TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly and the state's top health official are expressing growing frustration as Kansas grapples with an continuing increase in coronavirus cases.

Kelly, a Democrat, on Wednesday said President Donald Trump's suggestion that restrictions on people's movements could be loosened by Easter to help the economy is “ wishful thinking ” and argued that the federal government should invoke the national Defense Production Act to address shortages of ventilators, protective masks and testing kits, a move Trump has said isn't necessary.

“We, along with all of the other states, are really kind of begging the federal government to get their act together,” Kelly said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lee Norman, the state's secretary of health and environment, said people should stay home as much as possible, even if they don't live in a county that has issued a stay-at-home order. He said some residents are trying to exploit exceptions in the orders.

The state reported 126 confirmed cases Wednesday but that didn't include three cases reported later in the day in Topeka. Norman said he expects Kansas to have around 400 cases by the end of the month.

Among the sickened are two people who attended a March 5 magician group’s meeting with a 74-year-old retired school superintendent who was Johnson County’s first coronavirus death. The man and his wife are quarantined at home, said David Sandy, president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 129.

“It is pretty heart-wrenching," Sandy told The Kansas City Star. “We’re like a family.”

For most people, the 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, or death.

In the Wichita area, about 200 inmates have been released from the Sedgwick County Jail since mid-March over concerns about the coronavirus. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said told The Wichita Eagle that the goal is to give the Sedgwick County Jail “breathing room” so it has enough space to isolate inmates who might fall ill in the coming weeks.

City officials also have converted the Wichita’s Century II event center from a convention and performing arts center into an impromptu drive-thru decontamination station for ambulances and other emergency vehicles, said Mayor Brandon Whipple and Assistant City Manager Donte Martin.

Stay-at-home orders also continue to cause economic fallout. With 600 movie theaters across the country closed, Leawood-based AMC Theatres has furloughed its entire corporate staff, The Kansas City Star reported. AMC employs some 400 people at its Leawood offices, according to the Kansas City Area Development Council.

“As we all know, these are unprecedented times,” spokesman Ryan Noonan said in a statement. “AMC is doing everything possible to ensure that we can welcome back both our associates and our guests as our theaters reopen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585235697337.png" alt="Kansas Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman spoke to reporters Monday -image courtesy KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman spoke to reporters Monday -image courtesy KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly and the state's top health official are expressing growing frustration as Kansas grapples with an continuing increase in coronavirus cases.Kelly, a Democrat, on Wednesday said President Donald Trump's suggestion that restrictions on people's movements could be loosened by Easter to help the economy is “ wishful thinking ” and argued that the federal government should invoke the national Defense Production Act to address shortages of ventilators, protective masks and testing kits, a move Trump has said isn't necessary.“We, along with all of the other states, are really kind of begging the federal government to get their act together,” Kelly said in an interview.Meanwhile, Dr. Lee Norman, the state's secretary of health and environment, said people should stay home as much as possible, even if they don't live in a county that has issued a stay-at-home order. He said some residents are trying to exploit exceptions in the orders.The state reported 126 confirmed cases Wednesday but that didn't include three cases reported later in the day in Topeka. Norman said he expects Kansas to have around 400 cases by the end of the month.Among the sickened are two people who attended a March 5 magician group’s meeting with a 74-year-old retired school superintendent who was Johnson County’s first coronavirus death. The man and his wife are quarantined at home, said David Sandy, president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 129.“It is pretty heart-wrenching," Sandy told The Kansas City Star. “We’re like a family.”For most people, the 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, or death.In the Wichita area, about 200 inmates have been released from the Sedgwick County Jail since mid-March over concerns about the coronavirus. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said told The Wichita Eagle that the goal is to give the Sedgwick County Jail “breathing room” so it has enough space to isolate inmates who might fall ill in the coming weeks.City officials also have converted the Wichita’s Century II event center from a convention and performing arts center into an impromptu drive-thru decontamination station for ambulances and other emergency vehicles, said Mayor Brandon Whipple and Assistant City Manager Donte Martin.Stay-at-home orders also continue to cause economic fallout. With 600 movie theaters across the country closed, Leawood-based AMC Theatres has furloughed its entire corporate staff, The Kansas City Star reported. AMC employs some 400 people at its Leawood offices, according to the Kansas City Area Development Council.“As we all know, these are unprecedented times,” spokesman Ryan Noonan said in a statement. “AMC is doing everything possible to ensure that we can welcome back both our associates and our guests as our theaters reopen.”

Kansas officials express frustration amid coronavirus surge

Kami Hunt, Ford Motor Company employee, assembles the Ford Transit at Kansas City Assembly Plant in August of 2019. Photo Courtesy Ford Motor Company

DETROIT (AP) — Ford says it wants to reopen five North American assembly plants in April that were closed due to the threat of coronavirus.

The three Detroit automakers suspended production at North American factories March 19 under pressure from the United Auto Workers union, which had concerns about members working closely at work stations and possibly spreading the virus.

Union spokesman Brian Rothenberg said Thursday that the UAW is reviewing Ford's announcement “with great concern and caution.”

The company says it's aiming to reopen its factory in Hermosillo, Mexico, on April 6, followed by its Dearborn, Michigan, truck plant, Kentucky truck plant in Louisville, the Ohio Assembly Plant near Cleveland, and the Transit van line at the Kansas City plant on April 14.

The company also wants to reopen parts-making plants to feed the assembly factories on the same day.

Ford says in a prepared statement that it will introduce additional safety measures to protect workers, but said it would give details later.

The decision comes as the number of people infected by the virus spikes in Michigan. On Wednesday the state reported t least 2,294 infections and that the number of deaths nearly doubled from 24 to 43.

Two Detroit-area hospital systems said they are caring for more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients at 13 hospitals. At Beaumont Health and Henry Ford Health System, operating rooms were being converted into intensive care units and clinics had been turned into rooms for patients needing other medical care.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is hoping the United States will be reopened by Easter as he weighs how to relax nationwide social-distancing guidelines to put some workers back on the job during the coronavirus outbreak.

Dr. Betty Chu, of Henry Ford, predicted an “upcoming surge” in patients in Michigan, and Beaumont chief executive John Fox called on the state to invoke its power to balance care across eight regions in the state.

The Ford factories, which largely make highly profitable pickup trucks, commercial vans and big SUVs, are key to Ford's financial health. The Ford F-150 pickup made at the Dearborn Truck plant is the top-selling vehicle in America that's responsible for much of the company's profit.

Ford's planned reopening date in the U.S. is just after a stay-at-home order from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expires at 11:59 p.m. April 13.

U.S. automakers book revenue when vehicles are shipped to dealers, so without production, the revenue stream is largely cut off.

The factories were to be closed until March 30, but earlier this week Ford extended that date indefinitely. General Motors said Thursday that it doesn't have a firm date to reopen its North American factories. Fiat Chrysler said it had no announcement yet. Combined, the Detroit automakers have about 150,000 unionized factory workers.

Ford has about 56,000 workers represented by the UAW, and some members have been fearful of catching the virus and taking it home to their families. Two union workers from Fiat Chrysler plants in the Detroit area and Kokomo, Indiana, have died this week from complications due to the virus, but it's not clear whether they got it at the factories or elsewhere.

The effort to reopen the plants comes as Amazon and other large warehouses continue operations, although some of the goods they're distributing are considered essential.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585229143795.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kami Hunt, Ford Motor Company employee, assembles the Ford Transit at Kansas City Assembly Plant in August of 2019. Photo Courtesy Ford Motor CompanyDETROIT (AP) — Ford says it wants to reopen five North American assembly plants in April that were closed due to the threat of coronavirus.The three Detroit automakers suspended production at North American factories March 19 under pressure from the United Auto Workers union, which had concerns about members working closely at work stations and possibly spreading the virus.Union spokesman Brian Rothenberg said Thursday that the UAW is reviewing Ford's announcement “with great concern and caution.”The company says it's aiming to reopen its factory in Hermosillo, Mexico, on April 6, followed by its Dearborn, Michigan, truck plant, Kentucky truck plant in Louisville, the Ohio Assembly Plant near Cleveland, and the Transit van line at the Kansas City plant on April 14.The company also wants to reopen parts-making plants to feed the assembly factories on the same day.Ford says in a prepared statement that it will introduce additional safety measures to protect workers, but said it would give details later.The decision comes as the number of people infected by the virus spikes in Michigan. On Wednesday the state reported t least 2,294 infections and that the number of deaths nearly doubled from 24 to 43.Two Detroit-area hospital systems said they are caring for more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients at 13 hospitals. At Beaumont Health and Henry Ford Health System, operating rooms were being converted into intensive care units and clinics had been turned into rooms for patients needing other medical care.President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is hoping the United States will be reopened by Easter as he weighs how to relax nationwide social-distancing guidelines to put some workers back on the job during the coronavirus outbreak.Dr. Betty Chu, of Henry Ford, predicted an “upcoming surge” in patients in Michigan, and Beaumont chief executive John Fox called on the state to invoke its power to balance care across eight regions in the state.The Ford factories, which largely make highly profitable pickup trucks, commercial vans and big SUVs, are key to Ford's financial health. The Ford F-150 pickup made at the Dearborn Truck plant is the top-selling vehicle in America that's responsible for much of the company's profit.Ford's planned reopening date in the U.S. is just after a stay-at-home order from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expires at 11:59 p.m. April 13.U.S. automakers book revenue when vehicles are shipped to dealers, so without production, the revenue stream is largely cut off.The factories were to be closed until March 30, but earlier this week Ford extended that date indefinitely. General Motors said Thursday that it doesn't have a firm date to reopen its North American factories. Fiat Chrysler said it had no announcement yet. Combined, the Detroit automakers have about 150,000 unionized factory workers.Ford has about 56,000 workers represented by the UAW, and some members have been fearful of catching the virus and taking it home to their families. Two union workers from Fiat Chrysler plants in the Detroit area and Kokomo, Indiana, have died this week from complications due to the virus, but it's not clear whether they got it at the factories or elsewhere.For most people, the 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, or death.The effort to reopen the plants comes as Amazon and other large warehouses continue operations, although some of the goods they're distributing are considered essential.

Ford pushes for KC factory restart, union not so sure

WICHITA, Kan.- Wichita Work Release Facility offender Chares Rist died Wednesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Rist, 54, was pronounced dead by the on-call doctor at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital at approximately 11:33 a.m.&nbsp; The official cause of death is pending an autopsy, but is not believed to be COVID-19 related.&nbsp;

Per protocol when an offender dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Rist had nearly 30 convictions from 1984 including burglary, theft, flee and attempt to elude, DUI, reckless driving and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

He was serving a 130-month sentence for multiple Sedgwick County convictions in 2010 and 2011 including an offender registration violation, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and several additional possession of drug convictions.

The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 250.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585232036396.png" alt="Rist had nearly 30 convictions dating back to 1984, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Rist had nearly 30 convictions dating back to 1984, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.- Wichita Work Release Facility offender Chares Rist died Wednesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.Rist, 54, was pronounced dead by the on-call doctor at Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital at approximately 11:33 a.m.&nbsp; The official cause of death is pending an autopsy, but is not believed to be COVID-19 related.&nbsp;Per protocol when an offender dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Rist had nearly 30 convictions from 1984 including burglary, theft, flee and attempt to elude, DUI, reckless driving and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.He was serving a 130-month sentence for multiple Sedgwick County convictions in 2010 and 2011 including an offender registration violation, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and several additional possession of drug convictions.The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 250.

Inmate's death at Kan. prison not believed coronavirus related

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pressure was mounting on the Trump administration Wednesday to release people from immigration detention facilities where at least one detainee has tested positive for COVID-19 and advocates fear tight quarters and overall conditions could cause rapid spread of the virus.

The U.S. holds around 37,000 people in immigration detention. Detainees and advocates say many are vulnerable because of age and pre-existing medical conditions, and because they are often held in open rooms, beds 3-feet apart, and without adequate supplies of masks or other protections.

“It’s impossible to stay calm,” said Marco Battistotti, an Italian who is among 170 people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Bristol County jail in Massachusetts. “People are panicking. People are in fear.”

The 54-year-old Battistotti was among about 100 detainees at the county jail near Cape Cod who signed a letter released by a local immigration lawyer detailing conditions inside. They asked to be released to await decisions on their immigration cases.

“I don’t want to die in an ICE jail,” he said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. “Why can’t I fight my case on the outside?”

The agency, which reported the positive test of a 31-year-old man from Mexico held in Bergen County, New Jersey, on Tuesday, has announced steps to protect detained migrants and staff from the virus, but hasn’t said whether it plans to review cases for possible release because of the outbreak. It did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the complaints about conditions from the detainees and their advocates.

The administration has tried to balance its overall hard line on immigration, a signature policy of President Donald Trump, and its response to the outbreak, with ICE announcing previously that it would “temporarily adjust” operations to focus on apprehending people who pose a risk to public safety or are subject to mandatory detention because of a criminal record.

Immigrant advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, are filing lawsuits in California, Maryland, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, seeking court orders for the immediate release of people in immigration detention, especially those at risk because of their age or medical conditions.

It’s unclear how many detainees overall are at higher risk, but one California suit alone had 13 plaintiffs, all over 55.

A panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Monday, citing the “rapidly escalating public health crisis,” ordered the immediate release of a 37-year-old woman who is fighting deportation to Mexico.

The woman’s lawyer, Max Carter-Oberstone, said the government told him it would not oppose the decision, which the court took on its own initiative in a rare move on behalf of a woman who he says has been threatened with death by members of a Mexican drug cartel.

“It wasn’t something we asked for or were expecting,” Carter-Oberstone said. “The court is clearly reacting to the greater public health crisis that we’re in right now and re-evaluating how it’s going to dispose of its immigration cases in light of that crisis that we’re all experiencing.”

The situation in immigration detention, which include facilities run by local jurisdictions and private contractors, is similar to that facing jails and prisons, with staff also at risk from a virus that already has sickened at least 55,000 people and killed about 800 in the U.S.

One difference is that more than half of ICE detainees have no criminal charges or conviction and are held only for immigration reasons. Under previous administrations, many would likely have been released on bond as they pursued their cases.

ICE has reported one positive test of an employee at a detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and 18 confirmed cases among staff not involved in detaining migrants. A contractor reported a positive case of a staff member at a facility in Harris County, Texas. The agency says it is screening new detainees and isolating detainees who show symptoms of the coronavirus disease.

Detainees say those measures won’t do much, with people staying in dorm-like bays with no social distancing possible or in smaller rooms that they sometimes have to clean themselves, with insufficient cleaning supplies.

Francisca Morales Diaz, a 45-year-old from Mexico who was released Friday from an ICE detention center in Louisiana, said she and others were issued soap and toilet paper for their own use once a week and they would run out. When they complained, she says they were told there were shortages on the outside as well.

“There isn’t enough medicine. It’s not well-maintained,” Morales told AP. Her fear is that “at any moment, they’re going to come and take me back there.”

Ira Alkalay, a lawyer representing some of the detainees at the jail near Cape Cod, said the detainees are responsible for cleaning their unit, which includes a dining area and bathrooms, but aren’t even given bleach. Some who signed the letter suffer from respiratory ailments such as tuberculosis, emphysema and asthma that put them at higher risk to the virus.

“These are not sanitary conditions at all,” Alkalay said. “If the virus is introduced, many people could get sick all at once. Hospitals in the area can become quickly overwhelmed.”

The office of Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, who has made headlines for offering to send the jail’s ICE detainees to help build Trump’s promised border wall, has stressed there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus at the facility.

“We suspect these detainees are working with outside political activist groups to use the coronavirus crisis to advance their political agenda,” the sheriff’s spokesman, Jonathan Darling, said this week.

Eunice Cho, an ACLU lawyer, said the confined spaces and limited medical treatment in many immigration jails made them especially vulnerable — and if the virus spreads through one facility, the number of sick people who would require advanced care could overwhelm area hospitals. Many ICE jails are in rural areas with smaller hospitals.

“This is closely related to the public health of our entire community,” Cho said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562938154243.png" alt="Image courtesy U.S. Office of Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy U.S. Office of Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Pressure was mounting on the Trump administration Wednesday to release people from immigration detention facilities where at least one detainee has tested positive for COVID-19 and advocates fear tight quarters and overall conditions could cause rapid spread of the virus.The U.S. holds around 37,000 people in immigration detention. Detainees and advocates say many are vulnerable because of age and pre-existing medical conditions, and because they are often held in open rooms, beds 3-feet apart, and without adequate supplies of masks or other protections.“It’s impossible to stay calm,” said Marco Battistotti, an Italian who is among 170 people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Bristol County jail in Massachusetts. “People are panicking. People are in fear.”The 54-year-old Battistotti was among about 100 detainees at the county jail near Cape Cod who signed a letter released by a local immigration lawyer detailing conditions inside. They asked to be released to await decisions on their immigration cases.“I don’t want to die in an ICE jail,” he said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. “Why can’t I fight my case on the outside?”The agency, which reported the positive test of a 31-year-old man from Mexico held in Bergen County, New Jersey, on Tuesday, has announced steps to protect detained migrants and staff from the virus, but hasn’t said whether it plans to review cases for possible release because of the outbreak. It did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the complaints about conditions from the detainees and their advocates.The administration has tried to balance its overall hard line on immigration, a signature policy of President Donald Trump, and its response to the outbreak, with ICE announcing previously that it would “temporarily adjust” operations to focus on apprehending people who pose a risk to public safety or are subject to mandatory detention because of a criminal record.Immigrant advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, are filing lawsuits in California, Maryland, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, seeking court orders for the immediate release of people in immigration detention, especially those at risk because of their age or medical conditions.It’s unclear how many detainees overall are at higher risk, but one California suit alone had 13 plaintiffs, all over 55.A panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on Monday, citing the “rapidly escalating public health crisis,” ordered the immediate release of a 37-year-old woman who is fighting deportation to Mexico.The woman’s lawyer, Max Carter-Oberstone, said the government told him it would not oppose the decision, which the court took on its own initiative in a rare move on behalf of a woman who he says has been threatened with death by members of a Mexican drug cartel.“It wasn’t something we asked for or were expecting,” Carter-Oberstone said. “The court is clearly reacting to the greater public health crisis that we’re in right now and re-evaluating how it’s going to dispose of its immigration cases in light of that crisis that we’re all experiencing.”The situation in immigration detention, which include facilities run by local jurisdictions and private contractors, is similar to that facing jails and prisons, with staff also at risk from a virus that already has sickened at least 55,000 people and killed about 800 in the U.S.One difference is that more than half of ICE detainees have no criminal charges or conviction and are held only for immigration reasons. Under previous administrations, many would likely have been released on bond as they pursued their cases.ICE has reported one positive test of an employee at a detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and 18 confirmed cases among staff not involved in detaining migrants. A contractor reported a positive case of a staff member at a facility in Harris County, Texas. The agency says it is screening new detainees and isolating detainees who show symptoms of the coronavirus disease.Detainees say those measures won’t do much, with people staying in dorm-like bays with no social distancing possible or in smaller rooms that they sometimes have to clean themselves, with insufficient cleaning supplies.Francisca Morales Diaz, a 45-year-old from Mexico who was released Friday from an ICE detention center in Louisiana, said she and others were issued soap and toilet paper for their own use once a week and they would run out. When they complained, she says they were told there were shortages on the outside as well.“There isn’t enough medicine. It’s not well-maintained,” Morales told AP. Her fear is that “at any moment, they’re going to come and take me back there.”Ira Alkalay, a lawyer representing some of the detainees at the jail near Cape Cod, said the detainees are responsible for cleaning their unit, which includes a dining area and bathrooms, but aren’t even given bleach. Some who signed the letter suffer from respiratory ailments such as tuberculosis, emphysema and asthma that put them at higher risk to the virus.“These are not sanitary conditions at all,” Alkalay said. “If the virus is introduced, many people could get sick all at once. Hospitals in the area can become quickly overwhelmed.”The office of Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, who has made headlines for offering to send the jail’s ICE detainees to help build Trump’s promised border wall, has stressed there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus at the facility.“We suspect these detainees are working with outside political activist groups to use the coronavirus crisis to advance their political agenda,” the sheriff’s spokesman, Jonathan Darling, said this week.Eunice Cho, an ACLU lawyer, said the confined spaces and limited medical treatment in many immigration jails made them especially vulnerable — and if the virus spreads through one facility, the number of sick people who would require advanced care could overwhelm area hospitals. Many ICE jails are in rural areas with smaller hospitals.“This is closely related to the public health of our entire community,” Cho said.

Trump administration urged to free migrants as virus surges

BELTON, Mo. (AP) — A man fatally injured by the FBI was planning a bomb attack on a medical facility in the Kansas City area, the agency said in a news release Wednesday.

Timothy Wilson, 36, was injured Tuesday when FBI agents served a probable cause arrest warrant in Belton after a long-running domestic terrorism investigation, according to a statement Wednesday from Timothy Langan, special agent in charge of the FBI's Kansas City office.

The statement did not detail what happened when agents served the warrant, but said Wilson was armed when he was injured and died later at a hospital.

A monthslong investigation determined that Wilson was a potentially violent extremist, motivated by religious, racial and anti-government beliefs, according to the statement. He had planned for several months to carry out a bombing and decided to target a Kansas City-area hospital using a “vehicle-borne” improvised explosive.

Wilson chose a hospital that was providing critical care during the current coronavirus pandemic and had taken steps to acquire materials to build the bomb in an attempt to cause “severe harm and mass casualties,” according to the statement.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force kept close watch on Wilson and was prepared to arrest him when he tried to pick up what he thought was a bomb, although there was no bomb, the statement said. The FBI worked with federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys office in Kansas City during the investigation.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead after a shooting involving an FBI agent south of Kansas City.

The FBI said in a statement that the shooting happened Tuesday in Belton.

FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton said the person who was shot died at a hospital. No one else was hurt.

The FBI released no other details, including why agents responded to the area and what led up to the shooting. The agency says the shooting is under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585227846641.png" alt="Authorities on the scene of Wednesday's investigation <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/fbi-says-man-who-died-in-agent-involved-shooting-tuesday-in-belton-was-domestic-terror-suspect/">photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City</a>" />
 <figcaption>Authorities on the scene of Wednesday's investigation <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/fbi-says-man-who-died-in-agent-involved-shooting-tuesday-in-belton-was-domestic-terror-suspect/">photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City</a></figcaption>
 </figure>BELTON, Mo. (AP) — A man fatally injured by the FBI was planning a bomb attack on a medical facility in the Kansas City area, the agency said in a news release Wednesday.Timothy Wilson, 36, was injured Tuesday when FBI agents served a probable cause arrest warrant in Belton after a long-running domestic terrorism investigation, according to a statement Wednesday from Timothy Langan, special agent in charge of the FBI's Kansas City office.The statement did not detail what happened when agents served the warrant, but said Wilson was armed when he was injured and died later at a hospital.A monthslong investigation determined that Wilson was a potentially violent extremist, motivated by religious, racial and anti-government beliefs, according to the statement. He had planned for several months to carry out a bombing and decided to target a Kansas City-area hospital using a “vehicle-borne” improvised explosive.Wilson chose a hospital that was providing critical care during the current coronavirus pandemic and had taken steps to acquire materials to build the bomb in an attempt to cause “severe harm and mass casualties,” according to the statement.The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force kept close watch on Wilson and was prepared to arrest him when he tried to pick up what he thought was a bomb, although there was no bomb, the statement said. The FBI worked with federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys office in Kansas City during the investigation.No further details were released.--------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead after a shooting involving an FBI agent south of Kansas City.The FBI said in a statement that the shooting happened Tuesday in Belton.FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton said the person who was shot died at a hospital. No one else was hurt.The FBI released no other details, including why agents responded to the area and what led up to the shooting. The agency says the shooting is under investigation.

Update: Man killed by the FBI was planning KC hospital bombing

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The unanimous vote Wednesday came despite misgivings on both sides about whether it goes too far or not far enough and capped days of difficult negotiations as Washington confronted a national challenge unlike it has ever faced.

The 880-page measure is the largest economic relief bill in U.S. history. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared somber and exhausted as he announced the vote — and he released senators from Washington until April 20, though he promised to recall them if needed.

“The legislation now before us now is historic because it is meant to match a historic crisis,” said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “Our health care system is not prepared to care for the sick. Our workers are without work. Our businesses cannot do business. Our factories lie idle. The gears of the American economy have ground to a halt.”

The package is intended as relief for an economy spiraling into recession or worse and a nation facing a grim toll from an infection that’s killed more than 21,000 people worldwide. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, asked how long the aid would keep the economy afloat, said: “We’ve anticipated three months. Hopefully, we won’t need this for three months.”

Underscoring the effort’s sheer magnitude, the bill finances a response with a price tag that equals half the size of the entire $4 trillion-plus annual federal budget. The $2.2 trillion estimate is the White House’s best guess.

Insistently optimistic, President Donald Trump said of the greatest public health emergency in anyone’s lifetime, “I don’t think its going to end up being such a rough patch” and anticipated the economy soaring “like a rocket ship” when it’s over.

“The government has temporarily shut down the economy because of this disease, and the government must help those who are hurt by it,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

The drive by leaders to speed the bill through the Senate was slowed as four conservative Republican senators from states whose economies are dominated by low-wage jobs demanded changes, saying the legislation as written might give workers like store clerks incentives to stay on unemployment instead of return to their jobs since they may earn more money if they’re laid off than if they’re working. They settled for a failed vote to modify the provision.

Other objections floated in from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has become a prominent Democrat on the national scene as the country battles the pandemic. Cuomo, whose state has seen more deaths from the pandemic than any other, said, “I’m telling you, these numbers don’t work.”

Ardent liberals like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were restless as well, but top Washington Democrats assured them that additional coronavirus legislation will follow this spring and signaled that delaying the pending measure would be foolish.

The sprawling measure is the third coronavirus response bill produced by Congress and by far the largest. It builds on efforts focused on vaccines and emergency response, sick and family medical leave for workers and food aid.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., swung behind the bipartisan agreement, saying it “takes us a long way down the road in meeting the needs of the American people.”

Senate passage delivered the legislation to the Democratic-controlled House, which is expected to pass it Friday. House members are scattered around the country. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the measure would pass by voice vote without lawmakers having to return to Washington.

The package would give direct payments to most Americans, expand unemployment benefits and provide a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home.

It includes a heavily negotiated $500 billion program for guaranteed, subsidized loans to larger industries, including airlines. Hospitals would get significant help as well.

Six days of arduous talks produced the bill, creating tensions among Congress’ top leaders, who each took care to tend to party politics as they maneuvered and battled over crafting the legislation. But failure was not an option — nor was starting over — which permitted both sides to include their priorities.

“This is a proud moment for the United States Senate and the country, and we’re going to win this battle,” McConnell told reporters afterward. “We’ve pivoted from impeachment to 100-to-nothing on this rescue package … this is about as flawless as you could possibly be.” The vote actually was 96-0 because several members missed the vote out of concerns they have been exposed to the virus.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has tested positive for it, while GOP Whip John Thune returned to South Dakota on Wednesday after feeling ill.

The bill would provide one-time direct payments to Americans of $1,200 per adult making up to $75,000 a year and $2,400 to a married couple making up to $150,000, with $500 payments per child.

A huge cash infusion for hospitals expecting a flood of COVID-19 patients grew during the talks to an estimated $130 billion. Another $45 billion would fund additional relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for local response efforts and community services.

Democrats said the package would help replace the salaries of furloughed workers for four months, rather than the three months first proposed. Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment, plus a $600-per-week add-on, with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time.

Businesses controlled by members of Congress and top administration officials, including Trump and his immediate family members, would be ineligible for the bill’s business assistance.

Schumer boasted of negotiating wins for transit systems, hospitals and cash-hungry state governments that were cemented after Democrats blocked the measure in votes held Sunday and Monday.

But Cuomo said the Senate package would send less than $4 billion to New York, far short of his estimate that the crisis will cost his state up to $15 billion over the next year. More than 280 New Yorkers have died from the virus, a death toll more than double that of any other state.

Still, Pelosi said the need for more money for New York is “no reason to stop the step we are taking.”

Pelosi was a force behind $400 million in grants to states to expand voting by mail and other steps that Democrats billed as making voting safer but Republican critics called political opportunism. The package also contains $15.5 billion more for a surge in demand for food stamps as part of a massive $330 billion title for agency operations.

State and local authorities would receive up to $150 billion in grants to fight the virus, care for their residents and provide basic services.

Republicans won inclusion of an employee retention tax credit that’s estimated to provide $50 billion to companies that retain employees on payroll and cover 50% of workers’ paycheck up to $10,000. Companies would also be able to defer payment of the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax.

A companion appropriations package ballooned as well, growing from a $46 billion White House proposal to $330 billion, which dwarfs earlier disasters — including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined.

Europe is enacting its own economic recovery packages, with huge amounts of credit guarantees, government spending and other support.

Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, has agreed to commit more than 1 trillion euros ($1.1 trillion) in fiscal stimulus and support — roughly 30% of that nation’s entire annual output. France, Spain and Italy have launched similar programs.

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, or death.

In the United States, more than 69,000 people have been sickened and more than 1,000 have died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585219043906.png" alt="View of the the U.S. Senate floor as they passed the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Bill, 96-0.&nbsp; -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>View of the the U.S. Senate floor as they passed the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Bill, 96-0.&nbsp; -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The CARES Act provides one of the most powerful and timely economic relief packages in our nation&#39;s history and I&#39;m glad the Senate finally passed this crucial legislation. <a href="https://t.co/80GnZCiJL2">https://t.co/80GnZCiJL2</a> <a href="https://t.co/KTIM9td6UR">pic.twitter.com/KTIM9td6UR</a>&mdash; Senator Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenPatRoberts/status/1243024323746684928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The unanimous vote Wednesday came despite misgivings on both sides about whether it goes too far or not far enough and capped days of difficult negotiations as Washington confronted a national challenge unlike it has ever faced.The 880-page measure is the largest economic relief bill in U.S. history. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared somber and exhausted as he announced the vote — and he released senators from Washington until April 20, though he promised to recall them if needed.“The legislation now before us now is historic because it is meant to match a historic crisis,” said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “Our health care system is not prepared to care for the sick. Our workers are without work. Our businesses cannot do business. Our factories lie idle. The gears of the American economy have ground to a halt.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: The Senate just passed the CARES Act, Phase III of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> relief efforts. Our country is facing a pandemic, and we must act now to make certain Kansans have the support they need to weather this storm.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1243033520160804869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The package is intended as relief for an economy spiraling into recession or worse and a nation facing a grim toll from an infection that’s killed more than 21,000 people worldwide. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, asked how long the aid would keep the economy afloat, said: “We’ve anticipated three months. Hopefully, we won’t need this for three months.”Underscoring the effort’s sheer magnitude, the bill finances a response with a price tag that equals half the size of the entire $4 trillion-plus annual federal budget. The $2.2 trillion estimate is the White House’s best guess.Insistently optimistic, President Donald Trump said of the greatest public health emergency in anyone’s lifetime, “I don’t think its going to end up being such a rough patch” and anticipated the economy soaring “like a rocket ship” when it’s over.“The government has temporarily shut down the economy because of this disease, and the government must help those who are hurt by it,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.The drive by leaders to speed the bill through the Senate was slowed as four conservative Republican senators from states whose economies are dominated by low-wage jobs demanded changes, saying the legislation as written might give workers like store clerks incentives to stay on unemployment instead of return to their jobs since they may earn more money if they’re laid off than if they’re working. They settled for a failed vote to modify the provision.Other objections floated in from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has become a prominent Democrat on the national scene as the country battles the pandemic. Cuomo, whose state has seen more deaths from the pandemic than any other, said, “I’m telling you, these numbers don’t work.”Ardent liberals like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were restless as well, but top Washington Democrats assured them that additional coronavirus legislation will follow this spring and signaled that delaying the pending measure would be foolish.The sprawling measure is the third coronavirus response bill produced by Congress and by far the largest. It builds on efforts focused on vaccines and emergency response, sick and family medical leave for workers and food aid.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., swung behind the bipartisan agreement, saying it “takes us a long way down the road in meeting the needs of the American people.”Senate passage delivered the legislation to the Democratic-controlled House, which is expected to pass it Friday. House members are scattered around the country. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the measure would pass by voice vote without lawmakers having to return to Washington.The package would give direct payments to most Americans, expand unemployment benefits and provide a $367 billion program for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home.It includes a heavily negotiated $500 billion program for guaranteed, subsidized loans to larger industries, including airlines. Hospitals would get significant help as well.Six days of arduous talks produced the bill, creating tensions among Congress’ top leaders, who each took care to tend to party politics as they maneuvered and battled over crafting the legislation. But failure was not an option — nor was starting over — which permitted both sides to include their priorities.“This is a proud moment for the United States Senate and the country, and we’re going to win this battle,” McConnell told reporters afterward. “We’ve pivoted from impeachment to 100-to-nothing on this rescue package … this is about as flawless as you could possibly be.” The vote actually was 96-0 because several members missed the vote out of concerns they have been exposed to the virus.Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has tested positive for it, while GOP Whip John Thune returned to South Dakota on Wednesday after feeling ill.The bill would provide one-time direct payments to Americans of $1,200 per adult making up to $75,000 a year and $2,400 to a married couple making up to $150,000, with $500 payments per child.A huge cash infusion for hospitals expecting a flood of COVID-19 patients grew during the talks to an estimated $130 billion. Another $45 billion would fund additional relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for local response efforts and community services.Democrats said the package would help replace the salaries of furloughed workers for four months, rather than the three months first proposed. Furloughed workers would get whatever amount a state usually provides for unemployment, plus a $600-per-week add-on, with gig workers like Uber drivers covered for the first time.Businesses controlled by members of Congress and top administration officials, including Trump and his immediate family members, would be ineligible for the bill’s business assistance.Schumer boasted of negotiating wins for transit systems, hospitals and cash-hungry state governments that were cemented after Democrats blocked the measure in votes held Sunday and Monday.But Cuomo said the Senate package would send less than $4 billion to New York, far short of his estimate that the crisis will cost his state up to $15 billion over the next year. More than 280 New Yorkers have died from the virus, a death toll more than double that of any other state.Still, Pelosi said the need for more money for New York is “no reason to stop the step we are taking.”Pelosi was a force behind $400 million in grants to states to expand voting by mail and other steps that Democrats billed as making voting safer but Republican critics called political opportunism. The package also contains $15.5 billion more for a surge in demand for food stamps as part of a massive $330 billion title for agency operations.State and local authorities would receive up to $150 billion in grants to fight the virus, care for their residents and provide basic services.Republicans won inclusion of an employee retention tax credit that’s estimated to provide $50 billion to companies that retain employees on payroll and cover 50% of workers’ paycheck up to $10,000. Companies would also be able to defer payment of the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax.A companion appropriations package ballooned as well, growing from a $46 billion White House proposal to $330 billion, which dwarfs earlier disasters — including Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined.Europe is enacting its own economic recovery packages, with huge amounts of credit guarantees, government spending and other support.Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, has agreed to commit more than 1 trillion euros ($1.1 trillion) in fiscal stimulus and support — roughly 30% of that nation’s entire annual output. France, Spain and Italy have launched similar programs.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, or death.In the United States, more than 69,000 people have been sickened and more than 1,000 have died.

Senate unanimously passes massive coronavirus aid plan

CLOUD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Traverse driven by&nbsp; Leo G. Becker, 42,&nbsp; Salina,&nbsp;was southbound in the driving lane on U.S. 81 Highway six miles south of Concordia.

The vehicle struck a pedestrian in the roadway identified as Rex O. Young, 59, Concordia. Vehicle 1 came to a stop on the west shoulder.

Young was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. Becker was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

CLOUD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Cloud County.The Kansas Highway patrol reported a 2010 Chevy Traverse driven by&nbsp; Leo G. Becker, 42,&nbsp; Salina,&nbsp;was southbound in the driving lane on U.S. 81 Highway six miles south of Concordia.The vehicle struck a pedestrian in the roadway identified as Rex O. Young, 59, Concordia. Vehicle 1 came to a stop on the west shoulder.Young was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. Becker was not injured and properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man struck and killed by SUV 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber, and United Way of Reno County have come together to launch <a href="https://rallyreno.org/">Rally Reno County</a>, an online tool that enables customers to put dollars in the hands of their favorite retail, service and hospitality businesses while providing assistance to those affected by layoffs or reductions in pay.

Debra Teufel, President &amp; CEO of the Hutch Chamber, said, “These Reno County businesses play such a large role in our economy. As a team of community leaders, we felt a responsibility to do our part in continuing commerce and providing a revenue stream for local businesses. It is phenomenal to join with our community partners to launch this initiative and to assist our members.”

Rally Reno County operates off the basic premise of “buy local, give local.” When a customer buys a gift card through RallyReno.org, the value of that gift card will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, with basic needs assistance to individuals and families who have been directly impacted by layoffs or wage loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we think about those that have been affected by this crisis, it is time for us to support those that are in need within our community. It is an honor to be able to work in partnership to help provide assistance to our most vulnerable population while reinforcing the need to shop local and support our small businesses,” said Lisa Gleason, Executive Director of United Way of Reno County.

Aubrey Patterson, President and CEO of the Hutchinson Community Foundation said, “I’m proud that the Community Foundation can make this match available at such a critical time. People and businesses across Reno County are facing great hardships but with out-of-the-box thinking, community action, and the generosity of our donors, we’re going to get through this together.”

This match was made available by Donor Advised Funds through the Hutchinson Community Foundation. Affected local businesses or individuals seeking assistance are asked to visit <a href="https://rallyreno.org/">RallyReno.org</a> to review eligibility requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585242109081.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber, and United Way of Reno County have come together to launch <a href="https://rallyreno.org/">Rally Reno County</a>, an online tool that enables customers to put dollars in the hands of their favorite retail, service and hospitality businesses while providing assistance to those affected by layoffs or reductions in pay.Debra Teufel, President &amp; CEO of the Hutch Chamber, said, “These Reno County businesses play such a large role in our economy. As a team of community leaders, we felt a responsibility to do our part in continuing commerce and providing a revenue stream for local businesses. It is phenomenal to join with our community partners to launch this initiative and to assist our members.”Rally Reno County operates off the basic premise of “buy local, give local.” When a customer buys a gift card through RallyReno.org, the value of that gift card will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, with basic needs assistance to individuals and families who have been directly impacted by layoffs or wage loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we think about those that have been affected by this crisis, it is time for us to support those that are in need within our community. It is an honor to be able to work in partnership to help provide assistance to our most vulnerable population while reinforcing the need to shop local and support our small businesses,” said Lisa Gleason, Executive Director of United Way of Reno County.Aubrey Patterson, President and CEO of the Hutchinson Community Foundation said, “I’m proud that the Community Foundation can make this match available at such a critical time. People and businesses across Reno County are facing great hardships but with out-of-the-box thinking, community action, and the generosity of our donors, we’re going to get through this together.”This match was made available by Donor Advised Funds through the Hutchinson Community Foundation. Affected local businesses or individuals seeking assistance are asked to visit <a href="https://rallyreno.org/">RallyReno.org</a> to review eligibility requirements.

Reno Co. groups launch website to help suffering local businesses

BARBER COUNTY— The wildfire burning south of Medicine Lodge in Barber County is out, according to the sheriff's department. The blaze consumed over 900 acres but there were no injuries, according to the sheriff's department.&nbsp;

Fire crews from Barber County, many surrounding counties and The Kansas National Guard were called to help fight the fire.

BARBER COUTY —Governor Laura Kelly has issued a disaster declaration for wildland fires burning approximately 20-25 miles southwest of Medicine Lodge in Barber County. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria. 

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka on March 12 to coordinate state resources to the COVID-19 virus. In addition to the state agencies already responding to COVID-19, state partners from the Kansas Forest Service and Kansas Fire Marshal's office have been requested to provide support for the wildland fires.

Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Kansas National Guard's 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation out of Salina are preparing to fly to Barber County to assist local firefighters. The helicopters are equipped with collapsible 660-gallon water buckets. The water will be dropped on areas that are difficult for ground crews to reach.

"I am proud of the extraordinary work these men and women do as citizen-soldiers and airmen - especially in the face of emergencies that threaten Kansans," Governor Kelly said. "They live and work in our communities, and yet always are prepared when called to duty - whether at the state or federal level. They are proving it once again."

"The men and woman of the Kansas National Guard, the staff of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, and all our state agencies are no strangers when it comes to working more than one disaster," Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management said. "Just last year, in the midst of all the flooding across the state, nine tornadoes hit the state in the span of about an hour. We were able to coordinate assistance in response to those tornadoes while still dealing with the floods. I am extremely proud of all the people in this agency, the local first responders and those who serve in our emergency support function agencies for the important work they do."

The Kansas Forest Service deployed Air Tanker 95 and a district fire management officer to Barber County to integrate with efforts of local firefighters.  Air Tanker 95 is currently making drops.

"The efforts of firefighters on the front line of the fire demonstrate their dedication to protecting their communities in light of the many challenges we face with the COVID-19 pandemic," Mark Neely, state fire management officer, said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585220170726.png" alt="Photo Barber County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barber County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY— The wildfire burning south of Medicine Lodge in Barber County is out, according to the sheriff's department. The blaze consumed over 900 acres but there were no injuries, according to the sheriff's department.&nbsp;Fire crews from Barber County, many surrounding counties and The Kansas National Guard were called to help fight the fire.------------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585179720914.png" alt="Soldiers from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stBn108thAVN/?__tn__=K-R&amp;eid=ARC00B0SsjfKrrrjGRwI-OAHTC74RDgJtoxxQ1AW-oW3AgIUYxogDXdEj_WyIe9G57uSP6JDlzrpnxBM&amp;fref=mentions&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARByJM3xRff_koHy7pEfUfBbyQ5_KpFjEyFcCeat7hVAcTVoQ2sEhNDGQttBQu0ViH3awd7UDmWGmoRRpr3eCtH5JUexjzGA1osx_GcC1JfdIvoYFJ_XpGOtQKbuhf23i7AzyJ9BWo5qiYHnybAcbxq0NYvf0jPXZX-roczpGYQeiJIMilqCWTt0RwfCVrT_GTA2FdiGKfKEJxHCF0FcvlvoW5OCRjvcuo5GEBC3LXvzvtYYLuC5znCUayr6mJB64-OOU56E5kZ2-QFOHePmlI6y7JjuvzKCfNkulGT6B2FJnCxS7v4Ye7mQN-TjMSWlvo9P4DszYr9EwFOzAHiZ">1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment</a>&nbsp;load two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with Bambi buckets in preparation Wednesday afternoon for going to Barber County to help support local firefighters battling a wildland fire." />
 <figcaption>Soldiers from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stBn108thAVN/?__tn__=K-R&amp;eid=ARC00B0SsjfKrrrjGRwI-OAHTC74RDgJtoxxQ1AW-oW3AgIUYxogDXdEj_WyIe9G57uSP6JDlzrpnxBM&amp;fref=mentions&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARByJM3xRff_koHy7pEfUfBbyQ5_KpFjEyFcCeat7hVAcTVoQ2sEhNDGQttBQu0ViH3awd7UDmWGmoRRpr3eCtH5JUexjzGA1osx_GcC1JfdIvoYFJ_XpGOtQKbuhf23i7AzyJ9BWo5qiYHnybAcbxq0NYvf0jPXZX-roczpGYQeiJIMilqCWTt0RwfCVrT_GTA2FdiGKfKEJxHCF0FcvlvoW5OCRjvcuo5GEBC3LXvzvtYYLuC5znCUayr6mJB64-OOU56E5kZ2-QFOHePmlI6y7JjuvzKCfNkulGT6B2FJnCxS7v4Ye7mQN-TjMSWlvo9P4DszYr9EwFOzAHiZ">1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment</a>&nbsp;load two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with Bambi buckets in preparation Wednesday afternoon for going to Barber County to help support local firefighters battling a wildland fire.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUTY —Governor Laura Kelly has issued a disaster declaration for wildland fires burning approximately 20-25 miles southwest of Medicine Lodge in Barber County. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka on March 12 to coordinate state resources to the COVID-19 virus. In addition to the state agencies already responding to COVID-19, state partners from the Kansas Forest Service and Kansas Fire Marshal's office have been requested to provide support for the wildland fires.Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Kansas National Guard's 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation out of Salina are preparing to fly to Barber County to assist local firefighters. The helicopters are equipped with collapsible 660-gallon water buckets. The water will be dropped on areas that are difficult for ground crews to reach."I am proud of the extraordinary work these men and women do as citizen-soldiers and airmen - especially in the face of emergencies that threaten Kansans," Governor Kelly said. "They live and work in our communities, and yet always are prepared when called to duty - whether at the state or federal level. They are proving it once again.""The men and woman of the Kansas National Guard, the staff of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, and all our state agencies are no strangers when it comes to working more than one disaster," Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management said. "Just last year, in the midst of all the flooding across the state, nine tornadoes hit the state in the span of about an hour. We were able to coordinate assistance in response to those tornadoes while still dealing with the floods. I am extremely proud of all the people in this agency, the local first responders and those who serve in our emergency support function agencies for the important work they do."The Kansas Forest Service deployed Air Tanker 95 and a district fire management officer to Barber County to integrate with efforts of local firefighters. Air Tanker 95 is currently making drops."The efforts of firefighters on the front line of the fire demonstrate their dedication to protecting their communities in light of the many challenges we face with the COVID-19 pandemic," Mark Neely, state fire management officer, said.

Kan. wildfire contained after Governor issues disaster declaration  

TOPEKA —Kansas has 126 confirmed<a href="https://kdhe.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/05f4169dc6394aa98895072b94734134">&nbsp;coronavirus cases&nbsp;</a>as of Wednesday, according to KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman. The number of cases is up 28 from Tuesday.&nbsp;That is 4.4 per thousand, according to Norman. "Not as high as many states (New York or Washington) but the same as in California."

The third and latest victim in Kansas is a man in his 70s who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The man had been hospitalized, sent home, re-hospitalized and then died, according to Norman. This patient had emphysema, COPD before he got coronavirus.

Norman said he still expects the number of cases to double every three to four days and he still expects as many as 400 cases in Kansas by the end of March.

Norman also said he did not expect to see immediate results from&nbsp; the stay-at-home orders because of several things. "There are so many exceptions to the stay-at-home, shelter in place orders. People are looking at the exceptions, determining how I can wiggle around the orders so I can go do my stuff," said Norman.

"That is exactly the wrong approach. This is not a game to find a way to justify going out in the community. If you must go for the essential tasks, observe the social distancing rules that are&nbsp; proven to be effective. We need to take home isolation seriously whether or not there is a declaration in place. Adults should not require declarations in order to follow great advice," he said. "Stay home unless you absolutely have to go out."

TOPEKA —Kansas has 126 confirmed<a href="https://kdhe.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/05f4169dc6394aa98895072b94734134">&nbsp;coronavirus cases&nbsp;</a>as of Wednesday, according to KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman. The number of cases is up 28 from Tuesday.&nbsp;That is 4.4 per thousand, according to Norman. "Not as high as many states (New York or Washington) but the same as in California."The third and latest victim in Kansas is a man in his 70s who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, according to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The man had been hospitalized, sent home, re-hospitalized and then died, according to Norman. This patient had emphysema, COPD before he got coronavirus.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKDHEnews%2Fvideos%2F669314393836127%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="420" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Norman said he still expects the number of cases to double every three to four days and he still expects as many as 400 cases in Kansas by the end of March.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585168032893.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Norman also said he did not expect to see immediate results from&nbsp; the stay-at-home orders because of several things. "There are so many exceptions to the stay-at-home, shelter in place orders. People are looking at the exceptions, determining how I can wiggle around the orders so I can go do my stuff," said Norman."That is exactly the wrong approach. This is not a game to find a way to justify going out in the community. If you must go for the essential tasks, observe the social distancing rules that are&nbsp; proven to be effective. We need to take home isolation seriously whether or not there is a declaration in place. Adults should not require declarations in order to follow great advice," he said. "Stay home unless you absolutely have to go out."

🎥  KDHE expects to see over 400 coronavirus cases by next week

WARREN COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man accused in a coronavirus prank.

A man identified as&nbsp;Cody Lee Pfister, 26, Warrenton, who took a video of&nbsp; licking the merchandise after making a "Corona Virus" statement at Walmart and posting it to social media has been taken into custody, according to a media release from police.

This particular video, which won't be shared here, has gained some international attention and we have received numerous reports about the video from locals, nearby residents, as well as people from the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, according to the release.

We take these complaints very seriously and would like to thank all of those who reported the video so the issue could be addressed."

Pfister has previous convictions for burglary, theft of a firearm, disorderly conduct and driving while intoxicated, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Missouri's death toll&nbsp;from the coronavirus rose to eight on Wednesday. The state had reported over 350 confirmed cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585141597600.png" alt="Cody Pfister remains in custody -photo Warrenton police" />
 <figcaption>Cody Pfister remains in custody -photo Warrenton police</figcaption>
 </figure>WARREN COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man accused in a coronavirus prank.A man identified as&nbsp;Cody Lee Pfister, 26, Warrenton, who took a video of&nbsp; licking the merchandise after making a "Corona Virus" statement at Walmart and posting it to social media has been taken into custody, according to a media release from police.This particular video, which won't be shared here, has gained some international attention and we have received numerous reports about the video from locals, nearby residents, as well as people from the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, according to the release.We take these complaints very seriously and would like to thank all of those who reported the video so the issue could be addressed."Pfister has previous convictions for burglary, theft of a firearm, disorderly conduct and driving while intoxicated, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections.Missouri's death toll&nbsp;from the coronavirus rose to eight on Wednesday. The state had reported over 350 confirmed cases.

Man accused of licking Walmart items in coronavirus prank 

FAIRLAND, Okla. (AP) — A man shot and killed one man and wounded two others, including a state trooper, in far northeast Oklahoma, authorities said Wednesday.

Edwin Ball, 48, was taken into custody after he barricaded himself inside his home in Fairland, about 80 miles northeast of Tulsa near the state's borders with&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kansas, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Oklahoma Highway Patrol said in a joint statement.

Ball shot and killed Brendan Van Zwell, 25, and wounded a second man who had arrived at Ball's home Tuesday night with Ball's ex-girlfriend, the release states. Ball then barricaded himself inside for a standoff that would last several hours.

Ball was booked into the Ottawa County Jail on complaints of felony murder and shooting with intent to kill. Jail records don't indicate if Ball has an attorney to speak on his behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585165019968.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ball photo Ottawa Co. Oklahoma SheriffFAIRLAND, Okla. (AP) — A man shot and killed one man and wounded two others, including a state trooper, in far northeast Oklahoma, authorities said Wednesday.Edwin Ball, 48, was taken into custody after he barricaded himself inside his home in Fairland, about 80 miles northeast of Tulsa near the state's borders with&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kansas, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Oklahoma Highway Patrol said in a joint statement.Ball shot and killed Brendan Van Zwell, 25, and wounded a second man who had arrived at Ball's home Tuesday night with Ball's ex-girlfriend, the release states. Ball then barricaded himself inside for a standoff that would last several hours.Ball was booked into the Ottawa County Jail on complaints of felony murder and shooting with intent to kill. Jail records don't indicate if Ball has an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Man killed, Oklahoma trooper wounded after shootings

Topeka – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 66, the state's budget bill for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021, according to a media release from her office. She issued no line item vetoes.

"I appreciate the bipartisan work of lawmakers to approve a budget swiftly in the midst of an unprecedented global public health pandemic," said Kelly. "I particularly commend legislators for approving $65 million to help support our coronavirus response efforts in Kansas."

While Kelly applauded legislators' work, she warned against adding any unnecessary new spending when the Legislature returns for its annual wrap up session in April. After excluding coronavirus-related expenditures, the Kansas Legislature spent over $100 million more from the State General Fund than Kelly initially recommended in January, with another $100 million in potential enhancements delayed until the omnibus budget.

"Practically overnight, the coronavirus pandemic caused upheaval in the stock market, shuttered businesses, disrupted supply chains, and cast uncertainty on our economic future," Kelly said. "We've never experienced anything this sudden and severe in our lifetimes. As we get a handle on our new reality, I urge the Legislature to join me in showing fiscal restraint when they return for the annual wrap up session. It is critical that we act with utmost caution until we get a better sense of what the true budget implications of coronavirus will be."

Topeka – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 66, the state's budget bill for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021, according to a media release from her office. She issued no line item vetoes."I appreciate the bipartisan work of lawmakers to approve a budget swiftly in the midst of an unprecedented global public health pandemic," said Kelly. "I particularly commend legislators for approving $65 million to help support our coronavirus response efforts in Kansas."While Kelly applauded legislators' work, she warned against adding any unnecessary new spending when the Legislature returns for its annual wrap up session in April. After excluding coronavirus-related expenditures, the Kansas Legislature spent over $100 million more from the State General Fund than Kelly initially recommended in January, with another $100 million in potential enhancements delayed until the omnibus budget."Practically overnight, the coronavirus pandemic caused upheaval in the stock market, shuttered businesses, disrupted supply chains, and cast uncertainty on our economic future," Kelly said. "We've never experienced anything this sudden and severe in our lifetimes. As we get a handle on our new reality, I urge the Legislature to join me in showing fiscal restraint when they return for the annual wrap up session. It is critical that we act with utmost caution until we get a better sense of what the true budget implications of coronavirus will be."

Gov. signs state budget, approves $65M for Kansas coronavirus response

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA — The Salvation Army of Saline County has announced it will continue to offer meals to those needing assistance at this time and they've added an extra day of food service!

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, meals will now be handed out at the south door of The Salvation Army, 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue, according to information provided by the organization. Serving times will continue on the following schedule as needed, the organization noted.

Lunch&nbsp;-- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

"With so many children out of schools and parents' budgets stretched, as well as the early shopper hoarding, we are trying to reach the most vulnerable families and homeless populations out there," Captain Lynn Lopez told Salina Post. "We just began to offer Saturday meals because of the instant message requests for meals on our Facebook page."

Lopez said The Salvation Army is taking extra precautions to protect both those it serves and its own personnel.

"I am a certified emergency disaster person. So as soon as I knew this was going to get worse, I began planning for how we could help the community in the best ways," she said.

Lopez said the local organization ordered deep sanitizers, Clorox wipes, and blue gloves. Sleeves of to-go plates and other items necessary for the current operation also were purchased.

"I implemented the drive thru/walk thru to-go meals at the door and simply ask how many they need to feed their family," she said.

Lopez noted that in addition prepping for deep cleaning, the COVID-19 outbreak has had another impact on the organization.

"The main change is the number of meals we are serving. We have an excellent cook who works diligently to provide nutritious, stick-to-your-ribs-meals," Lopez said.

Prior to the pandemic outbreak, the local Salvation Army fed 45-75 meals per day, with some suppers seeing more than 100, Lopez explained. Those were prepared by the organization's cook and served by local church volunteers, she said.

Now the organization is serving 185 to 200 meals per day, Lopez noted. Staff from the temporarily closed Salvation Army thrift store now assist the organization's cook, she said. Additionally, the officer staff is helping prepare and serve the meals at the door, Lopez said.

The morning meal consists of a continental breakfast with a cup of coffee and milk if it is available, while the noontime meal is a hot lunch or soup and sandwich, and supper is a hot meal, Lopez explained.

Lopez said that the local organization is also providing other services to help others.

"We continue having emergency services available such as our food pantry and the showers. We basically do phone interviews so we can look the client up in our database for approval. Then we meet them at the door with a food box. All carts are then cloroxed-down for next use," she said.

"We are praying for relief from this virus and have taken to posting church services online in Facebook. On Sundays I call people and visit with them to make sure everyone is doing OK mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually," said Lopez, who is working toward her chaplaincy certification.

Lopez noted that soon, The Salvation Army will have an 800 number for people "who are stressing out from staying home all the time and whatever various emotions they are experiencing."

"If there is more The Saline County Salvation Army can do I would like to hear from other leaders in the community in order to plan for changes," Lopez said. "God bless and keep each one in His perfect care. He is our shelter and refuge!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585148281454.jpeg" alt="Captain Lynn Lopez, commanding officer, and Elizabeth Stang, cook, prepare a meal in the Saline County Salvation Army kitchen. Photo courtesy The Saline County Salvation Army" />
 <figcaption>Captain Lynn Lopez, commanding officer, and Elizabeth Stang, cook, prepare a meal in the Saline County Salvation Army kitchen. Photo courtesy The Saline County Salvation Army</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA — The Salvation Army of Saline County has announced it will continue to offer meals to those needing assistance at this time and they've added an extra day of food service!Saturday meals will now be included.Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, meals will now be handed out at the south door of The Salvation Army, 1137 North Santa Fe Avenue, according to information provided by the organization. Serving times will continue on the following schedule as needed, the organization noted.Breakfast&nbsp;-- 8:15-9:15 a.m.Lunch&nbsp;-- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Supper&nbsp;-- 4-5:30 p.m."With so many children out of schools and parents' budgets stretched, as well as the early shopper hoarding, we are trying to reach the most vulnerable families and homeless populations out there," Captain Lynn Lopez told Salina Post. "We just began to offer Saturday meals because of the instant message requests for meals on our Facebook page."Lopez said The Salvation Army is taking extra precautions to protect both those it serves and its own personnel."I am a certified emergency disaster person. So as soon as I knew this was going to get worse, I began planning for how we could help the community in the best ways," she said.Lopez said the local organization ordered deep sanitizers, Clorox wipes, and blue gloves. Sleeves of to-go plates and other items necessary for the current operation also were purchased."I implemented the drive thru/walk thru to-go meals at the door and simply ask how many they need to feed their family," she said.Lopez noted that in addition prepping for deep cleaning, the COVID-19 outbreak has had another impact on the organization."The main change is the number of meals we are serving. We have an excellent cook who works diligently to provide nutritious, stick-to-your-ribs-meals," Lopez said.Prior to the pandemic outbreak, the local Salvation Army fed 45-75 meals per day, with some suppers seeing more than 100, Lopez explained. Those were prepared by the organization's cook and served by local church volunteers, she said.Now the organization is serving 185 to 200 meals per day, Lopez noted. Staff from the temporarily closed Salvation Army thrift store now assist the organization's cook, she said. Additionally, the officer staff is helping prepare and serve the meals at the door, Lopez said.The morning meal consists of a continental breakfast with a cup of coffee and milk if it is available, while the noontime meal is a hot lunch or soup and sandwich, and supper is a hot meal, Lopez explained.<h2>The well-being of others</h2>Lopez said that the local organization is also providing other services to help others."We continue having emergency services available such as our food pantry and the showers. We basically do phone interviews so we can look the client up in our database for approval. Then we meet them at the door with a food box. All carts are then cloroxed-down for next use," she said."We are praying for relief from this virus and have taken to posting church services online in Facebook. On Sundays I call people and visit with them to make sure everyone is doing OK mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually," said Lopez, who is working toward her chaplaincy certification.Lopez noted that soon, The Salvation Army will have an 800 number for people "who are stressing out from staying home all the time and whatever various emotions they are experiencing.""If there is more The Saline County Salvation Army can do I would like to hear from other leaders in the community in order to plan for changes," Lopez said. "God bless and keep each one in His perfect care. He is our shelter and refuge!"

Feeding those who need it the most in Salina

NEW YORK (AP)— With its global scope and its staying power, the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;outbreak poses unprecedented challenges for charities and nonprofit groups that rely on donations.

The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to the cancellation of nearly 2,700 blood drives. The Girl Scouts' annual cookie sale — vital to the group's finances — has been disrupted by a top-level plea to halt in-person sales.

And a 21-member coalition of major nonprofits is pleading with Congress to allocate $60 billion so charities can keep their staff on the job and ramp up assistance programs.

The CEO of one of those groups, Brian Gallagher of United Way Worldwide, has worked with the charity since 1981, engaging in its response to the 9/11 attacks, the Ebola threat, Hurricane Katrina and other disasters.

He said the COVID-19 outbreak has no parallel: "It's as if a natural disaster is hitting in slow motion just about every country on Earth."

Already, foundations and other major donors have contributed more than $1.9 billion to combat the outbreak, according to Candid, a New York-based nonprofit that tracks philanthropic giving.

The overall total, including donations from individuals, is surely far higher. Yet nonprofit leaders fear that the needs arising from the outbreak will outstrip even the possibility of massive future giving, let alone a possible drop in giving if a recession takes hold.

“Even if we get this virus under control, there will be several months of recovery for many people,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. “Business will have closed, many families will have exhausted every reserve.”

Among the major charities bracing for future challenges is the Salvation Army, which says it annually receives about $2 billion in public support to serve about 23 million people living in poverty.

“We expect that service number to rise exponentially in the coming months," requiring "tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars to support our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Dale Bannon, the faith-based organization’s community relations and development secretary.”

He said the Salvation Army, like many other charities, has been forced to cancel numerous fundraising events because of the outbreak. It is now focusing on online fundraising operations.

Canceled blood drives have been devastating to the American Red Cross, which provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

In a statement Wednesday, the organization estimated that there have been 86,000 fewer blood donations in recent weeks because of the wave of blood drive cancellations at workplaces, colleges and other venues as people were told to work or study from home and practice social distancing.

Patients being treated in hospitals for the coronavirus do not generally need blood transfusions, but the worsening blood shortage could affect surgery and cancer patients and victims of car accidents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583346468616.jpeg" alt="The pandemic stopped the annual Girl Scout cookie sale. Above is Alliance, NE councilwomen Annora Bentley with Girl Scouts in Box Butte County.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The pandemic stopped the annual Girl Scout cookie sale. Above is Alliance, NE councilwomen Annora Bentley with Girl Scouts in Box Butte County.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP)— With its global scope and its staying power, the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;outbreak poses unprecedented challenges for charities and nonprofit groups that rely on donations.The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to the cancellation of nearly 2,700 blood drives. The Girl Scouts' annual cookie sale — vital to the group's finances — has been disrupted by a top-level plea to halt in-person sales.And a 21-member coalition of major nonprofits is pleading with Congress to allocate $60 billion so charities can keep their staff on the job and ramp up assistance programs.The CEO of one of those groups, Brian Gallagher of United Way Worldwide, has worked with the charity since 1981, engaging in its response to the 9/11 attacks, the Ebola threat, Hurricane Katrina and other disasters.He said the COVID-19 outbreak has no parallel: "It's as if a natural disaster is hitting in slow motion just about every country on Earth."Already, foundations and other major donors have contributed more than $1.9 billion to combat the outbreak, according to Candid, a New York-based nonprofit that tracks philanthropic giving.The overall total, including donations from individuals, is surely far higher. Yet nonprofit leaders fear that the needs arising from the outbreak will outstrip even the possibility of massive future giving, let alone a possible drop in giving if a recession takes hold.“Even if we get this virus under control, there will be several months of recovery for many people,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. “Business will have closed, many families will have exhausted every reserve.”Among the major charities bracing for future challenges is the Salvation Army, which says it annually receives about $2 billion in public support to serve about 23 million people living in poverty.“We expect that service number to rise exponentially in the coming months," requiring "tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars to support our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Dale Bannon, the faith-based organization’s community relations and development secretary.”He said the Salvation Army, like many other charities, has been forced to cancel numerous fundraising events because of the outbreak. It is now focusing on online fundraising operations.Canceled blood drives have been devastating to the American Red Cross, which provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.In a statement Wednesday, the organization estimated that there have been 86,000 fewer blood donations in recent weeks because of the wave of blood drive cancellations at workplaces, colleges and other venues as people were told to work or study from home and practice social distancing.Patients being treated in hospitals for the coronavirus do not generally need blood transfusions, but the worsening blood shortage could affect surgery and cancer patients and victims of car accidents.Anticipating that blood drive cancellations will continue, the Red Cross pleaded for potential donors to support drives that do take place or for donors to visit its blood-donation facilities.The group outlined additional safety precautions being taken, including checking the temperature of staff and donors before they enter locations and requiring staff to change gloves each time they interact with a different donor.For the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/alerts/GirlScouts" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of the USA</a>, calling for a halt to in-person cookie sales was momentous, given that the sales net roughly $800 million annually and are the core of the organization’s fundraising.Girls who had been selling cookies at booths outside stores and other locations were asked to focus on online sales instead.“The risk of interaction with large crowds is just too great,” said the Girl Scouts’ CEO, Sylvia Acevedo.The Girl Scouts are asking their corporate supporters to consider making bulk cookie purchases. A spokeswoman, Valerie Geiss, said it would be several months before the financial outcome of the sales campaign is known.Many local Girl Scout gatherings across the country have been suspended, though some units are meeting online. The Washington-based Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital said it will be hosting more than 40 “virtual troop meetings” next week, potentially serving about 5,000 girls.The Girl Scouts were among the 21 nonprofits appealing to congress on Thursday for the $60 billion infusion of support for charitable organizations.Their appeal said America’s charities employ 12 million workers, many of them working on the front lines of the coronavirus response.“The financial impact of the crisis has put the very survival of many essential service providers at risk,” said Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Charities are our society’s shock absorber when crisis hits.”At the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, McIlreavy says there has been a surge of requests from would-be donors seeking guidance on how to give effectively in response to the pandemic.‘‘Folks just want to know the money is going somewhere where it's actually going to help someone,” she said.Her center urges donors to be wary of misinformation and do thorough research of charities before making gifts. It identifies key areas that could interest donors: urgent medical response needs, long-term medical research and assistance to vulnerable people in the U.S. or abroad.For most people, the coronavirus 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.For the United Way, a current priority is to strengthen and expand the 211 network that helps people who call the number to connect with providers of urgently needed social services.Gallagher said 211 specialists have answered about 12 million requests annually, and he predicts there will be an additional 200,000 calls per day in coming weeks because of the outbreak.Looking broadly, Gallagher believes there will be a surge in charitable giving for the next few months, and then a downturn as a weak economy takes a toll.Big charities like United Way will get through it, Gallagher said. “The smaller nonprofits — houses of worship, soup kitchens — they will struggle."