Kansas Klips
Grocery store attains new owners
La CROSSE — Citizens of La Crosse and Rush County are pleased to learn of new owners of the former Rush County Grocery. Pat and Kelly Baalmann of La Crosse are the new owners as of Oct. 31, and the couple is ready to dive into revamping the grocery store. The first change is the name of the store, which will be known as B’s Hometown Market. It will have new equipment in the front of the store, and the coolers and freezers will have doors to help with the utility costs and freshness of the products. The store will have new floors, new LED lighting and a fresh deli and cheese station. The meat market will be doubled in size. The couple and their two children, Bailey and Ryland, will work in the store. Kelly will continue working for Golden Belt Telephone so she and their children will work parttime. Pat is quitting his job with Baker Hughes in Ness City and will work in the store full time. Pat is a native of La Crosse, and the family moved back to La Crosse in 2015. (The Rush County News)
Panasonic breaks ground on $4B EV battery plant in Kansas
DE SOTO — Last Wednesday, Governor Laura Kelly joined Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. and De Soto leaders to break ground on one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities of its kind in the United States, according to a statement from her office. The project is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of up to $4 billion, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. The state-of-the-art facility will create and supply lithium-ion batteries and accelerate the future of electric vehicle innovation on a global scale. Panasonic Energy selected Kansas because of its business-friendly climate, robust talent pool and workforce skillset, support of technology innovation, strong transportation infrastructure, and central location. The Kansas City region is the third fastest-growing tech market in the United States and is a nucleus of engineering, technology and automotive manufacturing expertise. (JCPost.com)
Man arrested, allegedly handcuffed wife to pole
ASSARIA — An Assaria man was arrested last week after police say he handcuffed his wife to a pole in their basement. KSAL reports the man was arrested at his workplace after his wife reached out to a neighbor for help. Police say the man and his wife had an argument that became violent when he hit her and handcuffed her to a pole, leaving two small children unattended. He took her cell phone and told her not to tell anyone about it as he was leaving for work. The children were not injured. Authorities say the man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery, kidnapping, two counts of endangering a child, and intimidation of a witness. (SalinaPost.com)
Police arrest suspect for allegedly using counterfeit $100 bills
COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with using counterfeit money. Last week, police learned counterfeit $100 and $20 bills were being used in the Arkansas City area, according to a media release. Police identified 29-year-old Tanner Scott Mora as a suspect who had passed three $100 bills. On Friday police arrested him in Arkansas City. He was in possession of meth, marijuana and counterfeit cash, according to police. Investigators were able to link him to the earlier counterfeit cash reports. (HaysPost.com)
Police arrest 14-year-old after alleged threat at middle school
RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and USD 383 officials are investigating an alleged criminal threat and have made an arrest. Last Tuesday morning, officers filed a report for criminal threat at Eisenhower Middle School, in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Officials reported a 14-year-old girl of Manhattan had made violent threats against others at the school. Investigation showed the suspect was not in possession of a weapon at the school and didn’t have access to weapons. Police arrested the girl on requested charges of criminal threat. She was processed through juvenile intake and released to a guardian. (JCPost.com)
Russell ready to use ‘every bit’ of $1M grant on apartments
RUSSELL — Russell Development is a group of business individuals that have been working for some time to transform the former Holland Hotel into loft-style apartments. Tuesday the group got some big help as Governor Laura Kelly announced the city of Russell would be receiving $1 million to increase affordable and moderate-income housing. The funds will be allocated from a house bill Kelly signed in May, and Russell Mayor Jim Cross said Rep. Troy Waymaster was of big assistance on the project. Cross said the city hopes to turn the hotel into as many as 11 apartments. The apartments will likely be studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. There will be many costs associated with the transformation inside and outside of the 112-year-old building. The next step is getting bids for the project. The former hotel sat vacant for two decades. Apartments are expected to range from 700 to 1,100 square feet and rent for $575 to $725 a month. (HaysPost.com)
