LocalPool hall is again in the news. Reader comments might explaine a lot of what the news and police have missed.

Two stabbed at pool hall: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Two stabbed at pool hall

The Capital-Journal
Published Sunday, May 25, 2008
One man suffered life-threatening injuries and another received minor cuts late Friday during a double stabbing at a billiards bar that has seen violence in the past.

Police were called to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center at 12:21 a.m. on a report of two Topeka men being treated for stab wounds.

Donald Schultz, 23, had a life-threatening wound to his abdomen, said police Capt. Jerry Stanley. The other man, Donald Driver, 25, had a cut on his wrist, Stanley said.

Officers determined the stabbing happened at Deep Pockets Billiards, 4310 S.W. 21st St. Officers established a crime scene at the location and detectives interviewed witnesses, Stanley said. No arrests have been made.

Schultz's condition was unavailable late Saturday.

The stabbing is the second violent incident at the bar in recent months. Michael H. Holley, 24, of Topeka, was shot several times early Feb. 23 outside Deep Pockets. He died at a local hospital.

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Reader Comments
+ 4 Rating Posted by: biggy45 at May 25, 2008 at 04:26:42 AM
they just need to shut down this bar or make the bar owner get some kind of metal detators installed or have hand held metal detators because it seems like this place is nothing but a trouble hang out

-3 Rating Posted by: jon at May 25, 2008 at 07:04:48 AM
Trouble hang outs are Jerry Berger's legacy. He started this and several other places: Vintage, Baby Dolls, etc.

-1 Rating Posted by: Hot_Toe_Picker at May 25, 2008 at 09:11:03 AM
Wouldn't it be more of a story if someone WASN'T stabbed at a pool hall? If a friend told me that he was at a pool hall the night before and saw someone get stabbed, I'd say "Yep. That sounds about right."

Posted by: chasss at May 25, 2008 at 09:47:33 AM
Jerry Berger, our next D.A.?

Posted by: skooon at May 25, 2008 at 10:11:57 AM
This isn't even Jerry's bar anymore

Posted by: flott1 at May 25, 2008 at 10:43:27 AM
I wouldn't call the Vintage troubled before it closed. It became the Elan Grille, which served nice steaks and had a decent lounge. If this is your definition of "troubled" then I would hate to see what you classify has a real dive.

Posted by: GBPackers at May 25, 2008 at 11:31:32 AM
You can only blame the trash hanging out in these dives.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: ourhero at May 25, 2008 at 12:13:35 PM
It is a well known FACT in the poker community that Deep Pockets regularly hold cash poker games. The police have been called in many times but the owner/manager Frank has been able to skate by every time. There have been games there where the purse/pot has been in the thousands. When that kind of money and booze is mixed there will be issues. Why this bar has been allowed to continue these games is beyond me. An investigator worth his salt would be able to confirm these games in a matter of days if not hours. The game is kept on the down-low but it happens - nearly every night and on days at times when the bar is officially closed.
If the Topeka Police are serious about stopping violence at this bar they need to look into this.



-1 Rating Posted by: carisa at May 25, 2008 at 12:56:53 PM
This was not a trouble makers hangout. I used to go to play the poker tournaments and loved the laid back friendly atmosphere. I quit going after the michael holley incident. It's a couple bad people that are ruining it for everybody.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: johnpadilla at May 25, 2008 at 01:33:01 PM
yeah, I agree .. shutting down the bar is the only way to go ..

+ 1 Rating Posted by: CountyDweller at May 25, 2008 at 02:07:51 PM
I don't recall Baby Doll's ever having alot of problems. But another of Jerry's Bars, "MacBee's" at 29 n Croco had a couple of guys exchanging shots a while back.

Maybe Jerry caters to "Past and Future Clients"?

Posted by: whatupdown at May 25, 2008 at 03:29:24 PM
If you want to make money with a bar then real security should be required for your lot and cameras.

Posted by: Ghostface at May 25, 2008 at 05:05:33 PM
I was the one that got the less serious of the wounds. They DO have metal detectors there, but all this happend in the parking lot. These people were not ever even in the place, just hanging around outside looking for trouble. They also have cameras that got the whole thing on tape, so hopefully some arrests will start happening real soon.

Posted by: OtherSignGuy at May 25, 2008 at 05:37:54 PM
The best way to keep trouble out opf a bar is to not serve booze there! Better to turn them into Gargae Sale Sign stores. Whoops, hold on, that won't work either!

Posted by: nissanzx1 at May 25, 2008 at 07:42:37 PM
The solution is to have frequent police patrols in the parking lot and have the police investigate the backgrounds/warrants of all people loitering. An occasional stroll through the bar by police will help keep out the riff-raff... The bar doesn't need to be shut down, it needs better security internally and from the police department.

Posted by: KLorenz at May 25, 2008 at 09:16:55 PM
nissan said:

"The solution is to have frequent police patrols in the parking lot and have the police investigate the backgrounds/warrants of all people loitering. An occasional stroll through the bar by police will help keep out the riff-raff..."

That makes sense Niss, a cop on every corner. Tell me, do you own a home? How wealthy are you? How many patrol officers per area are you suggesting we enlist? I seriously doubt there have been any citations issued for loitering in this town for 40 years. Do you think Topekans can afford to cough up the cash for your proscribed "surge"?

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

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

Reader comments say it all... As usual some racy. But this town is divided.

Men victimize helpful motorist: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Men victimize helpful motorist

The Capital-Journal
Published Sunday, May 25, 2008
Police said a 25-year-old Topeka man told officers he was offering assistance to three men around 10:40 p.m. Friday when he was forced from his car and it was stolen at S.W. 1st and Western.

The victim told police he noticed three Hispanic males standing by a dark-colored car and thought they might be having a mechanical problem, said police Capt. Jerry Stanley. While talking to one of the men, two others opened the driver's side door and told him to get out of the car, he said. The two men got into the victim's 2006 Dodge Charger, valued at $20,000, and left the area, police said. The other man was last seen leaving in an unknown vehicle.

Stanley said the Dodge was recovered Saturday morning in the area of S.E. 13th and Madison.

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Reader Comments
+ 2 Rating Posted by: purplereign at May 25, 2008 at 08:08:39 AM
no good deed goes unpunished

Posted by: mass207 at May 25, 2008 at 08:55:02 AM
Why do people do ANYTHING late at night in Topeka? 1st and Western?

Posted by: Hot_Toe_Picker at May 25, 2008 at 09:17:36 AM
This is why I never stop to help anybody...especially 3 hispanic males downtown after dark. That's just asking to get robbed.

-1 Rating Posted by: foofoo at May 25, 2008 at 09:42:49 AM
hereeeeeeeeeeee we go with tha race factor.... Let's just say never help anyone after dark, in ANY neighborhood, unless we are willing to be a victim...How's THAT? Jeez.

Posted by: ASBESTOS at May 25, 2008 at 09:43:39 AM
I will bet they are illegals and are no longer in the State. I would check Texas.

-2 Rating Posted by: gutti at May 25, 2008 at 10:08:18 AM
"That's why I never stop to help... especially hispanic males."

This kind of discouraging attitude is why the city of Topeka is treading water in a deadly sea as opposed to making headways in a positive direction. Yes it is unfortunate that this person was robbed but is it typical that they were Hispanic? No! Crime is a universal occurrence throughout this city. I am willing to bet that these statements would not have been made if this crime war perpetrated by three white youths. Then it would just be a case of kids gone wrong... not some genetically inherent occurrence that forces Hispanic males to steal cars...

You should be ashamed of yourself.

+ 2 Rating Posted by: skooon at May 25, 2008 at 10:08:49 AM
Dude probably stopped to buy some crack

Posted by: talessman at May 25, 2008 at 11:22:28 AM
Race doesn't really factor into this problem. Sometimes more criminals tend to be hispanic, but sometimes more criminals can be white, black, or other races too.

I've been known to help people in need, but even I have limits. If I feel nervous, or my gut tells me something doesn't feel right, I won't stop. You have to put your own safety above all else.

Respectfully,

Thomas Lessman
Website: Thomas Lessman, Citizen - Advocate - Activist
Blog: Neighborhood Watch Watch

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

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

Aw another thing I forgot to consider when moving back here. So is it climate change or just another natural disaster in the making. I guess it doesn't matter does?

Kansas may face worse droughts: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Kansas may face worse droughts

The Associated Press
Published Monday, May 26, 2008
LAWRENCE — Kansas could be facing more severe droughts in the future, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.

"It could get much, much worse," said Jim Putnam, a hydrologist with the USGS.

The USGS report shows that in the most recent drought from 2000 to 2006, rainfall levels were not that far from normal, only about one inch less than average.

By comparison, the rainfall deficit during the devastating 1952-57 drought was nearly 6 inches below normal. Yet streamflows during the 2000-2006 drought hit record lows.

"In the summer of 2006, flows at four long-term USGS stream gauges on the Republican, Saline, Solomon and Smoky Hill rivers in north-central and central Kansas were significantly lower than the 1930s and 1950s even though the rainfall deficit was not as severe," Putnam said.

That means if Kansas experiences the kind of rainfall deficits of the 1930s and 1950s, then the flow in some rivers would become virtually zero, he said.

That could be difficult for cities like Salina, which depends on wells connected to the Smoky Hill River. Salina also resorted to water conservation measures during the 2006 flood.

One of the reasons the streamflow was so low during the last drought — despite the nearly average precipitation — is because of the increase in lakes in Kansas, Putnam said. There were 12 of these in 1920 and more than 5,000 now.

"These small and large lakes trap runoff and it either sinks into the ground or evaporates, not making it to the rivers," Putnam said.

Because many state water management programs are based on the 1950s drought, the study suggests those plans may need to be changed because lower streamflows may occur in future droughts.

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

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

Man stabbed near throat: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Man stabbed near throat

The Capital-Journal
Published Monday, May 26, 2008
A 30-year-old man told police someone stabbed him near his throat area early Sunday just west of downtown.

The man's injuries weren't considered to be life-threatening, police said.

The incident occurred about 4 a.m. in the 700 block of S.W. 7th, according to police reports. The case remained under investigation Sunday night.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: behonest at May 26, 2008 at 02:44:17 AM
Something missing here I think. Maybe the editor fell asleep before finishing the article. Long week-end.

Posted by: toe_peekin at May 26, 2008 at 03:17:58 AM
Yeah, it doesn't say the race of the victim or the assailant. We really need to know that info before we can form an opinion on this. It makes all the difference in the world.

Posted by: behonest at May 26, 2008 at 07:32:27 AM
ha ha==good morning

Posted by: purplewally at May 26, 2008 at 11:21:12 AM
i was wondering what he was doing out at 4:00am.

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

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

I think our kids have more brains than our adults and care far more.

Youths aim to end violence: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Youths aim to end violence

Students began march to let people know they're 'out to change what's going on'
By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal
Published Monday, May 26, 2008
After fellow student Farrell Sanders was shot and killed at age 17 in the early hours of May 1, two Highland Park High School students decided to take action.

The result was Sunday afternoon's "Students Against Violence" march that started at 2:30 p.m. at the school, 2424 S.E. California Ave.



Phil Anderson / The Capital-Journal
About 75 people turned out for Sunday's march against violence from the 2400 to 2900 blocks of S.E. California Avenue. The march was organized by two Highland Park High School students.
SUPPORTIVE PASTORS

Several ministers also were on hand to lend support at the march, including the Rev. Raymond Berry, of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ; the Rev. Cecil T. Washington Jr., of New Beginning Baptist Church; and the Rev. E.T. "Tom" Watson, of El Shaddai Church of God in Christ.
The idea was hatched by Ta'Micka Cavitte, 16, and Kenissa Perkins, 16, both of whom just completed their sophomore year at Highland Park.

"We want to show people we are concerned and we want to put an end to all the violence," said Cavitte, who was president of the school's sophomore class this past year. "Even though we're kids, we do have our own point of view. When there are violent acts in our community, they do directly affect us.

"We want to let people know we are aware, and we're out to change what's going on."

Perkins concurred, saying the march was designed to bring attention to violence in Topeka and the students' desire to see that it ends.

"We have a voice," Perkins said, "and it needs to be heard."

About 75 people, ranging from babies in buggies to middle-aged men and women, took part in the march, which proceeded south on S.E. California to S.E. 29th before returning to the school. A Topeka Unified School District 501 police car escorted the marchers.

No arrests have been made in some cases, including that of Sanders, who died in the 2400 block of S.E. Minnesota — three blocks west of Highland Park High School.

Just four days before Sanders was slain, David Wakes, 25, a Highland Park High School graduate, was shot and killed April 27 in the 2800 block of S.E. Michigan. No arrests have been made in the Wakes case.

Tavon Redmond, 15, a Topeka High School student, said he attended the march to honor Sanders.

"I'm here because of Farrell — because of people who are gone," Redmond said. "People have got to straighten up, stop what they're doing and stop killing people."

Before Sunday's march, Highland Park Principal Dale Cushinberry commended Cavitte and Perkins for their idea for the event. He said the girls presented the idea in writing several weeks ago.

Also marching was Darlenea Johnson, 49, who held a sign in honor of Andre Baker, a relative who was slain at age 23 on Jan. 3, 2006, at 935 S.E. 21st, near the U-Market.

Johnson said she hoped the march would be an annual event.

"God willing," Johnson said, "I'll be out here at every one of them."

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.”

And the non ending energy (coal plant enlargement in S.W. KS.) goals of the state will return. Some of the best reader comments so far with links!

Analysis: Energy debate likely not finished: CJOnline / The Topeka Capital-Journal - Analysis: Energy debate likely not finished

The Associated Press
Published Monday, May 26, 2008
A legislative battle this year over two proposed coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas is likely to represent only the first few rounds of a longer debate over energy policy.

This year's fight ended quietly last week. House leaders decided against attempting to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' lastest veto of a bill allowing the two plants and limiting the power of the regulator who has been blocking them.

Supporters never mustered the two-thirds majority in the House necessary to override a veto, no matter what "green" or economic development provisions they tied to the coal plants. They could have tried Thursday, but that day is reserved for a normally brief adjournment ceremony, when it is tricky getting all members back to the Statehouse.

With Sebelius' clear victory, supporters of the plants had to console themselves with the possibility that the courts might still clear the way for the plants, or that their opponents might suffer during this year's elections.

But the Legislature's debate over energy policy is all but guaranteed to resume next year because of the issues stirred by the fight over the coal plants.

Backers of the coal plants still worry about a growing demand for electricity and believe Kansas must improve its business climate. Many opponents of the plants acknowledge that utilities will have to generate more power but believe addressing global warming is urgent as well.

"If we're serious about coming up with a clean energy plan for the future, we need to start doing it now," said Tom Thompson, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club's state chapter.

Sunflower Electirc Power Corp. wants to expand the two plants outside Holcomb, in Finney County, and sell 86 percent of the new power to two out-of-state electric cooperatives helping it finance the project.

But in October, Rod Bremby, Sebelius' secretary of health and environment, denied Sunflower an air-quality permit, citing the plants' potential carbon dioxide emissions of up to 11 million tons a year. He said the state couldn't ignore the dangers posed by climate change, which many scientists link to man-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Sunflower and many legislators argue that Bremby exceeded his authority, though he cited his emergency powers to protect public health and the environment. His decision led to six separate legal challenges, three of which are before the Kansas Supreme Court.

Many legislators also view Sunflower's project as economic development, and bipartisan majorities approved three bills to clear the way for the plants and restrict the secretary's power. Sebelius vetoed all three.

After last week's announcement, Earl Watkins Jr., Sunflower's chief executive officer, promised that the utility would continue working with legislators and the governor on policy to expand "all forms" of around-the-clock generating capacity.

He added: "We remain committed to providing reliable electric generation and transmission services."

Meanwhile, Amy Blankenbiller, CEO of the Kansas Chamber, the state's largest business group, said Bremby's decision created uncertainty in Kansas' business climate that still needs to be remedied.

"Confidence in our state's regulatory process is vital for business growth in Kansas," she said.

But if increasing generating capacity and boosting the business climate are issues, so are protecting the environment and moving Kansas away from a heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants. And the debate over Sunflower's project stirred up the latter issues.

Sunflower's allies tried to lure additional votes by including green provisions in their bills. They argued they were making real concessions, though environmentalists saw their proposals as half-hearted and their efforts as cynical.

One provision would have mandated that renewable resources, such as wind, account for 20 percent of most utilities' generating capacity by 2020. Others encouraged conservation programs and solar power.

Later, Sunflower agreed to a mandate that it join a registry to have its greenhouse gases tracked. And its allies endorsed a provision to require the secretary of health and environment to draft rules on limiting CO2 for legislators to consider next year.

After her first veto, Sebelius formed an advisory council to recommend proposals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Last week, she said she hopes Kansans can collaborate on a comprehensive plan to meet the state's energy demands while protecting the environment.

"I will continue to reach out to energy producers, environmental groups, scientists, business leaders, health experts and Kansas citizens as we work with the Legislature to develop energy policy," she said in a statement.

Legislators haven't ignored energy policy, of course, passing a raft of bills over the past decade.

In 2001, they enacted incentives designed to lure independent power producers to Kansas, and in 2005, they set up a new agency to encourage the construction of transmission lines. This year, Sebelius even signed a bill for encouraging utilities to consider building new nuclear plants.

But both sides in the Sunflower debate believe Kansas still lacks a comprehensive energy policy. And that's likely to make energy an important issue for legislators over the next few years.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: RH at May 26, 2008 at 07:50:27 AM
Cleaning up our energy sources brings with it a major economic impact throughout the state. Jobs that cannot be outsourced and training at Vo-Tech level schools. It’s a win win win…economic growth,jobs and training.
Rebuilding economies:
Renewing America's Economy

How Wind Energy Works

How Solar Energy Works

How Biomass Energy Works

How Geothermal Energy Works

How Hydroelectric Energy Works


Posted by: RH at May 26, 2008 at 08:07:17 AM
The energy debate should surface again next year leaving behind the old ways of doing things. Including special interest campaign money which only corrupts the discussion.

Rebuilding economies with wind power,solar power,improved hydro electric and geo-thermal makes long term dollars and sense. Citizens and communities throughout the entire state will be thankful in the end for the new economic stimulus.

It's like creating a skilled employment future for our children. Nothing wrong with that.

Posted by: firemanemt at May 26, 2008 at 10:29:36 AM
I haven't seen anything in CJ yet, but last week I heard two stories on the evening news about westar building new transmission lines in SW Kansas.

I find it interesting that arguements against the holcomb powerplants are that they are selling electricity out of state and now that appears to be what westar is doing as well.

Just my opinion but I think I would rather have a new coal plant producing the energy with its clean technology than westar with its older/dirtier powerplants.

Didn't CJ do a story on them (westar) recently about them wanting to increase their rates to upgrade to cleaner technology to cut nitrogen oxide and sulfur emissions? Seems that these would be worse for the health and environment than carbon dioxide (the stuff we breath out and plants breath in).

Just my $.02

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

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

Police on the ball. Reader comments included

Deputies arrest four after seeing theft attempt: CJOnline Page Not Found

The Capital-Journal
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. CDT
Shawnee County sheriff’s deputies arrested four people in connection with drug crimes early today after they witnessed an attempted theft of the nitrogen fertilizer anhydrous ammonia.

Sheriff’s Lt. Martha Lutz said deputies at about 3:55 a.m. saw people trying to steal the chemical from a pressurized metal tank in which it was kept in its liquid form at an agricultural supply company located near N.W. US-24 highway and Huxman Road.

Lutz said deputies stopped a car containing four people and seized drug paraphernalia, prescription drugs, items associated with the storage of anhydrous ammonia and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Lutz said four people were arrested in connection with drug-related crimes. She identified them as James W. Flynn, 29; Sarah K. Corpolongo, 24; William J. Kelly, 48; and Jesse J. Belsher, 31. All gave Topeka addresses.

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Reader Comments
-4 Rating Posted by: toe_peekin at May 27, 2008 at 03:14:25 PM
You see? There they go again, the city and county ALWAYS find a way to squash locally owned business and industry.

No wonder why this city doesn't grow/

-1 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at May 27, 2008 at 03:42:31 PM
Somebody needs to tell them that meth is bad. Especially the kind they make with anhydrous ammonia. It is quicker to cause the impending psychosis, if that's what your after.

IF any of you are here to see your "friends" names in this article, check this out:
Faces of Meth | Meth Photos | Effects of Meth


Posted by: lclay49 at May 27, 2008 at 03:55:12 PM
T-TownTracker: Meth is indeed awful!!! I can't envision anything being that addictive and destructive, to whereas someone would even consider using this crap! The pictures on that site are AWFUL! Since I don't know that much about meth, I hope someone can answer this: Why do they always have those sores on their skin? Yuck!

-2 Rating Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at May 27, 2008 at 04:03:41 PM
I've tried meth a few times and wasn't that impressed with it. For the money, I'd rather use cocaine.

Posted by: purplewally at May 27, 2008 at 04:09:19 PM
What gets me is what it does to their teeth...it rots them out and turns the black..... children that are in this environment, although they don't smoke it directly, still have these affects to them... seen lots of children in foster care that had black rotten teeth... meth kids

Posted by: amyceg at May 27, 2008 at 04:12:07 PM
The sores are for several reasons. First off, the stuff that makes up meth is basically poison. Your body will try to rid itself of poison in any way it can, including leaching it out of your pores if need be. Also, meth heads are "pickers". They have to always be doing something with their hands or they'll lose their minds. So, they pick at the little sore they've got from the poison coming out of their skin. And they pick and pick and pick and don't stop. They move on to other sores and pick at those. Also, a lot of meth heads start hallucinating after the fun time is over and the drug has really taken ahold of you. The hallucinations most often include a "creepy crawly" feeling of bugs on the skin, which also entices them to pick at their flesh.

Posted by: mlurp at May 27, 2008 at 04:24:08 PM
Can anyone tel me what toe_peekin is referring to? Is Meth manufacturing a new business we support and want to have in town? Even if they buy a drug stamp?
I agree with the rest of you it isn't healthy or wise.
And I am glad the law was on the job.

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

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

Reader comments are many and of different points of view. So go to the site to read them all if you so desire. My point is that most all other companies we depend on for needs are regulated so why not oil in some fashion?

Boyda wants to curtail Big Oil: CJOnline - Boyda wants to curtail Big Oil

By Michael Hooper
The Capital-Journal
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. CDT
Congress has approved a bill to hold oil producers accountable for price fixing, but President Bush has threatened veto of the measure, Rep. Nancy Boyda said this morning.


High gas prices are having a “devastating” impact on food and transportation costs, Boyda said.

“Congress has to stand up to big oil,” Boyda said during a press conference at Mike’s IGA, 2620 N.E. Sardue in the Oakland neighborhood. The press conference included a grocer, a farmer and a trucker.

Boyda said the House passed legislation to empower the U.S. Department of Justice to take legal action against OPEC-controlled entities for participating in oil cartels that drive up oil prices. She said President Bush has threatened veto.

“I don’t think we have a free market,” she said. “There is not enough oversight.”

Jim Bauersfeld, owner of Mike’s IGA, said the cost of shipping product to his store from the wholesaler has increased $10,000 per year because of rising diesel prices.

The cost of groceries has gone up about 6 percent in the past year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The cost of many staple foods is rising even faster. The cost of milk has shot up 15 percent, the cost of flour was up 18 percent and the cost of eggs by 31 percent.

Rob McCune, owner of Frontier Trucking, said high diesel prices have hurt his business.

“It’s wiped me out,” he said. “I had 10 trucks, now I have five.”

He said he used to pay $2,500 per week for fuel, but now is paying $6,400 per week — for fewer trucks.

Donn Teske, president of the Kansas Farmers Union, said he had asked another farmer to join him at the Boyda press conference, but the friend declined because he couldn’t afford to pay for the gas to drive there.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: brian2225 at May 27, 2008 at 12:28:30 PM
The Road Warrior days are not far off...Since I'm first I want to be Mad Max!

Posted by: CrazyLarry at May 27, 2008 at 12:42:09 PM
Wez:

"They kill us, we kill them! Kill them! Kill them! Kill! Kill!"

The Humungus:

"Be still my dog of war. I understand your pain. We've all lost someone we love. But we do it my way! We do it my way. Fear is our ally. The gasoline will be ours. Then you shall have your revenge."

Narrorator:

My life fades. The vision dims. All that remains are memories. I remember a time of chaos. Ruined dreams. This wasted land. But most of all, I remember The Road Warrior. The man we called "Max". To understand who he was, you have to go back to another time. When the world was powered by the black fuel. And the desert sprouted great cities of pipe and steel. Gone now, swept away. For reasons long forgotten, two mighty warrior tribes went to war and touched off a blaze which engulfed them all. Without fuel, they were nothing. They built a house of straw. The thundering machines sputtered and stopped. Their leaders talked and talked and talked. But nothing could stem the avalanche. Their world crumbled. The cities exploded. A whirlwind of looting, a firestorm of fear. Men began to feed on men. On the roads it was a white line nightmare. Only those mobile enough to scavenge, brutal enough to pillage would survive. The gangs took over the highways, ready to wage war for a tank of juice. And in this maelstrom of decay, ordinary men were battered and smashed. Men like Max. The warrior Max. In the roar of an engine, he lost everything. And became a shell of a man, a burnt out, desolate man, a man haunted by the demons of his past, a man who wandered out into the wasteland. And it was here, in this blighted place, that he learned to live again...

THE HUMUNGUS FOR GOVERNOR

Posted by: reharkins at May 27, 2008 at 12:49:47 PM
The speculators need to be regulated too. Railroads and anything else that has that much impact on our economy is regulated. Even Banks are regulated. The so called eco people who protest every form of energy suggested need to be barred from public energy sources too. Let them walk or bicycle and buy candles for lights and have no airconditioning for a few years. Definately take away their jet planes. If they don't have a solution they need to shut up. I am sick of people whining about ethanol and wind power and solar power. Don't the rich of this country see that they would make good investments in renewable energy? Solar is getting closer to feasable all the time but somebody needs to develope it. Electric cars could be used for most intown driving and some hiway. If you guys want road warrier days you might as well get off the grid now.

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

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

Ceremony honors last American-born WWI vet: CJOnline - Ceremony honors last American-born WWI vet

The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. CDT
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A homecoming visit to Missouri for the last known living American-born veteran of World War I turned into a weekend celebration.

During the Memorial Day weekend, Frank Woodruff Buckles earned a standing ovation from a crowd of thousands, was followed everywhere by citizen photographers and had his legacy permanently placed into the National World War I Museum.

The 107-year-old veteran handled it with ease, giving a short speech, reciting the pledge of allegiance and patiently meeting dozens of people just hoping to shake his hand.

“He just takes everything in stride, just as he always has,” said his daughter, Susannah Flanagan.

Buckles was honored Monday during Memorial Day celebrations as doughboys presented the veteran with an American flag flying over the Liberty Memorial and officials added a brick in his name to the memorial’s Walk of Honor.

Buckles, born in northwest Missouri, became the centerpiece of Memorial Day ceebrations in Kansas City.

__________________
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. But only a few make worth while reads.

Engine No. 3 unstaffed today: CJOnline - Engine No. 3 unstaffed today

The Capital-Journal
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. CDT
The Topeka Fire Department’s engine company No. 3, which is based out of the station at 318 S.E. Jefferson and serves the downtown, Oakland and East Topeka areas, isn’t running today.

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Reader Comments
Posted by: Dwight_Schrute at May 27, 2008 at 10:33:58 AM
Thank you Topeka Capital-Journal!

Posted by: Jlschultz74 at May 27, 2008 at 10:35:32 AM
"fully unstaffed"? not fully staffed or unstaffed?

-2 Rating Posted by: rguest1 at May 27, 2008 at 10:38:42 AM
This is a waste of space. I am sure no one really cares. This writer really needs to find another job, because they have no talent for reporting. Give us a break already. Fire the Chief.

-1 Rating Posted by: T-TownTracker at May 27, 2008 at 10:44:49 AM
rguest1,
This is cyberspace, it's not really a waste because you don't have to read it.

Do you read all the want ads just because they are there?

Yo, cheif, you mind if I crash at the No. 3 station when I'm in town. I mean, since no one is using it?

-1 Rating Posted by: berdick1 at May 27, 2008 at 11:10:18 AM
We would be fully staffed if so many "firefighters" didn't have the BLUE FLU!!!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: oldcop at May 27, 2008 at 11:14:56 AM
Cops get the blue flu. Firemen get the red flu.

Posted by: scottsteward at May 27, 2008 at 11:54:06 AM
Berdick1 there is no blue flu! In case you haven't read my previous posts. There are 71 firefighters currently assigned to the staff. 14 can be on approved leave of absence. That leaves 57. I believe 2 are on long term medical leave. That leaves 55. It takes 54 to keep all 18 fire companies open. So it takes as few as 2 people calling in sick, jury duty, funrnal leave etc. to cause a hire back situation or closing of engine 3. Engine 3 is closed and its staff are redistributed all over town to fill vacancies. Disagree with the situation if you want but at least base it on some facts. According to my figures 90% or more of the staff is either on duty or on approved leave.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: netters at May 27, 2008 at 12:38:37 PM
FINALLY, a comment from someone who ACTUALLY KNOWS what he is talking about!! I am so sick of reading the comments from you people who have absolutely NO IDEA how it all really works!! Capital Journal...SHUT UP ALREADY!!! We do not need to know, DAY AFTER DAY, that Engine 3 is or is not fully staffed. We all already know that it's going to take a large loss of life before anyone wakes up and realizes what a mistake they are making!!! And even then, in this city, I'm not sure that would even make a difference. They would find something else to blame that on...probably the firemen!

-1 Rating Posted by: Formerarmy at May 27, 2008 at 01:44:34 PM
So what........it's not like that station is closed. The ENGINE is not running...they still have a truck there, that can respond when needed.

Get rid of our CEO, as the Ceremonial Mayor is apparently all that we need. The $$ we have poured into having Bonaparte here, can be put into the TFD Budget.

Posted by: Stacie at May 27, 2008 at 02:05:51 PM
LOL Formerarmy you are a ****** *** and anything valid that you may say is totally lost on anyone that has seen you blog before and KNOWS that you are a LEO with a serious chip against any minority. PERIOD!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: Formerarmy at May 27, 2008 at 02:33:32 PM
I didn't interject minority anywhere Stacie. We are payin him a ton of money, to do apparently very little. We don't NEED him. We NEED public safety Officials, be they LEOs or Firemen/women.

Posted by: Macguyver at May 27, 2008 at 02:37:13 PM
Sorry, what's a LEO?

Posted by: Formerarmy at May 27, 2008 at 02:42:35 PM
Law Enforcement Officer

Posted by: Macguyver at May 27, 2008 at 02:44:11 PM
Thanks, I was like, I'm a Gemini, but I don't see how that affects anything.

Posted by: husky1 at May 27, 2008 at 02:44:32 PM
I still believe that 14 off on approved leave is to large of a percentage to have off at any one time.

Posted by: kevgraub at May 27, 2008 at 02:45:48 PM
"Sorry, what's a LEO?"

A LEO is anyone that is born from July 23 to August 22. LEOs tend to be creative, proud, fun loving, passonate and natural leaders. However, they are also known to be bossy, patronizing and egotistical.

Some people also use the term LEO as shorthand for Law Enforcement Officer - but I don't think that applies here.

Posted by: scottsteward at May 27, 2008 at 02:47:04 PM
Formerarmy, The engine is closed, it is a distintively different piece of equipment than a truck company. Stop by station 3 or any two company house and someone would be glad to show you the difference. To anyone that is concerned, this is a budget issue. The city council had an option to take engine 3 out of the budget but didn't. I am assuming the intent was to have 18 fully staffed fire companies. But due to the cap on overtime this is not possible. Chief Giles has taken measures over the years to manage staffing, this include reducing the number of days you could be sick before you needed medical documentation from 3 day to 2. He also changed advanced draw to count previous day sick absences against future day approved leave. These changes weren't received favorably but you never heard the firefighters whinning about it. This issue isn't about an outside chief. Whomever the chief would be now would be faced with the current budegt restricions.

Posted by: Formerarmy at May 27, 2008 at 02:47:48 PM
I'm tryin to figure out how Stacie knew my Birthday! :-)

Posted by: scottsteward at May 27, 2008 at 02:53:47 PM
husky1 you are intitled to the opinion, I don't have an answer. Alot of our earned benefits comes in the form of time off. I believe this was give instead of wages in previous years when the city claimed they had no money.
Jury duty, funural leave, militay leave, kelly days,personal days, vacation , sick leave, and "if" you don't calling sick you can earn "more" personal days. Some of these forms of leave don't carry over year to year, so if you don't use it you lose it. Again I don't have the answer, but don't hate the players hate the game.

Posted by: mouse1 at May 27, 2008 at 03:04:11 PM
I just had a plate of grilled shrimp, yum yum! Oh, and firemen blah, blah, blah. Police, blah, blah, blah.

Posted by: scottsteward at May 27, 2008 at 03:29:55 PM
Gee,mouse1 is that constructive? I don't have the answers, but would be willing to hear your suggestions? When you call 911 for a fire,ems, carwreck, carbon monxide,etc somebody comes. We don't hold calls. This is your tax money at work, are you geting the best bang for your buck?

Posted by: husky1 at May 27, 2008 at 03:32:16 PM
scottsteward
As a LEO I am always glad to see TFD show up anywhere I am at.

Posted by: scottsteward at May 27, 2008 at 03:38:47 PM
Thanks Husky1 and the same back to you!

Posted by: mouse1 at May 27, 2008 at 04:40:36 PM
scottsteward, I was one of those in the early going of the Firestation #3 daily dose that was tired of it. It will not change how anyone goes about their daily lives with the exception of the firemen who work at the station. If you have an emergency where you go to the firestation it is still staffed. That is ALL the article is about but as is usually the case with these threads, rather than addressing the issue stated in the article, which I would prefer, they become a firefighter, police, city government, pissing contest. So my comment was a sarcastic response to the same article that is being cut and pasted on a regular basis. I guess I'll have to keep a prior response so I can paste it each time this article comes up. Or, as some would suggest, keep it to myself. Either way, Firestation #3 is not staffed......ZZZZZZzzzzzzzz........

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

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