A short read but see how the GOP will have it their way. Saddly a few Dem's joined them.

Sebelius to respond to new coal plant plan: CJOnline Page Not Found

The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. CDT
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius says she will respond to a new plan for allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas.

The Democratic governor has scheduled a news conference for 9 a.m. Wednesday. That is just an hour before legislators reconvene after their annual spring break.

The Republican leaders who drafted the plan said they wanted an answer before the session resumed.

Otherwise, they said, they would attempt to override a Sebelius veto of a bill allowing the two plants.

The latest plan still would permit Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build the two plants in Finney County. But the plants would be 14 percent smaller than the utility had proposed.

Sebelius has proposed allowing Sunflower to build one plant.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: butthead at Apr 29, 2008 at 02:38:07 PM
I hope she does not try to blow smoke.

Posted by: johnpadilla at Apr 29, 2008 at 07:05:15 PM
I have heard the pros and cons but no details, no spacifics .... what is the big deal on all this anyways, some one enlighten me.

Posted by: mlurp at Apr 29, 2008 at 08:45:41 PM
To me I see the power of the GOP and a few from the DNC
giving no break in what they want. No reason or thoughts about us who will have to breath the emissions. And again
with the Immigration bill. Party Power in our face. Th egovernor is right on both counts. But the powers will then change the laws and get what they want anyway.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Reader comments included. Some real nice replies.

Slattery launches campaign to unseat Roberts: CJOnline Page Not Found

By Tim Carpenter
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A staff member for Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts was on hand Tuesday to welcome back former U.S. Rep. Jim Slattery to the rough and tumble world of political campaigning.

While Slattery dotted his campaign launch speech in Topeka with criticism of Roberts' economic, energy and defense policy decisions, one of the senator's campaign workers thrust an official change-of-address form in the Democrat's hand.



Thad Allton / The Capital-Journal
Former 2nd District Rep. Jim Slattery, a Democrat, announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate during a rally Tuesday morning.
JIM SLATTERY

Hometown: Topeka. Born in Good Intent, in Atchison County.

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, Washburn University, 1970; law degree, Washburn, 1974.

Career: Served in Kansas Army National Guard, 1970-74; served in Kansas House, 1973-78; helped found and operate real estate firm, 1975-82; 2nd District congressman, 1983-94; unsuccessful Democratic nominee for governor, 1994; associate, Wiley Rein LLP, a Washington lobbying firm, 1994-2008; left lobbying firm to run for U.S. Senate.

Personal: He and his wife, Linda, have two grown sons.
"Welcome to Kansas,'" Ashley McManus, of the Roberts campaign, told Slattery.

Slattery, 59, reminded the audience McManus' boss went to Washington before the first astronaut stepped on the moon.

McManus said the brisk welcome was appropriate for someone employed as a Washington lawyer and lobbyist since 1994. Before that Slattery served the 2nd District of eastern Kansas in Congress for a dozen years. Never mind that Slattery has owned a home in Kansas since 1974 — the current one is in Topeka — and never registered to vote anywhere outside Kansas.

The issue of who might have lost touch with this state's values and interests wasn't ignored by Slattery. Roberts is seeking a third six-year term in the U.S. Senate, was elected eight times to the U.S. House and started his Washington career in 1967.

"My opponent is an entrenched career politician who went to Washington, D.C., before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon," Slattery said. "I face someone, who for all the good he may have done, has stayed in office too long. He has become part of what we must change if we are to get our country back on track."

The opening day of this six-month battle for political supremacy included radio advertisements from Roberts that attempted to lay waste to Slattery's aspirations for an upset victory. The Dodge City Republican, who didn't have a Democratic opponent in 2002, is likely to be a frequent flier on radio and television. He already has raised more than $3 million for his re-election bid.

A showdown between these experienced, well-connected politicians could turn out to be the most expensive U.S. Senate race in state history. Slattery first must defeat Overland Park railroad engineer Lee Jones in the Democratic Party primary in August.

Bob Beatty, associate professor of political science at Washburn University, said Roberts must be considered the front-runner, given the GOP's dominance in voter registration.

Beatty said critical numbers in the general election would be 41 and 26.

"Roberts has been in Washington 41 years and Slattery for 26 years," Beatty said. "It's a battle of which person who spent a lot of time in Washington is an agent of change."

Slattery, who lost the 1994 gubernatorial race to Republican Bill Graves, said he was running again for public office because the U.S. Senate was "simply not getting the job done."

He said the nation's economy was unstable, reliance on foreign oil had created a national security crisis and the country was engaged in a "tragic and costly war" in Iraq. The point about Iraq is a dig at Roberts, who he accuses of rubber-stamping President Bush's policy agenda as a chairman of the Senate Select Intelligence Committee.

Slattery called the nation's combat troops American heroes but expressed concern military families weren't receiving the assistance they required.

Tim Carpenter can be reached at (785) 296-3005 or timothy.carpenter @cjonline.com.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: windybon at Apr 30, 2008 at 09:19:19 AM
If the "Senate is not getting the job done," maybe Mr. Slattery should ask Harry Reid why.

-2 Rating Posted by: 65impala at Apr 30, 2008 at 09:22:28 AM
BINGO!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: lkj at Apr 30, 2008 at 09:45:55 AM
Welcome back Mr Slattery! Looking forward to a contested senate race and Mr Roberts having to answer some tough questions for the first time in many, many years.
Lets let Kansas voters decide if we want to give Mr Roberts a "change of address card".
I will be looking at not only how he represented our state, but the country in whole.
REALLY looking forward to hearing some of Roberts answers to tough questions.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: billbodiggens at Apr 30, 2008 at 10:19:25 AM
A person should have reservations about Slattery, but it would appear to be rather inappropriate for Roberts to questions Slattery’s residency. I have had the opportunity to be in Dodge City quite a number of times since Roberts was first elected and have never seen or even heard of any residence he has maintained as his actual residence in that town he claims his own. Carpetbaggers all.

-1 Rating Posted by: windybon at Apr 30, 2008 at 10:40:04 AM
I follow the congressional voting records pretty closely, and from my point-of-view, Senator Roberts votes in my best interests 90% of the time.

-2 Rating Posted by: shesalady at Apr 30, 2008 at 10:51:11 AM
I like Jim Slattery and would vote for him in a minute--if he were a Republican

-2 Rating Posted by: shesalady at Apr 30, 2008 at 10:51:40 AM
I like Jim Slattery and would vote for him in a minute--if he were a Republican.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:04:48 AM
I don't know why anyone would vote for anyone that was in congress when we squandered the good will of the world community and instead turned them against us by starting a war that is bankrupting our country.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:05:29 AM
Change is good. Especially a change in direction when you are heading off the cliff.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: gotelk at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:22:14 AM
windybon - with all due respect, your best interests may not be the same as mine or a large number of other Kansans, but that is what elections are all about.

+ 2 Rating Posted by: blexican at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:45:22 AM
Shesalady, you are exactly what's wrong with America. People brainwashed to partisan politics. If both sides could only come together, instead of worrying about silly labels, then much more positive progress towards real issues could be made.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: lkj at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:15:50 PM
Blexican...You are exactly right about the labels and partisanship.
I too have been guilty of voting my party line, but there is too much at stake for all of us right now...your words remind me to get outside of my box and put some of that partisanship away, get outside my box too!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: lkj at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:41:09 PM
T-Town tracker...you are right about those who haved served us the last 8 years, I want to know their 'direction" for the future. The financial "cliff" is here, thats for sure.

I want some accountability and change, wheather they be democrat or republican.






-1 Rating Posted by: stewartsteen at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:40:29 PM
The two years of Democrat control of congress have been a miserable failure. I'm voting for Roberts.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:48:31 PM
The two years of DEMOCRATIC control of congress have been a failure because republicans have been blocking everything that they try to do with parliamentary procedures. After November when there are over 60 DEMOCRATIC Senators you'll see some progress made.

-1 Rating Posted by: husky1 at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:20:46 PM
Slattery is a lobbyist, His residence in Topeka is only a sham. He only comes back here for photo ops. Throw him and the rest of the bums out. We need a change and he ain't it.

-1 Rating Posted by: husky1 at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:22:54 PM
Slatttery is a lobbyist. His residence here in Topeka is a sham. He only comes back here for photo-ops. Throw him and the rest of the bums out. We need change and he aint't it.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:16:59 PM
Roberts' son is a lobbyist. Roberts' residence in Dodge city is a sham (it's a P.O. Box in a strip-mall). He only comes back here for photo-ops. Throw him and the rest of the republican bums out. We need change, and Roberts is in the way.

Posted by: husky1 at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:18:33 PM
They are all BUMS, republicans and democrats alike.

Posted by: mlurp at Apr 30, 2008 at 04:49:17 PM
Bum's is being easy on many. I think this campaign is going to be much more of interest to us than the Dem's primary between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama. Common sense tells one Mr. Roberts is part of the problem and isn't going to be much help for change! And if at all levels of govt. we have a strong DNC party, we will either see change for the people and a govt. of the people. Or we might consider a real change. Any one recall these words? From 1776 "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Kansans might as well live in Washington, DC. A few reader comments which say it plain and simple.

Secondary coal bill seeks to change minds: CJOnline - Secondary coal bill seeks to change minds

By James Carlson
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. CDT
Supporters of a coal-fueled power plant have crafted a measure aimed at encouraging some House members opposed to the plant to switch their votes.

Current plans for the 1,400-megawatt project outside Holcomb call for 1,200 megawatts to flow to out-of-state customers, and 200 megawatts would stay in Kansas. The plant addition sought by Sunflower Electric Power Corp. has been blocked since October by the state’s top environmental regulator, and the Legislature has spent most of the session trying to pass through bills that would allow that expansion.

The new bill pushed out of a negotiating committee this morning would allow Kansas to keep an additional 200 megawatts of energy. It is specifically targeted for the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities in Wyandotte County.

Democratic House members from Wyandotte County have been targeted in the past as possible votes to switch.

“It looks to me like (this bill) could be for Wyandotte,” said Sen. Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg.

But others said the bill could be aimed to peel off others who have opposed the coal plant all along.

The House will take up the new bill when it returns at 2:30 p.m. today, and then would attempt to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto of legislation that would allow the power plant expansion.

The Senate today voted 32-7 to overturn the governor’s veto. The House in the past has been one vote short of the veto-proof majority.

If the House were to be successful in overriding, which would require past opponents to switch their votes, then senators would move ahead with the so-called trailer bill.

The new legislation would also implement a new two-cents-per-meter fee on utility customers to help pay for Sunflower to build a bioenergy center in conjunction with the Holcomb plant.

The new bill also addresses restrictions on the powers of the state’s top environmental regulator. The legislation to allow Sunflower to move forward with the project would strip the authority of the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to regulate greenhouse gasses beyond the federal laws.

Under the new proposal, those restrictions on the KDHE secretary would be eliminated in January 2011, when a new governor — and by extension, a new KDHE secretary — would be in place.

James Carlson can be reached at (785) 233-7470 or james.carlson@cjonline.com.

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Reader Comments
+ 1 Rating Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:20:42 PM
Veto this one too, Governor!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:24:57 PM
The legislation to allow Sunflower to move forward with the project also stripped the authority of the secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to regulate greenhouse gasses beyond the federal laws.
Under the new proposal, those restrictions on the KDHE secretary would be eliminated in January 2011, when a new governor — and by extension, a new KDHE secretary — would be in place.

OUTRAGEOUS!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:29:05 PM
It simply cannot be constitutional for the legislature to suspend the duties of one person because they don't like his position. This is why we have seperate branches of government, and he is part of the Executive branch. If this works, the US Congress should look into limiting Dick Cheneys actions.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Sure a lot of readers responding today on this issue. Seems it doesn't matter what one thinks (there are mixed thoughts on this) what is sure is how the parties will go on till they win. It is mor efor big busines sthan the people of Kansas IMHO!

House assembling for coal override vote: CJOnline - House assembling for coal override vote

By Tim Carpenter
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. CDT
The Republican-controlled House is gearing up this afternoon to attempt an override of a coal power plant bill vetoed by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Earlier today, the Senate passed an override of Sebelius’ veto of a bill opening the door to the proposed utility plant expansion in Holcomb.

On a 32-7 vote, senators shifted to the House the burden of sidestepping the governor’s rejection of legislation designed to advance a controversial electric plant project costing at least $3.6 billion.

The Senate previously obtained sufficient votes to override Sebelius on a similar coal-plant bill for the Holcomb project, but House leadership has struggled for weeks to gather necessary support to complete the legislative maneuver.

House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, said while meeting with GOP members in the Statehouse that the full House would attempt an override of a coal bill this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Sebelius today denounced a proposal from legislative leaders for construction of the coal-fired units in southwest Kansas. They had urged the governor to accept development of two 600 megawatt units at Holcomb, a reduction from the original 1,400 megawatt facility contemplated by developers.

"It is my duty to protect the interests of Kansas citizens in every corner of this great state," she said. "Kansans count on me to look at each decision carefully, weighing not only the immediate benefits of today, but the costs and impacts for tomorrow."

Sebelius said her offer of a single 660 megawatt coal unit was still on the table.

"I believe the middle ground may be a single power plant, which emits less pollution and whose priority customers are -- and would always be -- Kansans," Sebelius said.

Utility cooperatives had originally sought two 700 megawatt coal-burning units. More than 85 percent of that new electricity would go to customers in Texas and Colorado.

Sebelius informed leaders of the House and Senate of her decision prior to a news conference in her Statehouse office.

During the 2008 session, the governor has vetoed two bills that would have permitted the coal project to move forward. House and Senate leaders have made advancement of the development a top priority.

Neufeld said he wasn’t surprised by the governor’s rejection of the energy compromise. Sebelius’ idea of a single unit at Holcomb is unacceptable, he said.

"The governor must recognize the plan she offers is essentially a fool’s errand as the economic feasibility of her compromise was simply not a realistic option," Neufeld said.

Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, said too much was at stake for Kansas to miss an opportunity to welcome the project.

"We can either have them located here in Kansas, where we will benefit directly from the jobs, expanded baseload power capacity and the integrated industry associated with the plants, or we can watch the jobs, the revenue and the cleaner coal power go to a neighboring state," Morris said.

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. of Kansas and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association of Colorado wants to build the plants in Finney County, but the project was stalled by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, with the govenor's blessing, over the increase in carbon-dioxide emissions.

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Reader Comments
-1 Rating Posted by: butthead at Apr 30, 2008 at 10:36:16 AM
Such a surprise.

Posted by: BAB at Apr 30, 2008 at 10:59:00 AM
No real compromise was offered. Only a fool would believe that the attempt was real.

-2 Rating Posted by: jdubyaks at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:07:58 AM
I love the way Sebelius compromises. It's her way or no way. Hopefully the legislature can override the veto and allow the $4 Billion dollars in investment that western Kansas truly needs.

-2 Rating Posted by: BAB at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:21:31 AM
The compromise was offered to make folks like jdubyaks think exactly the way his post reads. It was a bluff. It worked. I figured some fool would bite on my post.




Posted by: cabocrazed at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:28:57 AM
Absolutely jdub. Her way or no way - whatever she can do to make herself look good and to h**l with the rest of the State.

-2 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:58:04 AM
One instead of none is the compromise. Did y'all read the story? The honorable Governor doesn't need to look good. She has done a better job of running this state than anyone in recent memory. The coal plant, being in SW KS, would be spewing pollution over kansas so TX and CO can have electricity. And the $4 billion? how much of that would go to out-of-state contractors? Finally, I've been to SW KS and they don't need the money.

Posted by: 65impala at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:58:10 AM
I think a good compromise would be a 1200 megawatt neuclear plant at that location.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:00:03 PM
to those that may not be aware, Coal fired power plants are the amoung the worst poluters on earth.

Posted by: kssooner at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:03:20 PM
Sounds like a certain Governor is posturing herself for a possible Vice Presidency or Cabinet position. We all know the talk is out there and a Governor who would allow a coal fired plant in their state would never receive a position like that a Democratically controlled White House.

Posted by: kssooner at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:04:54 PM
T-TownTracker - I thought that was my SUV and the all cattle out in western Kansas.

Posted by: 65impala at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:07:04 PM
T-TownTracker How do you justify yourself by saying some one else does not need the money? Who or what do you base that on? There are souls that live and work there. All you see is sage brush.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: jdubyaks at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:23:25 PM
T-town...your posts just go to show your ignorance of western Kansas. They DO need the economic development. They are losing population to places with better paying jobs. And quite frankly I think western Kansans would be perfectly fine with a nuclear power plant. Only no one has proposed building one, like the proposal for a coal fired plant. But I'm sure if they did, the looney environmental left with Sebelius and her political hack at KDHE leading the charge, would be against that too.

-1 Rating Posted by: blyden at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:34:49 PM
I work at a coal fired energy center and you need to look into all of the pollution control measures that are available to protect the environment that most likely would be in place upon completion of these two units. We our all foolish if you think that wind power is the answer to all of are energy concerns in this country. As we all know you can not predict when the wind is going to blow and at what speed to rely upon that for a source of base load power. We as a country really need to look at nuclear energy for the power of the future because it is clean and a safe alternative to coal. The biggest problem with nuclear is that it is expensive to build.

+ 2 Rating Posted by: kdj699 at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:37:47 PM
The $4 Billion is the cost to build the plant. Only a fraction of that will be in Labor costs which MIGHT stay in Kansas. If Texas and Colorado need the electricity so bad, build their own plants. I have no problem building a plant to power Kansas customers, but not the other states. Typical of Colorado, first they steal our water, now they want to pollute our air!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: jdubyaks at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:46:24 PM
Like I've posted before...the argument about out of state entities buying the electricity is stupid. If that is the standard, we need to shut down the GM plant in KC....virtually all those cars are sold out of state. And you can't tell me that plant doesn't have any pollution. We need to shut down all the aircraft plants in Wichita...because all of those planes are sold out of state and those plants certainly pollute and have polluted for years. So the red herring of selling out state needs to stop.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: Maryhawks at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:56:47 PM
When they removed the fines for pollution and removed the power from the department that they would have to answer too, it became clear that if you research it out, it is not good for the people who live in that area. This is not about economic development. This is about harming the population at the expense of their health.I am a republican who is backing the govenor on this one. It is a matter of being responsible.

Posted by: tkaberline at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:35:51 PM
Even selling power out of state would still bring money into the State and provide jobs in Western Kansas.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: dalemise at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:36:50 PM
When OPEC put its oil embargo into effect in 1973, most energy experts agreed that the best long range energy solution would be nuclear electric plants. Then came Chernobyl in 1968 and that idea quickly died.
But even the most radical evironmentalists now agree that with the new safety features, nuclear is probably our only long range option.
We should probably bite the bullet and build a second nuclear plant in Western Kansas, but the cost is four times that of a coal fired plant and would probably require a State subsidy.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:44:51 PM
Good for the Governor. She proved once again that she's looking out for average Kansans. The Holcomb pollution factory wouldn't add anything to Kansas but dirty air. The contractors to build it would all be from out of state and once it's finished it'll probably take less than a dozen employees to run it. This would be bad for Kansas, and anyone who's honest will agree.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: taylorparton at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:22:51 PM
I SUPPORT Our Govenor... WHY? hasnt anyone Looked at the Wind Power that is Running thru Kansas Northern Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, all the way up thru Canada. Kansas is one of the Windiest States in the United States. WIND TURBINES would Generate Lots of Jobs in Western and Southern Kansas they would be Providing Energy to Kansans and be able to be Built right thru Agricultural Fields and Cattle Ranches providing a continous Tax Right off for Property Owners without affecting the People or Animals or Landscape anywhere around them. Coal is Dirty. Try Burning a Coal Stove this Winter and let the Exaust leak into your Home and Inhale, and run your finger acrossed the Wall in the Spring Time...Thats Our Lungs,our Farm Animals Lungs, The Beef and Pork and Poultry and Eggs and Produce We Eat and Feed to the Country for a Profit, and Everyone around a Coal Fire Energy Plant would be breathing this Exhaust... Is GREED Running through Someones Veins? Is That worth the Revenue that would be there til the Coal Ran Out? We Are Kansans, and We have the Best Air in the Country, because the Wind thru the Central United States Continously Circulates, providing us a Fresh Clean Environment where we can Be Proud of Our Yellow Brick Road Story and the Blowing Cottonwood Seeds... WOuldnt it Be worth a Couple Dollars and your Grandchildrens less fortune to have a Filthy Environment...Why dont we if we need a Cola Plant just Pour Concrete thru Our Wheat Fields? Cmon, Our Govenor is an Elected Official. These People comming ointo Kansas with their Granidious Ideals are comming for a Profit. Cmon KANSAS- THINK long and Hard before you Act.
Thanks for Allowing me to Post.

Posted by: topekaray at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:24:56 PM
Why can't Tri-State build these facilities on the Western Slope?

-1 Rating Posted by: newkyqt at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:33:29 PM
Wailers get the facts and don't swallow all the green tea flying around for solving the worlds energy problems. And I bet my carbon footprint is the smallest in the blog, walk and public transit each day by choice. These plants need built.

Learn about the plant! Holcomb Station Expansion Project

Jobs would be HUGE....
The $3.6 billion Holcomb Station expansion would create over 2,000 jobs during the six-year construction period and over 200 permanent jobs, including 100 at the power plant. An integrated bioenergy center could create an additional 400 “green” jobs.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: kdj699 at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:47:06 PM
There is a HUGE difference between a General Motors plant making cars and a Coal plant releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. You are using Very flawed logic if you believe that argument. You have committed the fallacy of the undistributed middle. So until you can come back with a better argument then that, I don't want to hear it.

-1 Rating Posted by: kansasman101 at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:00:49 PM
For all you who are against coal fired plants eastern Kansas has many, many more and are among the WORST in the nation.
Why are you not up in arms about these which are in closer proximity to where you live instead of being loud and boisterous about what is going on in western Kansas?

Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:13:51 PM
"Why are you not up in arms about these which are in closer proximity?"

Because they're already here, and they're providing power for Kansans. The Holcomb pollution factory hasn't been built and it won't provide very many Kansans with power.

-1 Rating Posted by: jdubyaks at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:43:57 PM
boring...it just goes to show you still don't know what is going on. There is a coal plant already out in Holcomb. This would add to the generation capacity already out there.

-1 Rating Posted by: 65impala at Apr 30, 2008 at 03:58:08 PM
The plants already in use in eastern Kansas have been producing energy for more years than most of you have been living here. Before this political exercise started with Sebelius, I would be sure that most of you wouldn't know a power plant from a hole in the wall. Face it, the plants are aging fast and will need to be replaced with modern facilities. The Tecumseh plant has been in operation since the 20's. The new plant, by design, will be much more efficent and cleaner that you would care to know. kdj699 I love your quote, "So until you can come back with a better argument then that, I don't want to hear it." Nothing like being honest... with your head in a hole.


+ 1 Rating Posted by: kdj699 at Apr 30, 2008 at 04:14:11 PM
I am just saying that the argument that we should should also shut down the GM Plant and the Airplane factories because the products they produce go out of state is flowed logic. If you look at a ratio of Production dollars to tons of pollution released, I am sure all the Airplane factors in Wichita and the GM Plant in KCK don't even come close to that of the proposed Holcomb facility. If the best argument for building a plant in Kansas is, "Well they do it too" (more flawed logic), then I don't want to hear it. Show me how the benefits (Dollars spent in Kansas) out weight the risks (Additional Pollution) and I will buy in to it whole-heartedly. I don't see how 200 permanent full time jobs and MAYBE 2000 temporary construction jobs, out weighs the risk of additional pollutants in the atmosphere.

Additionally, There are a ton of aging power plants in Kansas, they will have to be replaced. Not an issue by me, I am sure they will have greener technology by then to help with that, but it isn't at an additional cost to the environment as the Holcomb Plants are.

-1 Rating Posted by: kansasman101 at Apr 30, 2008 at 04:21:39 PM
KDJ........how the hell you know "they will have greener technology by then?"

What a preposterous statement with NO facts. If you think for a minute a few hundred wind turbines are going to power your home and city you are nuts. These are all well and good and are NOW in use but they will NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER churn out enough power for Kansas. EVER

+ 1 Rating Posted by: kdj699 at Apr 30, 2008 at 04:36:06 PM
Have I ever suggested Wind Turbines? I personally am in favor of Nuclear Energy. And I assume that there will be greener tech in the future considering the millions of dollars companies and the government are pouring into research to make them. So maybe there won't be greener tech in the future, but one could only hope so.

Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at Apr 30, 2008 at 04:43:34 PM
jdubyaks said...
"it just goes to show you still don't know what is going on."

You're an idiot. Of course I know that the Holcomb plant would be an expansion. If you were a regular reader of CJonline you'd know that I know what I'm talking about, and I'm correct.

Posted by: mlurp at Apr 30, 2008 at 05:10:10 PM
I only see that the party and big business will go the extra mile to get what they want. From Washington to Topeka.
The GOP rules. And again look at what was done to the Immigration bill. I post some of this from the local news online to try to get others to do the same so we can really see what is going on. Like a big picture not just one issue. If any would like to read from the last several months: Lets share local news from the editorial/opinion page - Political Fever - The Political Debate Forums

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Text of governor's coal message provided
The Associated Press
CJOnline - Text of governor's coal message provided

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. CDT
“As governor, it is my duty to protect the interests of Kansas citizens in every corner of this great state. Kansans count on me to look at each decision carefully, weighing not only the immediate benefits for today, but the costs and impacts for tomorrow.

“We are at a critical period for energy policy in this state and this country. We must bridge the gap between our growing energy needs, and the time when carbon capturing technology is a commercial reality. We must move forward strategically — steering our state clear of the environmental, health and economic risks of massive new carbon emissions.

“Which is why I am disappointed that, for the third time in a row, the Legislature is asking me to mandate that Kansas send the power we need — the power we create — to Colorado and Texas.

“It has been made clear, in my recent talks with leaders of both Sunflower Electric and Midwest Energy, the 200 megawatts designated for Kansas from the proposed Holcomb project is the maximum available energy that Kansas could ever receive. It is all they have set aside for us.

“Yet the power needs of Western Kansas already exceed 200 megawatts. Therefore, this proposal does not meet our projected energy needs — and does nothing to address the future needs in the remaining two-thirds of the state.

“Since December of last year, my administration has sought a true compromise between those who want no new coal plants in Kansas, and Sunflower Electric’s request for two large-scale, coal-fired power plants at Holcomb Station.

“I believe the middle ground to be a single power plant, which emits less pollution and whose priority customers are — and would always be — Kansans.

“After offering such a compromise to Sunflower Electric, they have yet to respond with an offer of their own.

“Instead they delivered to me, on behalf of the speaker of the House and Senate president, a legislative ultimatum. I was told to report back to the legislative leaders, instead of working to reach a compromise with Sunflower Electric.

“And while I appreciate the slight reduction in the size of the proposed project, the new proposal has nearly all of the problems as the two bills I vetoed.

“The latest proposal still builds two large coal-fired plants, with the purpose of sending 83 percent of their energy out of the state, and creating nearly 10 million tons of new carbon dioxide each year.

“Again, this proposal releases Sunflower Electric from Kansas Corporation Commission oversight — thus removing all protection their customers have from massive rate increases. This idea is as reckless as it is unprecedented for a utility of this size.

“I continue to strongly oppose stripping the KDHE Secretary of his power to protect the health and environment of Kansans. I also remain opposed to putting the regulatory permitting process into the hands of a part-time Legislature whose membership changes every two years. It sets a dangerous precedent and clearly puts us out of step with the rest of the country. The Kansas Legislature is proposing to put itself in the middle of the regulatory permitting process in a manner not found in any other state in the union.

“The ultimatum I have been given contains all these problems, and would surely send our state in the wrong direction.

“The decision to build coal-fired plants in one area of our state will impact ratepayers, taxpayers, the health of Kansans in every part of our state, for generations.

“As governor, I must pursue a comprehensive energy policy which assures all of Kansas with base-load power, to continue economic growth, and at the same time protect the health and environment of our citizens now, and for generations to come.

“I urge the Legislature to work with me on a new comprehensive energy policy — one that truly serves the needs of entire state.

“Meanwhile, I am still ready and willing to work with all of the energy producers in Kansas to find that common ground on which true progress can be built.”

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Profits no matter what.... Guess your a winner if you have stock in these companies.

Crops and coal have BNSF on track: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Crops and coal have BNSF on track

By Michael Hooper
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008
It isn't just the farmers making money from corn and ethanol.

Railroads like Burlington Northern Santa Fe are making big profits from shipping corn, wheat, ethanol and coal.

Shipments of commodities plus hefty fuel surcharges — designed to stay ahead of escalating diesel fuel prices — helped BNSF post a 17 percent increase in freight revenues during the first three months of the year, compared with revenues over the same period in 2007.

BNSF revenues for the quarter were $4.14 billion, compared with $3.54 billion in the first quarter of 2007, the company announced Tuesday. Over the same period, BNSF earnings were $455 million, or $1.30 a share, up 30 percent from $349 million, or 96 cents a share, a year earlier.

"Anything to do with a commodity is really hot," Matthew Rose, chairman and chief executive officer of BNSF, said in a conference call with analysts.

BNSF, based in Fort Worth, Texas, employs about 1,000 people in Topeka.

In the latest quarter, BNSF said revenue from shipments of agricultural products was up $240 million, or 38 percent, to $866 million, due to strong growth in shipments of wheat, soybeans, corn and ethanol.

Revenues from shipments of coal rose by $194 million, or 26 percent, to $954 million.

BNSF also saw an 11 percent increase in revenues from shipments of industrial products, but it experienced some declines in lumber shipments due to the weakness in the housing market.

"BNSF achieved record first-quarter results, while demonstrating continued improvement in our velocity and service metrics," Rose said. "Although we continue to see economic softness within the consumer products business group and commodities related to housing, we are benefiting from our diverse franchise. Looking forward, we continue to be optimistic about the long-term prospects for BNSF and are poised to meet increased demand as the economy strengthens."

BNSF (NYSE: BNI) shares rose $1.60, or 1.6 percent, to close at $102.72 Tuesday.

Omaha, Neb., billionaire Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, had shunned railroads as wise investments for many years, but he changed his tune in the past year, seeing stronger prospects.

The largest shareholder of BNSF stock is Berkshire Hathaway, which owns more than 17 percent of the company.

Last Thursday, Union Pacific Corp. (NYSE: UNP) reported 2008 first-quarter net income of $443 million, or $1.70 per share, compared to $386 million, or $1.41 per share in the first quarter of 2007.

Michael Hooper can be reached at (785) 295-1293 or michael.hooper@cjonline.com.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Seems the police have more info but not enought yet. The reader comments make for very good reading as we here in Topeka se ethis as a social problem. I'm proud of our citizens.
Last post tonight so till tomorrow...............

Police seeking information on drive-by: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Police seeking information on drive-by

By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Topeka police on Tuesday continued asking the public for information about a drive-by shooting on Sunday afternoon that left a 25-year-old man dead in the city's Highland Park area.

David T. Wakes, a father of three with another son on the way, was shot and killed at about 3:20 p.m. while in his car in the 2800 block of S.E. Michigan.

Police spokeswoman Kristi Pankratz said it appeared Wakes was fired at from another vehicle which left the area.

Though witnesses have been interviewed, police haven't released a description of the shooter or his car.

"Detectives have been out and about, running leads and getting information," said Sgt. Lance Feyh, of the Topeka Police Department. "We're still doing follow-ups."

Feyh said since the weather was nice on Sunday afternoon, he was hopeful people who were in the vicinity of the shooting would call with any information they may have. Feyh said he encouraged people to call police with information that may seem insignificant as it "could be the piece of the puzzle we're looking for."

Also on Tuesday, Carla Murphy-Crith, who lives in the Kansas City area, announced she was setting up a fund to help Wakes' family with funeral expenses.

"They don't have the funds," Murphy-Crith said. "They're asking for any donation, even $20 — anything."

Murphy-Crith said she was a lifelong friend of Wakes' mother, Debbie Munoz.

Bowser-Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute may do so at any Bank of America branch, with checks payable to the David T. Wakes Funeral Contribution Fund.

Wakes was the city's third homicide victim of the year.

• Albert L. Conley, 30, was shot and killed April 12 outside the Mahogany Lounge, 1307 S.W. Huntoon. Police arrested Timothy D. Arterberry, 17, in connection with the death.

• Michael Holley, 24, of Topeka, was shot to death Feb. 23 in his car in the parking lot of the Deep Pockets pool hall, 4310 S.W. 21st. No arrests have been made.

Another homicide that occurred in late January was ruled self-defense by police. That death isn't included in the city's list of homicides for 2008.

Anyone with information on Sunday's shooting may call detectives at (785) 368-9400 or leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007.

Phil Anderson can be reached at (785) 295-1195 or phil.anderson@cjonline.com.

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Reader Comments
-1 Rating Posted by: sassy_mother_of_3 at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:06:33 AM
My heart goes out to the family and his friends. I just don't understand today's society and how they handle their anger and revengefulness. What happened to just being "ticked" off at one another? And if this was a random act......WHY???? God Bless this family and any others that have had to endure this kind of act.

Posted by: T-TownTracker at Apr 30, 2008 at 11:50:13 AM
I doubt it was random. The biggest change in our society is the unwillingness of witnesses. This, like many other social problems, is a result of men not being real men. I might expect a single mother or elderly woman to be reluctant to ID somebody, but a man has no excuse. We have failed to be the heroes in the eyes of the young men, but it's never to late. I pray this victim was one of us and in death he can be seen as a martyr.

-1 Rating Posted by: bigbootie at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:39:03 PM
THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DAVID T. WAKES WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY FUNERAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED. THE "DAVID T. WAKES FUNERAL CONTRIBUTION FUND" HAS BEEN CREATED AT BANK OF AMERICA, ACCOUNT #5180 0147 0590. YOU CAN CALL OR GO INTO ANY BANK OF AMERICA WITH YOUR DONATION AND APPLY IT TO THE ACCOUNT NUMBER LISTED ABOVE. ANY FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION, NO MATTER HOW GREAT OR SMALL, IS GREATLY APPRECIATED! GOD BLESS!!



Posted by: leine at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:48:38 PM
Whoever is out there and has any info, Please help this family to put this to rest, and be able to grieve without worry. Come on, you know who you are, Do the right thing.

Posted by: heidis at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:49:56 PM
They have a description of the car. Not sure why they are not releasing it to help.
People have every right to fear retribution after helping the police. They worry about their family's safety.
Not saying it is right, but I can't blame them for wanting to keep their kids safe.

-1 Rating Posted by: GBPackers at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:51:35 PM
Yeah, Really. Let's not let a murderer run loose, This idiot shot him 8 times! Enough is Enough! Turn them in!Get these murderers off of our streets!

Posted by: heidis at Apr 30, 2008 at 12:54:49 PM
Like I said, people have been talking. There is a description of the car. They may not want to release it, so that the kid won't flee.
But again, I understand the fear.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: jcanemp at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:00:08 PM
Amen, T-TownTracker: At the very real risk of sounding racist, there is a HUGE problem in some ethnic neighborhoods with reluctance to report crime. Part of the problem is legitimate. That is the fear of reprisal from ruthless murderers and thugs; the ones who commit the crimes. The other is an ongoing national campaign supported and perpetuated by Rap artists and the Hip-Hop community in general. They wear t-shirts on stage reading "Don't Snitch". This philosophy is spread throughout black communities and heralded as the way to protect poor neighborhoods from the white power structure, police in particular. All the "Don't Snitch" attitude does is give gang-bangers, drug dealers, rapists, thugs, and thieves a free pass to terrorize the black neighborhoods with immunity. Until these residents of crime-ridden areas realize they must start assisting law enforcement instead of treating them like occupiers and enemies the crime will just continue and increase. If you are unwilling to "snitch" on murderers and thugs then you are playing right into their hands and deserve all that is guaranteed to eventually come your way.

Posted by: GBPackers at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:12:04 PM
By keeping your Mouths Shut you're only enabling this Coward to keep killing. Who knows, he's probably done this before. A young man was executed, I don't care what he did, what color he was, How poor or wealthy, What side of town he was from. I can tell, from what i've read about him, He will be sadly missed, And his mother loved him. I just hope someone with information to help this family will step forward.

Posted by: GBPackers at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:14:29 PM
You set up roadblocks for drunks, why not for killers. More than likely they keep that pistol pretty close by.

Posted by: GBPackers at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:24:16 PM
There has to be a bigger $$$incentive$$$ for people to talk. It has to be worth the repercussions the informant may face. Maybe there should be a fund for a Reward for David's killer. If there was, immediately following the shooting, a gathering of 50 people, someone knows who it could be, or possibly exactly who done this.

-1 Rating Posted by: heidis at Apr 30, 2008 at 01:59:20 PM
jcanemp- Be careful about dogging the hip hop world, most don't want to hear it. I think the thug mentality has reached our streets as well. I hear kids all the time call their girlfriend a b**** or a h*. I tell them "can i talk to YOUR momma like that?" They think it won't hurt when they get shot (when my kid broke her arm, there was a gangbanger crying about being shot in his rear, saying "i didn't know it really hurt!")
Yes GB there was about 50 people, but most only came out AFTER they heard gunshots.
If nothing else, hopefully these shootings will remind us that we are responsible for the children in this community and need to do something about it. More programs for kids, recruiting at-risk kids into programs that will help them succeed.
More money won't help. Osama has what a billion dollar bounty on his head- and no one, because they are scared-will tell where he's at. Same thing here- scared.
And for those who says it doesn't matter what he did with his life. Resources are being used to catch the guy who did it. Your fellow taxpayers help pay for this. If I decide to drink and drive and kill someone- can I count on you guys to pay my attorney fees and what not? Come on, I'm a victim of racism, poor parenting.....
Food for thought, devil's advocate.
Look at all sides EVERYONE

Posted by: GBPackers at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:10:04 PM
Were all victims of something, So don't go there.

Posted by: jcanemp at Apr 30, 2008 at 02:38:31 PM
Many more good people like Mr. Wakes are going to die until the residents of "rough" or poor neighborhoods wake up and realize they must get active in reporting crime and identifying criminals. Why do you think most crimes occur in those neighborhoods? Because the slimeball criminals know they won't be ratted out and are free to ply their trade! That doesn't happen in my neighborhood. On my block, if you just drive down the street in a strange car or look suspicious, someone calls the cops. My neighbors won't, and don't, tolerate crime or criminals. One day my mother, a seventy year-old woman, came by our house. We weren't home and she was peering in our window. My neighbor across the street, whom I barely knew, walked over to confront her on who she was and why she was there! Only 5% of citizens are criminals. The other 95% are honest hard-working folks. We have the idiot thugs outnumbered 19 to 1! The public has the power to put these bullies away. But until we open our eyes, come forward and speak up, the minority will rule and keep doing their deeds with immunity. You don't want to be a snitch? Then be a crime fighter. Be good citizen. Be a hero. Be a life saver. Turn in the slime who do the crime.

Posted by: CountyDweller at Apr 30, 2008 at 05:32:58 PM
Can I put that donation on my Vision Card?

Posted by: GBPackers at Apr 30, 2008 at 05:33:10 PM
A+ jcanemp!! It's not about "snitching or squealing" It's about prevention of theft and violence, and all of the baggage that come along with , I've worked way too hard in my life to be manhandled by a bunch of punk thugs, So, If you're not part of the solution, Guess what? You're part of the problem.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

old. But prove positive the parties will go the extra mile to have their way. Some reader comments included. Always nice to here the voice of the people involved.

House coal veto override slipping away: CJOnline - House coal veto override slipping away


The Capital-Journal
Published Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. CDT
The House sits on the verge tonight of failing to complete an override of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ veto of a bill clearing the way for the Holcomb coal-plant expansion costing more than $3.6 billion.

With a call of the House locking members in their seats until three missing representatives can be located, the vote stands at 78-44 vote -- six less than necessary to secure the two-thirds majority required to reverse a veto by the governor.

House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, and Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, have applied intense pressure on lawmakers to embrace a project sought by Sunflower Electric Power Corp. that would lead to construction of two 700 megawatt coal-fueled units in Finney County.

The Democrat governor flexed her considerable muscle to counter the lobbying campaign by the Republican leaders of the House and Senate.

In addition to tracking down the wayward lawmakers, the current "call of the House" gives legislators on both sides of the issue more time for negotiation.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: T-TownTracker at May 01, 2008 at 03:16:21 PM
Before everyone in T-Town takes sides on this, does any here really care? The power won't come here, the money won't come here, some of the CO2 will make it here, but that's a global problem that we shouldn't concern ourselves with (apparently).

+ 1 Rating Posted by: ralphralph at May 01, 2008 at 03:48:21 PM
Clean. Safe. Reliable.
.... not our legislators, but Nuclear Energy.
Build Wolf Creek Unit 2, and make the coal issue go away.


Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at May 01, 2008 at 03:52:37 PM
We need to utilize wind, solar, and nuclear power instead of expanding a pollution factory in western Kansas. We've got plenty of wind, plenty of sun, and plenty of sites for underground storage of nuclear waste. Kansas doesn't need any more coal power plants.

+ 2 Rating Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at May 01, 2008 at 03:53:38 PM
Also, if they want this expansion so badly, why don't they just guarantee Kansans cheap power for life? They can make up the difference by charging more in Colorado and Texas.

-3 Rating Posted by: kansasman101 at May 01, 2008 at 05:43:39 PM
Again, more drivel from severely limited and lack of intelligence posters.

-2 Rating Posted by: 278e at May 01, 2008 at 06:50:08 PM
Kansasman, you got it right.

+ 2 Rating Posted by: ksobserver at May 01, 2008 at 06:54:32 PM
In plain english, they need more time to buy or blackmail the votes. Wait till the lawsuits hit, if they accomplish this. Believe me, I will work against any legislator who is ignorant enough to fall for their lies.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

got started. A shame and now the number 4 homicide forour city.

Topeka teenager is latest homicide victim: CJOnline - Topeka teenager is latest homicide victim


By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal
Published Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. CDT
Residents in the 2400 block of S.E. Minnesota were jolted out of their sleep early Thursday when a succession of gunshots shattered the quietness of the spring night.

2004 File Photos/The Capital-Journal
Topeka police identified 17-year-old Farrell Sanders, left, as the city's latest homicide victim. He was found shot early today in the backyard of a Highland Park residence and pronounced dead at the scene. In this photo, a 13-year-old Sanders and Assante Boyd, 11, play at a Big Brothers Big Sisters picnic. Boyd had been matched with a Big Brother for two years, about the same amount of time Sanders had been on the agency's waiting list.Several residents said they took cover and called 911 about 2 a.m., just after the shots were heard. A few minutes later, Topeka police arrived and searched the area but couldn't find a victim, the neighbors said.

But when someone started a car and turned on the headlights, a person could be seen lying in the grass in the backyard of a house near 2415 S.E. Minnesota.

Another 911 call was made. This time, police and emergency responders found the victim, who had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police identified the victim as Farrell Sanders, 17, a junior at Highland Park High School.

Sanders became the city's fourth homicide victim of 2008.

His death followed by less than four days the slaying of David Wakes, 25, who was killed in a drive-by shooting Sunday afternoon in the 2800 block of S.E. Michigan.

The two homicides this week are only about six blocks apart in the Highland Park area.

No arrests have been made in either slaying.

Algie Taylor-Grays, 65, who lives in a home near where Sanders' body was found, said she could hear shots coming from different directions behind her house.

She said she "rolled off the couch" on which she was sleeping and called 911 while lying on the floor.

"It needs to stop," Taylor-Grays said. "I'm sure it's gang-related. I'm sure of that. It will go on and on if these guys don't stop it."

Police spokesman Maj. John Sidwell said detectives were following 20 leads late Thursday afternoon with more to be investigated.

Sidwell said it was too early in the investigation to determine whether Sanders' shooting was gang-related or if it was connected to Wakes' killing.

Dale Cushinberry, principal of Highland Park High School, said the mood in the hallways was "sober" Thursday.

Cushinberry said members of the school's crisis and leadership teams were mobilized in a "recovery room" after news of the Sanders' death. Counselors and social workers met with students during the day.

Cushinberry said Sanders attended Highland Park as a freshman and Topeka High School as a sophomore before returning to Highland Park this year.

"He wasn't a disruptive student," Cushinberry said. "He always had a pleasant, upbeat personality. He was well-liked by a lot of students."

Tahaj James, a 16-year-old Highland Park sophomore, said Sanders was a "good person."

"Everybody in our school liked him," James said. "Everybody was hurt by his loss today."

Victims of the city's two other homicides this year were:

• Michael Holley, 24, of Topeka, who was shot to death early Feb. 23 in his car in the parking lot of the Deep Pockets pool hall, 4310 S.W. 21st. No arrests have been made.

• Albert L. Conley, 30, who was shot to death early April 12 outside the Mahogany Lounge, 1307 S.W. Huntoon. Police arrested Timothy D. Arterberry, 17, in connection with the slaying.

Anyone with information on Sanders' death or any of the city's other unsolved homicides may call detectives at (785) 368-9400

Anonymous tips may be left by calling Crime Stoppers at (785) 368-9400.

Phil Anderson can be reached at (785) 295-1195 or phil.anderson@cjonline.com.

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

10 arrested in Manhattan drug raids
The Capital-Journal: CJOnline - 10 arrested in Manhattan drug raids


Published Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. CDT
MANHATTAN — Ten people were arrested Wednesday night when the Riley County Police Department, in conjunction with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, served nine search warrants in a sweeping crackdown on the illegal drugs in Manhattan.

Capt. Tim Hegarty, investigations division commander, with RCPD, identified those arrested as:

-- Jamaal L. Davis, 29, of Junction City, arrested for sale of crack cocaine (three counts), unlawful use of a telecommunication device (four counts, unlawful acquisition of drug proceeds (three counts) and no Kansas Drug Tax Stamp. His bond was set at $20,000.

-- Beauyett Young III, 27, of Manhattan, arrested for possession of marijuana. Bond, $1,000.

-- Fredrick Derell Swinson, 20, of Manhattan, for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond, $1,000.

-- Deandre Griffin, 32, of Manhattan, for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and no Kansas Drug Tax Stamp. Bond, $4,000.

-- Stephanie D. Medellin, 23, of Manhattan, for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, no Kansas Drug Tax Stamp, possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering a child. Bond, $4,000.

-- Vera M. McCullers, 46, of Manhattan, for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond, $2,000.

-- Kelvin M. Kaiser, 52, of Manhattan, for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond, $1,500.

-- Michael O. Brown, 23, of Manhattan, for possession of marijuana. Bond, $1,000.

-- Melvin T. Kirk, 33, of Manhattan, for sale of crack cocaine, unlawful use of a telecommunication device and unlawful acquisition of drug proceeds. Bond, $4,000.

-- Jesse G. Chatfield, 46, of Manhattan, for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond, $5,000.

At the time of the news release this morning, only McCullers was still confined.

These search warrants were part of an on-going investigation into the distribution and sale of marijuana and crack cocaine in the Manhattan and Riley County area. The investigation continues, and more arrests are forthcoming.