Wind farm issues debated
ERIE A half-dozen opponents and supporters of a proposed Neosho County wind farm project spoke at a public forum recently, The Chanute Tribune reported. Neosho County commissioners listened to comments for a half hour at the public forum, then for another hour during their regular meeting. Many commented on proposed setbacks for the turbines from property lines and residences, and limitations on the sound decibels.
Burglars seek opioid meds at pharmacies
GARNETT Burglars at Auburn Pharmacy in Garnett got away with prescription medicines, one of several pharmacies across the state to report such thefts. Opioid meds seem to be the objective, as tighter regulations restricting the medication have reduced the flow to those who are addicted. Mike Burns, president and CEO of AuBurn Pharmacies, told the Anderson County Review closer monitoring of opioids in Kansas includes a central database that tracks sales and looks for inconsistencies like multiple attempts to fill prescriptions at various pharmacies. Since then, burglaries increased. Burns is looking at internal and external security upgrades at his companys locations.
City ponders utility rate increase
PARSONS City commissioners plan to raise stormwater rates for commercial customers based on the size of their property, and may raise rates slightly for residential customers, according to The Parsons Sun. The city needs to increase the rates enough to bring in an additional $100,000 or more for stormwater drainage repairs and improvements. Adopting a plan to raise both commercial and residential rates would bring another $125,574 annually, but increasing just commercial rates would bring in about $99,714 more.
Chanute vet retires after 60 years
CHANUTE Willie the Wildcat, the mascot of Kansas State University, dropped in on a retirement party for Chanute veterinarian Dr. Don McReynolds, The Chanute Tribune reported. McReynolds opened Animal Medical Center in 1958 with K-State classmate Dr. Bill LaRue. McReynolds was in business for 60 years.
Grandmother arrested for abandoning teen
EUREKA An Oklahoma grandmother was arrested on suspicion of child neglect for dropping her 17-year-old autistic grandson off at a rest stop near Eureka and driving away, The Wilson County Citizen reported. Because he was non-verbal, authorities asked the public to help identify him, using social media as well as newspapers and television. A former teacher in Oklahoma recognized him. The grandmother first said she handed him over to a relative in Ada, then said she abandoned him on her way to pick up her husband from prison because he had been abusive to the boy in the past.
Arrest follows police chase, frigid swim
GREELEY A Lenexa man who tried to swim the frigid Marais des Cygnes River near Osawatomie to evade law enforcement was arrested and charged in Anderson County District Court, according to The Anderson County Review. The man was wanted on warrants when he attempted to pass an Anderson County Sheriffs deputy vehicle and nearly collided with it, leading to a high-speed chase into Miami County. He later abandoned the car and fled on foot, hiding in a bush until officers discovered him. He jumped into the river but turned back and was taken into custody.
Company made headstones for Bush
PARSONS Wilbert Funeral Services Inc., made the headstone and vault for the final resting place of former President George H.W. Bush, according to The Parsons Sun. The company, formerly Suhor Industries Inc., also made the headstones for former First Lady Barbara Bush and their daughter, Robin, who died at age 3 in 1953. The Parsons plant also manufactured a white cross to match those found in Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France, because the former president was a World War II veteran. The company also created headstones for President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, and for President Gerald Ford.
