HUTCHINSON — A seven-foot-tall, KEY overall-wearing bison is now roaming the grounds of the Kansas State Fair.

Meet Ike – the newest member of the State Fair family.

Gov. Laura Kelly declared Ike the official Kansas State Fair mascot in a video released this morning. He is the Fair’s first-ever mascot, and he will make stops at different locations across the state this summer as part of a campaign to celebrate Kansas and the Fair.  

“The Kansas State Fair is an event that commemorates the best of Kansas and nothing represents the state more distinctly than the official state animal – the American bison,” said the Fair’s General Manager, Robin Jennison. “He’s the ultimate Kansan and wants happiness and prosperity for our great state.”

Born on Kansas Day amid the Smoky Hills of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, Ike is named after the 34th President from Abilene, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Now living in Hutchinson and taking on his new role as the Kansas State Fair mascot, Ike helps keep the grounds maintained and mowed while sporting his overalls manufactured by Key Industries of Fort Scott, Kansas. 

Ike loves all Fair food but has a fondness for Pronto Pups. Moreover, there are very few people who could ever beat him at Kansas trivia. Besides his birthday, Ike’s favorite day of the year is the Friday after Labor Day — the annual kick-off of the Kansas State Fair.

KEY Industries, also the Fair’s official apparel partner, is Ike’s official sponsor.

“Our partnership with the Kansas State Fair makes for the perfect blend of hard work and fun,” said George Yaghmour, vice president of sales and marketing at Key Industries. “It is our pleasure to work hand in hand with the Kansas State Fair, an organization that is founded by hard-working Kansans, much like KEY. Both our organizations are founded on the Kansas values of hard work, determination and integrity.”

Jennison added that Ike’s symbolism goes deeper than just a fun-loving, woolly character.

“Ike represents our state’s strong past and our persevering character,” he said. “Everyone likes Ike. And, everyone will have a chance to meet him in September. 

The Fair will announce Ike’s summer appearances soon. Fairgoers can also meet Ike during this year’s Kansas State Fair, Sept. 11-20.

HUTCHINSON — A seven-foot-tall, KEY overall-wearing bison is now roaming the grounds of the Kansas State Fair.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591365310379.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Meet Ike – the newest member of the State Fair family.Gov. Laura Kelly declared Ike the official Kansas State Fair mascot in a video released this morning. He is the Fair’s first-ever mascot, and he will make stops at different locations across the state this summer as part of a campaign to celebrate Kansas and the Fair. “The Kansas State Fair is an event that commemorates the best of Kansas and nothing represents the state more distinctly than the official state animal – the American bison,” said the Fair’s General Manager, Robin Jennison. “He’s the ultimate Kansan and wants happiness and prosperity for our great state.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591365355826.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Born on Kansas Day amid the Smoky Hills of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, Ike is named after the 34th President from Abilene, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Now living in Hutchinson and taking on his new role as the Kansas State Fair mascot, Ike helps keep the grounds maintained and mowed while sporting his overalls manufactured by Key Industries of Fort Scott, Kansas. Ike loves all Fair food but has a fondness for Pronto Pups. Moreover, there are very few people who could ever beat him at Kansas trivia. Besides his birthday, Ike’s favorite day of the year is the Friday after Labor Day — the annual kick-off of the Kansas State Fair.KEY Industries, also the Fair’s official apparel partner, is Ike’s official sponsor.“Our partnership with the Kansas State Fair makes for the perfect blend of hard work and fun,” said George Yaghmour, vice president of sales and marketing at Key Industries. “It is our pleasure to work hand in hand with the Kansas State Fair, an organization that is founded by hard-working Kansans, much like KEY. Both our organizations are founded on the Kansas values of hard work, determination and integrity.”Jennison added that Ike’s symbolism goes deeper than just a fun-loving, woolly character.“Ike represents our state’s strong past and our persevering character,” he said. “Everyone likes Ike. And, everyone will have a chance to meet him in September. The Fair will announce Ike’s summer appearances soon. Fairgoers can also meet Ike during this year’s Kansas State Fair, Sept. 11-20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591365382226.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

State Fair mascot announced


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
After several hours of communication between the protest organizers, the Hutchinson Police Department and other community leaders there is a process in place to move the official protest to Saturday (June 6th) between 11am-1pm. However, this does not guarantee that there will not be activity at the protest location today (30th and Main, Friday June 5th).

Due to increased threats against the protest organizers the Hutchinson Police Department is strongly asking them to cancel this protest for their own safety and the safety of our community.

In the event the protest continues as planned the Hutchinson Police Department is urging community members to avoid the protest area and allow us to perform our duties in protecting both the community and the protestors.

I understand there is great concern in our community regarding this event. Have faith in the men and women of the Hutchinson

Police Department and our emergency services partners. We have an operational plan in place and are prepared. We will work tirelessly to protect and service our community and see us peacefully through this event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582822413263.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
After several hours of communication between the protest organizers, the Hutchinson Police Department and other community leaders there is a process in place to move the official protest to Saturday (June 6th) between 11am-1pm. However, this does not guarantee that there will not be activity at the protest location today (30th and Main, Friday June 5th).Due to increased threats against the protest organizers the Hutchinson Police Department is strongly asking them to cancel this protest for their own safety and the safety of our community.In the event the protest continues as planned the Hutchinson Police Department is urging community members to avoid the protest area and allow us to perform our duties in protecting both the community and the protestors.I understand there is great concern in our community regarding this event. Have faith in the men and women of the HutchinsonPolice Department and our emergency services partners. We have an operational plan in place and are prepared. We will work tirelessly to protect and service our community and see us peacefully through this event.Chief Jeffrey C. HooperHutchinson Police Department

Police issue Friday morning release


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Sheriff's Office is looking for the public's help with a hit and run injury accident that took place Thursday night. 

According to a Facebook post from the department, just before 10 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 7000 block of east 4th Avenue. Deputies were advised a 14-year-old pedestrian had been struck by a dark colored SUV which left the scene. The pedestrian was transported by private vehicle to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.

Anyone with possible information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at (620)694-2666.

The vehicle will likely have damage to the passenger side mirror and passenger side door.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583185956572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Reno County Sheriff's Office is looking for the public's help with a hit and run injury accident that took place Thursday night. According to a Facebook post from the department, just before 10 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 7000 block of east 4th Avenue. Deputies were advised a 14-year-old pedestrian had been struck by a dark colored SUV which left the scene. The pedestrian was transported by private vehicle to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.Anyone with possible information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers of Reno County at (620)694-2666.The vehicle will likely have damage to the passenger side mirror and passenger side door.

Sheriff's office looking for help with Thursday injury accident


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell acknowledges that, due to COVID-19, the City budget may take more discussion in a shorter time window this year than it does in typical years.

"We're going to meet as many times as we would under a normal year, although the timing's going to be skewed a little bit," Cantrell said. "We're going to have to wait to see what those collections are in order to paint an accurate picture on the retail activity. We can do a lot of work towards goals and objectives in advance of that. Unfortunately, that work might not be completely relevant if we don't truly know what our collections are going to be."

It's always the hope of any employer to keep good people, especially when circumstances out of their control are causing the problems and the City is no different.

"I think it's about 65% of our whole budget on our outlay, labor," Cantrell said. "It is a big piece of our expense and it is one where, if you do furlough or potentially even cut jobs, you're going to lose that talent and in a lot of cases, you lose it permanently."

The hope is that if there are cuts, at least a portion can be done through natural attrition like retirements and those moving on voluntarily.

"I think that's always a piece of it," Cantrell said. "When you put a package together that involves downsizing or trimming your labor, you always look at that and you hope to grab a certain percentage of it that way. It's not what I have ever seen as being the exclusive solution to it, but it's definitely a piece of it."

Ultimately, Cantrell will provide the governing body with a menu of choices and it will be up to the City Council to make the final decisions on cuts, if they are necessary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584040246154.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson City Manager Jeff Cantrell acknowledges that, due to COVID-19, the City budget may take more discussion in a shorter time window this year than it does in typical years."We're going to meet as many times as we would under a normal year, although the timing's going to be skewed a little bit," Cantrell said. "We're going to have to wait to see what those collections are in order to paint an accurate picture on the retail activity. We can do a lot of work towards goals and objectives in advance of that. Unfortunately, that work might not be completely relevant if we don't truly know what our collections are going to be."It's always the hope of any employer to keep good people, especially when circumstances out of their control are causing the problems and the City is no different."I think it's about 65% of our whole budget on our outlay, labor," Cantrell said. "It is a big piece of our expense and it is one where, if you do furlough or potentially even cut jobs, you're going to lose that talent and in a lot of cases, you lose it permanently."The hope is that if there are cuts, at least a portion can be done through natural attrition like retirements and those moving on voluntarily."I think that's always a piece of it," Cantrell said. "When you put a package together that involves downsizing or trimming your labor, you always look at that and you hope to grab a certain percentage of it that way. It's not what I have ever seen as being the exclusive solution to it, but it's definitely a piece of it."Ultimately, Cantrell will provide the governing body with a menu of choices and it will be up to the City Council to make the final decisions on cuts, if they are necessary.

Cantrell: Hope is to keep city talent, but need to look at collections first

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Sunday's protest and Tuesday's roundtable in the past, NAACP President Darrell Pope says things need to keep moving forward when it comes to race relations within the community and the police department.

“I think we’ve gotten the players involved who have the ability to make things happen,” Darrell Pope said. “At least we’ve got a commitment that they’re interested in wanting to discuss and work to get meaningful results.”

A protest march that was put together by a local resident caused concern for the safety of protesters and the public. The march was not supported by the NAACP and was eventually postponed from its original Friday date to a more condensed version on Saturday. Pope took the time to comment on what residents need to do to make sure their voice is heard in a peaceful and organized manner.

“First of all, you need to recognize or at least notify those persons who are going to be responsible for making sure you have a successful event,” Pope said. “Whenever there’s some civil disobedience you always have to get the law enforcement involved so there’s some kind of control.”

Pope says it is still plenty of work ahead to find permanent peace along racial lines but the work with local leaders is a good start.

“You sit down with those who can affect change and have the authority to see that change happens,” Pope said. “ And you start working with those people in trying to come up with positive ways to move forward.”

Pope says it will be a long road but hopes the city can come together and continued to stress the need to take a proactive approach and not reactive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591092788258.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Sunday's protest and Tuesday's roundtable in the past, NAACP President Darrell Pope says things need to keep moving forward when it comes to race relations within the community and the police department.“I think we’ve gotten the players involved who have the ability to make things happen,” Darrell Pope said. “At least we’ve got a commitment that they’re interested in wanting to discuss and work to get meaningful results.”A protest march that was put together by a local resident caused concern for the safety of protesters and the public. The march was not supported by the NAACP and was eventually postponed from its original Friday date to a more condensed version on Saturday. Pope took the time to comment on what residents need to do to make sure their voice is heard in a peaceful and organized manner.“First of all, you need to recognize or at least notify those persons who are going to be responsible for making sure you have a successful event,” Pope said. “Whenever there’s some civil disobedience you always have to get the law enforcement involved so there’s some kind of control.”Pope says it is still plenty of work ahead to find permanent peace along racial lines but the work with local leaders is a good start.“You sit down with those who can affect change and have the authority to see that change happens,” Pope said. “ And you start working with those people in trying to come up with positive ways to move forward.”Pope says it will be a long road but hopes the city can come together and continued to stress the need to take a proactive approach and not reactive.

Pope says more to be done but discussions off to a good start

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a long meeting with Hutchinson Police, the city and others, the protest march that was postponed for Friday will be held on Saturday. 

Organizer Teresa Delgado announced after the meeting that the march will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The march will run from 30th Avenue south down Main to 11th Avenue and then back again ending around 1 p.m.&nbsp;

Delgado said that this is a peaceful march and any violence will not be condoned and the police department will be there to watch over the event. She noted that the meeting with law enforcement was a good one.

The event was scheduled for Friday but was postponed after social media highlighted various posts that got law enforcement's attention. Since then some businesses have closed and others have taken action to protect their business. Although the event is now Saturday, most Reno County offices will be closed at noon Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591199953588.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a long meeting with Hutchinson Police, the city and others, the protest march that was postponed for Friday will be held on Saturday. Organizer Teresa Delgado announced after the meeting that the march will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The march will run from 30th Avenue south down Main to 11th Avenue and then back again ending around 1 p.m.&nbsp;Delgado said that this is a peaceful march and any violence will not be condoned and the police department will be there to watch over the event. She noted that the meeting with law enforcement was a good one.The event was scheduled for Friday but was postponed after social media highlighted various posts that got law enforcement's attention. Since then some businesses have closed and others have taken action to protect their business. Although the event is now Saturday, most Reno County offices will be closed at noon Friday.

Condensed version of peaceful protest march set for Saturday 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Because of the uncertainty surrounding the now postponed protest in the city and the chance of counterprotests or other negative activity, most Reno County offices will be closed starting at noon Friday. This includes the district court and its offices as well.

County Administrator Randy Partington says that closings include the annex, community corrections and the health department. RCAT will run their normal schedule on Friday but no decision has been made about service on Saturday.

Partington says the decision to close was made early Thursday after word of the protest came out and other social media postings caused concerns for public safety.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575400618003.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Because of the uncertainty surrounding the now postponed protest in the city and the chance of counterprotests or other negative activity, most Reno County offices will be closed starting at noon Friday. This includes the district court and its offices as well.County Administrator Randy Partington says that closings include the annex, community corrections and the health department. RCAT will run their normal schedule on Friday but no decision has been made about service on Saturday.Partington says the decision to close was made early Thursday after word of the protest came out and other social media postings caused concerns for public safety.&nbsp;

County offices closing at noon Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced that Sylvia Road between Parallel and Pleasant Valley Road will be closed for two days starting Monday.

Work crews will be replacing a culvert in that area. The area is located two miles northeast of Turon. If you need any more information on this or any other road project in the county, call Public Works at 620-694-2976.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591302318203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced that Sylvia Road between Parallel and Pleasant Valley Road will be closed for two days starting Monday.Work crews will be replacing a culvert in that area. The area is located two miles northeast of Turon. If you need any more information on this or any other road project in the county, call Public Works at 620-694-2976.

Portion of Sylvia Road closed for 2 days starting Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department has a new officer. Chief Jeff Hooper swore in Officer Lance Fairchild.&nbsp;

Fairchild started with the police department as an evidence technician in 2016.

Fairchild was sworn in during a brief ceremony on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591301899331.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department has a new officer. Chief Jeff Hooper swore in Officer Lance Fairchild.&nbsp;Fairchild started with the police department as an evidence technician in 2016.Fairchild was sworn in during a brief ceremony on Wednesday.

Fairchild sworn in as new HPD officer

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

Recent obituaries

An update on this story can be found <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5ed97d7cebfb13423b2702a5">HERE</a>.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; A Hutchinson woman’s plans for a peaceful march in Hutchinson have been put on hold.&nbsp;

Various social media posts forced Teresa Delgado to postpone her march that was scheduled for Friday. The march caused a few uneasy moments when some social media posts were less than favorable of the event. The Hutchinson Chapter of NAACP had also posted a statement earlier on Thursday saying that they were not sponsoring the march and felt that it was not a good idea at this time.

Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said that he would have the department ready to deal with anything negative that could arise from the event.

Delgado has a meeting scheduled with HPD, the NAACP and the City Human Relations department to further discuss an alternative time for the event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591199990248.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An update on this story can be found <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5ed97d7cebfb13423b2702a5">HERE</a>.HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; A Hutchinson woman’s plans for a peaceful march in Hutchinson have been put on hold.&nbsp;Various social media posts forced Teresa Delgado to postpone her march that was scheduled for Friday. The march caused a few uneasy moments when some social media posts were less than favorable of the event. The Hutchinson Chapter of NAACP had also posted a statement earlier on Thursday saying that they were not sponsoring the march and felt that it was not a good idea at this time.Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said that he would have the department ready to deal with anything negative that could arise from the event.Delgado has a meeting scheduled with HPD, the NAACP and the City Human Relations department to further discuss an alternative time for the event.

Peaceful march put on hold

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AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Friday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR’s All-Star Race will be a midweek event on July 15 at Charlotte Motor Speedway as part of a new revision to the schedule that runs through the first weekend of August. The revisions involve Pocono Raceway and the speedways in Indianapolis, Kentucky, Texas, Kansas and New Hampshire. NASCAR made no mention of whether spectators will be allowed at any of the events but Indianapolis, Kentucky and Kansas all said their events would not have fans. NASCAR leadership has not been available for public comment since May 17.&nbsp;

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Dozens of University of Texas football players marched with Austin police officers from campus to the state Capitol to honor the memory of George Floyd on Thursday. Many of the players locked arms on the two-mile walk that stopped on the opposite side of the building from where protesters have gathered for several days. Once there, the group and police officers took a knee for nine minutes to symbolize the amount of time Floyd was detained on the ground by Minneapolis police before he died.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Two more Oklahoma State football players have tested positive for COVID-19 since returning to campus for voluntary workouts. That brings the total to three. Senior associate athletic director Kevin Klintworth wrote on his Twitter account that of the 150 staff, administrators and athletes tested, three were positive. None are showing symptoms. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga announced Tuesday he tested positive after he attended a protest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The other two players were not identified. Athletes or staff members at Marshall and Iowa State also have tested positive this week.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Johnny Majors, the coach of Pittsburgh’s 1976 national championship football team and a former coach and star player at Tennessee, has died. Majors died Wednesday at his home in Knoxville, according to his wife. He was 85. Majors compiled a 185-137-10 record in 29 seasons as a head coach at Iowa State, Pitt and Tennessee. In his playing days, he finished second to Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung in the 1956 Heisman Trophy balloting. Majors was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987.&nbsp;

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Transitioning from head coach at the college level to the NFL is never easy. But for Carolina Panthers first-year coach Matt Rhule, it has been particularly challenging because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly five months after being hired away from Baylor to help rebuild a struggling franchise, Rhule has met in person only about 20 of the 90 players on the roster. And he still hasn’t run his players through a practice because of the league stoppage due to the pandemic. In a little more than three months, he’ll need to field a team for the first regular-season game — assuming the NFL season goes ahead as scheduled.

UNDATED (AP) — The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved a 22-team format for restarting the league season in late July at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida. The format calls for each team playing eight games to determine playoff seeding plus the possible utilization of a play-in tournament for the final spot in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference postseason fields. The National Basketball Players Association has a call on Friday to approve the plan as well, the final step as the league tries to finish a season stopped short by the coronavirus pandemic.

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has set a new schedule for early entrants to the NBA draft to withdraw and return to school. Players will now have until 10 days after the NBA scouting combine or Aug. 3, whichever comes earlier. The original June 3 deadline was set to come 10 days after the completion of the combine, but the NBA postponed the combine amid the coronavirus pandemic and has yet to announce a new date.

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL says each of its playoff series will be a best-of-seven format after the initial qualifying round. Teams will be reseeded throughout if the league is able to return with its 24-team plan later this summer. The announcement came at nearly the same time the Pittsburgh Penguins revealed one of their players had tested positive for the coronavirus, raising the total to nine players throughout the league. The NHL is still assessing health and safety protocols for what it has said could be 24 teams playing each other in two hub cities.

UNDATED (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has told the 32 clubs in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that coaching staffs may work from team complexes starting Friday. Previously, only up to 75 people per day could be at the facilities, with coaches and players not seeking treatment for injuries barred. The maximum number of club employees in each facility will be increased to 100, subject to governmental regulations and implementation of health protocols developed by the NFL's medical staff.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR’s All-Star Race will be a midweek event on July 15 at Charlotte Motor Speedway as part of a new revision to the schedule that runs through the first weekend of August. The revisions involve Pocono Raceway and the speedways in Indianapolis, Kentucky, Texas, Kansas and New Hampshire. NASCAR made no mention of whether spectators will be allowed at any of the events but Indianapolis, Kentucky and Kansas all said their events would not have fans. NASCAR leadership has not been available for public comment since May 17.&nbsp;AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Dozens of University of Texas football players marched with Austin police officers from campus to the state Capitol to honor the memory of George Floyd on Thursday. Many of the players locked arms on the two-mile walk that stopped on the opposite side of the building from where protesters have gathered for several days. Once there, the group and police officers took a knee for nine minutes to symbolize the amount of time Floyd was detained on the ground by Minneapolis police before he died.STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Two more Oklahoma State football players have tested positive for COVID-19 since returning to campus for voluntary workouts. That brings the total to three. Senior associate athletic director Kevin Klintworth wrote on his Twitter account that of the 150 staff, administrators and athletes tested, three were positive. None are showing symptoms. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga announced Tuesday he tested positive after he attended a protest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The other two players were not identified. Athletes or staff members at Marshall and Iowa State also have tested positive this week.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Johnny Majors, the coach of Pittsburgh’s 1976 national championship football team and a former coach and star player at Tennessee, has died. Majors died Wednesday at his home in Knoxville, according to his wife. He was 85. Majors compiled a 185-137-10 record in 29 seasons as a head coach at Iowa State, Pitt and Tennessee. In his playing days, he finished second to Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung in the 1956 Heisman Trophy balloting. Majors was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987.&nbsp;CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Transitioning from head coach at the college level to the NFL is never easy. But for Carolina Panthers first-year coach Matt Rhule, it has been particularly challenging because of the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly five months after being hired away from Baylor to help rebuild a struggling franchise, Rhule has met in person only about 20 of the 90 players on the roster. And he still hasn’t run his players through a practice because of the league stoppage due to the pandemic. In a little more than three months, he’ll need to field a team for the first regular-season game — assuming the NFL season goes ahead as scheduled.UNDATED (AP) — The NBA’s Board of Governors has approved a 22-team format for restarting the league season in late July at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida. The format calls for each team playing eight games to determine playoff seeding plus the possible utilization of a play-in tournament for the final spot in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference postseason fields. The National Basketball Players Association has a call on Friday to approve the plan as well, the final step as the league tries to finish a season stopped short by the coronavirus pandemic.UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has set a new schedule for early entrants to the NBA draft to withdraw and return to school. Players will now have until 10 days after the NBA scouting combine or Aug. 3, whichever comes earlier. The original June 3 deadline was set to come 10 days after the completion of the combine, but the NBA postponed the combine amid the coronavirus pandemic and has yet to announce a new date.UNDATED (AP) — The NHL says each of its playoff series will be a best-of-seven format after the initial qualifying round. Teams will be reseeded throughout if the league is able to return with its 24-team plan later this summer. The announcement came at nearly the same time the Pittsburgh Penguins revealed one of their players had tested positive for the coronavirus, raising the total to nine players throughout the league. The NHL is still assessing health and safety protocols for what it has said could be 24 teams playing each other in two hub cities.UNDATED (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has told the 32 clubs in a memo obtained by The Associated Press that coaching staffs may work from team complexes starting Friday. Previously, only up to 75 people per day could be at the facilities, with coaches and players not seeking treatment for injuries barred. The maximum number of club employees in each facility will be increased to 100, subject to governmental regulations and implementation of health protocols developed by the NFL's medical staff.

Friday Sports Headlines

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is no closer to starting the 2020 that it was when the union made its latest proposal on Sunday.

A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that MLB has rejected the players’ offer for a 114-game regular season with no additional salary cuts. The person added that management did not plan to make a counterproposal.

MLB proposed an 82-game schedule last week and further reductions in player salaries as the sport tries to salvage a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Management has told the union it has no interest in extending the season into November, when it fears a second wave of the coronavirus could disrupt the postseason and jeopardize $787 million in broadcast revenue.

Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote a letter Wednesday to chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer that was obtained by The Associated Press. Halem mentioned that players are unified in their view that they will not accept less than 100% of their prorated salaries, and management has no choice but to accept that representation. Halem said that based on the players’ salary position and the significant health risk of extending the regular season past September, management does not have any reason to believe a negotiated solution for an 82-game season is possible.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is no closer to starting the 2020 that it was when the union made its latest proposal on Sunday.A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that MLB has rejected the players’ offer for a 114-game regular season with no additional salary cuts. The person added that management did not plan to make a counterproposal.MLB proposed an 82-game schedule last week and further reductions in player salaries as the sport tries to salvage a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Management has told the union it has no interest in extending the season into November, when it fears a second wave of the coronavirus could disrupt the postseason and jeopardize $787 million in broadcast revenue.Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote a letter Wednesday to chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer that was obtained by The Associated Press. Halem mentioned that players are unified in their view that they will not accept less than 100% of their prorated salaries, and management has no choice but to accept that representation. Halem said that based on the players’ salary position and the significant health risk of extending the regular season past September, management does not have any reason to believe a negotiated solution for an 82-game season is possible.

MLB rejects 114-game plan, tells union no counter

The NBA took a major step toward getting back on the court Thursday, with the league’s Board of Governors approving a 22-team format for restarting the league season next month at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida.

The vote was 29-1, with Portland casting the dissenting vote, said a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league did not publicly release voting details. The National Basketball Players Association has scheduled a meeting for Friday to vote on the plan.

Teams would arrive at Disney around July 7 and play an eight-game slate of games starting July 31 at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports complex. All teams will stay, practice and play at Disney and the NBA Finals — which would have started Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/226da6f7fadbb1968af3552c25e7d09c">if not for the coronavirus pandemic that caused the NBA to suspend its season on March 11</a>&nbsp;— will likely stretch into October.

“The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts.”

The eight-game slate — it’s unclear if they will be classified as regular season games — will help determine playoff seeding. From there, the league could have a play-in tournament for the final spot in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference postseason fields.

“While there is still work to be done, we applaud all the effort and collaboration that has gone into finding a safe, competitive format,” Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “It has always been our feeling that sports have the ability to bring people together and we look forward to restarting the NBA season while using that platform to drive meaningful social impact at this period of time.”

There are numerous other details to continue working through, including finalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/46152d4c6ded8cae3cf03a39e22e7735">specifics of what the testing plan</a>&nbsp;at Disney will entail and calculating the financial ramifications of playing fewer games.

Another person, also speaking to AP on condition of anonymity because the details of the ongoing talks have not been publicly released, said the NBPA and the NBA are working on “lengthy” medical protocols. The details will be shared with teams once those discussions are completed, which will be long before they arrive at Disney, the person said.

“The NBA is taking all the appropriate measures, and working tirelessly to provide a safe environment for our team and staff,” the Dallas Mavericks said in statement.

While working to finish this season, the league also has made decisions on next season — with the draft lottery rescheduled for Aug. 25, the draft on Oct. 15 and opening night for the 2020-21 campaign is tentatively set for Dec. 1. The G League also announced Thursday that it canceled the remainder of this season.

The 22 Disney-bound clubs would play somewhere between 71 and 75 games before the playoffs begin, down from the customary 82-game slate. The teams who didn’t qualify for the restart will see their seasons end after having played somewhere between 64 and 67 games.

Roughly 15% of what would have been the full NBA regular season won’t be played, which means players stand to lose around $600 million in salary. How that process will work is among the issues that the league and union are still working to solve.

But one of the biggest hurdles is now cleared, in an NBA season like none other. The league is planning for the same playoff rules as usual, that being every round utilizing a best-of-seven format.

The 22-team plan includes all teams that were holding playoff spots when the season was stopped, plus all other clubs within six games of a berth.

Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston and reigning NBA champion Toronto had already clinched playoff berths. Now with only eight games remaining for each team, it means that eight other clubs — Miami, Indiana, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver, Utah, Oklahoma City and Houston — have postseason spots secured, and Dallas virtually has one as well.

That leaves nine teams vying for three remaining playoff berths. In the East, Brooklyn, Orlando and Washington are in the race for two spots. In the West, Memphis, Portland, New Orleans, Sacramento, San Antonio and Phoenix will jostle for one spot.

If the gap between eighth place and ninth place in either conference is four games or less when the eight-game slate ends, those teams will play off for the No. 8 seed. The team in ninth place would have to go 2-0 in a two-game series to advance.

“There is still much work to be done, but we are excited to be able to return to the court,” Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said.

For Atlanta, Cleveland, New York, Golden State, Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago and Charlotte, the season is over. The Knicks will miss the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the third-longest current drought in the league behind Sacramento and Phoenix — who still have chances of getting into the playoffs this season.

“While we are disappointed for our team and our fans that our season is coming to an end, we understand and accept the league’s plan to move forward with 22 teams,” Timberwolves President Gersson Rosas said. “It is important that we be a good teammate not only to the NBA, but to the other 29 teams to support the efforts to complete this season and prepare for next season in a healthy and safe manner.”

And with the Hawks done, it also means&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bcfc38380c0db48773f6df5b72eec7ae">Vince Carter has likely played the final game</a>&nbsp;of his 22-year NBA career — the longest in league history.

Carter, the first player in NBA history to appear in four different decades, plans to retire. He appeared in 1,541 NBA games, behind only Robert Parish (1,611) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,560) on the all-time list.

The NBA took a major step toward getting back on the court Thursday, with the league’s Board of Governors approving a 22-team format for restarting the league season next month at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida.The vote was 29-1, with Portland casting the dissenting vote, said a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league did not publicly release voting details. The National Basketball Players Association has scheduled a meeting for Friday to vote on the plan.Teams would arrive at Disney around July 7 and play an eight-game slate of games starting July 31 at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports complex. All teams will stay, practice and play at Disney and the NBA Finals — which would have started Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/226da6f7fadbb1968af3552c25e7d09c">if not for the coronavirus pandemic that caused the NBA to suspend its season on March 11</a>&nbsp;— will likely stretch into October.“The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts.”The eight-game slate — it’s unclear if they will be classified as regular season games — will help determine playoff seeding. From there, the league could have a play-in tournament for the final spot in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference postseason fields.“While there is still work to be done, we applaud all the effort and collaboration that has gone into finding a safe, competitive format,” Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said. “It has always been our feeling that sports have the ability to bring people together and we look forward to restarting the NBA season while using that platform to drive meaningful social impact at this period of time.”There are numerous other details to continue working through, including finalizing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/46152d4c6ded8cae3cf03a39e22e7735">specifics of what the testing plan</a>&nbsp;at Disney will entail and calculating the financial ramifications of playing fewer games.Another person, also speaking to AP on condition of anonymity because the details of the ongoing talks have not been publicly released, said the NBPA and the NBA are working on “lengthy” medical protocols. The details will be shared with teams once those discussions are completed, which will be long before they arrive at Disney, the person said.“The NBA is taking all the appropriate measures, and working tirelessly to provide a safe environment for our team and staff,” the Dallas Mavericks said in statement.While working to finish this season, the league also has made decisions on next season — with the draft lottery rescheduled for Aug. 25, the draft on Oct. 15 and opening night for the 2020-21 campaign is tentatively set for Dec. 1. The G League also announced Thursday that it canceled the remainder of this season.The 22 Disney-bound clubs would play somewhere between 71 and 75 games before the playoffs begin, down from the customary 82-game slate. The teams who didn’t qualify for the restart will see their seasons end after having played somewhere between 64 and 67 games.Roughly 15% of what would have been the full NBA regular season won’t be played, which means players stand to lose around $600 million in salary. How that process will work is among the issues that the league and union are still working to solve.But one of the biggest hurdles is now cleared, in an NBA season like none other. The league is planning for the same playoff rules as usual, that being every round utilizing a best-of-seven format.The 22-team plan includes all teams that were holding playoff spots when the season was stopped, plus all other clubs within six games of a berth.Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston and reigning NBA champion Toronto had already clinched playoff berths. Now with only eight games remaining for each team, it means that eight other clubs — Miami, Indiana, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver, Utah, Oklahoma City and Houston — have postseason spots secured, and Dallas virtually has one as well.That leaves nine teams vying for three remaining playoff berths. In the East, Brooklyn, Orlando and Washington are in the race for two spots. In the West, Memphis, Portland, New Orleans, Sacramento, San Antonio and Phoenix will jostle for one spot.If the gap between eighth place and ninth place in either conference is four games or less when the eight-game slate ends, those teams will play off for the No. 8 seed. The team in ninth place would have to go 2-0 in a two-game series to advance.“There is still much work to be done, but we are excited to be able to return to the court,” Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said.For Atlanta, Cleveland, New York, Golden State, Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago and Charlotte, the season is over. The Knicks will miss the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the third-longest current drought in the league behind Sacramento and Phoenix — who still have chances of getting into the playoffs this season.“While we are disappointed for our team and our fans that our season is coming to an end, we understand and accept the league’s plan to move forward with 22 teams,” Timberwolves President Gersson Rosas said. “It is important that we be a good teammate not only to the NBA, but to the other 29 teams to support the efforts to complete this season and prepare for next season in a healthy and safe manner.”And with the Hawks done, it also means&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bcfc38380c0db48773f6df5b72eec7ae">Vince Carter has likely played the final game</a>&nbsp;of his 22-year NBA career — the longest in league history.Carter, the first player in NBA history to appear in four different decades, plans to retire. He appeared in 1,541 NBA games, behind only Robert Parish (1,611) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,560) on the all-time list.

NBA owners approve 22-team season restart plan

Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>

Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.

That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.

Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.

‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’

Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”

But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.

It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.

“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.

Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.

Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.

“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”

Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.

“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.

Their partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.

When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.

“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.

Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.

Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.

“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”

By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.

After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.

“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”

Kansas City’s signature franchise

From
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.

But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.

One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.

“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.

One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289256619.png" alt="J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic</h2>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289387032.png" alt="Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. " />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. </figcaption>
 </figure>It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.A war, a pandemic and a scandalTheir partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289439235.png" alt="The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”Kansas City’s signature franchiseFrom
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

How 1918 pandemic sparked founding of Negro Leagues in Kansas City

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/833921530&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/hutchpost" title="HutchPost.com" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HutchPost.com</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/hutchpost/eagle-sports-june-4-2020" title="Eagle Sports June 4 - 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Sports June 4 - 2020</a></div></div>

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2019 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Fodor, Celia M. Fodor, 26, Atchison, was southbound on U.S. 59 Highway at Henry Street in Atchison.

The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed, crossed the center line, left the roadway,&nbsp; continued through a yard, went airborne, went through a window of an abandoned building at 1600 U.S.59 Highway. 

The driver was ejected from the motorcycle and struck the same building.&nbsp; &nbsp;Fodor was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Becker-Dyer Funeral Home. She was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2019 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Fodor, Celia M. Fodor, 26, Atchison, was southbound on U.S. 59 Highway at Henry Street in Atchison.The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed, crossed the center line, left the roadway,&nbsp; continued through a yard, went airborne, went through a window of an abandoned building at 1600 U.S.59 Highway. The driver was ejected from the motorcycle and struck the same building.&nbsp; &nbsp;Fodor was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Becker-Dyer Funeral Home. She was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after motorcycle crash into building

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a wild drive at the scene of where protest violence had occurred this week in Wichita.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police who were proactively patrolling the area near W. 21st Street and N. Arkansas Avenue, observed a suspect identified as 23-year-old Dylan Yohe driving a maroon Dodge Dakota, according to officer Kevin Wheeler

Yohe was known by officers to have a revoked driver’s license and conducted a traffic stop at Franklin and Nims Street.

During the traffic stop, officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, an open liquor bottle and a knife in the vehicle.

Police arrested him on requested charges of DUI, driving while revoked, transport open container, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and an aggravated weapons violation, according to Wheeler.

&nbsp;Yohe has previously been arrested and convicted on charges of carrying a concealed firearm, and traffic charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289433873.png" alt="Yohe -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Yohe -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a wild drive at the scene of where protest violence had occurred this week in Wichita.Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police who were proactively patrolling the area near W. 21st Street and N. Arkansas Avenue, observed a suspect identified as 23-year-old Dylan Yohe driving a maroon Dodge Dakota, according to officer Kevin WheelerYohe was known by officers to have a revoked driver’s license and conducted a traffic stop at Franklin and Nims Street.During the traffic stop, officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, an open liquor bottle and a knife in the vehicle.Police arrested him on requested charges of DUI, driving while revoked, transport open container, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and an aggravated weapons violation, according to Wheeler.&nbsp;Yohe has previously been arrested and convicted on charges of carrying a concealed firearm, and traffic charges.

Kan. felon jailed for wild drive near scene of protest violence 

WICHITA —WSU Tech has made a change in who will speak at their weekend virtual graduation event.

On Thursday morning, the school announced that Ivanka Trump, advisor to the president of the United States, as a planned speaker at the college’s virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday.

The invitation was extended in February and Ms. Trump offered to record a congratulatory message to graduates to be played during the event, according to a statement released late Thursday from Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech.

"In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd’s death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive. For this, I’m sorry that was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding," according to Utash.

"Our focus with commencement has always been about our graduates and celebrating their accomplishments. To ensure this our only commencement speaker will be Rebecca Zinabu, WSU Tech practical nursing graduate," according to a joint statement from Utash and Wichita State University president Jay Golden.

"The graduates will also be invited to separately view congratulatory messages from over 30 voices, including Ms. Trump and community members."

Utash wrote, "I respect and understand the sharply divided reaction to today’s announcement. The college stands with those who fight injustice and advocate for social equity, and we’re profoundly proud of the diversity and social change being brought forth by our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

In my heart, my highest priority has always been to support our students and our community, and we will do so on Saturday."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574437394978.png" alt="Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ivanka Trump during her visit to Wichita in October of 2019" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ivanka Trump during her visit to Wichita in October of 2019</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —WSU Tech has made a change in who will speak at their weekend virtual graduation event.On Thursday morning, the school announced that Ivanka Trump, advisor to the president of the United States, as a planned speaker at the college’s virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday.The invitation was extended in February and Ms. Trump offered to record a congratulatory message to graduates to be played during the event, according to a statement released late Thursday from Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech."In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd’s death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive. For this, I’m sorry that was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding," according to Utash."Our focus with commencement has always been about our graduates and celebrating their accomplishments. To ensure this our only commencement speaker will be Rebecca Zinabu, WSU Tech practical nursing graduate," according to a joint statement from Utash and Wichita State University president Jay Golden."The graduates will also be invited to separately view congratulatory messages from over 30 voices, including Ms. Trump and community members."Utash wrote, "I respect and understand the sharply divided reaction to today’s announcement. The college stands with those who fight injustice and advocate for social equity, and we’re profoundly proud of the diversity and social change being brought forth by our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.In my heart, my highest priority has always been to support our students and our community, and we will do so on Saturday."

Kan. school cancels Ivanka Trump's commencement address

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City is reforming police procedures after criticism from black organizations about police conduct during nearly a week of protests as well as long-standing tension between the department and minorities, the mayor announced Thursday.

A coalition of civil rights organizations demanded Wednesday that Police Chief Rick Smith be fired. But Mayor Quinton Lucas said Smith would remain "as we weather our current crisis and also as we continue to address our issues related to violent crime and the high number of homicides in Kansas City.”

Lucas said after a closed meeting of the Kansas City Police Board of Commissioners that the city would ask an outside agency to review all police-involved shootings; create whistleblower protections for officers; end a department policy of not sending probable cause statements to prosecutors in officer-involved shootings; review officers' use of tear gas and projectiles; and provide updates to the city council on the department's community engagement efforts.

Lucas said he hoped a review of tear gas and projectile use would lead to a new policy in the near future.

The city announced Wednesday that $2.5 million in private funding has been donated to buy police body cameras.

Lucas said the changes addressed long-standing issues, not only concerns raised during the protests over the death of George Floyd, the handcuffed black man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police on May 25.

“It also recognizes that this moment is not about individual protests on the plaza or in Kansas City," Lucas said. “But instead how we can modernize policing, how we can build trust between police and our communities, and frankly, how we can help solve many of the challenges we have in Kansas City’s violent crime.”

The announcement came shortly after Jackson County’s prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, said she was reaching out to Kansas City protesters claiming to be victims of police misconduct, urging them to report their allegations online.

Peaceful daytime demonstrations in Kansas City often have devolved into violence at night. Police have been pelted with rocks and bottles, and officers have used pepper spray and tear gas on protesters. On Thursday, 22-year-old Matthew Madden, who initially was arrested on suspicion of throwing water bottles at police officers during Tuesday's protests, was charged in federal court with illegally possessing a firearm.

But demonstrations have grown calmer, with protesters marching peacefully Thursday night through the upscale Country Club Plaza restaurant and shopping district without any sign of a police presence.

“We have already asked for an investigation of one incident in which protesters were pepper-sprayed by police,” Baker’s office said. Video shared on social media showed a confrontation Wednesday during a protest at the Country Club Plaza in which officers appeared to use pepper spray on two protesters after one of them yelled at police.

Baker stressed that her office has not filed charges against protesters arrested for minor offenses such as walking on the street or stepping off a curb. Those charges, she said, were municipal counts filed by the city prosecutor’s office.

Kansas City police have arrested about 200 people during the protests. Lucas said he would consider pardoning all nonviolent protesters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591353068022.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas listening to peaceful protest in Kansas City last week-image courtesy Mayor Lucas" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas listening to peaceful protest in Kansas City last week-image courtesy Mayor Lucas</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City is reforming police procedures after criticism from black organizations about police conduct during nearly a week of protests as well as long-standing tension between the department and minorities, the mayor announced Thursday.A coalition of civil rights organizations demanded Wednesday that Police Chief Rick Smith be fired. But Mayor Quinton Lucas said Smith would remain "as we weather our current crisis and also as we continue to address our issues related to violent crime and the high number of homicides in Kansas City.”Lucas said after a closed meeting of the Kansas City Police Board of Commissioners that the city would ask an outside agency to review all police-involved shootings; create whistleblower protections for officers; end a department policy of not sending probable cause statements to prosecutors in officer-involved shootings; review officers' use of tear gas and projectiles; and provide updates to the city council on the department's community engagement efforts.Lucas said he hoped a review of tear gas and projectile use would lead to a new policy in the near future.The city announced Wednesday that $2.5 million in private funding has been donated to buy police body cameras.Lucas said the changes addressed long-standing issues, not only concerns raised during the protests over the death of George Floyd, the handcuffed black man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police on May 25.“It also recognizes that this moment is not about individual protests on the plaza or in Kansas City," Lucas said. “But instead how we can modernize policing, how we can build trust between police and our communities, and frankly, how we can help solve many of the challenges we have in Kansas City’s violent crime.”The announcement came shortly after Jackson County’s prosecutor, Jean Peters Baker, said she was reaching out to Kansas City protesters claiming to be victims of police misconduct, urging them to report their allegations online.Peaceful daytime demonstrations in Kansas City often have devolved into violence at night. Police have been pelted with rocks and bottles, and officers have used pepper spray and tear gas on protesters. On Thursday, 22-year-old Matthew Madden, who initially was arrested on suspicion of throwing water bottles at police officers during Tuesday's protests, was charged in federal court with illegally possessing a firearm.But demonstrations have grown calmer, with protesters marching peacefully Thursday night through the upscale Country Club Plaza restaurant and shopping district without any sign of a police presence.“We have already asked for an investigation of one incident in which protesters were pepper-sprayed by police,” Baker’s office said. Video shared on social media showed a confrontation Wednesday during a protest at the Country Club Plaza in which officers appeared to use pepper spray on two protesters after one of them yelled at police.Baker stressed that her office has not filed charges against protesters arrested for minor offenses such as walking on the street or stepping off a curb. Those charges, she said, were municipal counts filed by the city prosecutor’s office.Kansas City police have arrested about 200 people during the protests. Lucas said he would consider pardoning all nonviolent protesters.

Kansas City announces planned reform of police procedures

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with using social media to bring people together to do violence in Wichita.

On Wednesday, police received information about a social media post encouraging others to meet at 21st and Arkansas at 7 p.m. and then traveling to other parts of Sedgwick County and engaging in violent behavior, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

The investigation revealed 20-year-old Michael Boston Jr. of Wichita and 19-year-old Rashawn Mayes of Park City&nbsp;were responsible for the post that was shared thousands of times throughout Sedgwick County and surrounding areas, causing fear and panic to citizens and business owners.

On Wednesday evening, officers located Boston and Mayes, and they were arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp; incitement to riot, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate both suspects are no longer in custody.

The arrests of Boston and Mayes Jr. sparked immediate outcry on social media. Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson posted a supportive video on Facebook, saying the men “were arrested for sharing information that we all saw.”&nbsp;

Police have released no additional details on the investigation.

“Those who promote and engage in violence will be arrested,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said. “They will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including federal charges.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591288010763.png" alt="Mayes photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mayes photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with using social media to bring people together to do violence in Wichita.On Wednesday, police received information about a social media post encouraging others to meet at 21st and Arkansas at 7 p.m. and then traveling to other parts of Sedgwick County and engaging in violent behavior, according to Officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591287646883.png" alt="Boston photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Boston photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed 20-year-old Michael Boston Jr. of Wichita and 19-year-old Rashawn Mayes of Park City&nbsp;were responsible for the post that was shared thousands of times throughout Sedgwick County and surrounding areas, causing fear and panic to citizens and business owners.On Wednesday evening, officers located Boston and Mayes, and they were arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp; incitement to riot, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate both suspects are no longer in custody.The arrests of Boston and Mayes Jr. sparked immediate outcry on social media. Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson posted a supportive video on Facebook, saying the men “were arrested for sharing information that we all saw.”&nbsp;Police have released no additional details on the investigation.-----------SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with using social media to bring people together to do violence in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591288010763.png" alt="Mayes photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mayes photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, police received information about a social media post encouraging others to meet at 21st and Arkansas at 7 p.m. and then traveling to other parts of Sedgwick County and engaging in violent behavior, according to Officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591287646883.png" alt="Boston photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Boston photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed 20-year-old Michael Boston Jr. of Wichita and 19-year-old Rashawn Mayes of Park City&nbsp;were responsible for the post that was shared thousands of times throughout Sedgwick County and surrounding areas, causing fear and panic to citizens and business owners.On Wednesday evening, officers located Boston and Mayes, and they were arrested without incident on requested charges of&nbsp; incitement to riot, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate both suspects are no longer in custody.“Those who promote and engage in violence will be arrested,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said. “They will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including federal charges.”

Update: 2 Kan. men allegedly used social media to incite riot

NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney says it is closing 154 stores nationwide in what it is calling the first phase of its efforts to shrink its footprint.

NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney says it is closing 154 stores nationwide in what it is calling the first phase of its efforts to shrink its footprint.Three stores in Kansas are on the list of stores to close including the store at the Central Mall in Salina, the store on North Kansas Avenue in Liberal and the store at Flint Hills Village in Emporia.In Missouri, the company will close the store at Bolger Square in Independence and the store at the Kirksville Shopping Center.<a href="https://companyblog.jcpnewsroom.com/storeclosings/">Click here to see a full list</a> of stores that will close.The Plano, Texas-based retailer said it could take about 10 to 16 weeks to complete the closures. Penney filed for bankruptcy protection last month, making it the biggest retailer to do since the coronavirus pandemic forced non-essential stores to be shut down temporarily. As part of its bankruptcy reorganization, Penney said it planned to permanently close nearly a third of its 846 stores in the next two years. That would leave it with just over 600 locations.&nbsp;

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