Kansas Klips
Antique coins, money and cash stolen
SALINE COUNTY—On Tuesday, February 6th, a woman at a home in the 7200 Block of East Farrlley Road in Salina reported that a suspect stole more than $10,000.00 in various American currencies, according to Saline County Sheriff Rodger Soldan. The suspect escaped with $7,300.00 in cash, antique coins, and $2.00 bills. The burglary occurred between 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. when both residents were away from the home. Soldan said there was no evidence of forced entry so that the suspect may have entered through an unlocked door or window. The burglar damaged a few pieces of furniture, including a nightstand and chair. (Hays Post)
Fire damages historic Kansas City Theater
KANSAS CITY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a recent fire at the historic Warwick Theater in Kansas City. First responders at the fire at 3927 Main Street reported fire and smoke from the rear of the structure. After several minutes, due to conditions and type of roof, the fire command decided to evacuate the building and went into defensive operations. There are no injuries reported. The Warwick opened in 1912, according to the theater’s website. It closed in 1953 and is currently undergoing renovations. It is home to the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, founded in 2005. (Hays Post)
Cocaine, meth discovered during Kansas traffic stop
BARTON COUNTY—Just after midnight on Friday, February 2nd, a sheriff’s deputy stopped a 2010 Mercedes-Benz for an alleged traffic violation on US 56 Highway, just inside the east city limits of Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The driver was identified as Paul Scott Ringering, age 54, of Ellinwood. The sheriff’s deputy became suspicious of potential drug activity, and Sheriff’s Officer K9 Maxx was called to the scene. Maxx indicated the presence of controlled substances. Further investigation revealed marijuana and methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Ringering was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Jail. During the booking process, it was found Ringering had more methamphetamine as well as cocaine concealed on his person. Ringering was booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution of controlled substances, as well as trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. (Hutch Post)
Proposed bill would require drivers to move over for all cars
WICHITA—State lawmakers are considering a proposed bill to expand the state’s move-over law. This means drivers would have to either move over or slow down for all cars with flashing lights stalled on the side of the road, not just the select few the law currently requires. AAA Kansas spokesperson Shawn Steward states that the AAA is the sponsor of this bill and brought it up because people in Kansas get hit and killed on the side of the road every year when they’re outside a disabled vehicle. Under this law, if you were on the side of the road changing a tire, checking your engine, or doing something else, all other cars would have to move over or slow down for you. Kansas’s current move-over law requires drivers to slow down or move over for emergency, tow, utility, and garbage trucks. Steward says being on the side of the road is dangerous for anyone. “This bill would just make it clearer and simpler for drivers to understand. They don’t have to think okay, what kind of a vehicle is it?” The bill would mean you slow down or move over anytime you see a car on the side of the road. He says this expansion of the move-over law is being pushed in six other states as well, and 21 states have already added the protection. AAA Kansas says nearly 350 people in the country are struck and killed every year while outside a vehicle on the road. If passed, the bill would also add a $75.00 fine for unlawfully passing a disabled vehicle. At the time of this report, the bill had made it out of committee in the Senate, but the House had not had a hearing on it yet. (KAKE News)
Kansas Wesleyan University closed after professor’s death on campus
SALINA—Dr. Eileen St. John, head of the teacher education department at Kansas Wesleyan, passed away in her office Thursday morning, February 8th. Dr. St. John was a leader on campus and a family-oriented individual who gave her all to her students daily. Classes were canceled for Thursday and Friday that week, and all activities, including athletics, were postponed through Sunday. (Hays Post)
