Topeka Seniors Stopped From Voting
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two residents of a Topeka care facility were prevented from voting in the Tuesday primary election by a poll worker who didn't understand the state's voter identification law. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Secretary of State Kris Kobach confirmed Thursday that some elderly residents of Brewster Place showed up to a polling place without I.D.s and were turned away without being issued provisional ballots, as required by law. Shawnee County Election Commissioner Andrew Howell says three voters were affected and one was later able to vote. He has apologized to the other two and says the error was attributed to a poll worker. Kobach spearheaded the ID law and a proof-of-citizenship requirement to register, saying the measures prevent voter impersonation and protect the state from "alien" voters.
==========
Pretty Prairie Tries to Tackle Water Issues
PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. (AP) — A south-central Kansas community where nitrate levels in the water supply have long exceeded federal standards is working to address the contamination. The Pretty Prairie City Council has hired an attorney in order to gain more time from environmental regulatory agencies to address the high nitrate levels in the drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency informed city officials in 2013 that Pretty Prairie had exceeded the nitrate standard for nearly 20 years and the problem was worsening. The Hutchinson News reports the council also has continued planning for a potential water treatment system that could cost more than $2 million. An engineering firm is developing a preliminary engineering report for the water treatment system, and KDHE has stretched a deadline for the report to September 1st.
==========
Rural Columbus Man Charged With Murder
COLUMBUS, Kan. (AP) — A 19-year-old rural Columbus man has been charged in the shooting death of a 20-year-old man. The Parsons Sun reports that Cherokee County authorities have charged Skyler Gurnee with one count of premeditated first-degree murder in the death of William Stephens. Sheriff's deputies found Stephens' body Monday morning in Hallowell. Deputies also found Gurnee several blocks away suffering from severe injuries that the sheriff said were not gunshots. Gurnee was hospitalized until Tuesday is now being held without bond in the Cherokee County Jail. It's unclear if he has a lawyer.
==========
Republican District Helps Huelskamp Campaign Bid
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — U.S. Representative Tim Huelskamp faces a stronger opponent November after surviving a revolt in the primary from farmers in his rural district. But the incumbent has two advantages that are seemingly insurmountable for his Democratic opponent — a heavily Republican district and lots of campaign cash. The 1st District congressman emerged from the primary with 55 percent of the vote in a tough race against an unknown political newcomer. He now faces former Manhattan Mayor Jim Sherow. Huelskamp also had more than $806,000 in campaign cash in last month, compared to less than $5,000 for Sherow. Plus, nearly 53 percent of voters in the district are Republicans, 27 percent are unaffiliated voters. Democrats account for 19 percent.
==========
Future of Closed McCune School Center of Dispute
McCUNE, Kan. (AP) — An elementary school in southeast Kansas that was closed in May after a year of controversy is still the subject of debate between groups discussing its future. The McCune school, part of the Southeast School District based in Cherokee, was closed in May, despite protests from several area residents. The Joplin Globe reports the Southeast School Board asked the city of McCune in April if it could use the building. City officials say they want full ownership of the building. But the school district said in a statement Thursday that it wants to lease the building to the city. Superintendent Glenn Fortmayer says the district's attorneys recommended the lease agreement to protect the district from having the building used by another school district.
=========
Royals Secure Shutout Against Giants
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — James Shields threw a four-hitter and Alex Gordon homered as the Kansas City Royals won their sixth straight, shutting out the San Francisco Giants 5-0 Saturday night. The Royals have won nine of 10 to move within one and a half games of AL Central-leading Detroit.