Tony’s Pizza Events Center

Just like the odd couple pairing of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, Salina Comic Con and the Salina Liberty Indoor Football team are joining forces to give fans of the Star Wars movies a full day of celebration on the day internationally recognized as Star Wars Day – May the 4th.

The day kicks off with the opening of Salina Comic Con – Episode III at 10 a.m. in Tony’s Pizza Events Center’s Heritage Hall. May 4 is also Free Comic Book Day and the first 300 people through the door will receive a free comic book courtesy of Diamond Publishing.

Salina Comic Con will this year feature: Marvel Comics illustrator Rodney Ramos and Supernatural Angel; a 1967 Chevy Impala replica car from the CW Network’s Supernatural. Additional appearances may be announced closer to the show.

Vendors will be on hand for attendees who want to buy, sell, and trade comic books, toys, and pop culture memorabilia. Also returning is the popular costume contest, known as ‘cosplay.’

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive in the south plaza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with Salina Comic Con. Donors will receive a Game of Thrones-themed poster and t-shirt, as well as a $5 Amazon gift certificate. Call 800-REDCROSS to make your life-saving appointment; walk-ins are welcome.

A cast of Star Wars cosplayers will be patrolling Heritage Hall and the concourse as members of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and R2 Builder’s Club will be present for photo opportunities at both Salina Comic Con and the Salina Liberty game.

At 6:30 pm the Salina Liberty, in cooperation with Lucasfilm, Ltd., is hosting Star Wars Night, but get there early – the first 100 kids through the door will receive a free lightsaber courtesy of Ryan Roofing.

Students from Oakdale School will provide entertainment during pre-game and halftime and will sing the National Anthem.

Salina Comic Con hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 4 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 5. May 4 tickets are just $10 in advance, and May 5 tickets are just $8 in advance. Prices increase $2 the day-of-show.

Salina Liberty tickets start at only $9 for adults, and kids ages 2-12 are $5 with a paying adult.

Tickets for both Salina Comic Con and the Salina Liberty game are on sale now at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Box Office, online at tonyspizzaeventscenter.com, or by calling 888-826-SHOW (7469).

Be sure to follow the social media pages of Salina Comic Con, Salina Liberty and Tony’s Pizza Events Center for up-to-date event announcements.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing and have suspect in custody.

Just after 3a.m. Sunday police responded to report of the stabbing in the 3400 Block East Munger in Wichita, according to Captain Brent Allred

Upon arrival, police located 62-year-old Albert Thomas of Wichita with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Allred.

Investigators learned that Thomas and suspect 53-year-old Keith Thurman lived at this residence with two others including a 57-year old woman and a 50-year-old woman.

They were at home cooking for Easter Sunday when Thomas and Thurman got into an argument that turned into a physical altercation outside the residence. Thurman stabbed Thomas multiple times, according to Allred. The 57-year-old woman was also stabbed in the arm and treated at a local hospital, according to Allred.

They arrested Thurman on requested charges of second-degree murder.

Police are still working to determine what led to the altercation. They expect to present the case to the district attorney later this week, according to Allred.

BARBER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Barber County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Brandon Husband, 42, Fowler, was southbound East on River Road thirteen miles northwest of Medicine Lodge.

A vulture came out of the north ditch and struck the driver in the head. The vehicle traveled off the road into the north ditch, struck a barbwire fence and over turned.

Husband was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Larison Funeral Home. A passenger Jennifer Husband, 43, Fowler, was transported to Wesley Medical Center where she died. They were not wearing helmets, according to the KHP.

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BARBER COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 3p.m. Saturday in Barber County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was traveling southeast on River Road thirteen miles northwest of Medicine Lodge.

A vulture came out of the north ditch and struck the driver in the head. The vehicle traveled off the road into the north ditch, struck a barbwire fence and overturned.

Authorities released no additional details early Sunday.

TOPEKA — The director of the Topeka Zoo says a the prognosis for the recovery of a zookeeper who was attacked by a Sumatran tiger is good.

The zookeeper was attacked Saturday while in the outdoor tiger habitat of Sanjiv, a 7-year-old male tiger.

Zoo director Brendan Wiley said the zookeeper was talking Saturday night.  She was moved out of the intensive care unit, according to a statement from city of Topeka spokesperson Molly Hadfield early Monday.

The woman has worked at the zoo since 2002 and has several years of experience with tigers.

Wiley said the zoo is conducting an investigation and will determine what protocol changes might be needed after talking to the injured employee.

The zoo has no plans to euthanize Sanjiv, who was back on display Sunday.

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Salina city leaders are exploring the possibility of a ban on plastic shopping bags.

City staff was briefing commissioners Monday on other communities with bans and what it would take to gather public input on such a policy.

Salina City Commissioner Joe Hay proposed the ban. He told KAKE-TV earlier this year that the city should be a leader in the state. He says the bags fly like kites and blanket fences and trees after a wind storm.

California and Hawaii already ban disposable plastic bags. So do many cities including Chicago, Seattle and more than a dozen local communities in New York state.

SEWARD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend head-on crash that sent on man to the hospital and another to jail.

emergency responders were dispatched to the 200 block of West Pancake Boulevard for a reported injury accident. Responding officers found a pickup and semi truck had collided head on.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, a 2012 Ford F-250 driven by a 24-year-old man was eastbound on Pancake Boulevard in Liberal, according to Police Captain Patrick McClurg.

 The Ford crossed the center line in the path of a westbound 2008 Peterbilt semi-tractor and trailer. The vehicles collided head on. The 32-year-old male driver of the Peterbilt was transported to Southwest Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries.

Investigators determined the driver of the Ford showed signs of impairment related to the consumption of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested. During a search subsequent to the arrest, a small quantity of suspected cocaine was located.

Police booked him into the Seward County Jail for aggravated battery, driving under the influence with a prior conviction, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, driving left of center, and no seat belt. An affidavit was submitted to the Seward County Attorney’s Office seeking formal charges.

McClurg did not release names of the drivers.