TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas plans to start using 3D printers to manufacture its own swabs to test for the novel coronavirus as officials look to improve the state’s near-bottom national rank in testing before lifting a stay-at-home order.

Gov. Laura Kelly and her top public health administrator, Dr. Lee Norman, have complained for weeks that Kansas isn’t a priority for testing supplies and personal protective equipment from the federal government or even private vendors, making it difficult to get them. 

The state’s struggles have continued with the Democratic governor under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">increasing pressure</a>&nbsp;from the Republican-controlled Legislature to lift restrictions hindering economic activity, with her stay-at-home order set to remain in place until May 3.

But Kelly said Friday that testing people both with and without symptoms is key. Norman said the state might not be able to loosen restrictions until later in May, a couple of weeks after the Kansas outbreak’s expected late-April peak. Kelly’s stay-at-home order took effect March 30 and is set to stay in place until May 3.

“Our ability to test and contact trace must be much more robust before we can safely proceed to open,” Kelly said during her daily coronavirus news conference at the Statehouse.

Kansas as of Friday had reported testing about 17,000 of its 2.9 million residents for coronavirus, or 5.8 for every 1,000 residents, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://covidtracking.com/" target="_blank">The COVID Tracking Project,</a>&nbsp;a website managed by journalists and analysts, with The Associated Press among the contributors to the data. That rate is the second-lowest among states, just behind Virginia’s 5.75 per 1,000 residents and a little more than half of the national figure of 10.82 per 1,000 citizens.

Testing generally has been limited to people who are showing coronavirus symptoms, though it has expanded in a handful of the state’s 105 counties, including the biggest hotspots in the Kansas City area.

Dr. Beth Oller, a family-practice physician in Stockton, said it’s “ridiculous” that in her area of northwest Kansas, testing still isn’t recommended for people who know they’ve had close contact with an infected person but aren’t yet showing symptoms.

“It’s frustrating, but it’s the way it is right now,” she said. “There are still not enough tests.”

Norman said earlier this week that the state had spent “a lot of money” on testing supplies, though the health department didn’t specify the amount, and was awaiting on some shipments of supplies.

He also said the state expects to use 3D printers next week to start manufacturing 1,000 testing swabs a week. The state would like to do another 15,500 tests on people not showing symptoms to determine how prevalent coronavirus infections are in the general population, he said.

The state Department of Health and Environment, led by Norman, reported Friday that Kansas had 1,705 confirmed coronavirus cases in 66 of its 105 counties. That was an increase of 117, or 7.4% from Thursday, with cases in three additional counties.

COVID-19-related deaths also rose 5%, up four to 84, according to the department.

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

Despite its low testing rate, Kansas’ rate of COVID-19 deaths is in the middle of the pack among states, 2.89 for every 100,000 residents as of Friday, ranking 26th, and against a national figure of 9.89.

“Always, we’re working on, what’s the pinch point, in terms of a our supply chain? Norman said Friday. “I really think that the floodgates will open up and be allowing much more broad testing within the next week.”

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, eager to get the economy moving again,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1251186839983132673" target="_blank">tweeted</a>&nbsp;Friday, “The States have to step up their TESTING!”

“Well, we know that,” Kelly said when asked about the tweet. “We’ve known that for a long time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587156578878.png" alt="Drive up testing in Johnson County -photo Johnson Co. Health Department" />
 <figcaption>Drive up testing in Johnson County -photo Johnson Co. Health Department</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas plans to start using 3D printers to manufacture its own swabs to test for the novel coronavirus as officials look to improve the state’s near-bottom national rank in testing before lifting a stay-at-home order.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587176759937.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman listens to a question during Friday's news conference" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman listens to a question during Friday's news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Laura Kelly and her top public health administrator, Dr. Lee Norman, have complained for weeks that Kansas isn’t a priority for testing supplies and personal protective equipment from the federal government or even private vendors, making it difficult to get them. The state’s struggles have continued with the Democratic governor under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">increasing pressure</a>&nbsp;from the Republican-controlled Legislature to lift restrictions hindering economic activity, with her stay-at-home order set to remain in place until May 3.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587150220230.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly answers questions during Friday's news conference" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly answers questions during Friday's news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>But Kelly said Friday that testing people both with and without symptoms is key. Norman said the state might not be able to loosen restrictions until later in May, a couple of weeks after the Kansas outbreak’s expected late-April peak. Kelly’s stay-at-home order took effect March 30 and is set to stay in place until May 3.“Our ability to test and contact trace must be much more robust before we can safely proceed to open,” Kelly said during her daily coronavirus news conference at the Statehouse.Kansas as of Friday had reported testing about 17,000 of its 2.9 million residents for coronavirus, or 5.8 for every 1,000 residents, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://covidtracking.com/" target="_blank">The COVID Tracking Project,</a>&nbsp;a website managed by journalists and analysts, with The Associated Press among the contributors to the data. That rate is the second-lowest among states, just behind Virginia’s 5.75 per 1,000 residents and a little more than half of the national figure of 10.82 per 1,000 citizens.Testing generally has been limited to people who are showing coronavirus symptoms, though it has expanded in a handful of the state’s 105 counties, including the biggest hotspots in the Kansas City area.Dr. Beth Oller, a family-practice physician in Stockton, said it’s “ridiculous” that in her area of northwest Kansas, testing still isn’t recommended for people who know they’ve had close contact with an infected person but aren’t yet showing symptoms.“It’s frustrating, but it’s the way it is right now,” she said. “There are still not enough tests.”Norman said earlier this week that the state had spent “a lot of money” on testing supplies, though the health department didn’t specify the amount, and was awaiting on some shipments of supplies.He also said the state expects to use 3D printers next week to start manufacturing 1,000 testing swabs a week. The state would like to do another 15,500 tests on people not showing symptoms to determine how prevalent coronavirus infections are in the general population, he said.The state Department of Health and Environment, led by Norman, reported Friday that Kansas had 1,705 confirmed coronavirus cases in 66 of its 105 counties. That was an increase of 117, or 7.4% from Thursday, with cases in three additional counties.COVID-19-related deaths also rose 5%, up four to 84, according to the department.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.Despite its low testing rate, Kansas’ rate of COVID-19 deaths is in the middle of the pack among states, 2.89 for every 100,000 residents as of Friday, ranking 26th, and against a national figure of 9.89.“Always, we’re working on, what’s the pinch point, in terms of a our supply chain? Norman said Friday. “I really think that the floodgates will open up and be allowing much more broad testing within the next week.”Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, eager to get the economy moving again,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1251186839983132673" target="_blank">tweeted</a>&nbsp;Friday, “The States have to step up their TESTING!”“Well, we know that,” Kelly said when asked about the tweet. “We’ve known that for a long time.”___

Kansas lags in COVID-19 testing, clouding state's reopening

Proving the two certainties in life, death and taxes,&nbsp;Peggy Gayle Frank&nbsp;passed away peacefully in her bed, surrounded by love, on April 15, 2020. After three years of wagering a much stronger battle than pancreatic cancer had bargained for, her Lord and Savior decided it was time for her to come home.

She leaves behind a wonderful family and kitchen full of memories, cookbooks, and seemingly hundreds of other assorted utensils. Her family is now left to figure out their use. Luckily, she handed down her passion and skill set in the kitchen to her daughter, who now by default becomes responsible for the utensil inventory and disbursement.

In August of 1956 she was born the daughter of Gale (deceased) and Esther (Poppe) Doner in Salina, KS. Throughout her 63 wonderful years she touched countless lives. Every person she interacted with felt as though they were, at that moment in time, the most important thing in the world. Her charm, charisma, and kindness were infectious. Many described this amazing wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, and Gigi as “a bright light,” “a sparkle,” and “special.”

Growing up in both Salina and Wichita with her siblings, Greg and Phyllis who both sorely miss and survive her, she learned to love both communities. On February 9, 1974, her travels brought her back to Salina, and in the pre-pandemic days when bars were open, made an appearance at The Pub on Broadway with her best friend at the time. That night a young man full of machismo and a need of refinement made a lasting impression on Peggy. So much so that when he sent her a Valentine’s Day card the following week, she had to ask her friend “Who the hell is Joe Frank?”

May 1, 2020 would have marked 44 generally magnificent years of marriage for Joe and Peggy. Her husband was her best friend, rock, and advocate, none more so than the past three years. He misses her more than words can describe.

In their prime Joe and Peggy loved to travel, especially to beach destinations. Happiness for Peggy was simply sitting by a pool or beach, with a book or magazine in one hand and a drink in the other, alongside friends and/or family.

Some say the smartest thing Peggy and Joe ever did was have children. Andy and Nicole Frank, Jeff and Kit Frank, and Rebecca (Frank) and Matt Nykiel wish every day she remained a text or phone call away as she had been their entire lives. They provided seven terrific grandkids that absolutely adored the lady they called Gigi.

Ainsley, Josephine (Joey, and Emmylou; Waylon, Boone, and their soon-to-be brother; and Cooper &amp; Tucker were the pride of Gigi’s life. She could not wait to be a Gigi and once given the opportunity she was the best. The absolute best. Able to reach her grandkids on every level possible, she loved nothing more than baking cookies, going shopping, or reading a book with her grandkids. It was impossible to tell who enjoyed the moments more, Gigi or the grandkids.

While being a homemaker and putting family first, she also found time and joy in being a part of two elite sisterhoods: her local PEO chapter and the HMB’s, a group of elite shopping and traveling assassins. Both groups provided her great joy, on wildly different levels.

Peggy was always quick to help when asked, or when she saw the need for support. Her selflessness was natural and genuine, invariably putting those around her first. This characteristic was evident in her involvement at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, lending advice on home decorating, comforting those in times of need, or being ever available to simply listen.

She possessed a powerful, unwavering faith that stood as a testament to how she lived. She embraced the belief that life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences, rather God’s plan for everyone. Through this belief she inspired those around her and made them better people, never seeking praise nor recognition, only humbly asking they continue to love and encourage each other in their daily lives.

Peggy will be greatly missed by many but never, ever forgotten. Her husband and children continue to make it their mission to instill every bit of Gigi in her grandchildren and the world around them.

A celebration of life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or PEO Chapter BW, care of Ryan Mortuary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587247579905.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Proving the two certainties in life, death and taxes,&nbsp;Peggy Gayle Frank&nbsp;passed away peacefully in her bed, surrounded by love, on April 15, 2020. After three years of wagering a much stronger battle than pancreatic cancer had bargained for, her Lord and Savior decided it was time for her to come home.She leaves behind a wonderful family and kitchen full of memories, cookbooks, and seemingly hundreds of other assorted utensils. Her family is now left to figure out their use. Luckily, she handed down her passion and skill set in the kitchen to her daughter, who now by default becomes responsible for the utensil inventory and disbursement.In August of 1956 she was born the daughter of Gale (deceased) and Esther (Poppe) Doner in Salina, KS. Throughout her 63 wonderful years she touched countless lives. Every person she interacted with felt as though they were, at that moment in time, the most important thing in the world. Her charm, charisma, and kindness were infectious. Many described this amazing wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, and Gigi as “a bright light,” “a sparkle,” and “special.”Growing up in both Salina and Wichita with her siblings, Greg and Phyllis who both sorely miss and survive her, she learned to love both communities. On February 9, 1974, her travels brought her back to Salina, and in the pre-pandemic days when bars were open, made an appearance at The Pub on Broadway with her best friend at the time. That night a young man full of machismo and a need of refinement made a lasting impression on Peggy. So much so that when he sent her a Valentine’s Day card the following week, she had to ask her friend “Who the hell is Joe Frank?”May 1, 2020 would have marked 44 generally magnificent years of marriage for Joe and Peggy. Her husband was her best friend, rock, and advocate, none more so than the past three years. He misses her more than words can describe.In their prime Joe and Peggy loved to travel, especially to beach destinations. Happiness for Peggy was simply sitting by a pool or beach, with a book or magazine in one hand and a drink in the other, alongside friends and/or family.Some say the smartest thing Peggy and Joe ever did was have children. Andy and Nicole Frank, Jeff and Kit Frank, and Rebecca (Frank) and Matt Nykiel wish every day she remained a text or phone call away as she had been their entire lives. They provided seven terrific grandkids that absolutely adored the lady they called Gigi.Ainsley, Josephine (Joey, and Emmylou; Waylon, Boone, and their soon-to-be brother; and Cooper &amp; Tucker were the pride of Gigi’s life. She could not wait to be a Gigi and once given the opportunity she was the best. The absolute best. Able to reach her grandkids on every level possible, she loved nothing more than baking cookies, going shopping, or reading a book with her grandkids. It was impossible to tell who enjoyed the moments more, Gigi or the grandkids.While being a homemaker and putting family first, she also found time and joy in being a part of two elite sisterhoods: her local PEO chapter and the HMB’s, a group of elite shopping and traveling assassins. Both groups provided her great joy, on wildly different levels.Peggy was always quick to help when asked, or when she saw the need for support. Her selflessness was natural and genuine, invariably putting those around her first. This characteristic was evident in her involvement at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, lending advice on home decorating, comforting those in times of need, or being ever available to simply listen.She possessed a powerful, unwavering faith that stood as a testament to how she lived. She embraced the belief that life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences, rather God’s plan for everyone. Through this belief she inspired those around her and made them better people, never seeking praise nor recognition, only humbly asking they continue to love and encourage each other in their daily lives.Peggy will be greatly missed by many but never, ever forgotten. Her husband and children continue to make it their mission to instill every bit of Gigi in her grandchildren and the world around them.A celebration of life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or PEO Chapter BW, care of Ryan Mortuary.

Peggy Gayle Frank

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas churches and their pastors filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Gov. Laura Kelly over&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20-18-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">an order</a>&nbsp;banning religious gatherings with more than 10 people to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, arguing that the directive violates their religious and free-speech rights.

<a href="https://apdocs.inside.ap.org/documents/150874-churches-lawsuit-04-16-20.html" target="_blank">The lawsuit</a>&nbsp;comes eight days after top Republican legislative leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/79490ae7c241fab1301bd66e87afd224">attempted to revoke</a>&nbsp;Kelly’s order themselves, only to see the Democratic governor thwart their efforts by contesting their action before the Kansas Supreme Court. The state’s highest court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9cc005f93f1daa0edd5fcfbc581351e5">let her order stand</a>&nbsp;on technical grounds, without deciding whether it violated freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. or Kansas constitutions.

The lawsuit also comes with Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature pressuring Kelly to outline a plan for lifting a separate stay-at-home order for all 2.9 million Kansas residents to help the economy recover.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for Kansas also alleges that Kelly’s order violates the churches and pastors’ right to assembly, guaranteed along with religious and free-speech rights by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It also contends that it violates a state law meant to protect religious freedom.

The lawsuit was filed by First Baptist Church in Dodge City and Pastor Stephen Ormond and Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City and Pastor Aaron Harris. The lawsuit said both churches held indoor services Sunday with 20 or more members of the congregation present, celebrating Easter, often the busiest day of the year for Christian churches.

“The State does not have a compelling reason for prohibiting church services where congregants can otherwise practice adequate social distancing protocol,” the lawsuit said.

Both churches had congregation members sit 6 feet apart, in line with public health recommendations on social distancing and took numerous other steps, such as not using collection plates, the lawsuit said.

Kelly spokeswoman Dena Sattler said the governor’s office is reviewing the lawsuit but added, “This is not about restricting religion, it is about keeping people safe and saving Kansans’ lives.”

The number of coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related deaths are still rising in Kansas. The state reported 1,588 cases as of Thursday, with 80 deaths.

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

Kelly’s statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">stay-at-home order&nbsp;</a>took effect March 30 and is set to remain in effect until May 3. It exempts “essential” activities such as buying groceries and obtaining medical care.

The lawsuit argues that Kelly’s order limiting church gatherings to 10 or fewer members of a congregation discriminates against and “shows hostility” toward churches when many secular businesses still can operate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586807038792.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly listens to questions during a press conference Monday in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly listens to questions during a press conference Monday in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas churches and their pastors filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Gov. Laura Kelly over&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20-18-Executed.pdf" target="_blank">an order</a>&nbsp;banning religious gatherings with more than 10 people to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, arguing that the directive violates their religious and free-speech rights.<a href="https://apdocs.inside.ap.org/documents/150874-churches-lawsuit-04-16-20.html" target="_blank">The lawsuit</a>&nbsp;comes eight days after top Republican legislative leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/79490ae7c241fab1301bd66e87afd224">attempted to revoke</a>&nbsp;Kelly’s order themselves, only to see the Democratic governor thwart their efforts by contesting their action before the Kansas Supreme Court. The state’s highest court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9cc005f93f1daa0edd5fcfbc581351e5">let her order stand</a>&nbsp;on technical grounds, without deciding whether it violated freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. or Kansas constitutions.The lawsuit also comes with Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature pressuring Kelly to outline a plan for lifting a separate stay-at-home order for all 2.9 million Kansas residents to help the economy recover.The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for Kansas also alleges that Kelly’s order violates the churches and pastors’ right to assembly, guaranteed along with religious and free-speech rights by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It also contends that it violates a state law meant to protect religious freedom.The lawsuit was filed by First Baptist Church in Dodge City and Pastor Stephen Ormond and Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City and Pastor Aaron Harris. The lawsuit said both churches held indoor services Sunday with 20 or more members of the congregation present, celebrating Easter, often the busiest day of the year for Christian churches.“The State does not have a compelling reason for prohibiting church services where congregants can otherwise practice adequate social distancing protocol,” the lawsuit said.Both churches had congregation members sit 6 feet apart, in line with public health recommendations on social distancing and took numerous other steps, such as not using collection plates, the lawsuit said.Kelly spokeswoman Dena Sattler said the governor’s office is reviewing the lawsuit but added, “This is not about restricting religion, it is about keeping people safe and saving Kansans’ lives.”The number of coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related deaths are still rising in Kansas. The state reported 1,588 cases as of Thursday, with 80 deaths.For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.Kelly’s statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dbec40f995b83b9a88cfe56cd1149708">stay-at-home order&nbsp;</a>took effect March 30 and is set to remain in effect until May 3. It exempts “essential” activities such as buying groceries and obtaining medical care.The lawsuit argues that Kelly’s order limiting church gatherings to 10 or fewer members of a congregation discriminates against and “shows hostility” toward churches when many secular businesses still can operate.___

Kansas governor sued over order limiting religious services

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Emergency medical workers in Kansas have written to Gov. Laura Kelly saying they lack adequate protective gear and that their workers compensation doesn’t cover them if they become infected with the coronavirus or need to be quarantined.

The Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association said in a letter sent last week that EMS providers are very concerned that they will be “severely financially impacted” if they are exposed to the virus. Some are volunteers, while others are part-time workers. The advocacy group sent the letter to journalists this week.

It asked Kelly to issue an executive order to cover lost wages and the cost of health care for workers on the front line who fall ill or must be quarantined.

“Kansas workers compensation does not cover communicable disease infections even though EMS and other healthcare providers are clearly putting themselves in harms’ way to deliver much needed care,” the letter says.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Kelly has responded.

Health officials in Kansas are urging residents to wear cloth face coverings when they go out in public to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Kelly said in a Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/posts/527606137939165?__xts__[0]=68.ARBsd5ozUbliIOKdNRRp4Q79kHg2LFg-oVCBlmAL027fanCoo5uQX0q6qE6smgWrhHZYGE-XGMb1C8OGUSYPZKAedYR3QAKJDK8tPE4p1_Np_sNQ6UIZSrMGOOVUgJAnrrMr_QqyCH2KBdoVmIA8MLj_fLWdkh4QhKdbOznz5bZTOcvWeI9QE2pLAF0JUUsyq3P6rRepAJJPZ8oqGy8qCAQ4ufzXgALa7OFBUMFzGjODbp5aDXRUgd1wOLrNoBSI7VPzpvTCxz9GPZQNKIGgvulz__0HPDwyyoCc24GHHSkx7_9KZ44wy2GOezDmVIKfvSTGC6nJVEkY_zbpy-U&amp;__tn__=-R" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that new evidence suggests people are able to transmit the virus to others before they show any symptoms.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9625f2983ac615d631a64e3e99b0e69e">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;issued a similar recommendation last week.

Topeka-area health officials offered similar guidance to retail workers on Monday. Shawnee County health officer Gianfranco Pezzino said retailers should limit the number of customers in a store to no more than five for each 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) at a time. He said customers should be admitted into stores on a “one-out, one in” basis once a store reaches its capacity, The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200413/shawnee-county-health-officer-store-employees-should-cover-faces-at-all-times" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Statewide, the number of confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/642/4-14-20-update-numbers" target="_blank">cases</a>&nbsp;of COVID-19,the disease caused by the virus, grew Tuesday to 1,426 cases, up 50 from Monday. The number of deaths increased by seven to 69.

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

At the University of Kansas Health System, the number of inpatients dropped to 29 Tuesday from 31 Monday. Twelve are in the ICU and nine are on ventilators, according to a news release.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the health system, said the curve has been flattened, at least in the Kansas City area. But he added that the biggest risk is returning to normal too quickly.

His remarks came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/06f57a460059e8e2c481078dc4747440">Trump insisted Monday</a>&nbsp;that he has “total” authority to decide how and when to loosen restrictions — a notion considered at odds with the Constitution, which delegates such matters to the states.

Kelly said Monday that Kansas would move “back to normal as the science allows.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586807038792.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly listens to questions during her Monday news conference" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly listens to questions during her Monday news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Emergency medical workers in Kansas have written to Gov. Laura Kelly saying they lack adequate protective gear and that their workers compensation doesn’t cover them if they become infected with the coronavirus or need to be quarantined.The Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association said in a letter sent last week that EMS providers are very concerned that they will be “severely financially impacted” if they are exposed to the virus. Some are volunteers, while others are part-time workers. The advocacy group sent the letter to journalists this week.It asked Kelly to issue an executive order to cover lost wages and the cost of health care for workers on the front line who fall ill or must be quarantined.“Kansas workers compensation does not cover communicable disease infections even though EMS and other healthcare providers are clearly putting themselves in harms’ way to deliver much needed care,” the letter says.It wasn’t immediately clear if Kelly has responded.FACE MASKS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586545963590.png" alt="KDHE Secretary Lee Norman demonstrated how to wear a face mask during a Friday April 11 press conference in Topeka" />
 <figcaption>KDHE Secretary Lee Norman demonstrated how to wear a face mask during a Friday April 11 press conference in Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>Health officials in Kansas are urging residents to wear cloth face coverings when they go out in public to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Kelly said in a Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/posts/527606137939165?__xts__[0]=68.ARBsd5ozUbliIOKdNRRp4Q79kHg2LFg-oVCBlmAL027fanCoo5uQX0q6qE6smgWrhHZYGE-XGMb1C8OGUSYPZKAedYR3QAKJDK8tPE4p1_Np_sNQ6UIZSrMGOOVUgJAnrrMr_QqyCH2KBdoVmIA8MLj_fLWdkh4QhKdbOznz5bZTOcvWeI9QE2pLAF0JUUsyq3P6rRepAJJPZ8oqGy8qCAQ4ufzXgALa7OFBUMFzGjODbp5aDXRUgd1wOLrNoBSI7VPzpvTCxz9GPZQNKIGgvulz__0HPDwyyoCc24GHHSkx7_9KZ44wy2GOezDmVIKfvSTGC6nJVEkY_zbpy-U&amp;__tn__=-R" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that new evidence suggests people are able to transmit the virus to others before they show any symptoms.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9625f2983ac615d631a64e3e99b0e69e">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;issued a similar recommendation last week.Topeka-area health officials offered similar guidance to retail workers on Monday. Shawnee County health officer Gianfranco Pezzino said retailers should limit the number of customers in a store to no more than five for each 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) at a time. He said customers should be admitted into stores on a “one-out, one in” basis once a store reaches its capacity, The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20200413/shawnee-county-health-officer-store-employees-should-cover-faces-at-all-times" target="_blank">reports</a>.CORONAVIRUS CASESStatewide, the number of confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/642/4-14-20-update-numbers" target="_blank">cases</a>&nbsp;of COVID-19,the disease caused by the virus, grew Tuesday to 1,426 cases, up 50 from Monday. The number of deaths increased by seven to 69.For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.At the University of Kansas Health System, the number of inpatients dropped to 29 Tuesday from 31 Monday. Twelve are in the ICU and nine are on ventilators, according to a news release.Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the health system, said the curve has been flattened, at least in the Kansas City area. But he added that the biggest risk is returning to normal too quickly.His remarks came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/06f57a460059e8e2c481078dc4747440">Trump insisted Monday</a>&nbsp;that he has “total” authority to decide how and when to loosen restrictions — a notion considered at odds with the Constitution, which delegates such matters to the states.Kelly said Monday that Kansas would move “back to normal as the science allows.”

Emergency workers in Kan. seek help responding to virus outbreak

Due to the declared COVID-19 national emergency the Wednesday 8 a.m. regular meeting of the Salina Airport Authority board of directors will be held via a GoToMeeting video and audio links. 

Public access to the Salina Airport Authority’s administrative offices is restricted during the COVID-19 national emergency. Restricted public access to the SAA’s administrative offices is the reason that the meeting will be held solely by means of interactive communications. All board meeting documents (agenda, agenda memo, financial statements, etc.) and written information to be discussed at the meeting can be viewed at the following board meeting packet link:

<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-documents.aspx</a>

To aid in transparency, the Airport Authority will take the following steps:

Members of the public may login to the meeting to listen, observe and/or participate in the board meeting. The login can be accomplished by telephone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Meeting login instructions are:

Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwY0oDN5sOcJqRMLkj3-oSIxFHafAlwkvLnHdgjzv7aDgmeLthV67cnPgreVe2MHqrYUHucR065SRaoMObhEG4D1WdEc4eVwB7zQ66tvaDQzszw3o0iSDM1g==&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/631928973</a>&nbsp;

You can also dial in using your phone.(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States: +1 (646) 749-3112- One-touch:tel:+16467493112,,631928973#﻿

Due to the declared COVID-19 national emergency the Wednesday 8 a.m. regular meeting of the Salina Airport Authority board of directors will be held via a GoToMeeting video and audio links. Public access to the Salina Airport Authority’s administrative offices is restricted during the COVID-19 national emergency. Restricted public access to the SAA’s administrative offices is the reason that the meeting will be held solely by means of interactive communications. All board meeting documents (agenda, agenda memo, financial statements, etc.) and written information to be discussed at the meeting can be viewed at the following board meeting packet link:<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://www.salinaairport.com/public-information/board-meeting-documents.aspx</a>To aid in transparency, the Airport Authority will take the following steps:<ol>
 <li>The meeting’s video and audio will be recorded and be posted on the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">www.salinaairport.com</a></li><li>&nbsp;Post the Airport Authority’s meeting notice, agenda, agenda packet and other meeting documents on the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">www.salinaairport.com</a></li><li>Post the April 15, 2020 meeting minutes to the Airport Authority’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwf8ZFHJFgiCh9plPdz7L0SPS9uOSTvkX77XXv9xNvWPhmh_TnQcZ49iknvG-Ux0LM-k3Xnmnvsui5M4oKq7GWZrY7bRPBxD0ehfocf_iKK6NOHLfTsh_A3RSHS8rVMUNc8wU-2w-Vela7Ua7ghK0N6H0w3h9I9EwD&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">www.salinaairport.com</a>&nbsp;as soon as possible after the meeting.</li>
 </ol>Members of the public may login to the meeting to listen, observe and/or participate in the board meeting. The login can be accomplished by telephone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Meeting login instructions are:Join meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mKKcqQdwBJS3o7G5d5woSs7MyqaBl6Hel5gB460ZPRZdMiobw_NzozqFfmjIAecwY0oDN5sOcJqRMLkj3-oSIxFHafAlwkvLnHdgjzv7aDgmeLthV67cnPgreVe2MHqrYUHucR065SRaoMObhEG4D1WdEc4eVwB7zQ66tvaDQzszw3o0iSDM1g==&amp;c=BiOo4LjCKT2_Kw-FEeBKvxN4df39Dv64U9qhwU5uufXVQE6LggUCCg==&amp;ch=nM0s5q_8c6KsOTSXSabs5L1l1MGR96NAf8PeD588Z1QDmGokiVACIw==" target="_blank">https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/631928973</a>&nbsp;You can also dial in using your phone.(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)United States: +1 (646) 749-3112- One-touch:tel:+16467493112,,631928973#﻿Access Code: 631-928-973

Salina Airport Authority to meet via video, audio links



Team spectator sports—basketball, baseball, football, etc.—are shut down. There was an initial proposal to broadcast the competitions in empty stadiums and ball parks, but that idea died before it was implemented. —And for good reason.&nbsp; Can you image a basketball court with teams (dribble, dribble, dribble, basket) and no audience cheering?

Many do watch such games on television and it is somewhat entertaining. But the reaction of the crowd at the event provides the sound track of real excitement. Put yourself alone on the front row of bleachers of a game being played to an otherwise empty room and the silence overwhelms. It takes the “fun” away. You want to be one among hundreds of spectators caught up in the excitement of “face-to-face” games with others present.

There is an interesting phenomenon we are just learning from brain imaging studies. When a audience member is listening to a piece of music, their brain pattern “syncs” with the musician playing the music. They are mentally “together.” Consider being streetside as a marching band passes by. —Or sitting in the bleachers, joining the crowd cheering your team as they surge down the field to make a basket. That is the power of being together. It is no mystery that the bands that marched through our streets playing patriotic marches saw bystanders hug their loved ones goodbye and join in the parade that led to the military recruitment to join World War II.&nbsp; &nbsp;

There is also power in a group of students coming to class everyday to learn together under the leadership of a good teacher. That is also the reason that “personalized learning,” where each student in the classroom is isolated in front of a laptop to supposedly learn at their own speed, divorced from their classmates sitting around them, is lousy teaching. They no longer have the support of their classmates learning together. Everyone is “out of sync” and the “teacher” is a mere tech solver.

When students have a bad day and come to school unmotivated, the class around them helps them rise up and carry on. When a student is having a good day, their enthusiasm and success helps their classmates around them. My student teachers learned how this was a case of everyone “being in the moment” but it is also what is occurring with considerably more noise at a ball game. I am cautious when applying basic neurological research to applied teaching. Education schools have a long history of distorting such research to advance an education fad. But good teachers know when their class is “with them” and this recent research into brain synchrony appears to be solid science.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

My student teachers also learned that “to teach is to learn twice” because they will have to take what they have learned in depth in college study and translate it into language that relates to a new generation of students’ experiences. &nbsp;

But to teach is to learn dozens of times over.&nbsp; In a mid-size to large school district, a biology teacher will likely teach freshman biology classes all day long. They will come to rely on some brief video examples to illustrate time-lapse plant growth or unique animal behavior. Since they will show this over again in each class throughout the day (and if they have good classroom discipline, why can’t they just turn on the video and leave the room?

My teachers-to-be knew this problem because this happened when they were students. That is not good, they will tell me. When I ask why, they reflect on how a teacher needs to stay in class with students. The teacher is in a learning journey with them, and stepping outside the class abandons them.

Before we had extensive media, we did have correspondence courses that let students work with a book and worksheets away from any class, sending in their lessons by mail. Tests were then taken under the supervision of a local school administrator. We knew back then that only one-out-of-ten correspondence students had the discipline and self-motivation to complete the course on their own. Nine-out-of-ten needed to learn together with the support of classmates and the teacher in the room.

For the vast majority of our K-12 and undergraduate students, learning alone doesn’t work. &nbsp;&nbsp;



John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCK

Team spectator sports—basketball, baseball, football, etc.—are shut down. There was an initial proposal to broadcast the competitions in empty stadiums and ball parks, but that idea died before it was implemented. —And for good reason.&nbsp; Can you image a basketball court with teams (dribble, dribble, dribble, basket) and no audience cheering?Many do watch such games on television and it is somewhat entertaining. But the reaction of the crowd at the event provides the sound track of real excitement. Put yourself alone on the front row of bleachers of a game being played to an otherwise empty room and the silence overwhelms. It takes the “fun” away. You want to be one among hundreds of spectators caught up in the excitement of “face-to-face” games with others present.There is an interesting phenomenon we are just learning from brain imaging studies. When a audience member is listening to a piece of music, their brain pattern “syncs” with the musician playing the music. They are mentally “together.” Consider being streetside as a marching band passes by. —Or sitting in the bleachers, joining the crowd cheering your team as they surge down the field to make a basket. That is the power of being together. It is no mystery that the bands that marched through our streets playing patriotic marches saw bystanders hug their loved ones goodbye and join in the parade that led to the military recruitment to join World War II.&nbsp; &nbsp;There is also power in a group of students coming to class everyday to learn together under the leadership of a good teacher. That is also the reason that “personalized learning,” where each student in the classroom is isolated in front of a laptop to supposedly learn at their own speed, divorced from their classmates sitting around them, is lousy teaching. They no longer have the support of their classmates learning together. Everyone is “out of sync” and the “teacher” is a mere tech solver.When students have a bad day and come to school unmotivated, the class around them helps them rise up and carry on. When a student is having a good day, their enthusiasm and success helps their classmates around them. My student teachers learned how this was a case of everyone “being in the moment” but it is also what is occurring with considerably more noise at a ball game. I am cautious when applying basic neurological research to applied teaching. Education schools have a long history of distorting such research to advance an education fad. But good teachers know when their class is “with them” and this recent research into brain synchrony appears to be solid science.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;My student teachers also learned that “to teach is to learn twice” because they will have to take what they have learned in depth in college study and translate it into language that relates to a new generation of students’ experiences. &nbsp;But to teach is to learn dozens of times over.&nbsp; In a mid-size to large school district, a biology teacher will likely teach freshman biology classes all day long. They will come to rely on some brief video examples to illustrate time-lapse plant growth or unique animal behavior. Since they will show this over again in each class throughout the day (and if they have good classroom discipline, why can’t they just turn on the video and leave the room?My teachers-to-be knew this problem because this happened when they were students. That is not good, they will tell me. When I ask why, they reflect on how a teacher needs to stay in class with students. The teacher is in a learning journey with them, and stepping outside the class abandons them.Before we had extensive media, we did have correspondence courses that let students work with a book and worksheets away from any class, sending in their lessons by mail. Tests were then taken under the supervision of a local school administrator. We knew back then that only one-out-of-ten correspondence students had the discipline and self-motivation to complete the course on their own. Nine-out-of-ten needed to learn together with the support of classmates and the teacher in the room.For the vast majority of our K-12 and undergraduate students, learning alone doesn’t work. &nbsp;&nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

Education Frontlines: Learning together

Today is Sunday, April 12, the 103rd day of 2020. There are 263 days left in the year.

On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began as Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

In 1776, North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress authorized the colony's delegates to the Continental Congress to support independence from Britain.

In 1912, Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, died in Glen Echo, Maryland, at age 90.

In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia, at age 63; he was succeeded by Vice President Harry S. Truman.

In 1954, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission opened a hearing on whether Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, scientific director of the Manhattan Project, should have his security clearance reinstated amid questions about his loyalty (it wasn't). Bill Haley and His Comets recorded "Rock Around the Clock" in New York for Decca Records.

In 1955, the Salk vaccine against polio was declared safe and effective.

In 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space, orbiting the earth once before making a safe landing.

In 1963, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and jailed in Birmingham, Alabama, charged with contempt of court and parading without a permit. (During his time behind bars, King wrote his "Letter from Birmingham Jail.")

In 1981, the space shuttle Columbia blasted off from Cape Canaveral on its first test flight. Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, 66, died in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1988, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to Harvard University for a genetically engineered mouse, the first time a patent was granted for an animal life form.

In 1990, in its first meeting, East Germany's first democratically elected parliament acknowledged responsibility for the Nazi Holocaust, and asked the forgiveness of Jews and others who had suffered.

In 2006, jurors in the Zacarias Moussaoui trial listened to a recording of shouts and cries in the cockpit as desperate passengers twice charged hijackers during the final half hour of doomed United Flight 93 on 9/11.

In 2009, American cargo ship captain Richard Phillips was rescued from Somali pirates by U.S. Navy snipers who shot and killed three of the hostage-takers. Angel Cabrera became the first Argentine to win the Masters.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama opened a 47-nation nuclear summit in Washington, boosted by Ukraine's announcement that it would give up its weapons-grade uranium. The musical "Next to Normal" won the Pulitzer for drama; Paul Harding's "Tinkers" was the surprise fiction winner.

Five years ago: Hillary Rodham Clinton jumped back into presidential politics, announcing in a video her much-awaited second campaign for the White House. Pope Francis marked the 100th anniversary of the slaughter of Armenians by Ottoman Turks, calling it "the first genocide of the 20th century," a politically explosive declaration that provoked a furious reaction from Turkey. Jordan Spieth (speeth) romped to his first major championship with a record-tying performance at the Masters, shooting an 18-under 270 to become the first wire-to-wire winner of the green jacket since 1976.

One year ago: A 5-year-old boy was seriously injured when he was thrown from a third-story balcony at the Mall of America in Minnesota by a stranger who had randomly grabbed the child. (Emmanuel Aranda pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 19 years in prison; the injured child was hospitalized for months.) A former Florida prep school administrator, Mark Riddell, pleaded guilty to taking college entrance exams for students in exchange for cash to help wealthy parents get their kids into elite universities. (Riddell later cooperated with investigators.) Former NFL player and coach Forrest Gregg died in Colorado Springs from complications of Parkinson's disease; he was 85. Actress Georgia Engel, best known as Georgette on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died in New Jersey at the age of 70.

Today's Birthdays: Children's author Beverly Cleary is 104. Actress Jane Withers is 94. Playwright Alan Ayckbourn is 81. Jazz musician Herbie Hancock is 80. Rock singer John Kay (Steppenwolf) is 76. Actor Ed O'Neill is 74. Actor Dan Lauria is 73. Talk show host David Letterman is 73. Author Scott Turow is 71. Actor-playwright Tom Noonan is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer JD Nicholas (The Commodores) is 68. Singer Pat Travers is 66. Actor Andy Garcia is 64. Movie director Walter Salles is 64. Country singer Vince Gill is 63. Actress Suzzanne Douglas is 63. Model/TV personality J Alexander is 62. Rock musician Will Sergeant (Echo &amp; the Bunnymen) is 62. Rock singer Art Alexakis (Everclear) is 58. Country singer Deryl Dodd is 56. Folk-pop singer Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) is 56. Actress Alicia Coppola is 52. Rock singer Nicholas Hexum (311) is 50. Actress Retta is 50. Actor Nicholas Brendon is 49. Actress Shannen Doherty is 49. Actress Marley Shelton is 46. Actress Sarah Jane Morris is 43. Actress Jordana Spiro is 43. Rock musician Guy Berryman (Coldplay) is 42. Actor Riley Smith is 42. Actress Claire Danes is 41. Actress Jennifer Morrison is 41. Actor Matt McGorry is 34. Actress Brooklyn Decker is 33. Contemporary Christian musician Joe Rickard (Red) is 33. Rock singer-musician Brendon Urie (Panic! at the Disco) is 33. Actress Saoirse Ronan is 26.

Thought for Today: "The surest test of discipline is its absence." — Clara Barton (1821-1912).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Sunday, April 12, the 103rd day of 2020. There are 263 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began as Confederate forces opened fire on Fort Sumter in South Carolina.On this date:In 1776, North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress authorized the colony's delegates to the Continental Congress to support independence from Britain.In 1912, Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, died in Glen Echo, Maryland, at age 90.In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia, at age 63; he was succeeded by Vice President Harry S. Truman.In 1954, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission opened a hearing on whether Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, scientific director of the Manhattan Project, should have his security clearance reinstated amid questions about his loyalty (it wasn't). Bill Haley and His Comets recorded "Rock Around the Clock" in New York for Decca Records.In 1955, the Salk vaccine against polio was declared safe and effective.In 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space, orbiting the earth once before making a safe landing.In 1963, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and jailed in Birmingham, Alabama, charged with contempt of court and parading without a permit. (During his time behind bars, King wrote his "Letter from Birmingham Jail.")In 1981, the space shuttle Columbia blasted off from Cape Canaveral on its first test flight. Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, 66, died in Las Vegas, Nevada.In 1988, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to Harvard University for a genetically engineered mouse, the first time a patent was granted for an animal life form.In 1990, in its first meeting, East Germany's first democratically elected parliament acknowledged responsibility for the Nazi Holocaust, and asked the forgiveness of Jews and others who had suffered.In 2006, jurors in the Zacarias Moussaoui trial listened to a recording of shouts and cries in the cockpit as desperate passengers twice charged hijackers during the final half hour of doomed United Flight 93 on 9/11.In 2009, American cargo ship captain Richard Phillips was rescued from Somali pirates by U.S. Navy snipers who shot and killed three of the hostage-takers. Angel Cabrera became the first Argentine to win the Masters.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama opened a 47-nation nuclear summit in Washington, boosted by Ukraine's announcement that it would give up its weapons-grade uranium. The musical "Next to Normal" won the Pulitzer for drama; Paul Harding's "Tinkers" was the surprise fiction winner.Five years ago: Hillary Rodham Clinton jumped back into presidential politics, announcing in a video her much-awaited second campaign for the White House. Pope Francis marked the 100th anniversary of the slaughter of Armenians by Ottoman Turks, calling it "the first genocide of the 20th century," a politically explosive declaration that provoked a furious reaction from Turkey. Jordan Spieth (speeth) romped to his first major championship with a record-tying performance at the Masters, shooting an 18-under 270 to become the first wire-to-wire winner of the green jacket since 1976.One year ago: A 5-year-old boy was seriously injured when he was thrown from a third-story balcony at the Mall of America in Minnesota by a stranger who had randomly grabbed the child. (Emmanuel Aranda pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to 19 years in prison; the injured child was hospitalized for months.) A former Florida prep school administrator, Mark Riddell, pleaded guilty to taking college entrance exams for students in exchange for cash to help wealthy parents get their kids into elite universities. (Riddell later cooperated with investigators.) Former NFL player and coach Forrest Gregg died in Colorado Springs from complications of Parkinson's disease; he was 85. Actress Georgia Engel, best known as Georgette on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," died in New Jersey at the age of 70.Today's Birthdays: Children's author Beverly Cleary is 104. Actress Jane Withers is 94. Playwright Alan Ayckbourn is 81. Jazz musician Herbie Hancock is 80. Rock singer John Kay (Steppenwolf) is 76. Actor Ed O'Neill is 74. Actor Dan Lauria is 73. Talk show host David Letterman is 73. Author Scott Turow is 71. Actor-playwright Tom Noonan is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer JD Nicholas (The Commodores) is 68. Singer Pat Travers is 66. Actor Andy Garcia is 64. Movie director Walter Salles is 64. Country singer Vince Gill is 63. Actress Suzzanne Douglas is 63. Model/TV personality J Alexander is 62. Rock musician Will Sergeant (Echo &amp; the Bunnymen) is 62. Rock singer Art Alexakis (Everclear) is 58. Country singer Deryl Dodd is 56. Folk-pop singer Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) is 56. Actress Alicia Coppola is 52. Rock singer Nicholas Hexum (311) is 50. Actress Retta is 50. Actor Nicholas Brendon is 49. Actress Shannen Doherty is 49. Actress Marley Shelton is 46. Actress Sarah Jane Morris is 43. Actress Jordana Spiro is 43. Rock musician Guy Berryman (Coldplay) is 42. Actor Riley Smith is 42. Actress Claire Danes is 41. Actress Jennifer Morrison is 41. Actor Matt McGorry is 34. Actress Brooklyn Decker is 33. Contemporary Christian musician Joe Rickard (Red) is 33. Rock singer-musician Brendon Urie (Panic! at the Disco) is 33. Actress Saoirse Ronan is 26.Thought for Today: "The surest test of discipline is its absence." — Clara Barton (1821-1912).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- April 12

Stephen Bruce Campbell, son of Charles Clair and Mary Evelyn Campbell was born March 15, 1944 in Cloud County.&nbsp; He crossed Heaven’s Golden Finish Line at 3:00 P.M. on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.&nbsp; Bruce was one of seven children, the youngest of four boys.&nbsp; His parents named him “Stephen” because of his mother’s love of the Bible.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Neil and Kent; sisters, Gale Smith and Marcille Cox.&nbsp; Survivors are his wife of 54 plus years, Darlene (Mercer) Campbell; daughters Rochelle (Jeff) White of Hutchinson and Denise (Mark) Brown of Olathe; brother, Kermit of Traverse City, MI; and sister, Chris (Dean) Allison of Delphos; grandchildren Bethany (Kelly) Bush of Olathe, Spenser (Billie) White of Bartlesville, OK, Whitney White of Hutchinson, Andrew Brown of Olathe, Vlad, Dominic, Preston, and Cameron White of Hutchinson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bruce learned his ethics of hard work, fondness of the land, and his love of horses from his father.&nbsp; He discovered his love for poetry and literature at his mother’s knee.

Bruce graduated from Miltonvale High School in 1962, and then he attended Miltonvale Wesleyan College and Friends University.&nbsp; Bruce was a dedicated athlete whose motto was “Winners give it all they’ve got BUT champions give it more!”&nbsp; At Miltonvale he lettered in football, basketball, and track (setting many records).&nbsp; Bruce was inducted into the Friends University Sports Hall of Fame as a prestigious 4-Sport Letterman:&nbsp; football, basketball, cross country and track (also setting records).&nbsp;

In college, Bruce met and married the love of his life, Darlene Mercer, a “cowgirl” from the Kansas Flint Hills.&nbsp; Bruce taught and coached in White City for three years and then at Delphos/Minneapolis until 1980.&nbsp; Bruce coached several state track winners and successful football and basketball programs.&nbsp; While teaching Drivers Education, Bruce rode with over 800 freshmen.&nbsp; He listened to and shared with his young drivers about their concerns and joys.&nbsp; His students trusted him!&nbsp; Bruce loved laughter, ever ready with a joke or humorous story, a highlight of those long drives.

After leaving education, Bruce pursued his dream of auctioneering and appraising.&nbsp; The Campbells, with Leland and Sharon Johnson, owned Bid-N-Buy Auctions and Realty for 31 years.&nbsp; Bruce wore other “hats” during his life: farmer, New York Life Agent, horse trainer, EMT, city council, and Lions Club.&nbsp; He wrote weekly articles for the Delphos Republican and the Miltonvale Record and recorded guest spots on KNCK radio.&nbsp; Bruce composed poetry; he loved to work with rhyme and meter.

Bruce never forgot his “first love” – the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.&nbsp; He lived his life as a man of God sharing with his students as he lived before them.&nbsp; Serving God was paramount to Bruce – in the church, school, community or everyday life.&nbsp; When he was 40, Bruce began to read the Bible through each and every year.&nbsp; He was a faithful member of Hall Wesleyan Church, serving also on the Kansas Wesleyan District Board of Administration.&nbsp; Bruce and Darlene loved taking people to church – the Campbell “bus” was often filled with neighbors, children, or new town people.&nbsp; It was a joy for them to attend church and share that joy with others.&nbsp; Bruce’s life can be summarized as Paul wrote in II Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.&nbsp; Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Due to recent restrictions concerning COVID-19, the family will hold private graveside services at the Delphos Cemetery.&nbsp; A memorial service will be announced at a later date.&nbsp; The family kindly requests no flowers and asks for memorials to be made to the Hall Wesleyan Church, Gideons International, or the Morrison House and may be mailed to Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586645202558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stephen Bruce Campbell, son of Charles Clair and Mary Evelyn Campbell was born March 15, 1944 in Cloud County.&nbsp; He crossed Heaven’s Golden Finish Line at 3:00 P.M. on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.&nbsp; Bruce was one of seven children, the youngest of four boys.&nbsp; His parents named him “Stephen” because of his mother’s love of the Bible.Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Neil and Kent; sisters, Gale Smith and Marcille Cox.&nbsp; Survivors are his wife of 54 plus years, Darlene (Mercer) Campbell; daughters Rochelle (Jeff) White of Hutchinson and Denise (Mark) Brown of Olathe; brother, Kermit of Traverse City, MI; and sister, Chris (Dean) Allison of Delphos; grandchildren Bethany (Kelly) Bush of Olathe, Spenser (Billie) White of Bartlesville, OK, Whitney White of Hutchinson, Andrew Brown of Olathe, Vlad, Dominic, Preston, and Cameron White of Hutchinson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.Bruce learned his ethics of hard work, fondness of the land, and his love of horses from his father.&nbsp; He discovered his love for poetry and literature at his mother’s knee.Bruce graduated from Miltonvale High School in 1962, and then he attended Miltonvale Wesleyan College and Friends University.&nbsp; Bruce was a dedicated athlete whose motto was “Winners give it all they’ve got BUT champions give it more!”&nbsp; At Miltonvale he lettered in football, basketball, and track (setting many records).&nbsp; Bruce was inducted into the Friends University Sports Hall of Fame as a prestigious 4-Sport Letterman:&nbsp; football, basketball, cross country and track (also setting records).&nbsp;In college, Bruce met and married the love of his life, Darlene Mercer, a “cowgirl” from the Kansas Flint Hills.&nbsp; Bruce taught and coached in White City for three years and then at Delphos/Minneapolis until 1980.&nbsp; Bruce coached several state track winners and successful football and basketball programs.&nbsp; While teaching Drivers Education, Bruce rode with over 800 freshmen.&nbsp; He listened to and shared with his young drivers about their concerns and joys.&nbsp; His students trusted him!&nbsp; Bruce loved laughter, ever ready with a joke or humorous story, a highlight of those long drives.After leaving education, Bruce pursued his dream of auctioneering and appraising.&nbsp; The Campbells, with Leland and Sharon Johnson, owned Bid-N-Buy Auctions and Realty for 31 years.&nbsp; Bruce wore other “hats” during his life: farmer, New York Life Agent, horse trainer, EMT, city council, and Lions Club.&nbsp; He wrote weekly articles for the Delphos Republican and the Miltonvale Record and recorded guest spots on KNCK radio.&nbsp; Bruce composed poetry; he loved to work with rhyme and meter.Bruce never forgot his “first love” – the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.&nbsp; He lived his life as a man of God sharing with his students as he lived before them.&nbsp; Serving God was paramount to Bruce – in the church, school, community or everyday life.&nbsp; When he was 40, Bruce began to read the Bible through each and every year.&nbsp; He was a faithful member of Hall Wesleyan Church, serving also on the Kansas Wesleyan District Board of Administration.&nbsp; Bruce and Darlene loved taking people to church – the Campbell “bus” was often filled with neighbors, children, or new town people.&nbsp; It was a joy for them to attend church and share that joy with others.&nbsp; Bruce’s life can be summarized as Paul wrote in II Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.&nbsp; Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”Due to recent restrictions concerning COVID-19, the family will hold private graveside services at the Delphos Cemetery.&nbsp; A memorial service will be announced at a later date.&nbsp; The family kindly requests no flowers and asks for memorials to be made to the Hall Wesleyan Church, Gideons International, or the Morrison House and may be mailed to Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.&nbsp;

Stephen Bruce Campbell

WASHINGTON (AP) — At the end of a week officials had warned would be this generation’s Pearl Harbor, White House officials pointed to hopeful signs Friday that the spread of the coronavirus could be slowing, even as President Donald Trump insisted he would not move to reopen the country until it is safe.

At the same time, Trump said he would be announcing the launch of what he dubbed the “Opening our Country” task force next Tuesday to work toward that goal.

“I want to get it open as soon as possible,” he said at a Good Friday briefing, while adding: “The facts are going to determine what I do.”

With the economy reeling and job losses soaring, Trump has been itching to reopen the country, drawing alarm from health experts who warn that doing so too quickly could spark a deadly resurgence that could undermine current distancing efforts.

But Trump, who had once set Easter Sunday as the date he hoped people in certain parts of the country might begin to return to work and pack church pews, said he would continue to listen to health experts like Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx as he considers what he described as the “biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”

While “there are both sides to every argument,” he said, “we’re not doing anything until we know that this country is going be healthy. We don’t want to go back and start doing it over again.”

Trump’s comments came at the end of a week officials had warned would be a devastating one for the country. Hours earlier, Johns Hopkins University announced that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8233264cd1a25eb2e583ef9f5e4f8d37">worldwide death toll from the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;had hit a bleak milestone: 100,000 people. That includes about 18,000 in the U.S., where about half-million people have been confirmed infected.

More than 40% of the deaths in the U.S so far have happened in New York state, which reported 777 new deaths on Friday. But there were also signs of hope. State officials reported that the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time there since mid-March. Hospitalizations are also slowing, with 290 new patients admitted in a single day versus daily increases of more than 1,000 last week.

While bemoaning the death numbers as “so horrible,” Trump said “tremendous progress” is being made.”

“In the midst of grief and pain, we’re seeing clear signs that our aggressive strategy is saving countless lives,” he said, pointing to models that are now forecasting far fewer U.S. deaths than had originally been predicted.

Health experts have warned, however, that if the country rolls back restrictions too quickly, case levels could once again begin to soar, especially without widespread testing to determine who might be a carrier of the virus. While the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. And research has shown that people can be highly infectious even if they are not displaying symptoms.

Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-diseases expert, told CNN that the timeline for reopening the country would be informed by a team that has been reviewing data day-by-day and presenting that information to the president.

“The virus kind of decides whether or not it’s appropriate to open it,” he said. “The one thing you don’t want to do is you don’t want to get out there prematurely and then wind up backtracking.”

Still, he cautioned that there will most certainly be cases when that day comes.

“When we decide, at a proper time, when we’re going to be relaxing some of the restrictions, there’s no doubt you’re going to see cases,” he said. “The question is how you respond to them.”

As a clearer picture of the virus begins to emerge, data has begun to show that it is having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/71d952faad4a2a5d14441534f7230c7c">a particularly devastating impact</a>&nbsp;on an already vulnerable population — black Americans.

Of the victims whose demographic data was publicly shared by officials — nearly 3,300 of the nation’s 13,000 deaths thus far — about 42% were black, according to an Associated Press analysis. African Americans account for roughly 21% of the total population in those places. Black adults suffer from higher rates of underlying health conditions like obesity, diabetes and asthma, which put them at higher risk for severe complications.

To that end, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Friday made a plea to minority communities to follow social distancing guidelines — if not for themselves, then for their family members.

“Do it for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy. Do it for your Big Mama. Do it for your Pop Pop,” he said, adding that they should also avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

“We need you to understand, especially in communities of color, we need you to step up and help stop the spread so that we can protect those who are most vulnerable,” he said.

Asked whether his comments could be deemed offensive for viewers, Adams, who is black, said that was not his intention.

“That’s the language that we use and that I use,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586553667558.png" alt="President Trump and Vice President Pence answer questions during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and Vice President Pence answer questions during Friday's Coronavirus Task Force briefing</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — At the end of a week officials had warned would be this generation’s Pearl Harbor, White House officials pointed to hopeful signs Friday that the spread of the coronavirus could be slowing, even as President Donald Trump insisted he would not move to reopen the country until it is safe.At the same time, Trump said he would be announcing the launch of what he dubbed the “Opening our Country” task force next Tuesday to work toward that goal.“I want to get it open as soon as possible,” he said at a Good Friday briefing, while adding: “The facts are going to determine what I do.”With the economy reeling and job losses soaring, Trump has been itching to reopen the country, drawing alarm from health experts who warn that doing so too quickly could spark a deadly resurgence that could undermine current distancing efforts.But Trump, who had once set Easter Sunday as the date he hoped people in certain parts of the country might begin to return to work and pack church pews, said he would continue to listen to health experts like Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx as he considers what he described as the “biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”While “there are both sides to every argument,” he said, “we’re not doing anything until we know that this country is going be healthy. We don’t want to go back and start doing it over again.”Trump’s comments came at the end of a week officials had warned would be a devastating one for the country. Hours earlier, Johns Hopkins University announced that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8233264cd1a25eb2e583ef9f5e4f8d37">worldwide death toll from the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;had hit a bleak milestone: 100,000 people. That includes about 18,000 in the U.S., where about half-million people have been confirmed infected.More than 40% of the deaths in the U.S so far have happened in New York state, which reported 777 new deaths on Friday. But there were also signs of hope. State officials reported that the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time there since mid-March. Hospitalizations are also slowing, with 290 new patients admitted in a single day versus daily increases of more than 1,000 last week.While bemoaning the death numbers as “so horrible,” Trump said “tremendous progress” is being made.”“In the midst of grief and pain, we’re seeing clear signs that our aggressive strategy is saving countless lives,” he said, pointing to models that are now forecasting far fewer U.S. deaths than had originally been predicted.Health experts have warned, however, that if the country rolls back restrictions too quickly, case levels could once again begin to soar, especially without widespread testing to determine who might be a carrier of the virus. While the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. And research has shown that people can be highly infectious even if they are not displaying symptoms.Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-diseases expert, told CNN that the timeline for reopening the country would be informed by a team that has been reviewing data day-by-day and presenting that information to the president.“The virus kind of decides whether or not it’s appropriate to open it,” he said. “The one thing you don’t want to do is you don’t want to get out there prematurely and then wind up backtracking.”Still, he cautioned that there will most certainly be cases when that day comes.“When we decide, at a proper time, when we’re going to be relaxing some of the restrictions, there’s no doubt you’re going to see cases,” he said. “The question is how you respond to them.”As a clearer picture of the virus begins to emerge, data has begun to show that it is having&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/71d952faad4a2a5d14441534f7230c7c">a particularly devastating impact</a>&nbsp;on an already vulnerable population — black Americans.Of the victims whose demographic data was publicly shared by officials — nearly 3,300 of the nation’s 13,000 deaths thus far — about 42% were black, according to an Associated Press analysis. African Americans account for roughly 21% of the total population in those places. Black adults suffer from higher rates of underlying health conditions like obesity, diabetes and asthma, which put them at higher risk for severe complications.To that end, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams on Friday made a plea to minority communities to follow social distancing guidelines — if not for themselves, then for their family members.“Do it for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy. Do it for your Big Mama. Do it for your Pop Pop,” he said, adding that they should also avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.“We need you to understand, especially in communities of color, we need you to step up and help stop the spread so that we can protect those who are most vulnerable,” he said.Asked whether his comments could be deemed offensive for viewers, Adams, who is black, said that was not his intention.“That’s the language that we use and that I use,” he said.___

White House points to hopeful signs as deaths keep rising

OVERLAND PARK, KAN.&nbsp;(AP) — Officials in Overland Park have announced the suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City community’s farmers market will not open this weekend as planned in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

City officials announced the markets’ postponed opening on Tuesday under pressure from the public, the Kansas City Star reported. The city had been planning to open the market for the season on Saturday, even as other Johnson County cities decided to postpone their own markets.

The city had made several changes in an effort to address health concerns — including canceling children's events and moving the event to a parking lot to give more space between vendors. But the event draws thousands of shoppers, making it difficult to keep people six feet apart and enforce safety protocols.

The city heard from several concerned residents, especially as the number of coronavirus cases rapidly grows in Johnson County, city spokesman Sean Reilly.

“Despite the efforts we’ve gone through with the safety and health protocols, we still heard from people who were concerned about the health of the public and vendors,” Reilly said. “So we heard them, listened to them and decided we would go ahead and close it.”

Reilly said the farmers market will open after Kansas' stay-at-home order is lifted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586358248415.png" alt="Image courtesy Overland Park Farmers Market" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Overland Park Farmers Market</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, KAN.&nbsp;(AP) — Officials in Overland Park have announced the suburban&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City community’s farmers market will not open this weekend as planned in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.City officials announced the markets’ postponed opening on Tuesday under pressure from the public, the Kansas City Star reported. The city had been planning to open the market for the season on Saturday, even as other Johnson County cities decided to postpone their own markets.The city had made several changes in an effort to address health concerns — including canceling children's events and moving the event to a parking lot to give more space between vendors. But the event draws thousands of shoppers, making it difficult to keep people six feet apart and enforce safety protocols.The city heard from several concerned residents, especially as the number of coronavirus cases rapidly grows in Johnson County, city spokesman Sean Reilly.“Despite the efforts we’ve gone through with the safety and health protocols, we still heard from people who were concerned about the health of the public and vendors,” Reilly said. “So we heard them, listened to them and decided we would go ahead and close it.”Reilly said the farmers market will open after Kansas' stay-at-home order is lifted.

Coronavirus response varied among Kansas farmers markets



A decade ago, lecturing came under fire from the teckkies. The phrase “sage on the stage” portrayed the lecturer as an elitist babbling away behind a podium with little regard for the audience of students. Many universities were cramming hundreds of students into a large lecture hall. Genuine teaching to the students beyond the fifth row was impossible. Many students sat in huge classrooms where the professor (or graduate teaching assistant) came in, threw a PowerPoint on the screen, read the PowerPoint, asked “Any questions?”---and left.

That is not teaching. Handing a student a book is not teaching. Showing a video is not teaching.

Teaching involves teacher and student being eye-to-eye in a classroom where rich communication can occur. Communication is the central skill of teaching and the critical tool that a teacher uses to assist students to understand.

Librarians are in the information business.&nbsp; Teachers are in the knowledge business, making information meaningful to students. A teacher’s job is to help a student associate these verbal or written abstractions with the student’s own experiences.

The science of communication was clarified by Denes and Pinson in&nbsp;The Speech Chain&nbsp;first published in 1963 and updated in 1993. While their original intent was to measure all of the physics involved in getting a message from a speaker to a listener in a telephone system, they researched back into a speaker’s production of words, and went forward into how a speaker understood a message.

Whether it is two friends having a discussion, or a classroom discussion that is being directed by a skilled teacher, speaking is the most effective form of communication possible. Both the speaker and listener must speak the same language and also have a comparable experience base. And a teacher is responsible for being sure that the communication is effective.

In 1965, Hess and other researchers quantified what good communicators have long known by instinct: you watch for understanding in the listeners’ eyes, body language, etc. Pupil dilation is just one of many obvious clues whether listeners are understanding or not.

Some students’ eyes say “Aha!” Other students’ eyes may reveal “Huh?” With face-to-face students, a teacher knows when some do not understand. That is when a teacher asks a student who does understand, to re-explain the idea or give an example. That student will very likely pick an explanation in words that the classmate now understands. The general rule of effective communication can be summarized as “no experience, no meaning.”

Good teaching involves relating concepts to student experiences that make lessons meaningful. And classes vary in their students’ experience background. Teaching the same subject to two separate classes will result in no two lessons being the same. —And is why canned lectures by famous teachers don’t work.

Unfortunately, there has been an erosion of good interactive teaching. For nearly two decades, teaching at the K-12 level has been test-prep, having students memorize for state exams. In higher education, rewards now focus on publication. It is not surprising that new teachers lack any good face-to-face teaching models. And young professors may have experienced few good lecturers.

We have been here before. Teaching-by-television was hyped as superior in the 1970s. It rapidly failed. For two decades, online meeting programs have offered remote audio-visual “contact” with others, but the resolution cannot pick up pupil dilation, etc. These discussions fall short of direct face-to-face interaction. The teacher-student mind sync, of being together “in the moment,” was lost at the back of large lecture halls where the teacher cannot “read eyes” more than five rows back. Same for online.

Indeed, any media placed between teacher and student erodes this relationship. I have watched many academics who were good speakers on television: Carl Sagan, Jacob Bronowski, etc. I read their books. I understood their concepts. But they were not my teachers because they did not know me. The teachers who really changed my life and would change yours are the teachers who directly speak to us and know us in the face-to-face classroom setting. After 20-plus years of online hype, where are the students who were inspired by distance “learning”? Teachers live on in their students...but not online.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCK

A decade ago, lecturing came under fire from the teckkies. The phrase “sage on the stage” portrayed the lecturer as an elitist babbling away behind a podium with little regard for the audience of students. Many universities were cramming hundreds of students into a large lecture hall. Genuine teaching to the students beyond the fifth row was impossible. Many students sat in huge classrooms where the professor (or graduate teaching assistant) came in, threw a PowerPoint on the screen, read the PowerPoint, asked “Any questions?”---and left.That is not teaching. Handing a student a book is not teaching. Showing a video is not teaching.Teaching involves teacher and student being eye-to-eye in a classroom where rich communication can occur. Communication is the central skill of teaching and the critical tool that a teacher uses to assist students to understand.Librarians are in the information business.&nbsp; Teachers are in the knowledge business, making information meaningful to students. A teacher’s job is to help a student associate these verbal or written abstractions with the student’s own experiences.The science of communication was clarified by Denes and Pinson in&nbsp;The Speech Chain&nbsp;first published in 1963 and updated in 1993. While their original intent was to measure all of the physics involved in getting a message from a speaker to a listener in a telephone system, they researched back into a speaker’s production of words, and went forward into how a speaker understood a message.Whether it is two friends having a discussion, or a classroom discussion that is being directed by a skilled teacher, speaking is the most effective form of communication possible. Both the speaker and listener must speak the same language and also have a comparable experience base. And a teacher is responsible for being sure that the communication is effective.In 1965, Hess and other researchers quantified what good communicators have long known by instinct: you watch for understanding in the listeners’ eyes, body language, etc. Pupil dilation is just one of many obvious clues whether listeners are understanding or not.Some students’ eyes say “Aha!” Other students’ eyes may reveal “Huh?” With face-to-face students, a teacher knows when some do not understand. That is when a teacher asks a student who does understand, to re-explain the idea or give an example. That student will very likely pick an explanation in words that the classmate now understands. The general rule of effective communication can be summarized as “no experience, no meaning.”Good teaching involves relating concepts to student experiences that make lessons meaningful. And classes vary in their students’ experience background. Teaching the same subject to two separate classes will result in no two lessons being the same. —And is why canned lectures by famous teachers don’t work.Unfortunately, there has been an erosion of good interactive teaching. For nearly two decades, teaching at the K-12 level has been test-prep, having students memorize for state exams. In higher education, rewards now focus on publication. It is not surprising that new teachers lack any good face-to-face teaching models. And young professors may have experienced few good lecturers.We have been here before. Teaching-by-television was hyped as superior in the 1970s. It rapidly failed. For two decades, online meeting programs have offered remote audio-visual “contact” with others, but the resolution cannot pick up pupil dilation, etc. These discussions fall short of direct face-to-face interaction. The teacher-student mind sync, of being together “in the moment,” was lost at the back of large lecture halls where the teacher cannot “read eyes” more than five rows back. Same for online.Indeed, any media placed between teacher and student erodes this relationship. I have watched many academics who were good speakers on television: Carl Sagan, Jacob Bronowski, etc. I read their books. I understood their concepts. But they were not my teachers because they did not know me. The teachers who really changed my life and would change yours are the teachers who directly speak to us and know us in the face-to-face classroom setting. After 20-plus years of online hype, where are the students who were inspired by distance “learning”? Teachers live on in their students...but not online.

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

Education Frontlines: Good teaching

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

Let’s go to a city council meeting. City council members are listening to a presentation about perceptions of their community. Is this presentation being made by an expensive consultant from halfway across the country? No, this presentation is being made by a local group whose average age is 17 – and they might be thinking about their senior prom. This was part of an innovative program called Youth Community Perceptions which is designed to gain input from youth and engage them with their community.

Susan Schlichting is a 4-H youth development agent for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Ellis and Barton Counties. Susan helped pilot this new program called Youth Community Perceptions.

The program originated from Kansas PRIDE Program discussions about how to get youth more engaged in their hometowns. The PRIDE Program is celebrating its 50th&nbsp;anniversary in 2020, so this is another in our series of profiles highlighting PRIDE communities.

PRIDE program participants have often wanted to involve more youth in their communities. In 2018, the K-State Research and Extension Community Vitality team (of which Kansas PRIDE is a part) engaged in discussions with Kansas 4-H about launching an initiative to help.

With grant support from Epsilon Sigma Phi, the extension professional organization, the Youth Community Perceptions program was developed. It was designed as a community evaluation and assessment program that would allow youth to discover the assets and needs of their communities and engage in community conversations.

An educational curriculum was created. The Ellis PRIDE program was approached about hosting a pilot test of the program in their community. Extension agent Susan Schlichting made inquiries around town. Ultimately, the Kansas Association for Youth organization at Ellis High School chose to participate.

The students learned about the community capitals model. Then they were provided a form which guided them in their assessment of the community. A team of youth drove around town and recorded their impressions of the signage, downtown, shopping, industrial areas, housing, health care, schools, child care, recreation and more.

Then they presented the results to the city council. “The kids developed a PowerPoint of things they thought were really good and things that could be improved upon,” Susan said. In April 2019, the youth made their presentation to the Ellis city council.

The presentation highlighted lots of things which the youth appreciated, such as the big painted sunflowers on Main Street, the medical offices, grocery store, walking trails, dock at the campground, the children’s train, and the annual fish fry. “They had some good thoughts,” Susan said. The young people also identified needs and suggested improvements.

Dave McDaniel is the long-time mayor of Ellis. He was impressed with the students who made the presentation. “They did a very good job, and I didn’t want to let these ideas drop,” he said.

“For example, they said that our signs needed to be improved, and we’ve done that with the street signs and museum signs,” Dave said. “They wanted a place for youth to go, and some people who are opening up a downtown restaurant are going to open up the other half of their building for the youth.” There was a need for more trash cans in Memorial Park where students congregate, and that is being addressed also.

“They pointed out there were no bike racks at the swimming pool,” Susan said. Ellis PRIDE applied to Kansas PRIDE Inc., and got a grant to install bike racks at the pool and other parks.

“This (program) is a good way to get the young people involved, and they’re seeing results,” Dave said.

For more information or to participate in the program, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/civic-engagement/youth-community-perceptions" target="_blank">www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/civic-engagement/youth-community-perceptions</a>.

It’s time to leave this meeting of the city council, where community perceptions have been presented – not by an outside consultant, but by a team of local youth. We commend Susan Schlichting, Mayor Dave McDaniel, the volunteers of the Ellis PRIDE program, and the youth who are making a difference by engaging with their hometown in this way. It’s a better community when youth and adults can come together in unity.

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityLet’s go to a city council meeting. City council members are listening to a presentation about perceptions of their community. Is this presentation being made by an expensive consultant from halfway across the country? No, this presentation is being made by a local group whose average age is 17 – and they might be thinking about their senior prom. This was part of an innovative program called Youth Community Perceptions which is designed to gain input from youth and engage them with their community.Susan Schlichting is a 4-H youth development agent for the K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District, serving Ellis and Barton Counties. Susan helped pilot this new program called Youth Community Perceptions.The program originated from Kansas PRIDE Program discussions about how to get youth more engaged in their hometowns. The PRIDE Program is celebrating its 50th&nbsp;anniversary in 2020, so this is another in our series of profiles highlighting PRIDE communities.PRIDE program participants have often wanted to involve more youth in their communities. In 2018, the K-State Research and Extension Community Vitality team (of which Kansas PRIDE is a part) engaged in discussions with Kansas 4-H about launching an initiative to help.With grant support from Epsilon Sigma Phi, the extension professional organization, the Youth Community Perceptions program was developed. It was designed as a community evaluation and assessment program that would allow youth to discover the assets and needs of their communities and engage in community conversations.An educational curriculum was created. The Ellis PRIDE program was approached about hosting a pilot test of the program in their community. Extension agent Susan Schlichting made inquiries around town. Ultimately, the Kansas Association for Youth organization at Ellis High School chose to participate.The students learned about the community capitals model. Then they were provided a form which guided them in their assessment of the community. A team of youth drove around town and recorded their impressions of the signage, downtown, shopping, industrial areas, housing, health care, schools, child care, recreation and more.Then they presented the results to the city council. “The kids developed a PowerPoint of things they thought were really good and things that could be improved upon,” Susan said. In April 2019, the youth made their presentation to the Ellis city council.The presentation highlighted lots of things which the youth appreciated, such as the big painted sunflowers on Main Street, the medical offices, grocery store, walking trails, dock at the campground, the children’s train, and the annual fish fry. “They had some good thoughts,” Susan said. The young people also identified needs and suggested improvements.Dave McDaniel is the long-time mayor of Ellis. He was impressed with the students who made the presentation. “They did a very good job, and I didn’t want to let these ideas drop,” he said.“For example, they said that our signs needed to be improved, and we’ve done that with the street signs and museum signs,” Dave said. “They wanted a place for youth to go, and some people who are opening up a downtown restaurant are going to open up the other half of their building for the youth.” There was a need for more trash cans in Memorial Park where students congregate, and that is being addressed also.“They pointed out there were no bike racks at the swimming pool,” Susan said. Ellis PRIDE applied to Kansas PRIDE Inc., and got a grant to install bike racks at the pool and other parks.“This (program) is a good way to get the young people involved, and they’re seeing results,” Dave said.For more information or to participate in the program, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/civic-engagement/youth-community-perceptions" target="_blank">www.ksre.k-state.edu/community/civic-engagement/youth-community-perceptions</a>.It’s time to leave this meeting of the city council, where community perceptions have been presented – not by an outside consultant, but by a team of local youth. We commend Susan Schlichting, Mayor Dave McDaniel, the volunteers of the Ellis PRIDE program, and the youth who are making a difference by engaging with their hometown in this way. It’s a better community when youth and adults can come together in unity.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

Now That’s Rural: Youth Community Perceptions, Ellis

NEW YORK (AP) — Despite state and local limits on public gatherings, some faith leaders have persisted in holding in-person services -- a matter of religious freedom, they say, as the nation approached its fourth Sunday battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The most high-profile clash over in-person worship – and crowd limits designed to stop the virus’ spread -- came in Florida, where Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested Monday for violating a county order by hosting a large number of congregants at his Tampa church.

Howard-Browne said after his release he would move future worship online, but the county later ended its effort to apply limits on large gatherings to religious services after a statewide order described religious gatherings as essential.

Law enforcement officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3248693c8b52f19c3a40625eb1a754ec">in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and Maryland took separate action this week against pastors who continue to hold in-person services in the face of stay-home orders in most states.

But more than a half-dozen of those state orders provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f43faf0dbb54cbda06564fe34b100301">a degree of exemption</a>&nbsp;for religious activity, underscoring the political sensitivity of the decisions being made by states and localities. Vice President Mike Pence said this week that churches should not host groups bigger than 10 people.

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would be watching Palm Sunday services broadcast from Riverside, Calif., from a laptop. “People are watching on computers and laptops,” Trump said. “It’s sad.”

Trump said he asked about endorsing the idea of people being able to gather outside for services on Easter Sunday if they practice social distancing, but recalled being told “Do we want to take a chance on doing that when we have been doing so well?” Trump earlier said that “my biggest disappointment is that churches can’t meet in a time of need.”

The application of guidance on the ground has raised questions for some faith leaders.

Pastor Alvin Gwynn Sr., of Baltimore’s Friendship Baptist Church, said that police tried to halt services at his church on Sunday even though he had limited in-person attendance to 10 people.

Gwynn said in an interview that he still plans to hold in-person Easter services, citing the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of worship and assembly. Baltimore has “been through a lot” in recent years, said Gwynn, who leads a local ministers’ group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e56d41e0113643dd9871d49133cd4e3f">that criticized</a>&nbsp;the city’s police department leadership in 2015 following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.

“Which is safer, in the church with potential virus, or go out the door and catch a bullet?” Gwynn said.

Instructions for church gatherings in Maryland have been issued piecemeal. State guidance dated Monday described houses of worship as non-essential under a stay-home order issued by Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan that allowing them only to conduct “minimal operations.” But&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-09.pdf" target="_blank">follow-up guidance</a>&nbsp;dated Wednesday states that “in-person services” can be held with 10 or fewer people.

In Florida, attorneys at the Christian legal nonprofit representing Howard-Browne&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/040220-hillsborough-county-reverses-and-recognizes-churches-as-essential" target="_blank">tabled their plans</a>&nbsp;to file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the county order used against him after the county reversed course.

“Instead of using a scalpel to address this, they’re using a chainsaw,” said Liberty Counsel founder Mathew Staver, who added that executive orders designed to limit gatherings during the pandemic were “flying off printers and being signed by government officials with no constitutional readiness.”

On Wednesday, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-91-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">stay-home order</a>&nbsp;describing religious services as essential, followed by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-92.pdf" target="_blank">second order</a>&nbsp;that overrides any localities’ conflicting guidelines — an edict that could impede local attempts to shut down future large worship services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586052372246.png" alt="Former Kansas governor Sam Brownback, President Trump’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.” -photo courtesy U.S. State Department" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas governor Sam Brownback, President Trump’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.” -photo courtesy U.S. State Department</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Despite state and local limits on public gatherings, some faith leaders have persisted in holding in-person services -- a matter of religious freedom, they say, as the nation approached its fourth Sunday battling the coronavirus pandemic.The most high-profile clash over in-person worship – and crowd limits designed to stop the virus’ spread -- came in Florida, where Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne was arrested Monday for violating a county order by hosting a large number of congregants at his Tampa church.Howard-Browne said after his release he would move future worship online, but the county later ended its effort to apply limits on large gatherings to religious services after a statewide order described religious gatherings as essential.Law enforcement officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3248693c8b52f19c3a40625eb1a754ec">in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;and Maryland took separate action this week against pastors who continue to hold in-person services in the face of stay-home orders in most states.But more than a half-dozen of those state orders provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f43faf0dbb54cbda06564fe34b100301">a degree of exemption</a>&nbsp;for religious activity, underscoring the political sensitivity of the decisions being made by states and localities. Vice President Mike Pence said this week that churches should not host groups bigger than 10 people.President Donald Trump said Saturday that he would be watching Palm Sunday services broadcast from Riverside, Calif., from a laptop. “People are watching on computers and laptops,” Trump said. “It’s sad.”Trump said he asked about endorsing the idea of people being able to gather outside for services on Easter Sunday if they practice social distancing, but recalled being told “Do we want to take a chance on doing that when we have been doing so well?” Trump earlier said that “my biggest disappointment is that churches can’t meet in a time of need.”The application of guidance on the ground has raised questions for some faith leaders.Pastor Alvin Gwynn Sr., of Baltimore’s Friendship Baptist Church, said that police tried to halt services at his church on Sunday even though he had limited in-person attendance to 10 people.Gwynn said in an interview that he still plans to hold in-person Easter services, citing the First Amendment’s protections for freedom of worship and assembly. Baltimore has “been through a lot” in recent years, said Gwynn, who leads a local ministers’ group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e56d41e0113643dd9871d49133cd4e3f">that criticized</a>&nbsp;the city’s police department leadership in 2015 following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.“Which is safer, in the church with potential virus, or go out the door and catch a bullet?” Gwynn said.Instructions for church gatherings in Maryland have been issued piecemeal. State guidance dated Monday described houses of worship as non-essential under a stay-home order issued by Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan that allowing them only to conduct “minimal operations.” But&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-09.pdf" target="_blank">follow-up guidance</a>&nbsp;dated Wednesday states that “in-person services” can be held with 10 or fewer people.In Florida, attorneys at the Christian legal nonprofit representing Howard-Browne&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/040220-hillsborough-county-reverses-and-recognizes-churches-as-essential" target="_blank">tabled their plans</a>&nbsp;to file a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the county order used against him after the county reversed course.“Instead of using a scalpel to address this, they’re using a chainsaw,” said Liberty Counsel founder Mathew Staver, who added that executive orders designed to limit gatherings during the pandemic were “flying off printers and being signed by government officials with no constitutional readiness.”On Wednesday, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-91-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">stay-home order</a>&nbsp;describing religious services as essential, followed by a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-92.pdf" target="_blank">second order</a>&nbsp;that overrides any localities’ conflicting guidelines — an edict that could impede local attempts to shut down future large worship services.Elsewhere, Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott also described religious services as essential in his order to limit gatherings during the pandemic. In Georgia, where some of the state’s worst virus outbreaks have been linked to large religious services, GOP Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday issued a stay-home order that states no faith-based gathering can occur with more than 10 people unless they keep a six-foot distance.While some faith leaders who continue to hold in-person services have pointed to their First Amendment rights, including Ohio’s Solid Rock megachurch, it’s not clear that their activity during the pandemic would be legally protected.State or local governments would be “constitutionally justified” in including houses of worship in their closure orders during a public health emergency as long as those orders are “generally applicable,” said John Inazu, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis who studies the First Amendment.But the burden shifts if a government attempts to stop a church from holding services with less than 10 people while allowing secular businesses to operate under the same conditions, Inazu added: “There, I think there’s a very plausible religious freedom claim.”Before issuing his order, Kemp held two calls with hundreds of clergy from across Georgia, urging houses of worship to stream services online or implement other social distancing measures, like holding drive-up services where people listen from their cars.Most religious services across the country have already moved online.“We’re making the best of a bad situation. It’s going to be devastating in the short term,” said Todd Gaddis, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia, referring to the loss of donations from in-person services. “But I’m confident there will be spiritual dividends in the long run.”And the Trump administration’s entreaties for churches to stop meeting in person extended beyond the White House. Sam Brownback, the president’s special envoy for religious freedom, said Thursday that “religious groups should practice social distancing.”Brownback, a Catholic, said that he’s skipped Mass for “several weeks, and it’s the longest period I’ve gone without going to Mass. And I think people should be doing this to stop the spread of the virus.”—-