CRAWFORD COUNTY– A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for second-degree murder, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Jeremy Scott Delmarco, 34, of Arma, was sentenced Wednesday by Crawford County District Court Judge Jennifer Brunetti to 184 months for reckless second-degree murder, and 43 months for aggravated battery. The sentences will be served concurrently in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility. 

Delmarco pleaded no contest to the charges on April 20 for the 2019 stabbing death of 36-year-old Brandy Lee Delmarco and injuring her 84-year-old grandmother Dorma Lemaster at a home in Arma.

Jeremy Delmarco was arrested after struggling with a deputy despite being shot several times with a stun gun.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Brandy Delmarco died later at a hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618963710073.png" alt="Delmarco photo Crawford County" />
 <figcaption>Delmarco photo Crawford County</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD COUNTY– A Kansas man has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for second-degree murder, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Jeremy Scott Delmarco, 34, of Arma, was sentenced Wednesday by Crawford County District Court Judge Jennifer Brunetti to 184 months for reckless second-degree murder, and 43 months for aggravated battery. The sentences will be served concurrently in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility. Delmarco pleaded no contest to the charges on April 20 for the 2019 stabbing death of 36-year-old Brandy Lee Delmarco and injuring her 84-year-old grandmother Dorma Lemaster at a home in Arma.Jeremy Delmarco was arrested after struggling with a deputy despite being shot several times with a stun gun.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brandy Delmarco died later at a hospital.-----------

Kansas man sentenced for wife's stabbing death

Redrawing congressional lines will fall to the GOP-controlled Kan. Legislature

By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-06-30/4-ways-republicans-could-redistrict-the-only-kansas-democrat-in-congress-out-of-a-job">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA&nbsp;— When Republicans in Congress<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/22/1008737806/democrats-sweeping-voting-rights-legislation-is-headed-for-failure-in-the-senate" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/22/1008737806/democrats-sweeping-voting-rights-legislation-is-headed-for-failure-in-the-senate" target="_blank">blocked debate</a>
 on the Democratic-led elections overhaul bill last week, it dashed 
U.S.Rep. Sharice Davids’ hopes that her district could be redrawn by an<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text#toc-H1A7A816240AB41E4AD8905339B09DD8E" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text#toc-H1A7A816240AB41E4AD8905339B09DD8E" target="_blank">independent commission</a>.

Instead,
 the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature looks poised to draw maps 
used for the 2022 election and likely to determine political careers for
 the next decade.

With a non-partisan panel charting the new 
districts based on the 2020 Census, Davids could expect to run for 
re-election in a district fairly similar to the one that elected her to 
the U.S. House twice.

With redistricting left to state lawmakers, 
the Republicans who dominate the Legislature have more freedom to 
gerrymander — the practice of manipulating a voting district to ensure a
 favorable outcome for one party. Davids<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_RRmBIrIPY&amp;t=45s" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_RRmBIrIPY&amp;t=45s" target="_blank">told MSNBC</a> in early June she’s worried that state Republicans are “saying, ‘If you can’t beat ‘em, cheat ‘em.’”

Former state Senate President Susan Wagle said nearly as much to a group of conservatives in Wichita last fall.

Gov. Laura Kelly can veto the redistricting plan. But Republicans would have the votes to override her.

“We can do that, I guarantee you,” Wagle <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article246339990.html" target="_blank">said</a>. “We can draw four Republican congressional maps.”

That<a href="https://twitter.com/Davis_Hammet/status/1314566887230054402" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/Davis_Hammet/status/1314566887230054402" target="_blank">video</a> went viral. Democrats and The Kansas City Star editorial board<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article246347750.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article246347750.html" target="_blank">alleged</a> Republicans were saying the quiet part out loud.

Kansas is one of<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/redistricting-systems-a-50-state-overview.aspx" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/redistricting-systems-a-50-state-overview.aspx" target="_blank">29 states</a>
 where the state legislature wields total control over redrawing the 
lines of both state legislative and congressional districts. For now, 
the 2020 Census data is delayed. That forces lawmakers to contemplate 
whether to begin holding town halls across the state for public input on
 the new maps without the latest population numbers. All the information
 the state needs to draw new maps should arrive by the<a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/statement-redistricting-data-timeline.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/statement-redistricting-data-timeline.html" target="_blank">end of September</a>.

Lawmakers
 could theoretically begin to work with the state’s legislative research
 department to draft maps then. But that process could remain behind 
closed doors until legislators return to session next January. Here are 
four strategies that the Republican-controlled body may use to oust 
Davids from her seat:

Kansas’ 1st
 Congressional District, which stretches from Emporia to the Colorado 
border, has lost population over the last decade while Kansas City 
commuter counties like Johnson and Wyandotte have grown. That change 
will need to be reconciled in new maps. The Kansas Legislative Research 
Department says each of Kansas’ four congressional districts will need 
to have roughly 734,470 people.

Republicans could dilute the 
strength of Johnson County, the state’s bluest and most populous county,
 by adding part of Johnson County to the state’s 2nd Congressional 
District. But that could put Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, who 
represents Topeka and Lawrence, in jeopardy by making his district more 
Democratic.

Michael Smith, a political science professor at 
Emporia State University, said you’d have to do more than strip out 
Wyandotte County to make the 3rd District loseable for Davids given her 
vote totals and President Joe Biden’s eight-point victory there.

“You have to split Johnson County in order to achieve that,” Smith said.

Yet
 that risks infuriating constituents and groups that want to remain 
together in the county that’s home to more than 20% of the state’s 
population and produces a quarter of its GDP, said Smith.

The
 3rd Congressional District currently covers all of Johnson and 
Wyandotte counties and parts of Miami County. Republicans could further 
weaken Democrats by shifting the borders so parts of reliably Democratic
 Wyandotte County get included in the sprawling, heavily Republican and 
mostly rural 1st Congressional District.

“I absolutely think that there are some individuals in the Legislature that will want to give it a try,” Smith said.

State
 Sen. Ethan Corson, a Democrat from Johnson County and former executive 
director of the state party, said shifting Wyandotte out of the district
 could backfire on Republicans.

“I don’t think that's going to pass legal scrutiny,” Corson said.

Democratic
 Gov. Laura Kelly can veto any maps that don’t keep counties whole, 
dilute minority voting strength or don’t keep districts “clear and 
contiguous” as prioritized in the redistricting<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/committees/misc/ctte_h_redist_1_20120109_01_other.pdf" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/committees/misc/ctte_h_redist_1_20120109_01_other.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a> used by the state in 2002 and 2012.

But
 after winning seats in the 2020 elections, Kansas Republicans have an 
even stronger supermajority in the Legislature. If Kelly vetoed a map 
that endangers Rep. Davids, they could override her. However, the Kansas
 Supreme Court will still need to approve the final maps.

A
 dramatically less plausible fourth strategy for Republicans would be to
 stall and cross their fingers that Kelly isn’t re-elected to a second 
term. Then a Republican governor could sign off on their maps.

Ten years ago, Kansas was the<a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2012/05/03/in-kansas-a-redistricting-battle-like-no-other" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2012/05/03/in-kansas-a-redistricting-battle-like-no-other" target="_blank">last state</a>
 to draw its congressional districts because of a dispute between 
Republicans about where to move Manhattan. Federal courts intervened and
 drew the current maps.

But congressional and state legislative 
candidates are required to file to run for office by June 1, 2022, so 
maps need to be drawn before the end of next year’s session in May.

“The
 courts will run out of patience, the federal courts in particular,” 
Smith said. So, running out the clock really isn’t a practical option 
because the courts will just “draw the district if they drag this out 
too long.”

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625073912825.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids has now won Kansas' 3rd Congressional District twice. But Republicans in control of redistricting in Kansas may attempt to change that by gerrymandering her district to become unwinnable. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids has now won Kansas' 3rd Congressional District twice. But Republicans in control of redistricting in Kansas may attempt to change that by gerrymandering her district to become unwinnable. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Redrawing congressional lines will fall to the GOP-controlled Kan. Legislature</h2>By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-06-30/4-ways-republicans-could-redistrict-the-only-kansas-democrat-in-congress-out-of-a-job">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA&nbsp;— When Republicans in Congress<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/22/1008737806/democrats-sweeping-voting-rights-legislation-is-headed-for-failure-in-the-senate" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/22/1008737806/democrats-sweeping-voting-rights-legislation-is-headed-for-failure-in-the-senate" target="_blank">blocked debate</a>
 on the Democratic-led elections overhaul bill last week, it dashed 
U.S.Rep. Sharice Davids’ hopes that her district could be redrawn by an<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text#toc-H1A7A816240AB41E4AD8905339B09DD8E" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text#toc-H1A7A816240AB41E4AD8905339B09DD8E" target="_blank">independent commission</a>.Instead,
 the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature looks poised to draw maps 
used for the 2022 election and likely to determine political careers for
 the next decade.With a non-partisan panel charting the new 
districts based on the 2020 Census, Davids could expect to run for 
re-election in a district fairly similar to the one that elected her to 
the U.S. House twice.With redistricting left to state lawmakers, 
the Republicans who dominate the Legislature have more freedom to 
gerrymander — the practice of manipulating a voting district to ensure a
 favorable outcome for one party. Davids<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_RRmBIrIPY&amp;t=45s" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_RRmBIrIPY&amp;t=45s" target="_blank">told MSNBC</a> in early June she’s worried that state Republicans are “saying, ‘If you can’t beat ‘em, cheat ‘em.’”Former state Senate President Susan Wagle said nearly as much to a group of conservatives in Wichita last fall.Gov. Laura Kelly can veto the redistricting plan. But Republicans would have the votes to override her.“We can do that, I guarantee you,” Wagle <a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article246339990.html" target="_blank">said</a>. “We can draw four Republican congressional maps.”That<a href="https://twitter.com/Davis_Hammet/status/1314566887230054402" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/Davis_Hammet/status/1314566887230054402" target="_blank">video</a> went viral. Democrats and The Kansas City Star editorial board<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article246347750.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article246347750.html" target="_blank">alleged</a> Republicans were saying the quiet part out loud.Kansas is one of<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/redistricting-systems-a-50-state-overview.aspx" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/redistricting/redistricting-systems-a-50-state-overview.aspx" target="_blank">29 states</a>
 where the state legislature wields total control over redrawing the 
lines of both state legislative and congressional districts. For now, 
the 2020 Census data is delayed. That forces lawmakers to contemplate 
whether to begin holding town halls across the state for public input on
 the new maps without the latest population numbers. All the information
 the state needs to draw new maps should arrive by the<a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/statement-redistricting-data-timeline.html" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/statement-redistricting-data-timeline.html" target="_blank">end of September</a>.Lawmakers
 could theoretically begin to work with the state’s legislative research
 department to draft maps then. But that process could remain behind 
closed doors until legislators return to session next January. Here are 
four strategies that the Republican-controlled body may use to oust 
Davids from her seat:<h2>The drawing board</h2>Kansas’ 1st
 Congressional District, which stretches from Emporia to the Colorado 
border, has lost population over the last decade while Kansas City 
commuter counties like Johnson and Wyandotte have grown. That change 
will need to be reconciled in new maps. The Kansas Legislative Research 
Department says each of Kansas’ four congressional districts will need 
to have roughly 734,470 people.Republicans could dilute the 
strength of Johnson County, the state’s bluest and most populous county,
 by adding part of Johnson County to the state’s 2nd Congressional 
District. But that could put Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, who 
represents Topeka and Lawrence, in jeopardy by making his district more 
Democratic.Michael Smith, a political science professor at 
Emporia State University, said you’d have to do more than strip out 
Wyandotte County to make the 3rd District loseable for Davids given her 
vote totals and President Joe Biden’s eight-point victory there.“You have to split Johnson County in order to achieve that,” Smith said.Yet
 that risks infuriating constituents and groups that want to remain 
together in the county that’s home to more than 20% of the state’s 
population and produces a quarter of its GDP, said Smith.<h2>Toy with Wyandotte County</h2>The
 3rd Congressional District currently covers all of Johnson and 
Wyandotte counties and parts of Miami County. Republicans could further 
weaken Democrats by shifting the borders so parts of reliably Democratic
 Wyandotte County get included in the sprawling, heavily Republican and 
mostly rural 1st Congressional District.“I absolutely think that there are some individuals in the Legislature that will want to give it a try,” Smith said.State
 Sen. Ethan Corson, a Democrat from Johnson County and former executive 
director of the state party, said shifting Wyandotte out of the district
 could backfire on Republicans.“I don’t think that's going to pass legal scrutiny,” Corson said.<h2>Veto override</h2>Democratic
 Gov. Laura Kelly can veto any maps that don’t keep counties whole, 
dilute minority voting strength or don’t keep districts “clear and 
contiguous” as prioritized in the redistricting<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/committees/misc/ctte_h_redist_1_20120109_01_other.pdf" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/committees/misc/ctte_h_redist_1_20120109_01_other.pdf" target="_blank">guidelines</a> used by the state in 2002 and 2012.But
 after winning seats in the 2020 elections, Kansas Republicans have an 
even stronger supermajority in the Legislature. If Kelly vetoed a map 
that endangers Rep. Davids, they could override her. However, the Kansas
 Supreme Court will still need to approve the final maps.<h2>Running out the clock</h2>A
 dramatically less plausible fourth strategy for Republicans would be to
 stall and cross their fingers that Kelly isn’t re-elected to a second 
term. Then a Republican governor could sign off on their maps.Ten years ago, Kansas was the<a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2012/05/03/in-kansas-a-redistricting-battle-like-no-other" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2012/05/03/in-kansas-a-redistricting-battle-like-no-other" target="_blank">last state</a>
 to draw its congressional districts because of a dispute between 
Republicans about where to move Manhattan. Federal courts intervened and
 drew the current maps.But congressional and state legislative 
candidates are required to file to run for office by June 1, 2022, so 
maps need to be drawn before the end of next year’s session in May.“The
 courts will run out of patience, the federal courts in particular,” 
Smith said. So, running out the clock really isn’t a practical option 
because the courts will just “draw the district if they drag this out 
too long.”Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

GOP could redistrict only Kan. Democrat in Congress out of a job

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Danielle Dee Hoskins, 40, Great Bend, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Kansas 156 exit in the right lane. The driver attempted to cross the median at a crossover.&nbsp;

A westbound 2014 Volvo semi driven by Robert L. Mueller, 64,&nbsp;Murfreesboro, TN, in the left lane struck the drivers side of the Chrysler. Both vehicles came to rest in the median.

Hoskins was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Parson's Funeral Home. 

EMS transported passengers in the Chrysler identified as Grace Dee Hoskins, 17, Great Bend, to Ellsworth County Medical Center and 13-year-old Shay Hoskins of Great Bend to Salina Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; Mueller was not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592389654778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 2p.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica driven by Danielle Dee Hoskins, 40, Great Bend, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Kansas 156 exit in the right lane. The driver attempted to cross the median at a crossover.&nbsp;A westbound 2014 Volvo semi driven by Robert L. Mueller, 64,&nbsp;Murfreesboro, TN, in the left lane struck the drivers side of the Chrysler. Both vehicles came to rest in the median.Hoskins was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Parson's Funeral Home. EMS transported passengers in the Chrysler identified as Grace Dee Hoskins, 17, Great Bend, to Ellsworth County Medical Center and 13-year-old Shay Hoskins of Great Bend to Salina Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; Mueller was not injured. All four were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dead, 2 teens injured after I-70 crash with a semi

WASHINGTON — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says the CDC is leaving it up to local officials to set guidelines for mask-wearing as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus surges in areas with low vaccination rates.

Walensky said Wednesday on NBC’s “Today” show that “we’ve always said that local policymakers need to make policies for their local environment,” but added CDC guidelines broadly indicate those who are vaccinated don’t need to wear masks.

Health officials in Los Angeles County are recommending people wear masks indoors in public places regardless of their vaccination status.

Separately, the World Health Organization has reiterated its longstanding recommendation that everyone wear masks to lessen the spread of the coronavirus.

Walensky told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday the “context in which the WHO is making recommendations is very different than us here in the United States” since less than 15% of the world is vaccinated.

As for the recommendation by officials in Los Angeles County, Walensky said “we are still seeing an uptick in cases in areas of low vaccination and in that situation, we are suggesting that policies be made at the local level.”

WASHINGTON — Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says the CDC is leaving it up to local officials to set guidelines for mask-wearing as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus surges in areas with low vaccination rates.Walensky said Wednesday on NBC’s “Today” show that “we’ve always said that local policymakers need to make policies for their local environment,” but added CDC guidelines broadly indicate those who are vaccinated don’t need to wear masks.Health officials in Los Angeles County are recommending people wear masks indoors in public places regardless of their vaccination status.Separately, the World Health Organization has reiterated its longstanding recommendation that everyone wear masks to lessen the spread of the coronavirus.Walensky told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday the “context in which the WHO is making recommendations is very different than us here in the United States” since less than 15% of the world is vaccinated.As for the recommendation by officials in Los Angeles County, Walensky said “we are still seeing an uptick in cases in areas of low vaccination and in that situation, we are suggesting that policies be made at the local level.”

CDC director Walensky weighs in on wearing masks

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;A web-based data management system built and maintained by the College of Education at Kansas State University has been selected as the national reporting system for SNAP-Ed, a key federal supplemental nutrition education program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service recently&nbsp;<a href="https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PEARS%20Announcement%20from%20Jessica%20Shahin%206-10-21%20For%20Signature.pdf" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;that it has licensed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/oeie/pears/" target="_blank">K-State's&nbsp;Program Evaluation and Reporting System, or PEARS,&nbsp;tool</a>&nbsp;for national data collection and reporting in its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education, or SNAP-Ed. "I applaud K-State's work in producing a quality reporting system for SNAP Education programs and congratulate them on its nationwide adoption,"&nbsp;said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas.&nbsp;"Effective data collection for federally supported programs and their outcomes are critical to making certain legislators can provide essential oversight of federal resources." PEARS was developed through a&nbsp;collaboration between the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/oeie" target="_blank">Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State College of Education</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension</a>&nbsp;as a way to help nutrition education professionals and extension administrators manage program data and demonstrate impact. Since that time, 37 states and more than 6,000 users have adopted PEARS to track their SNAP-Ed efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625064707877.png" alt="PEARS was developed through a&nbsp;collaboration between the&nbsp;Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation&nbsp;in the&nbsp;K-State College of Education&nbsp;and&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension-Image courtesy K-State" />
 <figcaption>PEARS was developed through a&nbsp;collaboration between the&nbsp;Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation&nbsp;in the&nbsp;K-State College of Education&nbsp;and&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension-Image courtesy K-State</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —&nbsp;A web-based data management system built and maintained by the College of Education at Kansas State University has been selected as the national reporting system for SNAP-Ed, a key federal supplemental nutrition education program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service recently&nbsp;<a href="https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PEARS%20Announcement%20from%20Jessica%20Shahin%206-10-21%20For%20Signature.pdf" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;that it has licensed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/oeie/pears/" target="_blank">K-State's&nbsp;Program Evaluation and Reporting System, or PEARS,&nbsp;tool</a>&nbsp;for national data collection and reporting in its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Nutrition Education, or SNAP-Ed. "I applaud K-State's work in producing a quality reporting system for SNAP Education programs and congratulate them on its nationwide adoption,"&nbsp;said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas.&nbsp;"Effective data collection for federally supported programs and their outcomes are critical to making certain legislators can provide essential oversight of federal resources." PEARS was developed through a&nbsp;collaboration between the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/oeie" target="_blank">Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State College of Education</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension</a>&nbsp;as a way to help nutrition education professionals and extension administrators manage program data and demonstrate impact. Since that time, 37 states and more than 6,000 users have adopted PEARS to track their SNAP-Ed efforts.

KSU tool to be used to track national SNAP-Ed data

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Two men who ran onto the field during the final quarter of Super Bowl LV in February have pleaded no contest to trespassing and agreed to a year of probation.

The two reached the deal Tuesday during a virtual hearing in Tampa, Florida. Under the terms of their probation, the men must perform 100 hours of community service, pay a $500 fine and write letters of apology to the National Football League,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2021/06/29/tampa-super-bowl-streaking-pair-agree-to-year-of-probation-community-service/" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the Tampa Bay Times.

“I think you can tell by now, what might have been amusing back during the Super Bowl was not very amusing,” Hillsborough County Judge Jack Gutman said. “It inconvenienced a lot of people. You exposed people to injury. And hopefully you learned your lesson about all this. It’s not funny at all.”

One of the men told the judge, “No more streaking. I promise.”

He had scampered onto the field Feb. 7 in the fourth quarter of the championship game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was wearing shorts and a pink leotard or swimsuit. He was eventually tackled and removed from the stadium.

The other man ran onto the field first, distracting security officers.

One of them said they planned the gag with another man, a social media personality who runs an adult website that was written on the front of the pink outfit. The Buccaneers won the game 31-9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612809471083.png" alt="Yuri Andrade was one of the men who ran onto the field- photo&nbsp; Hillsborough Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Yuri Andrade was one of the men who ran onto the field- photo&nbsp; Hillsborough Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Two men who ran onto the field during the final quarter of Super Bowl LV in February have pleaded no contest to trespassing and agreed to a year of probation.The two reached the deal Tuesday during a virtual hearing in Tampa, Florida. Under the terms of their probation, the men must perform 100 hours of community service, pay a $500 fine and write letters of apology to the National Football League,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/2021/06/29/tampa-super-bowl-streaking-pair-agree-to-year-of-probation-community-service/" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the Tampa Bay Times.“I think you can tell by now, what might have been amusing back during the Super Bowl was not very amusing,” Hillsborough County Judge Jack Gutman said. “It inconvenienced a lot of people. You exposed people to injury. And hopefully you learned your lesson about all this. It’s not funny at all.”One of the men told the judge, “No more streaking. I promise.”He had scampered onto the field Feb. 7 in the fourth quarter of the championship game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was wearing shorts and a pink leotard or swimsuit. He was eventually tackled and removed from the stadium.The other man ran onto the field first, distracting security officers.One of them said they planned the gag with another man, a social media personality who runs an adult website that was written on the front of the pink outfit. The Buccaneers won the game 31-9.

2 sentenced for run onto the field during the  Super Bowl 

DALLAS (AP) — The NCAA Board of Directors approved one of the biggest changes in the history of college athletics Wednesday, clearing the way for nearly a half-million athletes to start earning money based on their fame and celebrity without fear of endangering their eligibility or putting their school in jeopardy of violating amateurism rules that have stood for decades.

The decision, expected for months as state after state passed laws intended to render NCAA rules moot on the topic, came on the eve of the market opening Thursday for athletes in a dozen states, including giants like Texas and Florida.

“This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness is a step in the right direction as states begin enacting their own student athlete compensation laws," said Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. 

"However, this is not a long-term solution and further demonstrates that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.”

In February, Sen. Moran introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/2/sen-moran-introduces-bill-to-establish-a-federal-standard-for-student-athletes-to-receive-compensation-for-their-name-image-and-likeness" target="_blank">Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021</a>&nbsp;to establish a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their NIL.

“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said.

The decision effectively suspends NCAA restrictions on payments to athletes for things such as sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances. it applies to all three divisions or some 460,000 athletes.

The NCAA will also allow athletes to enter into agreements with agents, though all athletes are expected to keep their school informed of any and all NIL arrangements. The NCAA said schools are responsible “for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.”

The NCAA had hoped to have broad NIL rules in place months ago, but that process bogged down, as did efforts on Capitol Hill to have Congress pass a law addressing the issue. Emmert said the NCAA will continue to push for a federal law to “provide clarity on a national level.”

The NCAA was forced to seek a temporary solution rather than have athletes in some states eligible for compensation while others were not.&nbsp;<a href="https://businessofcollegesports.com/tracker-name-image-and-likeness-legislation-by-state/" target="_blank">More than 10 states have laws set to go into effect</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would have undercut or simply declared inert existing NCAA rules regarding NIL earnings.

Without NCAA action, athletes in some states could be making money without putting their college eligibility in jeopardy while their counterparts in other states could be in danger of breaking NCAA rules.

The NCAA’s stopgap measure comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the association in a case involving education-related benefits. That 9-0 ruling is expected to impact issues related to compensation for athletes.

While the NCAA has been fighting court battles and debating rules for compensation for years, the sudden pivot is jarring, if not perfectly clear on how it will affect recruiting and competitive balance.

For now, the NCAA has largely left the issue in the hands of more than 1,100 member schools.

“The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve,” Emmert said.

In a letter to member schools last week, Emmert stressed the high court still puts authority to govern college sports in the hands of the association. However, he warned schools that “existing and new rules are subject to antitrust analysis and we should expect continued litigation., particularly in the area of ‘play for pay.’”

The NCAA said the temporary policy addresses “play for pay” and the continued ban on improper inducements tied to choosing a school.

“The new policy preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” said Division II Presidents Council chair Sandra Jordan, chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. “It also reinforces key principles of fairness and integrity across the NCAA and maintains rules prohibiting improper recruiting inducements.”

DALLAS (AP) — The NCAA Board of Directors approved one of the biggest changes in the history of college athletics Wednesday, clearing the way for nearly a half-million athletes to start earning money based on their fame and celebrity without fear of endangering their eligibility or putting their school in jeopardy of violating amateurism rules that have stood for decades.The decision, expected for months as state after state passed laws intended to render NCAA rules moot on the topic, came on the eve of the market opening Thursday for athletes in a dozen states, including giants like Texas and Florida.“This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness is a step in the right direction as states begin enacting their own student athlete compensation laws," said Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. "However, this is not a long-term solution and further demonstrates that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.”In February, Sen. Moran introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/2/sen-moran-introduces-bill-to-establish-a-federal-standard-for-student-athletes-to-receive-compensation-for-their-name-image-and-likeness" target="_blank">Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021</a>&nbsp;to establish a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their NIL.“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said.The decision effectively suspends NCAA restrictions on payments to athletes for things such as sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances. it applies to all three divisions or some 460,000 athletes.The NCAA will also allow athletes to enter into agreements with agents, though all athletes are expected to keep their school informed of any and all NIL arrangements. The NCAA said schools are responsible “for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.”The NCAA had hoped to have broad NIL rules in place months ago, but that process bogged down, as did efforts on Capitol Hill to have Congress pass a law addressing the issue. Emmert said the NCAA will continue to push for a federal law to “provide clarity on a national level.”The NCAA was forced to seek a temporary solution rather than have athletes in some states eligible for compensation while others were not.&nbsp;<a href="https://businessofcollegesports.com/tracker-name-image-and-likeness-legislation-by-state/" target="_blank">More than 10 states have laws set to go into effect</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would have undercut or simply declared inert existing NCAA rules regarding NIL earnings.Without NCAA action, athletes in some states could be making money without putting their college eligibility in jeopardy while their counterparts in other states could be in danger of breaking NCAA rules.The NCAA’s stopgap measure comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the association in a case involving education-related benefits. That 9-0 ruling is expected to impact issues related to compensation for athletes.While the NCAA has been fighting court battles and debating rules for compensation for years, the sudden pivot is jarring, if not perfectly clear on how it will affect recruiting and competitive balance.For now, the NCAA has largely left the issue in the hands of more than 1,100 member schools.“The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve,” Emmert said.In a letter to member schools last week, Emmert stressed the high court still puts authority to govern college sports in the hands of the association. However, he warned schools that “existing and new rules are subject to antitrust analysis and we should expect continued litigation., particularly in the area of ‘play for pay.’”The NCAA said the temporary policy addresses “play for pay” and the continued ban on improper inducements tied to choosing a school.“The new policy preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” said Division II Presidents Council chair Sandra Jordan, chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. “It also reinforces key principles of fairness and integrity across the NCAA and maintains rules prohibiting improper recruiting inducements.”___

History: NCAA clears way for student athlete compensation

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ largest school district won’t require students and teacher to wear face masks or get a COVID-19 vaccination during the upcoming school year. The Board of Education for Wichita Public Schools on Wednesday reviewed the district’s reopening plan, but took no formal action. 

The board previously delegated COVID operational decisions to Superintendent Alicia Thompson. She said that: “Current data and public health recommendations, as well as feedback from stakeholders, lead us to masks being optional for all.”  The mask requirement in district facilities will end July 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625094115455.png" alt="USD 259" />
 <figcaption>USD 259</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ largest school district won’t require students and teacher to wear face masks or get a COVID-19 vaccination during the upcoming school year. The Board of Education for Wichita Public Schools on Wednesday reviewed the district’s reopening plan, but took no formal action. The board previously delegated COVID operational decisions to Superintendent Alicia Thompson. She said that: “Current data and public health recommendations, as well as feedback from stakeholders, lead us to masks being optional for all.” The mask requirement in district facilities will end July 6.

Mask requirement will end in Kan. largest school district

BELTON, Mo. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City family is celebrating their newest addition, born early at home with the help of the infant’s 9-year-old big sister.

The surprise at-home birth happened Monday, when Angelica Gunn of Belton started having contractions more than a week before her due date, television station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/community/9-year-old-belton-girl-helps-deliver-baby-sister-at-home-when-mom-goes-into-labor-early/">reported</a>. She called her husband to rush home, but he became stuck in heavy traffic.

That’s when 9-year-old Aakayla Gunn stepped in to help, catching her sister Aubree Rose, as the baby was born.

“I screamed for Aakayla to come in,” Angelica recounted. “And she’s like, ‘I can’t look.’ And I’m like, ‘You have to.’”

Luckily for all involved, Angelica is a nurse and certified doula and was able to talk Aakayla through the delivery process.

“She told me to go grab a towel, and don’t hold Aubree so hard, and give her to mommy,” Aakayla said.

Baby Aubree came into the world at a healthy 7 pounds, 9 ounces and provided her big sister with an unforgettable experience.

Aakayla's dad, Caleb Gunn, declared his older daughter may be the family's next medical professional and marveled at her ability to keep her cool during the birth.

“I mean, she’s scared to touch worms,” he said with a laugh

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625083177054.png" alt="&nbsp;Agelica Gunn works at St. Luke's in Lee's Summitt-Google image" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Agelica Gunn works at St. Luke's in Lee's Summitt-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BELTON, Mo. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City family is celebrating their newest addition, born early at home with the help of the infant’s 9-year-old big sister.The surprise at-home birth happened Monday, when Angelica Gunn of Belton started having contractions more than a week before her due date, television station WDAF&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/community/9-year-old-belton-girl-helps-deliver-baby-sister-at-home-when-mom-goes-into-labor-early/">reported</a>. She called her husband to rush home, but he became stuck in heavy traffic.That’s when 9-year-old Aakayla Gunn stepped in to help, catching her sister Aubree Rose, as the baby was born.“I screamed for Aakayla to come in,” Angelica recounted. “And she’s like, ‘I can’t look.’ And I’m like, ‘You have to.’”Luckily for all involved, Angelica is a nurse and certified doula and was able to talk Aakayla through the delivery process.“She told me to go grab a towel, and don’t hold Aubree so hard, and give her to mommy,” Aakayla said.Baby Aubree came into the world at a healthy 7 pounds, 9 ounces and provided her big sister with an unforgettable experience.Aakayla's dad, Caleb Gunn, declared his older daughter may be the family's next medical professional and marveled at her ability to keep her cool during the birth.“I mean, she’s scared to touch worms,” he said with a laugh

9-year-old  helps deliver baby sister in KC-area home

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Legislative panel voted Wednesday to approve the appointment of a former railway executive, a former state senator and an educator to the board that governs the state’s six universities after members previously expressed concerns.

The vote by the Senate Oversight Committee means former president and CEO of BNSF Railway Carl Ice, education consulting firm leader and former school superintendent Cynthia Lane and former Republican state senator and lawyer Wint Winter can serve until their appointment is confirmed by the full Senate.

Democratic Gov Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-0510a14154bca384a60c315bff834ea4">announced&nbsp;</a>the appointments earlier this month, but Senate President Ty Masterson had requested a 48-hour delay before the committee voted.

Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland, said he agreed to vote yes after speaking to the three about issues that included deferred maintenance, what he described as “boys playing girls sports” and critical race theory. The theory seeks to show how historical inequities and racism affect current public policy and social conditions. Critics say it promotes a distorted view of American history and vilifies white Americans.

Board members serve staggered four-year terms. They also are the coordinating panel for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions, including community colleges and technical colleges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623867107856.png" alt="Carl Ice photo Kansas Board of Regents" />
 <figcaption>Carl Ice photo Kansas Board of Regents</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Legislative panel voted Wednesday to approve the appointment of a former railway executive, a former state senator and an educator to the board that governs the state’s six universities after members previously expressed concerns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623867146184.png" alt="Dr. Cynthia Lane -photo Kansas Board of Regents" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Cynthia Lane -photo Kansas Board of Regents</figcaption>
 </figure>The vote by the Senate Oversight Committee means former president and CEO of BNSF Railway Carl Ice, education consulting firm leader and former school superintendent Cynthia Lane and former Republican state senator and lawyer Wint Winter can serve until their appointment is confirmed by the full Senate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623867211471.png" alt="Wint Winter-photo Kansas Board of Regents" />
 <figcaption>Wint Winter-photo Kansas Board of Regents</figcaption>
 </figure>Democratic Gov Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-0510a14154bca384a60c315bff834ea4">announced&nbsp;</a>the appointments earlier this month, but Senate President Ty Masterson had requested a 48-hour delay before the committee voted.Sen. Rick Billinger of Goodland, said he agreed to vote yes after speaking to the three about issues that included deferred maintenance, what he described as “boys playing girls sports” and critical race theory. The theory seeks to show how historical inequities and racism affect current public policy and social conditions. Critics say it promotes a distorted view of American history and vilifies white Americans.Board members serve staggered four-year terms. They also are the coordinating panel for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions, including community colleges and technical colleges.

Panel backs appointment of 3 to Kan. Board of Regents

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bill Cosby has been freed from prison after Pennsylvania’s highest court overturned his sexual assault conviction. It is a stunning reversal of fortune for the comedian once known as “America's Dad.” The state Supreme Court said Wednesday that the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor's agreement not to charge Cosby. The 83-year-old Cosby served&nbsp;nearly three years of a three- to 10-year sentence.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pennsylvania’s highest court overturned Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction Wednesday after finding an agreement with a previous prosecutor prevented him from being charged in the case.

Cosby has served more than two years of a three- to 10-year sentence at a state prison near Philadelphia. He had vowed to serve all 10 years rather than acknowledge any remorse over the 2004 encounter with accuser Andrea Constand.

The 83-year-old Cosby, who was once beloved as “America’s Dad,” was convicted of drugging and molesting the Temple University employee at his suburban estate.

He was charged in late 2015, when a prosecutor armed with newly unsealed evidence — Cosby’s damaging deposition from her lawsuit — arrested him days before the 12-year statute of limitations expired.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625071903399.png" alt="Cosby in his booking photo following sentencing from the Montgomery County Correctional Facility" />
 <figcaption>Cosby in his booking photo following sentencing from the Montgomery County Correctional Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bill Cosby has been freed from prison after Pennsylvania’s highest court overturned his sexual assault conviction. It is a stunning reversal of fortune for the comedian once known as “America's Dad.” The state Supreme Court said Wednesday that the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor's agreement not to charge Cosby. The 83-year-old Cosby served&nbsp;nearly three years of a three- to 10-year sentence.------PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pennsylvania’s highest court overturned Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction Wednesday after finding an agreement with a previous prosecutor prevented him from being charged in the case.Cosby has served more than two years of a three- to 10-year sentence at a state prison near Philadelphia. He had vowed to serve all 10 years rather than acknowledge any remorse over the 2004 encounter with accuser Andrea Constand.The 83-year-old Cosby, who was once beloved as “America’s Dad,” was convicted of drugging and molesting the Temple University employee at his suburban estate.He was charged in late 2015, when a prosecutor armed with newly unsealed evidence — Cosby’s damaging deposition from her lawsuit — arrested him days before the 12-year statute of limitations expired.

Bill Cosby released from prison, sex conviction overturned

By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend Post

Memorial services have been planned for July 10 for two former Hoisington residents who were murdered in Houston on June 20. Rita Joanne Lillard, 64, and her daughter Virginia Lillian Lillard, 39, died in what Houston police are calling an incident of domestic violence. Lewis Trinidad Nunez, 46, has been charged&nbsp;as a suspect in the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Houston Assistant Police Chief Yasar&nbsp;Bashir said&nbsp;police&nbsp;officers were called&nbsp;to a Houston apartment following a report of&nbsp;a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they saw Rita Lillard&nbsp;approach the apartment where she was shot at close range at the front door.&nbsp;The suspect&nbsp;then&nbsp;fired shots at officers after he was ordered to drop his weapon. Officers returned fire&nbsp;striking the suspect. A SWAT team was called after the&nbsp;man&nbsp;barricaded himself in the apartment. He later surrendered and was taken into&nbsp;custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers discovered that Rita Lillard had died from&nbsp;the gunshot wounds she&nbsp;sustained while she approached the apartment.&nbsp;They found the body of her daughter, Virginia Lillard, inside the apartment.&nbsp;The suspect was transported to a hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

At a press conference on the day of the&nbsp;murders, Assistant Chief Bashir&nbsp;described Nunez’s relationship with the&nbsp;Lillards.&nbsp;

“We have two victims,” Bashir said. “That was the suspect’s girlfriend and also the suspect’s girlfriend’s mom as well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The case is still under investigation by the&nbsp;Houston&nbsp;Police Department.&nbsp;

Rita Lillard&nbsp;was raised in Hoisington and&nbsp;earned her nursing degree at Barton Community College. She&nbsp;later worked as a registered&nbsp;nurse.&nbsp;

Virginia Lillard, known as “Jenni,” was born in Great Bend and grew up in Hoisington&nbsp;until&nbsp;the&nbsp;family moved to Houston.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625071344311.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4c4fe4dc-4226-420a-9975-d86e2b79648f">Click here for service details.</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4c4fe4dc-4226-420a-9975-d86e2b79648f">Click here for service details.</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostMemorial services have been planned for July 10 for two former Hoisington residents who were murdered in Houston on June 20. Rita Joanne Lillard, 64, and her daughter Virginia Lillian Lillard, 39, died in what Houston police are calling an incident of domestic violence. Lewis Trinidad Nunez, 46, has been charged&nbsp;as a suspect in the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;Houston Assistant Police Chief Yasar&nbsp;Bashir said&nbsp;police&nbsp;officers were called&nbsp;to a Houston apartment following a report of&nbsp;a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they saw Rita Lillard&nbsp;approach the apartment where she was shot at close range at the front door.&nbsp;The suspect&nbsp;then&nbsp;fired shots at officers after he was ordered to drop his weapon. Officers returned fire&nbsp;striking the suspect. A SWAT team was called after the&nbsp;man&nbsp;barricaded himself in the apartment. He later surrendered and was taken into&nbsp;custody.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers discovered that Rita Lillard had died from&nbsp;the gunshot wounds she&nbsp;sustained while she approached the apartment.&nbsp;They found the body of her daughter, Virginia Lillard, inside the apartment.&nbsp;The suspect was transported to a hospital for treatment.&nbsp;At a press conference on the day of the&nbsp;murders, Assistant Chief Bashir&nbsp;described Nunez’s relationship with the&nbsp;Lillards.&nbsp;“We have two victims,” Bashir said. “That was the suspect’s girlfriend and also the suspect’s girlfriend’s mom as well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The case is still under investigation by the&nbsp;Houston&nbsp;Police Department.&nbsp;Rita Lillard&nbsp;was raised in Hoisington and&nbsp;earned her nursing degree at Barton Community College. She&nbsp;later worked as a registered&nbsp;nurse.&nbsp;Virginia Lillard, known as “Jenni,” was born in Great Bend and grew up in Hoisington&nbsp;until&nbsp;the&nbsp;family moved to Houston.&nbsp;

Former Kan. woman, daughter murdered in Texas

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 455 to a total of 318,106, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 6 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5156.

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 455 to a total of 318,106, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 6 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5156.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625074269186.png" alt="Wednesday June 30, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday June 30, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A wayward bull succumbed to injuries suffered in a single-vehicle accident just after 2a.m. Wednesday north of Salina.

A 2011 Chrysler 300 driven by A 17-year-old Bennington boy was northbound in the 1900 block of N. Ohio Street when the car struck a "very large" black bull in the roadway, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander&nbsp;

The teen was not injured, however, the car sustained extensive damage and had to be towed.

The bull was believed to be an Angus, however, it had no tags or markings. Deputies checked the immediate area, but no one claimed the deceased bovine, Melander said.

Anyone with information about who owns the bull is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500, Melander said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625067420954.jpeg" alt="The Chrysler 300 sustained extensive damage. Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>The Chrysler 300 sustained extensive damage. Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA wayward bull succumbed to injuries suffered in a single-vehicle accident just after 2a.m. Wednesday north of Salina.A 2011 Chrysler 300 driven by A 17-year-old Bennington boy was northbound in the 1900 block of N. Ohio Street when the car struck a "very large" black bull in the roadway, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander&nbsp;The teen was not injured, however, the car sustained extensive damage and had to be towed.The bull was believed to be an Angus, however, it had no tags or markings. Deputies checked the immediate area, but no one claimed the deceased bovine, Melander said.Anyone with information about who owns the bull is asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500, Melander said.

Sheriff: Large bull dies after crash with Kan. teen driver

RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Federal investigators believe a man illegally making fireworks in his basement caused an explosion that leveled part of a suburban Kansas City duplex, killing him and injuring at least three others.

Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives came to that conclusion after sifting through the rubble Tuesday at the explosion site in Raytown, ATF spokesman John Ham told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article252455428.html">Kansas City Star</a>.

Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-kansas-city-explosions-fires-80c63fc3c11d7766d4ae75d52461bcb4">found the body</a>&nbsp;of the man in the basement of the duplex hours after the explosion and fire Monday night. Authorities have not released his name.

Officials said five people — including two children — were in the building at the time of the explosion. One child was treated for injuries at a hospital and one adult underwent surgery for injuries on Tuesday.

RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Authorities found a body Tuesday in the basement of a suburban Kansas City duplex where multiple people were injured in an explosion.

John Ham, a spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said&nbsp;that the body will be taken to the medical examiner for identification once the Raytown building is secure.

About half the structure was reduced to rubble in Monday night's blast.

Police said in a news release posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RaytownPolice/posts/4492539320758655">Facebook</a>&nbsp;that there were “multiple injuries reported" but didn't provide any details on their severity or the exact number of people hurt. The release also said the cause of the blast was unknown.

Witnesses told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/raytown-missouri-firefighters-investigate-possible-house-explosion-7400-block-of-englewood-lane/36869358">KMBC-TV</a>&nbsp;that two boys were conscious and alert when they were wheeled from the scene on gurneys. The station reported that a man also was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation. ATF agents were assisting.

Ham and the Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625048221100.png" alt="About half the structure was reduced to rubble in Monday night's blast.-photo courtesy KMBC&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>About half the structure was reduced to rubble in Monday night's blast.-photo courtesy KMBC&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Federal investigators believe a man illegally making fireworks in his basement caused an explosion that leveled part of a suburban Kansas City duplex, killing him and injuring at least three others.Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives came to that conclusion after sifting through the rubble Tuesday at the explosion site in Raytown, ATF spokesman John Ham told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article252455428.html">Kansas City Star</a>.Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-michael-brown-kansas-city-explosions-fires-80c63fc3c11d7766d4ae75d52461bcb4">found the body</a>&nbsp;of the man in the basement of the duplex hours after the explosion and fire Monday night. Authorities have not released his name.Officials said five people — including two children — were in the building at the time of the explosion. One child was treated for injuries at a hospital and one adult underwent surgery for injuries on Tuesday.--------RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Authorities found a body Tuesday in the basement of a suburban Kansas City duplex where multiple people were injured in an explosion.John Ham, a spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said&nbsp;that the body will be taken to the medical examiner for identification once the Raytown building is secure.About half the structure was reduced to rubble in Monday night's blast.Police said in a news release posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RaytownPolice/posts/4492539320758655">Facebook</a>&nbsp;that there were “multiple injuries reported" but didn't provide any details on their severity or the exact number of people hurt. The release also said the cause of the blast was unknown.Witnesses told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/raytown-missouri-firefighters-investigate-possible-house-explosion-7400-block-of-englewood-lane/36869358">KMBC-TV</a>&nbsp;that two boys were conscious and alert when they were wheeled from the scene on gurneys. The station reported that a man also was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.The Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation. ATF agents were assisting.Ham and the Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.

ATF: Man illegally making fireworks led to Kansas City blast

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — COVID-19 was the leading cause of death in Kansas during the last four months of 2020, a legislative audit said Tuesday, prompting Republican lawmakers to call for more investigation of the numbers based on unsubstantiated theories that they could have been inflated.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/comparing-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-death-rates-during-certain-months-of-2019-and-2020/" target="_blank">short report</a>&nbsp;from the GOP-controlled Legislature’s auditing division said there were “slight variations” in the number of deaths from Sept 1 through Dec. 31 due to what are traditionally the leading causes in Kansas, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and suicide. The audit said COVID-19 caused more than 2,500 deaths during those four months, surpassing deaths from each of the traditional top 10 causes.

Auditors also said that COVID-19 was largely responsible for a 14% increase in total deaths in Kansas for all of 2020. Deaths increased to about 31,000 last year from about 27,300 in 2019.

But Republican Sens. Caryn Tyson, of Parker, and Mike Thompson, of Shawnee, said they’ll push for another review of the statistics to get more information about how doctors and medical examiners have concluded that COVID-19 is the underlying cause of a death.

“I’ve worried from the beginning — and not just in Kansas but nationwide — that those numbers were inflated,” Thompson said after auditors presented their report to the legislative committee that oversees their work.

Republican lawmakers have strongly criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly over her handling of the pandemic, arguing that she moved too quickly to shut down businesses and schools last spring and kept them closed for too long. Top GOP legislators used power granted to them by state law to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">end a state of emergency</a>&nbsp;for the pandemic on June 15.

And some Republicans for months have pushed the idea that federal and state COVID-19 death statistics are inflated. One conspiracy theory circulating among conservatives last fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-us-news-health-technology-142575f3ba64158dd0b24a8e2fb23579">was debunked</a>&nbsp;as a misrepresentation of federal Centers for Disease Control data.

“They’re just questioning that COVID was actually killing people — believe it or not,” said Rep. Jim Gartner, a Topeka Democrat who serves on the audit committee.

Later, Gartner added: “I think it’s ridiculous and we need to move on.”

Thompson said he and Tyson will draft a proposal for another audit, and the GOP-controlled audit committee is likely to consider at its next meeting in August.

“We sometimes hear from our constituents that they have situations — stories — in which a family member has died and have been marked as a COVID death, and we want to get the bottom of that,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican and chair of the auditing committee.

As for the death numbers being inflated, Williams said, “I don’t know that we have the data to substantiate that at this point.”

Nationally, the 375,000 COVID-19 deaths last year made the novel coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-science-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-hispanics-986220fd253d62da787cdab7d43995b3">the third-leading cause of death</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., behind heart disease and cancer. Had the 600,000-plus deaths to date occurred all in one year, COVID-19 would be the second leading cause of death in the U.S., behind only heart disease.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported</a>&nbsp;5,150 COVID-19 deaths in the state as of Monday, or one for every 566 of the state’s 2.9 million residents. Its figures reported 2,741 deaths last year, the bulk of them in the fall and winter.

The audit gave an example of how a doctor or medical examiner might conclude COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death for someone suffering from acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, COVID-19 and diabetes. Because both the first two causes could be caused by COVID-19, it “would then be listed as the underlying cause of death.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">the state health department reported</a>&nbsp;that as of Monday, 44.1% of Kansas’ 2.9 million residents or almost 1.29 million had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. The pace of inoculations has dropped, averaging 22,655 a day in April and 5,494 so far in June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597413216509.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican&nbsp;and Mike Thompson, of Shawnee, said they’ll push for another review of the statistics to get more information about how doctors and medical examiners have concluded that COVID-19 is the underlying cause of a death.&nbsp; Photo by&nbsp; Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican&nbsp;and Mike Thompson, of Shawnee, said they’ll push for another review of the statistics to get more information about how doctors and medical examiners have concluded that COVID-19 is the underlying cause of a death.&nbsp; Photo by&nbsp; Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — COVID-19 was the leading cause of death in Kansas during the last four months of 2020, a legislative audit said Tuesday, prompting Republican lawmakers to call for more investigation of the numbers based on unsubstantiated theories that they could have been inflated.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/comparing-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-death-rates-during-certain-months-of-2019-and-2020/" target="_blank">short report</a>&nbsp;from the GOP-controlled Legislature’s auditing division said there were “slight variations” in the number of deaths from Sept 1 through Dec. 31 due to what are traditionally the leading causes in Kansas, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and suicide. The audit said COVID-19 caused more than 2,500 deaths during those four months, surpassing deaths from each of the traditional top 10 causes.Auditors also said that COVID-19 was largely responsible for a 14% increase in total deaths in Kansas for all of 2020. Deaths increased to about 31,000 last year from about 27,300 in 2019.But Republican Sens. Caryn Tyson, of Parker, and Mike Thompson, of Shawnee, said they’ll push for another review of the statistics to get more information about how doctors and medical examiners have concluded that COVID-19 is the underlying cause of a death.“I’ve worried from the beginning — and not just in Kansas but nationwide — that those numbers were inflated,” Thompson said after auditors presented their report to the legislative committee that oversees their work.Republican lawmakers have strongly criticized Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly over her handling of the pandemic, arguing that she moved too quickly to shut down businesses and schools last spring and kept them closed for too long. Top GOP legislators used power granted to them by state law to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">end a state of emergency</a>&nbsp;for the pandemic on June 15.And some Republicans for months have pushed the idea that federal and state COVID-19 death statistics are inflated. One conspiracy theory circulating among conservatives last fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-us-news-health-technology-142575f3ba64158dd0b24a8e2fb23579">was debunked</a>&nbsp;as a misrepresentation of federal Centers for Disease Control data.“They’re just questioning that COVID was actually killing people — believe it or not,” said Rep. Jim Gartner, a Topeka Democrat who serves on the audit committee.Later, Gartner added: “I think it’s ridiculous and we need to move on.”Thompson said he and Tyson will draft a proposal for another audit, and the GOP-controlled audit committee is likely to consider at its next meeting in August.“We sometimes hear from our constituents that they have situations — stories — in which a family member has died and have been marked as a COVID death, and we want to get the bottom of that,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican and chair of the auditing committee.As for the death numbers being inflated, Williams said, “I don’t know that we have the data to substantiate that at this point.”Nationally, the 375,000 COVID-19 deaths last year made the novel coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-science-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-hispanics-986220fd253d62da787cdab7d43995b3">the third-leading cause of death</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., behind heart disease and cancer. Had the 600,000-plus deaths to date occurred all in one year, COVID-19 would be the second leading cause of death in the U.S., behind only heart disease.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas" target="_blank">The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported</a>&nbsp;5,150 COVID-19 deaths in the state as of Monday, or one for every 566 of the state’s 2.9 million residents. Its figures reported 2,741 deaths last year, the bulk of them in the fall and winter.The audit gave an example of how a doctor or medical examiner might conclude COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death for someone suffering from acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, COVID-19 and diabetes. Because both the first two causes could be caused by COVID-19, it “would then be listed as the underlying cause of death.”Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data" target="_blank">the state health department reported</a>&nbsp;that as of Monday, 44.1% of Kansas’ 2.9 million residents or almost 1.29 million had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. The pace of inoculations has dropped, averaging 22,655 a day in April and 5,494 so far in June.

Kansas audit says COVID top cause of death; GOP suspicious

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man arrested in connection with the drowning death of his 2-year-old son is scheduled for&nbsp; arraignment Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

In July of 2020, prosecutors charged 44-year-old William Kabutu of Wichita with first-degree felony murder or in the alternative, 2nd&nbsp;degree felony murder. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated endangering a child. 

Just after 10 p.m., July 8, 2020 police responded to a neighborhood pool in the 1900 block of E. 54th Street South for a drowning call, according to officer Paul Cruz. 

Upon arrival, officers contacted the calling-party, who reported observing a boy floating in the neighborhood pool. Wichita Fire Department (WFD) personnel pulled the child from the pool and attempted life-saving measures. However, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Through a thorough investigation of evidence and interviewing multiple individuals, the investigation revealed the boy and his 4-year-old brother were taken to the pool by their father William Kabutu who was intoxicated, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the pool, Kabutu allowed the kids to by-pass the pool fence. &nbsp;The 2-year-old entered the pool, was not able to stay above the water, and drowned.&nbsp; 

Kabutu was not able to access the pool due to the fence and locked gate.&nbsp; Emergency personnel were called after a passerby arrived and called 911.

Police booked Kabutu into the Sedgwick County Jail Friday afternoon, according to Davidson.

Cases can be charged alternatively if there are two or more theories of how the crime was committed.

Each charge can be presented to a jury and a defendant may be convicted of more than one of the alternative charges. However, the defendant can only be sentenced for one of the alternative counts, that being the most severe offense.

Attorneys are scheduled to discuss the case with Judge Christopher Magana on July 23. Kabutu is being held on a $150,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594423107291.png" alt="Kabutu photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Kabutu photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man arrested in connection with the drowning death of his 2-year-old son is scheduled for&nbsp; arraignment Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.In July of 2020, prosecutors charged 44-year-old William Kabutu of Wichita with first-degree felony murder or in the alternative, 2nd&nbsp;degree felony murder. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated endangering a child. Just after 10 p.m., July 8, 2020 police responded to a neighborhood pool in the 1900 block of E. 54th Street South for a drowning call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arrival, officers contacted the calling-party, who reported observing a boy floating in the neighborhood pool. Wichita Fire Department (WFD) personnel pulled the child from the pool and attempted life-saving measures. However, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594241055278.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the drowning Tuesday evening -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the drowning Tuesday evening -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Through a thorough investigation of evidence and interviewing multiple individuals, the investigation revealed the boy and his 4-year-old brother were taken to the pool by their father William Kabutu who was intoxicated, according to officer Charley Davidson.At the pool, Kabutu allowed the kids to by-pass the pool fence. &nbsp;The 2-year-old entered the pool, was not able to stay above the water, and drowned.&nbsp; Kabutu was not able to access the pool due to the fence and locked gate.&nbsp; Emergency personnel were called after a passerby arrived and called 911.Police booked Kabutu into the Sedgwick County Jail Friday afternoon, according to Davidson.Cases can be charged alternatively if there are two or more theories of how the crime was committed.Each charge can be presented to a jury and a defendant may be convicted of more than one of the alternative charges. However, the defendant can only be sentenced for one of the alternative counts, that being the most severe offense.Attorneys are scheduled to discuss the case with Judge Christopher Magana on July 23. Kabutu is being held on a $150,000 bond.--------

Kan. father accused in son's drowning set for arraignment

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some COVID-19 patients are being turned away from an overwhelmed Springfield hospital where cases are surging and taken to less-stressed hospitals hundreds of miles away in Kansas City and St. Louis.

CoxHealth system president Steve Edwards said Tuesday that the hospital in Springfield was on “COVID diversion" as the Delta variant gains momentum in the southwest part of the state, where large swaths of residents aren’t vaccinated.

He said four Cox patients recently were transferred to BJC HealthCare, a St. Louis-area health system with 14 hospitals including Barnes-Jewish, a big teaching hospital tied to Washington University’s medical school. Another four Cox patients have been transferred to St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City, Edwards said.

Edwards cited internal Cox data showing 47 COVID patients transferred into Cox facilities from June 1 to 21, many of them from hospitals in smaller communities such as Lebanon and Mountain View, while 23 transferred out.

At the city's other hospital, Mercy Springfield, patients haven't been sent to bigger cities so far, said president Craig McCoy.

Dave Dillon, a spokesperson for the Missouri Hospital Association, said one problem is that “hospitals aren’t as well-staffed as during the surge” of COVID-19 infections from last winter.

“Many have reduced the expensive agency staff that helped then get through the high hospitalization months,” Dillon told the News-Leader by email on Tuesday.

Many pandemic contracts between hospitals and temporary workers such as traveling nurses have expired, including a big state contract between Missouri and Texas-based healthcare staffing firm Vizient Inc.

“Those staff have probably departed for their next placements,” Dillon said.

Another problem cited by health care leaders is the return of patients who need hospital care for non-COVID treatments.

“It is fair to say that hospitals are already stretched to address pent-up demand for health services that were curtailed last year, and into spring,” Dillon said.

The patient transfers come despite the reality that vaccines are available at no charge within 5 miles (8.05 kilometers) from home for more than 80% of Missourians, as Gov. Mike Parson said on Twitter last week.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ acting director, Robert Knodell, said in a statement that the agency was working local and federal health officials and healthcare systems to provide resources and data analysis.

“We continue to promote and encourage vaccination as the most effective mitigation step the public can take to stop this virus in its tracks," he said.

Dillon, with the state hospital association, said that because effective vaccines are now available, COVID-19 hospitalizations are “largely unnecessary.”

Meanwhile, a COVID-19 outbreak hit an office building for state workers in Jefferson City. The Office of Administration on Tuesday said 15 employees working within the Truman State Office Building had tested positive, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/covid-19-outbreak-hits-missouri-office-building-for-state-workers-in-jefferson-city/article_91c93689-34a2-5af7-9d0e-faf5de55a243.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">reports.</a>

“Due to this concentration of positive test results, over 100 employees in this area and the close contacts of the infected employees were offered COVID-19 testing,” Chris Moreland, spokesman for the Office of Administration, said in an email. “Close contacts of the infected employees in the impacted area were asked to work from home pending their test results."

He said that while state employees were not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the agency “strongly encourages people to do so as a COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to prevent contracting the virus.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some COVID-19 patients are being turned away from an overwhelmed Springfield hospital where cases are surging and taken to less-stressed hospitals hundreds of miles away in Kansas City and St. Louis.CoxHealth system president Steve Edwards said Tuesday that the hospital in Springfield was on “COVID diversion" as the Delta variant gains momentum in the southwest part of the state, where large swaths of residents aren’t vaccinated.He said four Cox patients recently were transferred to BJC HealthCare, a St. Louis-area health system with 14 hospitals including Barnes-Jewish, a big teaching hospital tied to Washington University’s medical school. Another four Cox patients have been transferred to St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City, Edwards said.Edwards cited internal Cox data showing 47 COVID patients transferred into Cox facilities from June 1 to 21, many of them from hospitals in smaller communities such as Lebanon and Mountain View, while 23 transferred out.At the city's other hospital, Mercy Springfield, patients haven't been sent to bigger cities so far, said president Craig McCoy.Dave Dillon, a spokesperson for the Missouri Hospital Association, said one problem is that “hospitals aren’t as well-staffed as during the surge” of COVID-19 infections from last winter.“Many have reduced the expensive agency staff that helped then get through the high hospitalization months,” Dillon told the News-Leader by email on Tuesday.Many pandemic contracts between hospitals and temporary workers such as traveling nurses have expired, including a big state contract between Missouri and Texas-based healthcare staffing firm Vizient Inc.“Those staff have probably departed for their next placements,” Dillon said.Another problem cited by health care leaders is the return of patients who need hospital care for non-COVID treatments.“It is fair to say that hospitals are already stretched to address pent-up demand for health services that were curtailed last year, and into spring,” Dillon said.The patient transfers come despite the reality that vaccines are available at no charge within 5 miles (8.05 kilometers) from home for more than 80% of Missourians, as Gov. Mike Parson said on Twitter last week.Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ acting director, Robert Knodell, said in a statement that the agency was working local and federal health officials and healthcare systems to provide resources and data analysis.“We continue to promote and encourage vaccination as the most effective mitigation step the public can take to stop this virus in its tracks," he said.Dillon, with the state hospital association, said that because effective vaccines are now available, COVID-19 hospitalizations are “largely unnecessary.”Meanwhile, a COVID-19 outbreak hit an office building for state workers in Jefferson City. The Office of Administration on Tuesday said 15 employees working within the Truman State Office Building had tested positive, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/covid-19-outbreak-hits-missouri-office-building-for-state-workers-in-jefferson-city/article_91c93689-34a2-5af7-9d0e-faf5de55a243.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1">reports.</a>“Due to this concentration of positive test results, over 100 employees in this area and the close contacts of the infected employees were offered COVID-19 testing,” Chris Moreland, spokesman for the Office of Administration, said in an email. “Close contacts of the infected employees in the impacted area were asked to work from home pending their test results."He said that while state employees were not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the agency “strongly encourages people to do so as a COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to prevent contracting the virus.”