FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.

Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police were called to a shooting that had just occurred, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga. The victim notified dispatch he was in the area of Abe Hubert Elementary School,&nbsp;1205 A Street in Garden City.

Once officers arrived, they located a 16-year-old juvenile with a gunshot wound. Officers learned neither the school nor USD 457 was involved in the incident. EMS transported the boy to St. Catherine Hospital with critical injuries. 

While officers were investigating the incident in the parking lot of the school dispatchers were notified of a second shooting victim at 1307 north 12th Street. Upon arrival, Officers located a 4-year-old girl with a gunshot wound. 

Officers learned the incident occurred as a result of a domestic dispute. The 4-year old girl sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by Finney County EMS to St. Catherine Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

Police located and arrested Justin Franco, 31, Garden City, at his North 12th Street residence and took him into custody without incident. Police released no additional details late Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606345570144.png" alt="Police on the scene&nbsp; of the shooting Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene&nbsp; of the shooting Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police were called to a shooting that had just occurred, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga. The victim notified dispatch he was in the area of Abe Hubert Elementary School,&nbsp;1205 A Street in Garden City.Once officers arrived, they located a 16-year-old juvenile with a gunshot wound. Officers learned neither the school nor USD 457 was involved in the incident. EMS transported the boy to St. Catherine Hospital with critical injuries. While officers were investigating the incident in the parking lot of the school dispatchers were notified of a second shooting victim at 1307 north 12th Street. Upon arrival, Officers located a 4-year-old girl with a gunshot wound. Officers learned the incident occurred as a result of a domestic dispute. The 4-year old girl sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by Finney County EMS to St. Catherine Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.Police located and arrested Justin Franco, 31, Garden City, at his North 12th Street residence and took him into custody without incident. Police released no additional details late Wednesday.

Police: SW Kan. girl killed, teen wounded in shooting

KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp; Authorities are cracking down on restaurants that violate rules designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Kansas City’s liquor control authorities found two dozen bars and restaurants in violation of the city’s new COVID-19 restrictions after a weekend sweep of 185 establishments. The city’s Department of Regulated Industries, which governs liquor licenses, used to rely primarily on complaints to enforce restrictions.

But as the latest set of rules issued by Mayor Quinton Lucas took effect Friday — limiting bars and restaurants to 50% capacity and a closing time of 10 p.m. — the city became more proactive. Staffers will be out every weekend checking on businesses, said Jim Ready, manager of Regulated Industries.

“We’re doing it — not to pick on the business. It’s because the COVID-19 numbers in Kansas City are really scary,” he said. “The hospitals are getting stretched to the max.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp; Authorities are cracking down on restaurants that violate rules designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus.Kansas City’s liquor control authorities found two dozen bars and restaurants in violation of the city’s new COVID-19 restrictions after a weekend sweep of 185 establishments. The city’s Department of Regulated Industries, which governs liquor licenses, used to rely primarily on complaints to enforce restrictions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606339227129.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>But as the latest set of rules issued by Mayor Quinton Lucas took effect Friday — limiting bars and restaurants to 50% capacity and a closing time of 10 p.m. — the city became more proactive. Staffers will be out every weekend checking on businesses, said Jim Ready, manager of Regulated Industries.“We’re doing it — not to pick on the business. It’s because the COVID-19 numbers in Kansas City are really scary,” he said. “The hospitals are getting stretched to the max.”

Kansas City cracks down on restaurant virus rule breakers

GRANT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting.

Just before 5p.m. Thursday police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 1300 Block of Oklahoma Avenue in Ulysses, according to Police Chief Alan Olsen.

At the scene, officers located an 11-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to her face. Grant County EMS transported her to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.

Investigators have learned that a 13-year-old boy at the home was handling a firearm when it discharged and struck the girl.

GRANT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting.Just before 5p.m. Thursday police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 1300 Block of Oklahoma Avenue in Ulysses, according to Police Chief Alan Olsen.At the scene, officers located an 11-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to her face. Grant County EMS transported her to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.Investigators have learned that a 13-year-old boy at the home was handling a firearm when it discharged and struck the girl.Police released no additional details.

Police: 11-year-old Kansas girl shot in the face

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Millions of Americans took to the skies and hit the road ahead of Thanksgiving at the risk of pouring gasoline on the coronavirus fire, disregarding increasingly dire warnings that they stay home and limit their holiday gatherings to members of their own household.

Those who are flying witnessed a distinctly 2020 landscape at the nation’s airports during what is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year: plexiglass barriers in front of the ID stations, rapid virus testing sites inside terminals, and paperwork asking them to quarantine upon arrival at their destination.

While the number of Americans traveling by air over the past several days was down dramatically from the same time last year, plenty of others pressed ahead with their holiday plans amid skyrocketing deaths, hospitalizations and confirmed infections across the U.S.

Many were tired of more than eight months of social distancing and determined to spend time with loved ones.

“I think with the holidays and everything, it’s so important right now, especially because people are so bummed out because of the whole pandemic,” said 25-year-old Cassidy Zerkle of Phoenix, who flew to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;City,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>, to visit family.

She brought snacks and her own hand sanitizer and said the flight was half full. She had a row of seats to herself.

“As long as you’re maintaining your distance, you’re not touching stuff and you’re sanitizing your hands, people should see their families right now," she said.

The coronavirus is blamed for more than 12.6 million confirmed infections and over 269,000 deaths in the U.S.

More than 88,000 people in the U.S. — an all-time high — were in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, and new cases have soared to an average of over 174,000 per day, the highest level on record. Deaths have surged to more than 1,600 per day, a mark last seen in May, when the crisis in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>&nbsp;City area was easing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local authorities have begged people not to travel and urged them to keep their Thanksgiving celebrations small.

“That’ll make sure that your extended family are around to celebrate Christmas and to celebrate the holidays next year,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;Gov. Andy Beshear said.

About 1 million people per day passed through U.S. airport checkpoints from Friday through Tuesday, a drop-off of around 60% from the same time a year ago. Still, those have been the biggest crowds since the COVID-19 crisis took hold in the U.S. in March.

Last year, a record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport screening in the 11-day period around Thanksgiving.

People tend to drive rather than fly during the holiday, but AAA has projected those numbers also are likely to be lower this year. How much lower the auto club has not said.

Many states and cities have adopted precautions. Travelers to Los Angeles — either by plane or train — are being required to fill out an online form acknowledging&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california">California</a>’s request that people quarantine for two weeks after arrival in the state.

The resurgence of the virus and the refusal of many people to wear masks or keep their distance from others have caused despair among health care officials and front-line workers.

“I’ll just to confess to you guys, I’m exhausted trying to convince folks to do stuff. It’s just going nowhere,” said Dr. Thomas Dobbs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/mississippi">Mississippi</a>’s state health officer.

Anne Moore, a 60-year-old woman from Chicago, flew to Albany, New York, to be with her daughter for the holiday. Her daughter is a senior at Dartmouth University, and Moore and her husband were worried about her driving back to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois">Illinois</a>&nbsp;by herself.

Before the spike, the family had planned to hold a Thanksgiving gathering of fewer than 10 people. But instead it will be just Moore, her husband and her daughter.

“I have friends who are alone. And I’m not inviting them. And I feel badly about that,” she said. "We’ll take a walk or something instead. But yeah, the three of us are isolating.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584650381811.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kanas City International airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kanas City International airport</figcaption>
 </figure>BY LISA MARIE PANEKANSAS CITY (AP) —Millions of Americans took to the skies and hit the road ahead of Thanksgiving at the risk of pouring gasoline on the coronavirus fire, disregarding increasingly dire warnings that they stay home and limit their holiday gatherings to members of their own household.Those who are flying witnessed a distinctly 2020 landscape at the nation’s airports during what is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year: plexiglass barriers in front of the ID stations, rapid virus testing sites inside terminals, and paperwork asking them to quarantine upon arrival at their destination.While the number of Americans traveling by air over the past several days was down dramatically from the same time last year, plenty of others pressed ahead with their holiday plans amid skyrocketing deaths, hospitalizations and confirmed infections across the U.S.Many were tired of more than eight months of social distancing and determined to spend time with loved ones.“I think with the holidays and everything, it’s so important right now, especially because people are so bummed out because of the whole pandemic,” said 25-year-old Cassidy Zerkle of Phoenix, who flew to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;City,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>, to visit family.She brought snacks and her own hand sanitizer and said the flight was half full. She had a row of seats to herself.“As long as you’re maintaining your distance, you’re not touching stuff and you’re sanitizing your hands, people should see their families right now," she said.The coronavirus is blamed for more than 12.6 million confirmed infections and over 269,000 deaths in the U.S.More than 88,000 people in the U.S. — an all-time high — were in the hospital with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, and new cases have soared to an average of over 174,000 per day, the highest level on record. Deaths have surged to more than 1,600 per day, a mark last seen in May, when the crisis in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york">New York</a>&nbsp;City area was easing.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local authorities have begged people not to travel and urged them to keep their Thanksgiving celebrations small.“That’ll make sure that your extended family are around to celebrate Christmas and to celebrate the holidays next year,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;Gov. Andy Beshear said.About 1 million people per day passed through U.S. airport checkpoints from Friday through Tuesday, a drop-off of around 60% from the same time a year ago. Still, those have been the biggest crowds since the COVID-19 crisis took hold in the U.S. in March.Last year, a record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport screening in the 11-day period around Thanksgiving.People tend to drive rather than fly during the holiday, but AAA has projected those numbers also are likely to be lower this year. How much lower the auto club has not said.Many states and cities have adopted precautions. Travelers to Los Angeles — either by plane or train — are being required to fill out an online form acknowledging&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/california">California</a>’s request that people quarantine for two weeks after arrival in the state.The resurgence of the virus and the refusal of many people to wear masks or keep their distance from others have caused despair among health care officials and front-line workers.“I’ll just to confess to you guys, I’m exhausted trying to convince folks to do stuff. It’s just going nowhere,” said Dr. Thomas Dobbs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/mississippi">Mississippi</a>’s state health officer.Anne Moore, a 60-year-old woman from Chicago, flew to Albany, New York, to be with her daughter for the holiday. Her daughter is a senior at Dartmouth University, and Moore and her husband were worried about her driving back to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois">Illinois</a>&nbsp;by herself.Before the spike, the family had planned to hold a Thanksgiving gathering of fewer than 10 people. But instead it will be just Moore, her husband and her daughter.“I have friends who are alone. And I’m not inviting them. And I feel badly about that,” she said. "We’ll take a walk or something instead. But yeah, the three of us are isolating.”

Americans risk traveling over Thanksgiving despite warnings

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,738 to a total of 147,797 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,503, an increase of 47.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,738 to a total of 147,797 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,503, an increase of 47.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606339227129.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly held a press briefing Wednesday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 in Kansas.&nbsp;

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,738 to a total of 147,797 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The governor also reminded Kansans to scale back Thanksgiving celebrations and to do Black Friday shopping online instead of in-person.

During the press conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman provided an update on COVID-19 treatments and the latests details on hospital capacity in the state.

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly held a press briefing Wednesday afternoon to discuss the increase in COVID-19 in Kansas.&nbsp;The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,738 to a total of 147,797 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 1,503, an increase of 47.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F195263332136278%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>&nbsp;The governor also reminded Kansans to scale back Thanksgiving celebrations and to do Black Friday shopping online instead of in-person.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606339227129.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 25, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>During the press conference, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman provided an update on COVID-19 treatments and the latests details on hospital capacity in the state.

🎥 Governor on COVID-19 and Thanksgiving in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Sedgwick County District&nbsp; Attorney Marc Bennett has filed a civil petition seeking the ouster of Wichita City Councilman James Clendenin for his role along with two others in a false ad against then Wichita mayoral candidate Brandon Whipple, according to a release from Bennett's office.

&nbsp;Michael O’Donnell resigned earlier this month from the Sedgwick County Commission after Bennett concluded there was sufficient evidence to begin ouster proceedings against him.

On November 20, Bennett said that he has also been in consultation with the attorney general’s office concerning state Rep Michael Capps role in the plot.

 The matter against Clendenin will be assigned to a District Court Judge, according to Bennett.&nbsp; No formal proceedings are scheduled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603722521631.png" alt="From left: Sedgwick County Commissioner Michael O'Donnell, Kansas House Rep. Michael Capps and Wichita City Councilman James Clendenin. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>From left: Sedgwick County Commissioner Michael O'Donnell, Kansas House Rep. Michael Capps and Wichita City Councilman James Clendenin. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Sedgwick County District&nbsp; Attorney Marc Bennett has filed a civil petition seeking the ouster of Wichita City Councilman James Clendenin for his role along with two others in a false ad against then Wichita mayoral candidate Brandon Whipple, according to a release from Bennett's office.&nbsp;Michael O’Donnell resigned earlier this month from the Sedgwick County Commission after Bennett concluded there was sufficient evidence to begin ouster proceedings against him.On November 20, Bennett said that he has also been in consultation with the attorney general’s office concerning state Rep Michael Capps role in the plot. The matter against Clendenin will be assigned to a District Court Judge, according to Bennett.&nbsp; No formal proceedings are scheduled.

DA seeks ouster of councilman over false ad plot

BEIJING (AP) — China says it has detected the coronavirus on packages of imported frozen food, but how valid are its claims and how serious is the threat to public health?

Frozen shrimp imported from an Ecuadorian company was banned for one week on Tuesday in a continuing series of such temporary bans.

While experts say the virus can survive for a time on cardboard and plastic containers, it remains unclear how serious a risk that poses. Like so many issues surrounding the pandemic, the matter has swiftly become politicized.

China has rejected complaints from the U.S. and others, saying it is putting people’s lives first. Experts say they generally don’t consider the presence of the virus on packaging to be a significant health risk.

A look at the issue and some of the conclusions so far:

Packaging first became a major issue with outbreaks in China linked to wholesale food markets, including one in June on the outskirts of Beijing. That prompted the removal of smoked salmon from supermarket shelves and has snowballed into multiple cases nationwide involving chicken, beef and seafood from nearly two dozen countries. At some supermarkets, imported meat now comes with a sticker declaring it to be virus-free.

Infections among freight handlers have also placed suspicion on packaging. Person-to-person transmission hasn’t been ruled out, however, and China has yet to release evidence that packaging was indeed the route of infection.

Trading partners, including the U.S., New Zealand, Canada and the EU, say they’re unclear on China’s methodology and have seen no solid evidence that their products carried the virus. The U.S. has questioned whether China’s crackdown is scientifically based and suggested the bans may amount to an unfair trade barrier.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the U.S. accusations “totally groundless and unreasonable.” China’s measures are “necessary following the spirit of putting people’s lives first and protecting people’s health,” he said last week.

In a statement to The Associated Press, the World Health Organization said cases of live viruses being found on packaging appear to be “rare and isolated.” While the virus can “survive a long time under cold storage conditions,” there is no evidence of people contracting COVID-19 from consuming food, it said.

The virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is overwhelmingly transmitted through respiratory droplets and smaller sized particles passed through the air, underscoring the importance of mask-wearing.

Yet the virus can also be present on surfaces, and public health officials have urged people to wash their hands carefully and avoid physical contact with others. In general, the colder and dryer that conditions are, the longer the virus can survive on surfaces.

Wiping down countertops, handrails and other surfaces is a common way to ensure safety. Some people have also gone to the extreme of disinfecting packages brought into their homes, both by themselves or by delivery services.

Virus traces found on packaging can be infectious or non-infectious. The extremely sensitive tests being used can detect both active viruses and their remnants, without being able to distinguish between them, said Timothy Newsome, a virologist at the University of Sydney.

“It is possible and may represent some risk, but it’s certainly at the lower end of risk for transmission,” he said. “We know low temperatures do stabilize the virus. Nonetheless, I think things which have been transported and surface transmission — there’s a low risk of it.”

A positive test “doesn’t indicate infectious virus, just that some signal from the virus is present on that surface,” said Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“I’ve seen no convincing data that SARS-CoV-2 on food packaging poses a significant risk for infection,” he said.

BEIJING (AP) — China says it has detected the coronavirus on packages of imported frozen food, but how valid are its claims and how serious is the threat to public health?Frozen shrimp imported from an Ecuadorian company was banned for one week on Tuesday in a continuing series of such temporary bans.While experts say the virus can survive for a time on cardboard and plastic containers, it remains unclear how serious a risk that poses. Like so many issues surrounding the pandemic, the matter has swiftly become politicized.China has rejected complaints from the U.S. and others, saying it is putting people’s lives first. Experts say they generally don’t consider the presence of the virus on packaging to be a significant health risk.A look at the issue and some of the conclusions so far:CHINA’S CRACKDOWNPackaging first became a major issue with outbreaks in China linked to wholesale food markets, including one in June on the outskirts of Beijing. That prompted the removal of smoked salmon from supermarket shelves and has snowballed into multiple cases nationwide involving chicken, beef and seafood from nearly two dozen countries. At some supermarkets, imported meat now comes with a sticker declaring it to be virus-free.Infections among freight handlers have also placed suspicion on packaging. Person-to-person transmission hasn’t been ruled out, however, and China has yet to release evidence that packaging was indeed the route of infection.OVERSEAS COMPLAINTSTrading partners, including the U.S., New Zealand, Canada and the EU, say they’re unclear on China’s methodology and have seen no solid evidence that their products carried the virus. The U.S. has questioned whether China’s crackdown is scientifically based and suggested the bans may amount to an unfair trade barrier.Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the U.S. accusations “totally groundless and unreasonable.” China’s measures are “necessary following the spirit of putting people’s lives first and protecting people’s health,” he said last week.In a statement to The Associated Press, the World Health Organization said cases of live viruses being found on packaging appear to be “rare and isolated.” While the virus can “survive a long time under cold storage conditions,” there is no evidence of people contracting COVID-19 from consuming food, it said.SURFACE TRANSMISSIONThe virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is overwhelmingly transmitted through respiratory droplets and smaller sized particles passed through the air, underscoring the importance of mask-wearing.Yet the virus can also be present on surfaces, and public health officials have urged people to wash their hands carefully and avoid physical contact with others. In general, the colder and dryer that conditions are, the longer the virus can survive on surfaces.Wiping down countertops, handrails and other surfaces is a common way to ensure safety. Some people have also gone to the extreme of disinfecting packages brought into their homes, both by themselves or by delivery services.WHAT EXPERTS SAYVirus traces found on packaging can be infectious or non-infectious. The extremely sensitive tests being used can detect both active viruses and their remnants, without being able to distinguish between them, said Timothy Newsome, a virologist at the University of Sydney.“It is possible and may represent some risk, but it’s certainly at the lower end of risk for transmission,” he said. “We know low temperatures do stabilize the virus. Nonetheless, I think things which have been transported and surface transmission — there’s a low risk of it.”A positive test “doesn’t indicate infectious virus, just that some signal from the virus is present on that surface,” said Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.“I’ve seen no convincing data that SARS-CoV-2 on food packaging poses a significant risk for infection,” he said.___

China claims coronavirus found on frozen foods

KANSAS CITY (AP) —State and local officials nationwide are imposing new coronavirus restrictions and pleading with the public in an increasingly desperate attempt to stop the explosive spread of the disease as many Americans resist calls to limit gatherings and travel heading into the holidays.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest effort to require face coverings takes effect Wednesday, although Kansas law still allows the state’s 105 counties to opt out. Most counties did so the first time Kelly tried to require masks in July. But with the average new case numbers more than nine times higher now than then, there appears to be less pushback.

The governor told reporters Tuesday that adoption of mask orders by counties had so far been “pretty good.

“We got very little pushback this time around,” Kelly said. “I think it’s because people are so much more aware of how serious this is, how widespread it is. And it is no longer an urban issue. I mean, it’s clearly from border to border.”

Kelly’s order allows counties to adopt their own mandates, and more than 20 had done so since the mandate was announced last week, according to data from the Kansas Association of Counties. Counties that take no action will be automatically covered by Kelly’s order.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tightened restrictions on casinos, restaurants and private gatherings beginning Tuesday. In California, where most counties are under a curfew, Los Angeles County officials will prohibit in-person dining for at least three weeks, and a judge on Monday denied a request to temporarily restore indoor service at restaurants and gyms in San Diego County. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts warned that he could impose tighter social-distancing restrictions before Thanksgiving if hospitalizations continue to rise.

Sisolak, who has avoided tightening mandates throughout the fall because of the potential damage to Nevada’s tourism-based economy, said the trends led to an “inescapable conclusion.”

“We are on a rapid trajectory that threatens to overwhelm our health care system, our front-line health workers and your access to care. So it’s time to act,” said Sisolak, who recently contracted COVID-19.

Around 83,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized with COVID-19, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Infections have led to a shortage of hospital beds and health care workers, and they threaten non-COVID-19-related surgeries and other care.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Monday issued an executive order authorizing the state health department to order hospitals and emergency departments to transfer non-virus patients and to cease admitting new ones to deal with the influx of coronavirus cases.

In Washington state, elective procedures such as joint and heart valve replacements and some cancer surgeries could be postponed to make room for coronavirus patients, said Washington State Hospital Association CEO Cassie Sauer.

Adding to the stress: Some of the new restrictions are throwing people out of work again.

Economists worry that companies laying off workers will reverse the solid job gains since the spring and even push up the unemployment rate again. In a troublesome sign, the number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week for the first time in five weeks.

About 20 million Americans are now receiving some form of unemployment benefits, but about half will lose those benefits when two federal programs expire at the end of the year.

But the message from President-elect Joe Biden to local health officials is that the best way to get the economy back on track is to get the virus under control until a vaccine is widely available.

Despite pleas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to skip Thanksgiving travel and not spend the holiday with people from outside their household, about 1 million people a day packed airports and planes over the weekend. The crowds are expected to grow.

Even so, health officials are trying everything they can to slow the spread and address an even worse surge that many say is inevitable.

In North Dakota — which ranks first in the country in new COVID-19 cases per capita and where the governor only recently began requiring masks in public — health officials are rolling out free rapid COVID-19 testing for teachers, staff and school administrators. The pilot project is designed to slow the virus’ spread by identifying and quickly isolating people who may be asymptomatic.

Massachusetts is launching television and digital ads in several languages to encourage residents to wear masks, keep their distance from others and get tested, Gov. Charlie Baker said. The Oklahoma City Council planned to vote Tuesday on whether to extend a mask mandate.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he is reopening an emergency COVID-19 field hospital on Staten Island, the first such facility in the state to relaunch since the state partly tamed the pandemic over the summer. New York state has averaged nearly 5,500 new cases per day over the past seven days.

The temporary hospital cared for 200 patients last spring, when New York City’s hospital wards were overwhelmed with seriously ill and dying patients. Now, Cuomo said, officials are concerned it might be needed again, as the virus has spread in the borough at a faster rate than in the rest of the city. Staten Island has averaged 209 new cases of COVID-19 per day over the past seven days — up 86% from two weeks ago.

Some governors appeared reluctant to get too strict.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order on Monday that mandates increased mask-wearing, but he did not tighten occupancy limits on businesses. The Democrat is holding out hope that increased compliance with existing health guidelines will stabilize the worsening trends in his state.

In Utah, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert relaxed restrictions on social gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving weekend. He said people still must wear masks, but he will not extend his previous two-week order that required people to limit social gatherings to people in their immediate household.

Still, he recommended smaller gatherings for the holiday.

“You increase the risk when you bring people into your home,” he said during a press briefing. “That’s just the harsh reality.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602120875975.png" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest effort to require face coverings takes effect Wednesday." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest effort to require face coverings takes effect Wednesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —State and local officials nationwide are imposing new coronavirus restrictions and pleading with the public in an increasingly desperate attempt to stop the explosive spread of the disease as many Americans resist calls to limit gatherings and travel heading into the holidays.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s latest effort to require face coverings takes effect Wednesday, although Kansas law still allows the state’s 105 counties to opt out. Most counties did so the first time Kelly tried to require masks in July. But with the average new case numbers more than nine times higher now than then, there appears to be less pushback.The governor told reporters Tuesday that adoption of mask orders by counties had so far been “pretty good.“We got very little pushback this time around,” Kelly said. “I think it’s because people are so much more aware of how serious this is, how widespread it is. And it is no longer an urban issue. I mean, it’s clearly from border to border.”Kelly’s order allows counties to adopt their own mandates, and more than 20 had done so since the mandate was announced last week, according to data from the Kansas Association of Counties. Counties that take no action will be automatically covered by Kelly’s order.Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tightened restrictions on casinos, restaurants and private gatherings beginning Tuesday. In California, where most counties are under a curfew, Los Angeles County officials will prohibit in-person dining for at least three weeks, and a judge on Monday denied a request to temporarily restore indoor service at restaurants and gyms in San Diego County. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts warned that he could impose tighter social-distancing restrictions before Thanksgiving if hospitalizations continue to rise.Sisolak, who has avoided tightening mandates throughout the fall because of the potential damage to Nevada’s tourism-based economy, said the trends led to an “inescapable conclusion.”“We are on a rapid trajectory that threatens to overwhelm our health care system, our front-line health workers and your access to care. So it’s time to act,” said Sisolak, who recently contracted COVID-19.Around 83,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized with COVID-19, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Infections have led to a shortage of hospital beds and health care workers, and they threaten non-COVID-19-related surgeries and other care.Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Monday issued an executive order authorizing the state health department to order hospitals and emergency departments to transfer non-virus patients and to cease admitting new ones to deal with the influx of coronavirus cases.In Washington state, elective procedures such as joint and heart valve replacements and some cancer surgeries could be postponed to make room for coronavirus patients, said Washington State Hospital Association CEO Cassie Sauer.Adding to the stress: Some of the new restrictions are throwing people out of work again.Economists worry that companies laying off workers will reverse the solid job gains since the spring and even push up the unemployment rate again. In a troublesome sign, the number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week for the first time in five weeks.About 20 million Americans are now receiving some form of unemployment benefits, but about half will lose those benefits when two federal programs expire at the end of the year.But the message from President-elect Joe Biden to local health officials is that the best way to get the economy back on track is to get the virus under control until a vaccine is widely available.Despite pleas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to skip Thanksgiving travel and not spend the holiday with people from outside their household, about 1 million people a day packed airports and planes over the weekend. The crowds are expected to grow.Even so, health officials are trying everything they can to slow the spread and address an even worse surge that many say is inevitable.In North Dakota — which ranks first in the country in new COVID-19 cases per capita and where the governor only recently began requiring masks in public — health officials are rolling out free rapid COVID-19 testing for teachers, staff and school administrators. The pilot project is designed to slow the virus’ spread by identifying and quickly isolating people who may be asymptomatic.Massachusetts is launching television and digital ads in several languages to encourage residents to wear masks, keep their distance from others and get tested, Gov. Charlie Baker said. The Oklahoma City Council planned to vote Tuesday on whether to extend a mask mandate.New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he is reopening an emergency COVID-19 field hospital on Staten Island, the first such facility in the state to relaunch since the state partly tamed the pandemic over the summer. New York state has averaged nearly 5,500 new cases per day over the past seven days.The temporary hospital cared for 200 patients last spring, when New York City’s hospital wards were overwhelmed with seriously ill and dying patients. Now, Cuomo said, officials are concerned it might be needed again, as the virus has spread in the borough at a faster rate than in the rest of the city. Staten Island has averaged 209 new cases of COVID-19 per day over the past seven days — up 86% from two weeks ago.Some governors appeared reluctant to get too strict.North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order on Monday that mandates increased mask-wearing, but he did not tighten occupancy limits on businesses. The Democrat is holding out hope that increased compliance with existing health guidelines will stabilize the worsening trends in his state.In Utah, Republican Gov. Gary Herbert relaxed restrictions on social gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving weekend. He said people still must wear masks, but he will not extend his previous two-week order that required people to limit social gatherings to people in their immediate household.Still, he recommended smaller gatherings for the holiday.“You increase the risk when you bring people into your home,” he said during a press briefing. “That’s just the harsh reality.”___

States impose new rules, plead with public to stop spread

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

Just after 8a.m. Tuesday, police responded to the area of Lakin Avenue and Van Buren in Great Bend in reference to an unknown subject entering into vehicles without permission.

While Officers were responding to the area, the subject identified as Jericho Riddle, age 20, fled the area on foot. Officers stopped Riddle on the west side of the Travelodge Hotel at room #105 located in the 3200 block of 10th Street.

Riddle was found to be in possession of stolen property and detained. The Travelodge Hotel room #105 was secured and the detectives obtained a search warrant for Riddle's hotel room. The search warrant was executed and items of evidence were located and seized at that time.

Riddle was arrested on requested charges of burglary and criminal trespass. Riddle was then transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond. 

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 8a.m. Tuesday, police responded to the area of Lakin Avenue and Van Buren in Great Bend in reference to an unknown subject entering into vehicles without permission.While Officers were responding to the area, the subject identified as Jericho Riddle, age 20, fled the area on foot. Officers stopped Riddle on the west side of the Travelodge Hotel at room #105 located in the 3200 block of 10th Street.Riddle was found to be in possession of stolen property and detained. The Travelodge Hotel room #105 was secured and the detectives obtained a search warrant for Riddle's hotel room. The search warrant was executed and items of evidence were located and seized at that time.Riddle was arrested on requested charges of burglary and criminal trespass. Riddle was then transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.

Police find Kan. burglary suspect, evidence at motel

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The Justice Department announced Monday that a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging Colton Donner, 25, with threatening an African-American male juvenile, because of the victim’s race and because the victim was living in a home in Paola, Kansas, in violation of Title 42, U.S. Code, Section 3631, according to the United State's Attorney.

For a separate incident, Donner was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).&nbsp;

The indictment alleges that Donner shouted racial slurs and brandished a knife, a dangerous weapon, at the victim in Paola, Kansas. The indictment further alleges that Donner, knowing he was a convicted felon, possessed .44 caliber revolver.

“Our office will protect the federal rights of all people, regardless of race, to live peacefully in Paola or anywhere else in Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “Freedom of speech does not give anyone license to wield a weapon and threaten others because of race. Racial intimidation must have no place in America and cannot be tolerated or ignored.”

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Donner faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for both the civil rights and firearm charges. The Kansas City Field Office of the FBI investigated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606169887890.png" alt="Donner-photo Miami Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Donner-photo Miami Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The Justice Department announced Monday that a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging Colton Donner, 25, with threatening an African-American male juvenile, because of the victim’s race and because the victim was living in a home in Paola, Kansas, in violation of Title 42, U.S. Code, Section 3631, according to the United State's Attorney.For a separate incident, Donner was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).&nbsp;The indictment alleges that Donner shouted racial slurs and brandished a knife, a dangerous weapon, at the victim in Paola, Kansas. The indictment further alleges that Donner, knowing he was a convicted felon, possessed .44 caliber revolver.“Our office will protect the federal rights of all people, regardless of race, to live peacefully in Paola or anywhere else in Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. “Freedom of speech does not give anyone license to wield a weapon and threaten others because of race. Racial intimidation must have no place in America and cannot be tolerated or ignored.”An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Donner faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for both the civil rights and firearm charges. The Kansas City Field Office of the FBI investigated.&nbsp;

Kansas man charged with hate crime for racial threat

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault and burglary and have suspect in custody.

Just after 11p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a disturbance with a weapon in the 2500 Block of East 25th Street North in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

A 34-year-old woman told police two unknown suspects were rummaging through her vehicle. She confronted them and one suspect pulled out a handgun and threatened her, according to Davidson.

During the investigation, police also contacted a 23-year-old man and woman in the 2700 Block of North Green in Wichita. They told police the same suspects were rummaging through their vehicles and stole property. When they confronted the suspects, the suspects ran and one fired a shot in the air, according to Davidson. There were no injuries.

Assisting officers spotted the suspects in the area and after a brief foot chase, took them into custody. 

The 17-year-old boy is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault and burglary and a 16-year-old boy on requested charges of burglary, according to Davidson.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated assault and burglary and have suspect in custody.Just after 11p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a disturbance with a weapon in the 2500 Block of East 25th Street North in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.A 34-year-old woman told police two unknown suspects were rummaging through her vehicle. She confronted them and one suspect pulled out a handgun and threatened her, according to Davidson.During the investigation, police also contacted a 23-year-old man and woman in the 2700 Block of North Green in Wichita. They told police the same suspects were rummaging through their vehicles and stole property. When they confronted the suspects, the suspects ran and one fired a shot in the air, according to Davidson. There were no injuries.Assisting officers spotted the suspects in the area and after a brief foot chase, took them into custody. The 17-year-old boy is being held on requested charges of aggravated assault and burglary and a 16-year-old boy on requested charges of burglary, according to Davidson.

Police: 17-year-old fired gun during Kan. burglary

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and have released security camera images of the suspect.

On Monday, police were dispatched to Check Into Cash in the 100 block of west 13th&nbsp;Avenue in Winfield for a report of an armed robbery, according to a media release.

Officers responded and information was developed that a man entered the store, displayed a weapon, demanded money from the employees and fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Witnesses in the area reported the suspect left the scene in a silver Sport Utility Vehicle and was last seen northbound on Manning Street. 

During the investigation officers located clothing along side Country Club Road in Winfield that are believed to have been worn by the suspect during the robbery.

The suspect was described as a white male approximately six feet tall wearing blue University of Kansas sweatshirt, black sweatpants, a hat, glasses, and a surgical type mask.

Anyone with information regarding this incident are encouraged to call the Winfield Police Department (620) 221-5556, the Cowley County Dispatch Center (after hours) (620) 221-5555. Anyone wishing to provide information and remain anonymous can also submit information through Cowley County Crime stoppers at (620) 221-7777.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606251922746.png" alt="Photos Winfield Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Winfield Police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and have released security camera images of the suspect.On Monday, police were dispatched to Check Into Cash in the 100 block of west 13th&nbsp;Avenue in Winfield for a report of an armed robbery, according to a media release.Officers responded and information was developed that a man entered the store, displayed a weapon, demanded money from the employees and fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606251984409.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses in the area reported the suspect left the scene in a silver Sport Utility Vehicle and was last seen northbound on Manning Street. During the investigation officers located clothing along side Country Club Road in Winfield that are believed to have been worn by the suspect during the robbery.The suspect was described as a white male approximately six feet tall wearing blue University of Kansas sweatshirt, black sweatpants, a hat, glasses, and a surgical type mask.Anyone with information regarding this incident are encouraged to call the Winfield Police Department (620) 221-5556, the Cowley County Dispatch Center (after hours) (620) 221-5555. Anyone wishing to provide information and remain anonymous can also submit information through Cowley County Crime stoppers at (620) 221-7777.

Police work to ID suspect in Kan. loan store armed robbery

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Kansas Governor Laura Kelly welcomed the stage coach delivering the Christmas Tree to Cedar Crest Tuesday morning.

On social media, the Governor wrote, " This holiday season is a little different, but we’re still carrying on the tradition of receiving the Cedar Crest Christmas tree and wreath."

"Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/KSForestService">@KSForestService</a> and Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association, and to <a href="https://twitter.com/Trees4Troops">@Trees4Troops</a> for your donations."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606245468089.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly wore a mask to welcome the tree and wreath -photos courtesy office of Kansas governor." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly wore a mask to welcome the tree and wreath -photos courtesy office of Kansas governor.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —&nbsp;Kansas Governor Laura Kelly welcomed the stage coach delivering the Christmas Tree to Cedar Crest Tuesday morning.On social media, the Governor wrote, " This holiday season is a little different, but we’re still carrying on the tradition of receiving the Cedar Crest Christmas tree and wreath."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606245436240.png" alt="Santa wore a mask to help deliver the tree on Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>Santa wore a mask to help deliver the tree on Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/KSForestService">@KSForestService</a> and Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association, and to <a href="https://twitter.com/Trees4Troops">@Trees4Troops</a> for your donations."

Governor welcomes Christmas tree to Cedar Crest

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop in Salina.

Just before midnight Monday, a patrol officer stopped a 2002 GMC Yukon in the 500 block of North Ninth Street for having an obstructed license plate, which was behind the rear tinted window out of view, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

When the officer made contact with the driver, Jonathan Brehon, 33, of Topeka, he noticed the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a DUI investigation.

 A search of the vehicle produced 31 packages of marijuana, two baggies of methamphetamine, with no drug tax stamp affixed to any of the narcotics, according to Forrester.

Officers arrested Brehon was arrested on requested charges,&nbsp;of distribution of a stimulant, distribution of marijuana,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;no drug tax stamp,&nbsp;possession of illegal transaction proceeds, driving under the influence,&nbsp;obstructed license plate, driving while suspended and no proof of insurance.

Brehon has previous convictions for theft and drugs in Saline County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606234601250.png" alt="Brehon photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Brehon photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop in Salina.Just before midnight Monday, a patrol officer stopped a 2002 GMC Yukon in the 500 block of North Ninth Street for having an obstructed license plate, which was behind the rear tinted window out of view, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.When the officer made contact with the driver, Jonathan Brehon, 33, of Topeka, he noticed the odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a DUI investigation. A search of the vehicle produced 31 packages of marijuana, two baggies of methamphetamine, with no drug tax stamp affixed to any of the narcotics, according to Forrester.Officers arrested Brehon was arrested on requested charges,&nbsp;of distribution of a stimulant, distribution of marijuana,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;no drug tax stamp,&nbsp;possession of illegal transaction proceeds, driving under the influence,&nbsp;obstructed license plate, driving while suspended and no proof of insurance.Brehon has previous convictions for theft and drugs in Saline County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Police find 31 packages of pot in Kan. man's SUV

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/three-kansans-share-heartbreaking-pain-lost-thanksgiving">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA&nbsp;— Coronavirus cases are at record levels. Just in time to pretty much ruin Thanksgiving.

In
 Kansas, those cases have hospitals worried about having enough space or
 staff. That’s prompted local, state and federal officials to urge 
people to just stay home.

We spoke with three Kansans about their decisions to cancel trips to see family — and the loss that represents.

We edited the interviews for clarity and length.

Sara
 Simpson is a veterinarian who lives in Basehor, Kansas. She’s 
originally from New Jersey, but has lived in Kansas since about 2013.

Kansas News Service: Do you go back and see family for Thanksgiving every year?

You know, we would plan to see all of our friends and different family members.

So,
 every day we were doing something family-oriented or friend-oriented. 
We would always make sure we had a date night in New York city where we 
could go have a nice dinner with friends.

SS: This
 year was supposed to be my family in New Jersey. And, of course, we 
were looking forward to it. But with everything that’s going on with 
COVID, we’ve been having this conversation for a couple months now, you 
know, is it safe to go, both for us and for everyone else?

KNS: What were the discussions with your family like?

SS: It was a lot of back and forth, both inside my head and those actual conversations.

And
 there were some tears and, you know, from me and from my parents and I 
think the biggest consideration was, can we do this safely?

We’re
 just not able to quarantine for two weeks before we go anywhere. And 
even if we do now, we either have to fly, so, we're going to the 
airport, coming in contact with all those people, or we would be driving
 and having to stay at a hotel and stop for gas.

To me, the risk 
of, obviously, I worry about myself, but the risk of exposing my family 
and potentially, you know, you don't know how sick someone's going to 
get. So that was the biggest consideration for us was can we keep 
everybody safe and do this in a safe and responsible way?

KNS: How did it make you feel to have to make this kind of sacrifice?

SS:
 I’m really sad. There are intermittent tears when I start thinking 
about it. You see those cheesy Hallmark Thanksgiving movies and all that
 on TV and I have to quickly turn it off because you start thinking 
about all the things you’re going to miss, but I think it's a small 
sacrifice.

My parents haven't seen my son since last Thanksgiving, other than like Skyping and things like that.

So
 it's sad to think that they're missing out on this time. But I would 
rather have to miss this and make that sacrifice, that small sacrifice 
now, compared to what some other people (have) sacrificed during all of 
this, and then get to see everybody healthy and happy.

KNS: Do you have any negative feelings for people who choose to go ahead with large family Thanksgiving celebrations?

SS:
 It feels a little selfish. I don’t want to judge people for making the 
decisions that they make. But, unfortunately with something like COVID, 
those decisions don’t only affect them and the people they’re seeing in 
their homes.

If they pick up COVID and they don’t know it and 
then they’re out and about or traveling and stopping at various places 
and what have you, it then becomes an issue for everyone they come in 
contact with.

All I want to do is give my family a hug. You know,
 and we can’t do that right now. But I keep telling myself that if we 
keep doing what we’re supposed to be doing, follow public health 
guidelines, it won’t be too long before we can hug them again.

Christopher “Chip” Redmond lives in St. George, Kansas.

KNS: What do you typically do for Thanksgiving?

Christopher Redmond: We either travel to one side of the family or the other. We are never at home, we are never in Kansas for the holidays.

CR:
 You know, it was a difficult choice and we've been kind of going back 
and forth with it. The plan was we were going to make the 12-hour trek 
this year, but it's not worth it.

Neither our families have had recent exposures or anyone's sick, which is good. And we'd like to keep it that way.

KNS:
 So, what kind of deliberations went into your decision? It is tempting 
to think, well, it will only just be a few of us, it won’t be that big 
of a deal.

CR: It was stressful. More than I ever thought it would be. It put a lot of weight on us.

(My
 parents) were open if we wanted to come and I think that made it more 
difficult for us, because it put more weight on our shoulders to make 
that decision.

But as cases have risen in the last few weeks, I 
think it’s started to become easier for everyone. It’s obvious that this
 is spinning out of control.

KNS: Were there any hard feelings from your parents?

CR:&nbsp;They
 are more at ease, like, OK, let's find a way to make this fun. It's 
more of, we can have a good time and we can make this not necessarily a 
new tradition, but we could find, we could still carry on a lot of the 
old traditions.

KNS: Are there any positives that are coming out of this?

CR:
 It’s easy to focus on negatives, but there are some big positives. 
We’re helping out the local economy. We drove away every year. Manhattan
 and the area is a college town, a military town, and so now all those 
people that would typically be leaving town are now buying stuff and 
staying in town.

You also don’t have to worry about traveling for
 12 hours and all the other people on the road. And I think in the long 
run we’ll end up having better discussions with family because you’re 
not sick and tired of being with them for 24 hours, 48 hours. You get 
trapped with them.

KNS: Do you have any thoughts about people who are deciding to gather anyway?

CR: I understand it. We’re all human. But, for the love of Pete, just be smart about it.

Maybe
 don’t go anywhere for a couple of weeks after that. Take a safety 
protocol after that and lock yourself down. If it’s really that 
important to you, then don’t do anything the next two weeks.

Sarah Bunn is a Kansas transplant from northern Illinois. She’s lived in Kansas for about 11 years.

Kansas News Service: So if you’re a transplant, does that mean you have family still in other states?

Sarah Bunn: My entire family, basically, is in Northern Illinois and some of them are in southern Wisconsin.

KNS: Are you traveling to see them this year? And how did you decide?

SB:
 My mother works in health care. My aunt works in health care. There was
 just a general consensus among us that traveling is probably not the 
best idea.

We’ll do something, but all physically being in the same place is just not feasible this year.

KNS: How hard was it to just say, “we can’t get together this year?”

SB: It’s heartbreaking for me. I told my husband I 
think the hardest thing about this whole period for me is that I can 
talk to my mom, and we FaceTime a lot. But if I‘m not physically in the 
same room with my mother at least like once every three months, I suffer
 for that.

It’s heartbreaking, too, because I have an almost 
2-year-old, and my sister has one who just turned one and that age is so
 hard because they go so fast. So, by the time I see my niece again in 
person, or my mom sees her granddaughter again in person, it’s a 
completely different baby.

KNS: Have you come up with any alternatives to gathering in person?

SB: We
 talked about doing a Zoom. I think that would be fun, but we tried to 
do a Zoom happy hour in the beginning (of the pandemic) and in the end I
 think two of my cousins hung up so mad at people were talking over each
 other and my mom and my aunt in the same room joining the call from two
 different devices and it’s just like, ‘Hang up and just go walk over 
there.’

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606162058430.png" alt=" Thanksgiving turkey just out of the oven. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Thanksgiving turkey just out of the oven. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/three-kansans-share-heartbreaking-pain-lost-thanksgiving">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA&nbsp;— Coronavirus cases are at record levels. Just in time to pretty much ruin Thanksgiving.In
 Kansas, those cases have hospitals worried about having enough space or
 staff. That’s prompted local, state and federal officials to urge 
people to just stay home.We spoke with three Kansans about their decisions to cancel trips to see family — and the loss that represents.We edited the interviews for clarity and length.<h2>Sara Simpson</h2>Sara
 Simpson is a veterinarian who lives in Basehor, Kansas. She’s 
originally from New Jersey, but has lived in Kansas since about 2013.Kansas News Service: Do you go back and see family for Thanksgiving every year?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606162137722.png" alt=" Sara Simpson with her father during a holiday visit last year. Credit Sara Simpson" />
 <figcaption> Sara Simpson with her father during a holiday visit last year. Credit Sara Simpson</figcaption>
 </figure>SS: It was always like a big thing.You know, we would plan to see all of our friends and different family members.So,
 every day we were doing something family-oriented or friend-oriented. 
We would always make sure we had a date night in New York city where we 
could go have a nice dinner with friends.KNS: What does this year look like?SS: This
 year was supposed to be my family in New Jersey. And, of course, we 
were looking forward to it. But with everything that’s going on with 
COVID, we’ve been having this conversation for a couple months now, you 
know, is it safe to go, both for us and for everyone else?KNS: What were the discussions with your family like?SS: It was a lot of back and forth, both inside my head and those actual conversations.And
 there were some tears and, you know, from me and from my parents and I 
think the biggest consideration was, can we do this safely?We’re
 just not able to quarantine for two weeks before we go anywhere. And 
even if we do now, we either have to fly, so, we're going to the 
airport, coming in contact with all those people, or we would be driving
 and having to stay at a hotel and stop for gas.To me, the risk 
of, obviously, I worry about myself, but the risk of exposing my family 
and potentially, you know, you don't know how sick someone's going to 
get. So that was the biggest consideration for us was can we keep 
everybody safe and do this in a safe and responsible way?KNS: How did it make you feel to have to make this kind of sacrifice?SS:
 I’m really sad. There are intermittent tears when I start thinking 
about it. You see those cheesy Hallmark Thanksgiving movies and all that
 on TV and I have to quickly turn it off because you start thinking 
about all the things you’re going to miss, but I think it's a small 
sacrifice.My parents haven't seen my son since last Thanksgiving, other than like Skyping and things like that.So
 it's sad to think that they're missing out on this time. But I would 
rather have to miss this and make that sacrifice, that small sacrifice 
now, compared to what some other people (have) sacrificed during all of 
this, and then get to see everybody healthy and happy.KNS: Do you have any negative feelings for people who choose to go ahead with large family Thanksgiving celebrations?SS:
 It feels a little selfish. I don’t want to judge people for making the 
decisions that they make. But, unfortunately with something like COVID, 
those decisions don’t only affect them and the people they’re seeing in 
their homes.If they pick up COVID and they don’t know it and 
then they’re out and about or traveling and stopping at various places 
and what have you, it then becomes an issue for everyone they come in 
contact with.All I want to do is give my family a hug. You know,
 and we can’t do that right now. But I keep telling myself that if we 
keep doing what we’re supposed to be doing, follow public health 
guidelines, it won’t be too long before we can hug them again.<h2>Christopher Redmond</h2>Christopher “Chip” Redmond lives in St. George, Kansas.KNS: What do you typically do for Thanksgiving?Christopher Redmond: We either travel to one side of the family or the other. We are never at home, we are never in Kansas for the holidays.KNS: What’s the plan for this year?CR:
 You know, it was a difficult choice and we've been kind of going back 
and forth with it. The plan was we were going to make the 12-hour trek 
this year, but it's not worth it.Neither our families have had recent exposures or anyone's sick, which is good. And we'd like to keep it that way.KNS:
 So, what kind of deliberations went into your decision? It is tempting 
to think, well, it will only just be a few of us, it won’t be that big 
of a deal.CR: It was stressful. More than I ever thought it would be. It put a lot of weight on us.(My
 parents) were open if we wanted to come and I think that made it more 
difficult for us, because it put more weight on our shoulders to make 
that decision.But as cases have risen in the last few weeks, I 
think it’s started to become easier for everyone. It’s obvious that this
 is spinning out of control.KNS: Were there any hard feelings from your parents?CR:&nbsp;They
 are more at ease, like, OK, let's find a way to make this fun. It's 
more of, we can have a good time and we can make this not necessarily a 
new tradition, but we could find, we could still carry on a lot of the 
old traditions.KNS: Are there any positives that are coming out of this?CR:
 It’s easy to focus on negatives, but there are some big positives. 
We’re helping out the local economy. We drove away every year. Manhattan
 and the area is a college town, a military town, and so now all those 
people that would typically be leaving town are now buying stuff and 
staying in town.You also don’t have to worry about traveling for
 12 hours and all the other people on the road. And I think in the long 
run we’ll end up having better discussions with family because you’re 
not sick and tired of being with them for 24 hours, 48 hours. You get 
trapped with them.KNS: Do you have any thoughts about people who are deciding to gather anyway?CR: I understand it. We’re all human. But, for the love of Pete, just be smart about it.Maybe
 don’t go anywhere for a couple of weeks after that. Take a safety 
protocol after that and lock yourself down. If it’s really that 
important to you, then don’t do anything the next two weeks.<h2>Sarah Bunn</h2>Sarah Bunn is a Kansas transplant from northern Illinois. She’s lived in Kansas for about 11 years.Kansas News Service: So if you’re a transplant, does that mean you have family still in other states?Sarah Bunn: My entire family, basically, is in Northern Illinois and some of them are in southern Wisconsin.KNS: Are you traveling to see them this year? And how did you decide?SB:
 My mother works in health care. My aunt works in health care. There was
 just a general consensus among us that traveling is probably not the 
best idea.We’ll do something, but all physically being in the same place is just not feasible this year.KNS: How hard was it to just say, “we can’t get together this year?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606162183904.png" alt="Credit Sarah Bunn" />
 <figcaption>Credit Sarah Bunn</figcaption>
 </figure>SB: It’s heartbreaking for me. I told my husband I 
think the hardest thing about this whole period for me is that I can 
talk to my mom, and we FaceTime a lot. But if I‘m not physically in the 
same room with my mother at least like once every three months, I suffer
 for that.It’s heartbreaking, too, because I have an almost 
2-year-old, and my sister has one who just turned one and that age is so
 hard because they go so fast. So, by the time I see my niece again in 
person, or my mom sees her granddaughter again in person, it’s a 
completely different baby.KNS: Have you come up with any alternatives to gathering in person?SB: We
 talked about doing a Zoom. I think that would be fun, but we tried to 
do a Zoom happy hour in the beginning (of the pandemic) and in the end I
 think two of my cousins hung up so mad at people were talking over each
 other and my mom and my aunt in the same room joining the call from two
 different devices and it’s just like, ‘Hang up and just go walk over 
there.’KNS: How much is this impacting you and your children? Do they notice how crazy it all is?SB:&nbsp;“So,
 my 8-year-old will say, ‘When, can we go to Grandma's? When the virus 
is better, can we go to Grandma's?’ And that’s heartbreaking, you know?That's
 what I worry about the most when it comes to doing the holidays in this
 new normal is that I feel like I try to make it so much for them. And 
there's so much of the tradition that we're just not going to do this 
year because it's just not safe.My daughter is doing full remote
 school and she’s in third grade and she had to write a paper about 
traditions and she had to pick a family tradition and she was trying to 
kind of think of one. And it was like everything we came up with was 
like, ‘Oh, we're not doing that this year.’That, for me, is the 
hardest part. How do I make this special for them without what we would 
normally consider to be a tradition. I’m not sure yet how I’m going to 
do that. I haven’t really had time to sit down and plan what we’re going
 to do instead.KNS: Why do you think these sacrifices are worth it?SB: For
 me, it's just a cost-benefit analysis. As much as I would really, 
really love to see my mom. And like I said, I need to be in the same 
room with her every once in a while. My husband even said, you know, if 
you want her to come and she takes a test before and she wears all of 
this stuff and wears an N95 (mask) on the plane and all of that. But for
 me, it's just not worth the risk. Right?I just don’t feel like I
 could ever forgive myself if we were to bend the rules a little bit and
 go travel or something and something bad happened. You know, maybe 
everything would be fine, but what if it wasn’t, you know how do we live
 with that?Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy
 and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow him on Twitter @briangrimmett or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.