Open letter to the American public: Physicians, nurses and our entire medical community are urging all people to stay at home.

We are honored to serve and put our lives on the front line to protect and save as many lives as possible. But we need your help.

Physical distancing and staying at home are the key to slowing the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to give physicians, nurses and everyone on the front lines a fighting chance at having the equipment, time and resources necessary to take on this immense challenge.

Those contracting COVID-19 are your family, friends, and loved ones.

That’s why we’re urging the public to #StayHome as we reach the critical stages of our national response to COVID-19.

Of course, those with urgent medical needs, including pregnant women, should seek care as needed.

Everyone else should #StayHome. Millions of you are already leading this effort – and we thank you. You’re still connecting with friends and loved ones through video chats, social media or just over the telephone – proving that meaningful social connections can happen at a safe distance.

Millions more must join this effort, which is why we’re calling for all-hands-on-deck to confront this public health battle against COVID-19.

Staying at home in this urgent moment is our best defense to turn the tide against COVID-19. Physicians, nurses and health care workers are at work for you, please stay home for us.

Your partners in health, American Hospital Association American Medical Association American Nurses Association.

Submitted by Nancy Van Patten

Governor appoints Steve Stockard to fill district court vacancy in the 11^th Judicial District

Today Governor Laura Kelly appointed Steve Stockard to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffry L. Jack.

“Steven is a talented attorney and has extensive experience with a wide variety of legal issues,” Kelly said. “I was particularly struck by his ability to put himself in his client’s shoes and by his passion for foster care. I know he will serve citizens of the 11^th Judicial District well.”

Stockard is a partner at Wilber & Towner, P.A., where he represents clients in a broad range of legal matters including personal injury, bankruptcy, family law and juvenile justice. He also is a part-time prosecutor of juvenile offender and child-in-need-of-care cases for Bourbon and Crawford counties.

His prior experience includes eight years as a Crawford County Assistant County Attorney and time as a staff attorney with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Stockard also is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and a youth volleyball coach at the YMCA. He graduated from Benedictine College in 1992 and earned his juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 1996.

“I’m grateful to the nominating commission and to Governor Kelly for the confidence they have placed in me with this appointment,” Stockard said. “I know this community. I know the judges, the lawyers and the people of our district, and I will dedicate myself to serving them fairly and impartially every day. Our district has been blessed with great judges over the years, and I will do my best to honor and be a part of that legacy.”

District court judges in the 11th Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from among nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years. The two other nominees selected by the district nominating commission were Hon. Samuel Marsh, (Cherokee County district magistrate judge, Columbus), and Shane Adamson (private practice attorney, Parsons).

Escaped Resident from Parsons State Hospital Treatment Program in Custody

PARSONS – The Labette County Sheriff’s office has confirmed to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) that Parsons State Hospital Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP) resident Randy Snodgrass was arrested and taken into custody at 1:30 a.m. this morning in Neosho County near K-47 Highway and Ness Road.

Snodgrass, a 58-year-old male, was being transported by a hospital staff member yesterday morning when he escaped.

“This morning I want to extend a sincere thank you to local law enforcement officials for their effective efforts to keep the public advised and updated about this situation and their thoroughness in tracking down and taking Mr. Snodgrass into custody,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “I believe their immediate and focused attention was critical to his capture.”

Snodgrass is currently being held in Neosho County.

PARSONS – Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP) resident Randy Snodgrass, a 58-year-old white male, was being transported by a Parsons State Hospital and Training Center (PSHTC) staff member earlier today when he escaped on foot.

Local law enforcement and EMS responded to the scene. A hospital staff member was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released this afternoon.

“The priority for us right now is the safety of our hospital staff and of the general public. Officials at the hospital are working very closely with local law enforcement to ensure this resident is apprehended quickly and without further incident,” said Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Secretary Laura Howard. “I am in constant contact with the superintendent at Parsons and am actively monitoring the situation.”

Snodgrass is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 195 pounds and was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black pants. Labette County Emergency Management has issued a “Be on The Lookout” through its code red notification system and is instructing the public to not approach, call 911. Snodgrass is considered armed and dangerous.

PSHTC and KDADS officials are fully cooperating with law enforcement’s ongoing investigation. New information will be released as it becomes available.