WASHINGTON, D.C. - The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">CDC</a> now recommends wearing cloth face masks in public places.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tPx1yqvJgf4"></iframe>
 <figcaption>U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams demonstrates how to make low-tech face masks using what you have at home.</figcaption>
 </figure>CDCWASHINGTON, D.C. - The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html">CDC</a> now recommends wearing cloth face masks in public places.<h2>Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others</h2><ol>
 <li>You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.</li><li>Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.</li><li>Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.</li><li>The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.</li><li>Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.</li><li>Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.</li>
 </ol>

🎥 CDC: How to make a face mask in 45 seconds

WICHITA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Searchers looking for a 20-month-old girl who had been swept away in an accident along the Little Walnut River found her remains Saturday.

A search team found the child's body about 3,700 feet downriver from the area where the vehicle entered the Little Walnut River near Leon,&nbsp;Kansas.

Detectives with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office took the body to the Regional Forensic Science Center in Wichita for an autopsy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586027543729.png" alt="Crews on the river last month search for the body of the toddler -photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Butler-County-crews-work-to-rescue-adult-child-after-vehicle-goes-into-pond-568721911.html">courtesy KWCH</a>" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the river last month search for the body of the toddler -photo <a href="https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Butler-County-crews-work-to-rescue-adult-child-after-vehicle-goes-into-pond-568721911.html">courtesy KWCH</a></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Searchers looking for a 20-month-old girl who had been swept away in an accident along the Little Walnut River found her remains Saturday.A search team found the child's body about 3,700 feet downriver from the area where the vehicle entered the Little Walnut River near Leon,&nbsp;Kansas.Detectives with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office took the body to the Regional Forensic Science Center in Wichita for an autopsy.

Kansas searchers find body of child swept away in accident

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest report on coronavirus in Kansas Saturday.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData"> Click here </a>for additional details.

The Kansas Department of Health released the latest report on coronavirus in Kansas Saturday.<a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData"> Click here </a>for additional details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586020138546.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 21 deaths

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could run out of personal protective equipment for medical personnel and others dealing directly with the coronavirus pandemic by the middle of next week, Gov. Laura Kelly said Friday, as the state saw its largest spike in the number of COVID-19-related deaths since the outbreak began.

The Democratic governor’s warning came a day after she sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s administration as unprepared. She said Kansas received a shipment of personal protective equipment from the federal government, including masks and gloves, late Thursday, but that six requests for more equipment have yet to be filled.

Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment didn’t say how much equipment Kansas had received or how much more it was requesting. But the governor said supplies will last only until Tuesday.

“We will absolutely clear it out,” Kelly said during a daily coronavirus briefing at the Statehouse. “Everything will go down to our local county health officials for distribution to their health facilities, so that’s got to get restocked.”

COVID-19-related deaths reported in Kansas jumped by five Friday to 18. Three of those deaths were in Johnson County, two men in their 80s and a woman in her 70s, and one was in neighboring Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area. Leavenworth County also reported its first, a woman in her 50s.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases grew in a single day to 620, up 68, or 12%. Forty-five of the state’s 105 counties have a confirmed case.

Most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks, such as fever and cough. But older adults and people with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Kansas has turned to private companies to help restock its protective equipment supplies, but Kelly said the state has seen orders diverted to other states or the federal government.

“We’re hoping though that at least some of that will reach Kansas by Tuesday, before we’re completely out,” she said.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Friday that state and local agencies have filed some of the roughly dozen complaints alleging price-gouging by providers of emergency supplies. State law limits price increases for necessary goods and services during an emergency.

Schmidt said his office has received more than 160 complaints since March 12, when Kelly declared a state of emergency. He said many came from consumers upset over retail prices.

Meanwhile, several groups, including the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Midwest Innocence Project, urged Kansas to release medically fragile and older adult inmates from prison, to make social distancing easier and to protect inmates who have underlying health conditions.

Three staff members at the state prison in Lansing have tested positive for the coronavirus, and about 15 inmates are in isolation. A detention deputy at the Sedgwick County jail also has the virus.

The state has no plans to release inmates early, an option Schmidt described as “a last resort.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585941832643.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Friday news conference." />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly answer questions during a Friday news conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas could run out of personal protective equipment for medical personnel and others dealing directly with the coronavirus pandemic by the middle of next week, Gov. Laura Kelly said Friday, as the state saw its largest spike in the number of COVID-19-related deaths since the outbreak began.The Democratic governor’s warning came a day after she sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s administration as unprepared. She said Kansas received a shipment of personal protective equipment from the federal government, including masks and gloves, late Thursday, but that six requests for more equipment have yet to be filled.Kelly and the state Department of Health and Environment didn’t say how much equipment Kansas had received or how much more it was requesting. But the governor said supplies will last only until Tuesday.“We will absolutely clear it out,” Kelly said during a daily coronavirus briefing at the Statehouse. “Everything will go down to our local county health officials for distribution to their health facilities, so that’s got to get restocked.”COVID-19-related deaths reported in Kansas jumped by five Friday to 18. Three of those deaths were in Johnson County, two men in their 80s and a woman in her 70s, and one was in neighboring Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area. Leavenworth County also reported its first, a woman in her 50s.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases grew in a single day to 620, up 68, or 12%. Forty-five of the state’s 105 counties have a confirmed case.Most infected people develop mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within three weeks, such as fever and cough. But older adults and people with existing health problems are particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.Kansas has turned to private companies to help restock its protective equipment supplies, but Kelly said the state has seen orders diverted to other states or the federal government.“We’re hoping though that at least some of that will reach Kansas by Tuesday, before we’re completely out,” she said.Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Friday that state and local agencies have filed some of the roughly dozen complaints alleging price-gouging by providers of emergency supplies. State law limits price increases for necessary goods and services during an emergency.Schmidt said his office has received more than 160 complaints since March 12, when Kelly declared a state of emergency. He said many came from consumers upset over retail prices.Meanwhile, several groups, including the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Midwest Innocence Project, urged Kansas to release medically fragile and older adult inmates from prison, to make social distancing easier and to protect inmates who have underlying health conditions.Three staff members at the state prison in Lansing have tested positive for the coronavirus, and about 15 inmates are in isolation. A detention deputy at the Sedgwick County jail also has the virus.The state has no plans to release inmates early, an option Schmidt described as “a last resort.”___

Coronavirus crisis: Kan. could exhaust protective gear next week

Lopez has previous convictions that include forgery, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Wichita Police

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the double murder of a mother and her 8-year-old daughter and continue to search for the suspect identified as 25-year-old Daniel O. Lopez.&nbsp; 

On Friday police presented the case against Lopez to the Sedgwick County District attorney who charge him with&nbsp; Capital Murder, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon and Aggravated Assault, according to officer Paul Cruz.

On Monday, police responded to a welfare check call at a home in the 4500 Block of South Walnut in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens from the Wichita Police Department Persons Crime Bureau.

When officers arrived, they entered the home and found two victims identified as 25-year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old Natalia Sorell-Lopez dead from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Stephens.

Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCH

Police had responded after a call that&nbsp;Mickayla had not shown up for work Monday. Investigators believe the shooting occurred late Saturday, March 28, according to Stephens.

&nbsp;Police are asking the public for help to find him. Lopez is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who knows where he is should call 911.

&nbsp;These were the 13th and 14th homicides in Wichita this year, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585674774744.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lopez has previous convictions that include forgery, theft and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Wichita PoliceSEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating the double murder of a mother and her 8-year-old daughter and continue to search for the suspect identified as 25-year-old Daniel O. Lopez.&nbsp; On Friday police presented the case against Lopez to the Sedgwick County District attorney who charge him with&nbsp; Capital Murder, Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon and Aggravated Assault, according to officer Paul Cruz.On Monday, police responded to a welfare check call at a home in the 4500 Block of South Walnut in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens from the Wichita Police Department Persons Crime Bureau.When officers arrived, they entered the home and found two victims identified as 25-year-old Mickayla Sorell and her 8-year-old Natalia Sorell-Lopez dead from apparent gunshot wounds, according to Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585662112788.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KWCHPolice had responded after a call that&nbsp;Mickayla had not shown up for work Monday. Investigators believe the shooting occurred late Saturday, March 28, according to Stephens.&nbsp;Police are asking the public for help to find him. Lopez is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who knows where he is should call 911.&nbsp;These were the 13th and 14th homicides in Wichita this year, according to Stephens.

Boyfriend charged with murder in death of Kan. woman, 8-year-old

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/libraries-across-kansas-search-ways-do-their-work-after-covid-19-shut-their-doors#stream/0">By LINDSAY KANSON METCALF &amp; The Journal</a>

Librarians across Kansas struggled in March to find a balance between
 serving the intellectually curious and protecting public health.

Now,
 a statewide stay-at-home order from Gov. Laura Kelly appears to mean 
that all Kansas libraries will close or remain closed through April 19.

“In
 normal situations of ‘emergency,’ I believe public libraries would very
 much be considered an essential service,” State Librarian Eric Norris 
wrote in an email. “One of the functions would be as a place to bring 
people together and right now, going to the library is not in the best 
interest of any community. Closing doors and encouraging people to stay 
home is.”

It’s a difficult change to come to grips with. The 
state’s public libraries, which now number 325, haven’t faced closures 
this widespread since the 1918 influenza pandemic hit.

“It is very much in our DNA to keep the doors open at all costs,” Norris said in a previous interview.

But
 as conditions have kept changing and influencing more and more 
libraries to close, librarians across haven’t stopped acting 
experimentally to find coronavirus-proof ways to keep serving patrons.

At
 the beginning of March, for example, staff members at the Frank Carlson
 Library in Concordia regularly wiped down tables and required computer 
users to apply hand sanitizer. (Disclosure: This reporter serves on the 
library’s board of trustees.)

Days later, new federal guidelines 
for social distancing made staffers rethink using the bank of public 
computers altogether. By March 17, when the American Library Association
 urged all libraries to close, director Denise de Rochefort-Reynolds was
 brainstorming ways to avoid shuttering completely, including a 
no-contact “carryout” service based out of a sealed entryway.

But
 unknowns persisted. What would materials collection look like? 
Librarians could wipe down book jackets, but what if a patron sneezed on
 the pages?

By March 18, “closing seemed like the only thing we could do,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says.

Most libraries plan to stay closed only as long as they have to. In 
the meantime, they’ve been grappling with how to shift services online, a
 task that’s crucial following the governor’s order forcing most of the 
state’s roughly 500,000 K-12 students to learn from home.

Youth 
services librarians have responded by moving story times online, but 
copyright protections limit movement into a digital space, where content
 is often recorded. Publishers such as<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/penguin-random-house-temporary-open-license/" target="_blank"> Penguin Random House</a>
 have moved quickly to create open licenses that allow librarians to 
livestream read-alouds on social media, as long as the sessions are not 
archived.

Some patrons, including those with children, rely on 
libraries for internet access. De Rochefort-Reynolds says her library 
removed the Wi-Fi password in case someone wants to sit outside and 
borrow the signal. But what about residents who want to use a library 
for the first time? How will a library fill requests for new library 
cards in cases where a digital process doesn’t exist?&nbsp;

“We can’t solve every problem right away,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says. “It’s going to be an ongoing process.”

In
 places where no COVID-19 cases had been confirmed, a handful of 
libraries attempted to remain open even as most of their peers had 
closed.

Norma Mullen, director of the Logan Library in Phillips 
County, kept the doors open and chose to battle COVID-19 with sanitizer 
on the front counter, a ready supply of Lysol and wipes for returns. But
 on the day this reporter interviewed her just over a week ago, zero 
patrons walked through the door.

“Maybe they’re not expecting me to be open,” she said.

Already,
 the handwriting was on the wall that closure might be inevitable. 
Mullen noted how the statewide book courier, an alternative to sending 
materials to other libraries through the mail, was ceasing deliveries of
 interlibrary loans, and as the days went by, the library ultimately 
decided to close.

Closing down is a bitter pill to swallow, but librarians planned to keep up the fight to serve.

“We
 are face-to-face people, and we want to put books in people’s hands,” 
de Rochefort-Reynolds said. “The transfer of information is what we’re 
all about. But by transferring information, are we transferring virus?”

For
 now, she has shifted money for collections into digital resources. Last
 week, she ordered 45 “cozy mysteries” for the Sunflower eLibrary, a 
cooperative service to which the Frank Carlson Library belongs.

“I’m
 thinking, ‘What is almost brainless fluff?’” she said. “That’s 
something we don’t want to lose in the shuffle of this — the need to 
escape.”

The Kansas State Library has recently aggregated digital resources <a href="https://kslib.info/1441/Resource-Guides-for-Educators" target="_blank">for educators</a>
 and families looking to supplement learning at home. Some services, 
including many e-book lending libraries, require a state library e-Card.
 “Right now we are working out how to get Kansans easier access to an 
e-Card while still verifying that they are indeed a Kansas resident,” 
state librarian Eric Norris says.

e-Card information: <a href="https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User</a>

Services listed here: <a href="https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending</a>

<a href="https://cloudlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Cloud Library</a>

<a href="https://www.freading.com/index" target="_blank">Freading</a>

<a href="http://rbdigital.rbdigital.com/" target="_blank">RB Digital</a> audiobooks

<a href="https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids" target="_blank">Youth materials </a>such as <a href="https://www.tumblebooks.com/" target="_blank">TumbleBooks</a> (through Aug. 31)

<a href="https://kslib.info/221/Online-Databases" target="_blank">Online databases</a>

This
 story comes from The Journal, the print and digital magazine of the 
Kansas Leadership Center. The Journal is publishing a digital newsletter
 that explores what is working, what isn’t working and what’s being 
learned during the response to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week 
updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853860903.jpeg" alt=" Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal " />
 <figcaption> Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/libraries-across-kansas-search-ways-do-their-work-after-covid-19-shut-their-doors#stream/0">By LINDSAY KANSON METCALF &amp; The Journal</a>Librarians across Kansas struggled in March to find a balance between
 serving the intellectually curious and protecting public health.Now,
 a statewide stay-at-home order from Gov. Laura Kelly appears to mean 
that all Kansas libraries will close or remain closed through April 19.“In
 normal situations of ‘emergency,’ I believe public libraries would very
 much be considered an essential service,” State Librarian Eric Norris 
wrote in an email. “One of the functions would be as a place to bring 
people together and right now, going to the library is not in the best 
interest of any community. Closing doors and encouraging people to stay 
home is.”It’s a difficult change to come to grips with. The 
state’s public libraries, which now number 325, haven’t faced closures 
this widespread since the 1918 influenza pandemic hit.“It is very much in our DNA to keep the doors open at all costs,” Norris said in a previous interview.But
 as conditions have kept changing and influencing more and more 
libraries to close, librarians across haven’t stopped acting 
experimentally to find coronavirus-proof ways to keep serving patrons.At
 the beginning of March, for example, staff members at the Frank Carlson
 Library in Concordia regularly wiped down tables and required computer 
users to apply hand sanitizer. (Disclosure: This reporter serves on the 
library’s board of trustees.)Days later, new federal guidelines 
for social distancing made staffers rethink using the bank of public 
computers altogether. By March 17, when the American Library Association
 urged all libraries to close, director Denise de Rochefort-Reynolds was
 brainstorming ways to avoid shuttering completely, including a 
no-contact “carryout” service based out of a sealed entryway.But
 unknowns persisted. What would materials collection look like? 
Librarians could wipe down book jackets, but what if a patron sneezed on
 the pages?By March 18, “closing seemed like the only thing we could do,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585853927041.jpeg" alt=" It's rare for Kansas libraries to close, the but the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 has forced the Concordia library and others across the state to shut their doors. Credit Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal" />
 <figcaption> It's rare for Kansas libraries to close, the but the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 has forced the Concordia library and others across the state to shut their doors. Credit Lindsay Hanson Metcalf / The Journal</figcaption>
 </figure>Most libraries plan to stay closed only as long as they have to. In 
the meantime, they’ve been grappling with how to shift services online, a
 task that’s crucial following the governor’s order forcing most of the 
state’s roughly 500,000 K-12 students to learn from home.Youth 
services librarians have responded by moving story times online, but 
copyright protections limit movement into a digital space, where content
 is often recorded. Publishers such as<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/penguin-random-house-temporary-open-license/" target="_blank"> Penguin Random House</a>
 have moved quickly to create open licenses that allow librarians to 
livestream read-alouds on social media, as long as the sessions are not 
archived.Some patrons, including those with children, rely on 
libraries for internet access. De Rochefort-Reynolds says her library 
removed the Wi-Fi password in case someone wants to sit outside and 
borrow the signal. But what about residents who want to use a library 
for the first time? How will a library fill requests for new library 
cards in cases where a digital process doesn’t exist?&nbsp;“We can’t solve every problem right away,” de Rochefort-Reynolds says. “It’s going to be an ongoing process.”In
 places where no COVID-19 cases had been confirmed, a handful of 
libraries attempted to remain open even as most of their peers had 
closed.Norma Mullen, director of the Logan Library in Phillips 
County, kept the doors open and chose to battle COVID-19 with sanitizer 
on the front counter, a ready supply of Lysol and wipes for returns. But
 on the day this reporter interviewed her just over a week ago, zero 
patrons walked through the door.“Maybe they’re not expecting me to be open,” she said.Already,
 the handwriting was on the wall that closure might be inevitable. 
Mullen noted how the statewide book courier, an alternative to sending 
materials to other libraries through the mail, was ceasing deliveries of
 interlibrary loans, and as the days went by, the library ultimately 
decided to close.Closing down is a bitter pill to swallow, but librarians planned to keep up the fight to serve.“We
 are face-to-face people, and we want to put books in people’s hands,” 
de Rochefort-Reynolds said. “The transfer of information is what we’re 
all about. But by transferring information, are we transferring virus?”For
 now, she has shifted money for collections into digital resources. Last
 week, she ordered 45 “cozy mysteries” for the Sunflower eLibrary, a 
cooperative service to which the Frank Carlson Library belongs.“I’m
 thinking, ‘What is almost brainless fluff?’” she said. “That’s 
something we don’t want to lose in the shuffle of this — the need to 
escape.”_____FREE ONLINE RESOURCESThe Kansas State Library has recently aggregated digital resources <a href="https://kslib.info/1441/Resource-Guides-for-Educators" target="_blank">for educators</a>
 and families looking to supplement learning at home. Some services, 
including many e-book lending libraries, require a state library e-Card.
 “Right now we are working out how to get Kansans easier access to an 
e-Card while still verifying that they are indeed a Kansas resident,” 
state librarian Eric Norris says.e-Card information: <a href="https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/801/First-Time-User</a>e-Card required:Services listed here: <a href="https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/128/Digital-Book-eLending</a><a href="https://cloudlibrary.org/" target="_blank">Cloud Library</a><a href="https://www.enkilibrary.org/" target="_blank">Enki</a><a href="https://www.freading.com/index" target="_blank">Freading</a><a href="http://rbdigital.rbdigital.com/" target="_blank">RB Digital</a> audiobookse-Card not required:<a href="https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids" target="_blank">Youth materials </a>such as <a href="https://www.tumblebooks.com/" target="_blank">TumbleBooks</a> (through Aug. 31)<a href="https://kslib.info/221/Online-Databases" target="_blank">Online databases</a>This
 story comes from The Journal, the print and digital magazine of the 
Kansas Leadership Center. The Journal is publishing a digital newsletter
 that explores what is working, what isn’t working and what’s being 
learned during the response to COVID-19. To receive twice-a-week 
updates, subscribe <a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/contact-us/join-our-email-list/" target="_blank">here</a>.

Libraries across Kan. search for ways to do their work amid COVID-19

KANSAS CITY —The University of Kansas Cancer Center will receive an additional $5 million from the state budget for the
 KU Cancer Center Research Fund, approved by the Kansas legislature and signed by Governor Laura Kelly.


“These funds will be crucial to the KU Cancer Center’s competitive application for National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer center designation,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., Director of the KU Cancer Center.
 “We commend Kansas state leaders and Governor Kelly for recognizing that, even during these most difficult of times with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue our fight against cancer, the number one cause of death in the state of Kansas.”


In two years, the Cancer Center will apply for NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation.&nbsp;
That designation will bring with it many millions of dollars in new NCI funding that would enhance cancer care and research at the KU Cancer Center, Jensen explained.&nbsp;



“Achieving comprehensive designation would be a boon to our regional economic development as well an important step forward in advancing public health in our state. We anticipate comprehensive cancer center
 designation would lead to the creation of 89 new KU Cancer Center jobs and 106 new regional jobs, for a total of 195 jobs created,” Jensen said.


In 2007, the State of Kansas established a line item in the state budget in the amount of $5 million per year in support of The University of Kansas Cancer Center for obtaining National Cancer Institute designation.
 This funding served as a critical resource for the KU Cancer Center and was essential in winning NCI designation in 2012 and its renewal in 2017.



Jensen pointed out that it was Fred Logan, chair of the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA) Board, who spearheaded the effort to increase funding from the state. The MCA is the outreach arm of the KU Cancer Center.


“All of the credit goes to Fred Logan,” Jensen said.



“Winning a comprehensive cancer center designation would be a landmark achievement for our state,” Logan said. “This appropriation will have a lasting beneficial impact on all Kansans.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585749046889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KUMCKANSAS CITY —The University of Kansas Cancer Center will receive an additional $5 million from the state budget for the
 KU Cancer Center Research Fund, approved by the Kansas legislature and signed by Governor Laura Kelly.
“These funds will be crucial to the KU Cancer Center’s competitive application for National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer center designation,” said Roy Jensen, M.D., Director of the KU Cancer Center.
 “We commend Kansas state leaders and Governor Kelly for recognizing that, even during these most difficult of times with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must continue our fight against cancer, the number one cause of death in the state of Kansas.”
In two years, the Cancer Center will apply for NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation.&nbsp;
That designation will bring with it many millions of dollars in new NCI funding that would enhance cancer care and research at the KU Cancer Center, Jensen explained.&nbsp;

“Achieving comprehensive designation would be a boon to our regional economic development as well an important step forward in advancing public health in our state. We anticipate comprehensive cancer center
 designation would lead to the creation of 89 new KU Cancer Center jobs and 106 new regional jobs, for a total of 195 jobs created,” Jensen said.
In 2007, the State of Kansas established a line item in the state budget in the amount of $5 million per year in support of The University of Kansas Cancer Center for obtaining National Cancer Institute designation.
 This funding served as a critical resource for the KU Cancer Center and was essential in winning NCI designation in 2012 and its renewal in 2017.

Jensen pointed out that it was Fred Logan, chair of the Masonic Cancer Alliance (MCA) Board, who spearheaded the effort to increase funding from the state. The MCA is the outreach arm of the KU Cancer Center.
“All of the credit goes to Fred Logan,” Jensen said.

“Winning a comprehensive cancer center designation would be a landmark achievement for our state,” Logan said. “This appropriation will have a lasting beneficial impact on all Kansans.”

KUMC gets $5M more for cancer research

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced new federal guidelines Friday recommending that Americans wear face coverings when in public to help fight the spread of the new coronavirus. The president immediately said he had no intention of following the advice himself, saying, “I’m choosing not to do it.”

The new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people, especially in areas hit hard by the spread of the coronavirus, to use rudimentary coverings like T-shirts, bandannas and non-medical masks to cover their faces while outdoors.

The president exempted himself from his administration’s own guidelines, saying he could not envision himself covering his face while sitting in the Oval Office greeting world leaders.

“It’s a recommendation, they recommend it,” Trump said. “I just don’t want to wear one myself.”

The new guidance, announced at a time when states are bracing for critical shortfalls like those that other parts of the world have experienced, raises concern that it could cause a sudden run on masks if Americans turn to private industry to meet the expected surge in demand.

Trump and other administration officials sought to minimize any burden by stressing the recommendations did not amount to requirements and a variety of homemade coverings were perfectly acceptable. Federal officials stressed that surgical masks and N95 respirators should be left for those on the front lines of fighting the spread of the infection.

Friday’s announcement capped an evolution in messaging from the White House that officials acknowledged has at times been confusing.

First lady Melania Trump embodied the ever-changing messaging with a tweet saying, “As the weekend approaches I ask that everyone take social distancing &amp; wearing a mask/face covering seriously.”

The administration has said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies, but it’s not clear if anyone is prepared for the potential rush that could ensue if people try to obtain medical masks for themselves.

In rural Florida, Okeechobee Discount Drugs has been sold out of face masks for almost two weeks, and “we don’t know where you can find any masks at this point,” said Stacey Nelson, one of the pharmacy’s owners.

“It’s very hard to get these products, but people want them,” Nelson said. “They’ve been getting mixed messages and people aren’t sure if they should be wearing masks in our daily lives. It’s very confusing. Wear them, or don’t wear them?”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585952762163.png" alt="President Trump answered questions about face masks during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing- White House courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>President Trump answered questions about face masks during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing- White House courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced new federal guidelines Friday recommending that Americans wear face coverings when in public to help fight the spread of the new coronavirus. The president immediately said he had no intention of following the advice himself, saying, “I’m choosing not to do it.”The new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people, especially in areas hit hard by the spread of the coronavirus, to use rudimentary coverings like T-shirts, bandannas and non-medical masks to cover their faces while outdoors.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As the weekend approaches I ask that everyone take social distancing &amp; wearing a mask/face covering seriously. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> is a virus that can spread to anyone - we can stop this together.&mdash; Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1246192228491558916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The president exempted himself from his administration’s own guidelines, saying he could not envision himself covering his face while sitting in the Oval Office greeting world leaders.“It’s a recommendation, they recommend it,” Trump said. “I just don’t want to wear one myself.”The new guidance, announced at a time when states are bracing for critical shortfalls like those that other parts of the world have experienced, raises concern that it could cause a sudden run on masks if Americans turn to private industry to meet the expected surge in demand.Trump and other administration officials sought to minimize any burden by stressing the recommendations did not amount to requirements and a variety of homemade coverings were perfectly acceptable. Federal officials stressed that surgical masks and N95 respirators should be left for those on the front lines of fighting the spread of the infection.Friday’s announcement capped an evolution in messaging from the White House that officials acknowledged has at times been confusing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584894001370.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First lady Melania Trump embodied the ever-changing messaging with a tweet saying, “As the weekend approaches I ask that everyone take social distancing &amp; wearing a mask/face covering seriously.”The administration has said states should have done more to stockpile medical supplies, but it’s not clear if anyone is prepared for the potential rush that could ensue if people try to obtain medical masks for themselves.In rural Florida, Okeechobee Discount Drugs has been sold out of face masks for almost two weeks, and “we don’t know where you can find any masks at this point,” said Stacey Nelson, one of the pharmacy’s owners.“It’s very hard to get these products, but people want them,” Nelson said. “They’ve been getting mixed messages and people aren’t sure if they should be wearing masks in our daily lives. It’s very confusing. Wear them, or don’t wear them?”For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

First Lady: Take social distancing, wearing a mask seriously

The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments on Friday related to the global economy, the work place and the spread of the virus.

CROWD CONTROL: Walmart still wants customers, just fewer of them at a time. The nation’s largest retailer said it will now allow no more than five customers for each 1,000 square feet at a given time, roughly about 20% of the average store’s capacity. To oversee the restriction, workers will mark a queue at a single-entry door, and direct arriving customers there, where they’ll be admitted one by one. Walmart joins Target and others in trying to limit the number of customers in the store to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Hobby Lobby announced in a new release Friday they will, after careful consideration, close the remainder of its stores, and furlough nearly all store employees and a large portion of corporate and distribution employees, effective Friday, April 3rd, at 8:00 p.m. The stores will remain closed until further notice.

AIRLINES: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest and JetBlue said they applied Friday for their share of $25 billion in federal grants designed to cover airline payrolls for the next six months. None disclosed the amount they are seeking.

The grant money was part of $2.2 trillion relief bill approved last week. Delta’s CEO says his airline is burning more than $60 million cash per day, and United’s president puts it at $100 million a day. Airline revenue has cratered during the coronavirus outbreak. Delta carried 38,000 passengers last Saturday. On a normal Saturday in late March it flies 600,000.

The number of travelers screened Thursday at airports nationwide was 124,000, a 95% drop from the same day last year.

And the global airline industry passed a milestone Friday: Half of all passenger jets are now grounded as airlines cut flights sharply. Aviation-data firm Cirium said that with another 530 parked since Thursday, there are now 12,635 jets in service and 13,655 grounded. The number of commercial flights is down 75%, according to tracking service

The Transportation Department, meanwhile, said it is getting more complaints from consumers who say airlines are giving travel vouchers instead of refunds after canceling flights. The department says vouchers aren’t easy to use because airlines are cutting so many flights due to the coronavirus outbreak. Airlines can offer vouchers — and usually do, even in normal times — but the Transportation Department said it is reminding carriers of a longstanding requirement to issue prompt refunds to passengers who want them.

COSTS MOUNT: The pandemic will cost the global economy as much as $4.1 trillion, or nearly 5% of all economic activity, according to new estimates from the Asian Development Bank.

The head of the International Monetary Fund said the recession sparked by the coronavirus pandemic is “way worse” than the 2008 global recession. At a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva described the situation as “a crisis like no other.”

SMALL BUSINESS: More than $875 million in loan applications had been processed through the new small business loan program, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said via&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1/status/1246100166026936322" target="_blank">Twitter,&nbsp;</a>“almost all from community banks!” Mnuchin said in that tweet that big banks were also taking applications and would be submitting them shortly. However, there were signs that the program is off to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">rough start</a>.

HEAVY INDUSTRY: Toyota is halting production at five of its 18 plants in Japan as sales evaporate. The stoppage will last three days for most of the plants, but one plant will close until mid-April.

The affected plants produce vehicles for export, including Lexus luxury models and the Prius hybrid. Other Japanese automakers, such as Honda Motor Co., have also suspended production.

The U.S. auto industry is completely shut down.

CORONA SIDELINED BY CORONAVIRUS: The coronavirus pandemic is even closing the taps on Corona beer — along with most other brews across Mexico.

Major breweries announced Friday they are suspending operations in response to government orders for non-essential businesses to keep their workers at home.

Grupo Modelo, maker of Corona among other popular brands, said it will suspend its operations at plants around the country by Sunday. The company pointed out in a statement that thousands of farmers depend on it buying their grain. It said it has a plan that would allow it to continue production with 75% of its workforce at home if the government decides to allow it to continue operating.

Some Mexican states have also imposed dry laws that restrict the sale of alcohol during the health crisis.

MARKETS: U.S. stocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62144c864d3f7c3ef08f270e0b809c2d">fell&nbsp;</a>Friday, leaving the S&amp;P 500 down 26.5% since its record set in February.

The losses came after the government reported that U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/996e9504177861cb29dd77dadec5d873">employers cut 701,000 jobs</a>&nbsp;in March, the monthly decline in nearly a decade. Because of the timing of the spread of COVID-19, the March report did not capture the extend of the damage. Economists are warning policy makers to brace for worse.

ROUNDING IT OUT: The U.S. typically has a unique response to crisis, and the coronavirus is no different.

Firearm sales spiked 85% last month compared with the March last year, according an analysis of the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System by Small Arms Analytics and Forecasting.

The laws of supply and demand also apply to arming up, of course, and the cost of adding guns the the shopping list will cost you.

“Much of the industry’s inventory will have been depleted, so that we anticipate that weapons and ammunition prices increased as well,” said Jurgen Brauer, SAAF’s chief economist.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments on Friday related to the global economy, the work place and the spread of the virus.CROWD CONTROL: Walmart still wants customers, just fewer of them at a time. The nation’s largest retailer said it will now allow no more than five customers for each 1,000 square feet at a given time, roughly about 20% of the average store’s capacity. To oversee the restriction, workers will mark a queue at a single-entry door, and direct arriving customers there, where they’ll be admitted one by one. Walmart joins Target and others in trying to limit the number of customers in the store to curb the spread of the coronavirus.Hobby Lobby announced in a new release Friday they will, after careful consideration, close the remainder of its stores, and furlough nearly all store employees and a large portion of corporate and distribution employees, effective Friday, April 3rd, at 8:00 p.m. The stores will remain closed until further notice.AIRLINES: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest and JetBlue said they applied Friday for their share of $25 billion in federal grants designed to cover airline payrolls for the next six months. None disclosed the amount they are seeking.The grant money was part of $2.2 trillion relief bill approved last week. Delta’s CEO says his airline is burning more than $60 million cash per day, and United’s president puts it at $100 million a day. Airline revenue has cratered during the coronavirus outbreak. Delta carried 38,000 passengers last Saturday. On a normal Saturday in late March it flies 600,000.The number of travelers screened Thursday at airports nationwide was 124,000, a 95% drop from the same day last year.And the global airline industry passed a milestone Friday: Half of all passenger jets are now grounded as airlines cut flights sharply. Aviation-data firm Cirium said that with another 530 parked since Thursday, there are now 12,635 jets in service and 13,655 grounded. The number of commercial flights is down 75%, according to tracking serviceThe Transportation Department, meanwhile, said it is getting more complaints from consumers who say airlines are giving travel vouchers instead of refunds after canceling flights. The department says vouchers aren’t easy to use because airlines are cutting so many flights due to the coronavirus outbreak. Airlines can offer vouchers — and usually do, even in normal times — but the Transportation Department said it is reminding carriers of a longstanding requirement to issue prompt refunds to passengers who want them.COSTS MOUNT: The pandemic will cost the global economy as much as $4.1 trillion, or nearly 5% of all economic activity, according to new estimates from the Asian Development Bank.The head of the International Monetary Fund said the recession sparked by the coronavirus pandemic is “way worse” than the 2008 global recession. At a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva described the situation as “a crisis like no other.”SMALL BUSINESS: More than $875 million in loan applications had been processed through the new small business loan program, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said via&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1/status/1246100166026936322" target="_blank">Twitter,&nbsp;</a>“almost all from community banks!” Mnuchin said in that tweet that big banks were also taking applications and would be submitting them shortly. However, there were signs that the program is off to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/edf614822fa34d70520b35e000f3b3ce">rough start</a>.HEAVY INDUSTRY: Toyota is halting production at five of its 18 plants in Japan as sales evaporate. The stoppage will last three days for most of the plants, but one plant will close until mid-April.The affected plants produce vehicles for export, including Lexus luxury models and the Prius hybrid. Other Japanese automakers, such as Honda Motor Co., have also suspended production.The U.S. auto industry is completely shut down.CORONA SIDELINED BY CORONAVIRUS: The coronavirus pandemic is even closing the taps on Corona beer — along with most other brews across Mexico.Major breweries announced Friday they are suspending operations in response to government orders for non-essential businesses to keep their workers at home.Grupo Modelo, maker of Corona among other popular brands, said it will suspend its operations at plants around the country by Sunday. The company pointed out in a statement that thousands of farmers depend on it buying their grain. It said it has a plan that would allow it to continue production with 75% of its workforce at home if the government decides to allow it to continue operating.Some Mexican states have also imposed dry laws that restrict the sale of alcohol during the health crisis.MARKETS: U.S. stocks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62144c864d3f7c3ef08f270e0b809c2d">fell&nbsp;</a>Friday, leaving the S&amp;P 500 down 26.5% since its record set in February.The losses came after the government reported that U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/996e9504177861cb29dd77dadec5d873">employers cut 701,000 jobs</a>&nbsp;in March, the monthly decline in nearly a decade. Because of the timing of the spread of COVID-19, the March report did not capture the extend of the damage. Economists are warning policy makers to brace for worse.ROUNDING IT OUT: The U.S. typically has a unique response to crisis, and the coronavirus is no different.Firearm sales spiked 85% last month compared with the March last year, according an analysis of the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System by Small Arms Analytics and Forecasting.The laws of supply and demand also apply to arming up, of course, and the cost of adding guns the the shopping list will cost you.“Much of the industry’s inventory will have been depleted, so that we anticipate that weapons and ammunition prices increased as well,” said Jurgen Brauer, SAAF’s chief economist.Data on prices will be released soon.

Virus crowd control: Walmart limits store access

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Advocates are urging Kansas officials to release and safeguard inmates after the state prison system reported its first COVID-19 cases in three staff members and at least one jail worker in the state’s largest city was sickened.

At the Sedgwick County Jail, where officials confirmed Thursday that a detention deputy had tested positive, about 200 inmates have been released since mid-March over concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>. Positive cases statewide rose Thursday nearly 15% in a single day, to 552, with 13 deaths since early March.

Sheriff Jeff Easter said the deputy who tested positive is in isolation at home, and family members are quarantined at home. Coworkers who were around the deputy are still reporting to work. A second employee has also been sent home and will be tested after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Hospital staff said the deputy was presumptive positive Tuesday night, Easter said.

So far state officials have no plans to release prisoners ahead of scheduled release dates since corrections officials announced Tuesday that three staff members at the Lansing Correctional Facility had tested positive. Gov. Laura Kelly has said her office is “at the exploratory phase.”

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Rebecca Witte said in an email to The Kansas City Star that the agency already has closed facilities to visitors, limited transfers between facilities and added screening processes. Beginning Friday, she said, the office will isolate inmates upon intake at the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Among those urging further changes are the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Kansas Board of Indigents Defense Services, the District of Kansas Federal Public Defenders office and the Midwest Innocence Project.

They are calling in a letter for Kansas to release medically fragile and older adults at high risk for COVID-19 complications, the release of anyone with six months or fewer left on their sentences and the release of anyone imprisoned for technical violations of probation or parole.

This release, the letter said, would make social distancing easier for those remaining in the jail. Additionally, it would protect the estimated 39-43% of inmates who have underlying health conditions.

The letter warned that failure to act would result in “dire” consequences.

“I’m sure the Department of Corrections and the governor are trying really hard, you can see it,” said Kansas Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers Legislative Chair Jennifer Roth. “But you have got to have fewer people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582652138914.png" alt="Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Advocates are urging Kansas officials to release and safeguard inmates after the state prison system reported its first COVID-19 cases in three staff members and at least one jail worker in the state’s largest city was sickened.At the Sedgwick County Jail, where officials confirmed Thursday that a detention deputy had tested positive, about 200 inmates have been released since mid-March over concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">the coronavirus</a>. Positive cases statewide rose Thursday nearly 15% in a single day, to 552, with 13 deaths since early March.Sheriff Jeff Easter said the deputy who tested positive is in isolation at home, and family members are quarantined at home. Coworkers who were around the deputy are still reporting to work. A second employee has also been sent home and will be tested after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Hospital staff said the deputy was presumptive positive Tuesday night, Easter said.So far state officials have no plans to release prisoners ahead of scheduled release dates since corrections officials announced Tuesday that three staff members at the Lansing Correctional Facility had tested positive. Gov. Laura Kelly has said her office is “at the exploratory phase.”Department of Corrections spokeswoman Rebecca Witte said in an email to The Kansas City Star that the agency already has closed facilities to visitors, limited transfers between facilities and added screening processes. Beginning Friday, she said, the office will isolate inmates upon intake at the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.Among those urging further changes are the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Kansas Board of Indigents Defense Services, the District of Kansas Federal Public Defenders office and the Midwest Innocence Project.They are calling in a letter for Kansas to release medically fragile and older adults at high risk for COVID-19 complications, the release of anyone with six months or fewer left on their sentences and the release of anyone imprisoned for technical violations of probation or parole.This release, the letter said, would make social distancing easier for those remaining in the jail. Additionally, it would protect the estimated 39-43% of inmates who have underlying health conditions.The letter warned that failure to act would result in “dire” consequences.“I’m sure the Department of Corrections and the governor are trying really hard, you can see it,” said Kansas Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers Legislative Chair Jennifer Roth. “But you have got to have fewer people.”

Advocates urge change as virus sickens Kan. jail, prison workers

The Kansas National Guard is working to dispel a rumor that is being shared on social media platforms.

According to a media release from the Adjutant General's Department, there is a letter circulating&nbsp; that falsely claims the Department of Homeland Security will mobilize the National Guard to enforce a national quarantine.  

The Department of Homeland Security does not have the authority to mobilize the National Guard as described in the graphic.  Additionally, there is no discussion of a nation-wide quarantine.

You may see National Guard men and women working in your communities. There are 72 Guardsmen on State Active Duty status currently supporting the COVID-19 response conducting warehouse operations, commodity distribution, planning, access control, mailroom support, and manning the State Emergency Operations Center with interagency partners. 

Members of the Kansas National Guard live, work and raise families in the communities they serve. It truly is neighbors helping neighbors. Any help you can provide in dispelling unfounded rumors would be helpful to all of us as we battle COVID-19 together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585948342359.png" alt="Copy of the letter -image courtesy the Kansas Adjutant General's Department" />
 <figcaption>Copy of the letter -image courtesy the Kansas Adjutant General's Department</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas National Guard is working to dispel a rumor that is being shared on social media platforms.According to a media release from the Adjutant General's Department, there is a letter circulating&nbsp; that falsely claims the Department of Homeland Security will mobilize the National Guard to enforce a national quarantine. The Department of Homeland Security does not have the authority to mobilize the National Guard as described in the graphic. Additionally, there is no discussion of a nation-wide quarantine.You may see National Guard men and women working in your communities. There are 72 Guardsmen on State Active Duty status currently supporting the COVID-19 response conducting warehouse operations, commodity distribution, planning, access control, mailroom support, and manning the State Emergency Operations Center with interagency partners. Members of the Kansas National Guard live, work and raise families in the communities they serve. It truly is neighbors helping neighbors. Any help you can provide in dispelling unfounded rumors would be helpful to all of us as we battle COVID-19 together.

Kansas National Guard working to dispel pandemic rumor

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed&nbsp;legislation&nbsp;Friday to launch a new, 10-year transportation program she and other officials see as a $10 billion stimulus to counter the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic.

The program will use existing funds to pay for $1 billion a year in projects, with projects designated every two years. The measure allows the state to expedite $300 million worth of big projects with a fast-track, designing-while-building process.

“Investing in Kansas’ infrastructure means putting people to work,” Kelly said, adding that the program will “help the Kansas economy recover when this public health pandemic passes.”

The program commits $85 million over 10 years to improving the infrastructure for broadband service. The state also can build three toll roads, though it is likely to add toll lanes to existing congested highways.

The program is named the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program after President Dwight Eisenhower, a Kansan who pushed for the U.S. interstate highway system.

Legislators and governors have regularly raided highway funds to patch holes elsewhere in the state budget, and there’s no guarantee they won’t again. But supporters said a new program at least creates “shovel-ready” projects that could be financed with federal dollars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585953294719.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly announced she had signed the legislation during a Friday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly announced she had signed the legislation during a Friday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed&nbsp;legislation&nbsp;Friday to launch a new, 10-year transportation program she and other officials see as a $10 billion stimulus to counter the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic.The program will use existing funds to pay for $1 billion a year in projects, with projects designated every two years. The measure allows the state to expedite $300 million worth of big projects with a fast-track, designing-while-building process.“Investing in Kansas’ infrastructure means putting people to work,” Kelly said, adding that the program will “help the Kansas economy recover when this public health pandemic passes.”The program commits $85 million over 10 years to improving the infrastructure for broadband service. The state also can build three toll roads, though it is likely to add toll lanes to existing congested highways.The program is named the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program after President Dwight Eisenhower, a Kansan who pushed for the U.S. interstate highway system.Legislators and governors have regularly raided highway funds to patch holes elsewhere in the state budget, and there’s no guarantee they won’t again. But supporters said a new program at least creates “shovel-ready” projects that could be financed with federal dollars.

Kansas governor signs bill to launch new transportation plan

NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.

Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.

The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.

Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.

“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.

Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.

The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.

Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.

“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.

“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.

Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.

The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.

Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”

Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.

While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.

Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.

Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.

“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.

“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585947450768.png" alt="Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration during Thursday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The federal government’s relief program for small businesses is off to a slow start Friday, with only some businesses able to apply and several banks either not accepting applications or seeing long waits to do approvals.Millions of small businesses are expected to apply for these desperately needed rescue loans from the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program, which was put in place to help them retain workers and pay bills during the coronavirus pandemic. Roughly 5,200 loans valued at $.8 billion have been processed so far, said Jovita Carranza, administrator of the Small Business Administration., on Friday afternoon.The program is being overseen by the SBA but banks are handling the application process. Some large lenders like Wells Fargo, Huntington Bank and Bank of America were ready to go at the program’s outset. BofA said its gotten 28,000 applications so far. But JPMorgan Chase only started accepting applications Friday afternoon after saying earlier that it wouldn’t.Ted Stein, who operates a small software business in West Virginia, filled out an online form Thursday through PNC Bank, saying he was interested in applying. On Friday, a bank representative told Stein he was unaware that the form was on its website. After Stein explained to him where to find it, the representative told Stein the bank wasn’t accepting applications and that he should keep checking his online account for guidance in the coming hours and days, Stein said.“It was almost comical, but heartbreaking. It’s tragicomedy, I guess,” he said.Even those banks accepting applications were limited in who they could accept. Bank of America said the loans were available to customers who had business deposit accounts and business loans with the bank.The program is part of the $2 trillion relief package signed into law last week, which was billed as a way to help local businesses that often form the fabric of communities stay afloat. The program will give businesses low-interest loans of about 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. The loans will be fully or partially forgiven if businesses show that the money was used to retain or rehire employees and pay some overhead expenses through June 30.Despite the hiccups Friday, the loan program got praise from former Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who served in the Obama administration.“It is ok to make some mistakes here” because the key need is for speed, Lew said in an interview on CNBC.“For these small businesses, it is a matter of life and death,” Lew said, adding that if the businesses can’t rehire workers it will impede the effort to get a recovery started once the virus is contained.Going into the program’s launch Friday, the banking industry had been trying to temper expectations about how many businesses will get the cash they need on Friday. Banks large and small will have to process these loans as quickly as possible in order to get their customers a slice of the program.The banks have moved employees into new departments — a logistical challenge given many employees are working remotely — just to potentially keep up with the flood of applications. Not only that, but thousands of their employees are either sick or quarantined because of the virus.Although Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said money could be disbursed as early as Friday, at least some banks seemed to be hedging any bets on being able to deliver cash that quickly. When Jordan Gurrieri submitted his application to Bank of America, the receipt he got said, “we will process your application as soon as possible.”Gurrieri, co-founder of New York-based app developer Blue Label Labs, called the process “rough.” It took him more than 30 minutes to submit his application to Bank of America, more than three times what some other owners have reported.While Congress could approve more money later on, the program as it stands is expected to run out quickly. That could mean applicants who have the financial and legal expertise of a larger organization might be able to maximize their benefits, not leaving much for smaller businesses, especially those who wait or have problems applying.Congress made the program as wide as possible. An expansive definition of “small business” in the law means that it will be open to much more than just Main Street shops as lenders start processing applications. Bankers recommend applying for the loans through the bank they already have accounts with to speed along the process as quickly as possible.Independent contractors and the self-employed are not eligible to apply until April 10 under guidance from the Treasury Department. By then, banks could be overwhelmed with applications.“It’s hard for me to say this: There is only $350 billion in this fund. Every big restaurant and hotel chain is going to be going after this money. It’s not going to last,” said Ron Feldman, chief development officer at ApplePie Capital, which has been helping businesses get ready to apply.“If you want to get this loan, speed is your friend,” Feldman told 2,000 franchise industry officials on a conference call this week.

Small biz rescue off to slow start; some banks not ready

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

Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, 911 dispatch was notified about a vehicle on fire, at approximately 7500 W. 101st&nbsp;Street North, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp;

 Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputies arrived along with the Sedgwick County Fire Department and observed a Dodge truck on its side fully engulfed in flames. 

After the fire was extinguished, an unknown person was located in the pickup, and pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

The preliminary investigation into the accident appears the truck was originally south bound on Ridge Road, entered the field on the west side of Ridge.&nbsp; The truck hit the ditch on 101st&nbsp;Street North and the driver lost control. The truck rolled into the south ditch. The name of the passenger is not being released at this time pending positive identification and notification to family. &nbsp;

On Wednesday, deputies arrested Russeller W. Polk, 43,&nbsp; Wichita, and booked him in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility for 2nd Degree Murder, according to Easter. Authorities believe Polk was driving at the time of the crash and that the victim was still alive when Polk fled the scene.&nbsp;

Polk remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=37055">according to online jail records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585864808889.png" alt="Polk photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Polk photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash and fire and have made an arrest.Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, 911 dispatch was notified about a vehicle on fire, at approximately 7500 W. 101st&nbsp;Street North, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff Deputies arrived along with the Sedgwick County Fire Department and observed a Dodge truck on its side fully engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, an unknown person was located in the pickup, and pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;The preliminary investigation into the accident appears the truck was originally south bound on Ridge Road, entered the field on the west side of Ridge.&nbsp; The truck hit the ditch on 101st&nbsp;Street North and the driver lost control. The truck rolled into the south ditch. The name of the passenger is not being released at this time pending positive identification and notification to family. &nbsp;On Wednesday, deputies arrested Russeller W. Polk, 43,&nbsp; Wichita, and booked him in the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility for 2nd Degree Murder, according to Easter. Authorities believe Polk was driving at the time of the crash and that the victim was still alive when Polk fled the scene.&nbsp;Polk remains jailed on a bond of $100,000, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=37055">according to online jail records.</a>

Kan. man accused of leaving passenger to die in crash, fire

The Kansas Department of&nbsp; Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Friday April 3.&nbsp; <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for</a> additional details.

The Kansas Department of&nbsp; Health released the latest coronavirus numbers Friday April 3.&nbsp; <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData">Click here for</a> additional details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585937461778.png" alt="" />
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KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 17 deaths

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a teen suspect in custody.

Just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a residential robbery call at a home in the 3200 block of South Bluelake in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 37-year-old man and 36-year-old woman resident of the home told police they woke up and found a 17-year-old inside their home.&nbsp; 

The suspect pointed a handgun at them that he had taken while inside the house and fled on foot.&nbsp; No one was injured.

It was discovered the handgun and a wallet were missing from the home.

Through the investigation, officers learned of the 17-year-old’s involvement in the aggravated burglary.&nbsp; He was located at a home nearby was arrested without further incident on requested charges of aggravated residential burglary, theft, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Davidson. Police&nbsp;were able to recover the victim’s wallet.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a teen suspect in custody.Just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a residential robbery call at a home in the 3200 block of South Bluelake in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 37-year-old man and 36-year-old woman resident of the home told police they woke up and found a 17-year-old inside their home.&nbsp; The suspect pointed a handgun at them that he had taken while inside the house and fled on foot.&nbsp; No one was injured.It was discovered the handgun and a wallet were missing from the home.Through the investigation, officers learned of the 17-year-old’s involvement in the aggravated burglary.&nbsp; He was located at a home nearby was arrested without further incident on requested charges of aggravated residential burglary, theft, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Davidson. Police&nbsp;were able to recover the victim’s wallet.

Teen burglary suspect woke up sleeping Kansas couple 

TOPEKA –Law enforcement authorities are investigating how and why&nbsp; a man was able to enter an electrical substation in Topeka.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday, p0lice, fire and medical crews were called to the electrical substation in the 3700 block of SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to LT. Matt Danielson.

Callers reported hearing an explosion and seeing an adult male fall to the ground. Officers arrived on scene and located a man inside the fenced in substation who had sustained life threatening injuries. 

He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The circumstances surrounding how he entered and why he was there are currently under investigation by detectives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585908779214.png" alt="First responders on the scene Thursday evening <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Nearly-1300-without-power-in-SW-Topeka-569332361.html">photo courtesy WIBW TV</a>" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Thursday evening <a href="https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Nearly-1300-without-power-in-SW-Topeka-569332361.html">photo courtesy WIBW TV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –Law enforcement authorities are investigating how and why&nbsp; a man was able to enter an electrical substation in Topeka.Just after 5:30 p.m. Thursday, p0lice, fire and medical crews were called to the electrical substation in the 3700 block of SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to LT. Matt Danielson.Callers reported hearing an explosion and seeing an adult male fall to the ground. Officers arrived on scene and located a man inside the fenced in substation who had sustained life threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The circumstances surrounding how he entered and why he was there are currently under investigation by detectives.

Man hospitalized after he entered Kan. electrical substation

KANSAS CITY –More than fifty senior students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine have asked to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce, a program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These medical students matched March 20 for residency training that will begin July 1 at various locations throughout the country. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585917785994.png" alt="Michael Kennedy, MD, FAAFP photo courtesy KU School of Medicine" />
 <figcaption>Michael Kennedy, MD, FAAFP photo courtesy KU School of Medicine</figcaption>
 </figure>KUMCKANSAS CITY –More than fifty senior students from the University of Kansas School of Medicine have asked to graduate early to participate in the Kansas Pandemic Volunteer Health Care Workforce, a program that will deploy them throughout Kansas as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These medical students matched March 20 for residency training that will begin July 1 at various locations throughout the country. This new program will allow them to serve in areas of critical need in the state of Kansas immediately, prior to their residencies. Students from all three of the medical school’s campuses, in Kansas City, Salina and Wichita, have volunteered.“There is a potential for extreme stress on health care systems in urban and rural settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mike Kennedy, M.D., professor and associate dean of Rural Health Education in the KU School of Medicine. “Many rural physicians are already overworked, and the addition of a surge in health care utilization could overburden these physicians to the breaking point.”Kennedy noted that there are 34 counties in Kansas that have only one or two physicians for the entire county. There are also many rural practices and health care systems that are under significant financial strain and may be insolvent without help by the end of the pandemic.“This all-volunteer program will provide assistance where it’s needed in Kansas, including rural Kansas where the need may quickly outpace the available physicians,” said Jeff Colyer, M.D., former governor of Kansas, a clinical associate professor at the KU Medical School and chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS). “It could be a national model for how recent medical school graduates can help meet critical rural needs.”“These senior medical students may provide meaningful relief during this time of crisis,” Kennedy added.“We are pleased our students have stepped up to assist their fellow Kansans,” said Douglas A. Girod, chancellor of the University of Kansas. “These medical students have met all requirements for graduation at KU and the university is happy to assist by conferring their degrees early.”Fourth-year medical students who wish to volunteer in this capacity will be immediately granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the university and will be eligible for a special permit to practice medicine from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and their early graduation has been approved by the national accrediting body, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. They will be provided with stipends for expenses and will receive immediate relevant training. These new physicians will be required to work with existing physicians rather than independently, and they will not supervise advanced practice providers. The program will be administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).“The additional manpower provided by these medical students will be invaluable,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE, Kansas state surgeon and a colonel in the Kansas Army National Guard. “The state of Kansas supports this endeavor and, as an Army officer myself, I am pleased to activate the Kansas National Guard to provide the personnel to assist in placing these students where they can be most helpful to our state.”John Alley, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery at the KU School of Medicine and a major with the Kansas National Guard, will oversee the day-to-day operation of the program.“With this program, we are making valuable resources available to our colleagues around the state,” Alley said. “These students are to be commended for their willingness to serve. They truly embody the spirit of medicine in giving of oneself for the greater good.”The program will be funded by a $1 million gift from the Patterson Family Foundation in Kansas City, Mo. Originally established by late Cerner Corporation co-founder Neal Patterson and Jeanne Lillig-Patterson in 2007, the Patterson Family Foundation has been led since 2017 by their children, and it has a focus on health care, education and rural communities.“The COVID-19 pandemic could have devastating effects on the region we call home, challenging the most vulnerable among us,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, director of the Patterson Family Foundation. “In Kansas, more than 30 percent of elderly people live in rural areas, and many rural physicians are themselves at high risk. The Patterson family is inspired by the volunteerism of the new graduates who have signed up for this initiative, and we are honored to support these new physicians as they serve where they are needed most.”Health care facilities and physicians in need of assistance from this program should contact pandemicvolunteer@kumc.edu to inquire about requesting volunteers from this program.