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Month: August 2017

Cloudy, warm Monday for the eclipse

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Today A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. South southwest wind 9 to 16 mph.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South southeast wind 6 to 13 mph becoming north northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 11 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 58. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

WednesdaySunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 3 to 8 mph.

Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 59.

ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Thursday NightMostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

5 adults, 3 small children rescued on Kansas River

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Saturday night rescue in Pottawatomie County-photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens

POTTAWOTOMIE COUNTY – Kansas game wardens and Pottawatomie County sheriff’s deputies worked together and rescued five adults and three children under the age of six stranded on the Kansas River over the weekend.

According to a social media report, the rescue occurred approximately four miles upstream from St. George. There were no injuries and everyone arrived home safely.

Kansas is prepared for the total solar eclipse

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Kansas is prepared for the country’s first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse since 1918.

Most of Kansas will see only a partial eclipse on Monday. More than 90 percent of the sun will be blocked by the moon in Wichita and most of southeastern, central and northwestern Kansas.

The path of totality is where the moon will completely block the sun’s light. The path will travel diagonally across the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. A narrow area of northeastern Kansas lies in the path of totality, including in Atchison, Leavenworth, Hiawatha and Marysville.

The peak of the eclipse will occur shortly after 1 p.m.

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017” as it has been dubbed by some, is sure to be a memorable day as people celebrate this exciting astronomical event.

According to NASA’s website, the sun will be completely obstructed from view for about 2 minutes and 43 seconds. For this reason, Kansas Department of Transportation encourages travelers to take safety precautions and prepare for a safe place to stay and view the event.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 200 million people live within driving distance of the eclipse’s path of totality. An increase in traffic and travel time is expected on August 21.

 

 

Some safety measures to be aware of are included in the list below. Please read carefully and be safe this August 21 – but don’t forget to enjoy this one-in-a-lifetime experience!

  • Do not pull over to the side of the highway to observe the eclipse. Exit the highway to a safe location to view and/or photograph the event.
  • Do not take photos while driving – KDOT reminds motorists to always maintain full awareness when driving to help maintain safety for all other drivers and pedestrians.
  • Do not wear opaque eclipse glasses while driving.
  • Be prepared for potential traffic congestion before, during, and after the event – While only the northeast corner of the state will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, the rest of Kansas will still see part of the astronomical event.
  • Turn on vehicle headlights and do not rely solely on automatic headlights during the eclipse. – Because the sky will be darkened, the use of headlights during the eclipse will be needed.
  • Pack an emergency travel kit – Check out the blog here for a list of suggested items to include in your safety kit.
  • Plan ahead for fuel needs – Always remember to keep your gas tank full during long trips.

 

Mastermind of lottery fraud in Kan., 3 other states faces prison sentence

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Eddie Tipton- photo Polk County

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former lottery computer programmer who’s pleaded guilty in Iowa to running a criminal scheme that allowed him to collect $2 million in lottery winnings in four states is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday.

A state prosecutor is seeking a 25-year prison term for former Multi-State Lottery Association security director Eddie Tipton.

Assistant Iowa Attorney General Rob Sand says in court documents that Tipton’s “depth of deceit is dumbfounding.” He says justice requires a lengthy prison sentence.

Tipton pleaded guilty in June and admitted writing code that allowed him to predict winners. His attorney is seeking a much lighter sentence of two to three years.

Sand says Tipton has detailed for authorities how he manipulated lottery computers to win lottery games in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

USGS: 3 weekend earthquakes shake Kansas

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KSGS image

SUMNER COUNTY — A second earthquake shook Kansas Sunday. It was the third quake over the weekend.

The latest quake at 6:07 p.m. measured a magnitude 2.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. I was centered seven miles south of Conway Springs.

At 1a.m. Sunday, a 2.4 magnitude quake was centered approximately three miles southwest of Bluff City in Harper County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Just before 8pm. Saturday a quake that measured a magnitude 2.2 was centered seven miles northwest of Caldwell, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A series of earthquakes shook the same area August 5 and 6. They measured from 2.8 to 3.4, according to the USGS.

There are no reports of damage or injuries from Sunday’s quakes.

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HARPER COUNTY – A second weekend earthquake shook Kansas early Sunday morning. The quake measured a magnitude 2.4 at 1a.m. and was centered approximately three miles southwest of Bluff City in Harper County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Just before 8pm. Saturday a quake that measured a magnitude 2.2 was centered seven miles northwest of Caldwell, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A series of earthquakes shook the same area August 5 and 6. They measured from 2.8 to 3.4, according to the USGS.

There are no reports of damage or injuries from Sunday’s quake, according to the Harper County Sheriff’s Department.

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SUMNER COUNTY – A small earthquake shook portions of Kansas Saturday evening. The quake just before 8pm. measured a magnitude 2.2 and was centered seven miles northwest of Caldwell, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A series of earthquakes shook the same area August 5 and 6. They measured from 2.8 to 3.4, according to the USGS.

There are no reports of damage or injuries from Saturday’s quake, according to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Department.

Kansas City Confederate memorial to be moved after vandalism

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Vandalized memorial in Kansas City-photo by Eric Smith-photo courtesy KCTV

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Parks officials in Kansas City, Missouri, say an 83-year-old Confederate memorial will be removed after it was vandalized.

The Missouri Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy asked Kansas City Parks and Recreation officials to remove the monument from its current location to a place of safety. That request came after someone painted what appeared to be a red hammer and sickle on the “Loyal Women of the Old South” memorial late Friday or early Saturday.

Parks officials said Saturday the monument would be removed soon.

The memorial along one of the city’s main streets was erected in 1934 to recognize women who supported the Confederacy. It was a gift from the United Daughters of the Confederacy. It had been at its current location since 1958.

Cuthbert, Escobar lead Royals to victory over Indians

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cheslor Cuthbert homered and drove in three runs, Alcides Escobar also had three RBIs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cleveland Indians 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep.

Cam Gallagher also drove in a run for the Royals, who finally got their bats going after scoring just once in the first two games of the series. Kansas City piled up 12 hits and six runs off Cleveland starter Danny Salazar (5-6), and finished with 15 hits for the day.

Jason Hammel (6-9) allowed three runs on five hits and a walk to win for only the second time since June 19. The Royals’ right-hander had been 1-3 with six no-decisions during that span.

Kelvin Herrera gave up a run against the bottom of the Indians’ order before finishing the game.

Staff mourning the death of popular Kansas zoo gorilla

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Tiffany-photo courtesy Topeka Zoo

TOPEKA – Staff and members of the community are mourning the death Sunday of a longtime Kansas zoo gorilla who underwent a surgical procedure last week.

In follow-up to an ongoing health condition that had not improved, Tiffany the gorilla was taken to a local medical facility for a CT scan at 10:45 Sunday morning, according to a media release.

The CT scan revealed two abdominal masses. After consulting with a radiologist and surgeon, the masses were identified to be tumors resulting from stage four ovarian cancer.

Tiffany, 49, returned to the Topeka Zoo where a surgical team waited. In addition to the zoo’s veterinary team, Dr. Guernsey-Youngblood of University Veterinary Care Center and consultants from Tallgrass Surgical Center were onsite to evaluate Tiffany. Not long into the surgical procedure, it became evident that the cancer had metastasized to the abdominal wall.

Knowing the full extent of the condition, the procedure paused to evaluate options. “Even if all the cancer affected tissue could have been removed, we just could not see an appropriate way to administer a regimen of chemotherapy to treat the cancer,” said Zoo Director Brendan Wiley. “We made the decision that we felt was best for Tiffany and decided to not wake her up from her surgery.” Just before 3:00 and surrounded by the team of people that cared for her, Tiffany passed away.

Tiffany was loved by many. Regulars at the zoo knew her by name. “She was a big part of the persona of our zoo,” said Wiley. “It seemed like everyone knew who Tiffany was.” As a young gorilla, Tiffany became the community’s sweetheart when she was paired with a gorilla named Max. That affection stayed with her even after Max left for another zoo. Tiffany enjoyed board books and stuffed animals. One of her most intriguing attributes was her attraction to small children. She loved watching kids and kids loved to watch her.

Tiffany was born on July 15, 1968 at the Kansas City Zoo. She arrived at the Topeka Zoo on October 15, 1969. In January of 1983 at the recommendation of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan she moved to the Buffalo Zoo and returned back to Topeka in 1987. She will be missed.

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TOPEKA— A constipated 49-year-old lowland gorilla at the Topeka Zoo in Kansas is recovering after having surgery.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that zoo Director Brendan Wiley says the procedure that Tiffany underwent Wednesday went “really well.” A significant amount of stool was found in her colon and was flushed out.

Wiley says the best-case scenario is that she will bounce back. If issues continue, test results will be reviewed to determine how to treat her constipation.

The zoo said staff reported on Friday that the gorilla wasn’t acting like herself. Staff thought a storm the previous night might have upset her, but over the following days, she lost more of her appetite. The surgery was performed to determine why she had been reluctant to eat.

Barton Co. woman hospitalized after trailer tire hits her car

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BARTON COUNTY – A Barton County woman was injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Sunday.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Ram pulling a trailer and driven by Denise Haley Wagner, 64, San Patricio, TN., was northbound on U.S. 281.

A trailer tire came off and hit the window of a Southbound 2011 Ford Focus and then hit the driver Beverly P. Retzlaff, 66, Hoisington.

Retzlaff was transported to Clara Barton Hospital. Wagner was not injured.
Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Osborne Co. Pheasants Forever to host opening weekend dove hunt

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KDWPT

PRATT – Dove hunting can be a perfect opportunity to get a young hunter started in wingshooting. The weather is mild, action can be fast and shot opportunities numerous. It is safe and allows close supervision by a mentor as hunters sit quietly and wait for doves to fly into a feed field or water source. With a little pre-season shotgun practice, a young hunter can enjoy a fantastic hunting experience. And to improve the odds of success, a youth dove hunting event like those listed below offer limited access to fields specially managed to attract doves.

In northcentral Kansas, the Osborne County Pheasants Forever (PF) Chapter and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will host an opening weekend dove hunt. This hunt is expected to provide young hunters with plenty of shooting action as the birds flock to grain fields for morning feeding.

Youth between the ages of 10 and 16 who have had limited dove hunting experience are invited to register. Applicants who have not hunted before will be given preference to participate. Only the youngsters will be hunting, and each hunter will have at least one adult mentor at their side. All hunters must be strong enough to handle their guns safely.

The hunt will begin early Saturday morning, Sept. 2, on the Glen Elder Wildlife Area near Waconda Lake in Mitchell County. A managed crop field on the lake property will be reserved exclusively for this event. Hunters will meet before sunrise on the morning of the hunt at the Glen Elder Wildlife Area shop in Cawker City to organize and be paired with adult mentors before heading to the field. After the hunt, all participants will enjoy a free lunch provided by Osborne County Pheasants Forever where stories of the morning’s hunt can be re-lived and shared.

Young hunters who would like to participate in the hunt must pre-register by calling the Glen Elder Area Office at (785) 545-3345 (8 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays). The sign-up deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. Spots are limited, so hunters are encouraged to register early.

Shotguns can be provided for kids who do not have one. Twelve- and 20-gauge non-toxic shotgun shells will be provided. Hunters 16 and older must have hunting licenses and Harvest Information Program (HIP) permits.

For more information or if you would like to assist with this event, contact Chris Lecuyer (KDWPT) at 785-(545) 3345 or John Cockerham (PF) at (785) 346-6527.

Kansas Lt. Governor’s voting record gives policy insight

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Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, right, Photo Kansas News Service

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer’s legislative voting record gives insight into the course of policy action he’s certain to sustain if he wins the governor’s race.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Colyer generally has avoided hefty policy pronouncements in recent weeks to focus on explaining what type of governor he would be.

Colyer launched a state Legislature career by sponsoring a bill equating the legal status of a fetus at all stages of gestation to that of a living human being.

This anti-abortion position he took as a freshman representative in 2007 reflected his advocacy in the House and Senate through 2010 and his public positions as lieutenant governor for more than six years.

President Donald Trump has nominated Gov. Sam Brownback to serve as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

Kansas man dies after vehicle goes airborne, rolls

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SMITH COUNTY – A Kansas man died in an accident just before 8a.m. Sunday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Dodge Stratus driven by Trevor L. Rempe, 26, Osborne, was northbound on U.S. 281 just north of Portis.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle entered the east ditch at U road, became airborne and rolled.

Rempe was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Clark-Gashaw Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas deputies arrest 2 out out-of-state suspects on drug charges

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Joseph Smith- Geary Co.

GEARY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges.

Just before 4:30a.m. Friday, deputies with the Geary County Sheriff’s office stopped a vehicle on U.S. Highway 77. They arrested Joseph A. Smith, South Haven, Mississippi and Jerry M. Smith, Memphis, Tennessee on suspicion of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.

Jerry Smith-photo Geary Co.

They are expected in court next week.

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