RICE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal home explosion and fire&nbsp; in Lyons have identified the victim as 65-year-old Terry Sawyers, according to Fire Chief Brad Reid.

Just after 11:30p.m. May 27, firefighters responded to the home in the 300 Block of Meadowlark Drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire but not able to enter the home.  Firefighters later located Sawyers who died from injuries.

Sawyers had lived at the location for approximately 10 to 12-years, according to Reid. 

In addition to the Kansas State Fire Marshal, officials from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also investigated, according to Reid.&nbsp; The cause of the explosion is still undetermined. Insurance company officials were at the home on Thursday morning, according to Reid.&nbsp; Officials also have had a difficult time locating relatives.

&nbsp;There was nothing criminal involved in the incident, according to Lyons Police Sgt. Cory Ryan.&nbsp; Results of an autopsy are expected in July.

RICE COUNTY —Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a fatal home explosion and fire in Lyons.&nbsp;

Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a home in the 300 block of Meadowlark Drive, according to Fire Chief&nbsp; Brad Reid.

Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire but not able to enter the home.&nbsp; Firefighers later located the only occupant, a man in his 60s, who died from injuries.

The victim lived at the location for approximately 10 to 12-years, according to Reid. In addition to the Kansas State Fire Marshal, officials from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also investigated, according to Reid.

Authorities have not released the victim's name and were working to contact family, according Reid.

RICE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of fatal home explosion and fire in Lyons.

Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a home in the 300 block of Meadowlark Drive, according to Assistant Fire Chief&nbsp; Brad Hunt.

Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire. The only occupant, a man in his 60s, died from injuries. Authorities have not released his name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622553801326.png" alt="The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal home explosion and fire&nbsp; in Lyons have identified the victim as 65-year-old Terry Sawyers, according to Fire Chief Brad Reid.Just after 11:30p.m. May 27, firefighters responded to the home in the 300 Block of Meadowlark Drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire but not able to enter the home. Firefighters later located Sawyers who died from injuries.Sawyers had lived at the location for approximately 10 to 12-years, according to Reid. In addition to the Kansas State Fire Marshal, officials from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also investigated, according to Reid.&nbsp; The cause of the explosion is still undetermined. Insurance company officials were at the home on Thursday morning, according to Reid.&nbsp; Officials also have had a difficult time locating relatives.&nbsp;There was nothing criminal involved in the incident, according to Lyons Police Sgt. Cory Ryan.&nbsp; Results of an autopsy are expected in July.-------RICE COUNTY —Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a fatal home explosion and fire in Lyons.&nbsp;Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a home in the 300 block of Meadowlark Drive, according to Fire Chief&nbsp; Brad Reid.Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire but not able to enter the home.&nbsp; Firefighers later located the only occupant, a man in his 60s, who died from injuries.The victim lived at the location for approximately 10 to 12-years, according to Reid. In addition to the Kansas State Fire Marshal, officials from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also investigated, according to Reid.Authorities have not released the victim's name and were working to contact family, according Reid.-------RICE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of fatal home explosion and fire in Lyons.Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a home in the 300 block of Meadowlark Drive, according to Assistant Fire Chief&nbsp; Brad Hunt.Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire. The only occupant, a man in his 60s, died from injuries. Authorities have not released his name.

Fire Chief IDs man who died in Kan. home explosion, fire

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri prosecutor on Wednesday said she’s disappointed the state Supreme Court won’t hear the case of a Kansas City man imprisoned for more than 40 years for a triple murder that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-06e726b7ef07be53ba7bdb6088282548">prosecutors say he didn’t commit</a>.

Missouri Supreme Court judges on Tuesday denied 61-year-old Kevin Strickland’s case without providing an explanation.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker in response said her office is “pursuing all avenues of exoneration for Mr. Strickland.” Strickland’s lawyers, including Midwest Innocence Project attorneys, said in a statement that they plan to refile his petition in circuit court.

“This denial is just one more procedural barrier the system throws up in front of innocent people,” they said. “There is no doubt that Mr. Strickland is innocent and every court should have the power to set him free.”

Strickland, who will turn 62 on Monday, was 18 when he was arrested. Prosecutors say the case was “thin from its inception,” resting almost entirely on the dubious identification of a traumatized shooting victim. Prosecutors said they wouldn’t charge Strickland with any crimes if the same case was before them today.

The killings occurred in 1978 when a group of assailants ransacked a Kansas City home. Larry Ingram, 21; John Walker, 20; and Sherrie Black, 22, were fatally shot. Cynthia Douglas, the only eye witness, was wounded but pretended to be dead.

In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article245920830.html" target="_blank">investigation</a>&nbsp;published in September, The Kansas City Star reported that for decades, two men who pleaded guilty in the killings swore Strickland was not with them and two other accomplices during the killings. Douglas later said detectives pressured her into identifying Strickland as the shooter, The Star reported. She tried to recant for years before her death in 2015.

In a letter supporting Strickland’s release, Baker and her chief deputy, Dan Nelson, said the evidence used to convict Strickland as a teenager has since been “eviscerated.”

Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Missouri, Jackson County’s presiding judge, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and members of the team that convicted Strickland four decades ago also now all agree that he deserves to be exonerated.

If Strickland is exonerated, he will have experienced the longest wrongful imprisonment known in Missouri history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620695920927.png" alt="Strickland -photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Strickland -photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri prosecutor on Wednesday said she’s disappointed the state Supreme Court won’t hear the case of a Kansas City man imprisoned for more than 40 years for a triple murder that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-06e726b7ef07be53ba7bdb6088282548">prosecutors say he didn’t commit</a>.Missouri Supreme Court judges on Tuesday denied 61-year-old Kevin Strickland’s case without providing an explanation.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker in response said her office is “pursuing all avenues of exoneration for Mr. Strickland.” Strickland’s lawyers, including Midwest Innocence Project attorneys, said in a statement that they plan to refile his petition in circuit court.“This denial is just one more procedural barrier the system throws up in front of innocent people,” they said. “There is no doubt that Mr. Strickland is innocent and every court should have the power to set him free.”Strickland, who will turn 62 on Monday, was 18 when he was arrested. Prosecutors say the case was “thin from its inception,” resting almost entirely on the dubious identification of a traumatized shooting victim. Prosecutors said they wouldn’t charge Strickland with any crimes if the same case was before them today.The killings occurred in 1978 when a group of assailants ransacked a Kansas City home. Larry Ingram, 21; John Walker, 20; and Sherrie Black, 22, were fatally shot. Cynthia Douglas, the only eye witness, was wounded but pretended to be dead.In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article245920830.html" target="_blank">investigation</a>&nbsp;published in September, The Kansas City Star reported that for decades, two men who pleaded guilty in the killings swore Strickland was not with them and two other accomplices during the killings. Douglas later said detectives pressured her into identifying Strickland as the shooter, The Star reported. She tried to recant for years before her death in 2015.In a letter supporting Strickland’s release, Baker and her chief deputy, Dan Nelson, said the evidence used to convict Strickland as a teenager has since been “eviscerated.”Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Missouri, Jackson County’s presiding judge, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and members of the team that convicted Strickland four decades ago also now all agree that he deserves to be exonerated.If Strickland is exonerated, he will have experienced the longest wrongful imprisonment known in Missouri history.

Court denies case of Kansas City man prosecutor deems innocent

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy for alleged domestic violence.

On Saturday, police arrested 36-year-old Deputy Clayton Blackwood for misdemeanor Domestic Violence Disorderly Conduct, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. The charge stems from an incident involving the deputy’s domestic partner identified as 34-year-old Ashley Blackwood who was also arrested.

When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law.

&nbsp;Deputy Blackwood, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 5 years. In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Following the arrest, Deputy Blackwood was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation, according to Blick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622673017151.png" alt="Blackwood photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Blackwood photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy for alleged domestic violence.On Saturday, police arrested 36-year-old Deputy Clayton Blackwood for misdemeanor Domestic Violence Disorderly Conduct, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. The charge stems from an incident involving the deputy’s domestic partner identified as 34-year-old Ashley Blackwood who was also arrested.When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622673048871.png" alt="Blackwood photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Blackwood photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Deputy Blackwood, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 5 years. In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.Following the arrest, Deputy Blackwood was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation, according to Blick.

Kansas deputy suspended without pay after arrest

RILEY COUNTY—&nbsp;A Manhattan man’s body was recovered late Wednesday night from Tuttle Creek Lake after emergency response teams searched for nearly 10 hours.

Just before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center received a call from a citizen reporting a vehicle and clothes near a shoreline by the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Shady Lane in Riley County, according to a media release from RCPD.

When emergency crews responded they located identifying information for a 24-year-old Manhattan man, but were unable to locate an individual.&nbsp;

Riley County Police Department officers, the RCPD Drone Team, Riley County EMS, Riley County Emergency Management, Manhattan Fire Department, Riley County Rural Fire District #1, The US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the Fort Riley Game Warden all responded in an attempt to locate the individual.&nbsp;

Emergency response teams located a body just before Midnight. The man’s name will be released pending next of kin notifications.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Riley County Police Department will investigate the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected at this time.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622727444785.png" alt="Emergency response teams located the body just before midnight.- google image" />
 <figcaption>Emergency response teams located the body just before midnight.- google image</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—&nbsp;A Manhattan man’s body was recovered late Wednesday night from Tuttle Creek Lake after emergency response teams searched for nearly 10 hours.Just before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Riley County Police Department Dispatch Center received a call from a citizen reporting a vehicle and clothes near a shoreline by the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Shady Lane in Riley County, according to a media release from RCPD.When emergency crews responded they located identifying information for a 24-year-old Manhattan man, but were unable to locate an individual.&nbsp;Riley County Police Department officers, the RCPD Drone Team, Riley County EMS, Riley County Emergency Management, Manhattan Fire Department, Riley County Rural Fire District #1, The US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the Fort Riley Game Warden all responded in an attempt to locate the individual.&nbsp;Emergency response teams located a body just before Midnight. The man’s name will be released pending next of kin notifications.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Riley County Police Department will investigate the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected at this time.&nbsp;

Police: Body of Kansas man recovered from Tuttle Creek Lake

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal weekend shooting of 32-year-old Shakeita Young, 32, in Topeka on Saturday have arrested 31-year-old Kajun D. Brock, according to Topeka Police Lt. Shane Hilton.

On Wednesday, police asked the public for help to locate Brock. The United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force located him&nbsp; in Topeka on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

Police booked Brock into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges and requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal weekend shooting of 32-year-old Shakeita Young, 32, in Topeka on Saturday are also&nbsp;asking for the community for help in locating 31-year-old Kajun D. Brock. 

Brock is a person of interest in the Saturday morning homicide, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just after 5 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of NE Burgess Court in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.

First responders found Young suffering from a gunshot. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp; Shakeita Young, 32, of Topeka.

First responders found Young suffering from a gunshot. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622714700198.png" alt="Brock in being held on a requested charge of first degree murder. He was on parole after previous convictions for aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, theft and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Brock in being held on a requested charge of first degree murder. He was on parole after previous convictions for aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, theft and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal weekend shooting of 32-year-old Shakeita Young, 32, in Topeka on Saturday have arrested 31-year-old Kajun D. Brock, according to Topeka Police Lt. Shane Hilton.On Wednesday, police asked the public for help to locate Brock. The United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force located him&nbsp; in Topeka on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;Police booked Brock into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges and requested charges of Murder in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon ----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the fatal weekend shooting of 32-year-old Shakeita Young, 32, in Topeka on Saturday are also&nbsp;asking for the community for help in locating 31-year-old Kajun D. Brock. Brock is a person of interest in the Saturday morning homicide, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622663336436.png" alt="Brock photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Brock photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 5 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of NE Burgess Court in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607000440621.png" alt="Deputies in Jackson County arrested Young and another woman for alleged drug distribution in December, according to Sheriff Tim Morse" />
 <figcaption>Deputies in Jackson County arrested Young and another woman for alleged drug distribution in December, according to Sheriff Tim Morse</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found Young suffering from a gunshot. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Brock has ties to Topeka and Wichita.-----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp; Shakeita Young, 32, of Topeka.Just after 5 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1800 block of NE Burgess Court in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.First responders found Young suffering from a gunshot. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

U.S. Marshals capture suspect in Kansas woman's murder

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dangling everything from sports tickets to a free beer, President Joe Biden is looking for that extra something — anything — that will get people to roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 shots when the promise of a life-saving vaccine by itself hasn’t been enough.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?512242-1/president-biden-announces-steps-increase-covid-19-vaccination-rates">Click here to watch </a>the President's announcement

Biden on Wednesday announced a “month of action” to urge more Americans to get vaccinated before the July 4 holiday, including an early summer sprint of incentives and a slew of new steps to ease barriers and make getting shots more appealing to those who haven't received them. He is closing in on his goal of getting 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by Independence Day — essential to his aim of returning the nation to something approaching a pre-pandemic sense of normalcy this summer.

“The more people we get vaccinated, the more success we’re going to have in the fight against this virus," Biden said from the White House. He predicted that with more vaccinations, America will soon experience “a summer of freedom, a summer of joy, a summer of get togethers and celebrations. An All-American summer."

The Biden administration views June as “a critical month in our path to normal," Courtney Rowe, the director of strategic communications and engagement for the White House COVID-19 response team, told the AP.

Biden's plan will continue to use public and private-sector partnerships, mirroring the “whole of government” effort he deployed to make vaccines more widely available after he took office. The president said he was “pulling out all the stops” to drive up the vaccination rate.

Among those efforts is a promotional giveaway announced Wednesday by Anheuser-Busch, saying it will “buy Americans 21+ a round of beer” once Biden’s 70% goal is met.

“Get a shot and have a beer," Biden said, advertising the promotion even though he himself refrains from drinking alcohol.

Additionally, the White House is partnering with early childhood centers such as KinderCare, Learning Care Group, Bright Horizons and more than 500 YMCAs to provide free childcare coverage for Americans looking for shots or needing assistance while recovering from side effects.

The administration is also launching a new partnership to bring vaccine education and even doses to more than a thousand Black-owned barbershops and beauty salons, building on a successful pilot program in Maryland.

They're the latest vaccine sweeteners, building on other incentives like cash giveaways, sports tickets and paid leave, to keep up the pace of vaccinations.

“The fact remains that despite all the progress, those who are unvaccinated still remain at risk of getting seriously ill or dying or spreading the disease to others," said Rowe.

Aiming to make injections even more convenient, Biden is announcing that many pharmacies are extending their hours this month — and thousands will remain open overnight on Fridays. The White House is also stepping up its efforts to help employers run on-site vaccination clinics.

Biden will also announce that he is assigning Vice President Kamala Harris to lead a “We Can Do This” vaccination tour to encourage shots. It will include first lady Jill Biden, second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Cabinet officials. Harris' travel will be focused on the South, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the country, while other officials will travel to areas of the Midwest with below average rates.

To date 62.9% of the adult U.S. population have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 133.9 million are fully vaccinated. The rate of new vaccinations has slowed to an average below 555,000 per day, down from more than 800,000 when incentives like lotteries were announced, and down from a peak of nearly 2 million per day in early April when demand for shots was much higher.

The lengths to which the U.S. is resorting to convince Americans to take a shot stands in contrast to much of the world, where vaccines are far less plentiful. Facing a mounting U.S. surplus, the Biden administration is planning to begin sharing 80 million doses with the world this month.

“All over the world people are desperate to get a shot that every American can get at their neighborhood drugstore," Biden said.

“Incentives can work, and I think the White House’s focus on making vaccination the easy and convenient choice is important,” said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician, public health professor at George Washington University and former Baltimore health commissioner.

“It’s the height of American exceptionalism that we are having to beg people to get a life-saving vaccine, when healthcare workers and vulnerable people around the world are dying because they can’t get access to it,” she added.

Thanks to the vaccinations, the rate of cases and deaths in the U.S. are at their lowest since the beginning of the pandemic last March, averaging under 16,000 new cases and under 400 deaths per day.

As part of the effort to drive Americans to get shots, the White House is borrowing some tools from political campaigns, including phone banks, door-knocking and texting. The administration says more than 1,000 such events will be held this weekend alone. Additionally, it is organizing competitions between cities and colleges to drive up vaccination rates.

Other new incentives include a $2 million commitment from DoorDash to provide gift cards to community health centers to be used to drive people to get vaccinated. CVS launched a sweepstakes with prizes including free cruises and Super Bowl tickets. Major League Baseball will host on-site vaccine clinics and ticket giveaways at games. And Kroger will give $1 million to a vaccinated person each week this month and dozens of people free groceries for the year.

The fine print on the Anheuser-Busch promotion reveals the benefits to the sponsoring company, which will collect consumer data and photos through its website to register for the $5 giveaway. The company says it will hand out credits to however many people qualify.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622685321440.png" alt="“Get a shot and have a beer," Biden said, advertising the&nbsp;Anheuser-Busch promotion even though he himself refrains from drinking alcohol." />
 <figcaption>“Get a shot and have a beer," Biden said, advertising the&nbsp;Anheuser-Busch promotion even though he himself refrains from drinking alcohol.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Dangling everything from sports tickets to a free beer, President Joe Biden is looking for that extra something — anything — that will get people to roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 shots when the promise of a life-saving vaccine by itself hasn’t been enough.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?512242-1/president-biden-announces-steps-increase-covid-19-vaccination-rates">Click here to watch </a>the President's announcementBiden on Wednesday announced a “month of action” to urge more Americans to get vaccinated before the July 4 holiday, including an early summer sprint of incentives and a slew of new steps to ease barriers and make getting shots more appealing to those who haven't received them. He is closing in on his goal of getting 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by Independence Day — essential to his aim of returning the nation to something approaching a pre-pandemic sense of normalcy this summer.“The more people we get vaccinated, the more success we’re going to have in the fight against this virus," Biden said from the White House. He predicted that with more vaccinations, America will soon experience “a summer of freedom, a summer of joy, a summer of get togethers and celebrations. An All-American summer."The Biden administration views June as “a critical month in our path to normal," Courtney Rowe, the director of strategic communications and engagement for the White House COVID-19 response team, told the AP.Biden's plan will continue to use public and private-sector partnerships, mirroring the “whole of government” effort he deployed to make vaccines more widely available after he took office. The president said he was “pulling out all the stops” to drive up the vaccination rate.Among those efforts is a promotional giveaway announced Wednesday by Anheuser-Busch, saying it will “buy Americans 21+ a round of beer” once Biden’s 70% goal is met.“Get a shot and have a beer," Biden said, advertising the promotion even though he himself refrains from drinking alcohol.Additionally, the White House is partnering with early childhood centers such as KinderCare, Learning Care Group, Bright Horizons and more than 500 YMCAs to provide free childcare coverage for Americans looking for shots or needing assistance while recovering from side effects.The administration is also launching a new partnership to bring vaccine education and even doses to more than a thousand Black-owned barbershops and beauty salons, building on a successful pilot program in Maryland.They're the latest vaccine sweeteners, building on other incentives like cash giveaways, sports tickets and paid leave, to keep up the pace of vaccinations.“The fact remains that despite all the progress, those who are unvaccinated still remain at risk of getting seriously ill or dying or spreading the disease to others," said Rowe.Aiming to make injections even more convenient, Biden is announcing that many pharmacies are extending their hours this month — and thousands will remain open overnight on Fridays. The White House is also stepping up its efforts to help employers run on-site vaccination clinics.Biden will also announce that he is assigning Vice President Kamala Harris to lead a “We Can Do This” vaccination tour to encourage shots. It will include first lady Jill Biden, second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Cabinet officials. Harris' travel will be focused on the South, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the country, while other officials will travel to areas of the Midwest with below average rates.To date 62.9% of the adult U.S. population have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 133.9 million are fully vaccinated. The rate of new vaccinations has slowed to an average below 555,000 per day, down from more than 800,000 when incentives like lotteries were announced, and down from a peak of nearly 2 million per day in early April when demand for shots was much higher.The lengths to which the U.S. is resorting to convince Americans to take a shot stands in contrast to much of the world, where vaccines are far less plentiful. Facing a mounting U.S. surplus, the Biden administration is planning to begin sharing 80 million doses with the world this month.“All over the world people are desperate to get a shot that every American can get at their neighborhood drugstore," Biden said.“Incentives can work, and I think the White House’s focus on making vaccination the easy and convenient choice is important,” said Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician, public health professor at George Washington University and former Baltimore health commissioner.“It’s the height of American exceptionalism that we are having to beg people to get a life-saving vaccine, when healthcare workers and vulnerable people around the world are dying because they can’t get access to it,” she added.Thanks to the vaccinations, the rate of cases and deaths in the U.S. are at their lowest since the beginning of the pandemic last March, averaging under 16,000 new cases and under 400 deaths per day.As part of the effort to drive Americans to get shots, the White House is borrowing some tools from political campaigns, including phone banks, door-knocking and texting. The administration says more than 1,000 such events will be held this weekend alone. Additionally, it is organizing competitions between cities and colleges to drive up vaccination rates.Other new incentives include a $2 million commitment from DoorDash to provide gift cards to community health centers to be used to drive people to get vaccinated. CVS launched a sweepstakes with prizes including free cruises and Super Bowl tickets. Major League Baseball will host on-site vaccine clinics and ticket giveaways at games. And Kroger will give $1 million to a vaccinated person each week this month and dozens of people free groceries for the year.The fine print on the Anheuser-Busch promotion reveals the benefits to the sponsoring company, which will collect consumer data and photos through its website to register for the $5 giveaway. The company says it will hand out credits to however many people qualify.

🎥 President Biden: Get a COVID-19 shot and have a beer

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and asking for help to ID suspects.

Just before 9p.m. on Tuesday, police responded to a highway robbery call at the Domino’s Pizza, 2417 S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

A 21-year-old female delivery driver who reported delivering food to a home in the 2700 block of South Magnolia.&nbsp; After arriving, two unknown suspects approached the victim, and one pointed a handgun at her.&nbsp; The suspects took food and cash from the victim before fleeing on foot.&nbsp; No one was injured.

One suspect is described as a white male, 5-foot-7, thin build, wearing a navy blue hoodie, and the second suspect is described as a black male, 5-foot-8, thin build, wearing all black and armed with a black handgun.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and asking for help to ID suspects.Just before 9p.m. on Tuesday, police responded to a highway robbery call at the Domino’s Pizza, 2417 S. Seneca in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.A 21-year-old female delivery driver who reported delivering food to a home in the 2700 block of South Magnolia.&nbsp; After arriving, two unknown suspects approached the victim, and one pointed a handgun at her.&nbsp; The suspects took food and cash from the victim before fleeing on foot.&nbsp; No one was injured.One suspect is described as a white male, 5-foot-7, thin build, wearing a navy blue hoodie, and the second suspect is described as a black male, 5-foot-8, thin build, wearing all black and armed with a black handgun.

Police: Suspects pulled handgun, robbed Kan. delivery driver

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former postal worker in eastern Kansas has been ordered to pay $1,100 in fines and restitution for destroying mail and presumably stealing cash contained in that mail.

Dennis Tapscott, 24, of Emporia, was fined Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Wichita. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine, $575 in restitution and a $25 special assessment fee.

Tapscott pleaded guilty last week to one count of delaying mail. Prosecutors said that between August 2019 and January 2020, Tapscott opened and destroyed mail containing cash that was intended for 12 other people in Greenwood and Lyon counties.

Court documents did not explicitly state whether Tapscott kept the money from the mail he destroyed, but he was ordered to repay the victims for the cash they never received.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A former postal worker in eastern Kansas has been ordered to pay $1,100 in fines and restitution for destroying mail and presumably stealing cash contained in that mail.Dennis Tapscott, 24, of Emporia, was fined Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Wichita. He was ordered to pay a $500 fine, $575 in restitution and a $25 special assessment fee.Tapscott pleaded guilty last week to one count of delaying mail. Prosecutors said that between August 2019 and January 2020, Tapscott opened and destroyed mail containing cash that was intended for 12 other people in Greenwood and Lyon counties.Court documents did not explicitly state whether Tapscott kept the money from the mail he destroyed, but he was ordered to repay the victims for the cash they never received.

Kan. postal worker fined for destroying mail containing cash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A former high school coach has admitted to having sex with an underage student while he was working in the Holden school district, prosecutors said.

Joshua D. Hood, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday to five counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, two counts of second-degree statutory rape and one count of second-degree child molestation.

As part of a plea agreement, Hood was sentenced to five years of probation and agreed to surrender his teaching license. He would serve four years in prison if he violates probation.

Hood had been a coach in the Park Hill school district since 2013.

The sexual encounters with a high school student under the age of 17 occurred several times while Hood worked in Holden during the 2003-2004 school year, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.

Park Hill officials said in a statement they were unaware of any allegations of similar conduct by Hood since he was hired. Because he agreed to surrender his teaching license, his contract with the district is terminated.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A high school football coach has been <a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/1626/JDHood_Redacted">charged with sex crimes i</a>nvolving a female student that allegedly occurred more than a decade ago, Jackson County prosecutors said.

Park Hill High School Coach Joshua Hood, 43, was charged Wednesday with five counts of statutory sodomy, second-degree attempted statutory rape, child molestation and second-degree statutory rape,.

Hood was a teacher and coach at Holden High School when the alleged crimes occurred in 2003 an 2004.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol began investigating in April when a woman reported that she had sexual encounters with Hood when she was younger than 17. She was a student at Holden High School at the time.

Hood’s attorney, Greg Watt, said Hood maintains his innocence. He said Hood has no criminal history and has a “stellar” reputation in the community.

“We look forward to our opportunity to defend him in a court of law,” Watt said.

The Park Hill School District said Hood, who has been in the district since 2013, was on administrative leave. School officials said they were not aware of any similar allegations against Hood at Park Hill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608214203148.png" alt="Coach Josh Hood photo courtesy Park Hill High" />
 <figcaption>Coach Josh Hood photo courtesy Park Hill High</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A former high school coach has admitted to having sex with an underage student while he was working in the Holden school district, prosecutors said.Joshua D. Hood, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday to five counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, two counts of second-degree statutory rape and one count of second-degree child molestation.As part of a plea agreement, Hood was sentenced to five years of probation and agreed to surrender his teaching license. He would serve four years in prison if he violates probation.Hood had been a coach in the Park Hill school district since 2013.The sexual encounters with a high school student under the age of 17 occurred several times while Hood worked in Holden during the 2003-2004 school year, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.Park Hill officials said in a statement they were unaware of any allegations of similar conduct by Hood since he was hired. Because he agreed to surrender his teaching license, his contract with the district is terminated.---------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A high school football coach has been <a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/1626/JDHood_Redacted">charged with sex crimes i</a>nvolving a female student that allegedly occurred more than a decade ago, Jackson County prosecutors said.Park Hill High School Coach Joshua Hood, 43, was charged Wednesday with five counts of statutory sodomy, second-degree attempted statutory rape, child molestation and second-degree statutory rape,.Hood was a teacher and coach at Holden High School when the alleged crimes occurred in 2003 an 2004.The Missouri State Highway Patrol began investigating in April when a woman reported that she had sexual encounters with Hood when she was younger than 17. She was a student at Holden High School at the time.Hood’s attorney, Greg Watt, said Hood maintains his innocence. He said Hood has no criminal history and has a “stellar” reputation in the community.“We look forward to our opportunity to defend him in a court of law,” Watt said.The Park Hill School District said Hood, who has been in the district since 2013, was on administrative leave. School officials said they were not aware of any similar allegations against Hood at Park Hill.

Former high school coach admits having sex with student

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge on Wednesday ordered Kansas to pay more than $826,000 to the estate of a man who died in February following his release from prison after serving more than 12 years over a wrongful murder conviction.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced the resolution of a lawsuit filed in November by Olin “Pete” Coones only days after a Wyandotte County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-kansas-crime-suicides-611a0977486b3b21bfd241816ac57b4a">threw out his 2009 conviction</a>&nbsp;for first-degree murder. The order to pay Coones’ estate came from Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson, but Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders must review it.

Coones was sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2008 death of his late father’s caregiver, Kathleen Schroll. Coones’ defense argued that she framed him for murder when she killed herself and her husband in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dfb62e9c431bdece599acbff0f304559">a “Machiavellian plot”&nbsp;</a>because of investigations into how how she handled money for Coones’ father.

Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree called Coones’ conviction “a failure of our system” and declined to retry the case.

Coones’ case is the fifth to be resolved under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/statute/060_000_0000_chapter/060_050_0000_article/060_050_0004_section/060_050_0004_k/" target="_blank">a 2018 law</a>&nbsp;that calls for the state to give people who were wrongfully convicted $65,000 for every year spent in prison. Coones’ award also covers attorneys’ fees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622665347161.png" alt="Olin 'Pete" Coones died&nbsp; earlier this year, four months after his release from prison-photo Wyandotte Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Olin 'Pete" Coones died&nbsp; earlier this year, four months after his release from prison-photo Wyandotte Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge on Wednesday ordered Kansas to pay more than $826,000 to the estate of a man who died in February following his release from prison after serving more than 12 years over a wrongful murder conviction.Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced the resolution of a lawsuit filed in November by Olin “Pete” Coones only days after a Wyandotte County judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-shootings-kansas-crime-suicides-611a0977486b3b21bfd241816ac57b4a">threw out his 2009 conviction</a>&nbsp;for first-degree murder. The order to pay Coones’ estate came from Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson, but Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders must review it.Coones was sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2008 death of his late father’s caregiver, Kathleen Schroll. Coones’ defense argued that she framed him for murder when she killed herself and her husband in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dfb62e9c431bdece599acbff0f304559">a “Machiavellian plot”&nbsp;</a>because of investigations into how how she handled money for Coones’ father.Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree called Coones’ conviction “a failure of our system” and declined to retry the case.Coones’ case is the fifth to be resolved under&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/statute/060_000_0000_chapter/060_050_0000_article/060_050_0004_section/060_050_0004_k/" target="_blank">a 2018 law</a>&nbsp;that calls for the state to give people who were wrongfully convicted $65,000 for every year spent in prison. Coones’ award also covers attorneys’ fees.

Kan. to pay man's estate over wrongful murder conviction

BARTON COUNTY —Over the course of the past several months law enforcement has been looking for 34-year-old Andrew Taylor.

The convicted felon was wanted for multiple outstanding felony warrants including failing to appear, contempt of court, as well as distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. 

On April 12, 2021, Taylor was involved in a high-speed pursuit that led law enforcement into Northwest Pawnee County and involved four different law enforcement agencies including the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.

Taylor sustained serious injuries when he crashed his vehicle and was not arrested at that time. After his release from the hospital, Taylor continued to evade law enforcement.

Over the course of last several days Detective Adam Hales developed information as to Taylor’s whereabouts. Several locations were placed under surveillance by the Sheriff’s Office. 

Just before 8p.m.Tuesday, Hales located Taylor in the 3400 block of 18th Street in Great Bend.&nbsp; Several officers were standing by in the area and approached Taylor who was in a vehicle. 

They arrested him and transported him to the Barton County Jail without incident.He&nbsp;is being held on eight separate warrants from Barton County, Pawnee County and the City of Great Bend. Several are no bond warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622651896635.jpeg" alt="Andrew Taylor has two previous drug convictions- photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Taylor has two previous drug convictions- photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Over the course of the past several months law enforcement has been looking for 34-year-old Andrew Taylor.The convicted felon was wanted for multiple outstanding felony warrants including failing to appear, contempt of court, as well as distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. On April 12, 2021, Taylor was involved in a high-speed pursuit that led law enforcement into Northwest Pawnee County and involved four different law enforcement agencies including the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.Taylor sustained serious injuries when he crashed his vehicle and was not arrested at that time. After his release from the hospital, Taylor continued to evade law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622651883076.png" alt="Tuesday arrest in Great Bend-photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday arrest in Great Bend-photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Over the course of last several days Detective Adam Hales developed information as to Taylor’s whereabouts. Several locations were placed under surveillance by the Sheriff’s Office. Just before 8p.m.Tuesday, Hales located Taylor in the 3400 block of 18th Street in Great Bend.&nbsp; Several officers were standing by in the area and approached Taylor who was in a vehicle. They arrested him and transported him to the Barton County Jail without incident.He&nbsp;is being held on eight separate warrants from Barton County, Pawnee County and the City of Great Bend. Several are no bond warrants.

After months, deputies capture wanted Kansas man  

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Texas jury has awarded $222 million to the widow of a man who was killed in an accident at Evergy's Jeffrey Energy Center power plant in Kansas. 

The jury found Team Industrial Services, a Texas-based subcontractor for what was then called Westar Energy, was 90% responsible for the death of Jesse Henson, of Manhattan. Henson and a co-worker, Damien Burchett, of Overbrook, were burned alive by steam at the plant near St. Marys in June 2018. 

Westar, which is now called Evergy, was found to be 10% responsible. The men were engulfed by hot steam while checking on a loss of power. Burchett's relatives have filed a separate lawsuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622671494651.png" alt="Evergy Jeffrey Energy Center-google image" />
 <figcaption>Evergy Jeffrey Energy Center-google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Texas jury has awarded $222 million to the widow of a man who was killed in an accident at Evergy's Jeffrey Energy Center power plant in Kansas. The jury found Team Industrial Services, a Texas-based subcontractor for what was then called Westar Energy, was 90% responsible for the death of Jesse Henson, of Manhattan. Henson and a co-worker, Damien Burchett, of Overbrook, were burned alive by steam at the plant near St. Marys in June 2018. Westar, which is now called Evergy, was found to be 10% responsible. The men were engulfed by hot steam while checking on a loss of power. Burchett's relatives have filed a separate lawsuit.

Widow of Kan. man killed in Evergy accident wins lawsuit

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and asking for help to identify suspects.

Just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, police responded to an armed robbery at the Kwik Shop in the 2700 block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers contacted an employee who reported two armed suspects, and two unarmed suspects entered the business.&nbsp; The employee was held at gunpoint as the suspects took cash and property from the business.&nbsp; The suspects then fled in a silver sedan.&nbsp; No one was injured.

The suspects are described as a&nbsp;white male, 6-foot-4, 140 pounds, dark hair, slender build, armed with a silver handgun, wearing a blue hoodie with white strings, distressed blue jeans, black tennis shoes, black mask, and a white hat with an under armor logo.

The second suspect was a black male, 5-foot-6, 170 pounds, medium build, armed with a rifle, wearing white tennis shoes, light-colored pants, black hoodie, and a white facemask.

The third suspect was Hispanic male, 5-foo-6, 170 pounds, medium build, wearing a black hoodie with white square logo, grey sweats with white strings, white shoes, and a facemask.

The fourth suspect was Hispanic female, 5-foot-4, 200 pounds, heavy build, wearing a black hoodie, black pants, black shoes, and bright red hair.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and asking for help to identify suspects.Just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, police responded to an armed robbery at the Kwik Shop in the 2700 block of South Oliver in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers contacted an employee who reported two armed suspects, and two unarmed suspects entered the business.&nbsp; The employee was held at gunpoint as the suspects took cash and property from the business.&nbsp; The suspects then fled in a silver sedan.&nbsp; No one was injured.The suspects are described as a&nbsp;white male, 6-foot-4, 140 pounds, dark hair, slender build, armed with a silver handgun, wearing a blue hoodie with white strings, distressed blue jeans, black tennis shoes, black mask, and a white hat with an under armor logo.The second suspect was a black male, 5-foot-6, 170 pounds, medium build, armed with a rifle, wearing white tennis shoes, light-colored pants, black hoodie, and a white facemask.The third suspect was Hispanic male, 5-foo-6, 170 pounds, medium build, wearing a black hoodie with white square logo, grey sweats with white strings, white shoes, and a facemask.The fourth suspect was Hispanic female, 5-foot-4, 200 pounds, heavy build, wearing a black hoodie, black pants, black shoes, and bright red hair.

Police: Suspects used rifle, handgun during Kansas robbery

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/resistance-among-kansans-covid-19-vaccines-fading-except-where-it-isnt">Kansas News Service</a>

New survey results show that reluctance to get COVID-19 vaccinations has dropped in Kansas.

At the same time, worries about vaccine side effects seem to be increasing.

Federal
 statistics analyzed by the Kansas Health Institute, or KHI, show that 
roughly 22% of Kansan adults reported feeling uncertain about getting 
the vaccine in April. That’s down from 30% in March and 47% in January. 
(KHI, like the Kansas News Service, gets significant support from the 
Kansas Health Foundation.)

It’s the first analysis of data from the US Census Bureau’s <a href="https://www.census.gov/data/experimental-data-products/household-pulse-survey.html">Household Pulse Survey</a>
 since Kansas opened up vaccine access to all adults at the end of 
March. And it shows that more than three quarters of Kansas respondents 
had either gotten their shot or planned to do so.

“We already see
 that people who are excited about the (vaccine efficacy) data are 
getting the vaccine,” said KHI analyst Emily Burgen. “We’re mostly 
concerned about those who are uncertain.”

Burgen said that the 
next phase of vaccination efforts should give people space to ask 
detailed questions and take the time to address their specific concerns 
in a nonjudgmental way. And as more of the vaccine rollout shifts into 
the <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/cdc-urges-states-get-more-covid-19-vaccine-doctors-offices">doctor’s office</a>, that could offer people more opportunities to have one-on-one conversations with a trusted health care professional.

“To me,” Burgen said, “it comes back to sharing factual information and having those conversations.”

Gretchen
 Homan, a professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 
Wichita, said that the best route to addressing a patients’ worries 
about the vaccine is often the most simple and direct one.

“Listen
 to what they’re concerned about, talk about what you've learned and … 
explain why it’s so important,” Homan said. “They just want to hear 
confidence from you.”

But as the pool of people still hesitant 
about the vaccine shrinks, the barriers to reaching those who remain 
unconvinced get bigger. The number of survey respondents who said they 
were concerned about possible vaccine side effects increased by 15 
percentage points compared to the previous month, from 49% to 64%.

The
 survey also reported increases in the number of people who listed a 
lack of trust in the government and a belief that COVID-19 is not a 
serious illness among their reasons for vaccine reluctance. Roughly half
 of respondents said concerns about vaccine safety were keeping them 
from getting the shot.

And the number of people who may be open 
to learning more about the vaccine also appears to be dwindling. Of the 
22% of people who remain uncertain, roughly 8% said they would 
definitely not get a vaccine — a figure that has remained steady since 
January.

Some of the concerns highlighted in the survey, however,
 could be more easily addressed. Roughly 7% of people said they hadn’t 
gotten the vaccine because their doctor had not recommended it, which is
 something Emily Burgen of KHI said many doctors might not have thought 
of. And nearly 10% listed the cost of the vaccine as a barrier.

“That’s just a public health messaging (issue),” Bergen said. “The cost to (get) the vaccine is free.”

The
 survey also shows the impact that the Johnson and Johnson pause had on 
the public’s view of vaccine side effects. The Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/joint-cdc-and-fda-statement-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine">recommended</a>
 that health agencies temporarily stop giving out that shot in mid-April
 to study a rare blood clot condition that showed up in six out of 6.8 
million people who had received that version of the vaccine.

Federal agencies <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-and-cdc-lift-recommended-pause-johnson-johnson-janssen-covid-19-vaccine-use-following-thorough">lifted</a>
 the pause 10 days later after determining the vaccine was safe to use. 
But Bergan said the survey, which was conducted both during and after 
the pause, shows that it had a lasting effect on people’s ideas about 
the vaccine’s effects.

“That Johnson and Johnson pause,” Burgen 
said, “even though it is a normal part of clinical trials, really 
affected how people are viewing all three vaccines … not just the 
Johnson and Johnson vaccine.”

That’s further complicated by common misunderstandings about the difference between side effects and adverse effects.

Adverse effects, like the blood clots that paused the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, have been <a href="https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/05/antivaccine-activists-use-government-database-side-effects-scare-public">very rare</a>.
 And Burgen said that most side effects are natural signs of the body’s 
immune system reacting to the vaccine in the way it’s supposed to, just 
like when someone’s arm hurts after a flu shot.

But stories about people feeling sick after their shots have gotten an <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/except-for-sore-arm-3-out-of-4-people-didnt-report-covid-19-vaccine-side-effects">outsized amount</a>
 of social media attention compared to the number of people who actually
 experience them. That could lead other people to be afraid of getting 
their own shots.

“Are we elevating those side effects,” Burgen said, “and creating rhetoric around the vaccine that maybe shouldn’t be there?

Gretchen
 Homan, who joined Burgen for a presentation to medical professionals 
from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri, agrees that messages about the
 vaccine’s safety and side effects need to be more straightforward. She 
said that the risk of experiencing fatigue, fever and chills after the 
shot is small compared to protection from a potentially fatal virus.

“The
 COVID-19 vaccines have been developed under the most intensive safety 
monitoring in U.S. history,” Homan said. “We know it's safe, and we know
 it works.”

Burgen, the KHI analyst, said that doesn’t mean 
concerns about vaccine side effects aren’t valid. For example, some 
people may not want to risk feeling ill after their shot if they can’t 
take a day off from work or if they need to care for a loved one.

“It's
 a really tough decision for some people to make to get the vaccine,” 
Burgen said. “And the goal is not necessarily … for someone to be 
excited about getting the vaccine by the end of the conversation, but 
kind of starting to move the needle closer.”

But if sizable pockets of people remain unvaccinated, it could lead to <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/the-next-phase-of-the-us-pandemic-pockets-of-localized-outbreaks">future outbreaks</a> in Kansas — particularly in the state’s rural areas, where vaccination rates <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-05-21/vaccination-rates-in-rural-parts-of-kansas-and-missouri-are-lagging">continue to trail</a> urban centers.

Burgen
 said she hopes that, as more Kansans safely receive the vaccine and 
more doctors are able to administer it, word-of-mouth promotion will 
slowly help more people feel comfortable getting their shot.

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos">@davidcondos</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622574616057.png" alt="A sign advertises vaccine availability outside a grocery store in Hays.&nbsp;David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A sign advertises vaccine availability outside a grocery store in Hays.&nbsp;David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/post/resistance-among-kansans-covid-19-vaccines-fading-except-where-it-isnt">Kansas News Service</a>New survey results show that reluctance to get COVID-19 vaccinations has dropped in Kansas.At the same time, worries about vaccine side effects seem to be increasing.Federal
 statistics analyzed by the Kansas Health Institute, or KHI, show that 
roughly 22% of Kansan adults reported feeling uncertain about getting 
the vaccine in April. That’s down from 30% in March and 47% in January. 
(KHI, like the Kansas News Service, gets significant support from the 
Kansas Health Foundation.)It’s the first analysis of data from the US Census Bureau’s <a href="https://www.census.gov/data/experimental-data-products/household-pulse-survey.html">Household Pulse Survey</a>
 since Kansas opened up vaccine access to all adults at the end of 
March. And it shows that more than three quarters of Kansas respondents 
had either gotten their shot or planned to do so.“We already see
 that people who are excited about the (vaccine efficacy) data are 
getting the vaccine,” said KHI analyst Emily Burgen. “We’re mostly 
concerned about those who are uncertain.”Burgen said that the 
next phase of vaccination efforts should give people space to ask 
detailed questions and take the time to address their specific concerns 
in a nonjudgmental way. And as more of the vaccine rollout shifts into 
the <a href="https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/cdc-urges-states-get-more-covid-19-vaccine-doctors-offices">doctor’s office</a>, that could offer people more opportunities to have one-on-one conversations with a trusted health care professional.“To me,” Burgen said, “it comes back to sharing factual information and having those conversations.”<h2>Reasons for concern</h2>Gretchen
 Homan, a professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 
Wichita, said that the best route to addressing a patients’ worries 
about the vaccine is often the most simple and direct one.“Listen
 to what they’re concerned about, talk about what you've learned and … 
explain why it’s so important,” Homan said. “They just want to hear 
confidence from you.”But as the pool of people still hesitant 
about the vaccine shrinks, the barriers to reaching those who remain 
unconvinced get bigger. The number of survey respondents who said they 
were concerned about possible vaccine side effects increased by 15 
percentage points compared to the previous month, from 49% to 64%.The
 survey also reported increases in the number of people who listed a 
lack of trust in the government and a belief that COVID-19 is not a 
serious illness among their reasons for vaccine reluctance. Roughly half
 of respondents said concerns about vaccine safety were keeping them 
from getting the shot.And the number of people who may be open 
to learning more about the vaccine also appears to be dwindling. Of the 
22% of people who remain uncertain, roughly 8% said they would 
definitely not get a vaccine — a figure that has remained steady since 
January.Some of the concerns highlighted in the survey, however,
 could be more easily addressed. Roughly 7% of people said they hadn’t 
gotten the vaccine because their doctor had not recommended it, which is
 something Emily Burgen of KHI said many doctors might not have thought 
of. And nearly 10% listed the cost of the vaccine as a barrier.“That’s just a public health messaging (issue),” Bergen said. “The cost to (get) the vaccine is free.”<h2>Pause and effect</h2>The
 survey also shows the impact that the Johnson and Johnson pause had on 
the public’s view of vaccine side effects. The Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/joint-cdc-and-fda-statement-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine">recommended</a>
 that health agencies temporarily stop giving out that shot in mid-April
 to study a rare blood clot condition that showed up in six out of 6.8 
million people who had received that version of the vaccine.Federal agencies <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-and-cdc-lift-recommended-pause-johnson-johnson-janssen-covid-19-vaccine-use-following-thorough">lifted</a>
 the pause 10 days later after determining the vaccine was safe to use. 
But Bergan said the survey, which was conducted both during and after 
the pause, shows that it had a lasting effect on people’s ideas about 
the vaccine’s effects.“That Johnson and Johnson pause,” Burgen 
said, “even though it is a normal part of clinical trials, really 
affected how people are viewing all three vaccines … not just the 
Johnson and Johnson vaccine.”That’s further complicated by common misunderstandings about the difference between side effects and adverse effects.Adverse effects, like the blood clots that paused the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, have been <a href="https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/05/antivaccine-activists-use-government-database-side-effects-scare-public">very rare</a>.
 And Burgen said that most side effects are natural signs of the body’s 
immune system reacting to the vaccine in the way it’s supposed to, just 
like when someone’s arm hurts after a flu shot.But stories about people feeling sick after their shots have gotten an <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/except-for-sore-arm-3-out-of-4-people-didnt-report-covid-19-vaccine-side-effects">outsized amount</a>
 of social media attention compared to the number of people who actually
 experience them. That could lead other people to be afraid of getting 
their own shots.“Are we elevating those side effects,” Burgen said, “and creating rhetoric around the vaccine that maybe shouldn’t be there?<h2>‘Baby Steps’</h2>Gretchen
 Homan, who joined Burgen for a presentation to medical professionals 
from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri, agrees that messages about the
 vaccine’s safety and side effects need to be more straightforward. She 
said that the risk of experiencing fatigue, fever and chills after the 
shot is small compared to protection from a potentially fatal virus.“The
 COVID-19 vaccines have been developed under the most intensive safety 
monitoring in U.S. history,” Homan said. “We know it's safe, and we know
 it works.”Burgen, the KHI analyst, said that doesn’t mean 
concerns about vaccine side effects aren’t valid. For example, some 
people may not want to risk feeling ill after their shot if they can’t 
take a day off from work or if they need to care for a loved one.“It's
 a really tough decision for some people to make to get the vaccine,” 
Burgen said. “And the goal is not necessarily … for someone to be 
excited about getting the vaccine by the end of the conversation, but 
kind of starting to move the needle closer.”But if sizable pockets of people remain unvaccinated, it could lead to <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/the-next-phase-of-the-us-pandemic-pockets-of-localized-outbreaks">future outbreaks</a> in Kansas — particularly in the state’s rural areas, where vaccination rates <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-05-21/vaccination-rates-in-rural-parts-of-kansas-and-missouri-are-lagging">continue to trail</a> urban centers.Burgen
 said she hopes that, as more Kansans safely receive the vaccine and 
more doctors are able to administer it, word-of-mouth promotion will 
slowly help more people feel comfortable getting their shot.“It’s baby steps.”David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos">@davidcondos</a>.

Kansans' resistance to COVID vaccines fading, except where it isn't

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who stabbed a woman in a random attack has been sentenced to about 24 years in prison. 

Wade Dunn, 32, Wichita, was sentenced Wednesday for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. 

Police say Dunn stabbed a 28-year-old woman about 30 times as she was loading laundry into her car with her baby alone inside her house. He did not know the woman. She survived and the child was not injured. 

Authorities say Dunn escaped from the Mirror Residential Reentry Center hours before the attack. Dunn testified at his trial that he was high on drugs at the time of the attack.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;&nbsp;A Kansas man convicted in April of second-degree murder for the random stabbing of a woman who he didn't know is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September 2019, Wade Dunn, 32, stabbed the 28-year-old woman 30 times as she unloaded items from her car. Dunn said he was high on K2 and methamphetamine when he saw the woman as he walked in her neighborhood. The victim survived her injuries.

The jury initially convicted Dunn of first-degree attempted murder but told the judge not everyone agreed. After being sent back to deliberate again, the jury returned with the second-degree attempted murder conviction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617915130539.png" alt="Dunn photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Dunn photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man who stabbed a woman in a random attack has been sentenced to about 24 years in prison. Wade Dunn, 32, Wichita, was sentenced Wednesday for attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. Police say Dunn stabbed a 28-year-old woman about 30 times as she was loading laundry into her car with her baby alone inside her house. He did not know the woman. She survived and the child was not injured. Authorities say Dunn escaped from the Mirror Residential Reentry Center hours before the attack. Dunn testified at his trial that he was high on drugs at the time of the attack.------SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;&nbsp;A Kansas man convicted in April of second-degree murder for the random stabbing of a woman who he didn't know is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In September 2019, Wade Dunn, 32, stabbed the 28-year-old woman 30 times as she unloaded items from her car. Dunn said he was high on K2 and methamphetamine when he saw the woman as he walked in her neighborhood. The victim survived her injuries.The jury initially convicted Dunn of first-degree attempted murder but told the judge not everyone agreed. After being sent back to deliberate again, the jury returned with the second-degree attempted murder conviction.

Kan. man sentenced for violent knife attack on woman

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 526 to a total of 314,523, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 4 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5080.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 526 to a total of 314,523, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 4 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5080.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622653359093.png" alt="Wednesday June 2, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday June 2, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on various charges following a weekend car crash

Just before 4p.m. Sunday, deputies responded to an injury accident at SE 45th Street and SE Adams, according Deputy Abigail Christian.

A southbound Honda Accord driven by 22-year-oldIsaac Storm Skelton King of Topeka ran a red light and struck another vehicle.

EMS transported King to a local hospital for treatment. The other driver was not injured.

After treatment at the hospital, deputies arrested King on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with an expired license, criminal threat, and reckless driving.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $25,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622641703090.png" alt="King photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>King photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on various charges following a weekend car crashJust before 4p.m. Sunday, deputies responded to an injury accident at SE 45th Street and SE Adams, according Deputy Abigail Christian.A southbound Honda Accord driven by 22-year-oldIsaac Storm Skelton King of Topeka ran a red light and struck another vehicle.EMS transported King to a local hospital for treatment. The other driver was not injured.After treatment at the hospital, deputies arrested King on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with an expired license, criminal threat, and reckless driving.&nbsp; He remains in custody on a $25,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kan. man moved from hospital to jail after 2-vehicle crash

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the body of a woman found near the southern entrance to Lakewood Park in Salina as Kristie Fisher, 43, of Salina, according to a statement Wednesday morning from police.&nbsp;

At 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to Lakewood Park, 250 N. Lakewood Park Drive, for the report of body of a woman who was face down near the south entrance, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Officers found the deceased woman who appeared to be approximately 25-35 years of age, 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-6 inches tall, and 200-250 pounds. Her hair appeared to be dyed a reddish color.

The body was clothed in a pink colored top, blue jean capris, and black tennis shoes, he added.

The police department continues to gather information in regards to the circumstances leading to Fisher’s death. The police department wants to encourage anyone that has any information regarding this investigation to please call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS(8477) or the Salina Police Department Detective Division at 826-7210.

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have identified the body of a woman found near the southern entrance to Lakewood Park in Salina as Kristie Fisher, 43, of Salina, according to a statement Wednesday morning from police.&nbsp;At 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to Lakewood Park, 250 N. Lakewood Park Drive, for the report of body of a woman who was face down near the south entrance, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Officers found the deceased woman who appeared to be approximately 25-35 years of age, 5-foot-1 to 5-foot-6 inches tall, and 200-250 pounds. Her hair appeared to be dyed a reddish color.The body was clothed in a pink colored top, blue jean capris, and black tennis shoes, he added.The police department continues to gather information in regards to the circumstances leading to Fisher’s death. The police department wants to encourage anyone that has any information regarding this investigation to please call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS(8477) or the Salina Police Department Detective Division at 826-7210.

Police ID body found in park as 43-year-old Kan. woman

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two of four suspects arrested in connection with a fatal shooting May 24 in&nbsp; Wichita made their first appearances in court Thursday.

Orlando Howard, 17 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, aggravated robbery, and criminal use of weapons and He has been charged as an adult, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Luis Martinez, 22 of Wichita, &nbsp;is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and attempted robbery.&nbsp;

Just after 11:30p.m. May 24, a police officer in the area of 21st and Hood in Wichita and heard gunshots nearby, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens

The officer drove toward the sound of the gunshots and saw a white Ford Edge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed from the area of West 1600 West 21st North.

Police stopped the vehicle and arrested&nbsp; 22-year-old Luis Martinez, 18-year-old Nicholas Olmos, 20-year-old Jaylon Pete and a 17-year-old boy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622208321450.png" alt="Howard photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Howard photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two of four suspects arrested in connection with a fatal shooting May 24 in&nbsp; Wichita made their first appearances in court Thursday.Orlando Howard, 17 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder, aggravated robbery, and criminal use of weapons and He has been charged as an adult, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Luis Martinez, 22 of Wichita, &nbsp;is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and attempted robbery.&nbsp;Just after 11:30p.m. May 24, a police officer in the area of 21st and Hood in Wichita and heard gunshots nearby, according to Police Captain Jason StephensThe officer drove toward the sound of the gunshots and saw a white Ford Edge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed from the area of West 1600 West 21st North.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964500907.png" alt="Martinez photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police stopped the vehicle and arrested&nbsp; 22-year-old Luis Martinez, 18-year-old Nicholas Olmos, 20-year-old Jaylon Pete and a 17-year-old boy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964558526.png" alt="Pete photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Pete photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses in the area told police they saw the SUV in the vicinity near the time of the shooting. Police also recovered a handgun from inside the vehicle.Investigators learned that the four suspects were at the apartment complex for the purpose of conducting an illegal drug transaction, according to Stephens. During the transaction, there was a physical altercation and one of the suspects fired a gun at the victim identified as Jose Covarrubias, 22, of Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;Martinez next court appearance is scheduled for June 3. Howard's next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.&nbsp; Both are being held on bonds of $250,000.&nbsp; The two other suspects Jaylon Pete and Nicholas Olmos are no longer in custody, according to online jail records.