Drone Legislation Takes Off in Kansas Senate
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Senate committee has advanced a measure that aims to regulate unmanned vehicles, or drones.
State Senator Caryn Tyson told the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Friday that Senate Bill 409 was designed to protect the privacy of individuals and business from drones equipped with cameras and recording devices.
The Lawrence Journal-World reports several members of the committee said they thought the bill that was produced by Tyson's subcommittee includes too many limits on the use of drones by military and law enforcement.
But the committee advanced the bill on a voice vote, sending it to the full Senate.
=========
Great Lakes Canceling Hays Airport Contract
HAYS, Kan. (AP) — Great Lakes Airlines is canceling its contract with Hays Regional Airport.
The Hays Daily News reports Great Lakes Airlines says it's leaving Hays effective March 31st, about a month before its contract was set to expire May 1st.
Great Lakes Airlines recently learned it was not chosen by the federal government to continue service at Hays Regional Airport. The loss of Great Lakes will leave Hays without a commercial carrier until SkyWest Airlines begins service July 1st.
========
US Flags Stolen From Dodge City Site
DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — Thieves broke into a VFW shed in Dodge City and stole dozens of American flags that fly at a local cemetery to honor veterans.
The Dodge City Globe reports the flags, which were reported stolen earlier this week, are installed at the Maple Grove Cemetery Avenue of Flags, where each of the flag poles was erected in memory of a veteran. The flags are flown on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, Veterans Day, September 11th and December 7th — Pearl Harbor Day.
The GI Forum, VFW and the American Legion have reached out to residents to help them replace the stolen flags, which cost about $50. Avenue of Flags volunteer Bob Hughes says he's accepting money or flags of the same manufacturer, size and material to those stolen.
========
Jury Selection in Salina Murder to Begin Monday
SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of a man charged in the death of a 27-year-old Salina woman.
Dane C. DeWeese is charged with first-degree murder in the May 2013 death of Kristin Tyler. Her body was found in rural Salina about two weeks after her family and friends last had contact with her.
The Salina Journal reports 100 people have been called to take part in the jury selection process Monday morning. Opening arguments are expected to be given Tuesday.
Joel Heil has also pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in Tyler's death. Heil's trial is scheduled for May 7th.