Kansas Klips
Tree trimmer rescued by KC Fire Department
KANSAS CITY—Just after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31st, the Kansas City Fire Department Rescue Division responded to a mutual aid request in the 9800 block of 81st Terrace in Raytown, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. A tree trimmer had lost his rope system and was unable to get himself down from approximately 65 feet in the air. With the aid of the KCFD drone, a rope and harness system was raised to the man, and after securing the ropes and harness under the instruction of the Rescue Captain, the man was lowered to safety, uninjured. Once the victim was secured safely, a member of the Rescue Division was hoisted up the tree to retrieve the equipment. In this instance, it worked in KCFD’s favor that the man was familiar with rope systems and harnesses because of his profession. No Injuries were reported. (Hays Post)
Woman hospitalized after three-vehicle crash
LOGAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident in Logan County on Sunday, June 2nd. A 2012 GMC Denali XL driven by Brooks Kaip.83. A 2024 Dodge Hornet, driven by Michael Gordon Briese, 68, Kramer, North Dakota, and a 1993 Dodge Durango, driven by Verna M. Wright, 83, Oakley, were stopped due to an oversized load carrying a windmill blade turning onto U. S. 40. The Denali rear-ended the Hornet. The impact pushed the Hornet into the Dodge Durango. EMS transported a passenger in the Hornet, Laura Kevel Briese, 58, Sun Tan Valley, Arizona, to the Logan County Hospital. There were no other injuries. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP. (Hays Post)
Alligator found ten days after escape from KC school petting zoo
KANSAS CITY—After ten days, the alligator missing from a petting zoo at a Kansas City middle school was found alive. The KC Pet Project Animal Services Division picked up the alligator Monday afternoon, June 3rd. The KC Pet Project received an anonymous tip that the missing alligator was discovered outside the school on the first day of summer school. The alligator’s mouth was still taped shut. The KC Pet Project team quickly drove the alligator to the campus, and they are investigating where the alligator has been since it went missing. The Pet Project also has a veterinarian who works with exotic pets to do an exam on the animal. Lakeview Middle School did not obtain an animal shows permit from the Animal Services Division for the petting zoo, which is required per Chapter 14 of the city code. Alligators are not allowed in Kansas City, Mo., per the code. Animal Services plans to issue citations for city code violations to the appropriate parties. (Hays Post)
Fire destroys baler in north Ellis County
ELLIS COUNTY—An afternoon fire on Wednesday, June 5th, in the northern part of Ellis County destroyed a baler, but quick thinking by the farmer kept the fire from spreading. According to Ellis County fire officials, the fire was reported on Hyacinth Avenue and North Countyline Road. The fire was contained to the baler and a bale inside. There was no damage to the tractor. According to the incident commander on the scene, the quick action by the farmer to pull the baler away from the standing wheat kept the fire from spreading, and there was very little loss of standing wheat. (Hays Post)
City plans to convert closed Kansas elementary school to homeless shelter
SEDGWICK COUNTY— The City of Wichita recently announced that it is considering the re-use of the former Park Elementary School facility at 1025 North Main in Wichita as a future Multi-Agency Center (MAC), a one-story wraparound homeless services coordinator, as well as space for congregate, non-congregate and emergency housing according to a media release from the City. Earlier this year, Wichita Public Schools announced it would close six schools before the 2024-2025 school year to reallocate resources. The City approached WPS after the announcement to inquire about the potential availability of Park Elementary, as it is ideally located near other homeless service providers and would offer a centralized location for the MAC. As such, it is the intent of the City, pending due diligence on the property, to acquire the building from WPS for a nominal fee. If the transaction occurs on schedule, the City intends to use the facility for the 2024-2025 winter emergency shelter and could open the full-service MAC in 2026. The property will include a non-barrier, short-term shelter open 24 hours, seven days a week, year-round. It will feature comprehensive services to connect unhoused individuals to services and resources to transition them from shelter services to affordable housing. (Hays Post)
