FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating child sex crimes and asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;24-year-old Keishawn Juan Myers. 

According to a social media report from Dodge City police, an arrest warrant has been issued for Myers on multiple charges of crimes against a child, including Rape of a Child Under 14 years of age.&nbsp;

Anyone with information on Myers is asked to contact police.You can also text an anonymous tip via our Tip411 app, text keyword DCPD to 847411.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590520255946.png" alt="Myers photo Dodge City Police" />
 <figcaption>Myers photo Dodge City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating child sex crimes and asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;24-year-old Keishawn Juan Myers. According to a social media report from Dodge City police, an arrest warrant has been issued for Myers on multiple charges of crimes against a child, including Rape of a Child Under 14 years of age.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590520380283.png" alt="Myers-photo Dodge City police" />
 <figcaption>Myers-photo Dodge City police</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone with information on Myers is asked to contact police.You can also text an anonymous tip via our Tip411 app, text keyword DCPD to 847411.All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Police ask for help to locate SW Kan. child sex crimes suspect

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A leading Republican candidate for an open U.S. Senate seat in Kansas wants to be listed as Roger “Doc” Marshall on the ballot. The secretary of state’s office has denied his request, and a state board will decide whether “Doc” is an nifty nickname or a prohibited professional title.

Marshall, a two-term congressman representing western and central Kansas, is running in a crowded GOP primary field. He’s also an obstetrician who’s treated coronavirus pandemic patients.

Staffers frequently refer to him as “Doc,” as do relatives and friends. His campaign argues it’s a nickname.

Kansas law allows candidates to list nicknames on the ballot. Incumbent Kansas House members won re-election in 2018 as Dennis “Boog” Highberger of Lawrence, and Vic “T-Bone” Miller of Topeka.

But Kansas law generally does not allow candidates to list titles on the ballot, to avoid giving them an advantage because of their professions or because they’re incumbents. Spokeswoman Katie Koupal said the secretary of state’s office cited that rule in denying Marshall’s request by email Thursday.

The matter goes next to the State Objections Board, which is the secretary of state, attorney general and lieutenant governor. Its meeting has not been scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590273109900.png" alt="Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate. From right to left: U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, businessman Bob Hamilton, former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, state Senate President Susan Wagle and former football player Dave Lindstrom. photo by Jim McLean / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate. From right to left: U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, businessman Bob Hamilton, former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, state Senate President Susan Wagle and former football player Dave Lindstrom. photo by Jim McLean / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A leading Republican candidate for an open U.S. Senate seat in Kansas wants to be listed as Roger “Doc” Marshall on the ballot. The secretary of state’s office has denied his request, and a state board will decide whether “Doc” is an nifty nickname or a prohibited professional title.Marshall, a two-term congressman representing western and central Kansas, is running in a crowded GOP primary field. He’s also an obstetrician who’s treated coronavirus pandemic patients.Staffers frequently refer to him as “Doc,” as do relatives and friends. His campaign argues it’s a nickname.Kansas law allows candidates to list nicknames on the ballot. Incumbent Kansas House members won re-election in 2018 as Dennis “Boog” Highberger of Lawrence, and Vic “T-Bone” Miller of Topeka.But Kansas law generally does not allow candidates to list titles on the ballot, to avoid giving them an advantage because of their professions or because they’re incumbents. Spokeswoman Katie Koupal said the secretary of state’s office cited that rule in denying Marshall’s request by email Thursday.Marshall can appeal, and he did Friday.The matter goes next to the State Objections Board, which is the secretary of state, attorney general and lieutenant governor. Its meeting has not been scheduled.

Marshall fights to be 'Doc' on ballot for Kansas Senate race

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a deadly shooting are reporting the death of a second victim.

Just after 5p.m. May 21, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex near N. West Street and W. 13th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old Earnest Jefferson with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Jefferson was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;

Police also located&nbsp; 19-year-old Jahbreel Rounds in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died on Monday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

At approximately 5:40 p.m. Thursday, 18-year-old Preston Reynolds arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.&nbsp;&nbsp; Reynolds was treated and released from the hospital and booked into jail, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that 20-year-old Missy Barber and Reynolds drove to the apartment complex to conduct a drug transaction with Jefferson and Rounds.&nbsp;

While they were in a vehicle in the parking lot, a disturbance occurred, and shots were fired, injuring Jefferson,&nbsp; Rounds and Reynolds.&nbsp; Reynolds and Barber left the scene in the vehicle.

Investigators were able to learn of Barber’s involvement in the incident. She was located at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of South Glenn and arrested without incident.

Barber and Reynolds are being held on requested charges&nbsp; of 1st-degree murder and aggravated battery, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590164086715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reynolds photo Sedgwick CountySEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a deadly shooting are reporting the death of a second victim.Just after 5p.m. May 21, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex near N. West Street and W. 13th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old Earnest Jefferson with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Jefferson was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;Police also located&nbsp; 19-year-old Jahbreel Rounds in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died on Monday, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.At approximately 5:40 p.m. Thursday, 18-year-old Preston Reynolds arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.&nbsp;&nbsp; Reynolds was treated and released from the hospital and booked into jail, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590164510351.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BarberThe investigation revealed that 20-year-old Missy Barber and Reynolds drove to the apartment complex to conduct a drug transaction with Jefferson and Rounds.&nbsp;While they were in a vehicle in the parking lot, a disturbance occurred, and shots were fired, injuring Jefferson,&nbsp; Rounds and Reynolds.&nbsp; Reynolds and Barber left the scene in the vehicle.Investigators were able to learn of Barber’s involvement in the incident. She was located at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of South Glenn and arrested without incident.Barber and Reynolds are being held on requested charges&nbsp; of 1st-degree murder and aggravated battery, according to Davidson.

Police: Kansas teen dies after drug-deal shooting

BARTON COUNTy — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Saturday, an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of Washington for an equipment violation on a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, according to a media release.

During the stop, Police Service Dog Menta was deployed and conducted a free air sniff around the exterior of the vehicle and indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, and a substantial amount of controlled substances including over 30 individual packages of marijuana, wax, edibles and drug paraphernalia were located.

Police arrested Eduardo Jimenez, 25;&nbsp; Angel Romero, 22; and Jason Kurtz, 38, and transported them to the Barton County Jail. They are being held on a $300,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590504661071.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eduardo JimenezBARTON COUNTy — Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 5:30 p.m. Saturday, an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of Washington for an equipment violation on a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, according to a media release.During the stop, Police Service Dog Menta was deployed and conducted a free air sniff around the exterior of the vehicle and indicated to the presence of illegal narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590504710902.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Angel RomeroA search of the vehicle was conducted, and a substantial amount of controlled substances including over 30 individual packages of marijuana, wax, edibles and drug paraphernalia were located.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590504735294.png" alt="Kurtz -photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Kurtz -photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested Eduardo Jimenez, 25;&nbsp; Angel Romero, 22; and Jason Kurtz, 38, and transported them to the Barton County Jail. They are being held on a $300,000 bond.

Police K9 helps capture 3 with drugs in Great Bend

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is recommending voluntary 14-day self-quarantine for those Kansans who traveled to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, over the Memorial Day weekend and did not use protective measures, such as social distancing and face masks.&nbsp;

Over the holiday weekend, large crowds were reported at the Lake of the Ozarks with no protective practices being followed.

“The reckless behavior displayed during this weekend risks setting our community back substantially for the progress we’ve already made in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “If you traveled to Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend, we urge you to act responsibly and self-quarantine to protect your neighbors, co-workers and family.”

While Lake of the Ozarks is not currently on the mandated travel list, KDHE urges those who traveled over the Memorial Day weekend to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return to Kansas.

The areas on the mandated travel advisory include

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic didn't stop people from packing the central Missouri vacation hot spot of the Lake of the Ozarks for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, despite state social distancing orders.

Crowds flooded some bars and restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks, which attracts Missouri residents, as well as people in surrounding states, including Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas and Iowa.

One video&nbsp;posted on social media shows a crammed pool where people lounged close together without masks.

Camden County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Chris Twitchell on Sunday said the typically crowded resort region has been even busier than normal this year. He said people with second houses on the lake moved in a few months ago to quarantine there, plus Memorial Day vacationers too worried to travel by airplane flocked to the mid-Missouri region instead.

“Our normal holiday weekend without all this COVID is ridiculously crazy,” Twitchell said. “So add COVID to it and all the people influxing down here to get away from everywhere else, (and) it just adds more to it. It’s a perfect storm.”

Missouri’s statewide stay-at-home order expired earlier this month, but an order from the state health director requires 6-foot social distancing until at least the end of May.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/economic-reopening.pdf">order</a>&nbsp;leaves it up to local and state health officials to enforce social distancing.

It’s unclear what steps Lake of the Ozarks-area health officials are taking to enforce that order. Associated Press requests for comment left with local health departments were not immediately returned Sunday.

Twitchell said the Camden County Sheriff's Department is struggling to keep up with an increase of reported crime because of the surge of people. He said there's no way the department has enough deputies to enforce social distancing on top of that.

“We’ve had such an influx of people down here at the lake, we’re just overwhelmed,” he said.

Since the pandemic first hit Missouri, the state health department has reported 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Camden County and four in Miller County, which cover some of the Lake of the Ozarks area.

In total, the health department reported that the virus has sickened at least 11,988 people, up 236 cases compared to what was reported Saturday. The confirmed death toll is 681, up from 676 reported deaths Saturday.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590412088066.png" alt="Snapchat video of the crowds at Lake of the Ozarks" />
 <figcaption>Snapchat video of the crowds at Lake of the Ozarks</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is recommending voluntary 14-day self-quarantine for those Kansans who traveled to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, over the Memorial Day weekend and did not use protective measures, such as social distancing and face masks.&nbsp;Over the holiday weekend, large crowds were reported at the Lake of the Ozarks with no protective practices being followed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590504469923.png" alt="Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary</figcaption>
 </figure>“The reckless behavior displayed during this weekend risks setting our community back substantially for the progress we’ve already made in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “If you traveled to Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend, we urge you to act responsibly and self-quarantine to protect your neighbors, co-workers and family.”While Lake of the Ozarks is not currently on the mandated travel list, KDHE urges those who traveled over the Memorial Day weekend to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return to Kansas.The areas on the mandated travel advisory include<ol>
 <li>Connecticut</li><li>Illinois</li><li>Maryland</li><li>Massachusetts</li><li>Rhode Island</li><li>New Jersey</li><li>New York</li><li>Been on a cruise ship or river cruise</li><li>Traveled internationally</li>
 </ol>-------COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic didn't stop people from packing the central Missouri vacation hot spot of the Lake of the Ozarks for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, despite state social distancing orders.Crowds flooded some bars and restaurants at the Lake of the Ozarks, which attracts Missouri residents, as well as people in surrounding states, including Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas and Iowa.One video&nbsp;posted on social media shows a crammed pool where people lounged close together without masks.Camden County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Chris Twitchell on Sunday said the typically crowded resort region has been even busier than normal this year. He said people with second houses on the lake moved in a few months ago to quarantine there, plus Memorial Day vacationers too worried to travel by airplane flocked to the mid-Missouri region instead.“Our normal holiday weekend without all this COVID is ridiculously crazy,” Twitchell said. “So add COVID to it and all the people influxing down here to get away from everywhere else, (and) it just adds more to it. It’s a perfect storm.”Missouri’s statewide stay-at-home order expired earlier this month, but an order from the state health director requires 6-foot social distancing until at least the end of May.The&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/economic-reopening.pdf">order</a>&nbsp;leaves it up to local and state health officials to enforce social distancing.It’s unclear what steps Lake of the Ozarks-area health officials are taking to enforce that order. Associated Press requests for comment left with local health departments were not immediately returned Sunday.Twitchell said the Camden County Sheriff's Department is struggling to keep up with an increase of reported crime because of the surge of people. He said there's no way the department has enough deputies to enforce social distancing on top of that.“We’ve had such an influx of people down here at the lake, we’re just overwhelmed,” he said.Since the pandemic first hit Missouri, the state health department has reported 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Camden County and four in Miller County, which cover some of the Lake of the Ozarks area.In total, the health department reported that the virus has sickened at least 11,988 people, up 236 cases compared to what was reported Saturday. The confirmed death toll is 681, up from 676 reported deaths Saturday.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

KDHE urges self-quarantine if you traveled to Lake of the Ozarks

NEW YORK (AP) — The trading floor of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>&nbsp;Stock Exchange opened Tuesday for the first time in two months, but its controlled chaos will be more subdued.

The floor, known worldwide for the anarchic atmosphere of traders shouting orders over one another, has been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak. The NYSE says fewer traders will be on the floor at a given time in order to support six-feet social distancing requirements. They also must wear masks, so no “verbal interest” orders will be allowed.

Anyone entering the Exchange at 11 Wall Street is also being asked to avoid public transportation and will have their temperature taken before entry, said Stacey Cunningham, president of the NYSE.

“We will respect the sacrifices of frontline workers and the city at large by proceeding cautiously, limiting the strain on the health-care system and the risk to those who work beneath our roof,” Cunningham wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

Cunningham said most of the areas outside of the trading floor will remain empty and the majority of employees will continue to work remotely.

Designated market makers, which oversee the trading of the NYSE's 2,200 listed companies, will continue to do so remotely and electronically as they have been since March 23.

The reopening comes at a time when many areas of the U.S. are starting to lift shelter-in-place orders and allowing businesses to open their doors again even as other areas of the country are seeing no drop-off in confirmed coronavirus cases.

On Tuesday, however, the World Health Organization said that the world remains mired in only the first stage of the pandemic, putting a damper on hopes for a speedy global economic rebound.

Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 5.5 million people, killing over 346,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Europe has had about 170,000 deaths and the U.S. has seen nearly 100,000. Experts say the tally understates the real effects of the pandemic due to counting issues in many nations.

The NYSE is owned by Intercontinental Exchange, based in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia">Georgia</a>.

NEW YORK (AP) — The trading floor of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>&nbsp;Stock Exchange opened Tuesday for the first time in two months, but its controlled chaos will be more subdued.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590499965471.png" alt="New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rang the opening bell Tuesday -image courtesy New York Stock Exchange." />
 <figcaption>New York Governor Andrew Cuomo rang the opening bell Tuesday -image courtesy New York Stock Exchange.</figcaption>
 </figure>The floor, known worldwide for the anarchic atmosphere of traders shouting orders over one another, has been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus outbreak. The NYSE says fewer traders will be on the floor at a given time in order to support six-feet social distancing requirements. They also must wear masks, so no “verbal interest” orders will be allowed.Anyone entering the Exchange at 11 Wall Street is also being asked to avoid public transportation and will have their temperature taken before entry, said Stacey Cunningham, president of the NYSE.“We will respect the sacrifices of frontline workers and the city at large by proceeding cautiously, limiting the strain on the health-care system and the risk to those who work beneath our roof,” Cunningham wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.Cunningham said most of the areas outside of the trading floor will remain empty and the majority of employees will continue to work remotely.Designated market makers, which oversee the trading of the NYSE's 2,200 listed companies, will continue to do so remotely and electronically as they have been since March 23.The reopening comes at a time when many areas of the U.S. are starting to lift shelter-in-place orders and allowing businesses to open their doors again even as other areas of the country are seeing no drop-off in confirmed coronavirus cases.On Tuesday, however, the World Health Organization said that the world remains mired in only the first stage of the pandemic, putting a damper on hopes for a speedy global economic rebound.Worldwide, the virus has infected nearly 5.5 million people, killing over 346,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Europe has had about 170,000 deaths and the U.S. has seen nearly 100,000. Experts say the tally understates the real effects of the pandemic due to counting issues in many nations.The NYSE is owned by Intercontinental Exchange, based in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia">Georgia</a>.

Trading floor reopens at NYSE but under new rules

MCDONALD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in a weekend accident in McDonald County Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by Albert W. Gunn, 59, Paola, was traveling over rough terrain on&nbsp; private property at Rush Creek Ranch ATV park eight miles east of Jane, Missouri.

EMS transported Gunn to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

MCDONALD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in a weekend accident in McDonald County Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris ATV driven by Albert W. Gunn, 59, Paola, was traveling over rough terrain on&nbsp; private property at Rush Creek Ranch ATV park eight miles east of Jane, Missouri.The ATV struck a rock and overturned. EMS transported Gunn to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man dies after ATV crash at park in Missouri

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public to help identify a suspect in a case of alleged fraud at a bank in Manhattan.

According to a social media report from the Riley County Police Department, they&nbsp; would like to speak to the individual after they obtained $4,000 fraudulently from Capital Federal Savings Bank in late March.

If you have any information, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590495015119.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>photo courtesy RCPDMANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are asking the public to help identify a suspect in a case of alleged fraud at a bank in Manhattan.According to a social media report from the Riley County Police Department, they&nbsp; would like to speak to the individual after they obtained $4,000 fraudulently from Capital Federal Savings Bank in late March.If you have any information, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777.

Police ask for help to ID suspect in alleged Kan. bank fraud

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — States are spending billions of dollars stocking up on medical supplies such as masks and breathing machines during the coronavirus pandemic. But more than two months into the buying binge, many aren't sharing details about how much they’re spending, what they’re getting for their money or which companies they’re paying.

An Associated Press survey of all 50 states found a hodgepodge of public information about the purchase of masks, gloves, gowns and other hard-to-get equipment for medical and emergency workers.

Illinois has one of the most detailed tracking websites, showing the date, vendor, purpose, quantity and price of each purchase. In most states, it's not that easy. Some provided similar information only after the AP pointed to laws requiring the release of government documents.

The public can see only a piece of the procurement puzzle in many states — maybe an estimate of the total spent on supplies, but not the names of the providers or the price of each item, which could show whether the state got a good deal or was ripped off.

Those details are important because many states set aside purchasing safeguards amid a scramble for supplies among health care providers, states, the U.S. government and other countries. Instead of seeking competitive bids and vetting them for months, states have closed emergency deals in days with businesses claiming to have access to supplies. In some cases, states have prepaid to ensure orders aren't diverted elsewhere.

Some states say technological barriers prevent them from posting more information. Others provided no explanation for why they aren't doing so.

Transparency advocates say they're troubled by the difficulty in getting details about government spending, especially during a crisis that's shaken the economy and sickened about 1.6 million in the U.S.

"There’s no reason that this information should be hard to come by, and there’s no reason that the states should be keeping it under wraps. That just makes people suspicious,” said Lisa Rosenberg, executive director of Open the Government, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that advocates for government transparency.

After an AP request in late April and early May, 44 states provided figures showing they had ordered or spent more than $6 billion collectively on protective equipment and ventilators. The actual costs likely are higher, because some numbers were several weeks old and some reported only what they had spent so far, not what was in orders still to be delivered.

The AP hasn't received figures from Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. Some provided no specific timeline for releasing the information.

States should prioritize requests for public records that relate to the coronavirus, said Anna Diakun, an attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.

“As this crisis is unfolding, the value of that information is less after the government response has concluded,” Diakun said. “There is still time to make course corrections, but only if the public knows they need to be taken.”

Several states have made changes already. Missouri canceled orders worth $34 million for over 9 million masks made in China after tests showed they didn't fit properly. A Chinese company refunded California $247 million after missing a deadline for the U.S. to certify its N95 masks were safe and effective.

The AP's survey shows other states have yet to get their supplies. North Carolina placed orders for $253 million in protective equipment but had received just $21 million of it as of early May. Emergency managers say they're starting to cancel orders that probably won't be delivered.

Colorado said it ordered over $58 million in protective equipment but has paid just $44,000 so far because it hasn't received most of the supplies. The state has declined to identify its vendors in case they “fall victim to fraud or customs delays” and can't deliver the goods, the health department said.

By contrast, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has created&nbsp;<a href="https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/covid19-information/">a website</a>&nbsp;tracking coronavirus-related spending. It shows what was purchased, from what business, on what date, in what amount and at what cost.

“Transparency, to me, is like a pathway to rebuilding trust in government,” Mendoza said.

The website, for example, shows that the state paid nearly $11.8 million to Steven MacGeachy on May 6 for 2.4 million N95 masks.

MacGeachy, who does business as The Rare Group LLC in suburban Chicago, declined to tell the AP where he got the masks. He said he specializes in accessing global government institutions and wealthy people.

“I got involved in this particular instance in an effort to make sure that the state of which I live in was able to procure good product at fair pricing,” MacGeachy said.

State purchasing records show MacGeachy and numerous other businesses required full prepayment.

“Normally, we wouldn’t be able to do that, nor would we ever even entertain the thought,” Mendoza said. But “we kind of had a gun to our head — we didn’t have the leverage to negotiate the best deals."

Though not posted online, officials in Georgia, Iowa, Kansas and Louisiana provided the AP with detailed lists showing how much they paid each vendor and how many supplies they got.

Other states are posting only certain information.

<a href="https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/documents/budget/covid19-mn-fund/covid-19-minnesota-fund-expenditure-report-5-15-2020.pdf">Minnesota</a>&nbsp;publishes a biweekly online COVID-19 report detailing the prices and quantities purchased, but not the vendors.&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/personal-protective-equipment/tracking-ppe-distribution">Washington</a>&nbsp;state posts a list of vendors it uses to buy protective equipment, but not the amounts paid or ordered from each.

Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick launched&nbsp;<a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/COVID">a website</a>&nbsp;showing how the state is using federal coronavirus aid. Because that money can reimburse state purchases, the site is gradually including some of the $42 million spent on protective equipment. It shows the amount paid to each vendor but only for general categories like “medical and dental supplies."

Fitzpatrick said he's limited by a more than 20-year-old computer accounting system.

“In a perfect world, I’d love to be able to put a check and a copy of every invoice up so people could see what it was," he said. "But that’s not a realistic thing for us right now. That would be a massive amount of document scanning and uploading and cataloging.”

Ohio also said computer programming complications kept it from releasing more information. Three agencies have committed more than $109 million for personal protective equipment, but “a comprehensive number would be very difficult to ascertain because there is no single code in the State accounting system to identify PPE,” Bill Teets, a spokesman for the Department of Administrative Services, said in an email.

Missouri lawyer Dave Roland, who represents residents in public records lawsuits, said details of government coronavirus purchases should be easily available.

“It’s 2020,” he said. "There should be no difficulty in making this information available online.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587674507600.png" alt="Governor Mike Parson observes medical supplies arriving in Missouri on March 31-photo officer of Missouri governor" />
 <figcaption>Governor Mike Parson observes medical supplies arriving in Missouri on March 31-photo officer of Missouri governor</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — States are spending billions of dollars stocking up on medical supplies such as masks and breathing machines during the coronavirus pandemic. But more than two months into the buying binge, many aren't sharing details about how much they’re spending, what they’re getting for their money or which companies they’re paying.An Associated Press survey of all 50 states found a hodgepodge of public information about the purchase of masks, gloves, gowns and other hard-to-get equipment for medical and emergency workers.Illinois has one of the most detailed tracking websites, showing the date, vendor, purpose, quantity and price of each purchase. In most states, it's not that easy. Some provided similar information only after the AP pointed to laws requiring the release of government documents.The public can see only a piece of the procurement puzzle in many states — maybe an estimate of the total spent on supplies, but not the names of the providers or the price of each item, which could show whether the state got a good deal or was ripped off.Those details are important because many states set aside purchasing safeguards amid a scramble for supplies among health care providers, states, the U.S. government and other countries. Instead of seeking competitive bids and vetting them for months, states have closed emergency deals in days with businesses claiming to have access to supplies. In some cases, states have prepaid to ensure orders aren't diverted elsewhere.Some states say technological barriers prevent them from posting more information. Others provided no explanation for why they aren't doing so.Transparency advocates say they're troubled by the difficulty in getting details about government spending, especially during a crisis that's shaken the economy and sickened about 1.6 million in the U.S."There’s no reason that this information should be hard to come by, and there’s no reason that the states should be keeping it under wraps. That just makes people suspicious,” said Lisa Rosenberg, executive director of Open the Government, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that advocates for government transparency.After an AP request in late April and early May, 44 states provided figures showing they had ordered or spent more than $6 billion collectively on protective equipment and ventilators. The actual costs likely are higher, because some numbers were several weeks old and some reported only what they had spent so far, not what was in orders still to be delivered.The AP hasn't received figures from Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. Some provided no specific timeline for releasing the information.States should prioritize requests for public records that relate to the coronavirus, said Anna Diakun, an attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.“As this crisis is unfolding, the value of that information is less after the government response has concluded,” Diakun said. “There is still time to make course corrections, but only if the public knows they need to be taken.”Several states have made changes already. Missouri canceled orders worth $34 million for over 9 million masks made in China after tests showed they didn't fit properly. A Chinese company refunded California $247 million after missing a deadline for the U.S. to certify its N95 masks were safe and effective.The AP's survey shows other states have yet to get their supplies. North Carolina placed orders for $253 million in protective equipment but had received just $21 million of it as of early May. Emergency managers say they're starting to cancel orders that probably won't be delivered.Colorado said it ordered over $58 million in protective equipment but has paid just $44,000 so far because it hasn't received most of the supplies. The state has declined to identify its vendors in case they “fall victim to fraud or customs delays” and can't deliver the goods, the health department said.By contrast, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has created&nbsp;<a href="https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/covid19-information/">a website</a>&nbsp;tracking coronavirus-related spending. It shows what was purchased, from what business, on what date, in what amount and at what cost.“Transparency, to me, is like a pathway to rebuilding trust in government,” Mendoza said.The website, for example, shows that the state paid nearly $11.8 million to Steven MacGeachy on May 6 for 2.4 million N95 masks.MacGeachy, who does business as The Rare Group LLC in suburban Chicago, declined to tell the AP where he got the masks. He said he specializes in accessing global government institutions and wealthy people.“I got involved in this particular instance in an effort to make sure that the state of which I live in was able to procure good product at fair pricing,” MacGeachy said.State purchasing records show MacGeachy and numerous other businesses required full prepayment.“Normally, we wouldn’t be able to do that, nor would we ever even entertain the thought,” Mendoza said. But “we kind of had a gun to our head — we didn’t have the leverage to negotiate the best deals."Though not posted online, officials in Georgia, Iowa, Kansas and Louisiana provided the AP with detailed lists showing how much they paid each vendor and how many supplies they got.Other states are posting only certain information.<a href="https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/documents/budget/covid19-mn-fund/covid-19-minnesota-fund-expenditure-report-5-15-2020.pdf">Minnesota</a>&nbsp;publishes a biweekly online COVID-19 report detailing the prices and quantities purchased, but not the vendors.&nbsp;<a href="https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/personal-protective-equipment/tracking-ppe-distribution">Washington</a>&nbsp;state posts a list of vendors it uses to buy protective equipment, but not the amounts paid or ordered from each.Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick launched&nbsp;<a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/COVID">a website</a>&nbsp;showing how the state is using federal coronavirus aid. Because that money can reimburse state purchases, the site is gradually including some of the $42 million spent on protective equipment. It shows the amount paid to each vendor but only for general categories like “medical and dental supplies."Fitzpatrick said he's limited by a more than 20-year-old computer accounting system.“In a perfect world, I’d love to be able to put a check and a copy of every invoice up so people could see what it was," he said. "But that’s not a realistic thing for us right now. That would be a massive amount of document scanning and uploading and cataloging.”Ohio also said computer programming complications kept it from releasing more information. Three agencies have committed more than $109 million for personal protective equipment, but “a comprehensive number would be very difficult to ascertain because there is no single code in the State accounting system to identify PPE,” Bill Teets, a spokesman for the Department of Administrative Services, said in an email.Missouri lawyer Dave Roland, who represents residents in public records lawsuits, said details of government coronavirus purchases should be easily available.“It’s 2020,” he said. "There should be no difficulty in making this information available online.”

States give few details on billions spent on virus supplies

SCOTT CITY, Kan. (AP) — A resident of a western Kansas town is claiming in a lawsuit that the mayor violated residents’ free-speech rights by deleting criticism on social media of how the town was responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tracy Chambless says in the lawsuit that Scott City and its mayor, Everett Green, removed critical comments from the mayor’s Facebook page and a local news page that Green controls. It also contends that the city council has not provided a means for public comment since banning residents from meetings in April in response to the pandemic.

Scott City, a town of nearly 3,800 residents is about 200 miles northwest of Wichita.

Green last week declined to comment on the lawsuit until he had time to consult with an attorney, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article242837956.html" target="_blank">reported.</a>

Chambless, a frequent critic of Scott City government, also said in the lawsuit that the city unlawfully removed her and others’ criticisms of the police department’s response to a domestic dispute involving her son earlier this month.

Before the pandemic, the city council responded to several disagreements with Chambless by requiring residents to put any complaints in writing and schedule a time to appear before the council, the lawsuit alleges. And in April the council barred the public from attending meetings in response to the coronavirus.

Since the pandemic began, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has said local government boards could meet without the public but must provide a reasonable alternative opportunity for public comment.

The lawsuit seeks a court order prohibiting the mayor or other city officials from deleting or blocking comments on social media and overturning the limitations on comments at council meetings. It also seeks unspecified monetary damages of more than $75,000.

The number of coronavirus cases in the state rose Monday to 9,218, up 260 from Friday, when numbers were last released. The state has recorded 188 deaths, three more than on Friday.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. The elderly and people with existing health problems are susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590489893044.png" alt="Downtown Scott City -google image" />
 <figcaption>Downtown Scott City -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT CITY, Kan. (AP) — A resident of a western Kansas town is claiming in a lawsuit that the mayor violated residents’ free-speech rights by deleting criticism on social media of how the town was responding to the coronavirus pandemic.Tracy Chambless says in the lawsuit that Scott City and its mayor, Everett Green, removed critical comments from the mayor’s Facebook page and a local news page that Green controls. It also contends that the city council has not provided a means for public comment since banning residents from meetings in April in response to the pandemic.Scott City, a town of nearly 3,800 residents is about 200 miles northwest of Wichita.Green last week declined to comment on the lawsuit until he had time to consult with an attorney, The Wichita Eagle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article242837956.html" target="_blank">reported.</a>Chambless, a frequent critic of Scott City government, also said in the lawsuit that the city unlawfully removed her and others’ criticisms of the police department’s response to a domestic dispute involving her son earlier this month.Before the pandemic, the city council responded to several disagreements with Chambless by requiring residents to put any complaints in writing and schedule a time to appear before the council, the lawsuit alleges. And in April the council barred the public from attending meetings in response to the coronavirus.Since the pandemic began, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has said local government boards could meet without the public but must provide a reasonable alternative opportunity for public comment.The lawsuit seeks a court order prohibiting the mayor or other city officials from deleting or blocking comments on social media and overturning the limitations on comments at council meetings. It also seeks unspecified monetary damages of more than $75,000.The number of coronavirus cases in the state rose Monday to 9,218, up 260 from Friday, when numbers were last released. The state has recorded 188 deaths, three more than on Friday.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. The elderly and people with existing health problems are susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

Lawsuit: Kansas mayor deleted posts panning virus response

Bill Ray after his 2017 induction into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kaysie Chrisman

Eagle Radio lost a hall of famer and friend and listeners a beloved radio personality Sunday.

Longtime Salina radio personality Bill Ray (Bill Rowson, who was inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) Hall of Fame in 2017, died suddenly Sunday. Service information is pending.

“Bill’s warm voice will be missed in our community and his friendship will be missed by his Eagle co-workers,” said Terry Drouhard, Eagle's regional manager for Salina and Hutchinson.

No one will miss him more than Dave Foor, who shared the airways with Ray during KINA's Saturdays with Bill and Dave show.

"Bill Ray and I worked together for over 30 years. I could write a book about all we shared through those years and all those hours on the air together. Bill was a first class professional, one of the best I ever worked with during 52 years in radio. In all those years I don’t remember that we ever had an argument. We respected each other," Dave said. "But, so much more than that he was, and always will be, my friend. That kind of relationship comes along once in a lifetime, if you’re very lucky. I will miss him terribly."

Not only is Ray well known in the Salina area, but he also has his own entry on the Kansas Historical Society's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/bill-ray-rowson/20016">kansapedia website</a>.

Ray's interest in radio began while he was a student at Liberal High School, according to the kansapedia entry. While in school, he helped produce a high school radio show, which aired on KSCB-AM in Liberal. A 1968 graduate of Liberal High School, he went on to study radio and TV broadcasting at Emporia State University. He began his fulltime professional radio career in 1973, the kansapedia entry noted. He began his Salina radio career in 1980, according to kansapedia.

Ray and KINA's Randy Picking shared an early love of radio.

"What I liked about Bill is he made everyone comfortable and was very easy to talk to," Picking said. "We both fell in love with radio at a young age, and have been disappointed that the industry isn't the same as it was when we started."

When Picking retired late last year, Ray told him he would "still be drawn to the microphone if given the chance."

"When I announced I would be the severe weather anchor for Eagle, he sent me a short message: 'told ya,'" Picking said.

Ray has a special place in the heart of Eagle's Sam Pridey, who credits Ray with his working for Eagle Radio. Pridey said he had stopped by the station in 1997 to see Ray and Ray pointed to the secretary and said, "Give him an application." Pridey has worked for Eagle Radio since.

Dave Foor, left, and Bill Ray, right, with Brenda Gutierrez, program director for the Salina Area United Way, on Oct. 12, 2019.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Gutierrez

The kansapedia entry noted Ray's commitment to Salina. That commitment continued though his time with Foor on Saturdays with Bill and Dave. The Saturday morning duo made a point each week of keeping the citizens of Salina informed about events, programs, and helpful information. It wasn't unusual for representatives of local non-profit organizations to be on the show to talk about their events or the programs they were sponsoring to help others.

In addition to being inducted into the KAB Hall of Fame in 2017, Ray was recipient of the KAB Sonny Slater Award for Service to Community and Station in 2008. He also served on the KAB board.

Bill, thank you for all you did to make radio and Salina a better place. Your Eagle Radio family already misses you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590462227558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bill Ray after his 2017 induction into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kaysie ChrismanEagle Radio lost a hall of famer and friend and listeners a beloved radio personality Sunday.Longtime Salina radio personality Bill Ray (Bill Rowson, who was inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) Hall of Fame in 2017, died suddenly Sunday. Service information is pending.“Bill’s warm voice will be missed in our community and his friendship will be missed by his Eagle co-workers,” said Terry Drouhard, Eagle's regional manager for Salina and Hutchinson.No one will miss him more than Dave Foor, who shared the airways with Ray during KINA's Saturdays with Bill and Dave show."Bill Ray and I worked together for over 30 years. I could write a book about all we shared through those years and all those hours on the air together. Bill was a first class professional, one of the best I ever worked with during 52 years in radio. In all those years I don’t remember that we ever had an argument. We respected each other," Dave said. "But, so much more than that he was, and always will be, my friend. That kind of relationship comes along once in a lifetime, if you’re very lucky. I will miss him terribly."Not only is Ray well known in the Salina area, but he also has his own entry on the Kansas Historical Society's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/bill-ray-rowson/20016">kansapedia website</a>.Ray's interest in radio began while he was a student at Liberal High School, according to the kansapedia entry. While in school, he helped produce a high school radio show, which aired on KSCB-AM in Liberal. A 1968 graduate of Liberal High School, he went on to study radio and TV broadcasting at Emporia State University. He began his fulltime professional radio career in 1973, the kansapedia entry noted. He began his Salina radio career in 1980, according to kansapedia.Ray and KINA's Randy Picking shared an early love of radio."What I liked about Bill is he made everyone comfortable and was very easy to talk to," Picking said. "We both fell in love with radio at a young age, and have been disappointed that the industry isn't the same as it was when we started."When Picking retired late last year, Ray told him he would "still be drawn to the microphone if given the chance.""When I announced I would be the severe weather anchor for Eagle, he sent me a short message: 'told ya,'" Picking said.Ray has a special place in the heart of Eagle's Sam Pridey, who credits Ray with his working for Eagle Radio. Pridey said he had stopped by the station in 1997 to see Ray and Ray pointed to the secretary and said, "Give him an application." Pridey has worked for Eagle Radio since.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590462965968.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dave Foor, left, and Bill Ray, right, with Brenda Gutierrez, program director for the Salina Area United Way, on Oct. 12, 2019.&nbsp;Photo courtesy GutierrezThe kansapedia entry noted Ray's commitment to Salina. That commitment continued though his time with Foor on Saturdays with Bill and Dave. The Saturday morning duo made a point each week of keeping the citizens of Salina informed about events, programs, and helpful information. It wasn't unusual for representatives of local non-profit organizations to be on the show to talk about their events or the programs they were sponsoring to help others.In addition to being inducted into the KAB Hall of Fame in 2017, Ray was recipient of the KAB Sonny Slater Award for Service to Community and Station in 2008. He also served on the KAB board.Bill, thank you for all you did to make radio and Salina a better place. Your Eagle Radio family already misses you.

Longtime Salina radio personality Bill Ray has died

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A man has been charged in an April 2019 shooting death in Kansas City based on DNA and ballistics evidence.

Thirty-two-year-old Brandon Hill, of Independence, Mo., was charged Friday with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 40-year-old Derrick White, whose body was found in a vehicle.

Prosecutors allege that DNA taken from the door handle of the vehicle was later matched to Hill, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article242947306.html">reports</a>.

When he was arrested in March in a separate incident he was in possession of a handgun that police believe was loaned to the victim weeks before his death. A bullet found in White’s body also was determined to have been fired by the same handgun, prosecutors said.

Hill remains in federal custody in a separate case, according to prosecutors. He was indicted in April 2019 on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, court records show.

Bond has been set at $250,000 in the Jackson County case. An attorney for Hill has not yet been listed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590321595756.png" alt="Hill- photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Hill- photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —A man has been charged in an April 2019 shooting death in Kansas City based on DNA and ballistics evidence.Thirty-two-year-old Brandon Hill, of Independence, Mo., was charged Friday with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 40-year-old Derrick White, whose body was found in a vehicle.Prosecutors allege that DNA taken from the door handle of the vehicle was later matched to Hill, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article242947306.html">reports</a>.When he was arrested in March in a separate incident he was in possession of a handgun that police believe was loaned to the victim weeks before his death. A bullet found in White’s body also was determined to have been fired by the same handgun, prosecutors said.Hill remains in federal custody in a separate case, according to prosecutors. He was indicted in April 2019 on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, court records show.Bond has been set at $250,000 in the Jackson County case. An attorney for Hill has not yet been listed.

DNA, ballistics link man to April 2019 Kansas City killing

KANSAS CITY– A Nogales, Arizona, man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to his role in a conspiracy to transport large amounts of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City aboard passenger busses, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

Alejandro Rocha, also known as Alejandro Teran, 21, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

By pleading guilty, Rocha admitted that, on two separate occasions, he attempted to transport more than three kilograms of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City.

Rocha admitted that he gave more than three kilograms of fentanyl to his girlfriend, Esmeralda Castro, 21, of Perris, California, to carry aboard a bus to New York City. Three fentanyl bricks were placed in a false compartment inside a rolling bag. Castro, who has also pleaded guilty, was arrested at a Kansas City bus station on May 8, 2017, after a police service canine alerted to the bag.

Rocha also admitted that he gave another person 3.6 kilograms of fentanyl to carry aboard a bus from Denver, Colorado, to New York City. However, the bag became separated from the courier at some point on the bus trip. The bag arrived unaccompanied at a Kansas City bus station, where it was intercepted by police.&nbsp;

Under federal statutes, Rocha is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590263513905.png" alt="Rocha" />
 <figcaption>Rocha</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Nogales, Arizona, man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to his role in a conspiracy to transport large amounts of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City aboard passenger busses, according to the United State's Attorney's office.Alejandro Rocha, also known as Alejandro Teran, 21, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.By pleading guilty, Rocha admitted that, on two separate occasions, he attempted to transport more than three kilograms of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City.Rocha admitted that he gave more than three kilograms of fentanyl to his girlfriend, Esmeralda Castro, 21, of Perris, California, to carry aboard a bus to New York City. Three fentanyl bricks were placed in a false compartment inside a rolling bag. Castro, who has also pleaded guilty, was arrested at a Kansas City bus station on May 8, 2017, after a police service canine alerted to the bag.Rocha also admitted that he gave another person 3.6 kilograms of fentanyl to carry aboard a bus from Denver, Colorado, to New York City. However, the bag became separated from the courier at some point on the bus trip. The bag arrived unaccompanied at a Kansas City bus station, where it was intercepted by police.&nbsp;Under federal statutes, Rocha is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Man pleads guilty to transporting fentanyl through KC to New York

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City's smaller colleges and universities say their size could benefit them amid the coronavirus pandemic, unlike many other schools that have been forced to make cuts.

Several Missouri and Kansas colleges believe they could be an attractive option this fall for students who want to continue their education but need to save money or want to avoid overcrowded classrooms.

Donnelly College in Kansas City, for example, isn't worried about having 25 or 30 students in the classroom because classes are already smaller than that, according to Monsignor Stuart Swetland.

“We have small class sizes because pedagogically it's best for our students, but we may even make them smaller if necessary next year,” he said, noting that there will probably be a mix of in-person instruction and remote classes to accommodate professors who may be high-risk for COVID-19.

College officials and administrators, however, expect students are likely reluctant to pay for in-person instruction, uncertain if the pandemic and stay-at-home orders will disrupt the fall semester as well. They also worry the pandemic may have put college out of reach for low-income students.

To hep students struggling financially, schools such as the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences have frozen tuition.

“What we’re facing is potentially a threat to our talent pool as a nation. When these students can’t go to college for financial reasons, they very often don’t ever go to college,” said Elizabeth MacLeod Walls, President at William Jewell College, where students will be able to request a single room, at no additional charge, if they aren't comfortable sharing a dorm.

Metropolitan Community Colleges Chancellor Kimberly Beatty expects many students trying to save money are likely to enroll at one of her system's five campuses. Both Missouri and Kansas community colleges offer a core curriculum that can transfer to four-year universities.

"A lot of the conversations have focused on whether students are going to return to the four-year schools. I think that may be an opportunity (for community colleges," Beatty said. “We are a local, affordable option for students who still have general education courses to take.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590321253473.png" alt="Photo courtesy Donnelly College" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Donnelly College</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City's smaller colleges and universities say their size could benefit them amid the coronavirus pandemic, unlike many other schools that have been forced to make cuts.Several Missouri and Kansas colleges believe they could be an attractive option this fall for students who want to continue their education but need to save money or want to avoid overcrowded classrooms.Donnelly College in Kansas City, for example, isn't worried about having 25 or 30 students in the classroom because classes are already smaller than that, according to Monsignor Stuart Swetland.“We have small class sizes because pedagogically it's best for our students, but we may even make them smaller if necessary next year,” he said, noting that there will probably be a mix of in-person instruction and remote classes to accommodate professors who may be high-risk for COVID-19.College officials and administrators, however, expect students are likely reluctant to pay for in-person instruction, uncertain if the pandemic and stay-at-home orders will disrupt the fall semester as well. They also worry the pandemic may have put college out of reach for low-income students.To hep students struggling financially, schools such as the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences have frozen tuition.“What we’re facing is potentially a threat to our talent pool as a nation. When these students can’t go to college for financial reasons, they very often don’t ever go to college,” said Elizabeth MacLeod Walls, President at William Jewell College, where students will be able to request a single room, at no additional charge, if they aren't comfortable sharing a dorm.Metropolitan Community Colleges Chancellor Kimberly Beatty expects many students trying to save money are likely to enroll at one of her system's five campuses. Both Missouri and Kansas community colleges offer a core curriculum that can transfer to four-year universities."A lot of the conversations have focused on whether students are going to return to the four-year schools. I think that may be an opportunity (for community colleges," Beatty said. “We are a local, affordable option for students who still have general education courses to take.”

Kansas City's smaller colleges could benefit amid pandemic

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man was hospitalized after being shot by two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers early Monday, police said.

The officers suffered minor injuries, police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand said.

The officers were patrolling near an apartment complex when a combative, armed man approached them, she said. The officers shot the man during the confrontation but further details were not released.

The suspect, who has not been identified, was taken to an area hospital for treatment. His condition was not released.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man was hospitalized after being shot by two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers early Monday, police said.The officers suffered minor injuries, police spokeswoman Nancy Chartrand said.The officers were patrolling near an apartment complex when a combative, armed man approached them, she said. The officers shot the man during the confrontation but further details were not released.The suspect, who has not been identified, was taken to an area hospital for treatment. His condition was not released.

Man wounded in shooting by 2 Kansas officers

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased to a total of 9218, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased to a total of 9218, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 188<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/2020/5/1590429367020.png" alt="May 25, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>May 25, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to the 2000 block of SW Gage in Topeka on a report of a possible aggravated battery, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

 On arrival, officers located a victim at a nearby location suffering from what appeared to be a non-life threatening injury. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment.

The active investigation resulted in the arrest of Charles Steele, 29, for Aggravated Battery. 

Steele has previous convictions that include battery of law enforcement officer, criminal threat, burglary, theft, criminal discharge of a firearm and intent remove/disable electronic monitor equipment, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590411313590.png" alt="Steele photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Steele photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to the 2000 block of SW Gage in Topeka on a report of a possible aggravated battery, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. On arrival, officers located a victim at a nearby location suffering from what appeared to be a non-life threatening injury. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment.The active investigation resulted in the arrest of Charles Steele, 29, for Aggravated Battery. Steele has previous convictions that include battery of law enforcement officer, criminal threat, burglary, theft, criminal discharge of a firearm and intent remove/disable electronic monitor equipment, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon with history of violence jailed for alleged attack

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State-owned Kansas casinos plan to check customers’ temperatures as they begin reopening after closing for weeks over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City and Pittsburg’s Kansas Crossing Casino opened Friday, and the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane opened Saturday.

Those casinos will take customers’ temperatures and quiz them on recent medical history. Kansas Crossing Casino is banning anyone with a temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Powhattan’s Sac and Fox Casino, reopening June 1, is banning anyone with a temperature above 100 degrees.

Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway reopened slot machines Monday and will take customers’ temperatures with a forehead scanning thermometer.

The number of coronavirus cases in the state rose by 419 cases to 8,958 on Friday, the last day the data was released. State health officials also reported 185 deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590418712800.png" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HollywoodCKS/?eid=ARArsPibyNc_5kGlkwGIyNsr_tuj0zLYsGjefWuXsDatT2csKBt9flDtp162S4tMhxMP72xPGmTMfErs">Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedwa</a>y" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HollywoodCKS/?eid=ARArsPibyNc_5kGlkwGIyNsr_tuj0zLYsGjefWuXsDatT2csKBt9flDtp162S4tMhxMP72xPGmTMfErs">Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedwa</a>y</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State-owned Kansas casinos plan to check customers’ temperatures as they begin reopening after closing for weeks over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City and Pittsburg’s Kansas Crossing Casino opened Friday, and the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane opened Saturday.Those casinos will take customers’ temperatures and quiz them on recent medical history. Kansas Crossing Casino is banning anyone with a temperature of 99 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Powhattan’s Sac and Fox Casino, reopening June 1, is banning anyone with a temperature above 100 degrees.Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway reopened slot machines Monday and will take customers’ temperatures with a forehead scanning thermometer.The number of coronavirus cases in the state rose by 419 cases to 8,958 on Friday, the last day the data was released. State health officials also reported 185 deaths.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

Kansas casinos begin reopening, check temperatures

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Health investigator Mackenzie Bray smiles and chuckles as she chats by phone with a retired Utah man who just tested positive for the coronavirus.

She’s trying to keep the mood light because she needs to find out where he’s been and who he’s been around for the past seven days. She gently peppers him with questions, including where he and his wife stopped to buy flowers on a visit to a cemetery. She encourages him to go through his bank statement to see if it reminds him of any store visits he made.

Midway through the conversation, a possible break: His wife lets slip that they had family over for Mother’s Day, including a grandchild who couldn’t stop slobbering.

“Was there like a shared food platter or something like that?” Bray asks. “There was, OK, yep ... sharing food or sharing drinks, even just being on the same table, it can spread that way.’”

Suddenly, with a shared punch bowl, the web has widened, and Bray has dozens more people to track down.

She is among an army of health professionals around the world filling one of the most important roles in the effort to guard against a resurgence of the coronavirus. The practice of so-called contact tracing requires a hybrid job of interrogator, therapist and nurse as they try coax nervous people to be honest.

The goal: To create a road map of everywhere infected people have been and who they’ve been around.

While other countries have devised national approaches, a patchwork of efforts has emerged in the U.S. where states are left to create their own program.

Bray normally does this type of work to track contacts for people with sexually transmitted diseases. She is now one of 130 people at the Salt Lake County health department assigned to track coronavirus cases in the Salt Lake City area. The investigators, many of them nurses, each juggle 30 to 40 cases, and try to reach everyone the original person was within 6 feet&nbsp; of for 10 minutes or more. They stay in touch with some people throughout the 14-day incubation period, and calls can take 30 minutes or more as they meticulously go through a list of questions.

Some estimate as many as 300,000 contact tracers would be needed in the U.S. to adequately curtail the spread. While some states like Utah have reported having enough contact tracers, others are hundreds or even thousands of people short.

The contact tracers often find themselves in a tangled web of half-truths and facts that don’t match up. Language and cultural barriers arise that require interpreters and taxing conversations that leave the investigators wondering if the person understands what they’re trying to do.

They land on occasion into complicated family dynamics where people are reluctant to tell the truth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588193586788.png" alt="Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the importance of contact tracers during the governor's press conference last week." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the importance of contact tracers during the governor's press conference last week.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Health investigator Mackenzie Bray smiles and chuckles as she chats by phone with a retired Utah man who just tested positive for the coronavirus.She’s trying to keep the mood light because she needs to find out where he’s been and who he’s been around for the past seven days. She gently peppers him with questions, including where he and his wife stopped to buy flowers on a visit to a cemetery. She encourages him to go through his bank statement to see if it reminds him of any store visits he made.Midway through the conversation, a possible break: His wife lets slip that they had family over for Mother’s Day, including a grandchild who couldn’t stop slobbering.“Was there like a shared food platter or something like that?” Bray asks. “There was, OK, yep ... sharing food or sharing drinks, even just being on the same table, it can spread that way.’”Suddenly, with a shared punch bowl, the web has widened, and Bray has dozens more people to track down.She is among an army of health professionals around the world filling one of the most important roles in the effort to guard against a resurgence of the coronavirus. The practice of so-called contact tracing requires a hybrid job of interrogator, therapist and nurse as they try coax nervous people to be honest.The goal: To create a road map of everywhere infected people have been and who they’ve been around.While other countries have devised national approaches, a patchwork of efforts has emerged in the U.S. where states are left to create their own program.Bray normally does this type of work to track contacts for people with sexually transmitted diseases. She is now one of 130 people at the Salt Lake County health department assigned to track coronavirus cases in the Salt Lake City area. The investigators, many of them nurses, each juggle 30 to 40 cases, and try to reach everyone the original person was within 6 feet&nbsp; of for 10 minutes or more. They stay in touch with some people throughout the 14-day incubation period, and calls can take 30 minutes or more as they meticulously go through a list of questions.Some estimate as many as 300,000 contact tracers would be needed in the U.S. to adequately curtail the spread. While some states like Utah have reported having enough contact tracers, others are hundreds or even thousands of people short.The contact tracers often find themselves in a tangled web of half-truths and facts that don’t match up. Language and cultural barriers arise that require interpreters and taxing conversations that leave the investigators wondering if the person understands what they’re trying to do.They land on occasion into complicated family dynamics where people are reluctant to tell the truth.Health investigator Maria DiCaro found out days into a case that a father was sleeping in his car because he and his wife were separating. The man had stopped returning DiCaro’s calls, and that key information came from his child.“I get people that lie all time,” DiCaro said. “I try to get as much information from the beginning but it’s just not always the case. And time is one of those things you can’t take back when you are trying to prevent and you know do these contact tracing investigations.”Each call is an exercise in good cop, bad cop. She needs people to cooperate, but no one is legally required to answer the questions. Usually kindness works better than strong words.Some people lie because they’re scared, or they forget an outing. Construction workers, housekeepers and others without paid sick time may gloss over symptoms so they can get back to work. Some immigrants without documentation brush off testing because they fear it could lead to deportation.“People sometimes think contact tracing is black and white but there is a lot of gray that goes into it,” said Bray, who often thinks about her parents and 97-year-old grandmother as she works to help stop the spread of the virus. “Our worst fear is that we push too hard and we lose someone. It’s not just their health on the line, it’s the people around them.”No matter the tension, Bray and DiCaro give frequent reminders of why it all matters: “Thank you for what you’re doing. You’re helping the community,” DiCaro says during one call.She knows that on the other end of the line, the first call from a tracer can be jarring. Sometimes, DiCaro and Bray have to break the news that someone was exposed or tested positive.“It’s normal to talk to like your doctor, but you don’t ever expect the health department to call you and be like, ‘You were exposed to a serious disease,’” said Anissa Archuleta.The 23-year-old got a call from DiCaro after she, her sister and her mother took a rare break from hunkering down to help organize a drive-by birthday party for a young cousin. They dropped off a present, then caved and accepted an impromptu invitation to go inside to grab some food.What they didn’t know: the father of the birthday boy had the coronavirus, and unknowingly exposed more than a dozen people at the gathering.After that first call, DiCaro checked in every day for two weeks. The fear slowly faded after their tests came back negative and they began building a rapport with DiCaro. She asked about their symptoms and how they were feeling each day and learned about how Archuleta’s mother lost her voice to fibromyalgia. Archuleta would pass along messages her mother whispered in her ear.And after a while, Archuleta began asking DiCaro about her life and how she was holding up.About a week in to their calls, on the daily check-in, Archuleta thanked DiCaro for caring about them and checking in every day. Tears welled up in DiCaro’s eyes.“Ah thanks,” she said as she grabbed a Kleenex to wipe her eyes.After she hung up, she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes for a few seconds.“When you do this like 10-12 hours a day ... It’s nice to get those positive reactions from people that are very grateful who do see the purpose of what we are doing,” said DiCaro. “It’s nice to be appreciated.”