Wichita News (BETA)

WICHITA — The unemployment rate in the Wichita area climbed to 8.5 percent in June, according to numbers released today by the Kansas Department of Labor.

A 30-year-old woman was critically wounded in a shooting at a convenience store in south Wichita Thu

WICHITA - Sure, the calendar says mid-July. But the weather today and this weekend in Wichita is goi

A Wichita scientist told the Kansas Corporation Commission on Thursday that consolidating Westar Energy rates would be fair only if customers in the southern part of the state are credited for 17 years of overpayment.

Wichitans wanting to watch everything from aerial acrobatics to a jet-powered outhouse at next month's Wichita Flight Festival will be able to do so for free, city officials announced Thursday.

By FRAZIER MOORE The Associated Press NEW YORK — Walter Cronkite, the premier TV anchorman of the networks’ golden age who reported a tumultuous time with reassuring authority and came to be called “the most trusted man in America,” died Friday. He was 92.

7/17/2009 MICHAEL STRAND For the past few years, utility companies have tried to encourage customers to become more energy-efficient, in ways ranging from caulk and compact fluorescent lamps to replacing old furnaces and air-conditioners.

7/17/2009 MICHAEL STRAND McPHERSON — Two Reno County residents have been charged with seven crimes each in connection with a home invasion robbery Wednesday morning in McPherson.

Phyllis Thull, of Cawker City, will celebrate her 80th birthday with a 2 to 4 p.m. open house Saturday, July 18, at Cawker City Senior Citizen Center.

Dorothy Shipp, of Salina, will celebrate her 100th birthday with a 2 to 4 p.m. open house Saturday, July 18, at Presbyterian Manor, 2601 E. Crawford. She requests no gifts.

Westar Energy Co. improved its standing in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2009 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study.

Google Inc. on Thursday reported second-quarter net income of $1.48 billion, or $4.66 a share, compared to net income in the same period last year of $1.25 billion, or $3.92 a share.

Despite growing loan losses and deteriorating credit quality, Bank of America Corp. managed a $2.42 billion second-quarter profit, the bank reported Friday. (BAC)

Galichia Heart Hospital has expanded its cardiology practice with the addition on Dr. Christos Mandanis.

Susan Castile is the new executive director of Inter-Faith Ministries, effective Sept. 1, the organization announced Friday.

The Little Prince (Mindi Popovich) listens as the Businessman (Michelle Popovich) tells why he can own the stars during the final dress rehearsal for the Pratt Community College production of “The Little Prince” at 7 p.m. on July 17 and 18 in Carpenter Auditorium at Pratt Community College. The Aviator (Andrew Taylor) listens to the story in the background.

Edwards County and Stafford County are the latest counties in Kansas to have confirmed cases of the H1N1 influenza A virus.

Consolidated Utility Services Technician Barry Morrell uses a special machine to locate gas lines in preparation for curb replacement on South Pine. The machine detects an electric signal sent in the line.

West Nile Virus made headline news earlier this decade when thousands were sickened and hundreds died in the United States. Mosquitoes, the primary means of transmission, are still present, as anyone who spends much time outside in the early morning and evening can testify, but little is heard about the disease.

Greensburg GreenTown has officially launched GreenTours of the community. People from all over the world have been drawn to town to see the green sites and get informed about all facets of America’s Model Green Community. The goal is to make the experience more interesting and educational through guided tours of Greensburg’s new commercial, civic, and nonprofit buildings.

Don Kirkman was just six years old when his family departed Hays for the sunny West Coast. That was in 1939, and the now-Tempe, Ariz., resident has returned to his place of birth only about five times.

Tonya Dechant , account representative at AG PRO Crop Insurance, a division of Insurance Planning Inc., recently completed the Risk Management, Crop, Farm Auto and Workers Compensation Insurance examination following her attendance at the AFIS School in Denver.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Walter Cronkite, the premier TV anchorman of the networks' golden age who reported a tumultuous time with reassuring authority and came to be called "the most trusted man in America," died Friday. He was 92.

TOPEKA (AP) — Budget cuts are forcing the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to eliminate a program that cleans up methamphetamine labs. The program is loosing $270,000 of its $313,000 budget after KDHE had its budget reduced by 2 percent.

TOPEKA (AP) — The Kansas Department of Labor says the state’s unemployment rate hit 7 percent in June. The state has seen its unemployment rates spike this year because of the nation’s economic problems. The unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in June 2008.

Two positions are open in August and members are needed, officials say.

Members of the Southern Kansas SWAT team teach Ark City kids at D.A.R.E. Camp.

La Verne Bolling is the new pastor of Oxford United Methodist Church.

The Great Race tradition continues on July 25th.

Hundreds flock to get their free ticket at Penny's Diner, Friday afternoon.

You don't have to go to boarding school with Harry Potter or learn a bunch of fancy card tricks to enter the world of magic.     All you have to do is open your eyes.     That's what Ron Cole invited a crowd of children to do at the Dodge City Public Library on Wednesday.

Willis Gordon will have to wait 11 more days to learn how much prison time he will serve after he was convicted of rape.

 No one was injured when six Cimarron Valley Railroad cars loaded with wheat derailed Monday evening in Gray County.     The freight train was eastbound and headed into Ensign when the derailment occurred on the west side of town, Gray County Sheriff Jim Kramer said Thursday. The cars were closed, so only a little grain was spilled.

No one knows for certain why an Offerle landmark burned down last month.     But, local officials believe an electrical problem may have been the cause.

Several years of work will come to a successful conclusion Sunday when Boot Hill Museum celebrates the opening of a new exhibit.

VITTEL, France (AP) - Lance Armstrong is ready to climb again, ready to leave the pack at the Tour de France after days of flat riding that belonged to sprinters.

TURNBERRY, Scotland (AP) - Tom Watson, famous for winning the "Duel in the Sun" that forever links him with Turnberry, is at the stage in his career where the British Open should be a ceremonial stroll into the sunset.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Kansas City Royals will open the second half of what's been a disappointing season with an entirely new left side of the infield.

IRVING, Texas - The Big 12 Conference has announced its schedule of games on ESPN's Big Monday platform for the 2010 season.

The Arkansas City Black Diamonds took what was given to them Thursday night in the final American Legion Post 18 regular-season home baseball game at City Ball Park.

Jackie Clark, director of information, gave an update to USD 490 board of education members Monday night. Clark emphasized that communication is one of the three subgoals that support the board’s key goal of student achievement.

The final portion of the El Dorado City Commission’s work session Monday focused on city employees.

Would you like to know how you can better appreciate art? For anyone who answered yes, this program is just what they need. 

Participants are preparing their outfits and practicing their walks for the 25th Miss Prairie Port Pageant next week.

A more convenient method of payment for parents is being introduced by USD 490 this year. Parent will be able to manage their students food service and fees online.

Kansas National Guard Spc. William Baker, 26, of Newton, was awarded a Purple Heart Medal Saturday during a ceremony in Newton.

The Halstead City Council will have a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Room of City Hall. Agenda items include an executive session to discuss personnel matter and a budget work session.

The Harvey County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the Courthouse for a regular meeting.

The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office is needing help to identify the driver and vehicle of a hit-and-run which occurred about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The Newton School Board will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at McKinley Administration Center.