TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Leaders of the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature were considering whether to revoke Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf" target="_blank">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;that was set to take effect Monday as she tries to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The Legislature’s top seven leaders, five of them Republicans, planned to convene by teleconference Sunday afternoon to review Kelly’s order. They set the meeting a day after the governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">issued her order</a>&nbsp;for the state’s 2.9 million residents.

State health officials said Sunday that Kansas has 319 cases in 35 of the state’s 105 counties and six COVID-19-related deaths. The number of confirmed cases grew by 58 from Saturday.

Nearly two dozen other states have stay-at-home orders in place, and Kelly waited until at least 25 counties issued their own orders, including the state’s most populous ones. Those orders cover more than 2.1 million people, or 73% of the state’s residents. Hers would be in force until April 19.

Lawmakers gave their leaders the power to overturn Kelly’s coronavirus orders in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hcr5025_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a>&nbsp;extending a state of emergency Kelly declared March 12 until at least May 1. Had lawmakers not passed the resolution, the state of emergency would have expired Thursday, potentially jeopardizing federal aid.

Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and U.S. Senate candidate who frequently criticizes Kelly, said Saturday that she was worried about a “one size fits all” approach.

“Our state has varying economic concerns and differing population bases,” Wagle said in a statement. “We are not like coastal states.”

State law gives the governor&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0025_section/048_009_0025_k/" target="_blank">broad authority</a>&nbsp;to deal with emergencies but allows the Legislature&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0024_section/048_009_0024_k/" target="_blank">to revoke</a>&nbsp;emergency declarations, though there’s not been a case in recent memory of them seeking to do so. Some GOP conservatives were upset with Kelly’s order on March 17 that closed the state’s K-12 schools for the rest of the semester.

President Donald Trump has said he wants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02d2fdbfd1ddad86b4a9f67643371f0b">to reopen the U.S. economy</a>&nbsp;by Easter, and in Kansas, some GOP lawmakers worry about destroying small businesses. They’ve also said they want to prevent abuses of power in an emergency that could last weeks, just as some in the U.S. have said state and federal governments are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75e84a13c654bac94befc7a36651ced6">trampling on freedoms</a>&nbsp;central to American life in the name of protecting public health.

University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller said GOP lawmakers’ relationship with Kelly is “uniquely dysfunctional.” It has often been strained since she took office in January 2019.

“If you have someone in your life that you have a strained relationship with, you don’t all of a sudden do a 180 and that relationship changes overnight,” Miller said.

Top Republicans’ willingness to push back on Kelly’s actions frustrated Dr. Beth Oller, a family-practice physician in Stockton in northwest Kansas. Her home county, Rooks County, issued a stay-at-home order for its 5,000 residents, effective Saturday, before having a confirmed case of the virus.

Oller said it’s almost certain that more people have the coronavirus than the state has reported because of limited testing. She called pushing back on Kelly’s actions “exceptionally short-sighted” because, “We haven’t come close to seeing the peak.”

“The only way that you flatten the curve effectively is by doing something before it gets bad,” she said. “Do they not understand? Look at Kansas City. Yes, it’s a denser population. Yes it’s already there, but all they have to do over the last three days is watch how it has marched west.”

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

As it has elsewhere, the number of confirmed cases in Kansas has doubled roughly every three days. The coronavirus has spread geographically since being confirmed in the Kansas City area on March 13.

Kelly said Saturday that Kansas could have as many as 900 coronavirus cases by the end of this week. She said steps she and local officials have taken have slowed its spread but, “they’re not enough.”

“Positive cases are appearing everywhere at this point,” she said.

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Leaders of the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature were considering whether to revoke Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf" target="_blank">stay-at-home order</a>&nbsp;that was set to take effect Monday as she tries to slow the spread of the coronavirus.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F2622869617979550%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Legislature’s top seven leaders, five of them Republicans, planned to convene by teleconference Sunday afternoon to review Kelly’s order. They set the meeting a day after the governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/425a488fcf8f16dfb0d7e06a9293b1ff">issued her order</a>&nbsp;for the state’s 2.9 million residents.State health officials said Sunday that Kansas has 319 cases in 35 of the state’s 105 counties and six COVID-19-related deaths. The number of confirmed cases grew by 58 from Saturday.Nearly two dozen other states have stay-at-home orders in place, and Kelly waited until at least 25 counties issued their own orders, including the state’s most populous ones. Those orders cover more than 2.1 million people, or 73% of the state’s residents. Hers would be in force until April 19.Lawmakers gave their leaders the power to overturn Kelly’s coronavirus orders in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hcr5025_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a>&nbsp;extending a state of emergency Kelly declared March 12 until at least May 1. Had lawmakers not passed the resolution, the state of emergency would have expired Thursday, potentially jeopardizing federal aid.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSenatorSusanWagle%2Fposts%2F1627577420723035&width=500" width="500" height="230" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and U.S. Senate candidate who frequently criticizes Kelly, said Saturday that she was worried about a “one size fits all” approach.“Our state has varying economic concerns and differing population bases,” Wagle said in a statement. “We are not like coastal states.”State law gives the governor&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0025_section/048_009_0025_k/" target="_blank">broad authority</a>&nbsp;to deal with emergencies but allows the Legislature&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0024_section/048_009_0024_k/" target="_blank">to revoke</a>&nbsp;emergency declarations, though there’s not been a case in recent memory of them seeking to do so. Some GOP conservatives were upset with Kelly’s order on March 17 that closed the state’s K-12 schools for the rest of the semester.President Donald Trump has said he wants&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/02d2fdbfd1ddad86b4a9f67643371f0b">to reopen the U.S. economy</a>&nbsp;by Easter, and in Kansas, some GOP lawmakers worry about destroying small businesses. They’ve also said they want to prevent abuses of power in an emergency that could last weeks, just as some in the U.S. have said state and federal governments are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75e84a13c654bac94befc7a36651ced6">trampling on freedoms</a>&nbsp;central to American life in the name of protecting public health.University of Kansas political scientist Patrick Miller said GOP lawmakers’ relationship with Kelly is “uniquely dysfunctional.” It has often been strained since she took office in January 2019.“If you have someone in your life that you have a strained relationship with, you don’t all of a sudden do a 180 and that relationship changes overnight,” Miller said.Top Republicans’ willingness to push back on Kelly’s actions frustrated Dr. Beth Oller, a family-practice physician in Stockton in northwest Kansas. Her home county, Rooks County, issued a stay-at-home order for its 5,000 residents, effective Saturday, before having a confirmed case of the virus.Oller said it’s almost certain that more people have the coronavirus than the state has reported because of limited testing. She called pushing back on Kelly’s actions “exceptionally short-sighted” because, “We haven’t come close to seeing the peak.”“The only way that you flatten the curve effectively is by doing something before it gets bad,” she said. “Do they not understand? Look at Kansas City. Yes, it’s a denser population. Yes it’s already there, but all they have to do over the last three days is watch how it has marched west.”For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.As it has elsewhere, the number of confirmed cases in Kansas has doubled roughly every three days. The coronavirus has spread geographically since being confirmed in the Kansas City area on March 13.Kelly said Saturday that Kansas could have as many as 900 coronavirus cases by the end of this week. She said steps she and local officials have taken have slowed its spread but, “they’re not enough.”“Positive cases are appearing everywhere at this point,” she said.

Top lawmakers to consider revoking Kansas stay-at-home order

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585505777706.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA —Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman is a grandfather and said Friday he enjoyed visiting with and answering the questions kids have on the virus.&nbsp;

TOPEKA —Kansas Department of Health Secretary Dr. Lee Norman is a grandfather and said Friday he enjoyed visiting with and answering the questions kids have on the virus.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This was fun! Let&#39;s do it again soon. Share your questions with me, kids. <a href="https://t.co/hd7OngyVBR">pic.twitter.com/hd7OngyVBR</a>&mdash; Lee Norman (@SecNorman) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecNorman/status/1243646784917909504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Kan. health secretary answers kids' questions about coronavirus

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and searching for suspects.

Just after 4:45 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting at the apartments in the 900 block of West 29th&nbsp;Street South in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man inside of a white Ford Focus.&nbsp; The vehicle had damage from multiple gunshots.&nbsp; The 17-year-old had sustained minor injuries, was taken to an area hospital for treatment and released.&nbsp; The 18-year-old man was not injured.&nbsp; There was a third individual inside the vehicle that fled before police arrived.

The investigation revealed, the 17-year-old, 18-year-old, and third individual were at a party at a home in the 1200 block of west 30th&nbsp;Street South.&nbsp; At the party, a disturbance ensued.&nbsp; The 17-year-old, 18-year-old and the third individual fled in the Ford Focus, and an unknown suspect fired multiple shots that struck the vehicle and caused minor injuries to the girl.&nbsp;

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case, according to Davidson.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and searching for suspects.Just after 4:45 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a shooting at the apartments in the 900 block of West 29th&nbsp;Street South in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man inside of a white Ford Focus.&nbsp; The vehicle had damage from multiple gunshots.&nbsp; The 17-year-old had sustained minor injuries, was taken to an area hospital for treatment and released.&nbsp; The 18-year-old man was not injured.&nbsp; There was a third individual inside the vehicle that fled before police arrived.The investigation revealed, the 17-year-old, 18-year-old, and third individual were at a party at a home in the 1200 block of west 30th&nbsp;Street South.&nbsp; At the party, a disturbance ensued.&nbsp; The 17-year-old, 18-year-old and the third individual fled in the Ford Focus, and an unknown suspect fired multiple shots that struck the vehicle and caused minor injuries to the girl.&nbsp;Investigators are working to determine the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; A lack of all cooperation in this investigation has affected investigators from learning all the details of this case, according to Davidson.

Police: Party ends with 17-year-old Kansas girl wounded 

Attorney General William Barr says the Justice Department has already launched investigations into people who are hoarding supplies and price gouging.&nbsp;&nbsp;Barr says, “If you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks, you will be hearing a knock on your door."

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thieves steal surgical masks. A clinic sells fake COVID-19 tests. Hate groups encourage sick members to infect law enforcement officers. Imposters pose as public health officials. Con artists peddle fake cures and financial scams.

As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;</a>spreads, so too do the crimes related to it — transgressions that capitalize on fear, panic and the urge to lay blame, and add to the burden on law enforcement agencies trying to protect vulnerable citizens.

“It is really disheartening in a time like this that someone would take advantage of the community and take them in a time of need,” Tucson, Arizona, Police Sgt. Pete Dugan said.

Everyday life has essentially stopped in many countries in a bid to slow the virus, and some crimes have been declining. But reports of virus-related fraud are on the rise, along with concerns about hate crimes.

U.S. President Donald Trump and others have taken to calling the virus the “Chinese coronavirus,” even as scientists say the disease has nothing to do with Asian ethnicity. But the president dismissed the idea that his comments could fuel hate crimes.

<a href="https://apnews.com/a7c233f0b3bcdb72c06cca6271ba6713">“It’s not racist at all,”</a>&nbsp;Trump has said.

In Los Angeles, a 16-year-old boy of Asian descent said other students bullied him and accused him of carrying the virus. In New York, a man on the subway sprayed an Asian passenger with Febreze and verbally abused him. State Attorney General Letitia James set up a hotline for New Yorkers to report hate crimes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/86ca5e1f6032314115176190c380818d">country’s outbreak epicenter</a>.

The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks hate groups, blames the virus for elevating racist and anti-Semitic messages, including suggesting that Jews are somehow responsible for the pandemic. Some hate groups have suggested tainting doorknobs or other surfaces with the virus so FBI and police officers fall ill.

“If any of you get this, I expect you to spend as much time as possible with our enemies,” one wrote.

Hundreds of masks have been stolen in Portland, Oregon, amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6d9382c1e8ee36f9ed1a4dfe7815ceb1">shortages for health care workers</a>. A Missouri man who was coughing told two store clerks he had a high fever. He was arrested after police said he threatened to give the employees coronavirus. People in Pennsylvania and Illinois were accused of similar crimes. Texas prosecutors brought charges against someone who falsely claimed on social media to have tested positive for COVID-19.

In a memo issued Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen told prosecutors they could charge people who threaten to spread the new coronavirus under U.S. terrorism statutes because the Justice Department considers it a “biological agent” under the law. In such cases, suspects could be charged with a number of offenses, including possessing or developing a biological agent as a weapon, he said.

“Threats or attempt to use COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated,” Rosen wrote in the memo to U.S. attorneys across the country and the heads of all Justice Department agencies, including the FBI.

Meanwhile, police in Bowie, Maryland, are investigating reports of a man wearing an orange vest and blue surgical mask who approached people at two homes claiming to be inspecting for coronavirus. He actually entered one home before a resident confronted him. A similar scam was sweeping through Germany.

The World Health Organization and other authorities are also working to debunk spurious claims about possible cures. They include false assertions that silver, bleach, and garlic could protect against the coronavirus, or that bananas prevent it.

In Uganda, the parliament speaker endorsed a businessman who said he had discovered a chemical that “instantly kills” the virus. Speaker Rebecca Kadaga announced that the businessman had offered to produce the “treatment” in Uganda and it would go on the market shortly.

Kadaga’s comments were widely mocked because the product is actually a disinfectant, according to the Ugandan firm that will produce the chemical, not to be ingested.

New York officials recently ordered the Jim Bakker television show to stop marketing colloidal silver products. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1428c4f6bbc336f446bdb89af51bdad1">himself falsely suggested&nbsp;</a>a drug typically used to treat malaria patients had been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the coronavirus.

Fraudsters purport to collect contaminated banknotes in South Africa. And police busted a clinic selling false testing kits in Kenya.

The United Kingdom’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has received more than 100 reports of virus-related scams, with losses totaling more than $1.1 million (970,000 pounds).

“We have already seen fraudsters using the COVID-19 pandemic to scam people looking to buy medical supplies online ... and targeting people who may be vulnerable or increasingly isolated at home,” Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Economic Crime Center in the U.K., said in a statement.

In the U.S., the Justice Department created a central fraud hotline (1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov) and has ordered U.S. attorneys to appoint special coronavirus fraud coordinators.

Meanwhile, marketing schemers have quickly pivoted to offering “senior care packages” that include hand sanitizer or even a purported vaccine, which doesn’t exist. Some falsely claim that Trump has ordered that seniors get tested.

It’s all a trick to get personal information that can be used to bill federal and state health programs, health officials said.

“It’s a straight-up ruse to get your Medicare number or your Social Security number under the guise of having a test kit or a sanitary kit sent to you,” Christian Schrank, assistant inspector general for investigations at Health and Human Services.

The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 350,000 people and left more than 15,000 people dead. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The World Health Organization says criminals are increasingly posing as WHO officials in calls and phishing emails to swipe information or money. The United Nations also set up a website to help prevent fraud.

But the warning came too late for an 83-year-old woman in Mannheim, Germany, who was convinced by scammers to hand over a five-figure sum, claiming it was for a relative who had fallen ill. Police, who would not give an exact figure on the stolen euros, said the woman was told that a driver would pick up the money from outside her front door, to avoid possible infection.

By the time she got suspicious, the money was gone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585143176510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Attorney General William Barr says the Justice Department has already launched investigations into people who are hoarding supplies and price gouging.&nbsp;&nbsp;Barr says, “If you are sitting on a warehouse with surgical masks, you will be hearing a knock on your door."WASHINGTON (AP) — Thieves steal surgical masks. A clinic sells fake COVID-19 tests. Hate groups encourage sick members to infect law enforcement officers. Imposters pose as public health officials. Con artists peddle fake cures and financial scams.As the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;</a>spreads, so too do the crimes related to it — transgressions that capitalize on fear, panic and the urge to lay blame, and add to the burden on law enforcement agencies trying to protect vulnerable citizens.“It is really disheartening in a time like this that someone would take advantage of the community and take them in a time of need,” Tucson, Arizona, Police Sgt. Pete Dugan said.Everyday life has essentially stopped in many countries in a bid to slow the virus, and some crimes have been declining. But reports of virus-related fraud are on the rise, along with concerns about hate crimes.U.S. President Donald Trump and others have taken to calling the virus the “Chinese coronavirus,” even as scientists say the disease has nothing to do with Asian ethnicity. But the president dismissed the idea that his comments could fuel hate crimes.<a href="https://apnews.com/a7c233f0b3bcdb72c06cca6271ba6713">“It’s not racist at all,”</a>&nbsp;Trump has said.In Los Angeles, a 16-year-old boy of Asian descent said other students bullied him and accused him of carrying the virus. In New York, a man on the subway sprayed an Asian passenger with Febreze and verbally abused him. State Attorney General Letitia James set up a hotline for New Yorkers to report hate crimes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/86ca5e1f6032314115176190c380818d">country’s outbreak epicenter</a>.The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks hate groups, blames the virus for elevating racist and anti-Semitic messages, including suggesting that Jews are somehow responsible for the pandemic. Some hate groups have suggested tainting doorknobs or other surfaces with the virus so FBI and police officers fall ill.“If any of you get this, I expect you to spend as much time as possible with our enemies,” one wrote.Hundreds of masks have been stolen in Portland, Oregon, amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6d9382c1e8ee36f9ed1a4dfe7815ceb1">shortages for health care workers</a>. A Missouri man who was coughing told two store clerks he had a high fever. He was arrested after police said he threatened to give the employees coronavirus. People in Pennsylvania and Illinois were accused of similar crimes. Texas prosecutors brought charges against someone who falsely claimed on social media to have tested positive for COVID-19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585145128626.png" alt="Counterfeit COVID-19 test kits intercepted at Los Angeles International airport -photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection" />
 <figcaption>Counterfeit COVID-19 test kits intercepted at Los Angeles International airport -photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection</figcaption>
 </figure>In a memo issued Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen told prosecutors they could charge people who threaten to spread the new coronavirus under U.S. terrorism statutes because the Justice Department considers it a “biological agent” under the law. In such cases, suspects could be charged with a number of offenses, including possessing or developing a biological agent as a weapon, he said.“Threats or attempt to use COVID-19 as a weapon against Americans will not be tolerated,” Rosen wrote in the memo to U.S. attorneys across the country and the heads of all Justice Department agencies, including the FBI.Meanwhile, police in Bowie, Maryland, are investigating reports of a man wearing an orange vest and blue surgical mask who approached people at two homes claiming to be inspecting for coronavirus. He actually entered one home before a resident confronted him. A similar scam was sweeping through Germany.The World Health Organization and other authorities are also working to debunk spurious claims about possible cures. They include false assertions that silver, bleach, and garlic could protect against the coronavirus, or that bananas prevent it.In Uganda, the parliament speaker endorsed a businessman who said he had discovered a chemical that “instantly kills” the virus. Speaker Rebecca Kadaga announced that the businessman had offered to produce the “treatment” in Uganda and it would go on the market shortly.Kadaga’s comments were widely mocked because the product is actually a disinfectant, according to the Ugandan firm that will produce the chemical, not to be ingested.New York officials recently ordered the Jim Bakker television show to stop marketing colloidal silver products. Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1428c4f6bbc336f446bdb89af51bdad1">himself falsely suggested&nbsp;</a>a drug typically used to treat malaria patients had been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the coronavirus.Fraudsters purport to collect contaminated banknotes in South Africa. And police busted a clinic selling false testing kits in Kenya.The United Kingdom’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has received more than 100 reports of virus-related scams, with losses totaling more than $1.1 million (970,000 pounds).“We have already seen fraudsters using the COVID-19 pandemic to scam people looking to buy medical supplies online ... and targeting people who may be vulnerable or increasingly isolated at home,” Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Economic Crime Center in the U.K., said in a statement.In the U.S., the Justice Department created a central fraud hotline (1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov) and has ordered U.S. attorneys to appoint special coronavirus fraud coordinators.Meanwhile, marketing schemers have quickly pivoted to offering “senior care packages” that include hand sanitizer or even a purported vaccine, which doesn’t exist. Some falsely claim that Trump has ordered that seniors get tested.It’s all a trick to get personal information that can be used to bill federal and state health programs, health officials said.“It’s a straight-up ruse to get your Medicare number or your Social Security number under the guise of having a test kit or a sanitary kit sent to you,” Christian Schrank, assistant inspector general for investigations at Health and Human Services.The worldwide outbreak has sickened more than 350,000 people and left more than 15,000 people dead. For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.The World Health Organization says criminals are increasingly posing as WHO officials in calls and phishing emails to swipe information or money. The United Nations also set up a website to help prevent fraud.But the warning came too late for an 83-year-old woman in Mannheim, Germany, who was convinced by scammers to hand over a five-figure sum, claiming it was for a relative who had fallen ill. Police, who would not give an exact figure on the stolen euros, said the woman was told that a driver would pick up the money from outside her front door, to avoid possible infection.By the time she got suspicious, the money was gone.___

Coronavirus-related crimes capitalize on global fear, panic

BARTON COUNTY, Mo. — One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Saturday in Barton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by Fredrick R. Sellars, 28, Pittsburg, was eastbound on U.S. 160 one mile east of Mindenmines.

The SUV traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and overturned.

Sellars was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BARTON COUNTY, Mo. — One person died in an accident just before 4p.m. Saturday in Barton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by Fredrick R. Sellars, 28, Pittsburg, was eastbound on U.S. 160 one mile east of Mindenmines.The SUV traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and overturned.Sellars was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV overturns

Stafford County's first coronavirus case is man in his 30s

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have a suspect in custody.

At approximately 1230 a.m., March 21, officers responded to an alleged rape that occurred in the 9000 block of West Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon the officer's arrival, an 18-year-old female victim who reports being raped by 38-year-old Lyle P. McClanahan of Wichita.

Through the investigation, officers learned the victim met McClanahan through a dating app. The victim told police that the suspect picked her up and took her to a separate location where she was sexually assaulted.&nbsp;

Police arrested McClanahan of Wichita on requested charges of of rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana, according to Cruz. He remains in custody on a $150,000 bond<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=107088">, according to online jail records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585328942360.png" alt="McClanahan photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>McClanahan photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have a suspect in custody.At approximately 1230 a.m., March 21, officers responded to an alleged rape that occurred in the 9000 block of West Kellogg in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon the officer's arrival, an 18-year-old female victim who reports being raped by 38-year-old Lyle P. McClanahan of Wichita.Through the investigation, officers learned the victim met McClanahan through a dating app. The victim told police that the suspect picked her up and took her to a separate location where she was sexually assaulted.&nbsp;Police arrested McClanahan of Wichita on requested charges of of rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana, according to Cruz. He remains in custody on a $150,000 bond<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=107088">, according to online jail records.</a>

Kansas man accused of raping teen he met on dating app

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Officials in neighboring counties disagree on whether Bass Pro Shops on opposite sides of the Kansas-Missouri border should remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Officials in Johnson County, Kansas, say the company's store in Olathe is allowed to remain open because the chain sells packaged foods and it falls under the exemptions for grocery stores in the county’s order. In Jackson County, Missouri, however, the Bass Pro location seemed to be selling primarily guns and ammunition and a county health official said the agency would be telling the owners they're violating the county's order. 

Bass Pro Shops has kept both locations open because it believes the public has the right to access guns and ammunition during an emergency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585345765334.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Officials in neighboring counties disagree on whether Bass Pro Shops on opposite sides of the Kansas-Missouri border should remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. Officials in Johnson County, Kansas, say the company's store in Olathe is allowed to remain open because the chain sells packaged foods and it falls under the exemptions for grocery stores in the county’s order. In Jackson County, Missouri, however, the Bass Pro location seemed to be selling primarily guns and ammunition and a county health official said the agency would be telling the owners they're violating the county's order. Bass Pro Shops has kept both locations open because it believes the public has the right to access guns and ammunition during an emergency.

Counties disagree if Bass Pro can stay open amid pandemic

FINNEY COUNTY— The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in Finney County, according to the health department

A case of coronavirus reported March 17&nbsp; in Ford County involved a resident from out of state, according to the KDHE.&nbsp;The county confirmed the case was a person over 60-years-old who traveled into Ford County. The person was treated and their family placed under quarantine, according to the Ford County Health Department.

The department has a protocol in place for investigating positive cases. Known contacts will be notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY— The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in Finney County, according to the health department<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffinneycountyhealthdept%2Fposts%2F1265822613616443&width=500" width="500" height="650" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>A case of coronavirus reported March 17&nbsp; in Ford County involved a resident from out of state, according to the KDHE.&nbsp;The county confirmed the case was a person over 60-years-old who traveled into Ford County. The person was treated and their family placed under quarantine, according to the Ford County Health Department.The department has a protocol in place for investigating positive cases. Known contacts will be notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another coronavirus case reported in SW Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a criminal homicide that left a 38-year-old man dead.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a welfare check call in the 2700 block of South Roosevelt in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. 

A citizen called 911, reporting seeing a man inside a vehicle bleeding. Upon arrival, officers located the 38-year-old male inside of a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Investigators are currently working on learning the circumstances of what occurred, according to Davidson.&nbsp; He did not release the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585490570573.png" alt="Authorities in the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Authorities in the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a criminal homicide that left a 38-year-old man dead.Just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday, police responded to a welfare check call in the 2700 block of South Roosevelt in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. A citizen called 911, reporting seeing a man inside a vehicle bleeding. Upon arrival, officers located the 38-year-old male inside of a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene.Investigators are currently working on learning the circumstances of what occurred, according to Davidson.&nbsp; He did not release the victim's name.

Police: 38-year-old Kansas man had multiple gunshot wounds

FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged assault have made an arrest.

On March 23, police asked the public for help to locate&nbsp; Carlos Manuel Juarez, 31, in connection with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threat and interference with law enforcement in Garden City, according to Lt. Jason Chase.

On Friday, police reported his arrest. He is being held on requested charges that include Use of a deadly weapon: Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship: Criminal damage to property,&nbsp; Aggravated assault, Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution:Criminal threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585422759031.png" alt="Juarez photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Juarez photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged assault have made an arrest.On March 23, police asked the public for help to locate&nbsp; Carlos Manuel Juarez, 31, in connection with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threat and interference with law enforcement in Garden City, according to Lt. Jason Chase.On Friday, police reported his arrest. He is being held on requested charges that include Use of a deadly weapon: Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship: Criminal damage to property,&nbsp; Aggravated assault, Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution:Criminal threat.

Police capture SW Kansas criminal threat suspect

Saturday's report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated at at 10 a.m&nbsp;

Saturday's report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated at at 10 a.m&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585421418383.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas; 5th death reported

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigting an armed robbery and have made an arrest.

Just after 10 a.m. Monday, police responded to an armed robbery call&nbsp; Little Caesar’s in the 2500 block of South Seneca, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 37-year-old female employee told police as she exited the back of the business, a suspect later identified as 41-year-old Joshua Freimark got out of a white four-door sedan and approached her.&nbsp; 

Freimark then pushed her to the ground, pointed a gun at her, took the bank money bag she was holding, and fled on foot.&nbsp; 

An unknown person driving the white sedan also fled.&nbsp; The employee sustained minor injuries.

A WPD officer was following up on information regarding the robbery and learned of Freimark’s involvement.

On Thursday, officers located&nbsp; Freimark at his home on in the 3800 block of East Ross Parkway and arrested him without incident.&nbsp; Officers also recovered two handguns, two ballistic vests, two rifles, a sawed-off shotgun, and ammunition inside the home.&nbsp;

Freimark is being held on a requested charge of aggravated robbery.

He has previously been arrested and convicted on charges that include aggravated battery, aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of drugs, driving while suspended and driving while a habitual violator, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585321526386.png" alt="Freimark-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Freimark-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigting an armed robbery and have made an arrest.Just after 10 a.m. Monday, police responded to an armed robbery call&nbsp; Little Caesar’s in the 2500 block of South Seneca, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 37-year-old female employee told police as she exited the back of the business, a suspect later identified as 41-year-old Joshua Freimark got out of a white four-door sedan and approached her.&nbsp; Freimark then pushed her to the ground, pointed a gun at her, took the bank money bag she was holding, and fled on foot.&nbsp; An unknown person driving the white sedan also fled.&nbsp; The employee sustained minor injuries.A WPD officer was following up on information regarding the robbery and learned of Freimark’s involvement.On Thursday, officers located&nbsp; Freimark at his home on in the 3800 block of East Ross Parkway and arrested him without incident.&nbsp; Officers also recovered two handguns, two ballistic vests, two rifles, a sawed-off shotgun, and ammunition inside the home.&nbsp;Freimark is being held on a requested charge of aggravated robbery.He has previously been arrested and convicted on charges that include aggravated battery, aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of drugs, driving while suspended and driving while a habitual violator, according to Davidson.

Police arrest Kan. man who stole business bank deposit bag 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A homicide investigation is under way in Sedgwick County after a man in his 20s was found in a ditch.

&nbsp;The victim was found Friday morning near Valley Center after authorities received a call about a vehicle parked in the road.

Deputies found an unoccupied Dodge pickup and the man unresponsive in a nearby ditch. The Sedgwick County Fire Department pronounced the man dead at the scene.

The victim’s name has not been released.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A homicide investigation is under way in Sedgwick County after a man in his 20s was found in a ditch.&nbsp;The victim was found Friday morning near Valley Center after authorities received a call about a vehicle parked in the road.Deputies found an unoccupied Dodge pickup and the man unresponsive in a nearby ditch. The Sedgwick County Fire Department pronounced the man dead at the scene.The victim’s name has not been released.

Man in his 20s found dead in Kansas ditch

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added two new states to the quarantine list: Louisiana and Colorado. Previously, just certain counties in Colorado were included. This is effective for persons returning Friday, March 27, and moving forward.

A comprehensive list of those Kansans needing to quarantine for 14 days includes those who have:

Important Note:&nbsp;These mandates do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that medical care needs to continue and no healthcare facility should ever be to a point where it would need to close due to staff being quarantined. We ask facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic. Other examples of critical infrastructures include pharmaceutical and food supply, along with others defined by the Department of Homeland Security.

For more information, please visit the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc8ddda7c98114fdc4da508d7d29048a8%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637209389437160095&amp;sdata=IgaAggS9tuEdgdPIkLPHH5lJqypnkC%2Flw0WZAVkRN9c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE&nbsp;has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is&nbsp;1-866-534-3463&nbsp;(1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added two new states to the quarantine list: Louisiana and Colorado. Previously, just certain counties in Colorado were included. This is effective for persons returning Friday, March 27, and moving forward.A comprehensive list of those Kansans needing to quarantine for 14 days includes those who have:<ol>
 <li>Traveled to Louisiana or anywhere in Colorado on or after March 27.</li><li>Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (California, Florida, New York and Washington state) on or after March 15.</li><li>Traveled to Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23.</li><li>Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week of March 8 or after.</li><li>Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>Traveled internationally on or after March 15.People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.</li><li>Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case.&nbsp; (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)</li>
 </ol>Important Note:&nbsp;These mandates do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that medical care needs to continue and no healthcare facility should ever be to a point where it would need to close due to staff being quarantined. We ask facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic. Other examples of critical infrastructures include pharmaceutical and food supply, along with others defined by the Department of Homeland Security.For more information, please visit the KDHE website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fcoronavirus&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cc8ddda7c98114fdc4da508d7d29048a8%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637209389437160095&amp;sdata=IgaAggS9tuEdgdPIkLPHH5lJqypnkC%2Flw0WZAVkRN9c%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus</a>. KDHE&nbsp;has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is&nbsp;1-866-534-3463&nbsp;(1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:COVID-19@ks.gov">COVID-19@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

KDHE adds states to travel quarantine list

DUFUR, Ore. (AP) — The social distancing rules repeated like a mantra in America’s urban centers, where the coronavirus is spreading exponentially, might seem silly in wide-open places where neighbors live miles apart and “working from home” means another day spent branding calves or driving a tractor alone through a field.

But as the pandemic spreads through the U.S., those living in rural areas, too, are increasingly threatened. Tiny towns tucked into Oregon’s windswept plains and cattle ranches miles from anywhere in South Dakota might not have had a single case of the new coronavirus, but their main streets are also empty and their medical clinics overwhelmed by the worried.

Residents from rural Alabama to the woods of Vermont to the frozen reaches of Alaska fear the spread of the disease from outsiders, the social isolation that comes when the town’s only diner closes, and economic collapse in places where jobs were already tough to come by.

“Nobody knows what to do and they’re just running in circles, so stay away from me is what I’m saying,” said Mike Filbin, a 70-year-old cattle rancher in Wasco County, Oregon, one of the few parts of the state that has yet to see a case of COVID-19.

“Right now, we’re pretty clean over here, but we’re not immune to nothin’ — and if they start bringing it over, it’ll explode here.”

To make matters worse, some of the most remote communities have limited or no internet access and spotty cellphone service. That makes telecommuting and online learning challenging in an era of blanket school and work closures, and it eliminates the possibility of the FaceTime card games and virtual cocktail hours that urban Americans have turned to in droves to stay connected.

The routine ways that rural Americans connect — a bingo night, stopping in at a local diner or attending a potluck — are suddenly taboo.

“Rural people are reliant on their neighbors and have more confidence and trust in their neighbors,” said Ken Johnson, a senior demographer at the Carsey School of Public Policy and professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire. “Now you have people who are supposed to self-isolate themselves. What does that mean when people you depend on, in order to help you, are going to put themselves and their families at risk? I don’t know what that will do in rural America.”

Neil Bradshaw, the mayor of Ketchum, Idaho, is starting to see the answer in his own community.

The rural resort town has struggled since the arrival of COVID-19, and he fears if the virus lingers too long, it could devastate it. The town is nestled next door to the tony skiing destination Sun Valley Resort and is known as the second-home haven for dozens of celebrities.

It’s also become the epicenter of Idaho’s caseload, with at least 35 cases and known community spread of the virus. At least 14 of the cases are among health care workers, forcing the town’s small medical workers to bring in replacement staffers from nearby cities.

“Our town thrives on people coming to town, and for the first time in our history we are discouraging visitors,” said Bradshaw, of the town of 2,700 people. “Initially people had different levels of adoption, but there’s tremendous community pressure that we’re all in this together. We’ve gone from being a vibrant town to a ghost town.”

The town’s coffers rely on a local option tax, and if that drops by half the city will have lost $700,000 in revenue, he said.

Some communities have pushed back on shutdowns that have brought daily life to a standstill. Leaders from seven Utah counties, for example, sent a letter earlier this week to Gov. Gary Herbert urging a “return to normalcy,” and said the closure of schools and business was causing panic and hurting the economy.

“As of (Monday), the total deaths attributed to the virus in the United States stands at ninety,” the letter states. “Not nine hundred, not nine thousand, not ninety thousand. Ninety. This number is sure to rise in the near future but we need to keep our wits about us.”

Others worry about outsiders bringing the disease to truly remote areas that aren’t equipped to deal with it. Across the nation, there are over 51,000 general intensive care beds in urban counties, compared with just 5,600 in rural counties, according to data compiled by The Associated Press.

Those beds serve a smaller population than in urban areas, but it would still take fewer people in rural areas to overwhelm a typical hospital. In fiscal year 2018, the average rural hospital had eight ICU beds, compared with 20 for a typical hospital in an urban area.

In Georgiana, a small town in southern Alabama, the only hospital closed last year and residents have now been forced to flock to the health clinic instead when a person in a town 5 miles (8 kilometers) away was diagnosed with COVID-19. More than 30% of Georgiana’s 1,600 residents are over age 60, putting them at higher risk with limited medical facilities to serve them, said Mayor Jerome Antone.

The town’s older residents, he said, are “aggressively upset” even though no one there has been diagnosed yet.

In Alaska’s Point Hope, an Inupiat whaling village at the edge of the Arctic Ocean nearly 700 miles&nbsp; north of Anchorage, tribal leaders have been preparing and discussing potential issues such as air travel into town. The state’s limited road system doesn’t reach the community of 900 people, which relies on planes for much of its connection to the outside world.

This week, one of the two airlines that serve Point Hope will begin restricting flights to cargo and passengers with medical or other essential needs.

Still, residents worry the recent deaths of two elders will bring out-of-town mourners for the funerals.

“We have all kinds of different people who come into our village,” said acting Mayor Daisy Sage. “This coronavirus is serious.”

Thousands of miles away, in South Dakota, falling prices for beef are generating as much — or more — worry than the virus.

Sam Stoddard, a cattle rancher near the small community of Kadoka, population 650, said futures markets for beef have dropped up to 30% because of the coronavirus. He’s worried about longtime ranchers being able to hang on.

If the market remains terrible, he said, ranchers can put off selling their calves until later in the year — but no one knows how long the economy will be in upheaval, leaving everyone stressed.

At the same time, the state has not shuttered businesses, leaving residents wondering what to expect next. South Dakota has 30 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

“Normally this time of year we’re more worried about a big blizzard coming in and killing 10% of our calves. You know it’s coming, and you can prepare for it,” said Stoddard, who lives 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the nearest town of any size.

“With this, you don’t know what’s coming or what you should be doing.”

DUFUR, Ore. (AP) — The social distancing rules repeated like a mantra in America’s urban centers, where the coronavirus is spreading exponentially, might seem silly in wide-open places where neighbors live miles apart and “working from home” means another day spent branding calves or driving a tractor alone through a field.But as the pandemic spreads through the U.S., those living in rural areas, too, are increasingly threatened. Tiny towns tucked into Oregon’s windswept plains and cattle ranches miles from anywhere in South Dakota might not have had a single case of the new coronavirus, but their main streets are also empty and their medical clinics overwhelmed by the worried.Residents from rural Alabama to the woods of Vermont to the frozen reaches of Alaska fear the spread of the disease from outsiders, the social isolation that comes when the town’s only diner closes, and economic collapse in places where jobs were already tough to come by.“Nobody knows what to do and they’re just running in circles, so stay away from me is what I’m saying,” said Mike Filbin, a 70-year-old cattle rancher in Wasco County, Oregon, one of the few parts of the state that has yet to see a case of COVID-19.“Right now, we’re pretty clean over here, but we’re not immune to nothin’ — and if they start bringing it over, it’ll explode here.”To make matters worse, some of the most remote communities have limited or no internet access and spotty cellphone service. That makes telecommuting and online learning challenging in an era of blanket school and work closures, and it eliminates the possibility of the FaceTime card games and virtual cocktail hours that urban Americans have turned to in droves to stay connected.The routine ways that rural Americans connect — a bingo night, stopping in at a local diner or attending a potluck — are suddenly taboo.“Rural people are reliant on their neighbors and have more confidence and trust in their neighbors,” said Ken Johnson, a senior demographer at the Carsey School of Public Policy and professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire. “Now you have people who are supposed to self-isolate themselves. What does that mean when people you depend on, in order to help you, are going to put themselves and their families at risk? I don’t know what that will do in rural America.”Neil Bradshaw, the mayor of Ketchum, Idaho, is starting to see the answer in his own community.The rural resort town has struggled since the arrival of COVID-19, and he fears if the virus lingers too long, it could devastate it. The town is nestled next door to the tony skiing destination Sun Valley Resort and is known as the second-home haven for dozens of celebrities.It’s also become the epicenter of Idaho’s caseload, with at least 35 cases and known community spread of the virus. At least 14 of the cases are among health care workers, forcing the town’s small medical workers to bring in replacement staffers from nearby cities.“Our town thrives on people coming to town, and for the first time in our history we are discouraging visitors,” said Bradshaw, of the town of 2,700 people. “Initially people had different levels of adoption, but there’s tremendous community pressure that we’re all in this together. We’ve gone from being a vibrant town to a ghost town.”The town’s coffers rely on a local option tax, and if that drops by half the city will have lost $700,000 in revenue, he said.Some communities have pushed back on shutdowns that have brought daily life to a standstill. Leaders from seven Utah counties, for example, sent a letter earlier this week to Gov. Gary Herbert urging a “return to normalcy,” and said the closure of schools and business was causing panic and hurting the economy.“As of (Monday), the total deaths attributed to the virus in the United States stands at ninety,” the letter states. “Not nine hundred, not nine thousand, not ninety thousand. Ninety. This number is sure to rise in the near future but we need to keep our wits about us.”Others worry about outsiders bringing the disease to truly remote areas that aren’t equipped to deal with it. Across the nation, there are over 51,000 general intensive care beds in urban counties, compared with just 5,600 in rural counties, according to data compiled by The Associated Press.Those beds serve a smaller population than in urban areas, but it would still take fewer people in rural areas to overwhelm a typical hospital. In fiscal year 2018, the average rural hospital had eight ICU beds, compared with 20 for a typical hospital in an urban area.In Georgiana, a small town in southern Alabama, the only hospital closed last year and residents have now been forced to flock to the health clinic instead when a person in a town 5 miles (8 kilometers) away was diagnosed with COVID-19. More than 30% of Georgiana’s 1,600 residents are over age 60, putting them at higher risk with limited medical facilities to serve them, said Mayor Jerome Antone.The town’s older residents, he said, are “aggressively upset” even though no one there has been diagnosed yet.In Alaska’s Point Hope, an Inupiat whaling village at the edge of the Arctic Ocean nearly 700 miles&nbsp; north of Anchorage, tribal leaders have been preparing and discussing potential issues such as air travel into town. The state’s limited road system doesn’t reach the community of 900 people, which relies on planes for much of its connection to the outside world.This week, one of the two airlines that serve Point Hope will begin restricting flights to cargo and passengers with medical or other essential needs.Still, residents worry the recent deaths of two elders will bring out-of-town mourners for the funerals.“We have all kinds of different people who come into our village,” said acting Mayor Daisy Sage. “This coronavirus is serious.”Thousands of miles away, in South Dakota, falling prices for beef are generating as much — or more — worry than the virus.Sam Stoddard, a cattle rancher near the small community of Kadoka, population 650, said futures markets for beef have dropped up to 30% because of the coronavirus. He’s worried about longtime ranchers being able to hang on.If the market remains terrible, he said, ranchers can put off selling their calves until later in the year — but no one knows how long the economy will be in upheaval, leaving everyone stressed.At the same time, the state has not shuttered businesses, leaving residents wondering what to expect next. South Dakota has 30 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.“Normally this time of year we’re more worried about a big blizzard coming in and killing 10% of our calves. You know it’s coming, and you can prepare for it,” said Stoddard, who lives 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the nearest town of any size.“With this, you don’t know what’s coming or what you should be doing.”___

Rural America watches pandemic erupt in cities as fear grows

FORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Friday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Sedona driven by Tammy S. Carter, 52, Ensign, was westbound on U.S. 56 at Mcartor Road. The vehicle traveled left of center and collided with an eastbound 2014 Western Star semi driven by Jefferson Lionel Waker, 37, Garden City.&nbsp;

Carter was pronounced dead at the scene. Walker was not injured.

She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was westbound on U.S. 56 at  Mcartor Road just before 2:30p.m. Friday. The vehicle traveled left of center and collided with an eastbound vehicle.&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details.&nbsp;

Check the post for additional details as they become available.

FORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Friday in Ford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Kia Sedona driven by Tammy S. Carter, 52, Ensign, was westbound on U.S. 56 at Mcartor Road. The vehicle traveled left of center and collided with an eastbound 2014 Western Star semi driven by Jefferson Lionel Waker, 37, Garden City.&nbsp;Carter was pronounced dead at the scene. Walker was not injured.She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.FORD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash in Ford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was westbound on U.S. 56 at Mcartor Road just before 2:30p.m. Friday. The vehicle traveled left of center and collided with an eastbound vehicle.&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details.&nbsp;Check the post for additional details as they become available.

Update: Kansas woman dies after crash with a semi

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The Lawrence Police department has been notified that one of its officers tested positive for coronavirus. This is the first positive case in the department, according to a media release.

The affected officer first experienced symptoms on late Tuesday evening, and immediately took steps to limit exposure to other persons, per recommendations from the CDC and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. The officer was not on duty at the time they began experiencing symptoms, and has not been on duty since Monday. The officer is experiencing mild symptoms, and is not requiring hospitalization. The officer will remain isolated until guidance from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health deems it appropriate for them to return to work.

The department is following best practices and taking necessary steps to protect all members of the department and the community.

For privacy reasons, the department did not disclose any identifying information about the officer. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is reviewing any close contacts the officer may have had and will be monitoring them for the development of symptoms. The officer has not traveled recently, and has not had contact with any known carriers of the virus, so the point of infection is unknown at this time.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The Lawrence Police department has been notified that one of its officers tested positive for coronavirus. This is the first positive case in the department, according to a media release.The affected officer first experienced symptoms on late Tuesday evening, and immediately took steps to limit exposure to other persons, per recommendations from the CDC and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. The officer was not on duty at the time they began experiencing symptoms, and has not been on duty since Monday. The officer is experiencing mild symptoms, and is not requiring hospitalization. The officer will remain isolated until guidance from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health deems it appropriate for them to return to work.The department is following best practices and taking necessary steps to protect all members of the department and the community.For privacy reasons, the department did not disclose any identifying information about the officer. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is reviewing any close contacts the officer may have had and will be monitoring them for the development of symptoms. The officer has not traveled recently, and has not had contact with any known carriers of the virus, so the point of infection is unknown at this time.

Lawrence police officer tests positive for coronavirus

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who kidnapped 9-year-old Nancy Shoemaker and watched as the Wichita girl was raped and strangled in 1990 has been granted parole, her family said.

Her father, Bo Shoemaker, said that the family was notified of the decision to grant parole to Donald Wacker.

Wacker and Doil Lane snatched the girl&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3ce0fdb2c5df45b5a1f2de547cfb4763">off a busy Wichita street on July 30, 1990</a>&nbsp;and drove her to a field in Sumner County where Lane raped and strangled her with a belt as Wacker watched. Her body was found seven months later.

“All we know for sure now is that the board granted him parole and he will be released on or after November 1,” Bo Shoemaker said, adding he was also told Wacker needed to meet some unspecified criteria before release.

The Kansas Department of Corrections said it will be unable to release information until April 3.

Wacker was given a 16-year to life sentence in 1992 for kidnapping and aiding a felony in connection with Nancy’s abduction and death. Lane was convicted and sentenced to life without parole for 66 years. He is serving a life sentence in Texas for a similar crime there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585257110264.png" alt="Donald Wacker photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Donald Wacker photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who kidnapped 9-year-old Nancy Shoemaker and watched as the Wichita girl was raped and strangled in 1990 has been granted parole, her family said.Her father, Bo Shoemaker, said that the family was notified of the decision to grant parole to Donald Wacker.Wacker and Doil Lane snatched the girl&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3ce0fdb2c5df45b5a1f2de547cfb4763">off a busy Wichita street on July 30, 1990</a>&nbsp;and drove her to a field in Sumner County where Lane raped and strangled her with a belt as Wacker watched. Her body was found seven months later.“All we know for sure now is that the board granted him parole and he will be released on or after November 1,” Bo Shoemaker said, adding he was also told Wacker needed to meet some unspecified criteria before release.The Kansas Department of Corrections said it will be unable to release information until April 3.Wacker was given a 16-year to life sentence in 1992 for kidnapping and aiding a felony in connection with Nancy’s abduction and death. Lane was convicted and sentenced to life without parole for 66 years. He is serving a life sentence in Texas for a similar crime there.

State grants parole in 1990 kidnapping, death of 9-year-old Kan. girl 

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday signed a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package, calling the bill much-needed relief for American workers reeling from the economic tumult caused by the coronavirus.

Trump signed the bill in Oval Office ceremony surrounded by Republican lawmakers and members of his administration shortly after the Democratic-controlled House approved the massive spending package. Under the plan, many single Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child.

The signing came the after the U.S. government on Thursday reported nearly 3.3 million new weekly jobless claims. The U.S. death toll has surpassed 1,200 from the virus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585342982232.png" alt="President Trump signed the bill Friday afternoon -photo White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signed the bill Friday afternoon -photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday signed a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package, calling the bill much-needed relief for American workers reeling from the economic tumult caused by the coronavirus.Trump signed the bill in Oval Office ceremony surrounded by Republican lawmakers and members of his administration shortly after the Democratic-controlled House approved the massive spending package. Under the plan, many single Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child.The signing came the after the U.S. government on Thursday reported nearly 3.3 million new weekly jobless claims. The U.S. death toll has surpassed 1,200 from the virus.___

Trump signs $2.2 Trillion virus relief package

Salina Regional Health Center was informed Thursday night that one of its employees tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

On Friday afternoon, commissioners in Saline County issued a 30-day stay-at-home order that is scheduled to begin 12:01 a.m. Monday.

A full investigation of the positive coronavirus case, as outlined by CDC and KDHE, is underway to determine previous contacts with the employee, according to the health department. Any patient, visitor or employee that is deemed at risk for potential exposure will be notified by Infection Control with further instructions.&nbsp;

"While it's unknown how or when our staff member gained exposure to COVID-19, it's not a surprise to anyone. Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in nearby communities throughout our region. We anticipate that COVID-19 also is present in Saline County, however, without the ability to test everyone, many cases cannot be laboratory confirmed.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Salina Regional Health Center makes the health and well-being of our staff and our patients a top priority.&nbsp; We continue to screen all patients and visitors to our facilities.&nbsp; Our staff members self-screen daily before reporting to work following CDC and KDHE guidelines. Those who do not pass the screening questions are asked not to report to work.

Proper social distancing, hand hygiene and recognition of the symptoms of COVID-19 remain our best defense against the spread of the virus. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or suspect you've gained exposure to COVID-19, contact your medical provider or one of our clinics for the best way to proceed with care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584111668151.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Regional Health Center was informed Thursday night that one of its employees tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;On Friday afternoon, commissioners in Saline County issued a 30-day stay-at-home order that is scheduled to begin 12:01 a.m. Monday.A full investigation of the positive coronavirus case, as outlined by CDC and KDHE, is underway to determine previous contacts with the employee, according to the health department. Any patient, visitor or employee that is deemed at risk for potential exposure will be notified by Infection Control with further instructions.&nbsp;"While it's unknown how or when our staff member gained exposure to COVID-19, it's not a surprise to anyone. Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in nearby communities throughout our region. We anticipate that COVID-19 also is present in Saline County, however, without the ability to test everyone, many cases cannot be laboratory confirmed.&nbsp; &nbsp;Salina Regional Health Center makes the health and well-being of our staff and our patients a top priority.&nbsp; We continue to screen all patients and visitors to our facilities.&nbsp; Our staff members self-screen daily before reporting to work following CDC and KDHE guidelines. Those who do not pass the screening questions are asked not to report to work.Proper social distancing, hand hygiene and recognition of the symptoms of COVID-19 remain our best defense against the spread of the virus. If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, or suspect you've gained exposure to COVID-19, contact your medical provider or one of our clinics for the best way to proceed with care.

Salina confirms positive coronavirus test; County issues stay-at-home order

A chase that reached speeds over 100 mph Thursday afternoon through two counties on Interstate 70 led to an arrest in Ellis County.

At 3:18 p.m., a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper recorded a speed of over 100 mph of a 2015 black Audi with Florida tags traveling westbound on I-70 near Bunker Hill, according to KHP trooper Tod Hileman.

When the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled westbound into Ellis County.

With the assistance of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office stop sticks were deployed on two overpasses near Victoria, Hileman said.&nbsp;

The driver avoided the first set, but drove over the second, deflating one tire and separating the tread from the tire.

The driver then stopped the vehicle near milepost 167.

Jerome Rhone, 27, Jacksonville, Fla., was placed under arrest without further incident at 3:33 p.m. on suspicion of felony flee and elude law enforcement, transportation of an open container of alcohol, driving with a suspended license, speeding, and unsafe passing in the right-hand lane.

A passenger in the vehicle was not charged and released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585340332330.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted photoBy JAMES BELLHays PostA chase that reached speeds over 100 mph Thursday afternoon through two counties on Interstate 70 led to an arrest in Ellis County.At 3:18 p.m., a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper recorded a speed of over 100 mph of a 2015 black Audi with Florida tags traveling westbound on I-70 near Bunker Hill, according to KHP trooper Tod Hileman.When the trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled westbound into Ellis County.With the assistance of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office stop sticks were deployed on two overpasses near Victoria, Hileman said.&nbsp;The driver avoided the first set, but drove over the second, deflating one tire and separating the tread from the tire.The driver then stopped the vehicle near milepost 167.Jerome Rhone, 27, Jacksonville, Fla., was placed under arrest without further incident at 3:33 p.m. on suspicion of felony flee and elude law enforcement, transportation of an open container of alcohol, driving with a suspended license, speeding, and unsafe passing in the right-hand lane.A passenger in the vehicle was not charged and released.