TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials in two major Kansas health care systems on Tuesday urged people to resume wearing masks indoors even if they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 because of the faster spreading delta variant.

The comments from administrator-doctors at Stormont Vail Health in northeastern Kansas and the University of Kansas Health System came just before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-79959d313428d98ab8aa905bbe287ba0">the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended</a>&nbsp;that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in places where the coronavirus is surging. Their comments also came the day after the board of education in one of Kansas’ largest public school districts approved a mandate for elementary students to wear masks when classes resume in mid-August.

Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas immediately criticized the CDC’s new guidance, suggesting it would cause more people to hesitate to get vaccinated. Marshall, an obstetrician and not an epidemiologist, also argued that the CDC’s change in guidance was unnecessary.

Kansas has seen its daily average for new COVID-19 cases increase for nearly five weeks because of the delta variant and the state’s low vaccination rate, to numbers last seen in mid-February. State data showed that Kansas averaged 653 new cases a day for the seven days ending Monday. While that’s a fraction of the worst peak in mid-November, it’s more than six times the average of 96 new cases per day for the seven days that ended June 23.

“First, we have to ask those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated,” Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas system, said during a daily webcast. “But second, we all need to say to each other, ‘We all need to put our masks back on until we can get you vaccinated.’”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement that her administration is reviewing the new CDC guidance and “we don’t intend to stop” following its recommendations. She also called for more people to get vaccinated.

The University of Kansas system reported that it had 60 people hospitalized Tuesday at its main Kansas City, Kansas, hospital, compared to only two at one point in March. Stormont Vail reported Tuesday that of its 133 positive COVID-19 tests over seven days, all but 17 of them — or 87% — were in unvaccinated people.

“Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals need to take precautions. It’s time to return to wearing masks, practice social distancing, and avoid crowded places,” Dr. Robert Kenagy, Stormont Vail’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Shawnee Mission school board in the Kansas City area voted 6-1 on Monday night to require masks in elementary schools but keep them optional in middle and high schools, where children are old enough to get vaccinated,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article253036358.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reported.</a>&nbsp;The district has about 26,000 students and is the state’s third largest, behind Wichita and Olathe.

<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">The CDC reported</a>&nbsp;that 45% of Kansas’ population — or 1.3 million of its 1.9 million residents — were fully vaccinated as of Tuesday. But no vaccine has been authorized for children under age 12.

In Kansas, confirmed cases of the delta variant have been doubling every two weeks, with the state health department reporting 1,338 as of Monday.

New cases began rising after top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature in mid-June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">ended a state of emergency</a>&nbsp;for the coronavirus pandemic. Kelly had wanted to keep it in place at least through August.

Republican state lawmakers also forced Kelly to accept limits on her power and the power of local officials to impose pandemic restrictions. Earlier this month, District Judge David Hauber in Johnson County&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-government-and-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-kansas-2817bd3686e752155c9667d5013c809a">struck down</a>&nbsp;those limits and a new law that would have required unusually speedy decisions in lawsuits challenging pandemic restrictions.

Hauber on Tuesday rejected a request from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt that the judge not have his order take effect while Schmidt appeals it. Schmidt, a Republican, is running for governor next year.

Kansas Republicans became increasingly hostile to mask mandates as the pandemic continued, particularly when new case numbers declined. Marshall earlier this month co-sponsored a bill to prevent federal agencies from imposing mask mandates for public transportation, a measure that remains in committee.

Marshall said vaccinations and natural immunity from COVID-19 infections “provide exceptional defense” against the delta variant and other variants.

“Science shows us there is no reason to panic,” Marshall said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627470760688.png" alt="CDC Map Color-coded map shows where you need to wear a mask again, according to new CDC guidelines The Red area is high level of COVID transmission" />
 <figcaption>CDC Map Color-coded map shows where you need to wear a mask again, according to new CDC guidelines The Red area is high level of COVID transmission</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials in two major Kansas health care systems on Tuesday urged people to resume wearing masks indoors even if they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 because of the faster spreading delta variant.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Governor Laura Kelly&#39;s statement addressing the updated CDC guidance: <a href="https://t.co/tWZ2iON2Qb">pic.twitter.com/tWZ2iON2Qb</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1420125819545006080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The comments from administrator-doctors at Stormont Vail Health in northeastern Kansas and the University of Kansas Health System came just before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-79959d313428d98ab8aa905bbe287ba0">the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended</a>&nbsp;that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in places where the coronavirus is surging. Their comments also came the day after the board of education in one of Kansas’ largest public school districts approved a mandate for elementary students to wear masks when classes resume in mid-August.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a>: “This is a time to believe in science, not anxiety or panic. Today’s inconsistent CDC guidance will only lead to more vaccine hesitancy. The science does not support a new mask mandate if you’ve been vaccinated or if you’ve had the virus.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/KWCH12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KWCH12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wibw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wibw</a>&mdash; Alana Austin (@alana_austin) <a href="https://twitter.com/alana_austin/status/1420115343788421128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas immediately criticized the CDC’s new guidance, suggesting it would cause more people to hesitate to get vaccinated. Marshall, an obstetrician and not an epidemiologist, also argued that the CDC’s change in guidance was unnecessary.Kansas has seen its daily average for new COVID-19 cases increase for nearly five weeks because of the delta variant and the state’s low vaccination rate, to numbers last seen in mid-February. State data showed that Kansas averaged 653 new cases a day for the seven days ending Monday. While that’s a fraction of the worst peak in mid-November, it’s more than six times the average of 96 new cases per day for the seven days that ended June 23.“First, we have to ask those who are unvaccinated to get vaccinated,” Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas system, said during a daily webcast. “But second, we all need to say to each other, ‘We all need to put our masks back on until we can get you vaccinated.’”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement that her administration is reviewing the new CDC guidance and “we don’t intend to stop” following its recommendations. She also called for more people to get vaccinated.The University of Kansas system reported that it had 60 people hospitalized Tuesday at its main Kansas City, Kansas, hospital, compared to only two at one point in March. Stormont Vail reported Tuesday that of its 133 positive COVID-19 tests over seven days, all but 17 of them — or 87% — were in unvaccinated people.“Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals need to take precautions. It’s time to return to wearing masks, practice social distancing, and avoid crowded places,” Dr. Robert Kenagy, Stormont Vail’s president and CEO, said in a statement.Meanwhile, the Shawnee Mission school board in the Kansas City area voted 6-1 on Monday night to require masks in elementary schools but keep them optional in middle and high schools, where children are old enough to get vaccinated,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article253036358.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reported.</a>&nbsp;The district has about 26,000 students and is the state’s third largest, behind Wichita and Olathe.<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations" target="_blank">The CDC reported</a>&nbsp;that 45% of Kansas’ population — or 1.3 million of its 1.9 million residents — were fully vaccinated as of Tuesday. But no vaccine has been authorized for children under age 12.In Kansas, confirmed cases of the delta variant have been doubling every two weeks, with the state health department reporting 1,338 as of Monday.New cases began rising after top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature in mid-June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">ended a state of emergency</a>&nbsp;for the coronavirus pandemic. Kelly had wanted to keep it in place at least through August.Republican state lawmakers also forced Kelly to accept limits on her power and the power of local officials to impose pandemic restrictions. Earlier this month, District Judge David Hauber in Johnson County&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-government-and-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-kansas-2817bd3686e752155c9667d5013c809a">struck down</a>&nbsp;those limits and a new law that would have required unusually speedy decisions in lawsuits challenging pandemic restrictions.Hauber on Tuesday rejected a request from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt that the judge not have his order take effect while Schmidt appeals it. Schmidt, a Republican, is running for governor next year.Kansas Republicans became increasingly hostile to mask mandates as the pandemic continued, particularly when new case numbers declined. Marshall earlier this month co-sponsored a bill to prevent federal agencies from imposing mask mandates for public transportation, a measure that remains in committee.Marshall said vaccinations and natural immunity from COVID-19 infections “provide exceptional defense” against the delta variant and other variants.“Science shows us there is no reason to panic,” Marshall said.___

Governor, Kan. health systems urge return to masks 

RENO COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident during a sewer line project in Hutchinson.

Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched for a trench rescue incident at 1707 East Blanchard Avenue in Hutchinson, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.

First arriving fire units found a 24-year-old male buried up to his waist in a 12’x12’x8’ deep hole that had collapsed on him.

He was buried in a wet slurry mix and was unable to extricate himself. Fire crews immediately requested mutual aid from Newton and Sedgwick County Fire Departments due to the high heat and labor-intensive operations.

The man was in the hole replacing a 4-inch sewer line when the collapse occurred. It took fire crews 3 hours and 12 minutes to safely extricate him from the hole. No other injuries occurred.

Fire crews battled a low ground water table which in turn had created a large amount of water seeping into the collapsed hole. Fire crews worked in 30-minute shifts, were then rehydrated, and placed back in the work rotation to keep crews fresh. Once extricated, the individual was transported by Reno County EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, according to Beer. Authorities did have have an update on his condition early Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627435930452.jpeg" alt="The man was buried in a wet slurry mix and was unable to extricate himself. -photo Hutchinson Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>The man was buried in a wet slurry mix and was unable to extricate himself. -photo Hutchinson Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident during a sewer line project in Hutchinson.Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, fire crews were dispatched for a trench rescue incident at 1707 East Blanchard Avenue in Hutchinson, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.First arriving fire units found a 24-year-old male buried up to his waist in a 12’x12’x8’ deep hole that had collapsed on him.He was buried in a wet slurry mix and was unable to extricate himself. Fire crews immediately requested mutual aid from Newton and Sedgwick County Fire Departments due to the high heat and labor-intensive operations.The man was in the hole replacing a 4-inch sewer line when the collapse occurred. It took fire crews 3 hours and 12 minutes to safely extricate him from the hole. No other injuries occurred.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627436057484.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fire crews battled a low ground water table which in turn had created a large amount of water seeping into the collapsed hole. Fire crews worked in 30-minute shifts, were then rehydrated, and placed back in the work rotation to keep crews fresh. Once extricated, the individual was transported by Reno County EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, according to Beer. Authorities did have have an update on his condition early Wednesday.

Rescue crews free man from hole in Hutchinson

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.

The possible vaccine mandate for federal employees — regardless of the rate of transmission in their area — is one option under consideration by the Biden administration, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss deliberations that have yet to be made public. The White House is expected to announce its final decision after completing a policy review this week.

According to an analysis from the federal Office of Management and Budget, in 2020 there were more than 4.2 million federal workers nationwide, including those in the military.

President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.

The broader requirement under consideration would be the most significant shift by the Biden administration this week as the White House grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations nationwide driven by the spread of the delta variant and breakthrough infections among vaccinated Americans.

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its masking guidelines and said that all Americans living in areas with substantial or high coronavirus transmission rates should wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

And just like that, masks were back at the White House.

By Tuesday afternoon, when the latest CDC data found that Washington, D.C., is facing substantial rates of transmission, White House staff were asked to begin wearing masks indoors starting Wednesday. Press were asked to follow suit, and those staff and reporters remaining in the White House were already masking up.

An aide for Vice President Kamala Harris passed out masks to the reporters covering her events earlier that day, asking them to put them on before walking in to her meeting with Native American leaders on voting rights.

Masks will also be required again at the U.S. House.

Citing the new CDC guidance, the Capitol’s Attending Physician Brian P. Monahan issued a memo late Tuesday reinstating the mask requirement for all individuals, vaccinated and not, when entering the House chamber or other interior spaces in the complex when others are present. Fines that had been established under previous House rules can be imposed for offenders, though exceptions will be allowed when lawmakers are recognized to speak during proceedings.

For the Senate, with far fewer members, the masks are being recommended but not required for the chamber and other indoor spaces.

“All individuals should wear a well-fitted, medical-grade filtration mask,” Monahan wrote in a similar letter obtained by The Associated Press.

Biden dismissed concerns that the new masking guidance from the CDC could create confusion among Americans, saying those who remain unvaccinated are the ones who are “sowing enormous confusion.”

“The more we learn, the more we learn about this virus and the delta variation, the more we have to be worried and concerned. And there’s only one thing we know for sure — if those other 100 million people got vaccinated, we’d be in a very different world,” he told reporters after speaking to intelligence community employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday.

But the whiplash on masking and vaccinations — just the day before, White House press secretary Jen Psaki had avoided questions over why the administration had yet to require vaccines for federal workers — reflects the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.

Various state and local governments, private companies, hospital administrators and universities across the nation have reverted to indoor mask mandates and instituted vaccine mandates in recent months, but just 60% of American adults have been completely vaccinated, and the latest wave of the coronavirus is hitting those communities with low vaccination rates particularly hard. The nation is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

But the Biden administration had thus far avoided embracing a vaccine mandate for its own employees — in part because officials are wary of further politicizing an already fraught issue by coming down too hard on the side of vaccine mandates.

Psaki acknowledged Tuesday that administration officials are aware of the risk that Biden’s support for vaccine mandates could harden opposition to vaccines among his detractors.

“The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local, trusted voices,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627469104760.png" alt="President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.The possible vaccine mandate for federal employees — regardless of the rate of transmission in their area — is one option under consideration by the Biden administration, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss deliberations that have yet to be made public. The White House is expected to announce its final decision after completing a policy review this week.According to an analysis from the federal Office of Management and Budget, in 2020 there were more than 4.2 million federal workers nationwide, including those in the military.President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.The broader requirement under consideration would be the most significant shift by the Biden administration this week as the White House grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations nationwide driven by the spread of the delta variant and breakthrough infections among vaccinated Americans.On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its masking guidelines and said that all Americans living in areas with substantial or high coronavirus transmission rates should wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.And just like that, masks were back at the White House.By Tuesday afternoon, when the latest CDC data found that Washington, D.C., is facing substantial rates of transmission, White House staff were asked to begin wearing masks indoors starting Wednesday. Press were asked to follow suit, and those staff and reporters remaining in the White House were already masking up.An aide for Vice President Kamala Harris passed out masks to the reporters covering her events earlier that day, asking them to put them on before walking in to her meeting with Native American leaders on voting rights.Masks will also be required again at the U.S. House.Citing the new CDC guidance, the Capitol’s Attending Physician Brian P. Monahan issued a memo late Tuesday reinstating the mask requirement for all individuals, vaccinated and not, when entering the House chamber or other interior spaces in the complex when others are present. Fines that had been established under previous House rules can be imposed for offenders, though exceptions will be allowed when lawmakers are recognized to speak during proceedings.For the Senate, with far fewer members, the masks are being recommended but not required for the chamber and other indoor spaces.“All individuals should wear a well-fitted, medical-grade filtration mask,” Monahan wrote in a similar letter obtained by The Associated Press.Biden dismissed concerns that the new masking guidance from the CDC could create confusion among Americans, saying those who remain unvaccinated are the ones who are “sowing enormous confusion.”“The more we learn, the more we learn about this virus and the delta variation, the more we have to be worried and concerned. And there’s only one thing we know for sure — if those other 100 million people got vaccinated, we’d be in a very different world,” he told reporters after speaking to intelligence community employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday.But the whiplash on masking and vaccinations — just the day before, White House press secretary Jen Psaki had avoided questions over why the administration had yet to require vaccines for federal workers — reflects the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.Various state and local governments, private companies, hospital administrators and universities across the nation have reverted to indoor mask mandates and instituted vaccine mandates in recent months, but just 60% of American adults have been completely vaccinated, and the latest wave of the coronavirus is hitting those communities with low vaccination rates particularly hard. The nation is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.But the Biden administration had thus far avoided embracing a vaccine mandate for its own employees — in part because officials are wary of further politicizing an already fraught issue by coming down too hard on the side of vaccine mandates.Psaki acknowledged Tuesday that administration officials are aware of the risk that Biden’s support for vaccine mandates could harden opposition to vaccines among his detractors.“The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local, trusted voices,” she said.

Biden considers vaccine mandate for all federal workers

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury indicted a Kansas man on 17 counts of failure to pay over payroll taxes, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

According to court documents, Jesus Perez-Aguayo, 38, served as owner, operator, and president of two companies, JLP Construction and JP Remodeling. Between 2015 and 2019.

Perez-Aguayo is accused of collecting but not forwarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in employee payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

If there is a conviction, each count of Failure to Pay Over Payroll Taxes carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627331553120.png" alt="Perez-Aguayo -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Perez-Aguayo -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury indicted a Kansas man on 17 counts of failure to pay over payroll taxes, according to the United State's Attorney's office.According to court documents, Jesus Perez-Aguayo, 38, served as owner, operator, and president of two companies, JLP Construction and JP Remodeling. Between 2015 and 2019.Perez-Aguayo is accused of collecting but not forwarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in employee payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.If there is a conviction, each count of Failure to Pay Over Payroll Taxes carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Indictment: Kan. construction firm skipped payroll taxes

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teacher accused of alleged sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case Monday.

Shawn Wingfield, 48, was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In June, police in Wichita were alerted to a concerning text messages sent by 48-year-old Shawn Wingfield, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

USD 259 listed Wingfield as a gifted-6 teacher at Wichita Northwest High School. His linkdin profile said he also was involved with debate and forensics.

Further investigation into the text messages led police to arrest Wingfield on Saturday and he was booked&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County Jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">on requested</a> charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Wingfield wrote on social media," This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."

On Saturday Wingfield&nbsp; wrote on social media, "Time for me to check out for a while.  A little earlier than I had hoped.  See everyone, I hope, on the other side."

&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">He remains jailed on a $50,000 </a>bond, according to online jail records&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627295318183.png" alt="Wingfield-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wingfield-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teacher accused of alleged sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case Monday.Shawn Wingfield, 48, was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In June, police in Wichita were alerted to a concerning text messages sent by 48-year-old Shawn Wingfield, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;USD 259 listed Wingfield as a gifted-6 teacher at Wichita Northwest High School. His linkdin profile said he also was involved with debate and forensics.Further investigation into the text messages led police to arrest Wingfield on Saturday and he was booked&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County Jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">on requested</a> charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Wingfield wrote on social media," This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."On Saturday Wingfield&nbsp; wrote on social media, "Time for me to check out for a while. A little earlier than I had hoped. See everyone, I hope, on the other side."&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">He remains jailed on a $50,000 </a>bond, according to online jail records&nbsp;

Kan. teacher charged with sex crimes after text message investigation

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon after an early morning traffic stop.

Just after 2a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;a deputy conducted a traffic stop on white 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck at North Kansas Avenue and NE Fairchild Street for a broken taillight, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 As the officer approached the pickup truck, the driver later identified as 22-year-old Austin D. Reisinger  sped away, struck a curb and fled from the pickup on foot. 

Within minutes, deputies located Reisinger and took him into custody.&nbsp;During the investigation, deputies found a loaded firearm and drug paraphernalia inside the pickup truck.

Reisinger was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, flee and elude and multiple traffic offenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627419025194.png" alt="Reisinger photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reisinger photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon after an early morning traffic stop.Just after 2a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;a deputy conducted a traffic stop on white 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck at North Kansas Avenue and NE Fairchild Street for a broken taillight, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. As the officer approached the pickup truck, the driver later identified as 22-year-old Austin D. Reisinger sped away, struck a curb and fled from the pickup on foot. Within minutes, deputies located Reisinger and took him into custody.&nbsp;During the investigation, deputies found a loaded firearm and drug paraphernalia inside the pickup truck.Reisinger was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, flee and elude and multiple traffic offenses.

Kan. deputies find loaded firearm, drugs during traffic stop

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a John Deere Gator are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the cast.

The theft occurred just before 4 a.m. Tuesday from a residence&nbsp;in the 12000 Block of 166th Road in Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The landowner reported that he was notified by game cameras of trespassers on the property.

The land owner and deputies discovered another newer model John Deere Gator in a wooded area on the property.&nbsp; The Gator was taken from the 100 Block of East Central Street in Mayetta.&nbsp;

 At approximately 10:45 pm Monday evening, the owner’s game cameras alerted once again capturing a photo of a vehicle and a man wearing a tank top and glasses.&nbsp;

 If you have any information regarding the identity of the individual in this photo or those involved in the theft, please notify the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627416101330.png" alt="Trail camera images from Jackson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Trail camera images from Jackson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a John Deere Gator are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the cast.The theft occurred just before 4 a.m. Tuesday from a residence&nbsp;in the 12000 Block of 166th Road in Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The landowner reported that he was notified by game cameras of trespassers on the property.The land owner and deputies discovered another newer model John Deere Gator in a wooded area on the property.&nbsp; The Gator was taken from the 100 Block of East Central Street in Mayetta.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627416262503.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> At approximately 10:45 pm Monday evening, the owner’s game cameras alerted once again capturing a photo of a vehicle and a man wearing a tank top and glasses.&nbsp; If you have any information regarding the identity of the individual in this photo or those involved in the theft, please notify the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reward offered for capture of suspects in Kan. ATV thefts

<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/4732ad26ef9ce4dd580dd96c23c95fd4/missouri-works-boost-vaccinations-covid-19-worsens#">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH</a>

As COVID-19 hospitalizations climb, St. Louis is offering incentives for some city employees to get immunized, while thousands are registering for a statewide vaccine lottery.

St. Louis said in a news release Tuesday that nearly 6,000 of its workers will be eligible to receive $100 in gift cards and can use paid time off to get vaccinated. The announcement comes one day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-79959d313428d98ab8aa905bbe287ba0">mask mandate</a>&nbsp;took effect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f9b3da8c866cfffc617699b28caacb">in the city and St. Louis County.</a>

Missouri has the nation’s fourth-worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate over the past week, with one in every 360 people diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best way for St. Louisans to protect their families and greatly reduce their chance of ending up in the ICU, and we are using many different tools in our toolbox to encourage vaccination,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones in the release.

Statewide, COVID-19 hospitalization jumped by 168% from a low point of 628 of May 23 to 1,684 on Aug. 24, state data shows. But the jump was much sharper in sparsely vaccinated southwest Missouri, where the number of hospitalizations leapt by 443% and reached pandemic highs.

To help, the state rolled out a vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-c5cf37ca59327da018687038b5ec8870">incentive program&nbsp;</a>last week that includes $10,000 prizes for 900 lottery winners. About 250,000 people have registered so far, said health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.

Only 47.4% of Missourians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, compared with 56.8% nationally, state and federal data shows. The rate is far lower for younger residents, with just 26.5% of 12- to 14-year-olds and 36.5% of 15- to 24-year-olds getting at least one dose.

Hospital officials in Springfield have been begging on social media for people to get vaccinated.

Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Springfield, retweeted a message Monday night from a COVID-19 nurse who wrote that the situation was “getting worse" and that there was “no end in sight."

Rising cases also are putting a strain on contact tracers in St. Joseph in northwest Missouri, said Connie Werner, health department clinic coordinator. The vaccination rate in surrounding Buchanan County is just 22.3%.

“It’s not that the vaccine isn’t available, and it’s not that there’s not multiple opportunities and multiple times for people to get it, it’s just that they’re not going to get it,” Werner told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/coronavirus/health-department-struggling-to-keep-up-with-contact-tracing/article_8e033414-ee54-11eb-9d32-2f1cbda66db7.html">St. Joseph News-Press</a>. “It does take the community to have accountability as well, instead of us walking up to you and begging you to take it.”

<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/4732ad26ef9ce4dd580dd96c23c95fd4/missouri-works-boost-vaccinations-covid-19-worsens#">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH</a>As COVID-19 hospitalizations climb, St. Louis is offering incentives for some city employees to get immunized, while thousands are registering for a statewide vaccine lottery.St. Louis said in a news release Tuesday that nearly 6,000 of its workers will be eligible to receive $100 in gift cards and can use paid time off to get vaccinated. The announcement comes one day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-79959d313428d98ab8aa905bbe287ba0">mask mandate</a>&nbsp;took effect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f9b3da8c866cfffc617699b28caacb">in the city and St. Louis County.</a>Missouri has the nation’s fourth-worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate over the past week, with one in every 360 people diagnosed with COVID-19.“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best way for St. Louisans to protect their families and greatly reduce their chance of ending up in the ICU, and we are using many different tools in our toolbox to encourage vaccination,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones in the release.Statewide, COVID-19 hospitalization jumped by 168% from a low point of 628 of May 23 to 1,684 on Aug. 24, state data shows. But the jump was much sharper in sparsely vaccinated southwest Missouri, where the number of hospitalizations leapt by 443% and reached pandemic highs.To help, the state rolled out a vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-c5cf37ca59327da018687038b5ec8870">incentive program&nbsp;</a>last week that includes $10,000 prizes for 900 lottery winners. About 250,000 people have registered so far, said health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.Only 47.4% of Missourians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, compared with 56.8% nationally, state and federal data shows. The rate is far lower for younger residents, with just 26.5% of 12- to 14-year-olds and 36.5% of 15- to 24-year-olds getting at least one dose.Hospital officials in Springfield have been begging on social media for people to get vaccinated.Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Springfield, retweeted a message Monday night from a COVID-19 nurse who wrote that the situation was “getting worse" and that there was “no end in sight."Rising cases also are putting a strain on contact tracers in St. Joseph in northwest Missouri, said Connie Werner, health department clinic coordinator. The vaccination rate in surrounding Buchanan County is just 22.3%.“It’s not that the vaccine isn’t available, and it’s not that there’s not multiple opportunities and multiple times for people to get it, it’s just that they’re not going to get it,” Werner told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/coronavirus/health-department-struggling-to-keep-up-with-contact-tracing/article_8e033414-ee54-11eb-9d32-2f1cbda66db7.html">St. Joseph News-Press</a>. “It does take the community to have accountability as well, instead of us walking up to you and begging you to take it.”

Missouri among the nation's worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The fuel needle is moving closer to “empty” at some U.S. airports.

American Airlines says it’s running into fuel shortages at some smaller and mid-size airports, and in some cases the airline will add refueling stops or fly fuel into locations where the supply is tight.

The airline said that the shortages showed up first in the West, where they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-fires-environment-and-nature-29b3eb2572c64109ecce45258a93f78c">could affect efforts to fight wildfires.</a>&nbsp;They are now being reported in other parts of the country and will last through mid-August, according to a company memo to pilots on Monday. It asked pilots to conserve fuel by, for example, leaving one engine off while taxiing.

American said fuel supplies are being squeezed at “several” airports, which it didn’t name, mostly because of a shortage of tanker trucks or drivers.

Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, said Reno, Nevada, is the most affected location. Delta said pipelines have been devoting more space to gasoline and diesel and less to jet fuel during the pandemic. Nevada politicians worry that the situation could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-de990bb6053cab4b938d56bbd1186e10">limit the flow of tourism dollars</a>.

Southwest said the fuel situation hasn’t affected its flights, but it has added more fuel on some planes to limit the amount needed at airports with shortages.

Trade group Airlines for America said it is talking to federal authorities and pipeline operators about the situation, which it said mostly affects smaller airports in the West.

The jet fuel supply is being taxed by a strong recovery in travel, which means more planes in the air. U.S. air travel has reached about 80% of its pre-pandemic levels, with about 2 million people a day are flying in the U.S., double the number in early March.

The American Airlines memo to pilots was reported earlier by CNBC.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The fuel needle is moving closer to “empty” at some U.S. airports.American Airlines says it’s running into fuel shortages at some smaller and mid-size airports, and in some cases the airline will add refueling stops or fly fuel into locations where the supply is tight.The airline said that the shortages showed up first in the West, where they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-fires-environment-and-nature-29b3eb2572c64109ecce45258a93f78c">could affect efforts to fight wildfires.</a>&nbsp;They are now being reported in other parts of the country and will last through mid-August, according to a company memo to pilots on Monday. It asked pilots to conserve fuel by, for example, leaving one engine off while taxiing.American said fuel supplies are being squeezed at “several” airports, which it didn’t name, mostly because of a shortage of tanker trucks or drivers.Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, said Reno, Nevada, is the most affected location. Delta said pipelines have been devoting more space to gasoline and diesel and less to jet fuel during the pandemic. Nevada politicians worry that the situation could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-de990bb6053cab4b938d56bbd1186e10">limit the flow of tourism dollars</a>.Southwest said the fuel situation hasn’t affected its flights, but it has added more fuel on some planes to limit the amount needed at airports with shortages.Trade group Airlines for America said it is talking to federal authorities and pipeline operators about the situation, which it said mostly affects smaller airports in the West.The jet fuel supply is being taxed by a strong recovery in travel, which means more planes in the air. U.S. air travel has reached about 80% of its pre-pandemic levels, with about 2 million people a day are flying in the U.S., double the number in early March.The American Airlines memo to pilots was reported earlier by CNBC.

Airlines cite concerns about fuel shortages at some airports

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reversing course on some masking guidelines. The agency announced new recommendations Tuesday that even vaccinated people should return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging. 

Scientists cited new information about the ability of the delta variant to spread among vaccinated people. The CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. 

The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was expected to backpedal Tuesday on its masking guidelines and recommend that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging, a federal official said.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss details of the new policy. The CDC was expected to make an announcement later in the day.

The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South. The country is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

For much of the pandemic, the CDC advised Americans to wear masks outdoors if they were within 6 feet of one another.

Then in April, as vaccination rates rose sharply, the agency eased its guidelines on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying that fully vaccinated Americans no longer needed to cover their faces unless they were in a big crowd of strangers. In May, the guidance was eased further for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

The guidance still called for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it cleared the way for reopening workplaces and other venues.

Subsequent CDC guidance said fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks at summer camps or at schools, either.

For months COVID cases, deaths and hospitalizations were falling steadily, but those trends began to change at the beginning of the summer as a mutated and more transmissible version of the coronavirus, the delta variant, began to spread widely, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.

Some public health experts said they thought the earlier CDC decision was based on good science, which indicated that the risk of vaccinated people spreading the virus was relatively low and that the risk of them catching the virus and becoming extremely ill was even lower.

But those experts were also critical, noting that there was no call for Americans to document their vaccination status, which created an honor system. Unvaccinated people who did not want to wear masks in the first place saw it as an opportunity to do what they wanted, they said.

“If all the unvaccinated people were responsible and wore mask indoors, we would not be seeing this surge,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC disease investigator who now is dean of the University of Nebraska’s College of Public Health.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor at Georgetown University, drew a similar conclusion.

“It was completely foreseeable that when they (the CDC) made their announcement, masking would no longer be the norm, and that’s exactly what’s happened,” Gostin said.

The CDC may be seen as “flip-flopping,” he said, because there’s been no widely recognized change in the science, he said. Furthermore, it’s not likely to change the behavior of the people who most need to wear masks.

“I don’t think you can effectively walk that back,” he said.

Ken Thigpen, a retired respiratory therapist who now works for a medical device manufacturer, is fully vaccinated and stopped wearing his mask in public after the CDC changed its guidance in May. But he started to reconsider in the last week after his job took him to hospitals Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, where he witnessed medical centers getting inundated with COVID-19 patients.

“That delta variant is intense. It is so transmissible that we have to do something to tamp it down,” he said.

“I loved it when I could call the hospitals and they said, ‘We actually closed our COVID ward today or we are down to two COVID patients,’” he recalled. “And now we are opening the wards back up, and the numbers are going nuts.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reversing course on some masking guidelines. The agency announced new recommendations Tuesday that even vaccinated people should return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging. Scientists cited new information about the ability of the delta variant to spread among vaccinated people. The CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South.-----------KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was expected to backpedal Tuesday on its masking guidelines and recommend that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging, a federal official said.The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss details of the new policy. The CDC was expected to make an announcement later in the day.The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South. The country is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.For much of the pandemic, the CDC advised Americans to wear masks outdoors if they were within 6 feet of one another.Then in April, as vaccination rates rose sharply, the agency eased its guidelines on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying that fully vaccinated Americans no longer needed to cover their faces unless they were in a big crowd of strangers. In May, the guidance was eased further for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.The guidance still called for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it cleared the way for reopening workplaces and other venues.Subsequent CDC guidance said fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks at summer camps or at schools, either.For months COVID cases, deaths and hospitalizations were falling steadily, but those trends began to change at the beginning of the summer as a mutated and more transmissible version of the coronavirus, the delta variant, began to spread widely, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.Some public health experts said they thought the earlier CDC decision was based on good science, which indicated that the risk of vaccinated people spreading the virus was relatively low and that the risk of them catching the virus and becoming extremely ill was even lower.But those experts were also critical, noting that there was no call for Americans to document their vaccination status, which created an honor system. Unvaccinated people who did not want to wear masks in the first place saw it as an opportunity to do what they wanted, they said.“If all the unvaccinated people were responsible and wore mask indoors, we would not be seeing this surge,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC disease investigator who now is dean of the University of Nebraska’s College of Public Health.Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor at Georgetown University, drew a similar conclusion.“It was completely foreseeable that when they (the CDC) made their announcement, masking would no longer be the norm, and that’s exactly what’s happened,” Gostin said.The CDC may be seen as “flip-flopping,” he said, because there’s been no widely recognized change in the science, he said. Furthermore, it’s not likely to change the behavior of the people who most need to wear masks.“I don’t think you can effectively walk that back,” he said.Ken Thigpen, a retired respiratory therapist who now works for a medical device manufacturer, is fully vaccinated and stopped wearing his mask in public after the CDC changed its guidance in May. But he started to reconsider in the last week after his job took him to hospitals Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, where he witnessed medical centers getting inundated with COVID-19 patients.“That delta variant is intense. It is so transmissible that we have to do something to tamp it down,” he said.“I loved it when I could call the hospitals and they said, ‘We actually closed our COVID ward today or we are down to two COVID patients,’” he recalled. “And now we are opening the wards back up, and the numbers are going nuts.”

CDC now says vaccinated should wear masks

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are retiring Warpaint the horse, president Mark Donovan said Monday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-michael-brown-kansas-city-chiefs-01e201a0ef431bfef01d07cd50656a60">training camp</a>.

Warpaint is a two-time Pinto World Champion who galloped on the field at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before games and after the Chiefs scored a touchdown.

The pinto horse was originally ridden by a man in full Native American headdress. For years, a cheerleader has ridden Warpaint instead as the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-football-mo-state-wire-kansas-city-chiefs-7914d80f8e9a688ea076eb7e6aa621be">distance themselves from Native American imagery</a>.

Last season the Chiefs prohibited fans from wearing headdresses or war paint amid a push for more cultural sensitivity, and began pushing for a subtle change to the tomahawk chop celebration amid complaints that it’s racist. Cheerleaders used a closed fist instead of an open palm to signal the beating of a drum. The team typically has a celebrity or other guest of honor beat a large drum before the start of the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627402967711.png" alt="Warpaint participated in the Feb. 2020 Superbowl parade -photo courtesy KHBS" />
 <figcaption>Warpaint participated in the Feb. 2020 Superbowl parade -photo courtesy KHBS</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are retiring Warpaint the horse, president Mark Donovan said Monday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-michael-brown-kansas-city-chiefs-01e201a0ef431bfef01d07cd50656a60">training camp</a>.Warpaint is a two-time Pinto World Champion who galloped on the field at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before games and after the Chiefs scored a touchdown.The pinto horse was originally ridden by a man in full Native American headdress. For years, a cheerleader has ridden Warpaint instead as the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-football-mo-state-wire-kansas-city-chiefs-7914d80f8e9a688ea076eb7e6aa621be">distance themselves from Native American imagery</a>.Last season the Chiefs prohibited fans from wearing headdresses or war paint amid a push for more cultural sensitivity, and began pushing for a subtle change to the tomahawk chop celebration amid complaints that it’s racist. Cheerleaders used a closed fist instead of an open palm to signal the beating of a drum. The team typically has a celebrity or other guest of honor beat a large drum before the start of the game.

Pinto horse Warpaint retiring from Chiefs football games

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties was back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.

Kamden Campos, 22,&nbsp; is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.

The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted. Campos told the court that he is working on finding an attorney and did not ask for a reduction in his bond, which is set at $2,101,500.

Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and is recovering.

Campos' next court date is set for Aug. 4. If he does not have an attorney at that time, one could be appointed for him.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The man arrested in connection with the July 19, abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties will be back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.

Kamden Campos, 22, is facing several alternative counts of attempted first-degree murder and several alternative counts of aggravated kidnapping. All are level one person felonies, which could see Campos spend a significant amount of time in prison if he is convicted.

Campos is still being held on a $2,101,500 bond.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County on Monday made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Tuesday morning. The injured two-year-old had surgery and is recovering, according to the sheriff's department.

In a very short hearing, 22-year-old Kamden Campos answered two questions with one word answers and did not make any request for a reduction of his bond which is $2,101,500.

Campos is facing possible charges of four counts of attempted first degree murder, kidnapping and theft. Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her daughter in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she remained in critical condition, according to the Sheriff's office.

District Attorney Tom Stanton said he hopes to have formal charges filed by no later than Monday. Campos is due back in court Tuesday, July 27 unless charges are brought against him before then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627335322956.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties was back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.Kamden Campos, 22,&nbsp; is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted. Campos told the court that he is working on finding an attorney and did not ask for a reduction in his bond, which is set at $2,101,500.Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and is recovering.Campos' next court date is set for Aug. 4. If he does not have an attorney at that time, one could be appointed for him.--------HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The man arrested in connection with the July 19, abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties will be back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.Kamden Campos, 22, is facing several alternative counts of attempted first-degree murder and several alternative counts of aggravated kidnapping. All are level one person felonies, which could see Campos spend a significant amount of time in prison if he is convicted.Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and is recovering.Campos is still being held on a $2,101,500 bond.--------HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County on Monday made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Tuesday morning. The injured two-year-old had surgery and is recovering, according to the sheriff's department.In a very short hearing, 22-year-old Kamden Campos answered two questions with one word answers and did not make any request for a reduction of his bond which is $2,101,500.Campos is facing possible charges of four counts of attempted first degree murder, kidnapping and theft. Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her daughter in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she remained in critical condition, according to the Sheriff's office.District Attorney Tom Stanton said he hopes to have formal charges filed by no later than Monday. Campos is due back in court Tuesday, July 27 unless charges are brought against him before then.

Suspect charged in abduction, shooting of Kan. toddler 

WASHINGTON — Internal Revenue Service <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>
 partners today called on tax professionals to increase efforts to 
inform clients about the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program that can
 protect against tax-related identity theft.

The IRS, state tax agencies and the nation's tax industry – working 
together as the Security Summit &nbsp;– need assistance from tax 
professionals to spread the word to clients that the IP PIN is now 
available to anyone who can verify their identity.

Sharing information about the IP PIN Opt-In Program is the second in a
 five-part weekly series sponsored by the Summit partners to highlight 
critical steps tax professionals can take to protect client data. This 
year's theme "<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight&nbsp;Against Identity Theft</a>"
 is an effort to urge tax professionals to intensify efforts to secure 
their systems and protect client data during this pandemic and its 
aftermath.

"An Identity Protection PIN prevents someone else from filing a tax 
return using your Social Security number," said Chuck Rettig, IRS 
commissioner. "We've now made the IP PIN available to anyone who can 
verify their identity. This is a free way for taxpayers to protect 
themselves, but we need the help of tax professionals to make sure more 
people know about it."

The IRS created <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5367es.pdf">Publication 5367 (EN-SP), IP PIN Opt-In Program for Taxpayers,&nbsp;PDF</a>
 in English and Spanish, so that tax professionals could print and share
 the IP PIN information with clients. There are also special posters 
available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5477.pdf">English&nbsp;PDF</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5477sp.pdf">Spanish&nbsp;PDF</a>.

For security reasons, tax professionals cannot obtain an IP PIN on behalf of clients. Taxpayers must obtain their own IP PIN.

Summit partners urged taxpayers and tax professionals to protect the 
IP PIN from identity thieves. Taxpayers should share their IP PIN only 
with their trusted tax prep provider. Tax professionals should never 
store clients' IP PINs on computer systems. Also, the IRS will never 
call, email or text either taxpayers or tax preparers to request the IP 
PIN.

Tax professionals who experience a data theft can assist clients by 
urging them to quickly obtain an IP PIN. Even if a thief already has 
filed a fraudulent return, an IP PIN would still offer protections for 
later years and prevent taxpayers from being repeat victims of 
tax-related identity theft.

Here are a few things taxpayers should know about the IP PIN:

Currently, taxpayers may obtain an IP PIN for 2021, which should
 be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year. New IP 
PINs will be available starting in January 2022.

To obtain an IP PIN, the best option is the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Get an IP PIN</a>,
 the IRS online tool. Taxpayers must validate their identities through 
Secure Access authentication to access the tool and their IP PIN. Before
 attempting this rigorous process, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/secure-access-how-to-register-for-certain-online-self-help-tools">Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools</a>. The tool is offline between November and January.

If you are unable to validate your identity online and if your income is $72,000 or less, you may file&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15227.pdf">Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number&nbsp;PDF</a>.
 The IRS will call the telephone number provided on Form 15227 to 
validate your identity. However, for security reasons, the IRS will 
assign an IP PIN for&nbsp;the next filing season. The IP PIN cannot be used for the current filing season.

Taxpayers who cannot validate their identities online, or on the 
phone with an IRS employee after submitting a Form 15227, or who are 
ineligible to file a Form 15227 may call the IRS to make an appointment 
at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. They will need to bring one picture 
identification document and another identification document to prove 
their identity. Once verified, the taxpayer will receive an IP PIN via 
U.S. Postal Service within three weeks.

The IP PIN process for confirmed victims of identity theft remains 
unchanged. These victims will automatically receive an IP PIN each year.

Tax professionals also can get help with security recommendations by reviewing the recently revised IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4557.pdf">Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data&nbsp;PDF</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2016/NIST.IR.7621r1.pdf">Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals&nbsp;PDF</a>&nbsp;by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">Identity Theft Central</a> pages for tax pros, individuals and businesses have important details as well.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5293.pdf">Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov. 
Also, tax professionals should stay connected to the IRS through 
subscriptions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/join-e-news-for-tax-professionals">e-News for Tax Professionals</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-new-media-1">Social Media</a>.

For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight&nbsp;Against Identity Theft</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — Internal Revenue Service <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>
 partners today called on tax professionals to increase efforts to 
inform clients about the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program that can
 protect against tax-related identity theft.The IRS, state tax agencies and the nation's tax industry – working 
together as the Security Summit &nbsp;– need assistance from tax 
professionals to spread the word to clients that the IP PIN is now 
available to anyone who can verify their identity.Sharing information about the IP PIN Opt-In Program is the second in a
 five-part weekly series sponsored by the Summit partners to highlight 
critical steps tax professionals can take to protect client data. This 
year's theme "<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight&nbsp;Against Identity Theft</a>"
 is an effort to urge tax professionals to intensify efforts to secure 
their systems and protect client data during this pandemic and its 
aftermath."An Identity Protection PIN prevents someone else from filing a tax 
return using your Social Security number," said Chuck Rettig, IRS 
commissioner. "We've now made the IP PIN available to anyone who can 
verify their identity. This is a free way for taxpayers to protect 
themselves, but we need the help of tax professionals to make sure more 
people know about it."The IRS created <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5367es.pdf">Publication 5367 (EN-SP), IP PIN Opt-In Program for Taxpayers,&nbsp;PDF</a>
 in English and Spanish, so that tax professionals could print and share
 the IP PIN information with clients. There are also special posters 
available in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5477.pdf">English&nbsp;PDF</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5477sp.pdf">Spanish&nbsp;PDF</a>.For security reasons, tax professionals cannot obtain an IP PIN on behalf of clients. Taxpayers must obtain their own IP PIN.Summit partners urged taxpayers and tax professionals to protect the 
IP PIN from identity thieves. Taxpayers should share their IP PIN only 
with their trusted tax prep provider. Tax professionals should never 
store clients' IP PINs on computer systems. Also, the IRS will never 
call, email or text either taxpayers or tax preparers to request the IP 
PIN.Tax professionals who experience a data theft can assist clients by 
urging them to quickly obtain an IP PIN. Even if a thief already has 
filed a fraudulent return, an IP PIN would still offer protections for 
later years and prevent taxpayers from being repeat victims of 
tax-related identity theft.<h2>Here are a few things taxpayers should know about the IP PIN:</h2><ul>
 <li>It's a six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS.</li><li>The opt-in program is voluntary.</li><li>The IP PIN should be entered onto the electronic tax return when 
prompted by the software product or onto a paper return next to the 
signature line.</li><li>The IP PIN is valid for one calendar year; taxpayers must obtain a new IP PIN each year.</li><li>Only dependents who can verify their identities may obtain an IP PIN.</li><li>IP PIN users should never share their number with anyone but the 
IRS and their trusted tax preparation provider. The IRS will never call,
 email or text a request for the IP PIN.</li>
 </ul>Currently, taxpayers may obtain an IP PIN for 2021, which should
 be used when filing any federal tax returns during the year. New IP 
PINs will be available starting in January 2022.To obtain an IP PIN, the best option is the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin">Get an IP PIN</a>,
 the IRS online tool. Taxpayers must validate their identities through 
Secure Access authentication to access the tool and their IP PIN. Before
 attempting this rigorous process, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/secure-access-how-to-register-for-certain-online-self-help-tools">Secure Access: How to Register for Certain Online Self-Help Tools</a>. The tool is offline between November and January.If you are unable to validate your identity online and if your income is $72,000 or less, you may file&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15227.pdf">Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number&nbsp;PDF</a>.
 The IRS will call the telephone number provided on Form 15227 to 
validate your identity. However, for security reasons, the IRS will 
assign an IP PIN for&nbsp;the next filing season. The IP PIN cannot be used for the current filing season.Taxpayers who cannot validate their identities online, or on the 
phone with an IRS employee after submitting a Form 15227, or who are 
ineligible to file a Form 15227 may call the IRS to make an appointment 
at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. They will need to bring one picture 
identification document and another identification document to prove 
their identity. Once verified, the taxpayer will receive an IP PIN via 
U.S. Postal Service within three weeks.The IP PIN process for confirmed victims of identity theft remains 
unchanged. These victims will automatically receive an IP PIN each year.<h2>Additional resources</h2>Tax professionals also can get help with security recommendations by reviewing the recently revised IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4557.pdf">Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data&nbsp;PDF</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2016/NIST.IR.7621r1.pdf">Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals&nbsp;PDF</a>&nbsp;by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">Identity Theft Central</a> pages for tax pros, individuals and businesses have important details as well.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5293.pdf">Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals&nbsp;PDF</a>,
 provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov. 
Also, tax professionals should stay connected to the IRS through 
subscriptions to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/join-e-news-for-tax-professionals">e-News for Tax Professionals</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-new-media-1">Social Media</a>.For more information, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/boost-security-immunity-fight-against-identity-theft">Boost Security Immunity: Fight&nbsp;Against Identity Theft</a>.

IRS: IP PINS will protect against tax-related identity theft

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States will keep existing COVID-19 travel restrictions on international travel in place for now due to concerns about the surging infection rate because of the delta variant, according to a White House official.

President Joe Biden earlier this month said that his administration was “in the process” of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.

The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said while the administration understands the importance of international travel, cases are rising in the U.S. — particularly among those who are unvaccinated and will likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans against travel to the United Kingdom this past Monday given a surge in cases there.

Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Airlines say, however, that the lack of two-way travel is limiting the number of flights they can offer and seats they can sell.

But the rise and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Europe, especially the delta mutation that is also spreading throughout the U.S., has caused the Biden administration to tread slowly about increasing transatlantic travel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618925544398.png" alt="Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>By AAMER MADHANI, Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — The United States will keep existing COVID-19 travel restrictions on international travel in place for now due to concerns about the surging infection rate because of the delta variant, according to a White House official.President Joe Biden earlier this month said that his administration was “in the process” of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said while the administration understands the importance of international travel, cases are rising in the U.S. — particularly among those who are unvaccinated and will likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised Americans against travel to the United Kingdom this past Monday given a surge in cases there.Most of continental Europe has relaxed restrictions on Americans who are fully vaccinated, although the United Kingdom still requires quarantines for most visitors arriving from the U.S. Airlines say, however, that the lack of two-way travel is limiting the number of flights they can offer and seats they can sell.But the rise and prevalence of COVID-19 variants in Europe, especially the delta mutation that is also spreading throughout the U.S., has caused the Biden administration to tread slowly about increasing transatlantic travel.

With virus surge, US to keep travel restrictions

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Civil rights groups on Monday called for a federal investigation of Kansas City, Missouri, police, saying they have a pattern of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-police-kansas-police-reform-082adcdbc64ec1cb92d284e376930e86">using excessive force, particularly against Black men.</a>

The Urban Council, a consortium of groups including the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, asked the U.S. Department of Justice to step in.

Civil rights leaders also criticized the mostly governor-appointed Board of Police Commissioners, which makes Kansas City one of few major metropolitan hubs in the U.S. without full local police control.

“There exists a lack of accountability on the part of KCPD and no opportunity for redress because we do not have local control," Kansas City Urban League President and CEO Gwen Grant said in a statement. "Therefore, our only recourse of action is to come together to seek a DOJ investigation into the KCPD.”

A Kansas City police spokesman issued a statement saying the agency is already working with the Justice Department to report possible civil rights violations or excessive force under a 2015 memorandum of understanding.

“We have mechanisms in place to ensure that members can report any incident of discrimination or racism anonymously,” spokesman Sgt. Jake Becchina said in an email. “We take every incident of reported racism very seriously and investigate fully whether it involves department members or the members of the community.”

The county prosecutor also supports a Justice Department investigation.

“Kansas City’s police department suffers from many problems identified in cities now in turmoil about their police force,” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker wrote to the federal agency. “It has no accountability to our community; it has lost the community’s confidence that excessive force will be rooted out and stopped; and the harm from all of this falls in greatest portion on the city’s minority community.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Civil rights groups on Monday called for a federal investigation of Kansas City, Missouri, police, saying they have a pattern of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-police-kansas-police-reform-082adcdbc64ec1cb92d284e376930e86">using excessive force, particularly against Black men.</a>The Urban Council, a consortium of groups including the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, asked the U.S. Department of Justice to step in.Civil rights leaders also criticized the mostly governor-appointed Board of Police Commissioners, which makes Kansas City one of few major metropolitan hubs in the U.S. without full local police control.“There exists a lack of accountability on the part of KCPD and no opportunity for redress because we do not have local control," Kansas City Urban League President and CEO Gwen Grant said in a statement. "Therefore, our only recourse of action is to come together to seek a DOJ investigation into the KCPD.”A Kansas City police spokesman issued a statement saying the agency is already working with the Justice Department to report possible civil rights violations or excessive force under a 2015 memorandum of understanding.“We have mechanisms in place to ensure that members can report any incident of discrimination or racism anonymously,” spokesman Sgt. Jake Becchina said in an email. “We take every incident of reported racism very seriously and investigate fully whether it involves department members or the members of the community.”The county prosecutor also supports a Justice Department investigation.“Kansas City’s police department suffers from many problems identified in cities now in turmoil about their police force,” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker wrote to the federal agency. “It has no accountability to our community; it has lost the community’s confidence that excessive force will be rooted out and stopped; and the harm from all of this falls in greatest portion on the city’s minority community.”

Civil rights groups seek U.S. probe of Kansas City police

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City summer camp has been shut down after eight COVID-19 cases were reported, and hospitals were raising alarms about a rise in infected patients.

The camp, which was put on by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, was held at Clear Creek Elementary School in Shawnee. The county health department said masks were only recommended, not required, and many children didn’t wear them.

The health department is working with the camp to isolate or quarantine those who are affected, director Sanmi Areola said Monday.

Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures like that since February, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/KCUR%20https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week" target="_blank">reports</a>.

“It is scary,” said deputy state health officer Joan Duwve.

In the Wichita area, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46 on the past three Mondays.

Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”

At the University Kansas Hospital, 56 are hospitalized with COVID-19, nine of them on ventilators, said Dr. Nathan Bahr, an infectious disease specialist, during a Monday briefing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627330255031.png" alt="The camp, which was put on by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, was held at Clear Creek Elementary School in Shawnee.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The camp, which was put on by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, was held at Clear Creek Elementary School in Shawnee.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City summer camp has been shut down after eight COVID-19 cases were reported, and hospitals were raising alarms about a rise in infected patients.The camp, which was put on by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, was held at Clear Creek Elementary School in Shawnee. The county health department said masks were only recommended, not required, and many children didn’t wear them.The health department is working with the camp to isolate or quarantine those who are affected, director Sanmi Areola said Monday.Kansas confirmed nearly 4,000 new cases last week and daily inpatient numbers have climbed back to nearly 400. The state hasn’t seen figures like that since February, KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/KCUR%20https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week" target="_blank">reports</a>.“It is scary,” said deputy state health officer Joan Duwve.In the Wichita area, Ascension Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita went from 13 patients to 20 to 46 on the past three Mondays.Dr. Sam Antonios, Via Christi’s chief clinical officer, described the health system’s staff as “disheartened.”At the University Kansas Hospital, 56 are hospitalized with COVID-19, nine of them on ventilators, said Dr. Nathan Bahr, an infectious disease specialist, during a Monday briefing.“Lots of sick people,” he lamented.

COVID outbreak: Kansas summer camp shut down 

MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo —All three escapees are in custody, according to the McDonald County. Authorities found them in&nbsp; in Noel, Missouri and there were no injuries during the arrest.

MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo.— Authorities continue searching for three men who escaped from a jail in southwest Missouri after allegedly attacking an officer, according to the McDonald County Sheriff's Department in Pineville, Missouri.

&nbsp;David Molina, 49; Carmelo Miguel Burgos, 27; and Shun’tavion Ladarrias Thomas, 23; escaped from the jail around 5 p.m. Saturday. Pineville is about 190 miles south of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627294451828.png" alt="Shun’tavion Ladarrias Thomas 23 year old Black male last seen wearing white pants and white shirt." />
 <figcaption>Shun’tavion Ladarrias Thomas 23 year old Black male last seen wearing white pants and white shirt.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo —All three escapees are in custody, according to the McDonald County. Authorities found them in&nbsp; in Noel, Missouri and there were no injuries during the arrest.------------MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo.— Authorities continue searching for three men who escaped from a jail in southwest Missouri after allegedly attacking an officer, according to the McDonald County Sheriff's Department in Pineville, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627294480232.png" alt="David Molina 49 year old Hispanic male last seen wearing orange &amp; white stripe pants and white shirt." />
 <figcaption>David Molina 49 year old Hispanic male last seen wearing orange &amp; white stripe pants and white shirt.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;David Molina, 49; Carmelo Miguel Burgos, 27; and Shun’tavion Ladarrias Thomas, 23; escaped from the jail around 5 p.m. Saturday. Pineville is about 190 miles south of Kansas City.All three men had been jailed on suspicion of violent crimes, and the sheriff's office said all three of them should be considered armed and dangerous.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627294532289.png" alt="Carmelo Miguel Burgos 27 year old Hispanic male last seen wearing orange &amp; white stripe pants and no shirt." />
 <figcaption>Carmelo Miguel Burgos 27 year old Hispanic male last seen wearing orange &amp; white stripe pants and no shirt.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Do not attempt to apprehend,” Capt. Chris Allison wrote in a post on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page.Authorities continued to search for the suspects early Monday and officials urged people in the area to lock their homes and vehicles.