Liquor By the Drink Approved in Two More Kansas Counties
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Voters in two more Kansas counties have signed off on allowing sales of liquor by the drink, leaving just eight of the state's 105 counties without such a provision.The Wichita Eagle reports that residents of Clark and Stafford counties approved the measures Tuesday. Clark County's approval was by a 635-333 vote. Stafford County's ballot measure passed 1,304-535. In 2,200-resident Clark County, passage of liquor by the drink was touted for its economic development potential. Kelly McCarty is a part of the local development-minded Ashland 2020 committee. She says changing the law "was a small step to help the community," and "every little bit helps." The Kansas Department of Revenue says the eight counties still without liquor-by-the-drink provisions are Clay, Gray, Haskell, Jewell, Meade, Sheridan, Stanton and Wallace.
=============
Explosion and Fire Destroy Historic Downtown Kansas City Church
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - An explosion and fire has destroyed a historic Kansas City church.The Kansas City Star reports that fire crews were called to the Evangelic Center Church in downtown Kansas City early this morning. The fire department says the church was unoccupied when the fire broke out, and no injuries have been reported. Kansas City Battalion Chief James Garrett said there had been an explosion and a partial building collapse at the church. He says authorities also closed nearby roads while crews battled the fire. A plume of smoke from the church was visible from miles away.The fire department says firefighters haven't yet determined the cause of the explosion and fire.The church opened in 1904 for Masonic functions as the Scottish Rite Temple.
============
Highway Patrol Identities Two Killed in South-Central Car Chase
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - Authorities have identified two men killed in south-central Kansas when the car they were in collided with a tractor-trailer during a police chase. Newton Police Chief Eric Murphy told The Hutchinson News the two men were being pursued Friday on U.S. 50 because of a report that they shoplifted about $600 of merchandise from a discount store. He says the car they were in also had a stolen tag.The two men were killed when their car hit a tractor-trailer while authorities were pursuing them.The Kansas Highway Patrol identifies the two men as 27-year-old Wendell Lue Hicks III and 48-year-old Lee Francis Billinger. Murphy says during the chase, the fleeing vehicle drove at speeds from 80 to 115 mph before it slid sideways into the tractor-trailer.
=============
Body Discovered in Harvey County May Be That of Missing Wichita Man
VALLEY CENTER, Kan. (AP) - Authorities say they believe they have found the body of a missing Wichita man. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter told KSN-TV that authorities "have every indication" law enforcement found the body of 33-year-old Scottie W. Goodpaster Jr. yesterday in rural Harvey County. Goodpaster was listed as a missing person about a week ago. Prosecutors charged five people Thursday in connection with Goodpaster's disappearance. Easter says the body was found after authorities received a call telling them a truck authorities had been seeking in the case was seen in rural Harvey County. Authorities had information that Goodpaster could have been inside the truck. He says law enforcement walked the area the caller reported and recovered the body. Easter says an autopsy is planned in Sedgwick County.
==============
Haskell Counselor Drops Lawsuit, Files Whistle Blower Complaint
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - A counselor at Haskell Indian Nations University has dropped a lawsuit against the Lawrence school. The Lawrence Journal-World reports Angelina Adams alleged in the lawsuit that she faced retaliation from Haskell administrators for advocating a rape victim's Title IX rights. Federal court records show that lawsuit has been dismissed at Adams' request. Her attorney, Dan Curry, says a lack of legal precedent spurred the decision to dismiss. He says Adams then filed a whistleblower complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Curry says the separate Title IX lawsuit filed by the student will proceed. That lawsuit claims Haskell administrators treated the student unfairly after she reported being raped. Haskell officials have previously declined comment on the lawsuits.
