 STAR Bond Annual <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2019-STAR-Bonds-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf">Report</a>.On
 April 13, CAIRO of Western Kansas — a business registered with Garden 
City resident Cecil O’Brate — filed a lawsuit against Amro Samy and his 
construction company American Warrior Construction. Both O’Brate and 
Samy own GC Investments and share ownership of several additional 
companies named in the lawsuit.In the lawsuit, CAIRO accuses 
Samy of making “unauthorized payments” to American Warrior Construction 
from their jointly owned businesses. It also claims the construction 
company charged “an additional percentage on top of the invoices” sent 
to businesses Samy jointly owns with CAIRO. The business is asking for a
 judgment against Samy of more than $75,000.CAIRO’s attorney’s 
office said it cannot comment on pending litigation. Calls to Samy and 
his attorneys were not returned. An American Warrior Construction 
employee said Samy was not commenting on anything related to Sports of 
the World.American Warrior Construction held a groundbreaking 
ceremony for Sports of the World in November 2019. It drew Gov. Laura 
Kelly, Commerce Secretary David Toland, the Finney County Economic 
Development Corporation and county and local officials.Between 
March 2019 and February 2020, GC Investments submitted $6.6 million in 
disbursement requests to the City of Garden City. The bulk of the costs 
were tied to construction done by American Warrior Construction. The 
construction company last shared a Sports of the World construction 
update on its Facebook page in February.According to a 
Certificate of Project Costs maintained by Garden City, $18.7 million in
 STAR bond funding remains. If GC Investments defaults on the <a href="https://npr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy/sites/kcur/files/sports_of_the_world_-_development_agreement__signed_.pdf">development agreement</a>, it could be on the hook for the STAR bond money that it already spent if the city pursued legal action.“However,
 at this point, GC Investments Inc. is still an active entity and both 
partners that make up the corporation have indicated to us a desire to 
complete the project,” Allen said in an email. He also estimates that 
site preparation work stopped in March.North anticipates that 
one of the development partners will continue building the complex. In 
an email North said, “Right now it appears a default is unlikely.”“Both
 the principals and their companies have a solid reputation, and that’s 
why the project was approved in the first place,” he said. “We look 
forward to working with whichever entity it’s decided is going to 
complete the project.”If that doesn’t happen, the commerce department will look for another developer.“But
 the important thing from the state’s perspective is that there will be a
 developer and the project will be able to go forward,” the state 
commerce official said.Garden City Mayor Troy Unruh said he wasn’t aware the project had been suspended.“The
 city does hold the funds for the STAR (Bond) district, and then they 
can only release them based upon reviewed and approved expenditures,” 
Unruh said. “So I do think we have good oversight in place.”Architectural and engineering work has been done and dirt has been hauled to the site.In
 the past, lawmakers have raised concerns about STAR Bond oversight. A 
new law went into effect last year that requires the commerce department
 to list state programs that issue more than $50,000 in economic 
development funds — though it doesn’t yet include STAR Bonds.Between 2021 and 2023, the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit will <a href="https://www.kslpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Eco-Devo-Audit-Proposal.pdf">evaluate</a> some economic development incentive programs. STAR bonds is one of nine programs on the list.North said projects have been delayed before, but not due to a legal dispute.“I
 can’t think of a circumstance that is identical to this one, but 
definitely there have been other projects that have had delays,” he 
said. In past cases, he said, “either there’s difficulty getting 
financing or one of the component developers might have backed out of 
the project.”Corinne Boyer covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/Corinne_Boyer"> @corinne_boyer</a> or email cboyer@hppr.org.