The Reader Comments say it all.
Do any of you readers care to share thoughts or post from your news papers?
Heck the last year most PC sold were bundled in with a 3 in 1 scanner. How lazy are you?

Mayor vows Elevation Parkway project veto: CJOnline - Mayor vows Elevation Parkway project veto

By Mike Hall
The Capital-Journal
Published Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. CDT
The proposed Elevation Parkway through southwest Topeka, originally proposed in 1994, received another setback Thursday when Mayor Bill Bunten announced he would veto a project to begin acquiring right of way for the project.

Bunten said on "Jim Cates @ CJOnline" today he would prepare a veto message later in the day.

The Topeka City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday for a $1.4 million project to update the design work and to begin buying the property needed to build the road that would connect S.W. 37th and Wanamaker Road with S.W. 41st and Wanamaker Road.

Since seven votes are needed to override a mayoral veto, two of the “no” votes on the council would have to change position if the project were to be saved.

Reader Comments
+ 2 Rating Posted by: grim_farva at Jul. 17, 2008 at 12:09:12 pm
THANK YOU MAYOR BUNTEN!!!!

Posted by: kdj699 at Jul. 17, 2008 at 12:22:12 pm
That's $1.4 million that can go to improve existing streets.

Posted by: vlfiremn at Jul. 17, 2008 at 12:29:20 pm
Yes, thank you Mayor for being fiscally responsible in these tough financial times. They don't need additional roads built, rather we need our roads fixed.

-1 Rating Posted by: emilliong at Jul. 17, 2008 at 12:40:41 pm
They want to raise our taxes for stupid crap and I am tired of it. the population in Topeka hasn't grown that much in the last decade and they some feel the need to build more roads. WHY? This city really needs to work a budget that works. Quit spending money on stuff we really dont need we need to sustain and save just like most people do in thier homes. You dont go out and buy a 50" flat screen TV when your refridgerator isnt working right its called comman sense. This City Needs some common sense.

-1 Rating Posted by: emilliong at Jul. 17, 2008 at 12:42:19 pm
Thnk You Bunten! They want to raise our taxes for stupid crap and I am tired of it. The population in Topeka hasn't grown that much in the last decade and some feel the need to build more roads. WHY? This city really needs to work a budget that works. Quit spending money on stuff we really dont need. We need to sustain and save just like most people do in thier homes. You dont go out and buy a 50" flat screen TV when your refridgerator isnt working right its called comman sense. This City Needs some common sense.

-1 Rating Posted by: busymama at Jul. 17, 2008 at 12:59:35 pm
I think Mayor Bunten is the only city official hearing what Topekans are saying they will and will not accept from their governing body. Blackburn needs to quit trying to fill his own pockets on items like this. It's time for Topekans to start making sure they get our message, "quit wasting our money, fix our streets, put the money into our police and fire departments!"

-1 Rating Posted by: TopekaIsBoring at Jul. 17, 2008 at 1:02:06 pm
Thank you Mayor Bunten!

+ 1 Rating Posted by: parkguy at Jul. 17, 2008 at 1:15:39 pm
Yes, thank you for a short-sighted veto that leasves Topeka with a major impediment to traffic flow between Gage and Wanamaker. The City didn't learn a thing from not allowing MacVicar to cross Shunga Creek years ago, and now you're applauding the same lack of logic for another area of town? That's short-sighted.

Posted by: ajthepoolman at Jul. 17, 2008 at 1:25:15 pm
Does no one else notice that the Wanamaker detour requires drivers to go all the way to Burlingame to turn back south? For locals, they know that there are other routes west of the city, but for others, that is a hell of a long way to go just to get around the construction.

Personally, I think that Topeka needs to improve their roads and still build the parkway. 29th is too heavily traveled and this would help ease traffic, especially at 29th and Fairlawn.

I don't mind the veto, but keep it on the back burner for something to do in the next 5 years. And while they are at it, the time has come to look into a northern loop around the city. Hiway 75 is packed. A northern loop would help.

Here is just a simple but useless City Council meeting on a major budget item.
The Cities budget for the year! Gosh Washington, D.C. has nothing over Topeka. They use the same play book!

This is new news to me. I missed the beginning. But the few reader comments say a lot.

Tribe official pleads guilty in immigration plot: CJOnline - Tribe official pleads guilty in immigration plot

The Associated Press
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. CDT
WICHITA — The secretary of a group that claims to be an American Indian tribe pleaded guilty Thursday to failing to tell authorities that immigrants were being defrauded by promises that tribal membership conferred U.S. citizenship.

Eduviges del Carmen Zamora pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, generally defined as concealing someone else’s crime. She agreed to testify in next month’s U.S. District Court trial of the remaining defendants ensnared in a federal investigation of the Kaweah Indian Nation.

Authorities raided the group’s offices and arrested its self-proclaimed chief, Malcolm Webber, last September.

Prosecutors allege that the group marketed tribal memberships to legal and illegal immigrants by saying the documents conferred U.S. citizenship and would allow immigrants to obtain other documents and benefits, including Social Security cards.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs ruled in 1984 that the Kaweah group had no historical link to American Indian tribes. The bureau also ruled that Webber — also known as Grand Chief Thunderbird IV — is not an Indian.

Zamora acknowledged that she worked last year for Webber. Her job was to generate a membership certificate and a laminated card indicating “citizenship” in the tribe.

She agreed in the plea agreement that Webber sold memberships — costing anywhere from $50 to more than $1,000 — that led buyers to believe if they joined his tribe they would be U.S. citizens. Memberships were marketed primarily to Hispanics like Zamora.

Prosecutors contend that between 10,000 and 15,000 immigrants in at least 15 states were defrauded into buying tribal memberships in the group.

Zamora acknowledged she became aware the memberships had no value and that people receiving the cards could not become citizens merely by joining the group. But she said in the plea deal that she continued to process applications and receive her payment for her job without notifying anyone of the fraud.

Zamora also agreed to fully cooperate with authorities and help them recover forfeitable assets of the tribe.

She faces up to three years in prison when she is sentenced Oct. 3. Prosecutors agreed to recommend the low end of sentencing guidelines with credit for acceptance of responsibility.

Federal prosecutors last year charged 11 people, including the chief and the tribal entity, in a 17-count indictment. Charges have since been dismissed against one defendant, and another defendant has pleaded guilty to falsely claiming U.S. citizenship.

Jamie Cervantes, the pastor of a Hispanic Wichita church, was sentenced to time served and ordered deported last month after pleading guilty to falsely claiming he was a U.S. citizen to get a Social Security card.

Webber and the remaining eight defendants are scheduled for trial on Aug. 5.

Reader Comments
+ 4 Rating Posted by: greasyllama at Jul. 18, 2008 at 9:02:08 am
I wish the media would quit refering to this group as "Tribal" and "American Indian".They are non-natives looking to make $$ off of people's suffering.

Posted by: blondemomma at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:04:12 pm
I agree!!!

Posted by: mlurp at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:19:46 pm
Is it any different than say, N. Korea, Viet-Nam or China.
Which our govt. to keep the idea that Communism is a dead issue and make the trade deals with these countries less difficult. But they are Communist countries. And should be called so. As the others that still hold these ideals and restrict their people freedoms.
We need to wake up Washington about a lot of things gone wrong because of them! And the way business is done in the peoples name. And all that is standing in the way is both political parties. Look right here in KS. and the City govt. or our useless state govt. Washington, D.C. right here in Topeka!

The reader comments are IMHO for the most part stupid! Some are right, but you judge for yourselves.
This man has a total disregard for any and all law! And lacks all manners or is plain stupid! But a shower and bar of dropped soap will enlighten him, enless he is a gang member!

Man mouths off at judge, gets 13 years in prison: CJOnline - Man mouths off at judge, gets 13 years in prison

The Associated Press
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. CDT
WICHITA — An HIV-positive man convicted of spitting in the faces of two Sedgwick County deputies is being sent to prison after spewing a profanity-laced tirade in court.

AP VideoMichael Gaines was sentenced to 13 years in prison Thursday about an hour after he was led out of the courtroom, still hurling obscenities at the judge and a prosecutor.

When District Judge Rebecca Pilshaw gave Gaines the chance to speak at his sentencing, he commenced an obscenity-laced outburst at Pilshaw and Assistant District Attorney Kevin O’Connor.

After a few minutes, Gaines was escorted from the courtroom and was later sentenced by Pilshaw via a televised hearing.

Gaines, who is HIV positive, was convicted of battery for spitting in the faces of two sheriff’s deputies while in the Sedgwick County Jail.



Reader Comments
Posted by: wiseowl at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:37:43 pm
what was his crime? this article makes it sound like he's going to jail for having HIV and spitting on someone. i'm sure he deserves the jail time he got (doesnt sound like the brightest bulb in the box nor the most upstanding citizen i've ever read about) but i'm just curious as to what his actual crime was.

Posted by: Macguyver at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:41:55 pm
That was his crime. Having HIV and spitting on someone.

-2 Rating Posted by: kellyc8748 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:43:30 pm
you can't spit on a cop because they are better than everyone else. HIV can't be transmitted through saliva, however, he is just lucky he isn't being exocuted. Cops, vets and firemen are heros by trade. what a messed up country.

-1 Rating Posted by: naturalselection1 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:46:17 pm
Spitting on a Deputies face is a crime(battery on LEO) But plus having HIV can make can be charged with Exposing Another to Life Threatening Communicable Disease.

-4 Rating Posted by: jcanemp at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:47:06 pm
The maggot should have received life.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: BigRedTruck at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:48:56 pm
I think the bigger shame in this video is how the lawyer egged him on but did not receive any reprimand. That just goes to show you how this judicial system is slanted

Posted by: amesmb at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:55:02 pm
The way the headline reads, it seems as though he got 13 years for going off on the judge.
I was just going to ask about that, naturalselection1, so thanks. I'm still not quite sure, though, why his HIV status is so relevant considering battery was the only charge brought against him- the communicable disease one evidently wasn't. How did his status become so public anyway? Did he come right out and say it or something?

+ 2 Rating Posted by: jojo5969 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:59:37 pm
Wow, that video was kinda comical, the judge didn't know what to say. lol

-2 Rating Posted by: MacColl at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:03:32 pm
He should not be allowed to be a marter by having this broadcast. This is shame not fame and should be treated as such.

-2 Rating Posted by: blexican at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:03:53 pm
What a dumbass.

Posted by: BAB at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:10:20 pm
Would this be a an upward movement from the guidelines?

Posted by: wjones at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:10:59 pm
He could have killed someone and got less time than that. But hey, if you are about to go to prison you may as well live it up and cuss everyone.

-1 Rating Posted by: cabocrazed at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:11:25 pm
Although I agree with you on this one Blex, but aren't you the hippocrite for the name calling. I thought you were above everyone else. Guess not.

Posted by: mass207 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:14:29 pm
First post didn't show up....correctional officers are battered everyday without consequence to the inmates. This guy was all ready in jail for something else. He wasn't there for the spitting. I worked in a jail and have seen inmates get away with much worse then this.

Posted by: MacColl at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:17:32 pm
cabo, I wish you would wait until later in the day to hit the tequila. Blexican is a respectable blogger and is probably against calling other bloggers names.

Posted by: reramcharan at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:20:47 pm
Isn't this the same Judge Pilshaw who threatened to throw reluctant prospective jurors in the slammer a few months ago?
And of course, since he'll be in jail for 13 years, when and if he develops full-blown AIDS he'll have his medical expenses paid courtesy of the taxpayers.

Posted by: newsbuff at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:36:30 pm
I learned in health class in school, that it would take 40 GALS. of saliva to subject someone to HIV.
I will keep my REAL opinion to myself....cuz Im sure some of you feel the same as to WHY he really went to jail....

Posted by: odogg211 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:40:45 pm
Ok, so this guy got 13 years for having AIDS and spitting on 2 cops, but didnt a guy in Topeka get 13 years for molesting a child? 13 years for this guy will probably be a life sentence, 13 years for the child molestor here in Topeka will probably just give him enough time to really crave doing it again. I stand firm on the fact that child molestors can not be rehabilitated. Would any child molestors like to argue with me?

-1 Rating Posted by: cabocrazed at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:42:08 pm
MacColl - several weeks Blex unloaded on me for name calling and now he does the same. Respectable? I think not. Hippocritical. I think so.

Posted by: amyceg at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:00:45 pm
I agree wholeheartedly odogg. child rape and molestation should be capital offenses, plain and simple. If you are sexually turned on by a child, you have no intrinsic value to this society, other than for target practice. As for this d-bag, I thought if you had a life threatening disease, like HIV, Hepatitis, etc and you knowingly try to expose someone else to it thru bodily fluids, it's worse than simple battery in the eyes of the law. ??

Posted by: amesmb at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:14:06 pm
mass207: very good point. I used to work in a juvy center where inmates would punch each other & nothing other than disciplinary confinement was brought against them.

It seems to me that he wouldn't have been charged were he not HIV-positive, in which case he should've been charged with exposing another to a life threatening communicable disease. Granted, the chances of him transmitting the virus in such a manner is about 1 in a billion, but he exposed them to it nonetheless.

odogg211: he was already in jail, so that might've had something to do with the sentence; had he been a first-time offender there may not have been the same outcome.

Posted by: mlurp at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:34:04 pm
He would have been charged for what he did! And while you people squabble over the realities of law and order let me ask if one of you would like to have anyone spit in your face while you were doing your job?
Its a crime and on the books in every state. Stop the B.S. and get behind the law. Man you people bicker and moan but you want to be safe at the same time. Make up your minds. And I hope the law enforcement officers when you call needing help and some of you might need their help in the future, don't mind your babble.

Follow up on the store robbery Thursday night. Reader comments included for your amusement. Enjoy.........

Robbery under investigation: CJOnline - Robbery under investigation

The Capital-Journal
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. CDT
Topeka police are looking for a man who fled a convenience store parking lot after a robbery late Thursday night.

At 11:33 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a robbery outside the Kwik Shop at 5633 SW 21st, police said. The robber was described as a white man in his early 20s with a scruffy beard, and wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and a royal blue ball cap. He was last seen leaving southbound from the business in a dark maroon passenger car, possibly a Pontiac Grand Prix with a dealers tag.

No one was injured.

Police continue to investigate and ask that anyone with information contact detectives at 368-9400 or Crime Stoppers at 234-0007.


Reader Comments
Posted by: nissanzx1 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 10:43:32 am
Don't car dealers make enough when they rob their customers!?!

Posted by: odogg211 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 10:52:01 am
Not lately, with increased cost of living, not very many people are buying vehicles. If you are in the market for a vehicle or home, now is the time to buy. Unfortunately, most people do not have any money right now to buy anything.

Posted by: grimace at Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:02:17 am
I'd think it'd be EZ to find this guy. The dealers know if they have a car matching the description. Well, unless it was stolen. None the less, I thought it was kind of funny someone would use a car that could be found fairly easily.

Posted by: mother-of-three at Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:53:14 am
The robber could have stolen a dealers tag and uses it to replace his tag so that he won't be identified so easily. This is a way to have a get away car that isn't trackable.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: blondemomma at Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:59:05 am
the person probably had one of those test drive cars... some dealers let you have it for 24hrs.

Posted by: mlurp at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:46:04 pm
Anothe rcrack head. Just how much did he get in the robbery? Don't these stores have slots where the money is dropped into a safe? If so they only have a few dollars to make change. All th ecomments of the higher cost of living is foolish any of you rob to get by? Drugs is the cause. But we will need to wait on this one a bit longer to see who and why.

Maybe if you can't find a job you need to move here.. And I add this to show the post above this one, the facts. I'm the only one of the readers to comment on this. Guess when things go well they have nothing to say.

Kansas jobless rate steady at 4.4 percent: CJOnline - Kansas jobless rate steady at 4.4 percent

The Associated Press
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. CDT
State officials say the Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 4.4 percent in June despite there being fewer workers on the job compared to last year.

The Department of Labor report released today said there were 4,400 fewer workers in June compared with the same month in 2007. However, six of the state’s 11 industry sectors have added jobs over that period.

Government shed the most jobs as schools and universities started the summer break.

According to an analyst, summer employment declines are typical, but the 2008 drop was larger than normal.

Two sectors that have added jobs over the year are the professional and businesses services, with 4,800 jobs, and durable goods manufacturing, with 1,300.

More of the same old B.S. when it comes to our fire department. #3 is closed again. The reader comments try to explain it away for the large part. But it is simple the union doesn't like merit promotions. It prefers time on the job. And the entire fire department doesn't like the fact Chief Gills was hired out of the state. They want to hire from with in based upon time in grade.

Fire Engine Company No. 3 closed today
The Capital-Journal
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. CDT
Fire Engine Company No. 3, 318 S.E. Jefferson, is shut down today because of staffing and budget issues. Downtown and East Topeka are the affected areas.

Reader Comments
Posted by: afernald at Jul. 18, 2008 at 8:33:49 am
Imagine that. Yet another day with reduced fire protection.

Posted by: BigRedTruck at Jul. 18, 2008 at 9:17:48 am
There are 5 people off "sick" today, with 3 of the 5 having had recent surgery or an extended illness. So 2 people called in sick today.

Posted by: concernedcitizen at Jul. 18, 2008 at 9:29:07 am
Would someone please explain to me why it seems to be #3 is always the one that is shut down? Are firefighters assigned to one company or can they work for others? Then again, if we can get by without this company for so many days, why not just eliminate it and send these firefighters to another company? I work downtown and live on the east side, so don't just assume that it wouldn't affect me. I think it's a valid question.

Posted by: kevgraub at Jul. 18, 2008 at 9:59:08 am
"Would someone please explain to me why it seems to be #3 is always the one that is shut down?"

It has been explained in the paper numerous times. There are more stations close to #3 than any other station in Topeka. They close #3 down because the other stations in the area can cover its area with the least amount of increased response time. If another station is short staffed, and the department has already used up all of its overtime pay for the month, then they will send the people from #3 to cover the other stations.

If you take a look at the fire station map for Topeka, it is pretty clear why #3 is the one that is closed (and in fact, it was completely shut down for several years not too long ago).

Here is a link to the map: City of Topeka | TFD: Fire Station Locations

scroll all the way down to the bottom and click on the city-wide fire station map link.

Posted by: BigRedTruck at Jul. 18, 2008 at 9:59:44 am
Concerned, Each firefighter is assigned to one piece of apparatus, whether it be an engine or a truck. What happens is each vehicle is assigned 4 people. When those vehicles have less than 3 people, a "body" has to be transferred to bring that company up to a total of 3. Each vehicle requires a minimum of 3 firefighters; One officer, a driver, and a firefighter. The reason engine 3 is the one they shut down is because Chief Giles contention is that it is useless, and that there are other companies just as close that can take care of the area. In January of 2006, then shift commander Rick Pardee stated in an interview in the capital journal the necessity and importance of engine 3, and how vital it was to response times to the downtown area. Now he is the Deputy chief of the department and has since changed his tune. My question is how can you change your mind in less than 2 years? Case in point, there was a fire in the 600 block of SE Lake on the Fourth of July, which was called out as a "signal 8" which means trapped occupants. This would have been Engine 3's territory, but they were shut down. Truck 3 got on scene, with no water, and had to wait to do a search, possible rescue because they had no water to protect them. Truck 3 had to wait for engine 6 and engine 2 to get there. Engine 6 was coming from another call on the northeast side of oakland, and Engine 2 was coming from 6th and Rice road. Like I stated earlier, there is much more to this whole issue than people just calling in sick.

I hope this answered your questions. If anyone has any other questions about what is going on, please ask.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: louann1962 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 10:24:07 am
What happened on the 4th is unacceptable. fortunately no one was hurt or killed but what if someone had been due to no. 3 being shut down. The city officials need to pull their heads out of their butts and get this fiasco straightened out.

Posted by: odogg211 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 10:49:34 am
Sometimes people die. The fire department can't save everyone.

-2 Rating Posted by: KLorenz at Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:34:31 am
Thanks Kev for the "reminder", however I'm afraid you're wasting your time. These same people come in day after day to rehash the same nonsense. And the FF's are very helpful to ensure their ignorance.
No one will ever die because Station 3 is closed. When it closes for good none of them will ever remember even posting here about it.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: busymama at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:11:23 pm
WOW Klorenz you are awfully sure of yourself with your statement....
"No one will ever die because Station 3 is closed. When it closes for good none of them will ever remember even posting here about it."

I certainly hope that we don't get to test your little theory.
These same people who rehash the same "Nonsense" are trying to get the point of what is truly going on at 324 SE Jefferson out to the masses who are blinded by the irresponsibility of city leaders and by posts like your's.

+ 2 Rating Posted by: ptodad at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:19:25 pm
Imagine this...another day with no security or safety personelle. Man, what is it going to take to get our City and that Giles to open there eyes....sure wish Chief Phillips was still here...oh, I forgot, he retired after many years of service and respect; so the city brought in this loser.....

+ 1 Rating Posted by: BigRedTruck at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:54:00 pm
KLorenz, read the posts before you spew your ingnorance. when a "signal 8" is called, and the people who have to wait for water to do a search, there is a high probability that someone would perish. No one ever said that people will die, they stated thank god NO ONE did die.

As far as the firefighter's ignorance, stop by a station and find out how ignorant we are. get our side of the story, not just from downtown spin city.

Posted by: concernedcitizen at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:18:23 pm
Thanks BigRedTruck and kevgraub. I wanted to know the logisitics of the operation besides reading all about the various personnel issues and budget cuts aspect, which all the paper seems to be focused on lately. A little reminder of how it all works is appreciated. I'm sure I read all of this information before, but I tend to have senior moments!

So, if they closed #3 for a while and then brought it back, what was the reasoning for both?

Posted by: BigRedTruck at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:27:13 pm
Concerned, do a search of the archives in January of 2006. The article that i mentioned has deputy chief pardee talking about the importance of Engine 3 was in that timeframe. The thing that frustrated me is the fact that there are many people who assume it is being shut down because of sick leave abusers. We have 5 people off today, with 3 people having had a surgery, or extended illness. So 2 people call in sick and it shuts down engine 3. Does this sound like people abusing their benefits, or does this sound like a budgeting problem. Engine 3 was shut down previously for a budget issue, and its happening again, the administration is just putting a new spin on it and blaming it on firefighters. Hope this helps concernedcitizen

-1 Rating Posted by: reramcharan at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:39:47 pm
Hey, if we shut down another fire station, we could give a raise to the city manager's assistant, too.

Posted by: BigRedTruck at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:46:04 pm
Found the article I was referring to, check out how much difference and a change of position makes for Deputy Chief Pardee.


Engine squad returns to duty 01/29/06

Posted by: byteme at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:19:48 pm
Big red, since his is a city budget issue why don't you guys try to help the city figure out a way to make other cuts. Stop pointing fingers back and forth. Step up and bring a plate full of salutions. If the first one isn't the one have another ready, but be for real about it. Maybe if you guys would stop puffing up and making it sound like the big bad city and the big bad chief are picking on us. Maybe something like using an suv at every other station for fisrt responce with say two assigned to it, just a thought.

Posted by: BigRedTruck at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:34:56 pm
Byteme, I understand. The problem is that the chief is as bullheaded and stubborn as the union is being. He does not and will not listen to any idea that is not is own. And you can ask his batallion chiefs about that. It has nothing to do with the city, other than the fact that with all the individual complaints that have been made to HR regarding different things, They are refusing to take it serious and get to the bottom of the true problem.

Both sides are to blame, but both sides are not willing to work together, and the city needs to step in

Posted by: mlurp at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:57:22 pm
These firefighters are not the real professionals they claim to be. You don't do crap like this just because your upset with the boss!
I think we need to look at each firefighters record and judge them on the record. If it can't be shown to be value based then fire them. Hire people who will do the job and be happy to serve the city and its people.

Again I was the only reader who posted a comment. But for those who have been folowing this thread you got the picture by now. Also I'm sorry if any scanned items were deleted. I removed a lot to get off of another site I use to go to. I have all the scanned items so if you request, I will repost them as requested
for you.

International officers visit Statehouse: CJOnline - International officers visit Statehouse

By Ric Anderson
From staff and wire reports
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. CDT
While the U.S. military may be known for its might, a group of international officers say there is room for improvement when it comes to cultural awareness.

The comments came during a discussion today at the Kansas Statehouse, where 65 officers from 62 nations were learning about state government. The officers are studying for a year at Fort Leavenworth’s Command and General Staff College.

Though the U.S. military is respected for its technology and efficiencies, the officers said improving cultural awareness would boost relations with other militaries and civilians worldwide.

Another part of the visit to Topeka was a visit to the Kansas Museum of History, where they saw a presentation on Americans Indians.

This year marks the 48th annual visit to the capital city, and the 114th year that international officers have been attending the Command and General Staff College. Since 1894, more than 7,032 officers from 153 different countries have come for training.

Well the criminal is in court. After 2 years. He raped and then killed a 15 year old girl then burned her body. Which isn't mentioned in the brief.
His crimes talked about by his two brothers who want reduced sentences. Again I give you the reader comments for your entertainment.

Officers restrain Hall as brother testifies: CJOnline - Officers restrain Hall as brother testifies
By Steve Fry
The Capital-Journal
Published Friday, July 18, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. CDT
A handcuffed Christopher D. Hall jumped to his feet and yelled this morning as his brother testified against him in Shawnee County District Court.

Two Shawnee County Corrections Department officers immediately stood, pushed Hall back into his chair and ordered him to stay put. Testimony of Michael Hall, a Shawnee County jail inmate, then resumed.

Christopher Hall faces a preliminary hearing today on two counts of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the 2006 beating of a Topeka couple at the Fairlawn Greens apartments, 5222 S.W. Fairlawn. Authorities have said the man and woman suffered serious injuries after being beaten with a hammer.

Michael Hall was on the witness stand when his brother yelled something indistinguishable.

Michael Hall testified that he saw Christopher Hall repeatedly strike on the head with a hammer a woman in the apartments.

Christopher Hall also has been charged in the 2006 slaying of 15-year-old Nacole Winter.

Steve Fry can be reached at (785) 295-1206 or steve.fry@cjonline.com.


Reader Comments
-2 Rating Posted by: eyeinthesky at Jul. 18, 2008 at 11:55:50 am
Why is this an article? Next article, "Defendent farts during hearing."

-3 Rating Posted by: arepa1 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:07:19 pm
I agree, sound sort of useless and disjointed. But oh, my whate a family these two guys come from.

-1 Rating Posted by: nephrt at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:07:41 pm
it's drama.

-1 Rating Posted by: vickit at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:11:16 pm
MMM he SAW his brother hit a woman with a hammer and .... did what? waited till after his kills someone else to man up and rat him out. PIG

Posted by: MegC23 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:20:51 pm
You guys are always saying that people need to come forward and tell authorities what they know. (about crimes and such.) So dont bash him for admitting what he has seen. I'm sure there is A LOT to this story we don't know. (As in, why didn't the brother step in when he saw this happening) Sad story...

Posted by: johnpadilla at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:21:47 pm
obviously the guys is sick in his mind and needs to be put away for life ... you dont beat people with a hammer .. that is just not normal behavior.

+ 2 Rating Posted by: Cha-ka at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:25:45 pm
Must have been hard to testify against his own brother. For whatever reasons, it's good that he did.

Posted by: locksmith at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:28:11 pm
Since when is beating another human being with anything, NORMAL?? Why didn't the brother intervene and help this poor woman? This story is sickening. Put them all away for life...

Posted by: locksmith at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:29:17 pm
Since when is beating another human being with anything, NORMAL?? Why didn't the brother intervene and help this poor woman? This story is sickening. Put them all away for life...

Posted by: vickit at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:32:14 pm
Meg, I'd bet dollars to donuts that the ONLY reason he's saying anything now is to save his own a$$ from prosecution.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: jojo5969 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:33:02 pm
Yeah hes sick! not only did he beat someone with a hammer, he set a 16yr old girl on fire after he raped her, put the son of ***** away for life.

Posted by: PaxtonOUT99 at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:37:01 pm
Since when? DRUGS? SHOCK? CHANGE OF HEART/ LOGIC? Why did Thousands of German soldiers march men women and children to their death? why have people owned slaves throught history? why did Cane kill Able.
Because for some reason at the time they could justify it in their mind for what ever false and distorted reason. It happens. My prayer is that Both of these Guys gets help and accepts their judgments with Dignity and Grace.

-1 Rating Posted by: z28kilr at Jul. 18, 2008 at 12:42:00 pm
Had Bob Hecht originally filed the attempted 2nd degree murder charges on Christopher Hall, Nacole Winter would still be alive. Hecht did not think that the hammer case met his "standards" to be charged at the attempted 2nd degree level at the time that the Detective presented the case to him. So Hall was not in jail and thus given the opportunity to kill Nacole Winter.

Seems strange now that Hall is alleged to have killed Winter that Hecht went back and amended the charges in this case to what they should have been in the first place.

All of the Hall brothers need to spend the rest of their lives in prison. Bob Hecht needs to be voted out of office so that no more innocent 15 year old girls are murdered by people who should have been in jail.

Check ShawneeCourt.org for case number 07CR00750

+ 1 Rating Posted by: MacColl at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:11:34 pm
Quit blaming Hecht for the ruthless murder. This is what is friggin wrong with our country. The murderer did it.

+ 1 Rating Posted by: topekacrazytimes at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:14:26 pm
z28kilr- CJ archives say that Nacole Winter's body was found on 12/14/06. The hammer attack happened 12/25/06. Bob Hecht couldn't have filed the hammer charges before the homicide even if you begged him to.
Since you sound like you have inside info on the case, I'm anxious to hear which detective you say presented it to him!

-1 Rating Posted by: vickit at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:35:54 pm
Opps then my bad.... hammer away then


-1 Rating Posted by: eyeinthesky at Jul. 18, 2008 at 1:59:56 pm
Hmm...interesting. The headline was changed. Is that why I received so many negative ratings??? Odd.

Just so you know, the old headline was: "Defendent yells during hearing."

Posted by: wiseowl at Jul. 18, 2008 at 2:53:44 pm
can you imagine being hit in the head w/ a hammer repeatedly? seriously. imagine how mad you get when you hit your own head on something when you stand up or what not could you imagine hearing the thump over and over and over again w/ a hammer. how awful. that is just sickening. i mean you hear about people hitting others w/ guns or fists but a hammer....wow.

Posted by: eyeinthesky at Jul. 18, 2008 at 3:01:44 pm
I've had plenty of adventures where I've missed the nail and gave my thumb a good wack. Yes, I agree, it is no fun.

Posted by: eyeinthesky at Jul. 18, 2008 at 3:01:46 pm
I've had plenty of adventures where I've missed the nail and gave my thumb a good wack. Yes, I agree, it is no fun.

Posted by: eyeinthesky at Jul. 18, 2008 at 3:02:28 pm
Man, this CJ 'post comment' button is very sensitive. Didn't mean to post that twice.

Posted by: mlurp at Jul. 18, 2008 at 3:23:39 pm
I've seen enough murderers get some time behind bars. Then make bail. With new criminal skills and friend to do the new crimes with. The death penalty is needed in this case. No reason why not.
The prosecution has and open and shut case!!!
Just today one killer got off with 20 years and a few months. 9-11 years from now he might be free to do as he sees fit. And wasn't he on probation and a felon with a firearm. So count on his doing the same thing again right after he is out, he will own a gun. And get it cheaper and quicker than any of us can. Same with this clown your talking about.

This thread is going to go over 1,500 readers and I again ask you the readers to post your local news. If you aren't sure you have an online paper post and ask giving me the location and state.
But I think most of you have scanners or 3 in 1 printer scanners and know how to us ethem. So cut out sections of your paper, scan them into your PC and then use any online photo storage place to up load them, so you can post them right here.
I use Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket and you can start to look for an online paper here.... Newspapers of the World - Newslink It opens to each state to choose from.