Kansas.com: News Updates

Arson damages McAdams playground

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:53 CST

Wichita fire officials are looking for the public's help in solving an arson case involving McAdams Park on at 13th and Ohio.

Firefighters responded about 4:32 a.m. Saturday to a deliberately set blaze that caused about $20,000 in damage to playground equipment, said Lt. Troy Thissen.

"There are no witnesses at this time, and the investigation is ongoing," Thissen said Saturday.

Fire, ammonia leak at Hiland Dairy

STAN FINGER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:48 CST

A quick-thinking employee at Hiland Dairy spotted and extinguished a fire in the engine room early this morning, averting a potentially damaging incident as the holiday season arrives.

The fire broke out shortly after 2 a.m. above an ammonia compressor in the engine room of the dairy at 701 E. Central, Hiland general manager Jerald Grey said.

A maintenance worker spotted the fire and put it out with a portable fire extinguisher.

Firefighters were called to the scene as required by company policy, Grey said.

Once there, they discovered "a high-pressure line was leaking ammonia," Wichita Fire Capt. Tom Carney said. "We did air monitoring on it, and there were concentrations as high as four percent of ammonia" in the engine room.

Florida man killed in collision on I-135

STAN FINGER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:58 CST

A 66-year-old Florida man was killed Friday night in a crash on I-135 in McPherson County, authorities said.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that a southbound Saturn sedan driven by 23-year-old Matthew Meek of Windom was overtaking a truck driven by Henry Hawkins of Homestead, Fla., 14 miles from the U.S. 56 exit at about 7 p.m. when Hawkins swerved left to avoid the Saturn.

Hawkins' truck developed a flat tire, causing Meeks' car to swerve into the rear left of the truck. The truck then swerved and rolled into the center median.

Hawkins died at the scene, authorities said. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

Neither Meek nor his passenger, 22-year-old Mary Coen of Wichita, were injured. They were both wearing their seatbelts.

A steady diet of sunshine and 50s for Wichita

STAN FINGER — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:48 CST

A cold Saturday morning will make way for highs in the 50s in the Wichita area today - and Sunday should be even warmer, forecasters say.

South winds will intensify in strength as the weekend unfolds, with gusts to almost 20 miles an hour developing this afternoon and to almost 30 miles an hour on Sunday. Highs on Sunday may reach 60 degrees, forecasters say.

More sunshine and a steady diet of highs in the 50s are expected most of next week.

Check Kansas.com for updates.

Response from Layton on city manager job expected Monday

BRENT D. WISTROM — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:38 CST

Robert Layton said late this afternoon that he'll tell Mayor Carl Brewer first thing Monday whether he wants the city manager job he has been offered.

Layton, city manager of Urbandale, Iowa, has been calling Wichita City Council members to gauge whether he could be productive here after the council's 4-3 vote Tuesday to hire him.

He said he has talked to Brewer, but promised him one more call to announce his decision. He said he is leaning in one direction, but he declined to say what that is in fairness to the mayor.

If Layton accepts the council's vote, he will begin contract negotiations. If not, council members, already split three ways over who should become manager, will have to reassess their options.

Brewer said today that he had an "open and honest" conversation with Layton in which he said he still thinks Sedgwick County Manager William Buchanan is best for the job.

Phil Journey to take the bench a little early

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:08 CST

Sen. Phil Journey focused on wrapping up cases with his law practice and completing the last of his lawmaking duties before donning judges robes a little early.

The Haysville Republican won his race for District Court judge earlier this month. Under normal circumstances, Journey would take the bench in January, but the death of Judge Karl Friedel in late September means the spot Journey will assume is vacant.

Friedel's death meant there was a two-month vacancy to which Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, could appoint someone.

Since Journey was elected to the position, Sebelius appointed him as a way to let him get started early rather than putting someone else in for two months who would then leave, wrote Nicole Corcoran, spokeswoman for the governor.

"It was the best thing to do for Sedgwick County and she saw that," Journey said.

Wichita avoids penalties for air quality

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:03 CST

The Wichita area has avoided the economic penalties that officials were afraid it might face because of its air quality.

The city announced Friday that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed the Wichita metro area's air quality has not reached new Environmental Protection Agency thresholds for ozone.

That's because of unseasonably cool and wet weather, the KDHE reported.

The monthly report follows the announcement of stricter air quality standards that many believed Wichita would exceed without substantial efforts by businesses and citizens.

The new standards prompted a city campaign to encourage people to conserve energy to reduce emissions.

Thieves make off with Salvation Army kettles

STAN FINGER — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:58 CST

Someone is stealing the Salvation Army holiday kettles in east Wichita in an act one police official called "despicable" Friday.

"My first reaction was anger," Salvation Army spokesman Tim Brown said. "Boy, if you're to the point that you're so low that you have to steal a kettle, you must be in pretty dire straits."

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign raises money for food, toys and clothing during the holidays and beyond. The charity hopes to raise $1.3 million this year.

One kettle and its stand were stolen from in front of the Dillons at Central and Rock on Thursday afternoon. Another was stolen Friday from next to the Sears at Towne East Square, police said.

"Those are both high-traffic areas," Brown said. "We're trying to access security camera footage to see if we can see anything."

Manhattan man gets life for killing ex-roommate

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:08 CST

A 20-year-old Manhattan man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing his former roommate and stuffing body parts into the victim's Jeep.

Under the sentence Friday, Kevin Hernandez will not be eligible for parole for at least 50 years. A Riley County jury last month convicted Hernandez of first-degree murder in the June 2007 slaying and dismemberment of Adam Hooks.

Hernandez was also convicted of aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

Hooks' body parts were found stuffed in the back of his Jeep outside his home.

In a confession to police, Hernandez said he was looking for a place to stay when he entered Hooks' his home, beat him with a hammer and stabbed him through the heart.

APNewbreak: Tiahrt preparing for Kan. Senate race

JOHN HANNA — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:28 CST

Rep. Todd Tiahrt is making "very serious" preparations to run for the Senate in 2010, something that could lead to an intense Republican primary contest between the state's two most senior congressmen.

Tiahrt, who represents the 4th District of south-central Kansas, stopped just short of declaring his candidacy Friday in an Associated Press interview. But he said he has made numerous phone calls and is receiving plenty of support.

"I'm putting together a steering committee and, at the appropriate time, I'll make an announcement about that," Tiahrt said. "I'm very serious about doing this."

Rep. Jerry Moran, who represents the 1st District of western Kansas, has told constituents for months that he'll run for the Senate. He has filed the state and federal paperwork necessary to start collecting contributions.

They would be seeking the seat held by Sen. Sam Brownback, a fellow Republican who is widely expected to run for governor in 2010. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who is term-limited in her job, is the Democrats' best potential Senate candidate, but activists in both parties expect President-elect Barack Obama to offer her a Cabinet job.

Boy shoots father in Leavenworth

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:46 CST

Leavenworth police say a man was shot by his teenage son early Friday morning in Leavenworth.

According to media reports, the boy allegedly shot his father to stop a struggle between his parents.

The man, who suffered a gunshot wound in the stomach, drove to Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., and is expected to be OK, according to police who spoke to NBC Action News.

The man may face charges, however, officials say they will recommend that the boy’s actions were in self-defense.

Western Kansas couple to see murder case dismissed

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:01 CST

All charges against a couple accused of killing the woman's ex-boyfriend are expected to be formally dismissed next week, a defense attorney said Friday.

Two trials in the murder case against Chad and Shannon Floyd ended in a hung jury.

A dismissal hearing on all first-degree murder and conspiracy charges is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Stanton County District Court in Johnson City, said Dan Monnat, the attorney representing Chad Floyd.

The Kansas attorney general's office did not immediately return calls for comment.

"Chad and Shannon Floyd have waited more than three long years to be cleared of these accusations, and Monday's dismissal hearing can't come soon enough for them and their families," Monnat said in a statement. "The Floyds are innocent, and they are anxious to put these trials behind them and move on with their lives."

Prosecutors defend Nebraska law used to charge Phelps-Roper

JEAN ORTIZ — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:02 CST

Sarpy County prosecutors are defending Nebraska's flag desecration law and their case against a Kansas woman.

During a hearing Friday, prosecutors argued Nebraska's law is too narrowly worded to be considered unconstitutional. They say the law is valid because it only prohibits mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning or trampling a flag.

Authorities say Shirley Phelps-Roper let her 10-year-old son stand on an American flag at a 2007 funeral of a National Guardsman in Bellevue. They also say she wore a flag as a skirt.

Phelps-Roper is a member of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., which routinely protests the funerals of U.S. soldiers.

Prosecutors say Phelps-Roper's message isn't the issue. The problem is how she expressed it.

Sebelius said to be in running for one of three Cabinet posts

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:55 CST

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is in contention for one of at least three Cabinet jobs - Energy, Transportation and Education - in the incoming Barack Obama administration, insiders say.

It's Washington's favorite parlor game during a presidential transition: trying to figure out who'll land a top spot in the new administration. President-elect Barack Obama is weighing an array of Washington insiders and outsiders, including some Republicans, for Cabinet and other top positions, according to Democratic officials.

Just like the stock market, names rise and fall weekly, some zooming to the top, others dropping out of contention. Hillary Rodham Clinton suddenly is considered the top prospect for secretary of state, although other names remain in the mix. It looks like Eric Holder, former deputy attorney general, is on track to become attorney general.

Some of those who are the subject of speculation already have been chosen by Obama to serve as part of his transition team. Some names being floated are surprising, such as former Bush Secretary of State Colin Powell for education secretary. Others are high-profile governors or members of Congress. Many are also little known to the general public - and may remain so.

DEFENSE SECRETARY

3 in running for House minority leader

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:08 CST

Three Democrats are in the running for House minority leader to replace Dennis McKinney, who has been named state treasurer.

McKinney, of Greenburg, accepted an appointment from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to fill the unexpired term of Republican Lynn Jenkins, who was elected to Congress earlier this month.

In the running for McKinney's post are the assistant minority leader, Jim Ward of Wichita; Paul Davis, of Lawrence; and Bill Feuerborn (FIRE-born), of Garnett.

McKinney said he won't resign from the House until after the first of the year. He's not endorsing any candidate, although he will be voting with his caucus when legislators meet Dec. 1 to pick their leaders.

Ford County casino remains on track

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:54 CST

With the state's four-casino agenda suddenly shaken by the withdrawals of two developers, officials of Ford County and Butler National Service Corp. say plans for a Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City remain firmly on track.

"I believe the only real thing we have to say is we still plan to go forward," Clark Stewart, president of Olathe-based Butler National, told the Dodge City Daily Globe. "That's the key item out of all of this."

Kansas Lottery spokeswoman Sally Lunsford confirmed Stewart's assurances. So far, she said, there were no foreseeable hiccups in plans for Butler National to develop the Ford County casino.

"Nothing has changed," Lunsford said. "We have certainly not heard anything that would lead us to the conclusion that they're pulling out."

A 2007 Kansas law provides for one state-owned casino in each of four regions, with private firms designing, building and managing the enterprises. The Kansas Lottery will own the actual gambling and holds the contracts with the developers.

Airport officials offer tips for travelers, unveil new security lane

DEB GRUVER — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:28 CST

Preparing for the heaviest travel holiday next week, local airport officials reminded travelers today to pack smartly, avoiding items that could delay them at a security checkpoint, and to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before their flight.

Wichita Mid-Continent Airport officials also unveiled a new security lane geared toward travelers who may need more time to get through security. It's earmarked for people traveling with small children and strollers; groups that need special assistance; people new to flying and unfamiliar with security rules; and those traveling with liquid medicines weighing more than three ounces.

Travelers also shouldn't try to fly with wrapped holiday presents. Security workers may need to examine packages.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 are expected to be the busiest travel days, airport spokeswoman Valerie Wise said.

For more information about holiday travel, see Saturday's Eagle.

Hodgeman County crash kills woman, injures man

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:28 CST

A head-on collision Wednesday night in Hodgeman County killed a Jetmore woman and has put a Cimarron man in critical condition at a Wichita hospital.

Darron L. Harms, 43, Cimarron, was airlifted to Via Christi-St. Francis after his pickup collided with another about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday about four and half miles south of Jetmore on U.S. 283.

The driver of the other pickup, Cecilia E. Morris, 72, of Jetmore, died at the scene, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Harms was southbound on the highway and Morris' truck was northbound. The trucks collided in the northbound lane. KHP officials said the accident is still under investigation, and they do not know what caused Harms to enter the northbound lane.

Harms' daughter, Breanna Harms, 8, was a passenger. She was taken to Hodgeman County Health Center, where she was treated and released.

Salerno up for job near Boston

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:48 CST

Victim and suspect in hit-and-run both from Tennessee

STAN FINGER — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:09 CST

It was "pure coincidence" that a 54-year-old man struck by a vehicle Sunday night in south Wichita and the woman arrested Thursday in connection with the case are both from Tennessee, a police spokesman said today.

The victim and suspect don't know each other, Gordon Bassham said. The 26-year-old woman, who has been staying with a relative in Haysville, surrendered to Wichita police near Seneca and Meikle Thursday afternoon.

She has been booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident causing great bodily harm -- a felony offense.

The incident occurred about 7:15 p.m. Sunday in the 400 block of East 47th Street South. The victim was seriously injured as he was crossing the street on his way to the Taco Tico nearby, police have said.

He remains in critical condition today at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus.