Monday, December 28, 2009

Weather Responsible For Teenager's Death

The winter weather is to blame for a deadly accident in Ness County. The accident happened 9 miles north of Ness City on Road 220 yesterday.

Authorities say Joshua Stieben, 18, of Bazine lost control of his vehicle on an ice and snow-packed road. The pickup went into a ditch and hit several trees. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. Investigators say Stieben was not wearing his seat belt.

Big Federal Grant Helps Small Kansas School

The federal government will contribute $345,000 to the construction of a new school building in Southwest Kansas.

The contribution will go towards Fowler's $1.9 million multipurpose building. Voters approved the bond issue last November. It's not your ordinary building. Rather, it's a monolithic dome, which is cheaper to build and extremely energy efficient.

That's one reason why the grant was provided to the Fowler school district. The dome is expected to open by the end of 2010.

Liberal Is Looking For Solutions To Six-Points

Liberal city planners are hoping drivers may see less confusion at the six-points intersection within a couple years.

During a recent meeting, city officials discussed plans to simplify the intersection that includes US-83, US-54, E. 2nd St., and Bluebell Rd. The intersection is responsible for long traffic lines and lengthy waits.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is holding $700,000 to repave and reconfigure six-points, but first, the city needs to find the best solution for the intersection.

Road To Close For Reservoir Access

Beginning next month, Road 210, located just east of Horse Thief Reservoir, will close. It's closing will provide access to the recently completed reservoir.

Alternate or temporary routes will be provided for those who are affected by the road's closing. Horse Thief Reservoir is expected to open sometime this spring.