TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has created the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force to protect Kansas’ digital infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.

C<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.jZfWPIV1C5b8ixunvl-6qNGILeyutZBl5gmtUe0HhQU/s/1303160919/br/109252810330-l" target="_blank">lick here to view E.O. #21-25&nbsp;</a>

The bipartisan task force is charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address potential cybercrime, and protect essential services that Kansans and businesses depend on, according to a media release from the governor's office.

“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services,&nbsp;and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”

The Task Force’s specific duties are as follows:

The group must submit an initial report to the Governor within the next 90 days, detailing recommendations and proposals for the Task Force’s work. A comprehensive report and recommendations are due to the Governor by December 5, 2021.

The members of the Cybersecurity Task Force are:

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly has created the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force to protect Kansas’ digital infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.C<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.jZfWPIV1C5b8ixunvl-6qNGILeyutZBl5gmtUe0HhQU/s/1303160919/br/109252810330-l" target="_blank">lick here to view E.O. #21-25&nbsp;</a>The bipartisan task force is charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address potential cybercrime, and protect essential services that Kansans and businesses depend on, according to a media release from the governor's office.“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services,&nbsp;and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”The Task Force’s specific duties are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Facilitate cross-industry and cross-government collaboration to share best practices and mitigate cybersecurity risks related to critical infrastructure and protected systems;</li><li>Identify opportunities to improve the overall cyber security posture across all levels of government within Kansas;</li><li>Identify partnerships and avenues to maximize and leverage existing cybersecurity resources within the state;</li><li>Develop a framework for coordinated information sharing, response, simulation, testing, and mutual assistance between the government and private sectors;</li><li>Develop a coordinated and collaborative State of Kansas Cyber Response Plan;</li><li>Recommend appropriate and cost-effective safeguards to reduce, eliminate, or recover from identified threats to data;</li><li>Recommend resources and possible methods to accomplish the recommendations identified above.</li>
 </ul>The group must submit an initial report to the Governor within the next 90 days, detailing recommendations and proposals for the Task Force’s work. A comprehensive report and recommendations are due to the Governor by December 5, 2021.The members of the Cybersecurity Task Force are:<ul>
 <li>State Chief Information Technology Officer or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Secretary Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace</li><li>State Chief Information Security Officer or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Jeff Maxon, Topeka</li><li>The Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Col. David Hewlett, Wichita</li><li>The Attorney General or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Jay Emler, Lindsborg</li><li>The Secretary of State or designee (ex-officio):&nbsp;Kevin Comstock, Topeka</li><li>Representative from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management:&nbsp;Jonathan York, Topeka</li><li>Director of Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (ex-officio):&nbsp;David Marshall, Topeka</li><li>Director of the Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center (ex-officio):&nbsp;William (Bill) Glynn, Topeka</li><li>Representative from a municipal governments:&nbsp;Mike Mayta, Wichita</li><li>Representative from the Regents institution:&nbsp;John Godfrey, Shawnee</li><li>Representative from critical infrastructure:&nbsp;Charles King, Overland Park</li><li>Representative from critical infrastructure:&nbsp;John Berghuis, Salina</li><li>Representative from the joint committee on Information Technology:&nbsp;Representative Kyle Hoffman, Coldwater</li><li>Representative from the joint committee on Information Technology:&nbsp;Senator Jeff Pittman, Leavenworth</li><li>Representative of county governments:&nbsp;Doug Peters, (Garden City, Finney County)</li>
 </ul>

Gov. has plan for protecting state's digital infrastructure 

PAWNEE COUNTY —John Freeman Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) the morning of June 30 and remains at large.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Pawnee County Local Emergency Preparedness Committee received an update from Sheriff Scott King regarding the basic timeline of Colt's escape, according to a media release from the&nbsp; Pawnee County Attorney's office.

This timeline included a nearly 5 1/2 hour delay between Colt leaving the facility and law enforcement first being notified. Colt walked out of the building at approximately 7:08 a.m. by disguising himself as hospital staff. He was last seen on private security cameras walking south in the 1300 block on Broadway, Larned, Kansas at approximately 11:20 a.m. on June 30, 2021. The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department was not notified of the escape until 12:47 p.m. At that same time LSH activated their notification system for area residence.

Officials from LSH and KDADS were in attendance to answer questions and explain changes made since the escape to prevent this from happening in the future.

Sheriff King, along with the assisting law enforcement agencies, also advised those in attendance as to the efforts law enforcement have made to date, the importance of timely notification and his frustration in getting timely access to video and documentation. Those concerns included an inquiry by KDADS legal department as to the need to obtain a HIPAA related protective order.

"I have full confidence in the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and the assisting law enforcement agencies to pursue all legal means at their disposal to locate and apprehend the escaped violent sexual predator, John Freeman Colt. To that end, on July 6th Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King made the decision a search warrant was necessary to expedite the securing of critical evidence related to the investigation. 

As Sheriff King so passionately express Tuesday, law enforcement should at the very least expect KDADS, the agency actually responsible for the escape and delayed reporting, to show the same level of urgency as the investigators tasked with capturing him. 

For the administration in Topeka to inquire at this point about a need for an order to protect “health information” illustrates a total lack of the sense of priorities. The 5 ½ hour delay between the actual escape and the first notification to law enforcement resulted in the loss of their best window of opportunity to capture the escapee. Each minute hereafter potentially places the public in greater danger."

If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of John Freeman Colt, they should contact law enforcement immediately. Do not approach this individual as he is considered dangerous.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626191603052.jpeg" alt="John Freeman Colt-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>John Freeman Colt-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —John Freeman Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment Program on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) the morning of June 30 and remains at large.&nbsp;On Tuesday, the Pawnee County Local Emergency Preparedness Committee received an update from Sheriff Scott King regarding the basic timeline of Colt's escape, according to a media release from the&nbsp; Pawnee County Attorney's office.This timeline included a nearly 5 1/2 hour delay between Colt leaving the facility and law enforcement first being notified. Colt walked out of the building at approximately 7:08 a.m. by disguising himself as hospital staff. He was last seen on private security cameras walking south in the 1300 block on Broadway, Larned, Kansas at approximately 11:20 a.m. on June 30, 2021. The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department was not notified of the escape until 12:47 p.m. At that same time LSH activated their notification system for area residence.Officials from LSH and KDADS were in attendance to answer questions and explain changes made since the escape to prevent this from happening in the future.Sheriff King, along with the assisting law enforcement agencies, also advised those in attendance as to the efforts law enforcement have made to date, the importance of timely notification and his frustration in getting timely access to video and documentation. Those concerns included an inquiry by KDADS legal department as to the need to obtain a HIPAA related protective order."I have full confidence in the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and the assisting law enforcement agencies to pursue all legal means at their disposal to locate and apprehend the escaped violent sexual predator, John Freeman Colt. To that end, on July 6th Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King made the decision a search warrant was necessary to expedite the securing of critical evidence related to the investigation. As Sheriff King so passionately express Tuesday, law enforcement should at the very least expect KDADS, the agency actually responsible for the escape and delayed reporting, to show the same level of urgency as the investigators tasked with capturing him. For the administration in Topeka to inquire at this point about a need for an order to protect “health information” illustrates a total lack of the sense of priorities. The 5 ½ hour delay between the actual escape and the first notification to law enforcement resulted in the loss of their best window of opportunity to capture the escapee. Each minute hereafter potentially places the public in greater danger."If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of John Freeman Colt, they should contact law enforcement immediately. Do not approach this individual as he is considered dangerous.

Sheriff updates search for Kan. felon from sexual predator program

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and JOSH FUNK, Associated Press

The COVID-19 curve in the U.S. is rising again after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings.

Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data. And all but two states — Maine and South Dakota — reported that case numbers have gone up over the past two weeks.

“It is certainly no coincidence that we are looking at exactly the time that we would expect cases to be occurring after the July Fourth weekend," said Dr. Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis.

At the same time, parts of the country are running up against deep vaccine resistance, while the highly contagious mutant version of the coronavirus that was first detected in India is accounting for an ever-larger share of infections.

Nationally, 55.6% of all Americans have received at least one COVID-19 shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The five states with the biggest two-week jump in cases per capita all had lower vaccination rates: Missouri, 45.9%; Arkansas, 43%; Nevada, 50.9%; Louisiana, 39.2%; and Utah, 49.5%.

Even with the latest surge, cases in the U.S. are nowhere near their peak of a quarter-million per day in January. And deaths are running at under 260 per day on average after topping out at more than 3,400 over the winter — a testament to how effectively the vaccine can prevent serious illness and death in those who happen to become infected.

Still, amid the rise, health authorities in places such as Los Angeles County and St. Louis are begging even immunized people to resume wearing masks in public. And Chicago officials announced Tuesday that unvaccinated travelers from Missouri and Arkansas must either quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test.

Meanwhile, the Health Department in Mississippi, which ranks dead last nationally for vaccinations, began blocking posts about COVID-19 on its Facebook page because of a “rise of misinformation” about the virus and the vaccine.

Mississippi officials are also recommending that people 65 and older and those with chronic underlying conditions stay away from large indoor gatherings because of a 150% rise in hospitalizations over the past three weeks.

In Louisiana, which also has one of the nation's lowest vaccination rates, officials in the city of New Orleans said Tuesday that they are likely to extend until fall virus-mitigation efforts currently in place at large sporting and entertainment gatherings, including mask mandates or requirements that attendees be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test. State health officials said cases of the coronavirus are surging, largely among nonvaccinated people.

But the political will may not be there in many states fatigued by months of restrictions.

In Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing a drive to repeal a law that she used to set major restrictions during the early stages of the pandemic.

And Republican Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama pushed back against the idea that the state might need to reimpose preventive measures as vaccinations lag and hospitalizations rise.

“Alabama is OPEN for business. Vaccines are readily available, and I encourage folks to get one. The state of emergency and health orders have expired. We are moving forward,” she said on social media.

Dr. James Lawler, a leader of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, said bringing back masks and limiting gatherings would help. But he acknowledged that most of the places seeing higher rates of the virus “are exactly the areas of the country that don’t want to do any of these things.”

Lawler warned that what is happening in Britain is a preview of what's to come in the U.S.

“The descriptions from regions of the world where the delta variant has taken hold and become the predominant virus are pictures of ICUs full of 30-year-olds. That’s what the critical care doctors describe and that’s what’s coming to the U.S.," he said.

He added: “I think people have no clue what’s about to hit us.”

President Joe Biden is putting a dose of star power behind the administration’s efforts to get young people vaccinated. Eighteen-year-old actress, singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will meet with Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday.

While the administration has had success vaccinating older Americans, young adults have shown less urgency to get the shots.

Some, at least, are heeding the call in Missouri after weeks of begging, said Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Hospital Springfield. He tweeted that the number of people getting immunized at its vaccine clinic has jumped from 150 to 250 daily.

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and JOSH FUNK, Associated PressThe COVID-19 curve in the U.S. is rising again after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings.Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data. And all but two states — Maine and South Dakota — reported that case numbers have gone up over the past two weeks.“It is certainly no coincidence that we are looking at exactly the time that we would expect cases to be occurring after the July Fourth weekend," said Dr. Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis.At the same time, parts of the country are running up against deep vaccine resistance, while the highly contagious mutant version of the coronavirus that was first detected in India is accounting for an ever-larger share of infections.Nationally, 55.6% of all Americans have received at least one COVID-19 shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The five states with the biggest two-week jump in cases per capita all had lower vaccination rates: Missouri, 45.9%; Arkansas, 43%; Nevada, 50.9%; Louisiana, 39.2%; and Utah, 49.5%.Even with the latest surge, cases in the U.S. are nowhere near their peak of a quarter-million per day in January. And deaths are running at under 260 per day on average after topping out at more than 3,400 over the winter — a testament to how effectively the vaccine can prevent serious illness and death in those who happen to become infected.Still, amid the rise, health authorities in places such as Los Angeles County and St. Louis are begging even immunized people to resume wearing masks in public. And Chicago officials announced Tuesday that unvaccinated travelers from Missouri and Arkansas must either quarantine for 10 days or have a negative COVID-19 test.Meanwhile, the Health Department in Mississippi, which ranks dead last nationally for vaccinations, began blocking posts about COVID-19 on its Facebook page because of a “rise of misinformation” about the virus and the vaccine.Mississippi officials are also recommending that people 65 and older and those with chronic underlying conditions stay away from large indoor gatherings because of a 150% rise in hospitalizations over the past three weeks.In Louisiana, which also has one of the nation's lowest vaccination rates, officials in the city of New Orleans said Tuesday that they are likely to extend until fall virus-mitigation efforts currently in place at large sporting and entertainment gatherings, including mask mandates or requirements that attendees be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test. State health officials said cases of the coronavirus are surging, largely among nonvaccinated people.But the political will may not be there in many states fatigued by months of restrictions.In Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing a drive to repeal a law that she used to set major restrictions during the early stages of the pandemic.And Republican Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama pushed back against the idea that the state might need to reimpose preventive measures as vaccinations lag and hospitalizations rise.“Alabama is OPEN for business. Vaccines are readily available, and I encourage folks to get one. The state of emergency and health orders have expired. We are moving forward,” she said on social media.Dr. James Lawler, a leader of the Global Center for Health Security at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, said bringing back masks and limiting gatherings would help. But he acknowledged that most of the places seeing higher rates of the virus “are exactly the areas of the country that don’t want to do any of these things.”Lawler warned that what is happening in Britain is a preview of what's to come in the U.S.“The descriptions from regions of the world where the delta variant has taken hold and become the predominant virus are pictures of ICUs full of 30-year-olds. That’s what the critical care doctors describe and that’s what’s coming to the U.S.," he said.He added: “I think people have no clue what’s about to hit us.”President Joe Biden is putting a dose of star power behind the administration’s efforts to get young people vaccinated. Eighteen-year-old actress, singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will meet with Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday.While the administration has had success vaccinating older Americans, young adults have shown less urgency to get the shots.Some, at least, are heeding the call in Missouri after weeks of begging, said Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Hospital Springfield. He tweeted that the number of people getting immunized at its vaccine clinic has jumped from 150 to 250 daily.“That gives me hope,” he said.

US COVID-19 cases rising again, doubling over three weeks

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the shooting death of a woman he planned to marry, despite already having a wife and child.

James Addie, of Sante Fe, Missouri, was sentenced Monday in Cole County Circuit Court for the 2018 death of his fiancé, 35-year-old Molly Watson, station KOMU&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/monroe-county-man-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-fianc-es-death/article_41f72164-e32a-11eb-9819-d7dc4d7ba9a7.html">reported</a>. Addie had faced a possible death sentence.

Addie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-shootings-5fe10dbb904be7937289be5c0cfb0179">convicted earlier this year</a>&nbsp;of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the case.

Watson’s body was found in April 2018 along a gravel road in southern Monroe County. Prosecutors said Addie and Watson had a seven-year affair and planned to marry the month she was killed. But Addie was still married to his wife of 23 years, Melanie Addie, at the time.

At Monday's sentencing hearing, Addie asked the judge for a new trial, arguing that his attorney did not present all the evidence available in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619777775352.png" alt="Addie photo Cole Co." />
 <figcaption>Addie photo Cole Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the shooting death of a woman he planned to marry, despite already having a wife and child.James Addie, of Sante Fe, Missouri, was sentenced Monday in Cole County Circuit Court for the 2018 death of his fiancé, 35-year-old Molly Watson, station KOMU&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/monroe-county-man-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-fianc-es-death/article_41f72164-e32a-11eb-9819-d7dc4d7ba9a7.html">reported</a>. Addie had faced a possible death sentence.Addie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-shootings-5fe10dbb904be7937289be5c0cfb0179">convicted earlier this year</a>&nbsp;of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the case.Watson’s body was found in April 2018 along a gravel road in southern Monroe County. Prosecutors said Addie and Watson had a seven-year affair and planned to marry the month she was killed. But Addie was still married to his wife of 23 years, Melanie Addie, at the time.At Monday's sentencing hearing, Addie asked the judge for a new trial, arguing that his attorney did not present all the evidence available in the case.

Man married to another woman sentenced for killing fiancee

MCPHERSON – A Kentucky man pleaded guilty to a securities fraud charge and agreed to pay $25,000 in restitution to a McPherson County victim, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Bryan Scott Hurt, 52, of Glasgow, Ky., pleaded guilty last week in McPherson County District Court to one count of securities fraud. The plea was accepted by McPherson County District Judge John Klenda. Sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.

An investigation by the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner determined that Hurt’s company solicited a $25,000 investment in an oil and gas lease between December 2014 and January 2015 from a McPherson County resident. Investigators determined that Hurt diverted the investment for personal use and to pay other, unrelated investors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626203292725.png" alt="Hurt-photo McPherson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hurt-photo McPherson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON – A Kentucky man pleaded guilty to a securities fraud charge and agreed to pay $25,000 in restitution to a McPherson County victim, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Bryan Scott Hurt, 52, of Glasgow, Ky., pleaded guilty last week in McPherson County District Court to one count of securities fraud. The plea was accepted by McPherson County District Judge John Klenda. Sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 16 at 3 p.m.An investigation by the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner determined that Hurt’s company solicited a $25,000 investment in an oil and gas lease between December 2014 and January 2015 from a McPherson County resident. Investigators determined that Hurt diverted the investment for personal use and to pay other, unrelated investors.

Man admits to $25K oil, gas lease fraud in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Prices for U.S. consumers jumped in June by the most in 13 years, evidence that a swift rebound in spending has run up against widespread supply shortages that have escalated the costs of many goods and services.

Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">report from the Labor Department</a>&nbsp;showed that consumer prices in June rose 0.9% from May and 5.4% over the past year — the sharpest 12-month inflation spike since August 2008. Excluding volatile oil and gas prices, so-called core inflation rose 4.5% in the past year, the largest increase since November 1991.

The pickup in inflation, which has coincided with the economy’s rapid recovery from the pandemic recession, will likely intensify a debate at the Federal Reserve and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-business-government-and-politics-2c2d811df7e2b07dd927778fb7944c3a">between the Biden administration and congressional Republicans&nbsp;</a>about how persistent the accelerating price increases will prove to be.

The Fed and the White House have made clear their belief that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-6e7c813472a3eb706e0cdafe305c1477">current bout of inflation will prove temporary</a>. As supply chain bottlenecks are resolved and the economy returns to normal, they suggest, the price spikes for such items as used cars, hotel rooms and clothing will fade. Some economists, along with Wall Street investors, have indicated that they agree.

“The headline inflation numbers have been eye-popping in recent months, but underlying inflation remains under control,” said Gus Faucher, an economist at PNC Financial Services. “Once again a few categories — used vehicles, airfares, rental cars, hotels — are experiencing huge price gains because of the recovery from the pandemic.”

Still, continued higher inflation does raise the prospect that the Fed could decide to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-380a7fc237023194d94af689f13a5ef7">act earlier than expected&nbsp;</a>to pull back on its ultra-low interest rate policies, which have been intended to support more borrowing and spending. If so, that would risk weakening the economy and potentially derailing the recovery.

For now, price increases are running ahead of the wage gains that have kicked in this year, which means the financial burdens on millions of households have grown more difficult. Average hourly earnings increased 3.6% in June compared with a year earlier, normally a solid gain, but far less than current inflation.

Lower-income workers are also hardest hit by rising food prices, which rose 0.8% in June, and gas costs, which rose 2.5% last month and 45% from a year ago.

One reason why year-over-year inflation readings are now so high is that the most recent prices are being measured against the sharp price declines that followed the eruption of the pandemic in March of last year. That statistical distortion began to fade in June and will no longer be a factor when July’s year-over-year inflation figures are released next month.

Looking past those distortions, prices are rising faster than they did before the pandemic but not as much as the recent monthly numbers suggest. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, noted that compared with June 2019, inflation has risen at about a 3% annual pace over the past two years. That is up from a 2.6% annual inflation pace from May 2019 to May 2021.

In addition, some ongoing price spikes could fade soon. Hotel room prices surged 7% in June alone and 15.1% in the past year, the most on records dating to the 1950s. But that surge has merely returned hotel prices to pre-pandemic levels and so may not persist.

Airline fares, which jumped 2.7% last month, have skyrocketed nearly 25% compared with a year ago. Yet airline ticket prices are still below pre-COVID levels.

Prices for used cars are far above where they were before the pandemic and soared 10.5% last month alone — the largest such monthly increase on record. That spike accounted for about one-third of the monthly increase in consumer prices for a third straight month.

Used cars have become vastly more expensive largely because semiconductor shortages have cut production of new cars, thereby leading more buyers to the used car lots. And many rental car companies sold portions of their fleets during the pandemic to raise cash and are now desperately buying up used cars to replenish their supply.

The shortage of rental cars combined with greater demand has elevated vehicle rental prices by an astounding 90% in the past year.

The surge in used car prices, though, isn’t likely to last. Prices are starting to drop at wholesale auctions where dealers buy vehicles, and used vehicle demand may be slowing.

David Kelleher, who runs a Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) dealership in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia, has observed that fewer of his customers are seeking used vehicles.

“I think the word got out that it was a tough time to buy a used car,” Kelleher said.

Kelleher, who has now cut prices on the roughly 150 used vehicles he has in stock, says other dealers are reporting the same conditions, and he expects customers to return once the price declines take full effect. Still, supplies of new vehicles remain tight and prices high, a trend that could sustain customer demand for used vehicles.

More broadly, other trends are keeping consumer prices high: Restaurant prices rose 0.7% last month and 4.2% over the past year, a sign that many companies are raising prices to offset higher labor costs.

The cost of household furniture increased 0.7% from May to June and 8.6% compared with a year ago, as more Americans have upgraded their homes after spending more time there during the pandemic. Mohawk Industries, which makes carpets and tiles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floordaily.net/floorfocus/engineered-floors-mohawk-announce-price-increase" target="_blank">has said it will raise prices</a>&nbsp;6% to 10% — its third price hike of the year — to cover higher costs for raw material, labor and shipping.

The spice maker McCormick &amp; Co. said it plans to raise prices to offset higher raw materials costs. Likewise, Conagra has said inflationary pressures have reduced its profits. The company, which makes everything from Duncan Hines to Pam cooking spray, has said it will raise prices to offset some of those costs. PepsiCo, too, said it will likely raise prices for its drinks and Frito-Lay snacks after Labor Day.

So far, investors have largely accepted the Fed’s belief that higher inflation will be short-lived, with bond yields signaling that inflation concerns on Wall Street are fading. Bond investors now expect inflation to average 2.4% over the next five years, down from 2.7% in mid-May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626210690024.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Prices for U.S. consumers jumped in June by the most in 13 years, evidence that a swift rebound in spending has run up against widespread supply shortages that have escalated the costs of many goods and services.Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">report from the Labor Department</a>&nbsp;showed that consumer prices in June rose 0.9% from May and 5.4% over the past year — the sharpest 12-month inflation spike since August 2008. Excluding volatile oil and gas prices, so-called core inflation rose 4.5% in the past year, the largest increase since November 1991.The pickup in inflation, which has coincided with the economy’s rapid recovery from the pandemic recession, will likely intensify a debate at the Federal Reserve and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-business-government-and-politics-2c2d811df7e2b07dd927778fb7944c3a">between the Biden administration and congressional Republicans&nbsp;</a>about how persistent the accelerating price increases will prove to be.The Fed and the White House have made clear their belief that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-6e7c813472a3eb706e0cdafe305c1477">current bout of inflation will prove temporary</a>. As supply chain bottlenecks are resolved and the economy returns to normal, they suggest, the price spikes for such items as used cars, hotel rooms and clothing will fade. Some economists, along with Wall Street investors, have indicated that they agree.“The headline inflation numbers have been eye-popping in recent months, but underlying inflation remains under control,” said Gus Faucher, an economist at PNC Financial Services. “Once again a few categories — used vehicles, airfares, rental cars, hotels — are experiencing huge price gains because of the recovery from the pandemic.”Still, continued higher inflation does raise the prospect that the Fed could decide to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-coronavirus-pandemic-business-380a7fc237023194d94af689f13a5ef7">act earlier than expected&nbsp;</a>to pull back on its ultra-low interest rate policies, which have been intended to support more borrowing and spending. If so, that would risk weakening the economy and potentially derailing the recovery.For now, price increases are running ahead of the wage gains that have kicked in this year, which means the financial burdens on millions of households have grown more difficult. Average hourly earnings increased 3.6% in June compared with a year earlier, normally a solid gain, but far less than current inflation.Lower-income workers are also hardest hit by rising food prices, which rose 0.8% in June, and gas costs, which rose 2.5% last month and 45% from a year ago.One reason why year-over-year inflation readings are now so high is that the most recent prices are being measured against the sharp price declines that followed the eruption of the pandemic in March of last year. That statistical distortion began to fade in June and will no longer be a factor when July’s year-over-year inflation figures are released next month.Looking past those distortions, prices are rising faster than they did before the pandemic but not as much as the recent monthly numbers suggest. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, noted that compared with June 2019, inflation has risen at about a 3% annual pace over the past two years. That is up from a 2.6% annual inflation pace from May 2019 to May 2021.In addition, some ongoing price spikes could fade soon. Hotel room prices surged 7% in June alone and 15.1% in the past year, the most on records dating to the 1950s. But that surge has merely returned hotel prices to pre-pandemic levels and so may not persist.Airline fares, which jumped 2.7% last month, have skyrocketed nearly 25% compared with a year ago. Yet airline ticket prices are still below pre-COVID levels.Prices for used cars are far above where they were before the pandemic and soared 10.5% last month alone — the largest such monthly increase on record. That spike accounted for about one-third of the monthly increase in consumer prices for a third straight month.Used cars have become vastly more expensive largely because semiconductor shortages have cut production of new cars, thereby leading more buyers to the used car lots. And many rental car companies sold portions of their fleets during the pandemic to raise cash and are now desperately buying up used cars to replenish their supply.The shortage of rental cars combined with greater demand has elevated vehicle rental prices by an astounding 90% in the past year.The surge in used car prices, though, isn’t likely to last. Prices are starting to drop at wholesale auctions where dealers buy vehicles, and used vehicle demand may be slowing.David Kelleher, who runs a Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) dealership in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia, has observed that fewer of his customers are seeking used vehicles.“I think the word got out that it was a tough time to buy a used car,” Kelleher said.Kelleher, who has now cut prices on the roughly 150 used vehicles he has in stock, says other dealers are reporting the same conditions, and he expects customers to return once the price declines take full effect. Still, supplies of new vehicles remain tight and prices high, a trend that could sustain customer demand for used vehicles.More broadly, other trends are keeping consumer prices high: Restaurant prices rose 0.7% last month and 4.2% over the past year, a sign that many companies are raising prices to offset higher labor costs.The cost of household furniture increased 0.7% from May to June and 8.6% compared with a year ago, as more Americans have upgraded their homes after spending more time there during the pandemic. Mohawk Industries, which makes carpets and tiles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floordaily.net/floorfocus/engineered-floors-mohawk-announce-price-increase" target="_blank">has said it will raise prices</a>&nbsp;6% to 10% — its third price hike of the year — to cover higher costs for raw material, labor and shipping.The spice maker McCormick &amp; Co. said it plans to raise prices to offset higher raw materials costs. Likewise, Conagra has said inflationary pressures have reduced its profits. The company, which makes everything from Duncan Hines to Pam cooking spray, has said it will raise prices to offset some of those costs. PepsiCo, too, said it will likely raise prices for its drinks and Frito-Lay snacks after Labor Day.So far, investors have largely accepted the Fed’s belief that higher inflation will be short-lived, with bond yields signaling that inflation concerns on Wall Street are fading. Bond investors now expect inflation to average 2.4% over the next five years, down from 2.7% in mid-May.

US consumer prices surge in June, the most  in 13-years

HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal&nbsp; shooting of a 14-year-old Hesston girl&nbsp;filed formal charges in the case, according to the Harvey County Attorney’s Office.

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, the Newton Police Department responded to an incident at a home in the 900 block of S. Walnut Street in Newton where a group of teens were hanging out, according to a media release from police.

Police found a 14-year-old girl injured with a gunshot wound. First responders provided medical treatment, but the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday morning, police took a 16-year-old boy into custody at his home.&nbsp; Prosecutors charged him with one count each of alleged first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and criminal threat.

The names of the individuals involved are not being released by the Attorney’s Office due to the ages of the suspect and victim.

HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old Hesston girl and have a juvenile suspect in custody.

Just before 10 p.m. Sunday, the suspect identified as a 16-year-old boy arrived at a house in the 900 block of South Walnut in Newton where a group of teens were hanging out, according to a media release from police.

Witnesses said the boy was visibly intoxicated and was waving around a gun. He pointed the gun at others in the room before fatally shooting the girl.

Witnesses and neighbors attempted to perform CPR and called 911, and the suspect ran from the house.&nbsp; Newton Police arrested the suspect just after 10 a.m. Monday at his house in Newton.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the suspect or the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626213055741.png" alt="According to police, witnesses said the boy was visibly intoxicated and was waving around a gun. He pointed the gun at others in the room before fatally shooting the girl.-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>According to police, witnesses said the boy was visibly intoxicated and was waving around a gun. He pointed the gun at others in the room before fatally shooting the girl.-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal&nbsp; shooting of a 14-year-old Hesston girl&nbsp;filed formal charges in the case, according to the Harvey County Attorney’s Office.Just before 10p.m. Sunday, the Newton Police Department responded to an incident at a home in the 900 block of S. Walnut Street in Newton where a group of teens were hanging out, according to a media release from police.Police found a 14-year-old girl injured with a gunshot wound. First responders provided medical treatment, but the girl was pronounced dead at the scene.On Monday morning, police took a 16-year-old boy into custody at his home.&nbsp; Prosecutors charged him with one count each of alleged first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and criminal threat.The names of the individuals involved are not being released by the Attorney’s Office due to the ages of the suspect and victim.------------HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old Hesston girl and have a juvenile suspect in custody.Just before 10 p.m. Sunday, the suspect identified as a 16-year-old boy arrived at a house in the 900 block of South Walnut in Newton where a group of teens were hanging out, according to a media release from police.Witnesses said the boy was visibly intoxicated and was waving around a gun. He pointed the gun at others in the room before fatally shooting the girl.Witnesses and neighbors attempted to perform CPR and called 911, and the suspect ran from the house.&nbsp; Newton Police arrested the suspect just after 10 a.m. Monday at his house in Newton.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the suspect or the victim.

Boy charged in shooting death of 14-year-old girl in Newton

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Family members and police are at odds over the shooting death of a Black gay man in Kansas City with family members saying they think he was shot because he was gay and police saying there’s no evidence to support that.

De’Angelo Wallace, 28, was killed downtown early on July 5. A suspect was arrested the same day and was later released.

Wallace’s family members held a news conference last week to draw attention to the case and said Wallace had been targeted and threatened in recent weeks because of his sexuality. Police suggest the shooting stemmed from an argument.

“There is absolutely no indication whatsoever this was related to a hate crime,” Sgt. Jake Becchina, a police spokesman, wrote in an email in response to questions from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article252659468.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star</a>.

Justice Horn, vice chair of the city government’s LGBTQ Commission, appeared with the family at the news conference, describing what he called a track record of Black LGBTQ people in the city being targeted, threatened or killed.

Horn said he had no trust in the Kansas City Police Department when it comes to determining whether Wallace’s death was motivated by hate.

“They do not have a good record when it comes to interacting with like LGBT individuals, so I frankly don’t want to hear from them,” Horn said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626210154779.png" alt="Investigators on the scene after De’Angelo Wallace, 28, was killed downtown early on July 5. A suspect was arrested the same day and was later released-photo courtesy KSHB" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene after De’Angelo Wallace, 28, was killed downtown early on July 5. A suspect was arrested the same day and was later released-photo courtesy KSHB</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Family members and police are at odds over the shooting death of a Black gay man in Kansas City with family members saying they think he was shot because he was gay and police saying there’s no evidence to support that.De’Angelo Wallace, 28, was killed downtown early on July 5. A suspect was arrested the same day and was later released.Wallace’s family members held a news conference last week to draw attention to the case and said Wallace had been targeted and threatened in recent weeks because of his sexuality. Police suggest the shooting stemmed from an argument.“There is absolutely no indication whatsoever this was related to a hate crime,” Sgt. Jake Becchina, a police spokesman, wrote in an email in response to questions from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article252659468.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star</a>.Justice Horn, vice chair of the city government’s LGBTQ Commission, appeared with the family at the news conference, describing what he called a track record of Black LGBTQ people in the city being targeted, threatened or killed.Horn said he had no trust in the Kansas City Police Department when it comes to determining whether Wallace’s death was motivated by hate.“They do not have a good record when it comes to interacting with like LGBT individuals, so I frankly don’t want to hear from them,” Horn said.

Family thinks fatal KC shooting was hate crime; police disagree

ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — The Atchison school district will use the Phoenix as its new mascot. The Board of Education voted to select the new mascot on Monday night after months of discussion.

The vote came despite a petition with more than 700 signatures asking the board not to act until gathering more public input. 

The board voted in April to replace the former Native American-themed Redmen mascot for the high school and Braves for the middle school. Board members said the Phoenix is a neutral symbol, and they wanted to make the choice before the school year started.

ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) — The Atchison school district will use the Phoenix as its new mascot. The Board of Education voted to select the new mascot on Monday night after months of discussion.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1eXEvGNa34A?start=1902" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The vote came despite a petition with more than 700 signatures asking the board not to act until gathering more public input. The board voted in April to replace the former Native American-themed Redmen mascot for the high school and Braves for the middle school. Board members said the Phoenix is a neutral symbol, and they wanted to make the choice before the school year started.

🎥  Atchison schools replace Native American mascot

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help to find those involved.

On Sunday, sheriff's deputies responded to the Laclede Baptist Church at 11920 Onaga Road in rural Wamego, with reports of burglary and theft that occurred between 4p.m. July 10 and 10a.m. July 11, according to a media release from the&nbsp;The Pottawatomie Co. Sheriff’s Office.

&nbsp;Suspects entered the church and stole electronic equipment with an estimated value over $1,000.

Anyone with information related to the crime should call Detective Rob Gordon at 785-457-3353 or leave a tip with&nbsp;<a href="https://ptsheriff.com/" target="_blank">CrimeStoppers</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626197169057.png" alt="Laclede Baptist Church -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Laclede Baptist Church -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help to find those involved.On Sunday, sheriff's deputies responded to the Laclede Baptist Church at 11920 Onaga Road in rural Wamego, with reports of burglary and theft that occurred between 4p.m. July 10 and 10a.m. July 11, according to a media release from the&nbsp;The Pottawatomie Co. Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;Suspects entered the church and stole electronic equipment with an estimated value over $1,000.Anyone with information related to the crime should call Detective Rob Gordon at 785-457-3353 or leave a tip with&nbsp;<a href="https://ptsheriff.com/" target="_blank">CrimeStoppers</a>.

Sheriff asks for help with info on rural Kan. church burglary

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The U.S. has seen a string of COVID-19 outbreaks tied to summer camps in recent weeks in places such as Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Illinois and Florida in what some fear could be a preview of the upcoming school year.

In some cases the outbreaks have spread from the camp to the broader community.

The clusters have come as the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. has reversed course, surging more than 60% over the past two weeks from an average of about 12,000 a day to about 19,500, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The rise in many places has been blamed on too many unvaccinated people and the highly contagious delta variant.

Gwen Ford, a 43-year-old science teacher from Adrian, Missouri, was cautiously optimistic when she eyed the dropping case numbers in the spring and signed up her 12-year-old daughter for the West Central Christian Service Camp in Missouri.

But one day after her daughter got home from a week of playing in the camp pool, worshipping with friends and bunking in a dormitory, Ford got an email about an outbreak and then learned that her daughter’s camp buddy was infected.

“And we were like, ’Oh, my gosh. This was someone you were around quite a bit,’” she recalled, adding that her daughter ultimately tested negative. Ford said she definitely plans to get her daughter vaccinated. “It was very nerve-wracking. It kind of seems like we finally felt comfortable and it happened.”

A note posted on the camp’s Facebook page showed that the camp nurse and several faculty and volunteers were among those infected. Staff members at the camp did not return a call for comment.

JoAnn Martin, administrator of the public health agency in surrounding Pettis County, lamented the difficulty in getting people to take the virus seriously and get vaccinated.

“It has been a challenge since the first case,” she said. “You have people who still say it is not real. You have people who say it is a cold. You have people who say what is the big deal. You have people who say it is all a government plot.”

Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious disease specialist, said he isn’t surprised by the outbreaks as camps reopen this year after being closed last summer. He said he had his doubts that some camps “thought through all the implications of camping during COVID.”

Ideally, he said, camps would require vaccinations for adults and for campers who are old enough, and would take other measures such as serving meals in shifts, putting fewer youngsters in the cabins and requiring anyone unvaccinated to wear masks indoors.

In the Houston area, health officials said more than 130 youth and adults tested positive for the virus in cases connected to a church camp attended by several hundred young people.

The pastor of Clear Creek Community Church in League City, Texas, said the outbreak happened in two waves, first at the camp and then when people returned home in late June and spread the virus to their families.

“In some cases, entire families are sick,” pastor Bruce Wesley said on the church’s Facebook page.

In Illinois, health officials said 85 teens and adults at a Christian youth camp in mid-June tested positive, including an unvaccinated young adult who was hospitalized, and some people from the camp attended a nearby conference, leading to 11 additional cases.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said all the campers were eligible for the vaccine, but only “a handful” of campers and staff had received it. The camp didn’t check vaccination status or require people to wear masks indoors, according to the department.

The health department in Leon County, Florida, which includes Tallahassee, tweeted this month that an increase in cases there also was tied in part to summer camp outbreaks.

And in Kansas, about 50 people have been infected in an outbreak linked to a church summer camp held last month not far from Wichita.

Elsewhere the situation is better. The roughly 225 overnight camps and thousands of day camps run by local YMCAs are mostly open this summer, though with slightly reduced capacity, said Paul McEntire, chief operating officer for YMCA of the USA.

McEntire said he is aware of a few cases of Y camps where people tested positive for the virus, but no instances of significant spread. He said many camps are taking precautions such as serving meals in shifts or outside and trying to keep youngsters in separate groups. Most are requiring masks indoors, but he acknowledged it can be a challenge.

“To be frank, there are some parents that didn’t want to send their kids unless they were assured that masking was being used indoors,” he said. “There were others that took the exact opposite viewpoint.”

Ahead of the school year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance last week to say vaccinated teachers and students don’t need to wear masks inside and 3-foot distancing of desks is not necessary for the fully vaccinated.

Summer camp outbreaks “certainly could be a precursor” to what happens when youngsters return to classrooms in the fall, said Dr. Michelle Prickett, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The outcome will depend on vaccination rates and which virus variants are prevalent, she said.

“We just need to be vigilant,” Prickett said.

Schaffner said he thinks schools won’t face similar outbreaks because they tend to be more structured and disciplined than camps and most got used to making adjustments over the past year and a half. But he said the best way to reduce the risk is to get most people vaccinated.

“There are many parts of the country that simply have not grasped this,” he said.

The COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. is authorized for people as young as 12. It could be several months before regulators make a decision on authorizing shots for children younger than that. Studies on youngsters under 12 are still going on.

Ford, the teacher whose daughter narrowly escaped getting COVID-19 at a Missouri summer camp, is worried.

“With the uptick in cases, I am concerned that we won’t be able to go back to normal, and we will have to ask people to mask and stuff,” she said, “and I have a feeling that there is going to be a huge argument.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626184305895.png" alt="Photo courtesy West Central Christian Service Camp" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy West Central Christian Service Camp</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The U.S. has seen a string of COVID-19 outbreaks tied to summer camps in recent weeks in places such as Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Illinois and Florida in what some fear could be a preview of the upcoming school year.In some cases the outbreaks have spread from the camp to the broader community.The clusters have come as the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. has reversed course, surging more than 60% over the past two weeks from an average of about 12,000 a day to about 19,500, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.The rise in many places has been blamed on too many unvaccinated people and the highly contagious delta variant.Gwen Ford, a 43-year-old science teacher from Adrian, Missouri, was cautiously optimistic when she eyed the dropping case numbers in the spring and signed up her 12-year-old daughter for the West Central Christian Service Camp in Missouri.But one day after her daughter got home from a week of playing in the camp pool, worshipping with friends and bunking in a dormitory, Ford got an email about an outbreak and then learned that her daughter’s camp buddy was infected.“And we were like, ’Oh, my gosh. This was someone you were around quite a bit,’” she recalled, adding that her daughter ultimately tested negative. Ford said she definitely plans to get her daughter vaccinated. “It was very nerve-wracking. It kind of seems like we finally felt comfortable and it happened.”A note posted on the camp’s Facebook page showed that the camp nurse and several faculty and volunteers were among those infected. Staff members at the camp did not return a call for comment.JoAnn Martin, administrator of the public health agency in surrounding Pettis County, lamented the difficulty in getting people to take the virus seriously and get vaccinated.“It has been a challenge since the first case,” she said. “You have people who still say it is not real. You have people who say it is a cold. You have people who say what is the big deal. You have people who say it is all a government plot.”Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious disease specialist, said he isn’t surprised by the outbreaks as camps reopen this year after being closed last summer. He said he had his doubts that some camps “thought through all the implications of camping during COVID.”Ideally, he said, camps would require vaccinations for adults and for campers who are old enough, and would take other measures such as serving meals in shifts, putting fewer youngsters in the cabins and requiring anyone unvaccinated to wear masks indoors.In the Houston area, health officials said more than 130 youth and adults tested positive for the virus in cases connected to a church camp attended by several hundred young people.The pastor of Clear Creek Community Church in League City, Texas, said the outbreak happened in two waves, first at the camp and then when people returned home in late June and spread the virus to their families.“In some cases, entire families are sick,” pastor Bruce Wesley said on the church’s Facebook page.In Illinois, health officials said 85 teens and adults at a Christian youth camp in mid-June tested positive, including an unvaccinated young adult who was hospitalized, and some people from the camp attended a nearby conference, leading to 11 additional cases.The Illinois Department of Public Health said all the campers were eligible for the vaccine, but only “a handful” of campers and staff had received it. The camp didn’t check vaccination status or require people to wear masks indoors, according to the department.The health department in Leon County, Florida, which includes Tallahassee, tweeted this month that an increase in cases there also was tied in part to summer camp outbreaks.And in Kansas, about 50 people have been infected in an outbreak linked to a church summer camp held last month not far from Wichita.Elsewhere the situation is better. The roughly 225 overnight camps and thousands of day camps run by local YMCAs are mostly open this summer, though with slightly reduced capacity, said Paul McEntire, chief operating officer for YMCA of the USA.McEntire said he is aware of a few cases of Y camps where people tested positive for the virus, but no instances of significant spread. He said many camps are taking precautions such as serving meals in shifts or outside and trying to keep youngsters in separate groups. Most are requiring masks indoors, but he acknowledged it can be a challenge.“To be frank, there are some parents that didn’t want to send their kids unless they were assured that masking was being used indoors,” he said. “There were others that took the exact opposite viewpoint.”Ahead of the school year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance last week to say vaccinated teachers and students don’t need to wear masks inside and 3-foot distancing of desks is not necessary for the fully vaccinated.Summer camp outbreaks “certainly could be a precursor” to what happens when youngsters return to classrooms in the fall, said Dr. Michelle Prickett, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The outcome will depend on vaccination rates and which virus variants are prevalent, she said.“We just need to be vigilant,” Prickett said.Schaffner said he thinks schools won’t face similar outbreaks because they tend to be more structured and disciplined than camps and most got used to making adjustments over the past year and a half. But he said the best way to reduce the risk is to get most people vaccinated.“There are many parts of the country that simply have not grasped this,” he said.The COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. is authorized for people as young as 12. It could be several months before regulators make a decision on authorizing shots for children younger than that. Studies on youngsters under 12 are still going on.Ford, the teacher whose daughter narrowly escaped getting COVID-19 at a Missouri summer camp, is worried.“With the uptick in cases, I am concerned that we won’t be able to go back to normal, and we will have to ask people to mask and stuff,” she said, “and I have a feeling that there is going to be a huge argument.”

Summer camps hit with COVID outbreaks -- are schools next?

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Law enforcement authorities are investigating two girls, residents at Saint Francis Ministries west of Salina, after a wild ride in an SUV.

Just after 6:30p.m. Monday, a 17-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl who were residents at Saint Francis Ministries, 5097 W. Cloud Street, grabbed a bag of personal items and clothing and ran out the door of one of the facility's buildings, according to Saline County Under Sheriff Brent Melander..&nbsp;

In the bag, the girls located keys to a 2016 Chevrolet Trax belonging to a female employee of Saint Francis Ministries. After the girls were in the SUV and had started it, the owner of the SUV saw the girls and jumped on the hood of the SUV while telling the girls to get out of her vehicle, Melander said.

Instead, the girls drove off the Saint Francis Ministries property and headed west on W. Cloud Street with the owner of the vehicle hanging onto the hood, pleading with the girls to stop, he said.

At some point, the driver slammed on the brakes and the SUV owner fell off. The driver then accelerated, running over the woman, Melander said.

The SUV continued westbound and was later located by an Ellsworth County deputy in the 1400 block of Foster Drive in Ellsworth. The girls were taken into custody without incident, Melander said.

The owner of the SUV was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center with substantial but non-life-threatening injuries, Melander said.

The two girls were arrested on requested charges of Attempted murder in the second degree, Theft of a motor vehicle, Conspiracy, Criminal solicitation and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license

Melander said the girls took turns driving the SUV.

The Trax, valued at $17,000, was returned to Saline County by the Saline County Sheriff's Office, Melander said.

The girls are being held at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostLaw enforcement authorities are investigating two girls, residents at Saint Francis Ministries west of Salina, after a wild ride in an SUV.Just after 6:30p.m. Monday, a 17-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl who were residents at Saint Francis Ministries, 5097 W. Cloud Street, grabbed a bag of personal items and clothing and ran out the door of one of the facility's buildings, according to Saline County Under Sheriff Brent Melander..&nbsp;In the bag, the girls located keys to a 2016 Chevrolet Trax belonging to a female employee of Saint Francis Ministries. After the girls were in the SUV and had started it, the owner of the SUV saw the girls and jumped on the hood of the SUV while telling the girls to get out of her vehicle, Melander said.Instead, the girls drove off the Saint Francis Ministries property and headed west on W. Cloud Street with the owner of the vehicle hanging onto the hood, pleading with the girls to stop, he said.At some point, the driver slammed on the brakes and the SUV owner fell off. The driver then accelerated, running over the woman, Melander said.The SUV continued westbound and was later located by an Ellsworth County deputy in the 1400 block of Foster Drive in Ellsworth. The girls were taken into custody without incident, Melander said.The owner of the SUV was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center with substantial but non-life-threatening injuries, Melander said.The two girls were arrested on requested charges of Attempted murder in the second degree, Theft of a motor vehicle, Conspiracy, Criminal solicitation and operating a motor vehicle without a valid licenseMelander said the girls took turns driving the SUV.The Trax, valued at $17,000, was returned to Saline County by the Saline County Sheriff's Office, Melander said.The girls are being held at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

Sheriff: Kan. teens steal SUV, run over ministry employee

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 6:30 p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.

A 2003 Chevy Avalanche driven by Jade E. Waters, 20, Abilene, was eastbound in the 700 block of&nbsp; 2700 Avenue, according to the Dickinson County Sheriff's office.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and it overturned.

A passenger identified as Cheyenne K. Crocker, 21, Abilene, was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Waters and a second passenger Tyler D. Moreland, 18, Chapman, to Salina Regional Health Center.

The accident remains under investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 6:30 p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.A 2003 Chevy Avalanche driven by Jade E. Waters, 20, Abilene, was eastbound in the 700 block of&nbsp; 2700 Avenue, according to the Dickinson County Sheriff's office.The driver lost control of the vehicle and it overturned.A passenger identified as Cheyenne K. Crocker, 21, Abilene, was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Waters and a second passenger Tyler D. Moreland, 18, Chapman, to Salina Regional Health Center.The accident remains under investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

Kansas woman dies after truck overturns

JUNCTION CITY —Construction of the new high school continues to press towards timely completion to support its opening for the fall semester, according to a statement from USD 475.

 High school classes are now planned to commence on August 25th. All other schools will commence classes as previously scheduled.

Chief Operations Officer David Wild states that recent developments with the loss of city inspectors are a contributing factor to this decision. The two-week start of school delay affords room on the calendar to complete the inspection process without placing undue stress on its city partner. It also affords an opportunity for construction to proceed in key areas without unnecessary acceleration.

“It’s remarkable that Hutton Construction has been able to stay this close to its construction schedule given that the District added approximately $17M in new work, including $3M in the month of June, and in the face of an ongoing pandemic.” Wild added.

Students and staff will safely start school on August 25th while construction on the auditorium, main gym, wrestling, and weight rooms will be completed shortly after Labor Day. Late additions to the project include the orchestra and multi-purpose and fitness rooms which will remain under construction into early October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626183091974.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY —Construction of the new high school continues to press towards timely completion to support its opening for the fall semester, according to a statement from USD 475. High school classes are now planned to commence on August 25th. All other schools will commence classes as previously scheduled.Chief Operations Officer David Wild states that recent developments with the loss of city inspectors are a contributing factor to this decision. The two-week start of school delay affords room on the calendar to complete the inspection process without placing undue stress on its city partner. It also affords an opportunity for construction to proceed in key areas without unnecessary acceleration.“It’s remarkable that Hutton Construction has been able to stay this close to its construction schedule given that the District added approximately $17M in new work, including $3M in the month of June, and in the face of an ongoing pandemic.” Wild added.Students and staff will safely start school on August 25th while construction on the auditorium, main gym, wrestling, and weight rooms will be completed shortly after Labor Day. Late additions to the project include the orchestra and multi-purpose and fitness rooms which will remain under construction into early October.

Lack of inspectors a factor in start of school year at Junction City High

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following an early morning vehicle pursuit in Central Topeka, Shawnee County. 

Just after midnight Monday officers spotted a&nbsp;reported stolen vehicle in the area of SW 29th and Mulvane, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.

Shawnee County Sheriff’s deputies later located the stolen vehicle in the 3700 Block of SW Wanamaker Road where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop. 

The driver of the stolen vehicle later identified a 21-year-old Jedashia Nicole Moreno failed to yield and initiated a vehicle pursuit. 

The pursuit ended in the 1200 Block of SW Polk when deputies performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver. Moreno and a passenger identified as 20-year-old Nathan. Paul Leonard were taken into custody without incident. Topeka Police and KHP assisted with the pursuit.

Moreno remains jailed on requested charges that include felony theft, felony fleeing and attempting to elude, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and other traffic violations as well as a felony warrant through Shawnee County Sheriff's for possession of a stolen firearm and&nbsp; misdemeanor warrants from the city of Topeka.

Leonard is being held for a felony narcotics warrant and city of Topeka misdemeanor warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626092361961.png" alt="Moreno-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Moreno-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects&nbsp;following an early morning vehicle pursuit in Central Topeka, Shawnee County. Just after midnight Monday officers spotted a&nbsp;reported stolen vehicle in the area of SW 29th and Mulvane, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.Shawnee County Sheriff’s deputies later located the stolen vehicle in the 3700 Block of SW Wanamaker Road where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver of the stolen vehicle later identified a 21-year-old Jedashia Nicole Moreno failed to yield and initiated a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended in the 1200 Block of SW Polk when deputies performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver. Moreno and a passenger identified as 20-year-old Nathan. Paul Leonard were taken into custody without incident. Topeka Police and KHP assisted with the pursuit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626092455410.png" alt="Leonard" />
 <figcaption>Leonard</figcaption>
 </figure>Moreno remains jailed on requested charges that include felony theft, felony fleeing and attempting to elude, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and other traffic violations as well as a felony warrant through Shawnee County Sheriff's for possession of a stolen firearm and&nbsp; misdemeanor warrants from the city of Topeka.Leonard is being held for a felony narcotics warrant and city of Topeka misdemeanor warrants.

Kan. deputies use tactical vehicle intervention to end chase

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita police officer who was shot in the line of duty June 19 was released from the hospital and transferred to a rehab facility on Monday, according to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.

"The outpouring of community support for this hero has been overwhelming, and we're very thankful for the progress he's made in his recovery so far," Ramsay wrote on social media.&nbsp;The injured officer is a 5-year-veteran of the Wichita police department. Authorities have not released his name.

Just after 10:15p.m. June 19, police were dispatched to check welfare of a 32-year-0ld woman at a home in the 500 Block of West Carlyle in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Deputy Police Chief Jose Salcido. Officers received information that the woman could be in danger. It was reported she was yelling for help and her 13-year-old daughter was scared.

Upon arrival, the woman told police of physical disturbance between her and her boyfriend identified as 28-year-old Tyler Hodge. She believed he had left.

Hodge's vehicle was at the home and police began checking the home and property to make sure the woman and her daughter were safe.

During their search, offices found Hodge hiding in a shed on the back of the property. He was armed with a rifle and ran toward the officers and fired the rifle multiple times, according to Salcido.

The officers took cover and called other officers to assist. As they arrived, Hodge continued shooting at those officers arriving to assist.&nbsp; One Wichita officer was hit multiple times. The injured officer returned fire and other officers were able to pull him to safety, began life-saving measures, placed him in a police vehicle and transported him to a hospital where he is listed in critical condition but was making improvement on Sunday afternoon, according to Salcido.

Hodge continued shooting at police and moved to the front of the home where an officer shot him.&nbsp; Officers moved the suspect to a safe location and began life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Hodge was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Salcido.

Investigators have determined Hodge fired the rifle 18 times. In addition to the wounded officer, three homes and a patrol vehicle were damaged by the gunfire.&nbsp; Later, investigators found a loaded handgun in the detached shed where Hodge had been hiding, according to Salcido.

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid leave, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings.&nbsp;

The injured officer is a 5-year-veteran of the Wichita police department.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626172583597.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Wichita police officer who was shot in the line of duty June 19 was released from the hospital and transferred to a rehab facility on Monday, according to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fposts%2F10158535635689514&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="518" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>"The outpouring of community support for this hero has been overwhelming, and we're very thankful for the progress he's made in his recovery so far," Ramsay wrote on social media.&nbsp;The injured officer is a 5-year-veteran of the Wichita police department. Authorities have not released his name.------Just after 10:15p.m. June 19, police were dispatched to check welfare of a 32-year-0ld woman at a home in the 500 Block of West Carlyle in Wichita, according to&nbsp;Deputy Police Chief Jose Salcido. Officers received information that the woman could be in danger. It was reported she was yelling for help and her 13-year-old daughter was scared.Upon arrival, the woman told police of physical disturbance between her and her boyfriend identified as 28-year-old Tyler Hodge. She believed he had left.Hodge's vehicle was at the home and police began checking the home and property to make sure the woman and her daughter were safe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624198277511.png" alt="Investigators have determined Hodge fired the rifle 18 times. In addition to the wounded officer, three homes and a patrol vehicle were damaged by the gunfire. Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Investigators have determined Hodge fired the rifle 18 times. In addition to the wounded officer, three homes and a patrol vehicle were damaged by the gunfire. Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>During their search, offices found Hodge hiding in a shed on the back of the property. He was armed with a rifle and ran toward the officers and fired the rifle multiple times, according to Salcido.The officers took cover and called other officers to assist. As they arrived, Hodge continued shooting at those officers arriving to assist.&nbsp; One Wichita officer was hit multiple times. The injured officer returned fire and other officers were able to pull him to safety, began life-saving measures, placed him in a police vehicle and transported him to a hospital where he is listed in critical condition but was making improvement on Sunday afternoon, according to Salcido.Hodge continued shooting at police and moved to the front of the home where an officer shot him.&nbsp; Officers moved the suspect to a safe location and began life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Hodge was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Salcido.Investigators have determined Hodge fired the rifle 18 times. In addition to the wounded officer, three homes and a patrol vehicle were damaged by the gunfire.&nbsp; Later, investigators found a loaded handgun in the detached shed where Hodge had been hiding, according to Salcido.The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid leave, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings.&nbsp;The injured officer is a 5-year-veteran of the Wichita police department.&nbsp;

🎥 Critically wounded Kan.officer moved to rehab hospital

ATLANTA (AP) — Three Democratic U.S. senators from states that have refused to expand Medicaid want the federal government to set up a mirror plan to provide health insurance coverage to people in those states.

Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin introduced the bill Monday, they told The Associated Press. Congressional Democrats are pushing for a coverage expansion in upcoming legislation.

“The single most effective solution to closing our state’s coverage gap is to expand Medicaid,” Warnock said after a June 29 meeting with health care executives. “What we ought to be doing is expanding Medicaid rather than playing games with the health care of Georgia citizens.”

The effort is crucial for Warnock, who seeks reelection in 2022 facing several Republicans eager to defeat him.

People making more than 138% of the federal poverty level are eligible for federal health insurance subsidies through an online marketplace. But as many as 4 million people who make less don't get assistance in a “coverage gap," according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act envisioned states would expand Medicaid programs to cover those people, but many conservative states balked. There are 12 holdouts, while an expansion in Missouri mandated by referendum is in limbo after Republican lawmakers refused to pay for it.

Democrats increasingly say leaving people without coverage is unacceptable. They tried to lure remaining states with two years of extra money for expansion, but none budged. Baldwin said such a refusal is “just wrong."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609933317307.png" alt="Senator Raphael Warnock" />
 <figcaption>Senator Raphael Warnock</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Three Democratic U.S. senators from states that have refused to expand Medicaid want the federal government to set up a mirror plan to provide health insurance coverage to people in those states.Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin introduced the bill Monday, they told The Associated Press. Congressional Democrats are pushing for a coverage expansion in upcoming legislation.“The single most effective solution to closing our state’s coverage gap is to expand Medicaid,” Warnock said after a June 29 meeting with health care executives. “What we ought to be doing is expanding Medicaid rather than playing games with the health care of Georgia citizens.”The effort is crucial for Warnock, who seeks reelection in 2022 facing several Republicans eager to defeat him.People making more than 138% of the federal poverty level are eligible for federal health insurance subsidies through an online marketplace. But as many as 4 million people who make less don't get assistance in a “coverage gap," according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act envisioned states would expand Medicaid programs to cover those people, but many conservative states balked. There are 12 holdouts, while an expansion in Missouri mandated by referendum is in limbo after Republican lawmakers refused to pay for it.Democrats increasingly say leaving people without coverage is unacceptable. They tried to lure remaining states with two years of extra money for expansion, but none budged. Baldwin said such a refusal is “just wrong."“Our legislation will open the door to those who have been shut out and expand access to affordable health care, including preventive care, that people want and need," she said in a statement.The bill would mandate a new health insurance plan that looks just like Medicaid offered to residents in holdout states. President Joe Biden proposed during his campaign to offer a public option through the federal healthcare marketplace. Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas and others introduced a bill June 17 to let local governments create local Medicaid expansions.The Medicaid approach has key advantages, said Jesse Cross-Call, director of state Medicaid strategy with the liberal-leaning Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.The plan would require no premiums and only small copayments, while those costs can be much higher for individuals on the marketplace. People can enroll in Medicaid year-round, while marketplace enrollment is typically only in the fall, or when someone's circumstances change.“The idea is for it to be as close to Medicaid coverage as possible,” Cross-Call said.A new plan could take years to set up, though. Many states use managed care networks to provide Medicaid services, and it's unclear if the federal government would be able to contract with the groups.Sponsors say coverage is already paid for because the original Affordable Care Act included money for all 50 states. States normally shoulder 10% of the cost, but the bill would require no state contributions.The plan also would boost incentives for holdout states to expand on their own. It would raise the federal share of state-federal Medicaid spending by 10 percentage points this coming decade. The current enticement, included in Biden's coronavirus relief bill, is 5 percentage points for two years. Based on Kaiser Family Foundation estimates, that could be worth a cumulative $160 billion to holdout states and Oklahoma, which launched expansion July 1.Republicans, Warnock said in June, are effectively “standing between Georgia voters and their tax dollars that are still being paid to cover Medicaid in other states.”Republicans aren't backing down. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is pursuing a limited expansion that would impose work or education requirements for benefits. It seeks to add 50,000 Georgia residents in its first two years and require everyone to shop for federally subsidized insurance through private agents. The Biden administration is reevaluating previous approval of the plan by the Trump administration, a reversal Kemp says isn't allowed.“The Biden administration has been, in my opinion, trying to throw up roadblocks to our waiver plan that was approved," Kemp recently told AP. “Senator Warnock can hit me all he wants on Medicaid. What he never mentions is ... working on lowering costs for private sector health care. A lot of people don’t want government health care.”Financial incentives could be required to keep other states from dropping Medicaid expansion to avoid current costs. The bill doesn't address that.Warnock spokesperson Meredith Brasher reaffirmed that sponsors want the measure attached to any budget reconciliation measure Democrats use to advance educational and social welfare priorities through the Senate without Republican support.“Recovery legislation presents a unique, historic opportunity to close the gaps in coverage for the millions of people in the Medicaid coverage gap,” wrote more than 60 members of the Congressional Black, Hispanic and Asian Pacific American caucuses on June 16.——