WASHINGTON (AP) — The government on Monday identified roughly 650,000 mostly small businesses and nonprofits that received taxpayer money through a federal program that was designed to soften job losses from the coronavirus but also benefited wealthy, well-connected companies and some celebrity owned firms.

The Treasury Department’s Payroll Protection Program approved applicants from a broad swath of industries. Some that were less directly impacted by the pandemic, such as manufacturing and construction, received a greater proportion of the loans than the hard-hit restaurant and hotel industries. Many law firms and private equity companies also obtained loans.

Businesses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b9544ec851527b8712ff63adf9180b47">owned by politicians&nbsp;</a>also borrowed from the program, including a minor league baseball team owned by the family of the governor of Ohio. A large franchisee of Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, whose CEO is a major donor to President Donald Trump, received loans totaling $15 to $30 million.

Other recipients included Kanye West’s clothing and sneaker brand Yeezy, Ice Cube’s professional basketball league, Planned Parenthood clinics in more than two dozen states, the nonprofit arm of the anti-tax group headed by Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform, as well as Rosenblatt Securities, one of the biggest names on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

As of June 30, the program had handed out $521 billion. The Treasury Department identified just a fraction of the total borrowers Monday, naming only companies that got more than $150,000. Those firms made up less than 15% of the nearly 5 million small companies and organizations that received loans.

Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and chairman of the Small Business Committee that crafted the program, said the release of the data provided “much needed transparency.” He called the program “a historic lifeline” for small businesses during the pandemic.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the data release as a “good start” but lamented that it took so long and “so much pressure from Democrats” to make the information public. He said more transparency was needed ”to ensure that these taxpayer dollars went where Congress intended — to the truly small and underbanked small businesses.”

Economists generally credit the program with helping prevent the job market meltdown from being much worse. Employers added 7.5 million jobs in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cddec060d38eacbb708a47120d34af51">May and June</a>, a solid increase that was probably driven in part by the PPP. The economy still has nearly 15 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic.

Research by the Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://bfi.uchicago.edu/working-paper/2020-58/" target="_blank">found that</a>&nbsp;companies with fewer than 50 workers before the pandemic saw their hiring rise 12% in May, while jobs grew just 5% in larger firms, suggesting PPP helped fuel rehiring.

But the program was only intended to carry the economy through a short interruption from the pandemic, which is now threatening to have a longer-lasting impact. The Treasury Department initially required the loans to be spent within eight weeks of being received, though that was later extended to 24 weeks.

Many small businesses have already run through their PPP money and still face sharply smaller demand, as consumers remain wary of returning to previous habits of shopping, visiting gyms, or eating out. Texas, Florida, California, New York and others states have reversed their reopenings, closing down bars and delaying the onset of indoor dining.

“The biggest issue is that PPP is short-term help,” said Adam Ozimek, chief economist at Upwork, a freelancing platform. “And now we’re dealing with a mid- to long-term problem.”

A survey by the National Federation of Independent Business found that as of mid-June, 14% of small businesses that borrowed from the PPP expected they would have to lay off some workers when their loan ran out.

The program provided loans of up to $10 million for small businesses to help them recover from the government-ordered shutdowns and revenue losses caused by the virus. The average loan amount for the entire program was $107,000, the Treasury Department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP-Results-Sunday.pdf" target="_blank">broad summary</a>&nbsp;of the program.

The loans can be forgiven if businesses mostly use the money to continue paying workers. The program initially was set to expire June 30 but was extended last week to Aug. 8, with $132 billion still available.

The recipients employed 51 million people before the pandemic began, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. That amounts to about 85% of all workers at companies with fewer than 500 employees. The government will not know how many of these jobs were actually saved until companies apply to have the loans forgiven, a process that is just beginning.

A senior administration official said Monday that some small companies “will need additional support” in the coming months.

The public may never know the identity of more than 80% of the nearly 5 million beneficiaries to date because the administration has refused to release details on loans under $150,000. That secrecy spurred a lawsuit by news organizations including The Associated Press.

The Treasury Department has released only dollar ranges for the loan amounts, rather than exact figures.

High-profile evangelical megachurches, including several with pastors who have backed Trump, also received loans after religious entities were permitted to seek aid even if they performed only faith-based functions.

Among the Trump-linked churches that received PPP loans was First Baptist Dallas, the Texas megachurch where senior pastor and White House ally Robert Jeffress hosted Vice President Mike Pence for a pre-July 4 service. Jeffress’ church reported retaining nearly 300 jobs with its loan of between $2 million and $5 million.

Some major supporters of Trump also benefited. Muy Brands Inc., a San Antonio, Texas-based franchisee with more than 750 Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, received between $15 million and $30 million between three entities. Muy Brands CEO James Bodenstedt is a major donor to the president. He has given $300,000 to the Trump Victory PAC since the start of this year, according to federal campaign finance records.

The hardest-hit restaurant and hotel industries lost nearly half of their pre-pandemic jobs in March and April. They ranked fifth on a list of recipients. Health care, professional and business services, construction and manufacturing received a greater share of loans.

And according to an analysis by Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. chief economist at Standard &amp; Poor’s, some states with the smallest increases in unemployment from the pandemic got more loans than harder-hit states.

“It didn’t reach the industries that needed it, and it looked like it didn’t reach the states that were hardest hit,” Bovino said.

Media companies, including Newsday and American Media, former owner of the National Enquirer, got loans of up to $5 million.

The data gave few details about loans to minority-owned businesses. Companies were not required to supply demographic data on their applications, and many entries about race and gender contained “unanswered.”

However, many minority-owned businesses are run by the owner, with few, if any, employees, so their loan amounts likely were under $150,000 and therefore not part of the data release. Senior administration officials who briefed reporters before the release said they hoped to get more information when owners submit applications for loan forgiveness over the next few months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593545192155.png" alt="Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin prior to his testimony before the House Financial Services Committee&nbsp; June 30-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin prior to his testimony before the House Financial Services Committee&nbsp; June 30-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The government on Monday identified roughly 650,000 mostly small businesses and nonprofits that received taxpayer money through a federal program that was designed to soften job losses from the coronavirus but also benefited wealthy, well-connected companies and some celebrity owned firms.The Treasury Department’s Payroll Protection Program approved applicants from a broad swath of industries. Some that were less directly impacted by the pandemic, such as manufacturing and construction, received a greater proportion of the loans than the hard-hit restaurant and hotel industries. Many law firms and private equity companies also obtained loans.Businesses&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b9544ec851527b8712ff63adf9180b47">owned by politicians&nbsp;</a>also borrowed from the program, including a minor league baseball team owned by the family of the governor of Ohio. A large franchisee of Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, whose CEO is a major donor to President Donald Trump, received loans totaling $15 to $30 million.Other recipients included Kanye West’s clothing and sneaker brand Yeezy, Ice Cube’s professional basketball league, Planned Parenthood clinics in more than two dozen states, the nonprofit arm of the anti-tax group headed by Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform, as well as Rosenblatt Securities, one of the biggest names on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As of June 30, the program had handed out $521 billion. The Treasury Department identified just a fraction of the total borrowers Monday, naming only companies that got more than $150,000. Those firms made up less than 15% of the nearly 5 million small companies and organizations that received loans.Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and chairman of the Small Business Committee that crafted the program, said the release of the data provided “much needed transparency.” He called the program “a historic lifeline” for small businesses during the pandemic.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the data release as a “good start” but lamented that it took so long and “so much pressure from Democrats” to make the information public. He said more transparency was needed ”to ensure that these taxpayer dollars went where Congress intended — to the truly small and underbanked small businesses.”Economists generally credit the program with helping prevent the job market meltdown from being much worse. Employers added 7.5 million jobs in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cddec060d38eacbb708a47120d34af51">May and June</a>, a solid increase that was probably driven in part by the PPP. The economy still has nearly 15 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic.Research by the Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://bfi.uchicago.edu/working-paper/2020-58/" target="_blank">found that</a>&nbsp;companies with fewer than 50 workers before the pandemic saw their hiring rise 12% in May, while jobs grew just 5% in larger firms, suggesting PPP helped fuel rehiring.But the program was only intended to carry the economy through a short interruption from the pandemic, which is now threatening to have a longer-lasting impact. The Treasury Department initially required the loans to be spent within eight weeks of being received, though that was later extended to 24 weeks.Many small businesses have already run through their PPP money and still face sharply smaller demand, as consumers remain wary of returning to previous habits of shopping, visiting gyms, or eating out. Texas, Florida, California, New York and others states have reversed their reopenings, closing down bars and delaying the onset of indoor dining.“The biggest issue is that PPP is short-term help,” said Adam Ozimek, chief economist at Upwork, a freelancing platform. “And now we’re dealing with a mid- to long-term problem.”A survey by the National Federation of Independent Business found that as of mid-June, 14% of small businesses that borrowed from the PPP expected they would have to lay off some workers when their loan ran out.The program provided loans of up to $10 million for small businesses to help them recover from the government-ordered shutdowns and revenue losses caused by the virus. The average loan amount for the entire program was $107,000, the Treasury Department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP-Results-Sunday.pdf" target="_blank">broad summary</a>&nbsp;of the program.The loans can be forgiven if businesses mostly use the money to continue paying workers. The program initially was set to expire June 30 but was extended last week to Aug. 8, with $132 billion still available.The recipients employed 51 million people before the pandemic began, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. That amounts to about 85% of all workers at companies with fewer than 500 employees. The government will not know how many of these jobs were actually saved until companies apply to have the loans forgiven, a process that is just beginning.A senior administration official said Monday that some small companies “will need additional support” in the coming months.The public may never know the identity of more than 80% of the nearly 5 million beneficiaries to date because the administration has refused to release details on loans under $150,000. That secrecy spurred a lawsuit by news organizations including The Associated Press.The Treasury Department has released only dollar ranges for the loan amounts, rather than exact figures.High-profile evangelical megachurches, including several with pastors who have backed Trump, also received loans after religious entities were permitted to seek aid even if they performed only faith-based functions.Among the Trump-linked churches that received PPP loans was First Baptist Dallas, the Texas megachurch where senior pastor and White House ally Robert Jeffress hosted Vice President Mike Pence for a pre-July 4 service. Jeffress’ church reported retaining nearly 300 jobs with its loan of between $2 million and $5 million.Some major supporters of Trump also benefited. Muy Brands Inc., a San Antonio, Texas-based franchisee with more than 750 Wendy’s, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, received between $15 million and $30 million between three entities. Muy Brands CEO James Bodenstedt is a major donor to the president. He has given $300,000 to the Trump Victory PAC since the start of this year, according to federal campaign finance records.The hardest-hit restaurant and hotel industries lost nearly half of their pre-pandemic jobs in March and April. They ranked fifth on a list of recipients. Health care, professional and business services, construction and manufacturing received a greater share of loans.And according to an analysis by Beth Ann Bovino, U.S. chief economist at Standard &amp; Poor’s, some states with the smallest increases in unemployment from the pandemic got more loans than harder-hit states.“It didn’t reach the industries that needed it, and it looked like it didn’t reach the states that were hardest hit,” Bovino said.Media companies, including Newsday and American Media, former owner of the National Enquirer, got loans of up to $5 million.The data gave few details about loans to minority-owned businesses. Companies were not required to supply demographic data on their applications, and many entries about race and gender contained “unanswered.”However, many minority-owned businesses are run by the owner, with few, if any, employees, so their loan amounts likely were under $150,000 and therefore not part of the data release. Senior administration officials who briefed reporters before the release said they hoped to get more information when owners submit applications for loan forgiveness over the next few months.

Small business virus relief went beyond hard-hit companies, data show

Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.

The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.

People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrhea

The facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.

Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”

This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588891583149.png" alt="Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image" />
 <figcaption>Topeka Service area on I-70 Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka,&nbsp;Kan.&nbsp;–The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) has identified some COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area on the I-70 Turnpike located at mile marker 188 (just East of Topeka, according to a media relase.The exposure is specifically designated to the food court and restrooms of the facility. This facility houses a food court which includes the following restaurants: Dunkin Donuts, Hardees, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. The facility is accessible going east and westbound on the I-70 Turnpike.People who have traveled to food court or used the restrooms of this facility after April 23rd&nbsp;are recommended to contact their primary care provider IF they develop any of the following symptoms within 14 days from the date of their visit fever of 100.4 F or higher,&nbsp;chills, rigors, myalgia (muscle pain or aches, malaise,&nbsp;&nbsp;headache, sore throat, lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) new olfactory and taste disorders, diarrheaThe facility will remain closed while it is sanitized.Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer stated, ”While the risk of anyone being infected with coronavirus during a visit at the Turnpike food court is probably very low, it is not zero. We think that the public should know that information and should share it with their healthcare provider if they become sick.”This investigation is being conducted by the Shawnee County Health Department in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.As a reminder, human coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19 are most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact like shaking hands, and touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. There are simple steps everyone can take to help prevent spreading them:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid close contact with people who are sick.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay home when you are sick and only leave home for essential items.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Coronavirus cases identified at I-70 service area food court

The small town has zero COVID-19 cases but is under the same stay-at-home orders as everywhere else.

By LAURA ZIEGLER, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/community/2020-04-22/distancing-diaries-residents-of-neodesha-kansas-miss-gathering-on-main-street">Kansas News Service</a>

Bill Goodwin teaches high school English in Neodesha, Kansas. Population: 2,300.

As of Tuesday, there was only <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/921/4-21-20-update-numbers" target="_blank">one COVID-19 case in all of Wilson County</a>, where Neodesha is located in the southeast part of the state.

When
 Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly shut down all the schools on March 17, 
Goodwin’s students began taking his classes online from home.

Just like communities across the globe, Neodesha's residents are grieving the loss of their ability to gather.

“For
 Neodesha, that didn’t happen when the colleges and sports teams 
cancelled their professional seasons,” Goodwin says. “It didn’t happen 
when the movie theaters or bars and restaurants closed.”

Neodesha doesn’t have either a bar or a movie theater. It has a handful of fast-food places: a Subway, Sonic and Pizza Hut.

The sense of isolation set in when all the school activities got canceled.

“Gone
 then were the high school baseball and softball games, the track 
meets,” Goodwin says. “Gone were the middle and high school vocal and 
band concerts. Gone was high school graduation.”

While the density
 of city life creates exponentially higher infection rates, it also can 
ease the burden of social distancing. In a small town like Neodesha, 
young and old alike see one another at these school activities, 
sometimes more than once on the same day.

Not long after the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-03-28/kansas-governor-issues-a-statewide-stay-at-home-order-which-starts-monday">Governor’s stay-at-home order</a> went into effect, some residents did what they thought was a logical thing to bring people together.

They organized a cruise down Main Street.

Hundreds
 came out in their cars, grinning and honking, rolling down their 
windows to shout greetings to each other. Goodwin says people were giddy
 to be gathering again.

“Some people just couldn’t resist the 
opportunity to socialize and they got out of their vehicles and gathered
 with others to do the same."

The city has prohibited any more such events.

Goodwin
 says like everywhere, you’ve got your defiant residents who don’t 
follow the rules, and no one knows if they’ll ruin it for others by 
either getting infected or infecting others.

But he says there 
have been other natural and man-made disasters that required people to 
sacrifice and come together, and they did.

“And the town became stronger than before.”

Laura Ziegler has been a producer with NPR in Washington D.C. and national NPR reporter covering the Midwest. Currently she’s a community engagement reporter and producer at KCUR. Email her at lauraz@kcur.org or reach her on Twitter @laurazig.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587651480950.png" alt="Bill Goodwin teaches high school English in Neodesha. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Goodwin teaches high school English in Neodesha. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The small town has zero COVID-19 cases but is under the same stay-at-home orders as everywhere else.</h2>By LAURA ZIEGLER, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/community/2020-04-22/distancing-diaries-residents-of-neodesha-kansas-miss-gathering-on-main-street">Kansas News Service</a>Bill Goodwin teaches high school English in Neodesha, Kansas. Population: 2,300.As of Tuesday, there was only <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/921/4-21-20-update-numbers" target="_blank">one COVID-19 case in all of Wilson County</a>, where Neodesha is located in the southeast part of the state.When
 Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly shut down all the schools on March 17, 
Goodwin’s students began taking his classes online from home.Just like communities across the globe, Neodesha's residents are grieving the loss of their ability to gather.“For
 Neodesha, that didn’t happen when the colleges and sports teams 
cancelled their professional seasons,” Goodwin says. “It didn’t happen 
when the movie theaters or bars and restaurants closed.”Neodesha doesn’t have either a bar or a movie theater. It has a handful of fast-food places: a Subway, Sonic and Pizza Hut.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587651578364.png" alt="The few restaurants in Neodesha have started curbside service. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The few restaurants in Neodesha have started curbside service. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The sense of isolation set in when all the school activities got canceled.“Gone
 then were the high school baseball and softball games, the track 
meets,” Goodwin says. “Gone were the middle and high school vocal and 
band concerts. Gone was high school graduation.”While the density
 of city life creates exponentially higher infection rates, it also can 
ease the burden of social distancing. In a small town like Neodesha, 
young and old alike see one another at these school activities, 
sometimes more than once on the same day.Not long after the <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-03-28/kansas-governor-issues-a-statewide-stay-at-home-order-which-starts-monday">Governor’s stay-at-home order</a> went into effect, some residents did what they thought was a logical thing to bring people together.They organized a cruise down Main Street.Hundreds
 came out in their cars, grinning and honking, rolling down their 
windows to shout greetings to each other. Goodwin says people were giddy
 to be gathering again.“Some people just couldn’t resist the 
opportunity to socialize and they got out of their vehicles and gathered
 with others to do the same."The city has prohibited any more such events.Goodwin
 says like everywhere, you’ve got your defiant residents who don’t 
follow the rules, and no one knows if they’ll ruin it for others by 
either getting infected or infecting others.But he says there 
have been other natural and man-made disasters that required people to 
sacrifice and come together, and they did.“And the town became stronger than before.”Laura Ziegler has been a producer with NPR in Washington D.C. and national NPR reporter covering the Midwest. Currently she’s a community engagement reporter and producer at KCUR. Email her at lauraz@kcur.org or reach her on Twitter @laurazig.&nbsp;

Distancing Diaries: Residents of Neodesha miss gathering on Main 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man and woman have been charged in the fatal shooting of a Pizza Hut employee during a robbery attempt in which the victim’s coworkers hid in the freezer of the Kansas City, Kansas, restaurant.

Wyandotte County prosecutors announced Tuesday that 33-year-old Gary Winters and 30-year-old Lacricia Leak-Myers are charged with first-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery in the Jan. 28 death of 25-year-old Laron Briggs.

Charging documents say that Leak-Myers drove Winters and another person to the restaurant. The documents say Winters then went inside the restaurant to rob it. The robbery failed, although the documents provided no details about what scuttled it or what happened to the other person in the vehicle.

Winters previously served time in Kansas for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581513350627.png" alt="Winters photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Winters photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man and woman have been charged in the fatal shooting of a Pizza Hut employee during a robbery attempt in which the victim’s coworkers hid in the freezer of the Kansas City, Kansas, restaurant.Wyandotte County prosecutors announced Tuesday that 33-year-old Gary Winters and 30-year-old Lacricia Leak-Myers are charged with first-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery in the Jan. 28 death of 25-year-old Laron Briggs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581519456815.png" alt="Lacricia Leak-Myers -photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Lacricia Leak-Myers -photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Charging documents say that Leak-Myers drove Winters and another person to the restaurant. The documents say Winters then went inside the restaurant to rob it. The robbery failed, although the documents provided no details about what scuttled it or what happened to the other person in the vehicle.Winters previously served time in Kansas for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.

Man, woman charged in fatal Pizza Hut shooting in Kansas

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

ENID, Okla. – For the first time in Hutchinson Community College baseball history, the Blue Dragons have back-to-back shutouts in the first two games of a season.

<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/linder_dawson_sh2m">Dawson Linder</a>&nbsp;twirled a one-hit shutout in Game 1 on Saturday in a 10-0 Blue Dragon win over Northern Oklahoma-Enid on Saturday afternoon. Then&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/skillman_brian_ztu7">Brian Skillman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/firmature_zach_o3mq">Zach Firmature</a>&nbsp;followed with a combined four-hit shutout in a 1-0 Hutchinson win.

NOC-Enid is the defending NJCAA Division I national champion.

The Blue Dragons win their season opener for the third-straight season. The 2-0 Blue Dragons will now compete at the UCO Festival next weekend in Edmond, Oklahoma. Hutchinson will face Crowner and Redlands on Friday and NEO on Saturday.

GAME 1 RECAPLinder (1-0) allowed just four NOC-Enid baserunners in the game – two walks, one hit batter and a Cale Salvage single in the fourth inning of the five-inning rule-rule contest.

Linder plunked Kade Hitt to open the bottom of the third. Hitt advanced to third, but was stranded. Linder then allowed a single and walk in the fourth, but coaxed an easy flyout to end the inning. Leading 10-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Linder worked a 1-2-3 inning to earn his third career victory.

Linder needed 68 pitches to toss his first career complete game and shutout. He had five strikeouts in the performance.

The Blue Dragons post a shutout in a season opener for the first time since 2014 when Kyle Simonds and Austin Harms combined for a shutout in an 8-0 victory over Rose State.

Hutchinson's offense finally got going the second time through the batting order.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/sartori_luke_bjmu">Luke Sartori</a>&nbsp;scored the first run of the 2020 season for the Blue Dragons when he led off the fourth with a solo home run to left field. That ignited a six-run fourth inning for Hutchinson.

An RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/argo_cade_fb1q">Cade Argo</a>&nbsp;made it 2-0. Britton Mulhurn made it 4-0 with a two-run single and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/lowe_mason_8ewl">Mason Lowe</a>&nbsp;added a two-run triple to account for the four runs in the inning.

Hutchinson added on four more runs in the top of the fifth to make it 10-0.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/noble_christopher_a2a2">Christopher Noble</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_will_pauk">Will Reetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/steele_jenner_aivw">Jenner Steele</a>&nbsp;all had RBI doubles in the inning.

Eight Blue Dragon starters has at least one hit and seven Dragons drove in runs. Mulhurn had the only multi-hit game for Hutchinson, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs. The Blue Dragons had eight hits in the game.

GAME 2 RECAPSkillman worked the first three innings in the second dame. He allowed just two hits and struck out five with no walks.

Firmature took over in the fourth with the game still scoreless. Firmature delivers four strong innings out of the bullpen with only two hits and one walk allowed and four strikeouts to earn the pitching victory.

Enid had a threat working in the bottom of the fifth with Hutchinson trailing 1-0. The first two Jets batters reached on a base hit and walk. Noble made a diving catch in foul territory off the bat of Logan Rutledge just behind the first-base bag for the first out. Firmature then coaxed a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play out of Gage Ninness to end the inning.

From that point, Firmature allowed just one hit over the final two innings to earn the victory.

Out-hit 4-3 in the second game, Hutchinson's lone run came in the top of the fourth inning. Sartori singled with one out and moved to second on an&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/callahan_austin_ilmr">Austin Callahan</a>&nbsp;groundout.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_drew_s2c0">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;then doubled home Sartori for a 1-0 lead.

The Blue Dragons loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh, but came up empty.

Sartori,&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_drew_s2c0">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_will_pauk">Will Reetz</a>&nbsp;had the only Blue Dragon hits. Drew Reetz and Will Reetz both had doubles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581303495277.jpeg" alt="Dawson Linder become the first Blue Dragon since 2014 to post a shutout on opening day as Linder tosses a 1-hut shutout in a 10-0, 5-inning win over NOC-Enid on Saturday in Enid, OK. (Bre Rogers/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Dawson Linder become the first Blue Dragon since 2014 to post a shutout on opening day as Linder tosses a 1-hut shutout in a 10-0, 5-inning win over NOC-Enid on Saturday in Enid, OK. (Bre Rogers/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationENID, Okla. – For the first time in Hutchinson Community College baseball history, the Blue Dragons have back-to-back shutouts in the first two games of a season.<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/linder_dawson_sh2m">Dawson Linder</a>&nbsp;twirled a one-hit shutout in Game 1 on Saturday in a 10-0 Blue Dragon win over Northern Oklahoma-Enid on Saturday afternoon. Then&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/skillman_brian_ztu7">Brian Skillman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/firmature_zach_o3mq">Zach Firmature</a>&nbsp;followed with a combined four-hit shutout in a 1-0 Hutchinson win.NOC-Enid is the defending NJCAA Division I national champion.The Blue Dragons win their season opener for the third-straight season. The 2-0 Blue Dragons will now compete at the UCO Festival next weekend in Edmond, Oklahoma. Hutchinson will face Crowner and Redlands on Friday and NEO on Saturday.GAME 1 RECAPLinder (1-0) allowed just four NOC-Enid baserunners in the game – two walks, one hit batter and a Cale Salvage single in the fourth inning of the five-inning rule-rule contest.Linder plunked Kade Hitt to open the bottom of the third. Hitt advanced to third, but was stranded. Linder then allowed a single and walk in the fourth, but coaxed an easy flyout to end the inning. Leading 10-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Linder worked a 1-2-3 inning to earn his third career victory.Linder needed 68 pitches to toss his first career complete game and shutout. He had five strikeouts in the performance.The Blue Dragons post a shutout in a season opener for the first time since 2014 when Kyle Simonds and Austin Harms combined for a shutout in an 8-0 victory over Rose State.Hutchinson's offense finally got going the second time through the batting order.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/sartori_luke_bjmu">Luke Sartori</a>&nbsp;scored the first run of the 2020 season for the Blue Dragons when he led off the fourth with a solo home run to left field. That ignited a six-run fourth inning for Hutchinson.An RBI single by&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/argo_cade_fb1q">Cade Argo</a>&nbsp;made it 2-0. Britton Mulhurn made it 4-0 with a two-run single and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/lowe_mason_8ewl">Mason Lowe</a>&nbsp;added a two-run triple to account for the four runs in the inning.Hutchinson added on four more runs in the top of the fifth to make it 10-0.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/noble_christopher_a2a2">Christopher Noble</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_will_pauk">Will Reetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/steele_jenner_aivw">Jenner Steele</a>&nbsp;all had RBI doubles in the inning.Eight Blue Dragon starters has at least one hit and seven Dragons drove in runs. Mulhurn had the only multi-hit game for Hutchinson, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs. The Blue Dragons had eight hits in the game.GAME 2 RECAPSkillman worked the first three innings in the second dame. He allowed just two hits and struck out five with no walks.Firmature took over in the fourth with the game still scoreless. Firmature delivers four strong innings out of the bullpen with only two hits and one walk allowed and four strikeouts to earn the pitching victory.Enid had a threat working in the bottom of the fifth with Hutchinson trailing 1-0. The first two Jets batters reached on a base hit and walk. Noble made a diving catch in foul territory off the bat of Logan Rutledge just behind the first-base bag for the first out. Firmature then coaxed a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play out of Gage Ninness to end the inning.From that point, Firmature allowed just one hit over the final two innings to earn the victory.Out-hit 4-3 in the second game, Hutchinson's lone run came in the top of the fourth inning. Sartori singled with one out and moved to second on an&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/callahan_austin_ilmr">Austin Callahan</a>&nbsp;groundout.&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_drew_s2c0">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;then doubled home Sartori for a 1-0 lead.The Blue Dragons loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh, but came up empty.Sartori,&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_drew_s2c0">Drew Reetz</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/bios/reetz_will_pauk">Will Reetz</a>&nbsp;had the only Blue Dragon hits. Drew Reetz and Will Reetz both had doubles.

Blue Dragon Baseball toss back-to-back shutouts on opening day

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

McPHERSON, Kan. — I recently overheard a deep breakfast conversation between my husband and kids regarding the TV show they were viewing. It was such a good conversation I didn’t want to interrupt the thought process, so I remained sitting in the living room, eavesdropping and trying to control my giggles. Plus, I wanted to see how my husband would handle our daughter’s questions. 

We’ve been without cable or satellite television for a few years now, so generally during breakfast the kids get to watch something we’ve recorded on our TiVo. While we have quite a diverse collection of recordings, we generally select a program from PBS like “Odd Squad,” “Molly of Denali” or “Peg Plus Cat” before school. The kids are really into science, math and adventures, so these three shows are a pretty regular morning rotation in our home.

However, on this particular morning the conversation centered around these people who got lost and ended up being stranded on a tropical island after a three-hour tour. Yes, my kids also love watching “Gilligan’s Island” which airs on a local television channel. We have maintained a steady viewing of the 1960s sitcom for the last few years. In fact, our son requested to have a “Gilligan’s Island” themed birthday party once. There are many days I question my parenting tactics and decisions but allowing the kids to watch “Gilligan’s Island” has never caused me to fret.

During this breakfast conversation, my 4-year-old daughter was trying to make sense of the overall storyline.

“Let me tell you, Daddy,” she began. “I’d be working on fixing the holes in that boat if I got stuck on an island. Why didn’t they try to fix the holes?”

My 7-year-old would chime in to try to defend the plot and to help her better understand.

“Isannah, they’re stranded on an island, they don’t have the tools,” Banks would point out. 

“If they don’t have tools, then why do they live in nice huts made from bamboo and trees?” she countered. 

Isannah then moved on to her next item, “And let me tell you something else,” she said. “I wouldn’t take the boat at night — that’s when there’s waves!” I think she was referencing the opening scene of the show when the S.S. Minnow was tossed about by waves when the weather started getting rough. It was dark.

“Isannah, there’s always waves day and night,” Banks pointed out. “It’s in the ocean.”

Clearly, as they continued this back-and-forth dialogue, both children had different perspectives related to the tale of the seven castaways. 

All the while, my husband, Adam, would nod his head and make random sounds to ensure the kids knew he was listening to them both. But ultimately, the kids led the conversation and Adam was not needed to referee the chat. 

Not once did either of them get upset or belittle the other’s argument. Not once did either of them start screaming at the other or call the other names. Not once did either of them get frustrated and end the conversation.  

While I think “Gilligan’s Island” provides entertainment for my family, it also is clearly causing my kids to think and verbalize their thoughts with one another in a civil conversation.

Perhaps we all need some little ones discussing “Gilligan’s Island” over breakfast from time to time to help remind us as adults how to interact with others who might have differing views.

After all, if the kids can model civil discourse, surely the rest of us can, too.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherMcPHERSON, Kan. — I recently overheard a deep breakfast conversation between my husband and kids regarding the TV show they were viewing. It was such a good conversation I didn’t want to interrupt the thought process, so I remained sitting in the living room, eavesdropping and trying to control my giggles. Plus, I wanted to see how my husband would handle our daughter’s questions. We’ve been without cable or satellite television for a few years now, so generally during breakfast the kids get to watch something we’ve recorded on our TiVo. While we have quite a diverse collection of recordings, we generally select a program from PBS like “Odd Squad,” “Molly of Denali” or “Peg Plus Cat” before school. The kids are really into science, math and adventures, so these three shows are a pretty regular morning rotation in our home.However, on this particular morning the conversation centered around these people who got lost and ended up being stranded on a tropical island after a three-hour tour. Yes, my kids also love watching “Gilligan’s Island” which airs on a local television channel. We have maintained a steady viewing of the 1960s sitcom for the last few years. In fact, our son requested to have a “Gilligan’s Island” themed birthday party once. There are many days I question my parenting tactics and decisions but allowing the kids to watch “Gilligan’s Island” has never caused me to fret.During this breakfast conversation, my 4-year-old daughter was trying to make sense of the overall storyline.“Let me tell you, Daddy,” she began. “I’d be working on fixing the holes in that boat if I got stuck on an island. Why didn’t they try to fix the holes?”My 7-year-old would chime in to try to defend the plot and to help her better understand.“Isannah, they’re stranded on an island, they don’t have the tools,” Banks would point out. “If they don’t have tools, then why do they live in nice huts made from bamboo and trees?” she countered. Silence. She did have a good point.Isannah then moved on to her next item, “And let me tell you something else,” she said. “I wouldn’t take the boat at night — that’s when there’s waves!” I think she was referencing the opening scene of the show when the S.S. Minnow was tossed about by waves when the weather started getting rough. It was dark.“Isannah, there’s always waves day and night,” Banks pointed out. “It’s in the ocean.”Silence. He had a good point.Clearly, as they continued this back-and-forth dialogue, both children had different perspectives related to the tale of the seven castaways. All the while, my husband, Adam, would nod his head and make random sounds to ensure the kids knew he was listening to them both. But ultimately, the kids led the conversation and Adam was not needed to referee the chat. Not once did either of them get upset or belittle the other’s argument. Not once did either of them start screaming at the other or call the other names. Not once did either of them get frustrated and end the conversation. While I think “Gilligan’s Island” provides entertainment for my family, it also is clearly causing my kids to think and verbalize their thoughts with one another in a civil conversation.Perhaps we all need some little ones discussing “Gilligan’s Island” over breakfast from time to time to help remind us as adults how to interact with others who might have differing views.After all, if the kids can model civil discourse, surely the rest of us can, too."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: Just Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)&nbsp;Authorities say a man has been fatally shot at a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas and identified the victim as 25-year-old Laron Briggs, according to a news release.

He was shot inside the restaurant Tuesday night. Police provided no information about a suspect or motive in the news release. 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— Authorities say a man has been fatally shot inside a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas.

Police said in a news release that officers responded to the shooting around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday.

The name of the victim wasn't immediately released, and police provided no information about a suspect in the news release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580306500402.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/man-shot-killed-inside-of-pizza-hut-in-kansas-city/article_0e285bae-4287-11ea-a30d-23025b9fa47f.html">photo courtesy KCTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/man-shot-killed-inside-of-pizza-hut-in-kansas-city/article_0e285bae-4287-11ea-a30d-23025b9fa47f.html">photo courtesy KCTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP)&nbsp;Authorities say a man has been fatally shot at a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas and identified the victim as 25-year-old Laron Briggs, according to a news release.He was shot inside the restaurant Tuesday night. Police provided no information about a suspect or motive in the news release. --------KANSAS CITY, KAN. (AP)&nbsp;— Authorities say a man has been fatally shot inside a Pizza Hut in Kansas City, Kansas.Police said in a news release that officers responded to the shooting around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday.The name of the victim wasn't immediately released, and police provided no information about a suspect in the news release.

Police ID man fatally shot inside Pizza Hut in KC

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita State Shockers (16-3, 4-2 and ranked No. 22 in this week's USA Today Coaches Poll) entertain the UCF Knights (11-7, 1-4) in an American Athletic Conference matchup at Charles Koch Arena.

&gt;&gt;&gt; WSU coaches will wear tennis shoes on for Saturday's game as part of Coaches vs. Cancer's Suits and Sneakers Awareness Week. Learn more at NABC.com.

&gt;&gt;&gt; At halftime, WSU will induct five new members into the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame. Fiery men's basketball forward Jamar Howard (2001-05) is joined by longtime men's golf coach Grier Jones (1995-2019, cross country/track standout&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1350">Tonya Nero</a>&nbsp;(2009-11, women's tennis star Lutfiana Budiharto (2009-12) and early women's athletics pioneer Janet Kohl Hoskins (1968-72).

&gt;&gt;&gt; Saturday's matchup airs nationally on ESPNU with streaming available through the ESPN App, accessible on computers, smart phones, tablets and devices to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider. Anish Shroff &amp; Mark Wise have the call.

&gt;&gt;&gt; Division I college basketball's most-tenured tandem, Mike Kennedy and Dave Dahl, tip off their 39th season together on radio (KEYN 103.7 FM and online at goshockers.com/listen). Kennedy, who is now in his 40th year as Voice of the Shockers, will call is 1,247th consecutive game.

THE SERIES:&nbsp;WSU leads 3-0 (2-0 in Wichita)

Jan. 25, 2018 (Wichita) | #17 WSU 81, UCF 62

Mar. 1, 2018 (Orlando, Fla.) | #11 WSU 75, UCF 71 (ot)

... make them 17-3, equaling their regular season win total from the 2018-19 season.

... give them a 13-1 record at home (12-1 at CKA).

... make them 4-0 all-time vs. UCF -- all since 2018.

... give them back-to-back home losses for the first time since February, 2011 (SIU &amp; VCU).

The Shockers are off mid-week and return to action next Saturday at first-place Tulsa. The 5 p.m. CT tip airs on ESPNU.

WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita State Shockers (16-3, 4-2 and ranked No. 22 in this week's USA Today Coaches Poll) entertain the UCF Knights (11-7, 1-4) in an American Athletic Conference matchup at Charles Koch Arena.&gt;&gt;&gt; WSU coaches will wear tennis shoes on for Saturday's game as part of Coaches vs. Cancer's Suits and Sneakers Awareness Week. Learn more at NABC.com.&gt;&gt;&gt; At halftime, WSU will induct five new members into the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame. Fiery men's basketball forward Jamar Howard (2001-05) is joined by longtime men's golf coach Grier Jones (1995-2019, cross country/track standout&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1350">Tonya Nero</a>&nbsp;(2009-11, women's tennis star Lutfiana Budiharto (2009-12) and early women's athletics pioneer Janet Kohl Hoskins (1968-72).&gt;&gt;&gt; Saturday's matchup airs nationally on ESPNU with streaming available through the ESPN App, accessible on computers, smart phones, tablets and devices to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider. Anish Shroff &amp; Mark Wise have the call.&gt;&gt;&gt; Division I college basketball's most-tenured tandem, Mike Kennedy and Dave Dahl, tip off their 39th season together on radio (KEYN 103.7 FM and online at goshockers.com/listen). Kennedy, who is now in his 40th year as Voice of the Shockers, will call is 1,247th consecutive game.OPENING TIPS:<ol>
 <li>The Shockers are coming off one of their best defensive performances in Tuesday's 56-43 win at South Florida.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4219">Tyson Etienne</a>&nbsp;scored a team-high 13 points and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4212">Dexter Dennis</a>&nbsp;celebrated his return to the starting lineup with 12 points on four three-pointers. USF shot 30% and had more turnovers (13) than baskets (12)</li><li>This is the fourth series meeting between WSU and UCF -- all since 2018. The Shockers are 3-0 against the Knights (2-0 in Wichita). WSU won last year's only matchup (Jan. 16, 2019 at CKA, 75-67. It was the Shockers' only win in a 1-6 conference start.</li><li>The Shockers have doubled their win total from this time last year when they hit the 19-game mark at 8-11 (1-6 AAC). They are 30-7 since.</li><li>With a win on Saturday the Shockers would match their regular season win total from last season (17-13).</li><li>Wichita State ranks among the national leaders in turnover margin (19th, +3.9) and field goal percentage defense (25th, .385). KenPom rates the Shocker defense eighth nationally in efficiency.</li><li>WSU is 12-1 at home this year (11-1 at CKA). Last Saturday's loss to Houston snapped what had been a 14-game home winning streak.</li>
 </ol>HOWARD TO THE HALL:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Fiery forward Jamar Howard is set to join the Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame at halftime.</li><li>Howard (2001-05) was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection for WSU, twice earning first team status. He made the league's all-defensive team in all four seasons and was its defensive player of the year in 2003. He currently ranks 10th on WSU's all-time scoring list (1,571 career points, while also totaling 711 rebounds, 263 assists, 153 steals and 88 blocks.</li><li>Howard was part of a core that helped turn around a struggling program with three-straight NIT bids, WSU's first postseason appearances in 14 years.</li>
 </ol>THE SHOCKS IN SHORT:<ol>
 <li>For Wichita State, youthful and successful have not been mutually exclusive traits. Ten of the team's 13 scholarship players are underclassmen, but the Shockers find themselves ranked No. 22 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and one spot out of the AP top-25 after a 16-3 start.</li><li>Last year, the rebuilding Shockers missed the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2011 but rode a second-half surge to 22 wins and the NIT semifinals. Seven of the top-nine scorers from that team are back, joined by the highest-rated recruiting class in head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=780">Gregg Marshall</a>'s 13-year tenure.</li><li>This season's goal: return to the NCAA tournament. The Shockers have put together an at-large quality resume that includes five Quadrant I or II wins. Two of their three losses have come against teams currently ranked in the AP Top-25 (West Virginia and Houston). Signature wins include No. 20 Memphis and VCU at home, plus a 4-0 record vs. "Power 5" foes: South Carolina (N, Oklahome State (A, Oklahoma (H) and Ole Miss (H).</li><li>The 2018-19 team found an identity with defense, rebounding and ball security. Those qualities still apply, but the 2019-20 backcourt has raised the bar with its perimeter shooting and ability to force turnovers.</li><li>KenPom rates the Shocker defense 10th nationally in efficiency (up from 44th last year). WSU has held 14 of its 19 opponents under 40% from the field. Only two teams have scored more than 70 points against the Shockers this year in regulation and none more than 75.</li><li>Seven players are averaging at least 7.0 points and eight clock 12-or-more minutes-per-game.</li><li>Sophomore guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4217">Erik Stevenson</a>&nbsp;-- a two-time AAC player of the week pick -- leads the Shockers in points (12.5) and steals (35) and is the team's third-leading rebounder (4.8). He's topped 20-points three times.</li><li>Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4209">Jamarius Burton</a>&nbsp;(11.2 ppg) can play point guard or wing, as needed. He's averaging a team-high 3.4 assists with a 1.68 A:TO ratio and has been the WSU's top scorer in conference play at 12.2-per-contest.</li><li>The team's lone senior -- 6-11 center&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4213">Jaime Echenique</a>&nbsp;-- averages 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. On a 40-minute basis, he leads the team in&nbsp;&nbsp;scoring (20.8) and plus-minus (+20.8).</li><li>6-foot-6 forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4221">Trey Wade</a>&nbsp;-- a JUCO transfer from South Plains (Texas) College -- has been an impactful addition at the four-spot. He puts up 7.9 points-per-game and is the team's top rebounder (6.2).</li><li>Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4212">Dexter Dennis</a>&nbsp;(7.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg) -- an athletic wing and the team's most versatile defender -- was an AAC All-Freshman pick last year. He returned to the starting lineup at USF for the first time since Nov 27 and hit four three-pointers.</li><li>A couple of four-star freshman guards have also helped elevate the Shockers.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4219">Tyson Etienne</a>&nbsp;(9.9 ppg) ranks fourth on the AAC list in both threes-per-game&nbsp;&nbsp;(2.2) and three-point percentage (.424). Combo guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4224">Grant Sherfield</a>&nbsp;(8.5 ppg) has been the team's other primary point guard and a reliable scorer off the bench.</li><li>The Shockers are one of the league' deepest teams in the post with Echenique backed by 6-9 sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4218">Morris Udeze</a>&nbsp;(5.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg). 7-foot junior&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4215">Asbjørn Midtgaard</a>&nbsp;and 6-9 sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4216">Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler</a>&nbsp;are&nbsp;&nbsp;also capable contributors.</li><li>Three other true freshmen are on the roster: Forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4220">DeAntoni Gordon</a>&nbsp;(11 games) and point guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4222">Noah Fernandes</a>&nbsp;(12) have shown flashes of potential. 6-10 forward&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4223">Josaphat Bilau</a>&nbsp;is redshirting.</li>
 </ol>TRENDING:<ol>
 <li>Tuesday marked the first time in over four years that the Shockers have won a game when scoring less than 60 points. They defeated UNLV 56-50 on Dec. 9, 2015. Since then WSU had lost 14-straight when scoring less than 60.</li><li>USF's 12 field goals was the fewest allowed by the Shockers since a Feb. 9, 2016 win at Drake when the WSU held the host Bulldogs to 11-of-44 (.250).</li><li>With the win at USF, WSU improved to 3-1 in true road games this year. The Shockers have won nine of their last 10 in enemy territory going back to last February.</li><li>The Shockers are coming off a rare home loss. It's been nearly nine years since they last dropped back-to-back at home. In Feb., 2011 the Shockers fell to SIU and VCU.</li><li>The Houston game was WSU's sixth-straight sellout at Charles Koch arena (capacity: 10,506) and the 175th in the 16 seasons since Charles Koch Arena's renovation. It was also be the Shockers' 15th sellout in 21 American Athletic Conference home games.</li><li>Tuesday night at Temple&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=780">Gregg Marshall</a>&nbsp;shuffled his starting five for the first time in 10 games when&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4212">Dexter Dennis</a>&nbsp;replaced&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4217">Erik Stevenson</a>. It marked the first time this season that Stevenson has come off the bench. Only&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4221">Trey Wade</a>&nbsp;has started all 19 games for the Shockers this year. Dennis made his first start since the Nov. 27 loss to West Virginia and responded well with 12 points on four three-pointers. 10 different Shockers have started at least once this season.</li><li>Somewhat surprisingly, the Shockers were out-rebounded in each of their first five of their conference games. They had won the battle of the boards in 12 of their 13 non-conference contests and have annually been among the national leaders in that category. WSU stopped the streak by outrebounding USF on Tuesday night, 36-29. The Bulls finished the game without a single second-chance point.</li><li>A 74-54 win over Ole Miss on Jan. 4 was WSU's 99th 20-point victory under Marshall (2007-Pr.).</li><li>This is WSU's fifth-consecutive week in the USA Today Coaches Poll dating back to Dec. 23.</li>
 </ol>&nbsp;BUILDING A RESUME:<ol>
 <li>The Shockers are 5-3 in Quadrant I and II contests. Two other wins come painfully close to Q-II status: A neutral court win over No. 101 South Carolina (51-100 qualify) and the road win at No. 137 USF (76-135 qualify).</li><li>Eight of the 12 remaining games on the Shocker schedule are of the Q-I or Q-II variety. Six are on the road.</li>
 </ol>SCOUTING UCF:<ol>
 <li>UCF has reached the postseason in two of the last three years. The Knights won 24 games and advanced to the 2017 NIT semifinals. Injuries took their toll in 2018, but UCF bounced back to earn an NCAA at-large berth in 2019.</li><li>UCF lost much of its fire power from a year ago. Seniors B.J. Taylor and Tacko Fall graduated, and Aubrey Dawkins (son of head coach Johnny Dawkins) declared for the NBA draft.</li><li>UCF was picked ninth out of 12 teams in the American preseason poll.</li><li>KenPom rates the Knights No. 72 nationally in defensive efficiency.</li><li>Collin Smith is the team's leading scorer. The 6-foot-11 junior forward is averaging 13.2 points – up from 8.0 a year ago – and is the team's second-leading rebounder at 6.2-per-game.</li><li>Junior guard Cesar DeJesus has also taken on an expanded role. He's averaging 10.7 points in just over 27 minutes – up from 3.4 points and 11 minutes in 2018-19.</li><li>Alabama graduate transfer Dazon Ingram – a 6-6 guard -- is the team's third-leading scorer at 9.2 points and tops the chart in rebounding (7.7, assists (4.0, steals (1.0) and minutes (29.0).</li><li>True freshman guard Darin Green Jr. has connected on a team-high 30 three-pointers with 34.1 percent accuracy.</li>
 </ol>MATCHUP MASHUP:<ol>
 <li><a href="https://goshockers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=780">Gregg Marshall</a>&nbsp;is 4-1 vs. UCF. He faced the Knights twice at Winthrop, going 1-1. On Dec. 2, 1998 (just his fifth game as a head coach, Marshall's Eagles fell 79-57 in Orlando. A year later – Nov. 23, 1999 – he defeated UCF, 87-54, in a return game at Winthrop Coliseum.</li><li>Marshall is 3-1 vs. Johnny Dawkins. In March, 2009, Dawkin's Stanford team defeated the Shockers, 70-56, in the CBI quarterfinals to end WSU's first postseason bid under Marshall. Dawkins' 14-point win remains the lopsided victory by a road team in the Marshall Era.</li><li>Dazon Ingram twice beat the Shockers while playing for Alabama. He recorded eight points, five assists and four rebounds in 25 minutes in the fifth-place game at last season's Charleston Classic. As a true freshman in 2015-16, he started against the Shockers in an Advocare Invita-tional matchup in Orlando and put up 11 points, eight rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes.</li>
 </ol>THE SERIES:&nbsp;WSU leads 3-0 (2-0 in Wichita)<ol>
 <li>UCF was one of four American foes that WSU had ever faced prior to its 2017-18 conference debut (along with ECU, Tulane and USF).</li><li>The Shockers opened 1-6 last year before rallying for a 10-8 finish. Their only win in that seven-game stretch came against the Knights. The 0-3 Shockers upset 3-0 UCF, 75-67, in a rare 9 p.m. CT tipoff.</li><li>WSU's win snapped a seven-game UCF winning streak. The Knights entered the day as the AAC's lone unbeaten (3-0) and were receiving votes in both national polls.</li><li>WSU took both meetings in 2017-18. The Shockers led wire-to-wire in an 81-62 home victory in Wichita and escaped Orlando a month later with a 75-71 overtime win (prlonged by a buzzer-beating three from UCF's A.J. Davis at the end of regulation).</li>
 </ol>Jan. 25, 2018 (Wichita) | #17 WSU 81, UCF 62<ol>
 <li>WSU won the first-ever meeting between the two programs and snapped a two-game losing streak.</li><li>Bumped from the starting lineup, Shaquille Morris came off the bench for 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting.</li><li>Helped by Morris cameo, WSU reserves accounted for 50 of the team's 81 points.</li><li>Conner Frankamp extended his school-record run of consecutive games with a three-pointer to 40. The streak ended three days later in a win over Tulsa.</li><li>WSU outrebounded UCF 48-38 and turned 13 offensive rebounds into 21 second-chance points.</li><li>The Shockers committed a season-low six turnovers.</li><li>Rashard Kelly grabbed 10 rebounds in 17 minutes.</li><li>UCF played its second game without 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall, who would miss the remainder of the year with a shoulder injury.</li>
 </ol>Mar. 1, 2018 (Orlando, Fla.) | #11 WSU 75, UCF 71 (ot)<ol>
 <li>After UCF banked in a buzzer-beater three to extend the game, WSU kept its conference title hopes alive by winning in overtime. The victory kept the Shockers within a game of Cincinnati going into the season finale.</li><li>Shaquille Morris led WSU with 19 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Conner Frankamp scored 11 of his 16 points after halftime, and Landry Shamet added 14 points and six assists with just one turnover.&nbsp;</li><li>A.J. Davis was the hero for UCF with 31 points and 14 rebounds in 43 minutes. He hit 6-of-9 threes. B.J. Taylor tacked on 23 points with five assists.</li><li>Down 66-63 with 17 seconds to play, UCF's Taylor missed a game-tying three, but the rebound trickled through several Shocker hands to Davis on the perimeter. The senior's desperation heave from the right wing glanced off the backboard and through, tying the game with 0.7 seconds showing on the game clock.</li><li>WSU regrouped to outscore UCF 9-5 in the five-minute overtime period.</li>
 </ol>Jan. 16, 2019 (Wichita) | WSU 75, UCF 67<ol>
 <li><a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3702">Markis McDuffie</a>&nbsp;scored 18 of his game-high 23 points in the second half, and the Shockers handed first-place UCF its first conference loss.</li><li>WSU snapped a four-game losing streak -- its longest in 10 years.</li><li>Against a UCF defense that came in 12th nationally in field goal percentage defense, WSU shot a season-best 51.9% and cashed in 17-of-18 free throws.</li><li>The Shockers out-rebounded the Knights 20-5 in the second half and 36-24 for the game.</li><li>Seldom-used 7-footer&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4215">Asbjørn Midtgaard</a>&nbsp;scored six points in 16 minutes and was an effective foil for&nbsp;&nbsp;7-foot-6 Tacko Fall.</li><li>WSU led 33-25 at halftime. UCF shot 50% in the second half and nailed 6-of-9 threes to keep things interesting.</li><li>Aubrey Dawkins scored 16 of his 22 points after halftime. He hit back-to-back threes to cut the margin to 47-46 with 11:00 to play.</li><li>Up by two with 2:07 to play, WSU launched a 10-2 run.</li>
 </ol>A SHOCKER WIN WOULD….... make them 17-3, equaling their regular season win total from the 2018-19 season.... up their conference mark to 5-2.... give them a 13-1 record at home (12-1 at CKA).... make them 4-0 all-time vs. UCF -- all since 2018.A SHOCKER LOSS WOULD…... drop them to 16-4 (4-3).... be their third in four games.... give them back-to-back home losses for the first time since February, 2011 (SIU &amp; VCU).... be their first to UCF (3-1).UP NEXT:The Shockers are off mid-week and return to action next Saturday at first-place Tulsa. The 5 p.m. CT tip airs on ESPNU.

Shockers Host UCF on Hall of Fame Night

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574352586512.png">Kately's makeshift hut -Photo U.S. Marshal's Service KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities say an inmate who escaped twice from a Missouri jail was captured more than 1,000 miles away in Delaware where he was living in a makeshift hut in a wooded area. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574352849647.png">The U.S. Marshals Service says in a news release that 27-year-old Drake Kately, of Kansas City was captured Tuesday near New Castle, Delaware. Kately escaped most recently in September from the jail in Mercer County, Missouri, after making a hole in his cell. He was being held there on multiple charges, including assault. The Marshals Service says he was found hiding in a shelter created by placing foliage around a fallen tree after authorities spotted clothing hanging from a nearby tree branch. He is awaiting extradition to Missouri. His attorney, Melinda Troeger, didn’t immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.