Western Kansas Report for Sept. 21

Man Dies After Running Stop Sign

A man running a stop sign causes a deadly crash this weekend. Kansas Highway Patrol says the accident happened on a Pawnee County road early Saturday evening.

27-year-old, Brandon Hammeke reportedly failed to yield a stop sign. Troopers say a semi hit Hammeke’s truck and killed him. The other driver was taken to a Larned hospital for treatment.

Airport Could Lose A Fifth Of Its Passengers

A local airport is at risk of having its direct flight service cut in half. Garden City Regional Airport may be losing service to Kansas City.

The news comes from the US Department of Transportation, after the number of people flying is down from last year. Almost four times as many people fly to and from Denver, in comparison to Kansas City.

Garden City leaders are opposing the possible move. They say the airport could lose 2,000 passengers each year, a significant decrease for an airport of its size.

Garden City Intersection Being Discussed on Capital Hill

A dangerous intersection in Northeast Garden City has people talking in Washington. US Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback are hoping to secure money for the intersection.

The reconfiguration includes Jennie Barker Road, Mary Street, and Kansas Highway 156. A half million dollars is expected to be set aside for the project, but an estimate says it will cost about five million dollars.

The project would widen streets to four lanes and improve road alignment. KDOT considers the project a high priority because of the added safety it would provide.

Ingalls Teacher Receives Statewide Recognition

A Western Kansas man is among the state’s elite in teaching. Leonard Rodenbur is one of six semi-finalists for Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Rodenbur teaches social studies at Ingalls High School in Gray County. 91 educators were nominated for the distinction. The Kansas Teacher of the Year will be announced November 21st at a ceremony in Wichita.

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