TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An eastern Kansas county is defending a policy that directs business owners to collect information about their customers as an effort to help trace the contacts of infected people during the “unique health challenge” of the coronavirus pandemic.

Attorneys for Linn County, its county commission and its health director said Thursday in a federal court filing that a May 1 order by the health director does not violate rights against unreasonable searches that are protected by the U.S. Constitution. The attorneys argued that two business owners who sued misrepresented the county’s plans in having the information collected.

The county’s attorneys were responding to a lawsuit from Jackie Taylor, publisher of the Linn County News in Pleasanton, and Linda Jo Hisel, owner of Nana Jo’s restaurant in La Cygne. They argued that telling them to log the names of customers and the dates and lengths of visits to their premises amounted to a warrantless search of their business records.

The county said in its filing that the business operators wrongly suggest that the county would make blanket demands for information when the local health department would ask only for data about specific customers in contact with infected people over the previous month.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An eastern Kansas county is defending a policy that directs business owners to collect information about their customers as an effort to help trace the contacts of infected people during the “unique health challenge” of the coronavirus pandemic.Attorneys for Linn County, its county commission and its health director said Thursday in a federal court filing that a May 1 order by the health director does not violate rights against unreasonable searches that are protected by the U.S. Constitution. The attorneys argued that two business owners who sued misrepresented the county’s plans in having the information collected.The county’s attorneys were responding to a lawsuit from Jackie Taylor, publisher of the Linn County News in Pleasanton, and Linda Jo Hisel, owner of Nana Jo’s restaurant in La Cygne. They argued that telling them to log the names of customers and the dates and lengths of visits to their premises amounted to a warrantless search of their business records.The county said in its filing that the business operators wrongly suggest that the county would make blanket demands for information when the local health department would ask only for data about specific customers in contact with infected people over the previous month.

Kansas county defends data-collection rule prompting lawsuit

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to a hospital.

Just after 4a.m. police&nbsp; responded to a check shots call in the 1900 block of North Burns in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

At the scene, a 38-year-old woman&nbsp; and a 33-year-old man told police&nbsp;&nbsp;they were driving to their home in the 1900 block of North Burns, saw three men in the area who began shooting at their vehicle, striking the 33-year-old.&nbsp; Their home was also found to be damaged from multiple gunshots, according to Davidson.

&nbsp;EMS transported man for treatment of the gunshot wound to his lower body.

Police do not believed to be a random incident and had not reported an arrest early Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589640821904.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Friday morning investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Friday morning investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to a hospital.Just after 4a.m. police&nbsp; responded to a check shots call in the 1900 block of North Burns in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; At the scene, a 38-year-old woman&nbsp; and a 33-year-old man told police&nbsp;&nbsp;they were driving to their home in the 1900 block of North Burns, saw three men in the area who began shooting at their vehicle, striking the 33-year-old.&nbsp; Their home was also found to be damaged from multiple gunshots, according to Davidson.&nbsp;EMS transported man for treatment of the gunshot wound to his lower body.Police do not believed to be a random incident and had not reported an arrest early Saturday.

Police: Kan. man wounded after suspects shot at car, home

WASHINGTON (AP) — A 39-year-old former investment manager in Georgia was already facing federal charges that he robbed hundreds of retirees of their savings in a Ponzi scheme when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the rapid spread of COVID-19</a>&nbsp;presented an opportunity.

Christopher A. Parris started pitching himself as a broker of surgical masks amid the nationwide scramble for protective equipment in the first desperate weeks of the outbreak, federal authorities said. He was soon taking in millions of dollars.

Law enforcement officials say Parris is part of what they are calling a wave of fraud tied to the outbreak.

Homeland Security Investigations, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, is leading a nationwide crackdown. It has opened over 370 cases and so far arrested 11 people, as part of “Operation Stolen Promise,” according to Matthew Albence, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“It’s incredibly rampant and it’s growing by the day,” Albence said. “We’re just scratching the surface of this criminal activity. ”

Parris was on pretrial release for the alleged Ponzi scheme when he was arrested last month in what authorities say was an attempt to secure an order for more than $750 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks and other equipment.

“He was trying to sell something he didn’t even have,” said Jere T. Miles, the special agent in charge of the New Orleans office of Homeland Security Investigations, which worked the case with the VA Office of Inspector General. “That’s just outright, blatant fraud.”

Parris has not yet entered a plea to fraud charges and his lawyers did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

Nationwide, investigators have turned up more than false purveyors of PPE. They have uncovered an array of counterfeit or adulterated products, from COVID-19 tests kits and treatments to masks and cleaning products.

Steve Francis, director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, which is overseen by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says authorities have tracked counterfeits flowing into the U.S. from 20 countries and for sale through thousands of websites.

“There are people popping up who have never been in the business of securing equipment on a large scale,” Francis said.

From his home outside Atlanta, he claimed to represent a company with 3M respiratory masks and other protective equipment for sale. At the time, there was a mad scramble for supplies that pitted state and local governments against each other.

As outlined in court documents and interviews, his pitch reached a company in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that was trying to help government agencies acquire PPE. In late March, it contacted the VA, which was dealing with a critical shortage of protective equipment.

The VA was suspicious of the price, about 15 times what it was paying amid the shortage, and alerted its inspector general, which brought in Homeland Security. That resulted in a sting that led to Parris.

“He had no means of producing any PPE,” Albence said. “It was just a scam.”

But it had some takers. Federal authorities say a Parris-controlled bank account received more than $7.4 million, with most appearing to come from unidentified entities trying to buy safety gear in March and April, according to court documents. He wired some of the money to accounts overseas, including more than $1.1 million to a Swiss company’s bank that authorities say may be a shell corporation.

The U.S. government seized more than $3.2 million from his accounts.

The Ponzi scheme was unrelated to the alleged attempt to defraud the VA but “is sufficiently similar to the conduct in this case that it is relevant to his plan, intent, and modus operandi,” according to a search warrant affidavit.

In the earlier case, Parris and his partners are accused of defrauding about 1,000 people out of at least $115 million from January 2012 to June 2018. They persuaded the victims to turn over their savings for what turned out to be nonexistent investments, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Another member of the partnership, Perry Santillo, pleaded guilty to fraud in November.

As part of the alleged scheme, Parris and the others bought the businesses of investment advisers who were retiring and leveraged the trust those advisers had built up over the years to pitch the bogus investments, with relatively modest returns, to their newly acquired clients.

Florida attorney Scott Silver, who represented some investors who sought to get their money back after the SEC shut down the operation, said there was little to recover because Parris and the others spent most of it.

He wasn’t surprised that Parris had been arrested in the COVID fraud case. “He’s already facing 20 years in prison,” he said. “What’s he worried about?”

Parris, who was charged in the case in January, grew up in Rochester, New York, and worked as an insurance agent, owned a dry cleaner and got involved in local politics. He ran unsuccessfully for city council and said he was vice president of a local African American Republican committee.

“So many people that know me, you know, trust me,” Parris said in a 2015 hearing with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which later suspended his broker license.

One of Parris’ alleged victims in the Ponzi scheme, Jane Naylon, said she took guitar lessons from Parris’ father, a reverend at a local church and lost $150,000 in the fraud.

Naylon was dismayed when Parris was released on his own recognizance in the Ponzi scheme. When she learned he had been charged for PPE fraud, she said she was in shock, but also pleased.

“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “I hope he goes to jail for life.”

Parris is now jailed in Atlanta and is expected to be transferred to Washington to face charges in the VA case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585145128626.png" alt="Counterfeit COVID-19 test kits-photo courtesy&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement" />
 <figcaption>Counterfeit COVID-19 test kits-photo courtesy&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A 39-year-old former investment manager in Georgia was already facing federal charges that he robbed hundreds of retirees of their savings in a Ponzi scheme when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the rapid spread of COVID-19</a>&nbsp;presented an opportunity.Christopher A. Parris started pitching himself as a broker of surgical masks amid the nationwide scramble for protective equipment in the first desperate weeks of the outbreak, federal authorities said. He was soon taking in millions of dollars.Except there were no masks.Law enforcement officials say Parris is part of what they are calling a wave of fraud tied to the outbreak.Homeland Security Investigations, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, is leading a nationwide crackdown. It has opened over 370 cases and so far arrested 11 people, as part of “Operation Stolen Promise,” according to Matthew Albence, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.“It’s incredibly rampant and it’s growing by the day,” Albence said. “We’re just scratching the surface of this criminal activity. ”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472461621.png" alt="From a fake #COVID19 test kit photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Patrol" />
 <figcaption>From a fake #COVID19 test kit photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>Parris was on pretrial release for the alleged Ponzi scheme when he was arrested last month in what authorities say was an attempt to secure an order for more than $750 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks and other equipment.“He was trying to sell something he didn’t even have,” said Jere T. Miles, the special agent in charge of the New Orleans office of Homeland Security Investigations, which worked the case with the VA Office of Inspector General. “That’s just outright, blatant fraud.”Parris has not yet entered a plea to fraud charges and his lawyers did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.Nationwide, investigators have turned up more than false purveyors of PPE. They have uncovered an array of counterfeit or adulterated products, from COVID-19 tests kits and treatments to masks and cleaning products.Steve Francis, director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, which is overseen by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says authorities have tracked counterfeits flowing into the U.S. from 20 countries and for sale through thousands of websites.“There are people popping up who have never been in the business of securing equipment on a large scale,” Francis said.Enter Parris.From his home outside Atlanta, he claimed to represent a company with 3M respiratory masks and other protective equipment for sale. At the time, there was a mad scramble for supplies that pitted state and local governments against each other.As outlined in court documents and interviews, his pitch reached a company in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that was trying to help government agencies acquire PPE. In late March, it contacted the VA, which was dealing with a critical shortage of protective equipment.The VA was suspicious of the price, about 15 times what it was paying amid the shortage, and alerted its inspector general, which brought in Homeland Security. That resulted in a sting that led to Parris.“He had no means of producing any PPE,” Albence said. “It was just a scam.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472644008.png" alt="Coronavirus test kits that were not FDA approved-photo U.S. courtesy Customs and Border patrol" />
 <figcaption>Coronavirus test kits that were not FDA approved-photo U.S. courtesy Customs and Border patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>But it had some takers. Federal authorities say a Parris-controlled bank account received more than $7.4 million, with most appearing to come from unidentified entities trying to buy safety gear in March and April, according to court documents. He wired some of the money to accounts overseas, including more than $1.1 million to a Swiss company’s bank that authorities say may be a shell corporation.The U.S. government seized more than $3.2 million from his accounts.The Ponzi scheme was unrelated to the alleged attempt to defraud the VA but “is sufficiently similar to the conduct in this case that it is relevant to his plan, intent, and modus operandi,” according to a search warrant affidavit.In the earlier case, Parris and his partners are accused of defrauding about 1,000 people out of at least $115 million from January 2012 to June 2018. They persuaded the victims to turn over their savings for what turned out to be nonexistent investments, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.Another member of the partnership, Perry Santillo, pleaded guilty to fraud in November.As part of the alleged scheme, Parris and the others bought the businesses of investment advisers who were retiring and leveraged the trust those advisers had built up over the years to pitch the bogus investments, with relatively modest returns, to their newly acquired clients.Florida attorney Scott Silver, who represented some investors who sought to get their money back after the SEC shut down the operation, said there was little to recover because Parris and the others spent most of it.He wasn’t surprised that Parris had been arrested in the COVID fraud case. “He’s already facing 20 years in prison,” he said. “What’s he worried about?”Parris, who was charged in the case in January, grew up in Rochester, New York, and worked as an insurance agent, owned a dry cleaner and got involved in local politics. He ran unsuccessfully for city council and said he was vice president of a local African American Republican committee.“So many people that know me, you know, trust me,” Parris said in a 2015 hearing with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which later suspended his broker license.One of Parris’ alleged victims in the Ponzi scheme, Jane Naylon, said she took guitar lessons from Parris’ father, a reverend at a local church and lost $150,000 in the fraud.Naylon was dismayed when Parris was released on his own recognizance in the Ponzi scheme. When she learned he had been charged for PPE fraud, she said she was in shock, but also pleased.“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “I hope he goes to jail for life.”Parris is now jailed in Atlanta and is expected to be transferred to Washington to face charges in the VA case.___

Virus unleashes wave of fraud in US amid fear and scarcity

HUTCHINSON —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Hutchinson.

A vehicle driven by Ashley Cain, 37, Hutchinson was traveling in the 1400 Block of E. 26th Street and struck an ATV driven by a 13-year-old boy, according to Hutchinson Police.

EMS transported the boy to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Police released no additional details late Saturday.

HUTCHINSON —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Hutchinson.A vehicle driven by Ashley Cain, 37, Hutchinson was traveling in the 1400 Block of E. 26th Street and struck an ATV driven by a 13-year-old boy, according to Hutchinson Police.EMS transported the boy to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Police released no additional details late Saturday.

Kansas teen hospitalized after vehicle strikes ATV

NewsGuard Technologies, which uses trained journalists to review and 
rate the credibility of thousands of news and information websites and 
their associated social media accounts, today announced a significant 
expansion and extension of its partnership with Microsoft.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd6be32897d147ad4bb133e">RELATED: Hays Post's journalism receives a 'green' rating from NewsGuard</a>

Under the agreement, Microsoft will continue to sponsor NewsGuard’s 
news literacy program—through which more than 700 libraries provide 
NewsGuard to their more than seven million patrons in the United States,
 Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy—and will expand the program 
into new countries, including Australia and Canada, which NewsGuard 
plans to serve later this year.

The agreement will also enable all users of Microsoft Edge’s desktop and mobile browser to <a href="https://www.newsguardtech.com/edge/">access NewsGuard’s ratings for free</a>,
 without paying the $2.95 monthly subscription fee that users of other 
browsers must pay. Microsoft has already integrated NewsGuard’s ratings 
into Microsoft Edge Mobile. In addition, Microsoft’s Bing search engine 
will now have access to a real-time feed of NewsGuard data.

Also, under the agreement, all other Microsoft departments are now 
able to use NewsGuard ratings and labels in their products and services.
 Projects already underway include the company’s Defending Democracy 
Program and teams within Microsoft Research who are working on 
misinformation, disinformation and health care hoaxes.

“We are delighted to be able to expand our relationship with 
Microsoft, which is a leader among companies in taking steps to address 
the unforeseen, unintended consequences of new technologies,” said 
NewsGuard co-CEO Gordon Crovitz. “The internet has empowered people 
around the world with unprecedented access to information, but the 
internet has also made it easier than ever for misinformation to spread,
 including health care hoaxes about COVID-19.”

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with Microsoft to arm its
 customers with NewsGuard ratings and Nutrition Labels to help them know
 the difference between generally reliable sources of news and 
information and generally unreliable sources,” added co-CEO Steven 
Brill. “With the exponential spread of unreliable healthcare hoaxes 
found online next to reliable sources, consumers need this information 
more than ever.”

“Access to tools like NewsGuard is critical in arming people with the
 information they need to evaluate the content they’re seeing online and
 help them make informed decisions,” said Tom Burt, Corporate Vice 
President of Customer Security and Trust, Microsoft. “Defending against 
disinformation campaigns is a key focus of our Defending Democracy 
Program. NewsGuard’s work has become especially relevant because of its 
trailblazing efforts to root out online hoaxes related to health and 
healthcare issues, including those concerning Covid-19. We’re proud of 
our role in making it available.”

NewsGuard also announced that Kate O’Sullivan, General Manager of 
Digital Diplomacy, Microsoft, has joined NewsGuard’s global advisory 
board. Its other members include Gen. Michael Hayden, former Director of
 the CIA and National Security Agency; Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former 
Prime Minister of Denmark and former Secretary General of NATO; Tom 
Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Arne Duncan, 
former U.S. Secretary of Education; and Ed Vaizey, former Member of 
British Parliament and former Minister of Culture and Digital.

Launched in March 2018 by media entrepreneur and award-winning 
journalist Steven Brill and former Wall Street Journal publisher Gordon 
Crovitz, NewsGuard provides credibility ratings and detailed “Nutrition 
Labels” for thousands of news and information websites that account for 
95% of online engagement across the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, and 
Italy.

NewsGuard employs journalists to rate each site based on nine 
apolitical criteria of journalistic practice, including whether a site 
repeatedly publishes false content, whether it regularly corrects or 
clarifies errors, and whether it avoids deceptive headlines. Based on 
the criteria, each site receives a trust score of 0-100 and an overall 
rating of “Green,” indicating the site is generally reliable, or “Red,” 
indicating that it is not reliable.

NewsGuard’s ratings and Nutrition Labels can be licensed by education
 technology companies, internet service providers, browsers, news 
aggregators, and social media and search platforms. Consumers can access
 NewsGuard’s ratings through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsguardtech.com/free">browser extension</a>,&nbsp;Android and iOS and the Microsoft Edge mobile browser.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589550801334.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NewsGuardNewsGuard Technologies, which uses trained journalists to review and 
rate the credibility of thousands of news and information websites and 
their associated social media accounts, today announced a significant 
expansion and extension of its partnership with Microsoft.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd6be32897d147ad4bb133e">RELATED: Hays Post's journalism receives a 'green' rating from NewsGuard</a>Under the agreement, Microsoft will continue to sponsor NewsGuard’s 
news literacy program—through which more than 700 libraries provide 
NewsGuard to their more than seven million patrons in the United States,
 Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy—and will expand the program 
into new countries, including Australia and Canada, which NewsGuard 
plans to serve later this year.The agreement will also enable all users of Microsoft Edge’s desktop and mobile browser to <a href="https://www.newsguardtech.com/edge/">access NewsGuard’s ratings for free</a>,
 without paying the $2.95 monthly subscription fee that users of other 
browsers must pay. Microsoft has already integrated NewsGuard’s ratings 
into Microsoft Edge Mobile. In addition, Microsoft’s Bing search engine 
will now have access to a real-time feed of NewsGuard data.Also, under the agreement, all other Microsoft departments are now 
able to use NewsGuard ratings and labels in their products and services.
 Projects already underway include the company’s Defending Democracy 
Program and teams within Microsoft Research who are working on 
misinformation, disinformation and health care hoaxes.“We are delighted to be able to expand our relationship with 
Microsoft, which is a leader among companies in taking steps to address 
the unforeseen, unintended consequences of new technologies,” said 
NewsGuard co-CEO Gordon Crovitz. “The internet has empowered people 
around the world with unprecedented access to information, but the 
internet has also made it easier than ever for misinformation to spread,
 including health care hoaxes about COVID-19.”“We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with Microsoft to arm its
 customers with NewsGuard ratings and Nutrition Labels to help them know
 the difference between generally reliable sources of news and 
information and generally unreliable sources,” added co-CEO Steven 
Brill. “With the exponential spread of unreliable healthcare hoaxes 
found online next to reliable sources, consumers need this information 
more than ever.”“Access to tools like NewsGuard is critical in arming people with the
 information they need to evaluate the content they’re seeing online and
 help them make informed decisions,” said Tom Burt, Corporate Vice 
President of Customer Security and Trust, Microsoft. “Defending against 
disinformation campaigns is a key focus of our Defending Democracy 
Program. NewsGuard’s work has become especially relevant because of its 
trailblazing efforts to root out online hoaxes related to health and 
healthcare issues, including those concerning Covid-19. We’re proud of 
our role in making it available.”NewsGuard also announced that Kate O’Sullivan, General Manager of 
Digital Diplomacy, Microsoft, has joined NewsGuard’s global advisory 
board. Its other members include Gen. Michael Hayden, former Director of
 the CIA and National Security Agency; Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former 
Prime Minister of Denmark and former Secretary General of NATO; Tom 
Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Arne Duncan, 
former U.S. Secretary of Education; and Ed Vaizey, former Member of 
British Parliament and former Minister of Culture and Digital.<h2>About NewsGuard</h2>Launched in March 2018 by media entrepreneur and award-winning 
journalist Steven Brill and former Wall Street Journal publisher Gordon 
Crovitz, NewsGuard provides credibility ratings and detailed “Nutrition 
Labels” for thousands of news and information websites that account for 
95% of online engagement across the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, and 
Italy.NewsGuard employs journalists to rate each site based on nine 
apolitical criteria of journalistic practice, including whether a site 
repeatedly publishes false content, whether it regularly corrects or 
clarifies errors, and whether it avoids deceptive headlines. Based on 
the criteria, each site receives a trust score of 0-100 and an overall 
rating of “Green,” indicating the site is generally reliable, or “Red,” 
indicating that it is not reliable.NewsGuard’s ratings and Nutrition Labels can be licensed by education
 technology companies, internet service providers, browsers, news 
aggregators, and social media and search platforms. Consumers can access
 NewsGuard’s ratings through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsguardtech.com/free">browser extension</a>,&nbsp;Android and iOS and the Microsoft Edge mobile browser.

Microsoft expands NewsGuard adoption


MANHATTAN — A lot of pets and pet owners have been spending more time together because of COVID-19. But while the extra time together can be fun for both pets and their owners, a Kansas State University
 veterinarian says that it also can be a stressful time for dogs that results in unusual behavior, including biting.




According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are an estimated 77 million dogs living in the U.S. and 38% of U.S. homes have at least one dog.



"The AVMA also estimates that more than 17,800 dog bites occur every year in the United States, with many of the victims children under 2 years of age," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian with the K-State Pet Health Center. "According to
 the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites resulted in homeowner insurance payouts of $796.8 million in 2019. This was a 2.9% increase over the previous year. The national average for insurance claims related to a dog bite is $44,760."



Nelson has tips for both pets and their owners to stay safe and avoid biting experiences.




"If you have a new puppy, it is very important to socialize it properly as well-socialized dogs are less likely to bite due to fear of strange people or being stressed by being in an unfamiliar environment," Nelson said. "This needs to happen very early during
 the first few months of life as this is a puppy's critical formative time. Ask your veterinarian for tips and good resources on how to do this."



Nelson also recommends using positive reinforcement during training, avoiding rough play between humans and dogs, giving dogs a safe space to enjoy meals where they won't feel threatened by other animals or humans, and giving dogs ample rest time to be away
 from both humans and other pets. 



"Humans are responsible for keeping themselves and their pets safe in difficult situations to avoid bites," Nelson said. "Assume that all dogs are capable of biting — because they are. Dogs need a safe place where they can go to be alone and not be bothered
 by people or other pets. This can be in the form of a crate, bed or small room."



Nelson cautions that children and pets should never be left unattended and children should be taught to never approach an unfamiliar or sick dog, take a treat or food from a dog, or to never crowd a dog in a manner that could bring the animal stress. 

She emphasizes
 the importance of making sure all family members are educated on animal safety. This includes respecting the animal's need for privacy.



Finally, Nelson said it's important to keep dogs current on rabies vaccines.

"Dog bite prevention needs to be practiced year-round for the safety of people, especially our children, and for the benefit of our dogs," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589297010294.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>K-STATE NEWS SERVICE
MANHATTAN — A lot of pets and pet owners have been spending more time together because of COVID-19. But while the extra time together can be fun for both pets and their owners, a Kansas State University
 veterinarian says that it also can be a stressful time for dogs that results in unusual behavior, including biting.


According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are an estimated 77 million dogs living in the U.S. and 38% of U.S. homes have at least one dog.

"The AVMA also estimates that more than 17,800 dog bites occur every year in the United States, with many of the victims children under 2 years of age," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian with the K-State Pet Health Center. "According to
 the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites resulted in homeowner insurance payouts of $796.8 million in 2019. This was a 2.9% increase over the previous year. The national average for insurance claims related to a dog bite is $44,760."

Nelson has tips for both pets and their owners to stay safe and avoid biting experiences.


"If you have a new puppy, it is very important to socialize it properly as well-socialized dogs are less likely to bite due to fear of strange people or being stressed by being in an unfamiliar environment," Nelson said. "This needs to happen very early during
 the first few months of life as this is a puppy's critical formative time. Ask your veterinarian for tips and good resources on how to do this."

Nelson also recommends using positive reinforcement during training, avoiding rough play between humans and dogs, giving dogs a safe space to enjoy meals where they won't feel threatened by other animals or humans, and giving dogs ample rest time to be away
 from both humans and other pets. 

"Humans are responsible for keeping themselves and their pets safe in difficult situations to avoid bites," Nelson said. "Assume that all dogs are capable of biting — because they are. Dogs need a safe place where they can go to be alone and not be bothered
 by people or other pets. This can be in the form of a crate, bed or small room."

Nelson cautions that children and pets should never be left unattended and children should be taught to never approach an unfamiliar or sick dog, take a treat or food from a dog, or to never crowd a dog in a manner that could bring the animal stress. She emphasizes
 the importance of making sure all family members are educated on animal safety. This includes respecting the animal's need for privacy.

Finally, Nelson said it's important to keep dogs current on rabies vaccines.

"Dog bite prevention needs to be practiced year-round for the safety of people, especially our children, and for the benefit of our dogs," she said.

K-State veterinarian shares tips for bite-free quarantine

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e95a6d2d0a721fcffb4efb9435b84f4f">a U.S. economy in free fall</a>&nbsp;and a health care system struggling to contain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ab8ee4bdac227eb98804d3200d7d9e7">a pandemic still pummeling the country</a>.

The 208-199 vote, over strong Republican opposition, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities. It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans. Any product would probably be the last major COVID-19 response bill before November’s presidential and congressional elections.

The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined. It would deliver almost $1 trillion for state and local governments, another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.

“Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going to cost more,” warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “More in terms of lives, livelihood, cost to the budget, cost to our democracy.”

Republicans mocked the bill as a bloated Democratic wish-list that was dead on arrival in the GOP-led Senate and, for good measure, faced a White House veto threat. Party leaders say they want to assess how $3 trillion approved earlier is working and see if some states’ partial business reopenings would spark an economic revival that would ease the need for more safety net programs.

Republicans are also sorting through internal divisions and awaiting stronger signals from President Donald Trump about what he will support.

“Phase Four is going to happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, using Washington insider-speak for the measure. “But it’s going to happen in a much better way for the American people.”

Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are insisting the next measure should protect reopening businesses from liability lawsuits. The president is also demanding a cut to payroll taxes, but GOP leaders are not yet onboard.

The daylong debate painted a Capitol scene that’s become common in the era of coronavirus, even as it remains disconcerting. The sparsely populated House floor was dotted with lawmakers and aides wearing protective masks and even gloves, though some Republicans lacked them.

Many members looked shaggier and sported beards they had not worn weeks ago. Roll call votes lasted over an hour each because lawmakers were voting in small groups to limit crowding.

To enhance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/95f4b1ce45413f5e6b162221a456894a">the bill’s political impact</a>, Democrats named their measure “The Heroes Act” for the payments it would provide front-line emergency workers. With more than 86,000 Americans dead, 1.4 million confirmed infections and 36 million filing unemployment claims in an frozen economy, Democrats saw GOP opposition as an easy campaign-season target.

“Are you kidding me?” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, of Republican assertions that it was time to stop spending more money. “Where do you guys live? Food lines at our food banks around the block? In the United States of America?”

Republicans saw the bill as a Democratic political blunder. They said overly generous unemployment benefits discouraged people from returning to work, and attacked language helping immigrants in the U.S. illegally get federal benefits. They also singled out provisions helping states set up voting by mail and easing the marijuana industry’s access to banks.

“It may help the cannabis industry, but it won’t help Main Street,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

Clearly, the bipartisan consensus that produced four previous coronavirus bills is crumbling quickly. Polls show GOP voters are satisfied with the federal response and aren’t agitating for more. Self-branded deficit hawks are citing the massive increase in the spiraling $25 trillion national debt.

Some congressional aides said the Democratic bill’s real price tag could breach $3.5 trillion. A partial estimate of tax provisions alone revealed eye-popping costs: $412 billion to renew $1,200 cash payments to individuals, more than $100 billion to pay health insurance premiums for the unemployed and $164 billion to make an “employee retention” tax credit for businesses more generous.

Republicans leaders faced disunity between conservatives who feel enough has been done and pragmatists who back rescuing the Postal Service from looming insolvency and delivering cash to revenue-starved state and local governments. The huge price tag and a lack of consultation with Republicans by Pelosi cemented GOP opposition.

“This bill is nothing more than the Democratic policy agenda masquerading as a response to the coronavirus crisis,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. He said the bill is “going nowhere, and is going nowhere fast.”

Pelosi overcame party divisions of her own. Some moderate Democrats opposed the package for its price tag and politically fraught provisions like assisting marijuana businesses. A few progressive Democrats were upset because it did not do more, such as guaranteeing workers’ salaries and bolstering their health insurance coverage.

Those for whom the vote was most politically risky were the 30, mostly freshmen, from House districts that backed Trump in 2016. One, Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, labeled the measure “bloated” and said she’d vote no.

Liberal Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told reporters that she’d also oppose the bill. She said if constituents ask her if the bill would put money in their pockets or preserve their health care, “I can’t tell them yes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589593696332.png" alt="Moments after the U.S. House passed a new $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, which includes money for state and local governments, coronavirus testing, and cash payments to individuals. Members will also take up a House rules change to allow proxy voting-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Moments after the U.S. House passed a new $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, which includes money for state and local governments, coronavirus testing, and cash payments to individuals. Members will also take up a House rules change to allow proxy voting-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House on Friday, an election-year measure designed to brace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e95a6d2d0a721fcffb4efb9435b84f4f">a U.S. economy in free fall</a>&nbsp;and a health care system struggling to contain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8ab8ee4bdac227eb98804d3200d7d9e7">a pandemic still pummeling the country</a>.The 208-199 vote, over strong Republican opposition, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities. It has no chance of becoming law as written, but will likely spark difficult negotiations with the White House and Senate Republicans. Any product would probably be the last major COVID-19 response bill before November’s presidential and congressional elections.The enormous Democratic measure would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined. It would deliver almost $1 trillion for state and local governments, another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589593817267.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her news conference Thursday" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her news conference Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>“Not to act now is not only irresponsible in a humanitarian way, it is irresponsible because it’s only going to cost more,” warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “More in terms of lives, livelihood, cost to the budget, cost to our democracy.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m in Washington to vote against Speaker Pelosi’s $3 trillion spending bill. This is a partisan attempt to take advantage of a crisis to pass a socialist wish list &amp; reckless spending. Instead, Congress needs to work together on meaningful legislation for Kansans and Americans. <a href="https://t.co/eTl3QiKMWw">pic.twitter.com/eTl3QiKMWw</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1261414271788826624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans mocked the bill as a bloated Democratic wish-list that was dead on arrival in the GOP-led Senate and, for good measure, faced a White House veto threat. Party leaders say they want to assess how $3 trillion approved earlier is working and see if some states’ partial business reopenings would spark an economic revival that would ease the need for more safety net programs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerPelosi</a>’s 1,800 page, $3 trillion boondoggle: -Funds Planned Parenthood -Bails out fiscally irresponsible states -Hands out millions to the “arts” -Discourages people from going back to work This socialist wish list is a sham, and a waste of time.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1261378054900920321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republicans are also sorting through internal divisions and awaiting stronger signals from President Donald Trump about what he will support.“Phase Four is going to happen,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, using Washington insider-speak for the measure. “But it’s going to happen in a much better way for the American people.”Trump and top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., are insisting the next measure should protect reopening businesses from liability lawsuits. The president is also demanding a cut to payroll taxes, but GOP leaders are not yet onboard.The daylong debate painted a Capitol scene that’s become common in the era of coronavirus, even as it remains disconcerting. The sparsely populated House floor was dotted with lawmakers and aides wearing protective masks and even gloves, though some Republicans lacked them.Many members looked shaggier and sported beards they had not worn weeks ago. Roll call votes lasted over an hour each because lawmakers were voting in small groups to limit crowding.To enhance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/95f4b1ce45413f5e6b162221a456894a">the bill’s political impact</a>, Democrats named their measure “The Heroes Act” for the payments it would provide front-line emergency workers. With more than 86,000 Americans dead, 1.4 million confirmed infections and 36 million filing unemployment claims in an frozen economy, Democrats saw GOP opposition as an easy campaign-season target.“Are you kidding me?” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, of Republican assertions that it was time to stop spending more money. “Where do you guys live? Food lines at our food banks around the block? In the United States of America?”Republicans saw the bill as a Democratic political blunder. They said overly generous unemployment benefits discouraged people from returning to work, and attacked language helping immigrants in the U.S. illegally get federal benefits. They also singled out provisions helping states set up voting by mail and easing the marijuana industry’s access to banks.“It may help the cannabis industry, but it won’t help Main Street,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.Clearly, the bipartisan consensus that produced four previous coronavirus bills is crumbling quickly. Polls show GOP voters are satisfied with the federal response and aren’t agitating for more. Self-branded deficit hawks are citing the massive increase in the spiraling $25 trillion national debt.Some congressional aides said the Democratic bill’s real price tag could breach $3.5 trillion. A partial estimate of tax provisions alone revealed eye-popping costs: $412 billion to renew $1,200 cash payments to individuals, more than $100 billion to pay health insurance premiums for the unemployed and $164 billion to make an “employee retention” tax credit for businesses more generous.Republicans leaders faced disunity between conservatives who feel enough has been done and pragmatists who back rescuing the Postal Service from looming insolvency and delivering cash to revenue-starved state and local governments. The huge price tag and a lack of consultation with Republicans by Pelosi cemented GOP opposition.“This bill is nothing more than the Democratic policy agenda masquerading as a response to the coronavirus crisis,” said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. He said the bill is “going nowhere, and is going nowhere fast.”Pelosi overcame party divisions of her own. Some moderate Democrats opposed the package for its price tag and politically fraught provisions like assisting marijuana businesses. A few progressive Democrats were upset because it did not do more, such as guaranteeing workers’ salaries and bolstering their health insurance coverage.Those for whom the vote was most politically risky were the 30, mostly freshmen, from House districts that backed Trump in 2016. One, Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, labeled the measure “bloated” and said she’d vote no.Liberal Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., told reporters that she’d also oppose the bill. She said if constituents ask her if the bill would put money in their pockets or preserve their health care, “I can’t tell them yes.”

House approves new $3T coronavirus relief bill

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft at several stores in Kansas and asking the public to help identify suspects.

On April 30, an Arkansas City resident reported the theft of a wallet from her purse while shopping at Dillons, 425 N. Summit Street in Arkansas City, according to police.

A short time later, the victim’s credit card allegedly was used to make a large purchase of gift cards and clothing at Walmart, 2701 N. Summit Street.

Investigators were able to recover video surveillance footage. However, the images show three suspects wearing masks and hats in Dillons. Two of the three suspects also appear on surveillance footage from Walmart, with masks, which makes identifying the suspects difficult.

Police learned Tuesday that the Arkansas City suspects possibly were captured on video in two separate stores in Wichita, committing the same crimes during the prior weekend.

The video surveillance from a grocery store in Wichita shows the three suspects allegedly looking into shopping carts, identifying open purses and removing wallets. Credit cards stolen in this fashion were used later at another retail outlet to purchase gift cards.

The two male suspects look similar and police suspect they could be related. They appear to be in their 40s and may be between 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall, each weighing between 230 and 260 pounds.

The female suspect appears to be in her late 50s or 60s and is shorter, possibly 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-6, weighing 190 to 220 pounds. The suspects may be traveling in a newer gray or silver sport utility vehicle.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of any of these suspects should immediately contact the Arkansas City Police Department at (620) 441-4444.

Those wishing to remain anonymous also may contact Cowley County Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.

Call (620) 442-7777 in Arkansas City or (620) 221-7777 in Winfield, or visit www.tipsubmit.com or accs.crimestoppersweb.com to make an anonymous report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589455932066.png" alt="Security camera image -Arkansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image -Arkansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft at several stores in Kansas and asking the public to help identify suspects.On April 30, an Arkansas City resident reported the theft of a wallet from her purse while shopping at Dillons, 425 N. Summit Street in Arkansas City, according to police.A short time later, the victim’s credit card allegedly was used to make a large purchase of gift cards and clothing at Walmart, 2701 N. Summit Street.Investigators were able to recover video surveillance footage. However, the images show three suspects wearing masks and hats in Dillons. Two of the three suspects also appear on surveillance footage from Walmart, with masks, which makes identifying the suspects difficult.Police learned Tuesday that the Arkansas City suspects possibly were captured on video in two separate stores in Wichita, committing the same crimes during the prior weekend.The video surveillance from a grocery store in Wichita shows the three suspects allegedly looking into shopping carts, identifying open purses and removing wallets. Credit cards stolen in this fashion were used later at another retail outlet to purchase gift cards.The two male suspects look similar and police suspect they could be related. They appear to be in their 40s and may be between 5-foot-8 to 6 feet tall, each weighing between 230 and 260 pounds.The female suspect appears to be in her late 50s or 60s and is shorter, possibly 5-foot-2 to 5-foot-6, weighing 190 to 220 pounds. The suspects may be traveling in a newer gray or silver sport utility vehicle.Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of any of these suspects should immediately contact the Arkansas City Police Department at (620) 441-4444.Those wishing to remain anonymous also may contact Cowley County Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.Call (620) 442-7777 in Arkansas City or (620) 221-7777 in Winfield, or visit www.tipsubmit.com or accs.crimestoppersweb.com to make an anonymous report.-----

Police: Kan. theft suspects wearing masks difficult to identify

KANSAS CITY —(AP) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning doctors about a serious rare inflammatory condition in children linked with the coronavirus.

In an <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/han00432.asp">alert issued Thursday</a>, the CDC called the condition multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

"A young Kansan is hospitalized at Children's Mercy in Kansas City with the syndrome," KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman confirmed Friday during the governor's news conference.

"The syndrome is something we are monitoring very closely. It's a little bit surprising because we've always talked about COVID-19 being a respiratory illness. However, that does not seem to the be the prominent feature of this illness." said Norman.

The CDC's case definition includes current or recent COVID-19 infection or exposure to the virus, a fever of at least 100.4 for at least 24 hours, severe illness requiring hospitalization, inflammatory markers in blood tests, and evidence of problems affecting at least two organs that could include the heart, kidneys, lungs, skin or other nervous system. 

The name and definition are similar to those used in Europe, where the condition was first reported several weeks ago.

The condition has been reported in at least 110 New York children and in 135 kids in 18 other states. A few children have died.

Some children may have symptoms resembling Kawasaki disease, a rare condition in children that can cause swelling and heart problems.

Reported cases have all involved children but the CDC said it is unknown if the condition can occur in adults.

Doctors should be on the lookout for the condition and report suspected cases to local or state health departments. It should be suspected in all deaths in children who had evidence of COVID-19 infection, the CDC said.

Children are less likely than adults to develop COVID-19 and their illnesses usually are less severe although they can spread the disease without showing symptoms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589570075818.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the syndrome during the governor's Friday news conference" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman discussed the syndrome during the governor's Friday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —(AP) The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning doctors about a serious rare inflammatory condition in children linked with the coronavirus.In an <a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/han00432.asp">alert issued Thursday</a>, the CDC called the condition multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. "A young Kansan is hospitalized at Children's Mercy in Kansas City with the syndrome," KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman confirmed Friday during the governor's news conference."The syndrome is something we are monitoring very closely. It's a little bit surprising because we've always talked about COVID-19 being a respiratory illness. However, that does not seem to the be the prominent feature of this illness." said Norman.The CDC's case definition includes current or recent COVID-19 infection or exposure to the virus, a fever of at least 100.4 for at least 24 hours, severe illness requiring hospitalization, inflammatory markers in blood tests, and evidence of problems affecting at least two organs that could include the heart, kidneys, lungs, skin or other nervous system. The name and definition are similar to those used in Europe, where the condition was first reported several weeks ago.The condition has been reported in at least 110 New York children and in 135 kids in 18 other states. A few children have died.Some children may have symptoms resembling Kawasaki disease, a rare condition in children that can cause swelling and heart problems.Reported cases have all involved children but the CDC said it is unknown if the condition can occur in adults.Doctors should be on the lookout for the condition and report suspected cases to local or state health departments. It should be suspected in all deaths in children who had evidence of COVID-19 infection, the CDC said.Children are less likely than adults to develop COVID-19 and their illnesses usually are less severe although they can spread the disease without showing symptoms.___

Kan. child hospitalized with COVID-19 linked condition 

COWLEY COUNTY— Authorities are investigating a possible drowning that occurred late Thursday afternoon in southeast Arkansas City.

Just after 5p.m., the Arkansas City Police and Fire-EMS departments were dispatched to a possible drowning in the 800 block of South Boyer Road, according to police.

They arrived to find CPR was being administered to an 18-month-old boy and EMS personnel took over the lifesaving efforts. The child was transported by ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center, where he later was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

Authorities released no additional details Friday afternoon.

They arrived to find CPR was being administered to a child and EMS personnel took over the lifesaving efforts. The child was transported by ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center, where the child later was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

Authorities released no additional details late Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565275830792.jpeg" alt="Ambulance " />
 <figcaption>Ambulance </figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY— Authorities are investigating a possible drowning that occurred late Thursday afternoon in southeast Arkansas City.Just after 5p.m., the Arkansas City Police and Fire-EMS departments were dispatched to a possible drowning in the 800 block of South Boyer Road, according to police.They arrived to find CPR was being administered to an 18-month-old boy and EMS personnel took over the lifesaving efforts. The child was transported by ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center, where he later was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Authorities released no additional details Friday afternoon.----------COWLEY COUNTY— Authorities are investigating a possible drowning that occurred late Thursday afternoon in southeast Arkansas City.Just after 5p.m., the Arkansas City Police and Fire-EMS departments were dispatched to a possible drowning in the 800 block of South Boyer Road, according to police.They arrived to find CPR was being administered to a child and EMS personnel took over the lifesaving efforts. The child was transported by ambulance to South Central Kansas Medical Center, where the child later was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Authorities released no additional details late Thursday.

Update: Police investigate toddler's drowning at Kan. home

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The state Department of Corrections says all inmates at a work release facility in downtown Wichita have been moved to another Kansas facility after 38 of them tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Department spokeswoman Rebecca Witte says about 100 inmates at the Wichita Work Release Facility were moved Thursday to the Lansing Correctional Facility, where 88 staff members and 750 inmates have tested positive for the virus. 

Witte said the dormitory set-up at the Wichita facility doesn't allow for the separation of the sick and healthy, but that Lansing is better able to quarantine and isolate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589573025096.png" alt="Inmates during the relocation from Wichita on Thursday -photo by Nolan Roth&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/42131508/all-wichita-work-release-inmates-moved-to-lansing-after-discovery-of-covid-19-cluster">courtesy KAKE</a>" />
 <figcaption>Inmates during the relocation from Wichita on Thursday -photo by Nolan Roth&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kake.com/story/42131508/all-wichita-work-release-inmates-moved-to-lansing-after-discovery-of-covid-19-cluster">courtesy KAKE</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The state Department of Corrections says all inmates at a work release facility in downtown Wichita have been moved to another Kansas facility after 38 of them tested positive for the coronavirus. Department spokeswoman Rebecca Witte says about 100 inmates at the Wichita Work Release Facility were moved Thursday to the Lansing Correctional Facility, where 88 staff members and 750 inmates have tested positive for the virus. Witte said the dormitory set-up at the Wichita facility doesn't allow for the separation of the sick and healthy, but that Lansing is better able to quarantine and isolate.

Kan. inmates relocated after coronavirus cases increase

Governor Laura Kelly will hold a&nbsp;press briefing Friday afternoon to answer questions on her decision to slow the reopening of the Kansas economy.

Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will also answer questions.

Governor Laura Kelly will hold a&nbsp;press briefing Friday afternoon to answer questions on her decision to slow the reopening of the Kansas economy.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F280569762984055%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will also answer questions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589490713721.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Governor on Phase 1.5 of plan to reopen Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Authorities are on the scene of a drowning in northeast Kansas.

Just after 9:30a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a possible drowning in Mission Creek near the 1800 block of SW Glick Road, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.

According to statements at the scene, two individuals were on land working near the creek when one of the men jumped in to try to save a dog that entered the water. 

The man was swept under by the fast moving water. The other individual attempted a rescue but was unsuccessful.

A recovery operation is underway with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Dover Fire Department, Mission Fire Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, according to Anderson.

Check the Post for additional details as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589565824443.png" alt="Emergency crews arriving at the scene Friday morning -photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Shawnee-Co-Sheriff-investigting-death-west-of-Topeka--570503851.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Emergency crews arriving at the scene Friday morning -photo <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Shawnee-Co-Sheriff-investigting-death-west-of-Topeka--570503851.html">courtesy WIBW TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Authorities are on the scene of a drowning in northeast Kansas.Just after 9:30a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a possible drowning in Mission Creek near the 1800 block of SW Glick Road, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.According to statements at the scene, two individuals were on land working near the creek when one of the men jumped in to try to save a dog that entered the water. The man was swept under by the fast moving water. The other individual attempted a rescue but was unsuccessful.A recovery operation is underway with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Dover Fire Department, Mission Fire Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, according to Anderson.Check the Post for additional details as it becomes available.

Sheriff: Man drowns attempting to save dog in Kan. creek

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 418 to a total of 7886, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

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

Note: The KDHE Coronavirus in Kansas report is now released Monday, Wednesday and Friday.&nbsp;

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 418 to a total of 7886, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 172.<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/2020/5/1589562511925.png" alt="May 15, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>May 15, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Note: The KDHE Coronavirus in Kansas report is now released Monday, Wednesday and Friday.&nbsp;

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man who was planning to bomb a Kansas City-area hospital killed himself in March as FBI agents served a probable cause arrest warrant, the FBI said Friday.

An autopsy determined that FBI agents shot Timothy Wilson, 36, of Raymore, Missouri, in the upper and lower extremities on March 24 on a street in Belton, Missouri, but that his cause of death was a self-inflicted wound to the head, the agency said. The FBI didn’t say if Wilson shot himself before or after the agents shot him.

Investigators said Wilson was distressed by the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis and motivated by racial, religious and anti-government animus, according to court documents. The plot was reminiscent of the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City. Wilson first talked of plans for an attack in April or June, but FBI agents say he moved up that timeline as the coronavirus made its way to Missouri.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad891a0e69f0e3d285c397a1626d1e0d">violent take-down</a>&nbsp;followed a long-running domestic terrorism investigation that began in 2019 with Wilson’s encrypted communications about bomb-building with Jarrett William Smith, a 24-year-old Army infantry soldier who faces prison for distributing bomb-making information through social media.

Wilson considered attacking the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, before settling on a plan to park a vehicle loaded with explosives and detonate it in the parking lot of Belton Regional Medical Center in Cass County, investigators state in court documents.

Just two days before his death, Wilson and an undercover FBI agent visited Belton Regional to inspect the hospital property and conduct a dry run of their plot, court records say.

The records show that for months, Wilson had discussed ideas for a terrorist attack, telling an undercover FBI agent that he was considering sites including a nuclear plant and Islamic centers in Missouri and the Walmart headquarters or a synagogue in Arkansas. He also discussed last year shooting up a predominantly black elementary school, the FBI said in the affidavits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586964970283.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Missouri man who was planning to bomb a Kansas City-area hospital killed himself in March as FBI agents served a probable cause arrest warrant, the FBI said Friday.An autopsy determined that FBI agents shot Timothy Wilson, 36, of Raymore, Missouri, in the upper and lower extremities on March 24 on a street in Belton, Missouri, but that his cause of death was a self-inflicted wound to the head, the agency said. The FBI didn’t say if Wilson shot himself before or after the agents shot him.Investigators said Wilson was distressed by the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis and motivated by racial, religious and anti-government animus, according to court documents. The plot was reminiscent of the 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City. Wilson first talked of plans for an attack in April or June, but FBI agents say he moved up that timeline as the coronavirus made its way to Missouri.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad891a0e69f0e3d285c397a1626d1e0d">violent take-down</a>&nbsp;followed a long-running domestic terrorism investigation that began in 2019 with Wilson’s encrypted communications about bomb-building with Jarrett William Smith, a 24-year-old Army infantry soldier who faces prison for distributing bomb-making information through social media.Wilson considered attacking the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, before settling on a plan to park a vehicle loaded with explosives and detonate it in the parking lot of Belton Regional Medical Center in Cass County, investigators state in court documents.Just two days before his death, Wilson and an undercover FBI agent visited Belton Regional to inspect the hospital property and conduct a dry run of their plot, court records say.The records show that for months, Wilson had discussed ideas for a terrorist attack, telling an undercover FBI agent that he was considering sites including a nuclear plant and Islamic centers in Missouri and the Walmart headquarters or a synagogue in Arkansas. He also discussed last year shooting up a predominantly black elementary school, the FBI said in the affidavits.

FBI: Man planning to bomb KC-area hospital killed himself

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump named a former pharmaceutical executive to lead his administration’s all-out effort to produce and distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.

Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will lead “Operation Warp Speed,” Trump’s push to accelerate the vaccine development process for COVID-19.

Slaoui is to serve in a volunteer capacity, and will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the commander of United States Army Materiel Command. 

The move comes as the president and White House aides hope to produce vaccines for the coronavirus faster than what many scientists believe is realistic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump named a former pharmaceutical executive to lead his administration’s all-out effort to produce and distribute a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Operation Warp Speed is &quot;a massive scientific, industrial, and logistical endeavor unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/dkfU3vPnnA">pic.twitter.com/dkfU3vPnnA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1261354450259763200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will lead “Operation Warp Speed,” Trump’s push to accelerate the vaccine development process for COVID-19.Slaoui is to serve in a volunteer capacity, and will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the commander of United States Army Materiel Command. The move comes as the president and White House aides hope to produce vaccines for the coronavirus faster than what many scientists believe is realistic.

🎥 Trump names virus vaccine development team

EL DORADO, Kan. (AP) — Heavy rainfall moving through Butler County Friday caused some local road closures and rescues of people from stalled vehicles. 

KWCH-TV reports parts parts of the county has seen as much as 6 inches of rain since midnight. El Dorado and Augusta received between 1.5 and 2 inches during a two-hour downpour. 

National Weather Service says emergency management reported a five-block area in El Dorado was experiencing “significant flooding.” Storms are moving east out of the county, but another strong band of thunderstorms is expected to move through south-central Kansas Friday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589555208614.png" alt="Flooding in the Butler County community of Andover-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Flooding in the Butler County community of Andover-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, Kan. (AP) — Heavy rainfall moving through Butler County Friday caused some local road closures and rescues of people from stalled vehicles. KWCH-TV reports parts parts of the county has seen as much as 6 inches of rain since midnight. El Dorado and Augusta received between 1.5 and 2 inches during a two-hour downpour. National Weather Service says emergency management reported a five-block area in El Dorado was experiencing “significant flooding.” Storms are moving east out of the county, but another strong band of thunderstorms is expected to move through south-central Kansas Friday evening.

Flooding reported as heavy rains move through Kansas

Amber Knoettgen photo courtesy Cloud County Community College

CONCORDIA -- Interim Cloud County Community College President Amber Knoettgen and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success Pedro Leite released a plan Thursday outlining the college’s plan for the future.

Knoettgen was named interim president last week, following the non-renewal of Dr. Adrian Douglas, who had been Cloud’s president since May 2018.

The framework for “moving forward with excellence” was presented to the College Board of Trustees at a special meeting Wednesday and takes the college into the coming school year.

Rebuilding trust is first on the list, and Knoettgen said she and Leite will continue and expand the work initiated by Douglas, as well as forge open communication with staff and faculty.

“We plan to rebuild trust by having question and answer sessions with the faculty association, faculty and department meetings,” Leite said. “We also plan to implement a monthly campus community meeting to keep those lines of communication open.”

With the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, in October, Leite will continue working with various committees to prepare the college.

The college also faces potential decreases in enrollment and funding due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to boost enrollment, the college has implemented a reduced rate for summer courses, as well as applied for grants to market several academic programs.

Leite is also working with the Geary County campus to move forward with course offerings that will benefit local industry, as well as various partnerships in the area.

&nbsp;The coming fiscal year will see a 10-percent reduction in all department budgets, but at this time, Knoettgen said there are no plans for a reduction in personnel. Departments are also currently working on plans for a Fall 2020 return of students to campus. An Academic Affairs and Student Success team is working on logistics for offering face-to-face courses, classes with lab components, and Zoom conferencing technology courses.

“With the dedication of our entire team, we are sure to accomplish these challenges placed before us,” Knoettgen said. “Now, more than ever, we are placing faith in the great teamwork everyone has been showing these past few months.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589549673453.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Amber Knoettgen photo courtesy Cloud County Community CollegeCONCORDIA -- Interim Cloud County Community College President Amber Knoettgen and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success Pedro Leite released a plan Thursday outlining the college’s plan for the future.Knoettgen was named interim president last week, following the non-renewal of Dr. Adrian Douglas, who had been Cloud’s president since May 2018.The framework for “moving forward with excellence” was presented to the College Board of Trustees at a special meeting Wednesday and takes the college into the coming school year.Rebuilding trust is first on the list, and Knoettgen said she and Leite will continue and expand the work initiated by Douglas, as well as forge open communication with staff and faculty.“We plan to rebuild trust by having question and answer sessions with the faculty association, faculty and department meetings,” Leite said. “We also plan to implement a monthly campus community meeting to keep those lines of communication open.”With the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit, in October, Leite will continue working with various committees to prepare the college.The college also faces potential decreases in enrollment and funding due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to boost enrollment, the college has implemented a reduced rate for summer courses, as well as applied for grants to market several academic programs.Leite is also working with the Geary County campus to move forward with course offerings that will benefit local industry, as well as various partnerships in the area.&nbsp;The coming fiscal year will see a 10-percent reduction in all department budgets, but at this time, Knoettgen said there are no plans for a reduction in personnel. Departments are also currently working on plans for a Fall 2020 return of students to campus. An Academic Affairs and Student Success team is working on logistics for offering face-to-face courses, classes with lab components, and Zoom conferencing technology courses.“With the dedication of our entire team, we are sure to accomplish these challenges placed before us,” Knoettgen said. “Now, more than ever, we are placing faith in the great teamwork everyone has been showing these past few months.”

Cloud Co. College president out; school releases plan for future

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement Thursday evening in response to criticism of her labor secretary. 

During their hearing Thursday, members of the&nbsp;Senate Commerce Committee&nbsp;&nbsp;expressed their disgust with the labor department and the difficult time unemployed Kansans have in an attempt to receive benefits.

Governor Kelly said, “Almost overnight, Kansas went from having record low to record high unemployment rates. In fact, not since the Great Depression have we seen such a sharp and sudden increase in unemployment rates. The volume of calls has overwhelmed the Kansas Department of Labor, which at one point was receiving as many as 1.5 million calls per day. Kansas is not alone; every other state in the union has seen a similar spike in call volumes and demand."

“My administration has been transparent in acknowledging the issues and transparent in outlining the steps we have taken to address them. This includes being honest when we have setbacks. We have also actively reached out to legislators and the public to inform them of problems and solutions as they are implemented."

“Secretary Delía García has a long history of fighting for working Kansans – and that commitment hasn’t changed. She and her team have worked tirelessly over the last two months to meet the unprecedented demand for unemployment benefits. As a result, they have been able to file 841,428 new initial and weekly claims, as of May 9. In fact, the total amount of payments now being processed is so large that the bank is having difficulty keeping up with them.

The Department of Labor has implemented federal programs like the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, waived the waiting week, extended regular benefits for claims, started to accept the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications and have started to develop the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which will provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits. All while protecting the health and safety of our own employees.&nbsp;

“Additionally, the Department of Labor team has implemented a new call system to handle the increased call volumes and we temporarily reassigned nearly 100 state employees to assist Kansans in answering questions about the unemployment process. They have also shored up an outdated computer system that is nearly 40 years old and was struggling to meet the demand.

“I’ve consistently said that politics has no place in this pandemic, and that we need an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to recover. I am beyond disappointed that some members of the Legislature today chose to take political cheap shots and attack the Secretary of Labor and her staff, rather than discuss possible solutions to help unemployed Kansans, including replacing the 40-year-old computer system that is at the root of the system failure. &nbsp;All Kansans deserve better.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589397643568.png" alt="Kansas Labor Secretary Delía García answered questions during the governor's press conference Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Labor Secretary Delía García answered questions during the governor's press conference Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement Thursday evening in response to criticism of her labor secretary. During their hearing Thursday, members of the&nbsp;Senate Commerce Committee&nbsp;&nbsp;expressed their disgust with the labor department and the difficult time unemployed Kansans have in an attempt to receive benefits.Governor Kelly said, “Almost overnight, Kansas went from having record low to record high unemployment rates. In fact, not since the Great Depression have we seen such a sharp and sudden increase in unemployment rates. The volume of calls has overwhelmed the Kansas Department of Labor, which at one point was receiving as many as 1.5 million calls per day. Kansas is not alone; every other state in the union has seen a similar spike in call volumes and demand."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589507456567.png" alt="Members of the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development committee held a virtual meeting Thursday." />
 <figcaption>Members of the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development committee held a virtual meeting Thursday.</figcaption>
 </figure>“My administration has been transparent in acknowledging the issues and transparent in outlining the steps we have taken to address them. This includes being honest when we have setbacks. We have also actively reached out to legislators and the public to inform them of problems and solutions as they are implemented."“Secretary Delía García has a long history of fighting for working Kansans – and that commitment hasn’t changed. She and her team have worked tirelessly over the last two months to meet the unprecedented demand for unemployment benefits. As a result, they have been able to file 841,428 new initial and weekly claims, as of May 9. In fact, the total amount of payments now being processed is so large that the bank is having difficulty keeping up with them.The Department of Labor has implemented federal programs like the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, waived the waiting week, extended regular benefits for claims, started to accept the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications and have started to develop the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which will provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits. All while protecting the health and safety of our own employees.&nbsp;“Additionally, the Department of Labor team has implemented a new call system to handle the increased call volumes and we temporarily reassigned nearly 100 state employees to assist Kansans in answering questions about the unemployment process. They have also shored up an outdated computer system that is nearly 40 years old and was struggling to meet the demand.“I’ve consistently said that politics has no place in this pandemic, and that we need an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to recover. I am beyond disappointed that some members of the Legislature today chose to take political cheap shots and attack the Secretary of Labor and her staff, rather than discuss possible solutions to help unemployed Kansans, including replacing the 40-year-old computer system that is at the root of the system failure. &nbsp;All Kansans deserve better.”

Governor responds to criticism of Kansas Labor Secretary

K-State beef team outlines feeding options during online workshop

MANHATTAN – Several members of Kansas State University’s Extension beef team hosted an online workshop Thursday to help producers with looming decisions on managing their herds in light of unique challenges in the market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed Kansas’ beef supply chain to as much as 40 percent capacity, though the state has rebounded in recent days, according to K-State agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor.

Tonsor noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on March 30 that Kansas’ commercial cattle slaughter numbers were 120,000 head per day, “but then throughout the month of April, we’ve had almost day after day decline in the number of animals we were able to harvest,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589548550406.png" alt="K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef team outlines feeding options during online workshop</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Several members of Kansas State University’s Extension beef team hosted an online workshop Thursday to help producers with looming decisions on managing their herds in light of unique challenges in the market.The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed Kansas’ beef supply chain to as much as 40 percent capacity, though the state has rebounded in recent days, according to K-State agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor.Tonsor noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported on March 30 that Kansas’ commercial cattle slaughter numbers were 120,000 head per day, “but then throughout the month of April, we’ve had almost day after day decline in the number of animals we were able to harvest,” he said.Though the numbers from USDA are preliminary, Tonsor said the volume fell to as low as 72,000 – a nearly 40 percent reduction in the number of animals harvested over the same period in 2019.“The good news is that over the last 10 days, we’ve had improvement,” Tonsor said, noting that the May 13 numbers indicate that 91,000 animals were harvested that day. “We continue to make progress. I anticipate that to continue, but there is a long road ahead to get closer to a feasible total capacity in the weeks and months ahead.”The bottleneck in beef processing facilities due to COVID-19 has led to less meat available at grocery stores, as well as higher meat prices, and lower livestock prices for producers and processors.Because they can’t move their animals to processing, livestock producers have had to adjust their management strategy to feed animals longer and sell them at heavier weights. To manage that most efficiently, K-State Research and Extension beef extension specialist Dale Blasi said producers should know the average weight of the calves currently in their operation.“Knowing this is critical to assess your marketing strategy,” he said. “It allows you to examine how rations can be formulated with available feed ingredients at the least possible cost.”He encourages cattlemen to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/k-state-feeder-cattle-risk-management-tool">feeder cattle risk management tool</a>&nbsp;available from the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics, which compares net selling prices under futures market hedging, buying put options and the USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection insurance plan.Jaymelynn Farney, a beef systems specialist at the Southeast Research-Extension Center in Parsons, noted that the slowdown in the supply chain has come at a time when one of producers’ preferred feed ingredients – dried distiller’s grains – is also limited due to COVID-19 and factors related to the availability of crude oil.“So right now, we’re trying to replace distiller’s grains with protein alternatives,” she said. “The best options depend on where you’re located in the state or country.”In the eastern part of the state, she said some of the commodities that can match or exceed distiller’s grains for the animal's protein needs include corn gluten meal, corn steep, soybean meal, whole soybeans or sunflower meal.“You always want to evaluate what commodities you have in your area, and the cost per pound, depending on what you’re wanting to use that commodity for – protein or energy,” she said.In western Kansas, Justin Waggoner, a beef systems specialist for the Southwest Research-Extension Center in Garden City, also has looked at alfalfa as an alternative protein source. “It’s a good forage,” he said, “but it’s still variable in quality.”Farney and Waggoner note that before deciding on the best protein source to substitute for distiller’s grains, producers should visit with their nutritionist.To view the full May 14 webinar with the members of K-State’s beef extension team, visit<a href="http://www.ksubeef.org/">KSUBeef.org</a>.