Kansas Klips
Inmate attempts escape from Phillips County Courthouse Jail
PHILLIPSBURG — David C. Alexander, 19, of Norton, was arrested at a residence in Agra around noon Tuesday, Oct. 26, following an investigation into an alleged rape which had been reported earlier the previous week. Alexander is charged with Rape, Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child 14 to 16-years of age, Blackmail, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, fondling a Child, Distribution of Marijuana, and Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness/Victim. He is being held on a $250,000 bond. On Thursday, Oct. 28, Alexander attacked a deputy while outside the courthouse which resulted in additional charges of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Attempted Aggravated Escape from Custody. The deputy received minor injuries, and Alexander was transferred to a more secure facility. (The Advocate of Phillips County)
K383 project meeting held
ALMENA — A large audience of around 80 people was on hand at the Almena Community Center on Oct. 20 as about a dozen Kansas Department of Transportation employees unveiled a large, continuous, color aerial image of K-383, laid out on a long string of tables about 50-feet long. This supersized map had computer-enhanced overlays showing several proposed changes and improvements for K-383 stretching from just east of Long Island on through to Almena. In the original controversial K-383 improvement plans, 100-year-old shelterbelts would have been ripped out, irrigation pivots would have been removed, the highway would have moved unbearably close to at least one home, and shoulders would have been dangerously narrow. The new plan unveiled at the meeting avoids all that; however, KDOT said the plan is still a work in progress. (The Norton Telegram)
Man dies when RV falls on him while doing maintenance
WICHITA — A Kansas man died following a weekend accident while doing maintenance on a large recreational vehicle. Robert Brooks, 66, of Wichita, was doing maintenance repairs on an RV with another individual at a location south of Newton, according to statement from Harvey County officials. The RV was partially lifted off the ground with a floor jack and wheel chocks. Brooks was working underneath the RV. The RV became unstable, rolled forward off the safety equipment and onto Brooks. The other individual called 911. The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and Newton Fire/EMS were dispatched but Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office determined the incident to be accidental. No foul play is suspected. (HaysPost. com)
Gov. Kelly: “Axe the Food Tax” on groceries
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Monday announced that she will introduce a bill in the Kansas Legislature to “Axe the Food Tax,” and eliminate the state sales tax on food in Kansas, according to a media release from her office. “I’m pleased to introduce a plan that will ‘Axe the Food Tax’ and end the state sales tax on food,” Governor Kelly said. “For too long, Kansans have been paying more for groceries than people in almost every other state.” Kansas is one of only seven states in the nation that fully taxes groceries. Kansas’ food sales tax rate is 6.5%, the second-highest rate in the country. Under Governor Kelly’s proposed bill, a Kansas family of 4 will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year. (HaysPost.com)
USGS: Small earthquakes continue to shake north central Kansas
SALINA — A series of earthquakes continues in central Kansas. The U.S. Geological Survey reported two more quakes in Saline County early Monday. Just before 12:30 a.m., the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 2.6 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum. Twenty-six minutes later, a 2.5 magnitude quake shook in the same area. On Saturday, the agency reported a 2.2 magnitude quake near Gypsum and a 2.3 magnitude quake in Smith County. There are no reports of any damage. (HaysPost.com)
$100K Hansen grant will help DSNWK replace aging vehicle fleet
PHILLIPSBURG — Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce a grant award of $100,000 from Dane G. Hansen Foundation for the replacement of vehicles. With the grant funds, DSNWK will replace several vehicles that have high mileage or excessive age with newer, gently-used vehicles. The replacement of these identified vehicles will improve the safety and reliability of the everyday transportation needed for individuals served as they go to medical appointments, work, day centers, activities and home. DSNWK President and CEO Jerry Michaud expressed their gratitude for the generosity and support of people with intellectual development disabilities. Seventy-percent of the vehicles currently in their fleet are high mileage or excessive age, Michaud said. (HaysPost.com)
