PSU pushes re-opening date to July 20
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PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State University will move the broad reopening of campus from July 7 to July 20 — a delay of nearly two weeks — the university announced Friday.
KDHE shares steps to protect health amid potential air quality impacts from Sahara Dust
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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) wants to alert Kansans to a potential air quality impact from Saharan dust. The Saharan dust comes from the Sahara Desert in Africa, where storms can lift the dust into the atmosphere. Dust is picked up by trade winds and carried thousands of miles across the Atlantic and eventually to the U.S. The particulate matter from this event has the potential to impact Kansas.
Governor announces administration appointments
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TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday appointments to Kansas state boards, councils, and committees.
Governor announces Commission on Racial Equity and Justice
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TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 20-48 establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Wednesday. The Commission is tasked with studying issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas and will begin its work focusing on law enforcementcommunity relations.
Kusiak accepts gavel from Kelly
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Before the regular meeting began Thursday evening, the Independence City Commission thanked Judge William “Bill” Kelly for his many years of service to the City of Independence by presenting him with a plaque of appreciation. Kelly then handed over the gavel to Attorney Joslyn Kusiak who will become the city judge and the meeting began in regular session.
AFTERMATH
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FIRE DAMAGE — These photos show the damage done to the SKOL Railroad line, east of Independence. Montgomery County has filed an emergency declaration with Kansas and work has already begun to repair the railroad trestle. Lee Miller
The 1934 Independence State Bank Robbery Mystery
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In 1934 the United States was still in the grip of the golden age of American bank robbery but the tide was turning as state and federal authorities methodically hunted down a tough new breed of criminals. Fast automobiles, surplus WWI weaponry and depression-era desperation had generated an updated version of the classic 19th century highwayman. The modern machine gun toting gangster inspired romanticized wise-guy facsimiles in popular Hollywood movies, pulp fiction and children’s comics. For many near-destitute citizens enduring hunger, unemployment and foreclosure, the masked outlaws were easier to identify with than well-fed bankers in pinstripe suits. The nation’s law enforcement community was not amused. John Dillinger, Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, George “Baby Face” Nelson, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker all “bit the dust” before the year was out. Nationwide infamy came with serious health risks.
Kansas COVID woes trickle down to ICC
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The Independence Community College Board of Trustees discussed the renewal of insurance brokerage services. Jonathan Sadhoo, vice president for Administration and Finance, made a recommendation for the renewal of insurance brokerage, consulting and coverage services from current provider IMA Financial Group, Inc. of Wichita for a premium cost of $150,000 for fiscal year 2020-21. He noted 13 of 15 the brokerage companies contacted declined to submit a bid, likely due to the high rate of claims submitted in southeast Kansas and northern Oklahoma for hail damage. IMA will prepare a report of building valuations.