ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth County Health Department has reported the county's first confirmed COVID-19 case.

The
 reported case is a male over the age of 50 who is stable and is 
maintaining in-home isolation, the health department reported.

"The
 Ellsworth County Health Department is working diligently to identify 
any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be 
contacted as soon as possible. Close contacts will be monitored for 
fever and respiratory symptoms," the health department noted in a letter
 to county residents.

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth County Health Department has reported the county's first confirmed COVID-19 case.The
 reported case is a male over the age of 50 who is stable and is 
maintaining in-home isolation, the health department reported."The
 Ellsworth County Health Department is working diligently to identify 
any close contacts of the individual and those who were exposed will be 
contacted as soon as possible. Close contacts will be monitored for 
fever and respiratory symptoms," the health department noted in a letter
 to county residents.

Ellsworth County reports first COVID-19 case

BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. businesses cut an unprecedented 20.2 million jobs in April, an epic collapse with coronavirus outbreak closing the offices, factories, schools, construction sites and stores that propel the U.S. economy.

The Wednesday report from payroll company ADP showed the tragic depth and scale of job losses that left no part of the world’s largest economy unscathed. The losses will likely continue through May, with a recovery in hiring likely to begin in the months that follow, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics.

“This is one for the record books,” Zandi said. ”The good news is that we’re at the apex of the job loss.”

Even though Zandi expects hiring to resume in June as states ease lockdowns, he cautioned that it will be a “slog” over several years to recover all the jobs lost in April.

The private industry report comes two days ahead of the official monthly job figures from the U.S. Labor Department. Economists believe the Friday report will reveal unemployment in the U.S. stands at a shocking 16%, up from 4.4% in March.

According to ADP, the leisure and hospitality sector shed 8.6 million workers last month. Trade, transportation and utilities let 3.4 million people go. Construction firms cut nearly 2.5 million jobs, while manufacturers let go of roughly 1.7 million people. The health care sector cut 1 million jobs, but education services eked out a gain of 28,000 as colleges and universities do not appear to have forced significant layoffs that could come later this year.

More than half of April’s job losses came from smaller companies with 500 workers or fewer. But larger employers cut 8.9 million jobs. Polling by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that nearly eight in 10 households that suffered job losses expect to return to their previous employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586986967714.png" alt="This closed thrift store is one of thousands of business shuttered across Kansas, closings that have overwhelmed the state's unemployment benefits system. Jim McLean photo" />
 <figcaption>This closed thrift store is one of thousands of business shuttered across Kansas, closings that have overwhelmed the state's unemployment benefits system. Jim McLean photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. businesses cut an unprecedented 20.2 million jobs in April, an epic collapse with coronavirus outbreak closing the offices, factories, schools, construction sites and stores that propel the U.S. economy.The Wednesday report from payroll company ADP showed the tragic depth and scale of job losses that left no part of the world’s largest economy unscathed. The losses will likely continue through May, with a recovery in hiring likely to begin in the months that follow, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics.“This is one for the record books,” Zandi said. ”The good news is that we’re at the apex of the job loss.”Even though Zandi expects hiring to resume in June as states ease lockdowns, he cautioned that it will be a “slog” over several years to recover all the jobs lost in April.The private industry report comes two days ahead of the official monthly job figures from the U.S. Labor Department. Economists believe the Friday report will reveal unemployment in the U.S. stands at a shocking 16%, up from 4.4% in March.According to ADP, the leisure and hospitality sector shed 8.6 million workers last month. Trade, transportation and utilities let 3.4 million people go. Construction firms cut nearly 2.5 million jobs, while manufacturers let go of roughly 1.7 million people. The health care sector cut 1 million jobs, but education services eked out a gain of 28,000 as colleges and universities do not appear to have forced significant layoffs that could come later this year.More than half of April’s job losses came from smaller companies with 500 workers or fewer. But larger employers cut 8.9 million jobs. Polling by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that nearly eight in 10 households that suffered job losses expect to return to their previous employer.

Report: More than 20 million jobs vanished in April

NEW YORK (AP) — Had there been no coronavirus pandemic, America’s largest mainline Protestant denomination would be convening this week for a likely vote to break up over differences on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ pastors.

Instead, the United Methodist Church was forced to postpone the potentially momentous conference, leaving its various factions in limbo for perhaps 16 more months. The deep doctrinal differences seem irreconcilable, but for now there’s agreement that response to the pandemic takes priority.

“The people who are really in trauma right now cannot pay the price of our differences,” said Kenneth Carter, the Florida-based president of the UMC’s Council of Bishops. “What is in our minds and hearts is responding to death, illness, grief, loss of work.”

The conference was to have taken place at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Tuesday, running through May 15. Instead, bishops are proposing to hold it there Aug. 31-Sept. 10 of next year.

The differences have simmered for years, and came to a head in February 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 for a proposal strengthening bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.

In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked throughout 2019 on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.

There have been at least four different proposals for how to implement a split.

The most widely discussed plan has a long name -- the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation -- and some high-level support.

It was negotiated by 16 bishops and advocacy group leaders with differing views on LGBTQ inclusion. They were assisted by renowned mediator Kenneth Feinberg, who administered victim compensation funds stemming from the 9/11 attacks and the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.

Formed in a merger in 1968, the UMC claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States. Leaders of the various factions have avoided making predictions of how many members might leave for a new denomination.

In hopes of minimizing friction, the protocol calls for a moratorium on enforcement of bans related to LGBTQ issues. Most bishops seem comfortable with that proposal, although Virginia-based Bishop Sharma Lewis approved initial disciplinary proceedings against a pastor in her region who officiated at a same-sex marriage.

There have been tangible benefits for one of the protocol negotiators, the Rev. David Meredith, who entered into a same-sex marriage with his long-time partner while serving as a pastor in Cincinnati.

The bishop of Meredith’s West Ohio region, Gregory Palmer, also served on the protocol team and endorsed the moratorium that freezes ongoing judicial proceedings against Meredith.

“Everything that has been a threat is now in a drawer collecting dust,” Meredith said.

Some conservatives worry that further flouting of the bans will occur ahead of the rescheduled national conference.

“For any clergy to try to use this interim to willfully violate their own vows … would demonstrate an extreme lack of integrity and self-control,” said John Lomperis, who works with the conservative Institute on Religion &amp; Democracy and will be a delegate at next year’s conference.

Lomperis is among a faction of UMC conservatives, now eager to form a new denomination, who worry that bishops supporting LGBTQ inclusion will use the delay to tilt outcomes in their favor during decision-making by regional bodies.

The Rev. Tom Lambrecht, general manager of the conservative Methodist magazine Good News, said he and his allies have heard of instances where liberal pastors were appointed to lead conservative congregations and where small conservative churches were closed.

“We will be vigilant to call out such behavior after the coronavirus crisis passes,” Lambrecht said via email.

Some conservatives complain that the proposed $25 million payment to a new traditionalist denomination is unfairly small.

But the Rev. Tom Berlin of Herndon, Virginia, a supporter of LGBTQ inclusion who served on the protocol team, says the proposal is generous in allowing departing churches to keep their property.

“The majority of the wealth in the UMC is found in the real estate and bank accounts of the local churches,” he said. “The protocol allows them to retain that.”

Berlin says debate over LGBTQ policies “is on the back burner for now.”

“Once we get out of this, we’ll get back to the future of the UMC,” he said. “But now, churches of all varieties are working to respond to this pandemic in positive ways.”

Support for the protocol is far from unanimous, though its backers predict it will win majority support next year. One dissenting faction, known as the “liberationists,” believes the proposal doesn’t go far enough in curbing racism, sexism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment within the UMC.

A leaders of that faction, the Rev. Jay Williams of Union Church in Boston, hopes local churches will use the coming year to “innovate and adapt” without awaiting top-down directives.

“I hope that we might claim this moment as an opportunity to courageously confront the systemic oppressions that have plagued our denomination since its beginning,” he said via email.

When the conference does convene, the African delegates will be a key voting bloc. In St. Louis, they were pivotal in approving the strengthened bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices.

The Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the conservative Wesleyan Covenant Association and one of the protocol negotiators, has met with many African delegates. He says they have pledged support for the protocol, but want some changes – for example, giving them the option of retaining the words “United Methodist” in the name of whatever new traditionalist body they join.

Bishop John Yambasu of Sierra Leone, the lone African among the protocol negotiators, said the proposal was “by no means perfect” but seemed to be the most acceptable option.

In an email, he depicted the pandemic as “a holy call to action from God.... to make make Christian disciples for the transformation of the world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578095074490.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Had there been no coronavirus pandemic, America’s largest mainline Protestant denomination would be convening this week for a likely vote to break up over differences on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ pastors.Instead, the United Methodist Church was forced to postpone the potentially momentous conference, leaving its various factions in limbo for perhaps 16 more months. The deep doctrinal differences seem irreconcilable, but for now there’s agreement that response to the pandemic takes priority.“The people who are really in trauma right now cannot pay the price of our differences,” said Kenneth Carter, the Florida-based president of the UMC’s Council of Bishops. “What is in our minds and hearts is responding to death, illness, grief, loss of work.”The conference was to have taken place at the Minneapolis Convention Center starting Tuesday, running through May 15. Instead, bishops are proposing to hold it there Aug. 31-Sept. 10 of next year.The differences have simmered for years, and came to a head in February 2019 at a conference in St. Louis where delegates voted 438-384 for a proposal strengthening bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices. Most U.S.-based delegates opposed that plan and favored LGBTQ-friendly options; they were outvoted by U.S. conservatives teamed with most of the delegates from Methodist strongholds in Africa and the Philippines.In the aftermath of that meeting, many moderate and liberal clergy made clear they would not abide by the bans, and various groups worked throughout 2019 on proposals to let the UMC split along theological lines.There have been at least four different proposals for how to implement a split.The most widely discussed plan has a long name -- the Protocol of Reconciliation &amp; Grace Through Separation -- and some high-level support.It was negotiated by 16 bishops and advocacy group leaders with differing views on LGBTQ inclusion. They were assisted by renowned mediator Kenneth Feinberg, who administered victim compensation funds stemming from the 9/11 attacks and the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.Under the protocol, conservative congregations and regional bodies would be allowed to separate from the UMC and form a new denomination. They would receive $25 million in UMC funds and be able to keep their properties.Formed in a merger in 1968, the UMC claims about 12.6 million members worldwide, including nearly 7 million in the United States. Leaders of the various factions have avoided making predictions of how many members might leave for a new denomination.In hopes of minimizing friction, the protocol calls for a moratorium on enforcement of bans related to LGBTQ issues. Most bishops seem comfortable with that proposal, although Virginia-based Bishop Sharma Lewis approved initial disciplinary proceedings against a pastor in her region who officiated at a same-sex marriage.There have been tangible benefits for one of the protocol negotiators, the Rev. David Meredith, who entered into a same-sex marriage with his long-time partner while serving as a pastor in Cincinnati.The bishop of Meredith’s West Ohio region, Gregory Palmer, also served on the protocol team and endorsed the moratorium that freezes ongoing judicial proceedings against Meredith.“Everything that has been a threat is now in a drawer collecting dust,” Meredith said.Some conservatives worry that further flouting of the bans will occur ahead of the rescheduled national conference.“For any clergy to try to use this interim to willfully violate their own vows … would demonstrate an extreme lack of integrity and self-control,” said John Lomperis, who works with the conservative Institute on Religion &amp; Democracy and will be a delegate at next year’s conference.Lomperis is among a faction of UMC conservatives, now eager to form a new denomination, who worry that bishops supporting LGBTQ inclusion will use the delay to tilt outcomes in their favor during decision-making by regional bodies.The Rev. Tom Lambrecht, general manager of the conservative Methodist magazine Good News, said he and his allies have heard of instances where liberal pastors were appointed to lead conservative congregations and where small conservative churches were closed.“We will be vigilant to call out such behavior after the coronavirus crisis passes,” Lambrecht said via email.Some conservatives complain that the proposed $25 million payment to a new traditionalist denomination is unfairly small.But the Rev. Tom Berlin of Herndon, Virginia, a supporter of LGBTQ inclusion who served on the protocol team, says the proposal is generous in allowing departing churches to keep their property.“The majority of the wealth in the UMC is found in the real estate and bank accounts of the local churches,” he said. “The protocol allows them to retain that.”Berlin says debate over LGBTQ policies “is on the back burner for now.”“Once we get out of this, we’ll get back to the future of the UMC,” he said. “But now, churches of all varieties are working to respond to this pandemic in positive ways.”Support for the protocol is far from unanimous, though its backers predict it will win majority support next year. One dissenting faction, known as the “liberationists,” believes the proposal doesn’t go far enough in curbing racism, sexism and anti-LGBTQ sentiment within the UMC.A leaders of that faction, the Rev. Jay Williams of Union Church in Boston, hopes local churches will use the coming year to “innovate and adapt” without awaiting top-down directives.“I hope that we might claim this moment as an opportunity to courageously confront the systemic oppressions that have plagued our denomination since its beginning,” he said via email.When the conference does convene, the African delegates will be a key voting bloc. In St. Louis, they were pivotal in approving the strengthened bans on LGBTQ-inclusive practices.The Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the conservative Wesleyan Covenant Association and one of the protocol negotiators, has met with many African delegates. He says they have pledged support for the protocol, but want some changes – for example, giving them the option of retaining the words “United Methodist” in the name of whatever new traditionalist body they join.Bishop John Yambasu of Sierra Leone, the lone African among the protocol negotiators, said the proposal was “by no means perfect” but seemed to be the most acceptable option.In an email, he depicted the pandemic as “a holy call to action from God.... to make make Christian disciples for the transformation of the world.”

Split over gay marriage delayed, United Methodists in limbo

KANSAS CITY (AP) — An officer from a Kansas City suburb shot and killed a burglary suspect he chased into Kansas City, police there said.

Kansas City police said in a news release that the shooting happened shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, when an Independence police officer chased a suspect’s car into eastern Kansas City. The suspect stopped his car near the Central High School campus and got out, police said, and a short foot chase ensued before the Independence officer fired his gun, hitting the suspect.

The man died at the scene. Police have not released his man or identified the officer. A gun was found at the scene of the shooting, police said, but investigators have not said whether it had been in the suspect’s possession before he was shot.

Kansas City police are investigating the shooting.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — An officer from a Kansas City suburb shot and killed a burglary suspect he chased into Kansas City, police there said.Kansas City police said in a news release that the shooting happened shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, when an Independence police officer chased a suspect’s car into eastern Kansas City. The suspect stopped his car near the Central High School campus and got out, police said, and a short foot chase ensued before the Independence officer fired his gun, hitting the suspect.The man died at the scene. Police have not released his man or identified the officer. A gun was found at the scene of the shooting, police said, but investigators have not said whether it had been in the suspect’s possession before he was shot.Kansas City police are investigating the shooting.

Suburban KC officer fatally shoots burglary suspect

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) state trademark program From the Land of Kansas has released a
public survey asking consumers about their shopping practices and preferences. Recent events have reminded all of us about the importance of local foods.

This survey is seeking feedback from Kansas consumers on what they are looking for and how we can help
them find local foods. The survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, will inform the program’s efforts to better promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in the state of Kansas. 

Participants who complete the survey will be entered in a gift basket drawing. The gift baskets contain a variety of Kansas grown
or made products, valuing over $100. Three winners will be selected and notified in early June via the contact information they provide at the end of the survey.

Any Kansas resident is eligible and encouraged to take the survey at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2FKS-consumers&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6182563c00254af9c1bf08d7f026fd4a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637241923603213163&amp;sdata=sk7VMDJ93UPlqbq4kWRXAVUcyJBXVGBoPjbuqykNwqM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">surveymonkey.com/r/KS-consumers</a>.

From the Land of Kansas is designed to promote and celebrate
agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. The program offers an array of incentives to Kansas companies — big and small — who grow, raise or produce products in the state.

For questions about the survey, please contact Janelle
Dobbins, marketing manager of the From the Land of Kansas program, at 785-564-6759 or <a href="mailto:Janelle.Dobbins@ks.gov" target="_blank">Janelle.Dobbins@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588601142116.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) state trademark program From the Land of Kansas has released a
public survey asking consumers about their shopping practices and preferences. Recent events have reminded all of us about the importance of local foods. This survey is seeking feedback from Kansas consumers on what they are looking for and how we can help
them find local foods. The survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, will inform the program’s efforts to better promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in the state of Kansas. Participants who complete the survey will be entered in a gift basket drawing. The gift baskets contain a variety of Kansas grown
or made products, valuing over $100. Three winners will be selected and notified in early June via the contact information they provide at the end of the survey.Any Kansas resident is eligible and encouraged to take the survey at <a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2FKS-consumers&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7C6182563c00254af9c1bf08d7f026fd4a%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637241923603213163&amp;sdata=sk7VMDJ93UPlqbq4kWRXAVUcyJBXVGBoPjbuqykNwqM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">surveymonkey.com/r/KS-consumers</a>.From the Land of Kansas is designed to promote and celebrate
agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. The program offers an array of incentives to Kansas companies — big and small — who grow, raise or produce products in the state. For questions about the survey, please contact Janelle
Dobbins, marketing manager of the From the Land of Kansas program, at 785-564-6759 or <a href="mailto:Janelle.Dobbins@ks.gov" target="_blank">Janelle.Dobbins@ks.gov</a>.

Survey to evaluate Kansas consumers’ shopping habits

TOPEKA – A Kansas man facing a civil lawsuit over his autopsy services has now been temporarily banned by court order from offering services related to COVID-19 while the lawsuit is pending, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Shawn Parcells, 37, of Leawood, and his affiliated companies have been banned for more than a year from conducting autopsies, forensic pathology and tissue recovery in the State of Kansas under a temporary restraining order in a civil lawsuit the attorney general filed in Shawnee County District Court in March 2019. The underlying lawsuit alleges violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and the Kansas False Claims Act, and it remains in litigation. The new order granted today by District Judge Mary E. Christopher extends the existing restraining order to prohibit the defendants from, among other things:

The expanded restraining order was requested by the attorney general’s office. During a telephone hearing last week, the court found that Parcells had formed new businesses and websites, including social media, that offered consulting services for coronavirus and COVID-19, which amounted to deceptive or unconscionable misrepresentations in violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Parcells was offering to enter homes and businesses, perform swabs for purported coronavirus testing and examine deceased persons to determine if they were positive for COVID-19. Parcells was quoted in media reports stating he had been contacted by two families in New York for COVID-19 testing on deceased family.

The ongoing civil lawsuit filed by the attorney general alleges 14 violations of the Kansas False Claims Act and violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act involving three consumers. The petition alleges Parcells contracted with Wabaunsee County to conduct coroner-ordered autopsies and failed to complete them in accordance with Kansas law. Additionally, the petition alleges he performed autopsies without the presence or supervision of a licensed pathologist.&nbsp;

In addition to expanding the temporary restraining order to cover services and solicitations by Parcells related to COVID-19, today’s order also finds Parcells in contempt of court for violating the existing restraining order. It is the third time during the civil litigation Parcells has been found in contempt of court.

Separate criminal charges filed by the attorney general also remain pending against Parcells in Wabaunsee County District Court. Charges are merely accusations. Individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A copy of the temporary restraining order granted in the civil case is <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/parcells-amended-tro.pdf?sfvrsn=ffdeac1a_2">available here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574875994992.png" alt="Shawn Parcells photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Shawn Parcells photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Kansas man facing a civil lawsuit over his autopsy services has now been temporarily banned by court order from offering services related to COVID-19 while the lawsuit is pending, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Shawn Parcells, 37, of Leawood, and his affiliated companies have been banned for more than a year from conducting autopsies, forensic pathology and tissue recovery in the State of Kansas under a temporary restraining order in a civil lawsuit the attorney general filed in Shawnee County District Court in March 2019. The underlying lawsuit alleges violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and the Kansas False Claims Act, and it remains in litigation. The new order granted today by District Judge Mary E. Christopher extends the existing restraining order to prohibit the defendants from, among other things:<ol>
 <li>traveling outside the state of Kansas or the Kansas City metro area without approval of the Court;</li><li>offering any services in connection with the human body including but not limited to the healing arts, epidemiology, infectious disease, coronavirus, COVID-19 and any treatment, protocol, diagnosis, medication, opinion, or other recommendation;</li><li>advertising, soliciting, accepting payment for, contracting, performing, or in any manner conducting business or consumer transactions in epidemiology and infectious disease, including coronavirus and COVID-19.</li>
 </ol>The expanded restraining order was requested by the attorney general’s office. During a telephone hearing last week, the court found that Parcells had formed new businesses and websites, including social media, that offered consulting services for coronavirus and COVID-19, which amounted to deceptive or unconscionable misrepresentations in violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Parcells was offering to enter homes and businesses, perform swabs for purported coronavirus testing and examine deceased persons to determine if they were positive for COVID-19. Parcells was quoted in media reports stating he had been contacted by two families in New York for COVID-19 testing on deceased family.The ongoing civil lawsuit filed by the attorney general alleges 14 violations of the Kansas False Claims Act and violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act involving three consumers. The petition alleges Parcells contracted with Wabaunsee County to conduct coroner-ordered autopsies and failed to complete them in accordance with Kansas law. Additionally, the petition alleges he performed autopsies without the presence or supervision of a licensed pathologist.&nbsp;In addition to expanding the temporary restraining order to cover services and solicitations by Parcells related to COVID-19, today’s order also finds Parcells in contempt of court for violating the existing restraining order. It is the third time during the civil litigation Parcells has been found in contempt of court.Separate criminal charges filed by the attorney general also remain pending against Parcells in Wabaunsee County District Court. Charges are merely accusations. Individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.A copy of the temporary restraining order granted in the civil case is <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/parcells-amended-tro.pdf?sfvrsn=ffdeac1a_2">available here.</a>

Kan. man banned from offering COVID-19-related services

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The attorneys general for 11 Midwestern states urged the Justice Department on Tuesday to pursue a federal investigation into market concentration and potential price fixing by meatpackers in the cattle industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, the state attorneys general noted that the domestic beef processing market is highly concentrated, with the four largest beef processors controlling 80 percent of the industry.

“Given the concentrated market structure of the beef industry, it may be particularly susceptible to market manipulation, particularly during times of food insecurity, such as the current COVID-19 crisis,”&nbsp;<a href="https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/sites/ag/files/documents/MediaAttachments/2020-05-05-Barr%2C%20AG%20William.pdf">they wrote.</a>

Although their letter does not name them, the nation's largest processors are Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef. The companies did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Mark Watne, the president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, said in a statement that in all the years they have called for stronger antitrust enforcement, they have rarely seen such obvious market abuses by the meatpacking industry.

“They’re posting record profits, while ranchers are suffering significant market price losses,” Watne said. “The situation definitely smells rotten, and it not only hurts ranchers, but consumers, too.”

The state officials criticized the disparity in the price of live cattle and the retail cost of boxed beef that is sold to consumers, arguing that it shows the market lacks fair competition. Live cattle futures recently hit 18-year lows, while both the price of boxed beef and consumer demand remain healthy as consumers stockpile meat in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter was signed by attorneys general in North Dakota, Missouri, Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wyoming.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The state attorneys general said they are eager to work with Barr on an examination of the competitive dynamics of the industry.

“Antitrust concerns about the cattle market are nothing new. Competition issues arising from agricultural markets existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic and will persist long after we defeat our current crisis,” they wrote.

Although most enforcement actions are civil, federal antitrust law is also criminal law and individuals and businesses that violate it may be prosecuted by the Justice Department, according the Federal Trade Commission.

Criminal penalties can reach up to $100 million for a corporation, along with up to 10 years in prison. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the amount the conspirators gained from the illegal acts or twice the money lost by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is over $100 million.

The state attorneys general wrote that if, after an investigation, there is no appropriate enforcement action that can be pursued, regulatory strategies should be explored to promote competition and protect consumers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588259947500.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The attorneys general for 11 Midwestern states urged the Justice Department on Tuesday to pursue a federal investigation into market concentration and potential price fixing by meatpackers in the cattle industry during the coronavirus pandemic.In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, the state attorneys general noted that the domestic beef processing market is highly concentrated, with the four largest beef processors controlling 80 percent of the industry.“Given the concentrated market structure of the beef industry, it may be particularly susceptible to market manipulation, particularly during times of food insecurity, such as the current COVID-19 crisis,”&nbsp;<a href="https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/sites/ag/files/documents/MediaAttachments/2020-05-05-Barr%2C%20AG%20William.pdf">they wrote.</a>Although their letter does not name them, the nation's largest processors are Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef. The companies did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588533087480.png" alt=" Vehicles turn into the Cargill beef-processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas, on April 28.&nbsp; Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Vehicles turn into the Cargill beef-processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas, on April 28.&nbsp; Credit Corinne Boyer / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Mark Watne, the president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, said in a statement that in all the years they have called for stronger antitrust enforcement, they have rarely seen such obvious market abuses by the meatpacking industry.“They’re posting record profits, while ranchers are suffering significant market price losses,” Watne said. “The situation definitely smells rotten, and it not only hurts ranchers, but consumers, too.”The state officials criticized the disparity in the price of live cattle and the retail cost of boxed beef that is sold to consumers, arguing that it shows the market lacks fair competition. Live cattle futures recently hit 18-year lows, while both the price of boxed beef and consumer demand remain healthy as consumers stockpile meat in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.The letter was signed by attorneys general in North Dakota, Missouri, Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wyoming.The Justice Department did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.The state attorneys general said they are eager to work with Barr on an examination of the competitive dynamics of the industry.“Antitrust concerns about the cattle market are nothing new. Competition issues arising from agricultural markets existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic and will persist long after we defeat our current crisis,” they wrote.Although most enforcement actions are civil, federal antitrust law is also criminal law and individuals and businesses that violate it may be prosecuted by the Justice Department, according the Federal Trade Commission.Criminal penalties can reach up to $100 million for a corporation, along with up to 10 years in prison. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the amount the conspirators gained from the illegal acts or twice the money lost by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is over $100 million.The state attorneys general wrote that if, after an investigation, there is no appropriate enforcement action that can be pursued, regulatory strategies should be explored to promote competition and protect consumers.

11 attorneys general seek probe into meatpacking industry

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects after a Tuesday drug raid.

On Monday, the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force served a narcotic search warrant in the 3600 Blk of SW Kirklawn, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deputies and Topeka Police Officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, three firearms, a large quantity of US currency and drug paraphernalia during the search warrant.

They arrested Stephen L. Lester,62, of Topeka was arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Possession of Methamphetamine W/Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Armando Rangel, 47, of Topeka and Stephanie A. Graham, 42, of Topeka were also booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Possession of Methamphetamine.

Kansas (May 5th, 2020): Sheriff Brian C. Hill announces the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia, firearms, and US Currency that resulted from the execution of a search warrant on May 4th, 2020.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588761166488.png" alt="Lester photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lester photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects after a Tuesday drug raid.On Monday, the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force served a narcotic search warrant in the 3600 Blk of SW Kirklawn, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Deputies and Topeka Police Officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, three firearms, a large quantity of US currency and drug paraphernalia during the search warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588761135785.png" alt="Graham-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Graham-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They arrested Stephen L. Lester,62, of Topeka was arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Possession of Methamphetamine W/Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588761213284.png" alt="Rangle-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rangle-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Armando Rangel, 47, of Topeka and Stephanie A. Graham, 42, of Topeka were also booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Possession of Methamphetamine.Kansas (May 5th, 2020): Sheriff Brian C. Hill announces the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia, firearms, and US Currency that resulted from the execution of a search warrant on May 4th, 2020.&nbsp;

Deputies seize drugs, guns and cash from Kansas home

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have moved beyond meat processing plants and are now hitting dinner plates.

Several U.S. production plants have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad">temporarily shuttered</a>&nbsp;in the last two weeks after hundreds of workers were sickened by the virus. That has led to meat shortages, with Wendy’s pulling some burgers off its menus and Costco limiting pork sales. Fake meat companies, meanwhile, are making their moves to capture some of those lost sales.

Beyond Meat, which makes burgers and sausage from pea protein, said Tuesday it’s launching new value packs to entice consumers while rival Impossible Foods is expanding sales to more than 1,700 Kroger groceries.

As of Monday, U.S. beef and pork processing capacity was down 40% from last year, according to Jayson Lusk, head of the department of agricultural economics at Purdue University.

Some meatpacking plants are coming back online after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67cb4bad7ffe500beabdf8e7e7efea5d">issued an executive order</a>&nbsp;last week requiring them to stay open. But until they’re back at full capacity, consumers will likely see some shortages and higher prices for beef and pork, Lusk said. Poultry production has also been impacted, but to a lesser degree.

On Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a34d27d3d7f9fdcf837c272ba539972">the attorneys general for 11 Midwestern states</a>&nbsp;urged the Justice Department to pursue a federal investigation into market concentration and potential price fixing by meatpackers in the cattle industry, pointing out the disparity in the price of live cattle and the retail cost of boxed beef that is sold to consumers.

“Given the concentrated market structure of the beef industry, it may be particularly susceptible to market manipulation, particularly during times of food insecurity, such as the current COVID-19 crisis,” they wrote.

Just over 1,000 Wendy’s restaurants — or nearly 20% — had no beef items available on their online menus Monday night, according to an analysis by Stephens Inc., an investment bank. Stephens analyst James Rutherford said some states, like Ohio, Michigan and New York, seemed to be impacted more than others.

Wendy’s responded that some menu items may be temporarily limited, but it continues to supply its restaurants with beef two to three times a week. The company said it’s trying to limit disruptions to its supplies.

Costco, Sam’s Club, Hy-Vee and Kroger are limiting purchases of meat to avoid panic buying. Kroger Co., which also owns Ralphs and Harris Teeter markets, said it wants to ensure buyers have a broad assortment.

“There is plenty of protein in the supply chain,” Kroger said in a statement.

Empty and underfilled coolers greeted shoppers in the meat department at the Costco in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park Tuesday morning, one day after the retailer started limiting fresh meat purchases to three items per customer.

On Tuesday afternoon, a Kroger store in suburban Atlanta was limiting purchases to two packages of chicken, two packages of pork or three packages of ground beef at a time.

Marie Livingston left the store with beef stew meat and some other cuts. She accepted the limits as inevitable.

“Ultimately, you had to see it was coming to this,” Livingston said. “You have to limit the supply so everyone can get some and it’s fair.”

A few hundred yards away at Publix Super Markets on Tuesday afternoon, the store was limiting shoppers to two packages of chicken and was running low. But it was noticeably better stocked on beef and pork.

Some companies — including Target and McDonald’s — have no restrictions in place. McDonald’s said last week it has seen no supply interruptions because it uses a wide variety of suppliers.

Meat producer Tyson Foods Inc. said it’s working hard to get its plants back up safely.

“It’s very difficult to speculate on how challenges to the food supply will evolve in the coming weeks, but we are doing our best to maximize our production to meet demand,” the company said in a statement.

Makers of alternative proteins say they can help fill the void. El Segundo, California-based Beyond Meat said Tuesday it will be offering lower-cost value packs over the next few weeks to encourage companies to try its burgers. The company said its first-quarter revenue jumped 141% to $97 million, partly because consumers stocked up ahead of lockdowns in March.

“I think we have snuck in at just the right time,” Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown said.

Impossible Foods, which makes soy-based burgers and sausage, said Tuesday it’s accelerating its retail sales after seeing a falloff in sales to restaurants. Its burgers will go on sale at 1,700 Kroger grocery stores starting this week, which more than doubles the number of stores offering them. In January, the burgers were only available at 250 stores nationwide.

Impossible said consumer awareness of its products is up sharply, and it’s seeing evidence that more people are trying alternative meats.

Impossible says it’s able to produce plant-based foods safely because workers can stay farther apart and more machinery is automated than in slaughterhouses. Beyond Meat also said it has had no reported illnesses at its facilities.

“Anytime there’s a spotlight illuminating what’s actually involved in slaughtering animals and producing meat it is bad news for the meat industry,” Impossible CEO Pat Brown said.

Dr. Praeger’s, a New Jersey-based maker of plant-based chicken tenders, veggie burgers and other products, said it has also seen higher sales since the pandemic began and is adding another production line to handle demand.

Nielsen says sales of fresh meat alternatives were up 224% the week ending April 25. It noted fresh meat sales jumped 50% in the same period.

By DEE-ANN DURBIN, Associated PressThe effects of the coronavirus pandemic have moved beyond meat processing plants and are now hitting dinner plates.Several U.S. production plants have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/d855667c811d3d9810883e05702288ad">temporarily shuttered</a>&nbsp;in the last two weeks after hundreds of workers were sickened by the virus. That has led to meat shortages, with Wendy’s pulling some burgers off its menus and Costco limiting pork sales. Fake meat companies, meanwhile, are making their moves to capture some of those lost sales.Beyond Meat, which makes burgers and sausage from pea protein, said Tuesday it’s launching new value packs to entice consumers while rival Impossible Foods is expanding sales to more than 1,700 Kroger groceries.As of Monday, U.S. beef and pork processing capacity was down 40% from last year, according to Jayson Lusk, head of the department of agricultural economics at Purdue University.Some meatpacking plants are coming back online after President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/67cb4bad7ffe500beabdf8e7e7efea5d">issued an executive order</a>&nbsp;last week requiring them to stay open. But until they’re back at full capacity, consumers will likely see some shortages and higher prices for beef and pork, Lusk said. Poultry production has also been impacted, but to a lesser degree.On Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a34d27d3d7f9fdcf837c272ba539972">the attorneys general for 11 Midwestern states</a>&nbsp;urged the Justice Department to pursue a federal investigation into market concentration and potential price fixing by meatpackers in the cattle industry, pointing out the disparity in the price of live cattle and the retail cost of boxed beef that is sold to consumers.“Given the concentrated market structure of the beef industry, it may be particularly susceptible to market manipulation, particularly during times of food insecurity, such as the current COVID-19 crisis,” they wrote.Just over 1,000 Wendy’s restaurants — or nearly 20% — had no beef items available on their online menus Monday night, according to an analysis by Stephens Inc., an investment bank. Stephens analyst James Rutherford said some states, like Ohio, Michigan and New York, seemed to be impacted more than others.Wendy’s responded that some menu items may be temporarily limited, but it continues to supply its restaurants with beef two to three times a week. The company said it’s trying to limit disruptions to its supplies.Costco, Sam’s Club, Hy-Vee and Kroger are limiting purchases of meat to avoid panic buying. Kroger Co., which also owns Ralphs and Harris Teeter markets, said it wants to ensure buyers have a broad assortment.“There is plenty of protein in the supply chain,” Kroger said in a statement.Empty and underfilled coolers greeted shoppers in the meat department at the Costco in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park Tuesday morning, one day after the retailer started limiting fresh meat purchases to three items per customer.On Tuesday afternoon, a Kroger store in suburban Atlanta was limiting purchases to two packages of chicken, two packages of pork or three packages of ground beef at a time.Marie Livingston left the store with beef stew meat and some other cuts. She accepted the limits as inevitable.“Ultimately, you had to see it was coming to this,” Livingston said. “You have to limit the supply so everyone can get some and it’s fair.”A few hundred yards away at Publix Super Markets on Tuesday afternoon, the store was limiting shoppers to two packages of chicken and was running low. But it was noticeably better stocked on beef and pork.Some companies — including Target and McDonald’s — have no restrictions in place. McDonald’s said last week it has seen no supply interruptions because it uses a wide variety of suppliers.Meat producer Tyson Foods Inc. said it’s working hard to get its plants back up safely.“It’s very difficult to speculate on how challenges to the food supply will evolve in the coming weeks, but we are doing our best to maximize our production to meet demand,” the company said in a statement.Makers of alternative proteins say they can help fill the void. El Segundo, California-based Beyond Meat said Tuesday it will be offering lower-cost value packs over the next few weeks to encourage companies to try its burgers. The company said its first-quarter revenue jumped 141% to $97 million, partly because consumers stocked up ahead of lockdowns in March.“I think we have snuck in at just the right time,” Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown said.Impossible Foods, which makes soy-based burgers and sausage, said Tuesday it’s accelerating its retail sales after seeing a falloff in sales to restaurants. Its burgers will go on sale at 1,700 Kroger grocery stores starting this week, which more than doubles the number of stores offering them. In January, the burgers were only available at 250 stores nationwide.Impossible said consumer awareness of its products is up sharply, and it’s seeing evidence that more people are trying alternative meats.Impossible says it’s able to produce plant-based foods safely because workers can stay farther apart and more machinery is automated than in slaughterhouses. Beyond Meat also said it has had no reported illnesses at its facilities.“Anytime there’s a spotlight illuminating what’s actually involved in slaughtering animals and producing meat it is bad news for the meat industry,” Impossible CEO Pat Brown said.Dr. Praeger’s, a New Jersey-based maker of plant-based chicken tenders, veggie burgers and other products, said it has also seen higher sales since the pandemic began and is adding another production line to handle demand.Nielsen says sales of fresh meat alternatives were up 224% the week ending April 25. It noted fresh meat sales jumped 50% in the same period.___

Where's the beef? Production shutdown leads to shortage

MARSHFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A preliminary hearing has been postponed for a southwest Missouri man accused of killing his wife in 2015 and stowing her body in a freezer for years.

The hearing for Larry Dinwiddie will now be held in July.

Dinwiddie is charged with second-degree murder and abandonment of a corpse. The body of his wife, Cynthia Dinwiddie,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2026496a05084124bd4c08111eaa9a83">was found inside a freezer&nbsp;</a>at a storage facility near Marshfield last November. After Dinwiddie fell behind on rental fees, workers at the storage facility found the body in a running freezer that had been padlocked shut.

Dinwiddie remains jailed on $1 million bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574908400828.png" alt="Dinwiddie -photo Webster Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Dinwiddie -photo Webster Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MARSHFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A preliminary hearing has been postponed for a southwest Missouri man accused of killing his wife in 2015 and stowing her body in a freezer for years.The hearing for Larry Dinwiddie will now be held in July.Dinwiddie is charged with second-degree murder and abandonment of a corpse. The body of his wife, Cynthia Dinwiddie,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2026496a05084124bd4c08111eaa9a83">was found inside a freezer&nbsp;</a>at a storage facility near Marshfield last November. After Dinwiddie fell behind on rental fees, workers at the storage facility found the body in a running freezer that had been padlocked shut.Dinwiddie remains jailed on $1 million bond.

Update: Man accused of stowing wife's body in freezer

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A suspect in the April shooting death of an 18-year-old Wichita woman told a friend he chased down the car the woman was in and “unloaded” a semi-automatic rifle on the car following a fight at a local trailer park, according to the friend’s testimony in court records.

Police detailed the statement in an arrest affidavit. The statement was reportedly given to investigators looking into the April 13 shooting that killed Aubrey Resendez. Prosecutors have charged Joshua Johnson, 32, of Wichita, with first-degree murder in her death.

Police say in the affidavit that investigators tracked a truck used in the attack to a Wichita home, where investigators found a friend of Johnson’s. The friend told police that Johnson showed up at his home the day of the shooting holding an assault rifle and saying he had argued with two men at the trailer park where he lived. The friend said Johnson told him he then retrieved the rifle, chased the car the men were in and “unloaded on them.”

Police have said Resendez was in the car with her boyfriend and brother at the time. The two men were not hurt in the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586790756899.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A suspect in the April shooting death of an 18-year-old Wichita woman told a friend he chased down the car the woman was in and “unloaded” a semi-automatic rifle on the car following a fight at a local trailer park, according to the friend’s testimony in court records.Police detailed the statement in an arrest affidavit. The statement was reportedly given to investigators looking into the April 13 shooting that killed Aubrey Resendez. Prosecutors have charged Joshua Johnson, 32, of Wichita, with first-degree murder in her death.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587056156024.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police say in the affidavit that investigators tracked a truck used in the attack to a Wichita home, where investigators found a friend of Johnson’s. The friend told police that Johnson showed up at his home the day of the shooting holding an assault rifle and saying he had argued with two men at the trailer park where he lived. The friend said Johnson told him he then retrieved the rifle, chased the car the men were in and “unloaded on them.”Police have said Resendez was in the car with her boyfriend and brother at the time. The two men were not hurt in the shooting.Johnson is being held on $300,000 bond.

Court documents: Kan. man 'unloaded' rifle on car after dispute

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who died in a shootout in which he killed a police officer was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and had become increasingly threatening while awaiting trial on burglary and assault charges, according to a prosecutor and a relative of the man who were trying to have him kept in jail.

Phillip Michael Carney, 38, died Sunday after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/04798a0d0795c8037a009f4d11170f8">shootout</a>&nbsp;with Overland Park Officer Mike Mosher, who was gunned down after stopping Carney’s vehicle after an apparent hit-and-run in the Kansas City suburb, authorities said. Police haven’t said what led to the gun battle or whether Carney was killed by Mosher or killed himself.

Mosher was a nearly 15-year veteran of the police department and was named officer of the year in 2019.

Carney was charged in January with burglaries at a cigar shop in Lawrence, and a Douglas County prosecutor on Friday filed a motion to revoke his bond, The Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/state-region/2020/may/04/shootout-leaves-officer-hit-and-run-suspect-dead-in-overland-park/" target="_blank">reported.</a>&nbsp;A relative of Carney wrote a letter to a county judge in February, before his release, saying Carney was a threat to her family.

Carney, a self-employed ballroom dance instructor who lived in Overland Park, also was charged with battery of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer during his arrests in the burglary cases, according to court records.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple on Friday filed a motion to revoke Carney’s bond in all four of his pending cases, saying he had a history of “violent and erratic” behavior and convictions for misdemeanor battery, domestic battery and assault. She wrote that Carney was being charged with making a criminal threat after he was heard threatening a victim with violence on April 28, but the motion does not go into detail.

“That the defendant is capable of violence is demonstrated by his own repeated behaviors and is reflected in the criminal charges he is facing,” Kemple wrote.

In a letter to the Douglas County Court, a family member said Carney made several threats against her and other family members, including threatening to kill one relative and slashing the tires of family members’ vehicles, the Journal-World reported.

“He has upped his game as far as threats go,” the letter said. “He needs help for his addictions and we believe he will only get that help if he is in jail. We do not think it is in our best interest for him to be out since his threats get more and more violent.”

At a Feb. 13 hearing for the burglary charges, Carney was charged with tampering with his electronic monitoring device from previous cases. He was remanded back to the Douglas County jail on $290,000 case bond but was released Feb. 20 after making bond.

In her letter, Carney’s relative said that Carney’s dance students bailed him out several times and enabled him to continue his drug and alcohol use.

“These well-meaning friends keep rescuing him from his behavior and he does not stay sober,” she wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588627743741.png" alt="Carney photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Carney photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who died in a shootout in which he killed a police officer was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction and had become increasingly threatening while awaiting trial on burglary and assault charges, according to a prosecutor and a relative of the man who were trying to have him kept in jail.Phillip Michael Carney, 38, died Sunday after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/04798a0d0795c8037a009f4d11170f8">shootout</a>&nbsp;with Overland Park Officer Mike Mosher, who was gunned down after stopping Carney’s vehicle after an apparent hit-and-run in the Kansas City suburb, authorities said. Police haven’t said what led to the gun battle or whether Carney was killed by Mosher or killed himself.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588597817471.png" alt="Officer Mike Mosher-photo courtesy Overland Park PD" />
 <figcaption>Officer Mike Mosher-photo courtesy Overland Park PD</figcaption>
 </figure>Mosher was a nearly 15-year veteran of the police department and was named officer of the year in 2019.Carney was charged in January with burglaries at a cigar shop in Lawrence, and a Douglas County prosecutor on Friday filed a motion to revoke his bond, The Lawrence Journal-World&nbsp;<a href="https://www2.ljworld.com/news/state-region/2020/may/04/shootout-leaves-officer-hit-and-run-suspect-dead-in-overland-park/" target="_blank">reported.</a>&nbsp;A relative of Carney wrote a letter to a county judge in February, before his release, saying Carney was a threat to her family.Carney, a self-employed ballroom dance instructor who lived in Overland Park, also was charged with battery of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer during his arrests in the burglary cases, according to court records.Chief Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple on Friday filed a motion to revoke Carney’s bond in all four of his pending cases, saying he had a history of “violent and erratic” behavior and convictions for misdemeanor battery, domestic battery and assault. She wrote that Carney was being charged with making a criminal threat after he was heard threatening a victim with violence on April 28, but the motion does not go into detail.“That the defendant is capable of violence is demonstrated by his own repeated behaviors and is reflected in the criminal charges he is facing,” Kemple wrote.In a letter to the Douglas County Court, a family member said Carney made several threats against her and other family members, including threatening to kill one relative and slashing the tires of family members’ vehicles, the Journal-World reported.“He has upped his game as far as threats go,” the letter said. “He needs help for his addictions and we believe he will only get that help if he is in jail. We do not think it is in our best interest for him to be out since his threats get more and more violent.”At a Feb. 13 hearing for the burglary charges, Carney was charged with tampering with his electronic monitoring device from previous cases. He was remanded back to the Douglas County jail on $290,000 case bond but was released Feb. 20 after making bond.In her letter, Carney’s relative said that Carney’s dance students bailed him out several times and enabled him to continue his drug and alcohol use.“These well-meaning friends keep rescuing him from his behavior and he does not stay sober,” she wrote.

Records: Man who shot Kansas officer had violent history

MANHATTAN —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; joined Kansas State University President Richard Myers Tuesday to confer a bachelor's degree upon Dennis Ruhnke of Troy, Kansas.

Dennis is the retired farmer who <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5ea331c7eb7f1705360362e4">mailed the N-95 mask to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo</a>, saying the couple hoped it could be used by a doctor or nurse.

Governor Cuomo said, "this is humanity at it's best," and read the entire letter at his daily briefing as an example of courage and generosity in dark times.

According to Governor Kelly, "In 1971, Dennis was two credits away from earning his degree in agriculture when his father passed away. He chose to leave school to take care of his mother and the family farm. Dennis’ kindness and lifelong career in agriculture make him more than qualified to receive a degree."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588711501327.png" alt="Governor Kelly and Dennis Ruhnke during Tuesday's ceremony-photo courtesy office of Kansas governor" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly and Dennis Ruhnke during Tuesday's ceremony-photo courtesy office of Kansas governor</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp; joined Kansas State University President Richard Myers Tuesday to confer a bachelor's degree upon Dennis Ruhnke of Troy, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588712080565.png" alt="Governor Kelly, Dennis Rhunke and K-State President Richard Myers during Tuesday's ceremony" />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly, Dennis Rhunke and K-State President Richard Myers during Tuesday's ceremony</figcaption>
 </figure>Dennis is the retired farmer who <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5ea331c7eb7f1705360362e4">mailed the N-95 mask to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo</a>, saying the couple hoped it could be used by a doctor or nurse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587753434953.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Cuomo said, "this is humanity at it's best," and read the entire letter at his daily briefing as an example of courage and generosity in dark times.According to Governor Kelly, "In 1971, Dennis was two credits away from earning his degree in agriculture when his father passed away. He chose to leave school to take care of his mother and the family farm. Dennis’ kindness and lifelong career in agriculture make him more than qualified to receive a degree."

K-State awards degree to Kan. farmer who sent N-95 mask to NY governor

By BRENT MARTIN,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — More than 400 Triumph Foods workers tested positive for COVID-19, though
they didn’t display symptoms of the coronavirus.

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services reports 412 of the
2,367 workers tested at the St. Joseph pork processing plant last week tested
positive. Triumph workers not tested last week are being tested at the Northwest
Health Services southside St. Joseph clinic.

This was the largest effort in the state’s strategy to “box in” a COVID-19
outbreak, implemented after Triumph reported two workers tested positive for
the coronavirus. Triumph committed to testing all workers in an effort to keep
the virus from spreading.

Under CDC guidelines, Triumph employees can return to work if they do
not display symptoms for 10 days after being tested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588706059523.jpeg" alt="Triumph Foods testing site set up by Northwest Health Services/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Triumph Foods testing site set up by Northwest Health Services/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN,&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — More than 400 Triumph Foods workers tested positive for COVID-19, though
they didn’t display symptoms of the coronavirus.The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services reports 412 of the
2,367 workers tested at the St. Joseph pork processing plant last week tested
positive. Triumph workers not tested last week are being tested at the Northwest
Health Services southside St. Joseph clinic.This was the largest effort in the state’s strategy to “box in” a COVID-19
outbreak, implemented after Triumph reported two workers tested positive for
the coronavirus. Triumph committed to testing all workers in an effort to keep
the virus from spreading.Under CDC guidelines, Triumph employees can return to work if they do
not display symptoms for 10 days after being tested.

400 of 2,367 workers at Mo. pork plant test positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid, a sweeping $800 billion-plus package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic.

Key to any plan to reopen the economy, Democrats say, is robust testing. They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans, funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy.

“We still don’t have a national testing strategy that is adequate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. He called it embarrassing. “It’s life and death.”

The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more outlays and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7f38d7fa2982dc53572232c9d2049dca">economic devastation</a>.

President Donald Trump is encouraging states to reopen and Republicans hope the gradual comeback will kick-start the economy, reducing the pressure for more pricey aid.

“Now it’s time to go back to work,” Trump said Tuesday at the White House.

Under strict social distancing guidelines, the Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since March, while the House is staying away due to the health risks as the conflicted Congress reflects an uneasy nation. The Washington area remains a virus hot spot under stay-home rules.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber defending his decision to focus the agenda on confirming Trump’s nominees rather than the virus outbreak.

On Tuesday, McConnell insisted that any new aid package must include liability protections for the hospitals, health care providers and businesses that are operating and reopening in the pandemic.

But the Republican leader also signaled an interest in beefed up virus testing strategies as central to the nation’s ability to take steps “back toward normalcy.”

“Testing, tracking, treatments,” McConnell said from the Senate floor. “Our task ahead will be to keep seeking thoughtful solutions.”

By reconvening this week, Senate Republicans are trying to set the terms of debate, frustrated that Pelosi was able to fill up earlier aid bills with Democratic priorities. They’re reluctant to unleash federal funds beyond the nearly $3 trillion Congress already approved in virus relief and hope Trump’s push to re-open will reduce the need for more aid.

For more than five weeks, the COVID-19 crisis has all but closed Congress, a longer absence than during the 1918 Spanish flu.

Senators returned to a changed place with new guidelines, including the recommendation that senators wear masks — blue face coverings were available for free, and being worn by staff. They were also told to keep their distance and leave most staff at home. Public access is limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.

It’s not just lawmakers at risk. Reopening part of Capitol Hill poses health risks for the cooks, cleaners, police officers and other workers who keep the Capitol complex functioning.

Democrats are eyeing the new aid package as states and cities seek as much as $1 trillion to prevent local layoffs and keep paying nurses, police, firefighters and other front-line workers as local revenues tank during the stay-home shutdown.

Pelosi outlined the governors’ requests for $500 billion, with the counties and cities seeking as much as $300 billion, which she has said could be spread out over the next several years. On a private conference call with House Democrats on Monday, she also discussed a “paycheck guarantee” for the newly jobless.

Pelosi told reporters Tuesday on Capitol Hill the new package will be “just very directly related to saving lives, the livelihood and the life of our democracy.”

Several House committee chairmen outlined the provisions expected in the upcoming bill, according to a statement from the Democratic caucus after the private call.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal discussed another round of additional direct cash payments for families and extending unemployment insurance. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Ca., chair of the Financial Services Committee, focused on helping homeowners, renters and small landlords make rent and mortgage payments, the statement said. Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone spoke about investing in virus testing and contact tracing.

Trump said any new package must have a payroll-tax holiday.

In the Senate, McConnell has loaded up the schedule with consideration of Trump’s nominees, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9788d3f3fe54884631ccc5592a4a118c">hearing Tuesday on John Ratcliffe,</a>&nbsp;the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588696644712.png" alt="&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of Tuesday's ceremonial swearing-in for Congressman-elect Kweisi Mfume of Maryland -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of Tuesday's ceremonial swearing-in for Congressman-elect Kweisi Mfume of Maryland -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pressed ahead Tuesday with the next&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>aid, a sweeping $800 billion-plus package that is expected to be unveiled soon even as the House stays closed while the Senate reopens in the pandemic.Key to any plan to reopen the economy, Democrats say, is robust testing. They are also expected to propose another round of direct cash aid for anxious Americans, funds for states to prevent layoffs and more money to shore up businesses in the stay-home economy.“We still don’t have a national testing strategy that is adequate,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. He called it embarrassing. “It’s life and death.”The contours of the next package are taking shape despite Republican resistance to more outlays and a deepening debate over how best to confront the deadly pandemic and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7f38d7fa2982dc53572232c9d2049dca">economic devastation</a>.President Donald Trump is encouraging states to reopen and Republicans hope the gradual comeback will kick-start the economy, reducing the pressure for more pricey aid.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588705884068.png" alt="President Trump spoke with reporters before a Tuesday trip to Arizona-White House courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke with reporters before a Tuesday trip to Arizona-White House courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>“Now it’s time to go back to work,” Trump said Tuesday at the White House.Under strict social distancing guidelines, the Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since March, while the House is staying away due to the health risks as the conflicted Congress reflects an uneasy nation. The Washington area remains a virus hot spot under stay-home rules.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the chamber defending his decision to focus the agenda on confirming Trump’s nominees rather than the virus outbreak.On Tuesday, McConnell insisted that any new aid package must include liability protections for the hospitals, health care providers and businesses that are operating and reopening in the pandemic.But the Republican leader also signaled an interest in beefed up virus testing strategies as central to the nation’s ability to take steps “back toward normalcy.”“Testing, tracking, treatments,” McConnell said from the Senate floor. “Our task ahead will be to keep seeking thoughtful solutions.”By reconvening this week, Senate Republicans are trying to set the terms of debate, frustrated that Pelosi was able to fill up earlier aid bills with Democratic priorities. They’re reluctant to unleash federal funds beyond the nearly $3 trillion Congress already approved in virus relief and hope Trump’s push to re-open will reduce the need for more aid.For more than five weeks, the COVID-19 crisis has all but closed Congress, a longer absence than during the 1918 Spanish flu.Senators returned to a changed place with new guidelines, including the recommendation that senators wear masks — blue face coverings were available for free, and being worn by staff. They were also told to keep their distance and leave most staff at home. Public access is limited, including at public hearings. The Capitol itself remains closed to visitors and tours.It’s not just lawmakers at risk. Reopening part of Capitol Hill poses health risks for the cooks, cleaners, police officers and other workers who keep the Capitol complex functioning.Democrats are eyeing the new aid package as states and cities seek as much as $1 trillion to prevent local layoffs and keep paying nurses, police, firefighters and other front-line workers as local revenues tank during the stay-home shutdown.Pelosi outlined the governors’ requests for $500 billion, with the counties and cities seeking as much as $300 billion, which she has said could be spread out over the next several years. On a private conference call with House Democrats on Monday, she also discussed a “paycheck guarantee” for the newly jobless.Pelosi told reporters Tuesday on Capitol Hill the new package will be “just very directly related to saving lives, the livelihood and the life of our democracy.”Several House committee chairmen outlined the provisions expected in the upcoming bill, according to a statement from the Democratic caucus after the private call.Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal discussed another round of additional direct cash payments for families and extending unemployment insurance. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Ca., chair of the Financial Services Committee, focused on helping homeowners, renters and small landlords make rent and mortgage payments, the statement said. Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone spoke about investing in virus testing and contact tracing.Trump said any new package must have a payroll-tax holiday.In the Senate, McConnell has loaded up the schedule with consideration of Trump’s nominees, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9788d3f3fe54884631ccc5592a4a118c">hearing Tuesday on John Ratcliffe,</a>&nbsp;the Texas Republican congressman who is Trump’s choice to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.___

Pelosi pushes new virus relief package as GOP hits 'pause'

By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/coronavirus-and-crashing-aviation-industry-hollow-out-kansas-tech-colleges-pitch">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — It’s a simple, tempting pitch: hands-on training tailored for specific, high-demand jobs.

It
 led thousands of students to enroll in Kansas technical colleges. But 
COVID-19 and a collapsing aviation industry undid that promise.

Hands-on
 learning can’t replace the online lessons that social distancing 
demands. And many of those high-demand jobs that schools promised on the
 other side of a certification wilted with the economy. Others 
disappeared with the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max.

Few things 
illustrate how highly specialized tech school training can go wrong like
 the problems with the jetliner. It's stretched past a year and made 
some plane-building skills irrelevant.

Education experts say the 
Boeing example and COVID-19 also test a key premise of some tech 
education programs designed to train workers for the needs of specific 
companies. Yet they say schools like WSU Tech can adapt.

“Right 
now, it’s a triple whammy,” said Lauren Eyster, a senior fellow with the
 Urban Institute. “(But) they are, especially Wichtia, pretty well 
poised to respond to this.”

The rapid boom of Kansas tech colleges stands out against the state’s more traditionally academic schools.

Stagnant
 enrollment began troubling the state’s universities since 2013. 
Community colleges fared worse over the same period, when enrollment 
dropped more than 15%.

That distressed the Kansas educators. A 
decade ago, they forecasted an economy held back by a lack of college 
graduates needed for high-skilled jobs.

Tech colleges proved to 
be the one bright exception to the state’s enrollment downturn. While 
they still taught only a fraction of the students learning at the state 
universities, tech college enrollment has jumped more than 51% since 
2013.

A large part of the appeal? Hands-on training.

Professors
 still lecture. Students still read from textbooks. But students also 
handle welding torches, rivet guns and sanders. It can take two years at
 a university before a student begins any core classes. Tech schools 
thrive on getting students onto a replica factory floor within a few 
weeks.

But with the coronavirus, hands-on learning went from selling point to weakness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588703395697.png" alt=" Seth McConnell practices a weld during his welding class at Washburn Tech before the coronavirus shutdown. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Seth McConnell practices a weld during his welding class at Washburn Tech before the coronavirus shutdown. Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/coronavirus-and-crashing-aviation-industry-hollow-out-kansas-tech-colleges-pitch">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — It’s a simple, tempting pitch: hands-on training tailored for specific, high-demand jobs.It
 led thousands of students to enroll in Kansas technical colleges. But 
COVID-19 and a collapsing aviation industry undid that promise.Hands-on
 learning can’t replace the online lessons that social distancing 
demands. And many of those high-demand jobs that schools promised on the
 other side of a certification wilted with the economy. Others 
disappeared with the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max.Few things 
illustrate how highly specialized tech school training can go wrong like
 the problems with the jetliner. It's stretched past a year and made 
some plane-building skills irrelevant.Education experts say the 
Boeing example and COVID-19 also test a key premise of some tech 
education programs designed to train workers for the needs of specific 
companies. Yet they say schools like WSU Tech can adapt.“Right 
now, it’s a triple whammy,” said Lauren Eyster, a senior fellow with the
 Urban Institute. “(But) they are, especially Wichtia, pretty well 
poised to respond to this.”<h2>Hands-on appeal</h2>The rapid boom of Kansas tech colleges stands out against the state’s more traditionally academic schools.Stagnant
 enrollment began troubling the state’s universities since 2013. 
Community colleges fared worse over the same period, when enrollment 
dropped more than 15%.That distressed the Kansas educators. A 
decade ago, they forecasted an economy held back by a lack of college 
graduates needed for high-skilled jobs.Tech colleges proved to 
be the one bright exception to the state’s enrollment downturn. While 
they still taught only a fraction of the students learning at the state 
universities, tech college enrollment has jumped more than 51% since 
2013.A large part of the appeal? Hands-on training.Professors
 still lecture. Students still read from textbooks. But students also 
handle welding torches, rivet guns and sanders. It can take two years at
 a university before a student begins any core classes. Tech schools 
thrive on getting students onto a replica factory floor within a few 
weeks.But with the coronavirus, hands-on learning went from selling point to weakness.In
 March, before the state’s shelter-in-place order, colleges were already
 canceling in-person classes. WSU Tech had moved its lecturers and some 
of its less complex training online. But many of those lessons can’t be 
taught over videoconference.“It’s really hard to rig an aircraft
 in a virtual environment,” said James Hall, dean of Aviation 
Technologies at WSU Tech. “But we’re doing as much as we can to get the 
students ready.”The Federal Aviation Administration requires 
in-person training for many plane-building jobs. While the agency lifted
 some of those rules because of the virus, some of that training still 
has to happen on site.WSU Tech hopes to bring small batches of 
students on campus in June, assuming no state or county shelter-in-place
 orders extend past May.<h2>Jobs no longer there</h2>The trouble with hands-on training will eventually go away.But
 the one-two punch of the coronavirus and the grounding of the 737 Max 
to Kansas’ aviation economy will have longer lasting effects.Two
 years ago, the Kansas aviation industry looked untouchable. At the end 
of 2018, Spirit AeroSystems announced plans to create <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/spirit-aerosystems-announces-it-will-hire-1400-more-workers-kansas" target="_blank">1,400 new jobs</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The
 biggest challenge was having a skilled workforce to fill those jobs. 
WSU Tech was willing to pay students to move to the state and get 
trained for them.Then two crashes of Boeing 737 Max planes led to the grounding of the airliner.Economists
 said that wouldn’t hurt the industry much as long as the plane returned
 to the air in a few months. But March marked a year since the Max last 
flew. Spirit <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/spirit-aerosystems-lay-2800-workers-amid-737-max-shutdown" target="_blank">laid off 2,800 workers in January</a> — twice as many as it planned to hire in 2018. AThen the coronavirus ripped through the U.S. economy. Both <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/another-dose-bad-news-wichitas-economy-more-furloughs-spirit" target="_blank">Spirit AeroSystems</a> and <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/textron-aviation-furloughing-workers-coronavirus-outbreak-affects-production" target="_blank">Textron Aviation</a> began furloughing workers, and last week, Spirit announced&nbsp;<a href="http://docs.google.com/document/d/1_6R1NMmd2LEcYsUkwxYLMDFdKBFCamMjkrUe79oeobQ/edit" target="_blank">a round of layoffs</a>&nbsp;for nearly 1,500 workers.&nbsp;The state’s tech schools had been a training pipeline for those companies, but now that pipeline is disconnected.Tech
 schools now must adapt to an economy without employees begging for 
workers. The largest challenge for that change is cost. Technical 
training is expensive. Schools must either find the money for new 
equipment needed for that hands-training, or find ways to retrofit what 
they already own.Education experts say tech colleges have two 
advantages over universities when shifting to the economy. First, they 
have stronger ties to the local business community and therefore a 
better understanding of their needs. And second, they don’t have to go 
through lengthy curriculum reviews to get new programs started.“That’s part of the beauty of who we are,” said Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech.<h2>Back to school</h2>Tech
 schools often tailor their programs based on what employers say they 
need. WSU Tech cut its sheet metal program from eight weeks to six 
because Spirit needed the workers quickly. Students train on the same 
equipment used by the companies offering jobs well before graduation 
day.All college programs face a balancing act between specific 
and general education. Tech college’s strength comes from tipping that 
balance to focus on the needs of a local economy and local employers.But that leaves graduates less employable ]when their niche in the economy goes south.“The
 tragedy in this, especially for people with the most specific 
education, is they rely on the employer being there and the job being 
there,” said Tony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University 
Center on Education and the Workforce. “And that’s no longer the case.”But Kansas educators say tech school graduates get more than an education only useful for one employer.“I
 know of no program that we have that we only train to one company,” 
said Scott Smathers, vice president of workforce development for the 
Kansas Board of Regents.Recent WSU Tech graduates and laid-off 
aviation workers can go back to the college for retraining. While Spirit
 doesn’t need workers to build any more planes at the moment, those 
still flying need maintenance workers.Educators say that’s the 
true strength of technical education. Students get high-paying jobs 
quickly with minimal time and money invested. They then can eventually 
go back to school.Chris Coleman got hired as an aircraft painter
 at Textron Aviation after one semester at WSU Tech. Yet he got hooked 
by the hands-on training and immediately signed up for more classes. 
He’s now working toward a two-year associate’s degree.“Crazy 
enough, I’m actually looking to stay even longer and take another 
program,” Coleman said. “So I’ll have been turning WSU Tech into almost a
 four-year college.”Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en">@stevebisaha</a>.