PHOENIX (AP) — Yvonne Knight, who has respiratory problems that make her especially vulnerable in the coronavirus pandemic, can’t buy groceries online with her food stamps — even though each trip to the store is now a risky endeavor.

Going out to buy food terrifies the 38-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, but she is one of millions of people who receive food aid through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that can’t be used in flexible ways.

“Every time I go out, I put myself at risk — and other people,” said Knight, who lives in Erie, Pennsylvania. “I’m so terrified when people come up to me now. I don’t want to go out to the store.”

Buying groceries online — which many Americans are doing to drastically reduce how often they leave their homes — is only open to SNAP recipients in six U.S. states, and Pennsylvania is not one of them.

Now, state governments and food security activists across the country are imploring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make the program more flexible and easier to access at a time when so many people are losing their jobs and turning to the government for support.

The calls have even come from conservative states where lawmakers have tried to reduce or limit food aid.

In Arizona, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has asked the agency to waive interview requirements for applicants, allow families to purchase hot meals, waive work requirements for some and enact other changes that would help families deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Ashley St. Thomas, the public policy manager for the Arizona Food Bank Network, lauded the governor’s request, adding that relaxing requirements that program recipients prove they are working at least some hours each month is “critical right now” — especially as millions get laid off and jobs dry up for people who work in the informal or gig economies.

Amanda Siebe, a 35-year-old who lives in Hillsboro, Oregon, suffers from a chronic pain condition and has a compromised immune system, so she tries to avoid leaving the house.

But she struggles to stretch her SNAP benefit — $194 a month — in normal times, and she would love to have more cash now to be able to buy larger food quantities to limit grocery trips.

“We need food that will not only last the whole month but give us a little bit to stock up so we can get ahead without having to worry what’s gonna happen in the future,” Siebe said. “Especially because the majority of us cannot leave the house very often.”

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and can lead to death — meaning those people need to take special precautions.

The increased need for food aid and calls to make it more flexible come directly on the heels of a stalled Trump administration attempt to purge an estimated 700,000 people from SNAP rolls. The changes would have taken away states’ ability to waive a rule that able-bodied adults without dependents show a certain number of hours worked per month. A court blocked the changes, and the USDA vowed to appeal.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue now says he’s undecided and notes that the congressional virus relief package contains a blanket waiver on the work requirement — though the agency seems likely to revisit the issue in calmer times.

For now, with large parts of the economy shuttered, state governments are clamoring to expand the recipient ranks and cut the red tape.

In Pennsylvania, where Knight lives, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday asked the agency to waive several requirements. He urged the federal government to expand a pilot program launched in New York and Washington state that allows people to use their debit-style benefit cards to order online groceries. Amazon and Walmart now accept SNAP payments online in Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and New York, where ShopRite also accepts the payments. In Alabama, Wright’s Markets, Inc. accepts the online payments.

In Missouri, the state’s social services department requested and was granted waivers to extend SNAP certifications by six months so that people won’t be kicked out of the program during the pandemic.

Food security advocates recommend the government go further, giving states blanket latitude to adjust their programs.

That would allow states to expand their beneficiary ranks with minimal paperwork, said Ellen Vollinger, legal director for the Food Research and Action Center.

“One can imagine a set of waivers that are so common that every state would benefit,” she said.

Among the specific changes she recommends: eliminating the personal interview that precedes a recipient’s entry into the program — as Arizona’s governor requested — and allowing a recipient’s status in the program to automatically renew without paperwork.

The built-in flexibility of the program has proved vital in natural disasters that devastated individual cities or regions — and activists argue that SNAP benefits could be one of the core instruments used to help Americans endure a pandemic hitting the whole country at once.

“The benefits turn over quickly in the economy. They get spent,” Vollinger said.

PHOENIX (AP) — Yvonne Knight, who has respiratory problems that make her especially vulnerable in the coronavirus pandemic, can’t buy groceries online with her food stamps — even though each trip to the store is now a risky endeavor.Going out to buy food terrifies the 38-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, but she is one of millions of people who receive food aid through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that can’t be used in flexible ways.“Every time I go out, I put myself at risk — and other people,” said Knight, who lives in Erie, Pennsylvania. “I’m so terrified when people come up to me now. I don’t want to go out to the store.”Buying groceries online — which many Americans are doing to drastically reduce how often they leave their homes — is only open to SNAP recipients in six U.S. states, and Pennsylvania is not one of them.Now, state governments and food security activists across the country are imploring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make the program more flexible and easier to access at a time when so many people are losing their jobs and turning to the government for support.The calls have even come from conservative states where lawmakers have tried to reduce or limit food aid.In Arizona, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has asked the agency to waive interview requirements for applicants, allow families to purchase hot meals, waive work requirements for some and enact other changes that would help families deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic.Ashley St. Thomas, the public policy manager for the Arizona Food Bank Network, lauded the governor’s request, adding that relaxing requirements that program recipients prove they are working at least some hours each month is “critical right now” — especially as millions get laid off and jobs dry up for people who work in the informal or gig economies.Amanda Siebe, a 35-year-old who lives in Hillsboro, Oregon, suffers from a chronic pain condition and has a compromised immune system, so she tries to avoid leaving the house.But she struggles to stretch her SNAP benefit — $194 a month — in normal times, and she would love to have more cash now to be able to buy larger food quantities to limit grocery trips.“We need food that will not only last the whole month but give us a little bit to stock up so we can get ahead without having to worry what’s gonna happen in the future,” Siebe said. “Especially because the majority of us cannot leave the house very often.”For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and can lead to death — meaning those people need to take special precautions.The increased need for food aid and calls to make it more flexible come directly on the heels of a stalled Trump administration attempt to purge an estimated 700,000 people from SNAP rolls. The changes would have taken away states’ ability to waive a rule that able-bodied adults without dependents show a certain number of hours worked per month. A court blocked the changes, and the USDA vowed to appeal.Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue now says he’s undecided and notes that the congressional virus relief package contains a blanket waiver on the work requirement — though the agency seems likely to revisit the issue in calmer times.For now, with large parts of the economy shuttered, state governments are clamoring to expand the recipient ranks and cut the red tape.In Pennsylvania, where Knight lives, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday asked the agency to waive several requirements. He urged the federal government to expand a pilot program launched in New York and Washington state that allows people to use their debit-style benefit cards to order online groceries. Amazon and Walmart now accept SNAP payments online in Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and New York, where ShopRite also accepts the payments. In Alabama, Wright’s Markets, Inc. accepts the online payments.In Missouri, the state’s social services department requested and was granted waivers to extend SNAP certifications by six months so that people won’t be kicked out of the program during the pandemic.Food security advocates recommend the government go further, giving states blanket latitude to adjust their programs.That would allow states to expand their beneficiary ranks with minimal paperwork, said Ellen Vollinger, legal director for the Food Research and Action Center.“One can imagine a set of waivers that are so common that every state would benefit,” she said.Among the specific changes she recommends: eliminating the personal interview that precedes a recipient’s entry into the program — as Arizona’s governor requested — and allowing a recipient’s status in the program to automatically renew without paperwork.The built-in flexibility of the program has proved vital in natural disasters that devastated individual cities or regions — and activists argue that SNAP benefits could be one of the core instruments used to help Americans endure a pandemic hitting the whole country at once.“The benefits turn over quickly in the economy. They get spent,” Vollinger said.___

Governors plead for food stamp flexibility amid pandemic

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — An activist group is pushing for the resignation of Riley County Commissioner Marvin Rodriquez over comments he made related to coronavirus and Chinese people. 

The Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice said Monday that Rodriquez should resign for saying at a March meeting that Manhattan, Kansas, wasn't at high risk for the coronavirus because it doesn't have many Chinese residents. 

The advocates contend such remarks fuel hatred toward Asians, by promoting a belief that China is responsible for the coronavirus pandemic. Rodriquez had earlier apologized for his remarks, saying he likes Chinese food and has Chinese friends.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584701344788.png" alt="Marvin Rodriguez-photo Riley County" />
 <figcaption>Marvin Rodriguez-photo Riley County</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — An activist group is pushing for the resignation of Riley County Commissioner Marvin Rodriquez over comments he made related to coronavirus and Chinese people. The Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice said Monday that Rodriquez should resign for saying at a March meeting that Manhattan, Kansas, wasn't at high risk for the coronavirus because it doesn't have many Chinese residents. The advocates contend such remarks fuel hatred toward Asians, by promoting a belief that China is responsible for the coronavirus pandemic. Rodriquez had earlier apologized for his remarks, saying he likes Chinese food and has Chinese friends.&nbsp;

Group wants Riley County official gone over virus remarks

TOPEKA (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly says officials are scouring the state to find supplies to help frontline workers treating people with the coronavirus. 

The governor said Monday that Kansas should finish distributing supplies it received from a federal national stockpile by Tuesday. But she noted Kansas has not received any of the millions of supplies it has requested from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

That comes on a day when Kansas reported confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 845, nearly 100 more than on Sunday, with 25 deaths. Health Director Dr. Lee Norman said he expects the increases to continue, in part because more testing is being done.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman held a 40 minute press briefing Monday afternoon.

In addition to providing an update on the state's fight against coronavirus and their challenge to receive protective equipment and other supplies from the federal government, they answered dozens of questions.

Kansas is reporting nearly 100 more cases of the coronavirus, with 25 deaths. Health officials said 845 cases have been confirmed as of Monday morning, up from 747 cases on Sunday.&nbsp;

TOPEKA (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly says officials are scouring the state to find supplies to help frontline workers treating people with the coronavirus. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F641538899757747%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>The governor said Monday that Kansas should finish distributing supplies it received from a federal national stockpile by Tuesday. But she noted Kansas has not received any of the millions of supplies it has requested from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That comes on a day when Kansas reported confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 845, nearly 100 more than on Sunday, with 25 deaths. Health Director Dr. Lee Norman said he expects the increases to continue, in part because more testing is being done.&nbsp;&nbsp;-------TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman held a 40 minute press briefing Monday afternoon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586200254131.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press briefing" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman during Monday's press briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to providing an update on the state's fight against coronavirus and their challenge to receive protective equipment and other supplies from the federal government, they answered dozens of questions.Kansas is reporting nearly 100 more cases of the coronavirus, with 25 deaths. Health officials said 845 cases have been confirmed as of Monday morning, up from 747 cases on Sunday.&nbsp;

 🎥 Gov. Kelly: Kansas is scouring the state for health supplies

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says the number of COVID-19 cases in the active duty force topped 1,000 over the weekend.

There are a total of 1,132 confirmed cases as of Monday morning. The total was 978 on Friday.

There also have been 303 cases among members of the National Guard.

Among the military services, the Navy has the most cases, with 431. That includes more than 150 among the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says the number of COVID-19 cases in the active duty force topped 1,000 over the weekend.There are a total of 1,132 confirmed cases as of Monday morning. The total was 978 on Friday.There also have been 303 cases among members of the National Guard.Among the military services, the Navy has the most cases, with 431. That includes more than 150 among the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.___

Pentagon: Active duty coronavirus infections topped 1,000

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus report just after noon Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here</a> for additional details from the KDHE

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest coronavirus report just after noon Monday.&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here</a> for additional details from the KDHE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586194267799.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-04-06 at 12.30.08 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-04-06 at 12.30.08 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 25 deaths

&nbsp;Tulsa, OK. (AP) — One Tulsa, Oklahoma, bar owner said more than a dozen motorcyclists showed up unannounced, but he served them a round of shots anyway to celebrate a birthday. Another live-streamed a drag queen show on Facebook while up to 20 people drank inside the locked bar, ignoring police when they knocked on the door.

Both were busted — and received misdemeanor citations and court dates — after police responded to tips that the bars were violating the mayor’s order shuttering all nonessential businesses to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/stay-at-home-order-reporting/">Click here to see the Stay-at-home</a>&nbsp;order reporting form in Sedgwick County

“There has to be some consequence for violating an executive order,” said Tulsa Police Lt. Richard Meulenberg.

Snitches are emerging as enthusiastic allies as cities, states and countries work to enforce directives meant to limit person-to-person contact amid the virus pandemic that has claimed tens of thousands of lives worldwide. They’re phoning police and municipal hotlines, complaining to elected officials and shaming perceived scofflaws on social media.

In hard-hit New York City, police arrested the owner of an illegal Brooklyn speakeasy where a dozen people were found drinking and gambling after someone called 311 with a tip.

In Chicago, a yoga studio that believed it qualified as an essential health and wellness service was closed after the city — tipped off by several residents — disagreed. Teacher Naveed Abidi of Bikram Yoga West Loop studio said he thought the studio could remain open if the space was sanitized, class size limited and students stayed far enough apart.

“If we were naughty with the government’s order, then we’re very, very sorry” said Abidi, who faces a fine of up to $10,000. “We’re not here to cause problems, we’re here to practice our poses.”

For most people, the new virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

But the virus is spreading rapidly and starting to max out the health care system in several cities.

Naugatuck, Connecticut, resident Gwen Becker said she was “mortified” when she drove by a golf course and saw a crowd gathered around a food truck and eating at tables together. So she took a video that her friend posted on Facebook — prompting the mayor to shut down the course.

“I was angry and upset, and I threw some f-bombs,” said Becker, 54. “You’re not going to consider that what you’re doing could kill somebody?”

In some places, investigators are patrolling the streets, looking for violators.

A team enforcing Denver’s shelter-in-place order issued five citations — including to Hobby Lobby and a Game Stop franchise that claimed it was essential — and more than 600 warnings to businesses and individuals as of Tuesday, city spokesman Alton Dillard said. The team also patrols neighborhoods, parks and recreation areas. Hobby Lobby has now closed all their stores.

In Newark, New Jersey, police shut down 15 businesses in one night and cited 161 people for violating the governor’s restrictions, saying others would be next if they didn’t heed directives. And Maryland State Police said they’d conducted nearly 6,600 business and crowd compliance checks.

Chicago police even disbanded a funeral Sunday after seeing a group of up to 60 people, many elderly, congregating inside a church, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

In some cases, residents are turning on neighbors.

Police in Spain — sometimes aided by videos and photos posted online by zealous residents, or “balcony police” — have arrested nearly 2,000 people and fined over 230,000 for violating quarantine orders.

In one viral video, the person recording it is heard criticizing a woman who decides to go for a jog and resists police orders to produce her ID card. Another shows a family of four heading to a supermarket carrying a scooter for one of their children while half a dozen neighbors yell at them from the window.

And in New Zealand, a police website set up for the public to report violators crashed after too many people tried to access it at once. Among the complaints were people playing rugby and Frisbee and holding impromptu “corona” parties, The Guardian reported.

Back in Tulsa, Lt. Meulenberg said the department’s call volume has increased substantially with residents ratting out businesses and neighbors alike, though they can’t respond to all of them.

“The fact that we have to do this at all means some people are not interested in self-preservation” or protecting others, Meulenberg said. “We’re not immunologists. We’re not scientists. We’re cops. We’re just trying to do our part.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585651445733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Tulsa, OK. (AP) — One Tulsa, Oklahoma, bar owner said more than a dozen motorcyclists showed up unannounced, but he served them a round of shots anyway to celebrate a birthday. Another live-streamed a drag queen show on Facebook while up to 20 people drank inside the locked bar, ignoring police when they knocked on the door.Both were busted — and received misdemeanor citations and court dates — after police responded to tips that the bars were violating the mayor’s order shuttering all nonessential businesses to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.<a href="https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/stay-at-home-order-reporting/">Click here to see the Stay-at-home</a>&nbsp;order reporting form in Sedgwick County“There has to be some consequence for violating an executive order,” said Tulsa Police Lt. Richard Meulenberg.It turns out plenty of people agree.Snitches are emerging as enthusiastic allies as cities, states and countries work to enforce directives meant to limit person-to-person contact amid the virus pandemic that has claimed tens of thousands of lives worldwide. They’re phoning police and municipal hotlines, complaining to elected officials and shaming perceived scofflaws on social media.In hard-hit New York City, police arrested the owner of an illegal Brooklyn speakeasy where a dozen people were found drinking and gambling after someone called 311 with a tip.In Chicago, a yoga studio that believed it qualified as an essential health and wellness service was closed after the city — tipped off by several residents — disagreed. Teacher Naveed Abidi of Bikram Yoga West Loop studio said he thought the studio could remain open if the space was sanitized, class size limited and students stayed far enough apart.“If we were naughty with the government’s order, then we’re very, very sorry” said Abidi, who faces a fine of up to $10,000. “We’re not here to cause problems, we’re here to practice our poses.”For most people, the new virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.But the virus is spreading rapidly and starting to max out the health care system in several cities.Naugatuck, Connecticut, resident Gwen Becker said she was “mortified” when she drove by a golf course and saw a crowd gathered around a food truck and eating at tables together. So she took a video that her friend posted on Facebook — prompting the mayor to shut down the course.“I was angry and upset, and I threw some f-bombs,” said Becker, 54. “You’re not going to consider that what you’re doing could kill somebody?”In some places, investigators are patrolling the streets, looking for violators.A team enforcing Denver’s shelter-in-place order issued five citations — including to Hobby Lobby and a Game Stop franchise that claimed it was essential — and more than 600 warnings to businesses and individuals as of Tuesday, city spokesman Alton Dillard said. The team also patrols neighborhoods, parks and recreation areas. Hobby Lobby has now closed all their stores.In Newark, New Jersey, police shut down 15 businesses in one night and cited 161 people for violating the governor’s restrictions, saying others would be next if they didn’t heed directives. And Maryland State Police said they’d conducted nearly 6,600 business and crowd compliance checks.Chicago police even disbanded a funeral Sunday after seeing a group of up to 60 people, many elderly, congregating inside a church, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.In some cases, residents are turning on neighbors.Police in Spain — sometimes aided by videos and photos posted online by zealous residents, or “balcony police” — have arrested nearly 2,000 people and fined over 230,000 for violating quarantine orders.In one viral video, the person recording it is heard criticizing a woman who decides to go for a jog and resists police orders to produce her ID card. Another shows a family of four heading to a supermarket carrying a scooter for one of their children while half a dozen neighbors yell at them from the window.And in New Zealand, a police website set up for the public to report violators crashed after too many people tried to access it at once. Among the complaints were people playing rugby and Frisbee and holding impromptu “corona” parties, The Guardian reported.Back in Tulsa, Lt. Meulenberg said the department’s call volume has increased substantially with residents ratting out businesses and neighbors alike, though they can’t respond to all of them.“The fact that we have to do this at all means some people are not interested in self-preservation” or protecting others, Meulenberg said. “We’re not immunologists. We’re not scientists. We’re cops. We’re just trying to do our part.”

Residents snitch on neighbors, businesses amid pandemic shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and asking the public to help locate a suspect identified as 22-year-old Madelyn Roberts of Wichita.

Just after 8:30 p.m. March 16, police responded to a home in the 1200 block of West 2nd Street to check for a stolen vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers located the stolen vehicle at the home.&nbsp; Roberts was backing the car into the driveway, and an 18-year-old man identified as Kaeden Murphy was causing a verbal disturbance in the front of the residence.&nbsp; 

One officer contacted Murphy, and the second officer went to contact Roberts.&nbsp; She put the car in drive, drove into the officer, and struck him with the vehicle while fleeing.&nbsp; 

The officer ended up on the hood of the car before sliding off.&nbsp; The second officer lost sight of the first officer believing he was being injured and drug by the vehicle, and fired three shots.&nbsp; Roberts fled the scene in the stolen car.&nbsp; No one was injured in this event.

Officers arrested the Murphy at the home, and he was booked into jail on charges of obstruct and outstanding warrants.&nbsp;

Sometime later, a WPD officer recovered the abandoned stolen vehicle at a business in the 9400 block of East Cooperate Hills Drive.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Roberts also has outstanding warrants through the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.&nbsp; Anyone with information on Roberts is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585942545470.png" alt="Madelyn Roberts photo Wichita Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Madelyn Roberts photo Wichita Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer and asking the public to help locate a suspect identified as 22-year-old Madelyn Roberts of Wichita.Just after 8:30 p.m. March 16, police responded to a home in the 1200 block of West 2nd Street to check for a stolen vehicle, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers located the stolen vehicle at the home.&nbsp; Roberts was backing the car into the driveway, and an 18-year-old man identified as Kaeden Murphy was causing a verbal disturbance in the front of the residence.&nbsp; One officer contacted Murphy, and the second officer went to contact Roberts.&nbsp; She put the car in drive, drove into the officer, and struck him with the vehicle while fleeing.&nbsp; The officer ended up on the hood of the car before sliding off.&nbsp; The second officer lost sight of the first officer believing he was being injured and drug by the vehicle, and fired three shots.&nbsp; Roberts fled the scene in the stolen car.&nbsp; No one was injured in this event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584458140312.png" alt="Murphy" />
 <figcaption>Murphy</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers arrested the Murphy at the home, and he was booked into jail on charges of obstruct and outstanding warrants.&nbsp;Sometime later, a WPD officer recovered the abandoned stolen vehicle at a business in the 9400 block of East Cooperate Hills Drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roberts also has outstanding warrants through the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.&nbsp; Anyone with information on Roberts is asked to contact police.

Search continues for Kan. woman accused of hitting officer with car

Social distancing is currently the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization and the CDC.

Unacast created an interactive Scoreboard, updated daily, to empower organizations to measure and understand the efficacy of social distancing initiatives at the local level, according to their website.

The most recent report gave Missouri an F and dropped Kansas to a grade of D.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard">Click here to see the grade for your county.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586171484435.png" alt="Unacast" />
 <figcaption>Unacast</figcaption>
 </figure>Social distancing is currently the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization and the CDC.Unacast created an interactive Scoreboard, updated daily, to empower organizations to measure and understand the efficacy of social distancing initiatives at the local level, according to their website.The most recent report gave Missouri an F and dropped Kansas to a grade of D.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard">Click here to see the grade for your county.</a>

Compare your community's social distancing activity

KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City police are investigating a shooting involving an off-duty officer who told investigators he shot his neighbor when his service weapon unintentionally fired.

The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Monday, when the officer called for help saying he had accidentally shot his neighbor, a news release from police said. Police said a preliminary investigation showed the officer was inside his home when his service weapon fired and the round entered the home of his neighbor, hitting a man in his 30s.

Police did not release the names of the victim or the officer.

The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital in stable condition. Police said the officer — a 24-year veteran assigned to the Metro Patrol Division — will be on administrative leave until the investigation into the shooting in concluded.

The department's homicide unit is conducting the investigation, police said.

KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City police are investigating a shooting involving an off-duty officer who told investigators he shot his neighbor when his service weapon unintentionally fired.The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. Monday, when the officer called for help saying he had accidentally shot his neighbor, a news release from police said. Police said a preliminary investigation showed the officer was inside his home when his service weapon fired and the round entered the home of his neighbor, hitting a man in his 30s.Police did not release the names of the victim or the officer.The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital in stable condition. Police said the officer — a 24-year veteran assigned to the Metro Patrol Division — will be on administrative leave until the investigation into the shooting in concluded.The department's homicide unit is conducting the investigation, police said.

Kansas City police: Officer accidentally shot neighbor

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans braced for what the nation’s top doctor warned Sunday would be “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hot spot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths that surpassed even hard-hit Italy’s.

Britain’s own prime minister, Boris Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/193a0cfe074685144ade169084a68255">was hospitalized</a>, 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 in what his office described as a “precautionary step.”

Amid the dire news, there were also glimmers of hope some hard-hit areas — the number of people dying appeared to be slowing in New York City, Spain and Italy. The news was cautiously welcomed by leaders, who also noted that any gains could easily be reversed if people did not continue to adhere to strict lockdowns.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a stark warning about the expected wave of virus deaths.

“This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment,” he told “Fox News Sunday.”

But President Donald Trump later suggested the hard weeks ahead could foretell the turning of a corner. “We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Trump said at an evening White House briefing.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09763bcbed9ff417b6eb5886155db66b">New York City, the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic</a>, daily deaths dropped slightly, along with intensive care admissions and the number of patients who needed breathing tubes inserted, but New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned it was “too early to tell” the significance of those numbers.

Italy and Spain also got some encouraging news. Italy registered its lowest day-to-day increase in deaths in more than two weeks — 525, said Angelo Borrelli, the head of the national Civil Protection agency. The pace of infection also seemed to be slowing.

Even so, Borrelli warned, “This good news shouldn’t make us drop our guard.”

Confirmed infections fell in Spain, too, and new deaths declined for the third straight day, dropping to 674 — the first time daily deaths have fallen below 800 in the past week.

The outlook, however, was bleak in Britain, which reported more than 600 deaths Sunday, surpassing Italy’s increase. Italy still has, by far, the world’s highest coronavirus death toll — almost 16,000.

“I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” she said. “And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/faa93f9fde3483bb13a605fa0d400b0c">In a rare televised address</a>, Queen Elizabeth II appealed to Britons to rise the occasion, while acknowledging enormous disruptions, grief and financial difficulties.

Johnson, meanwhile, has been hospitalized, though his office said it was not an emergency and that the 55-year-old Conservative will undergo tests.

There are concerns that Johnson’s government did not take the virus seriously enough at first and that spring weather will tempt Britons and others to break social distancing rules.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the U.K. might even ban outdoor exercise if people still ’’flout the rules.″

“The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home,” Hancock told Sky TV. “But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that — it’s quite unbelievable, frankly, to see that.”

As the numbers of infections rose, Saffron Cordery, the deputy head of Britain’s National Health Service Providers, said the agency needed to focus on quickly increasing ventilator capacity and getting more protective equipment for health care workers.

Italians have not been immune to lure of the good weather, either. Top Italian officials took to national television after photos were published showing huge crowds out shopping.

Health Minister Roberto Speranza told RAI state television that all the sacrifices Italians have made since the nationwide lockdown began risked being reversed.

Restrictions on movement vary from country to country, state to state, locality to locality. Swedes have been advised to practice social distancing, but schools, bars and restaurants remain open. In Germany and Britain, residents can get outdoors to exercise and walk their dogs, while in Serbia and South Africa, dog walking is not allowed.

The ACLU filed its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/86171da74e787acf1a3c613a1c516311">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>over coronavirus restrictions, arguing in part that Puerto Rico’s curfew leaves people fearing arrest if they help elderly relatives by letting police determine who belongs in a family. A coastal community’s mayor in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/feecf34f9f49a2436246ef9451a683dc">Georgia</a>&nbsp;fears the governor’s mandate to open beaches will bring crowds to the small island with older residents and no medical facility.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ab92b02d9729f12678f667d80abda876">blessed palms for Palm Sunday&nbsp;</a>in a near-empty St. Peter’s Basilica. At a New Orleans church, Rev. Emmanuel Mulenga blessed palm fronds and put them on a back table so people could get them while also observing social distancing.

Worldwide, more than 1.2 million people have been confirmed infected and nearly 70,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. The true numbers are certainly much higher, due to limited testing, different ways nations count the dead and deliberate under-reporting by some governments.

The vast majority of infected people recover from the virus, which is spread by microscopic droplets from coughs or sneezes. For most people, the virus causes mild to moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause pneumonia and lead to death.

The rapid spread of the virus in the United States has prompted a chaotic scramble for medical equipment and protective gear.

An Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">review</a>&nbsp;of purchasing contracts showed that federal agencies largely waited until mid-March — more than two months after the first warnings of a potential pandemic — to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers.

By that time, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and pleading for shipments from the national stockpile. Now that stockpile is nearly drained just as the numbers of patients requiring critical care is surging.

When asked about the issue, Trump said federal officials and the military had worked “a miracle.”

Rebekah Gee, who heads the Louisiana State University’s health care services division, warned that the private and public sector have been competing with each other, leading to price increases.

Gee said one of her colleagues went on eBay to buy gowns, while equipment her department ordered from China got stalled for weeks in Hong Kong.

“Our whole country is at war with this virus,” said Gee, who once ran the state’s Department of Health. “This needs a coordinated approach, and right now that’s not happening.”

Louisiana and the New Orleans area have been hard hit by the virus, and Gov. John Bel Edwards has repeatedly warned of looming equipment shortages.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he hoped the pace of new infections would plateau soon, but that the virus is unlikely to be eradicated this year.

Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Fauci said the prospect of a resurgence is why the U.S. is working so hard to develop a vaccine and conducting clinical trials on treatments.

Scientists are still learning about the virus that was first detected in late December in Wuhan, China. In what is believed to be the first known infection in an animal in the U.S., officials said Sunday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f47b8e4f883579712599690e1752c09">a tiger at the Bronx Zoo had tested positive</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586112457795.png" alt="U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House on Friday." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams answers questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House on Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Americans braced for what the nation’s top doctor warned Sunday would be “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hot spot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths that surpassed even hard-hit Italy’s.Britain’s own prime minister, Boris Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/193a0cfe074685144ade169084a68255">was hospitalized</a>, 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 in what his office described as a “precautionary step.”Amid the dire news, there were also glimmers of hope some hard-hit areas — the number of people dying appeared to be slowing in New York City, Spain and Italy. The news was cautiously welcomed by leaders, who also noted that any gains could easily be reversed if people did not continue to adhere to strict lockdowns.U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a stark warning about the expected wave of virus deaths.“This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment,” he told “Fox News Sunday.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586169391337.png" alt="President Trump on Sunday, "We are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel." -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump on Sunday, "We are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel." -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>But President Donald Trump later suggested the hard weeks ahead could foretell the turning of a corner. “We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Trump said at an evening White House briefing.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/09763bcbed9ff417b6eb5886155db66b">New York City, the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic</a>, daily deaths dropped slightly, along with intensive care admissions and the number of patients who needed breathing tubes inserted, but New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned it was “too early to tell” the significance of those numbers.Italy and Spain also got some encouraging news. Italy registered its lowest day-to-day increase in deaths in more than two weeks — 525, said Angelo Borrelli, the head of the national Civil Protection agency. The pace of infection also seemed to be slowing.Even so, Borrelli warned, “This good news shouldn’t make us drop our guard.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696207171.png" alt="White House" />
 <figcaption>White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Confirmed infections fell in Spain, too, and new deaths declined for the third straight day, dropping to 674 — the first time daily deaths have fallen below 800 in the past week.The outlook, however, was bleak in Britain, which reported more than 600 deaths Sunday, surpassing Italy’s increase. Italy still has, by far, the world’s highest coronavirus death toll — almost 16,000.“I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” she said. “And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.”<a href="https://apnews.com/faa93f9fde3483bb13a605fa0d400b0c">In a rare televised address</a>, Queen Elizabeth II appealed to Britons to rise the occasion, while acknowledging enormous disruptions, grief and financial difficulties.Johnson, meanwhile, has been hospitalized, though his office said it was not an emergency and that the 55-year-old Conservative will undergo tests.There are concerns that Johnson’s government did not take the virus seriously enough at first and that spring weather will tempt Britons and others to break social distancing rules.Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the U.K. might even ban outdoor exercise if people still ’’flout the rules.″“The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home,” Hancock told Sky TV. “But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that — it’s quite unbelievable, frankly, to see that.”As the numbers of infections rose, Saffron Cordery, the deputy head of Britain’s National Health Service Providers, said the agency needed to focus on quickly increasing ventilator capacity and getting more protective equipment for health care workers.Italians have not been immune to lure of the good weather, either. Top Italian officials took to national television after photos were published showing huge crowds out shopping.Health Minister Roberto Speranza told RAI state television that all the sacrifices Italians have made since the nationwide lockdown began risked being reversed.Restrictions on movement vary from country to country, state to state, locality to locality. Swedes have been advised to practice social distancing, but schools, bars and restaurants remain open. In Germany and Britain, residents can get outdoors to exercise and walk their dogs, while in Serbia and South Africa, dog walking is not allowed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585696236815.png" alt="White House" />
 <figcaption>White House</figcaption>
 </figure>The ACLU filed its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/86171da74e787acf1a3c613a1c516311">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>over coronavirus restrictions, arguing in part that Puerto Rico’s curfew leaves people fearing arrest if they help elderly relatives by letting police determine who belongs in a family. A coastal community’s mayor in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/feecf34f9f49a2436246ef9451a683dc">Georgia</a>&nbsp;fears the governor’s mandate to open beaches will bring crowds to the small island with older residents and no medical facility.At the Vatican, Pope Francis&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ab92b02d9729f12678f667d80abda876">blessed palms for Palm Sunday&nbsp;</a>in a near-empty St. Peter’s Basilica. At a New Orleans church, Rev. Emmanuel Mulenga blessed palm fronds and put them on a back table so people could get them while also observing social distancing.Worldwide, more than 1.2 million people have been confirmed infected and nearly 70,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. The true numbers are certainly much higher, due to limited testing, different ways nations count the dead and deliberate under-reporting by some governments.The vast majority of infected people recover from the virus, which is spread by microscopic droplets from coughs or sneezes. For most people, the virus causes mild to moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause pneumonia and lead to death.The rapid spread of the virus in the United States has prompted a chaotic scramble for medical equipment and protective gear.An Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/090600c299a8cf07f5b44d92534856bc">review</a>&nbsp;of purchasing contracts showed that federal agencies largely waited until mid-March — more than two months after the first warnings of a potential pandemic — to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers.By that time, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and pleading for shipments from the national stockpile. Now that stockpile is nearly drained just as the numbers of patients requiring critical care is surging.When asked about the issue, Trump said federal officials and the military had worked “a miracle.”Rebekah Gee, who heads the Louisiana State University’s health care services division, warned that the private and public sector have been competing with each other, leading to price increases.Gee said one of her colleagues went on eBay to buy gowns, while equipment her department ordered from China got stalled for weeks in Hong Kong.“Our whole country is at war with this virus,” said Gee, who once ran the state’s Department of Health. “This needs a coordinated approach, and right now that’s not happening.”Louisiana and the New Orleans area have been hard hit by the virus, and Gov. John Bel Edwards has repeatedly warned of looming equipment shortages.Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he hoped the pace of new infections would plateau soon, but that the virus is unlikely to be eradicated this year.Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Fauci said the prospect of a resurgence is why the U.S. is working so hard to develop a vaccine and conducting clinical trials on treatments.Scientists are still learning about the virus that was first detected in late December in Wuhan, China. In what is believed to be the first known infection in an animal in the U.S., officials said Sunday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0f47b8e4f883579712599690e1752c09">a tiger at the Bronx Zoo had tested positive</a>.___

Surgeon General: Americans face ‘hardest, saddest’ week of their lives

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a standoff at the police department Sunday in Arkansas City.

Just before 1p.m., a suspect later identified as Douglas R. Gleaves, 38, rural Cowley County entered the lobby of the police department and struck the interior door to the secured part of the police department with a long-handled ax, according to Police Chief Dan Ward.

Officers responding to the incident saw Gleaves outside with the ax, yelling at them, so they called for backup and secured an outer perimeter. Downtown was cordoned off for two blocks in each direction.

Officers attempted to talk Gleaves down for quite some time as other agencies arrived to assist, according to Ward.

At 3:14 p.m., Gleaves exited the building and was subdued using a Taser. Nobody was injured during the arrest, according to Ward.

Gleaves was treated and released at the scene by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department and then transported by police to South Central Kansas Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

Ward said requested charges against Gleaves&nbsp; will include aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property and criminal threat.

South Central Kansas SWAT, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the standoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586167961680.png" alt="Gleaves had 3 previous convictions for DUI, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Gleaves had 3 previous convictions for DUI, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man after a standoff at the police department Sunday in Arkansas City.Just before 1p.m., a suspect later identified as Douglas R. Gleaves, 38, rural Cowley County entered the lobby of the police department and struck the interior door to the secured part of the police department with a long-handled ax, according to Police Chief Dan Ward.Officers responding to the incident saw Gleaves outside with the ax, yelling at them, so they called for backup and secured an outer perimeter. Downtown was cordoned off for two blocks in each direction.Officers attempted to talk Gleaves down for quite some time as other agencies arrived to assist, according to Ward.At 3:14 p.m., Gleaves exited the building and was subdued using a Taser. Nobody was injured during the arrest, according to Ward.Gleaves was treated and released at the scene by the Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department and then transported by police to South Central Kansas Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.Ward said requested charges against Gleaves&nbsp; will include aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property and criminal threat.South Central Kansas SWAT, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the standoff.

Man jailed after ax standoff at Kansas police department

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka.

Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Police located an adult male who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Ekis did not release the victim's name or additional details early Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586089549173.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old D’Angelo L. Payne of Topeka.Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Police located Payne who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 11:30p.m. Saturday police responded to the area of SW 5th and SW Western in Topeka after a report of gunshots being fired and a vehicle that had crashed, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Police located an adult male who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Ekis did not release the victim's name or additional details early Sunday.

Update: Police ID Kan. man who died after shooting, vehicle crash

SALINE COUNTY —Authorities notified the Saline County Health Department of one additional positive COVID-19 case in a Saline County resident, according to a media release Sunday.

The patient, in this case, was a man in is 60’s. A COVID-19 test was administered and results were received by the Saline County Health Department on Sunday. They man has died, according to the release.

This additional case brings the total to 6 in Saline County.

The KDHE reported Sunday a total of 747 cases in Kansas. 

“We’re saddened to learn that we have lost one of our Saline County residents,” said Health Officer Jason Tiller. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and those impacted by his passing.” 

The Saline County Health Department will continue to conduct contact investigations in this case as with the other active cases. This is a process where the Health Department retraces the patient’s steps and activities so that we can identify anyone who may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.

Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>. It has always been and will continue to be our intention to ensure that businesses and individuals are educated on the statewide order. Stay-at-Home simply means Stay at Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a>&nbsp;to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

SALINE COUNTY —Authorities notified the Saline County Health Department of one additional positive COVID-19 case in a Saline County resident, according to a media release Sunday.The patient, in this case, was a man in is 60’s. A COVID-19 test was administered and results were received by the Saline County Health Department on Sunday. They man has died, according to the release.This additional case brings the total to 6 in Saline County.The KDHE reported Sunday a total of 747 cases in Kansas. “We’re saddened to learn that we have lost one of our Saline County residents,” said Health Officer Jason Tiller. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and those impacted by his passing.” The Saline County Health Department will continue to conduct contact investigations in this case as with the other active cases. This is a process where the Health Department retraces the patient’s steps and activities so that we can identify anyone who may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19.Saline County continues to receive reports of alleged non-compliance with the Statewide Stay-at-Home order. Alleged violations can be reported through our online submission form at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.saline.org/">www.saline.org</a>. It has always been and will continue to be our intention to ensure that businesses and individuals are educated on the statewide order. Stay-at-Home simply means Stay at Home. If you are not performing essential tasks, then you need to be at home. “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”If you have a question about a business being essential or not, please visit the Governor’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/keff">https://governor.kansas.gov/keff</a>&nbsp;to see the order, list of essential functions, and frequently asked questions.

Man in his 60s dies from coronavirus in Salina

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following a car stop, brief vehicle pursuit and search early Friday.

Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2 a.m., a Sheriff’s Office deputy made contact with a 2006 Chrysler 300 near SE Blair Street and SE 25th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

During the investigation, the driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. The deputy chased the suspect who quickly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver was identified as Tyrik A. Akpabio, 27, of Topeka and had multiple felony warrants for his arrest, according to Christian.

Through the investigation, it was determined that Akpabio had connections with a residence in the 2400 block of SE Alamar Road. A search of the residence lead to the location and arrest of Akpabio for three felony warrants and multiple other charges.

Deputies also arrested Dinah J. Koeppen, 57, of Topeka was arrested for obstructing apprehension or prosecution of a felony suspect.

Akpabio and Koeppen were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586051026220.png" alt="Koeppen-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Koeppen-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following a car stop, brief vehicle pursuit and search early Friday.Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;2 a.m., a Sheriff’s Office deputy made contact with a 2006 Chrysler 300 near SE Blair Street and SE 25th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. The deputy chased the suspect who quickly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver was identified as Tyrik A. Akpabio, 27, of Topeka and had multiple felony warrants for his arrest, according to Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586050896412.png" alt="Akpabio" />
 <figcaption>Akpabio</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the investigation, it was determined that Akpabio had connections with a residence in the 2400 block of SE Alamar Road. A search of the residence lead to the location and arrest of Akpabio for three felony warrants and multiple other charges.Deputies also arrested Dinah J. Koeppen, 57, of Topeka was arrested for obstructing apprehension or prosecution of a felony suspect.Akpabio and Koeppen were both booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Kansas woman accused of preventing arrest of a felony suspect

PERRY, Kan. (AP) — Divers have recovered the body of a Kansas trash truck driver who was reported missing on Friday. Authorities say 32-year-old Bernard Singleton, of Topeka, apparently lost control of his truck west of Perry during inclement weather Friday morning. 

The truck hit a guard rail and overturned in the river, where it sank. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig said Deffenbaugh Industries contacted the sheriff's office Friday evening after Singleton didn't return from his route. 

Authorities used his phone to find Singleton's location. His body and truck were recovered Saturday afternoon.

PERRY, Kan. (AP) — Divers have recovered the body of a Kansas trash truck driver who was reported missing on Friday. Authorities say 32-year-old Bernard Singleton, of Topeka, apparently lost control of his truck west of Perry during inclement weather Friday morning. The truck hit a guard rail and overturned in the river, where it sank. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig said Deffenbaugh Industries contacted the sheriff's office Friday evening after Singleton didn't return from his route. Authorities used his phone to find Singleton's location. His body and truck were recovered Saturday afternoon.

Divers recover body of trash truck driver from Kansas river

WICHITA&nbsp; – This April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) as the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America reinforces the role that each person plays in ensuring
 that children, families and entire communities thrive by participating in the month-long nationwide awareness and impact campaign: “Everyone Can Make Great Childhoods Happen—Especially You, Especially Now!”

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed April to be the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP Month, a tradition that continues to this day. “April is a time to help people across the country understand that safe, stable
 and nurturing relationships and environments are necessary to ensure that children grow up happy and healthy,” said KCSL Prevent Child Abuse Kansas Director, Vicky Roper. “You don’t have to be a movie star or a professional athlete…all you need is a desire
 to make a difference.”

Equally important is recognizing that the time to act is now.
COVID-19 has made life difficult for everyone—especially children and families. Although
the risk to our children’s physical health from the outbreak itself appears to be low, the risk to our nation’s children for experiencing child abuse and neglect in times of extreme stress and uncertainty is actually quite high.

School and workplace closings can increase stress in parents’ lives, resulting from loss of income due to lack of paid leave; an unexpected or irregular need for child care and even food insecurity, when school meal programs and other
 valuable resources become unavailable. Additionally, an unintended consequence of social distancing is isolation, which contradicts science proving that social and emotional connectedness and support are protective of mental health and positive discipline
 strategies.

KCSL recommends the following ways to help raise awareness and impact positive change virtually during this year’s CAP Month:

For more ways to get involved in CAP Month, please visit
<a href="https://www.kcsl.org/cap_month.aspx" target="_blank">
kcsl.org/cap_month.aspx</a>.

About Kansas Children’s Service League

Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) is a statewide not-for-profit agency with 127 years of experience keeping kids safe and strengthening families in Kansas. KCSL serves more than 40,000 children and their families each year through
 a variety of community-based and child abuse prevention programs. Our services and advocacy efforts focus on preventing child abuse, strengthening families and empowering parents and youth. KCSL’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children.

Founded in 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America is the nation’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. Through its nationwide chapter network and nearly 600 Healthy Families America
 home visiting sites throughout the country, it promotes services that improve child well-being and develops programs that help to prevent all types of abuse and neglect. Prevent Child Abuse America is rated as one of the top charities for children by
Consumer Reports and charity oversight organizations, including Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits and GuideStar. Visit
preventchildabuse.org to learn more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585855394576.png" alt="&nbsp;COVID-19 has made life difficult for everyone—especially children and families.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;COVID-19 has made life difficult for everyone—especially children and families.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KCSLWICHITA&nbsp; – This April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) as the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America reinforces the role that each person plays in ensuring
 that children, families and entire communities thrive by participating in the month-long nationwide awareness and impact campaign: “Everyone Can Make Great Childhoods Happen—Especially You, Especially Now!”In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed April to be the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP Month, a tradition that continues to this day. “April is a time to help people across the country understand that safe, stable
 and nurturing relationships and environments are necessary to ensure that children grow up happy and healthy,” said KCSL Prevent Child Abuse Kansas Director, Vicky Roper. “You don’t have to be a movie star or a professional athlete…all you need is a desire
 to make a difference.”Equally important is recognizing that the time to act is now.
COVID-19 has made life difficult for everyone—especially children and families. Although
the risk to our children’s physical health from the outbreak itself appears to be low, the risk to our nation’s children for experiencing child abuse and neglect in times of extreme stress and uncertainty is actually quite high.School and workplace closings can increase stress in parents’ lives, resulting from loss of income due to lack of paid leave; an unexpected or irregular need for child care and even food insecurity, when school meal programs and other
 valuable resources become unavailable. Additionally, an unintended consequence of social distancing is isolation, which contradicts science proving that social and emotional connectedness and support are protective of mental health and positive discipline
 strategies.KCSL recommends the following ways to help raise awareness and impact positive change virtually during this year’s CAP Month:<ol>
 <li>Show support for children and families by wearing blue on April 3, Wear Blue Day, posting a selfie on Facebook using the hashtag #WearBlueDay and tagging
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyKCSL/" target="_blank">
@myKCSL</a>. </li><li>Let your representatives know you support Family-Friendly Workplaces with policies, such as paid sick and family leave, that help reduce stress on parents and caregivers by participating in Prevent
 Child Abuse America’s nationwide <a href="https://preventchildabuse.org/digital-advocacy-day/" target="_blank">
Digital Advocacy Day</a>, on Tuesday, April 28.</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyKCSL/" target="_blank">
Facebook</a>
and <a href="https://twitter.com/kcsl" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
and share our posts widely—and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #GreatChildhoods and #CAPMonth to let us know you're committed to helping children, families and entire communities to thrive.</li>
 </ol>For more ways to get involved in CAP Month, please visit
<a href="https://www.kcsl.org/cap_month.aspx" target="_blank">
kcsl.org/cap_month.aspx</a>.About Kansas Children’s Service LeagueKansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) is a statewide not-for-profit agency with 127 years of experience keeping kids safe and strengthening families in Kansas. KCSL serves more than 40,000 children and their families each year through
 a variety of community-based and child abuse prevention programs. Our services and advocacy efforts focus on preventing child abuse, strengthening families and empowering parents and youth. KCSL’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children.
About Prevent Child Abuse AmericaFounded in 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America is the nation’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. Through its nationwide chapter network and nearly 600 Healthy Families America
 home visiting sites throughout the country, it promotes services that improve child well-being and develops programs that help to prevent all types of abuse and neglect. Prevent Child Abuse America is rated as one of the top charities for children by
Consumer Reports and charity oversight organizations, including Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits and GuideStar. Visit
preventchildabuse.org to learn more.

KCSL: Preventing child abuse during stressful time

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government expects to begin making payments to millions of Americans under the new stimulus law in mid-April, but some people without direct deposit information may not get checks until mid-August or later, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.

The document from the House Ways and Means Committee says the IRS will make about 60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit in mid-April, likely the week of April 13. The IRS has direct deposit information for these individuals from their 2018 or 2019 tax returns.

Then, starting the week of May 4, the IRS will begin issuing paper checks to individuals, the memo says. The paper checks will be issued at a rate of about 5 million per week, which means it could take up to 20 weeks to get all the checks out. That timeline would delay some checks until the week of Aug. 17.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that while he initially pledged to get payments started within three weeks of the law’s adoption, “I’m now committing to two weeks. We’re delivering on our commitments.”

The IRS, which he oversees, will ensure that “within two weeks the first money will be in people’s accounts,” Mnuchin said during a White House briefing.

“This money does people no good if it shows up in four months,” he added.

The memo from the committee’s Democratic majority says the timeline it made public Thursday was based on “extensive conversations with the IRS and the Department of Treasury.″ The timeline is subject to change, given ongoing discussions between Congress and the Trump administration.

“The Committee remains focused on ensuring all eligible Americans receive their payment as quickly as possible,″ the memo says.

The payments are part of the $2.2 trillion rescue package signed into law March 27 by President Donald Trump aimed at combating the economic ravages of the coronavirus outbreak.

Most people don’t need to do anything to get the money.

Reversing an earlier position, the government said this week that Social Security recipients who are not required to file a tax return will not need to file a very simplified tax return to receive their government stimulus check. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate the $1,200 checks to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.

The checks will be issued in reverse order of adjusted gross income, meaning that people with the lowest income will get payments first.

The committee estimates that there are 150 million to 170 million U.S. taxpayers, which leaves 90 million to 110 million taxpayers who are either filers or nonfilers but about whom the IRS wants information.

The filers will need to receive a paper check unless their direct deposit information can be updated in the IRS portal. Nonfilers may need to file the simple tax return and likely include direct deposit information if they want to receive their rebates quickly. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file their 2019 returns as soon as possible.

The IRS expects to create a portal in late April or early May that will allow taxpayers to find out the status of their rebate payment and update direct deposit information, the memo says.

Anyone earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and who has a Social Security number will receive a $1,200 payment. That means married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment — $2,400 — if their adjusted gross income, which is what they report on their taxes, is under $150,000.

The payment steadily declines for those who make more. Those earning more than $99,000, or $198,000 for joint filers, are not eligible. The thresholds are slightly different for those who file as a head of household.

Parents will also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585875071611.png" alt="President signed the virus-relief package March 27" />
 <figcaption>President signed the virus-relief package March 27</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government expects to begin making payments to millions of Americans under the new stimulus law in mid-April, but some people without direct deposit information may not get checks until mid-August or later, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press.The document from the House Ways and Means Committee says the IRS will make about 60 million payments to Americans through direct deposit in mid-April, likely the week of April 13. The IRS has direct deposit information for these individuals from their 2018 or 2019 tax returns.Then, starting the week of May 4, the IRS will begin issuing paper checks to individuals, the memo says. The paper checks will be issued at a rate of about 5 million per week, which means it could take up to 20 weeks to get all the checks out. That timeline would delay some checks until the week of Aug. 17.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864355430.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answered questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin answered questions during a Coronavirus Task Force briefing-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday that while he initially pledged to get payments started within three weeks of the law’s adoption, “I’m now committing to two weeks. We’re delivering on our commitments.”The IRS, which he oversees, will ensure that “within two weeks the first money will be in people’s accounts,” Mnuchin said during a White House briefing.“This money does people no good if it shows up in four months,” he added.The memo from the committee’s Democratic majority says the timeline it made public Thursday was based on “extensive conversations with the IRS and the Department of Treasury.″ The timeline is subject to change, given ongoing discussions between Congress and the Trump administration.“The Committee remains focused on ensuring all eligible Americans receive their payment as quickly as possible,″ the memo says.The payments are part of the $2.2 trillion rescue package signed into law March 27 by President Donald Trump aimed at combating the economic ravages of the coronavirus outbreak.Most people don’t need to do anything to get the money.Reversing an earlier position, the government said this week that Social Security recipients who are not required to file a tax return will not need to file a very simplified tax return to receive their government stimulus check. The Treasury Department said Wednesday that the IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate the $1,200 checks to Social Security recipients who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.The checks will be issued in reverse order of adjusted gross income, meaning that people with the lowest income will get payments first.The committee estimates that there are 150 million to 170 million U.S. taxpayers, which leaves 90 million to 110 million taxpayers who are either filers or nonfilers but about whom the IRS wants information.The filers will need to receive a paper check unless their direct deposit information can be updated in the IRS portal. Nonfilers may need to file the simple tax return and likely include direct deposit information if they want to receive their rebates quickly. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to file their 2019 returns as soon as possible.The IRS expects to create a portal in late April or early May that will allow taxpayers to find out the status of their rebate payment and update direct deposit information, the memo says.Anyone earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and who has a Social Security number will receive a $1,200 payment. That means married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment — $2,400 — if their adjusted gross income, which is what they report on their taxes, is under $150,000.The payment steadily declines for those who make more. Those earning more than $99,000, or $198,000 for joint filers, are not eligible. The thresholds are slightly different for those who file as a head of household.Parents will also receive $500 for each qualifying child.The IRS did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.___