The water system in the City of Hiawatha, Kansas, along with the RWD#2, tested with high levels of nitrate. The city issued a warning this week, in which officials warned not to give city water to infants, by itself, or for use with juce or formula.

Some of the usual workarounds do not apply in this case. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate levels. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.

Nitrates are a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can. Thus, most adults and children over six months of age can drink the tap water. You may wish to consult a physician if you are pregnant or suffer from some specific chronic health concerns.

The City of Hiawatha says it will consumers know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.

The city is currently working with an engineering firm and investigating funding for a water treatment plant proposal for nitrate removal. Meanwhile, testing for nitrates continues.

Preliminary reports have been released by the National Transportation Safety Board into a fatal plane crash last month at the Cameron Air Show.

As we previously reported, on June 27 around 1:53 p.m. 50-year-old pilot Steven O’Berg was injured when his Pitts biplane crashed during a performance at the air show. He was transported to the hospital where he died.

A cause of the crash was not indicated in the report. However, the report did indicate that the crash took place during a planned maneuver.

“Video recordings taken by persons on the ground showed the airplane flying through the planned routines,” the report stated. “Between the eighth and ninth aerobatic maneuvers, the videos showed the airplane doing a course reversal, and then flying straight and level before entering into a knife-edge climb. During the knife-edge climb, the airplane appeared to enter the Lomcevak maneuver by doing a climbing snap-roll to the left. Then the nose of the airplane pitched down and the airplane tumbled two times to the left while descending. The airplane appeared to enter a left spin and completed about two and a half revolutions before it impacted the terrain.”

The report found that flight control continuity was confirmed from all flight control surfaces to cockpit controls.

NTSB said the engine will be shipped to the manufacturer for an engine teardown examination. The videos and still photographs of the accident flight will also be examined at the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Vehicle Recorder laboratory.

Several local arts groups got some bad news from Jefferson City this week. On Monday, six days into most local arts agencies’ fiscal year, several local arts groups found out the state has drastically decreased their allocations.

The Allied Arts Council was awarded $10,000 less than last year, a 40% decrease; the Saint Joseph Symphony $8,000 less; and Robidoux Resident Theatre was awarded $7,000 less.

The decreased award amounts are not due to lower scores or fewer funds received from the legislature, but because of a policy change by the Missouri Arts Council board on how funds are allocated. Most local arts organizations have already finalized budgets, which depend on Missouri Arts Council funding.

In a news release, the Allied Arts Council acknowledged it has just completed a successful Arts Fund drive, but points out that arts organizations depend on multiple funding sources to provide programming assistance.

Local arts organizations are passionate about the arts and the community. The affected arts agencies are looking for ways to tighten their budgets, but already operate on a shoestring. Today, many arts agencies are in a different place than they were two days ago. If you value the arts, please consider a gift to one of St. Joseph’s arts organizations. Your gift can help shrink the deficit and help the arts remain a vibrant part of our community.

The St. Joseph Police Department said the subject in surveillance photos released Tuesday has been identified with help from the public.

However, police are still trying to locate her whereabouts to speak with her as a person of interest regarding an ongoing investigation in several thefts.

Police said an ID was made from calls generated by news articles released asking for public assistance in identifying the individual shown.

Anyone who might know her whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Cotter at 816-236-1356 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-238-TIPS.

An F-16 fighter jet smashed into a small plane Tuesday over South Carolina, killing two people and raining down plane parts and debris over a wide swath of marshes and rice fields. The St Joseph News Press reports the deceased were related to two recent homicide victims in St Joe.

The two people aboard the smaller Cessna were killed, and the plane was completely destroyed.

The Berkeley County, South Carolina Coroner has confirmed the identities of the two people on board the Cessna that collided in mid-air with an F-16.

Michael Johnson, 68, and his son, Joseph Johnson, 30, were killed in the collision just after 11am Tuesday. Joseph Johnson was piloting the plane, and last night, his uncle told local reporters that he was hoping to become a commercial pilot. The uncle says the two were flying to Myrtle Beach, and then cross-country, to log the training hours Joe needed.

The pilot of the F-16 ejected and “is apparently uninjured,” according to National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Peter Knudson.  The NTSB is investigating the cause.

A press release from Shaw Air Force Base said the pilot, Maj. Aaron Johnson from the 55th Fighter Squadron, was taken to Joint Base Charleston’s medical clinic for observation.

According to Berkeley County Coroner Bill Salisbury, a witness saw the military plane broadside the Cessna.   Officials said during a news conference that most of the debris was in a marshy area, including a rice field.

It wasn’t clear if a flight plan had been filed, but Berkeley County officials say the civilian pilot had indicated he was traveling to Myrtle Beach.  Officials in South Carolina were expected to release the names of the victims Wednesday. The News Press quotes other family members who identified the victims as the brother and nephew of James Johnson, the 72-year-old man found fatally shot along with his wife Beverly on Saturday.

A 16-year-old suspect charged in the double shooting will remain in custody until a judge can decide if the suspect should be tried as an adult.  (Click here for more)

 

The MINK League and the Saint Joseph Mustangs have added a charitable twist to the Inaugural 2015 MINK League Home Run Derby. Four local non-profit organizations will be matched up with two Home Run Derby participants. Each MINK League team has nominated a contestant for the competition and the Mustangs have assigned them an organization to represent.

If the organization’s Home Run Derby contestant wins, they will receive a $500 donation from the Mustangs, as well as the opportunity to take home half of the 50/50 raffle during the All-star game on July 9th at Phil Welch Stadium.

The participating agencies are the United Way, Paint the Parkway Pink, the Red Cross, and Dream Factory.

The Red Cross will be represented by the league home run leader Jonathan Ramon from Sedalia, as well as Taylor Walker of the Nevada Griffons.

Dream Factory will be represented by the second place home run leader Kasey Cooper of the Branson Nationals and Chase Hamilton from Clarinda.

Paint the Parkway Pink will have Andrew Kendrick from the Ozark Generals and Trent Hill of the Mustangs competing for their cause.

Finally, the United Way will have Josh Vanderpool of the Joplin Outlaws, as well as Will Price (who replaces the injured Derek Rodigo) from the Chillicothe Mudcats representing their organization.

Gates open at 5pm on Thursday for the Home Run Derby. Only one ticket purchase is required to view both the Home Run Derby and preceding MINK League All-Star Game. To purchase tickets, you may visit the Mustangs Box Office at Phil Welch Stadium or call 816-279-7856.