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UNIVERSITIES-TUITION

Kan. regents to consider proposed tuition hikes

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Some public university students in Kansas would see tuition increase by almost 9% this fall under proposals being considered by the state Board of Regents.

The regents expected to vote Wednesday afternoon on new tuition rates proposed by the universities. The changes would raise an additional $34 million during the fiscal year beginning in July.

The increases would partially offset cuts in state funding approved this year by legislators while allowing for faculty salary increases.

Out-of-state graduate students at Emporia State University would see the biggest increase at 8.8%. The smallest increase, 3%, would be for out-of-state veterinary medical students at Kansas State University.

For undergraduates from Kansas, tuition would rise 7% at Kansas State and slightly less than 5% at the University of Kansas.

ARMED SCHOOLS-INSURANCE

Armed employees could cost Kan. schools insurance

(Information in the following story is from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com)

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The company that insures most of Kansas' school districts says it won't provide coverage for districts that allow armed employees.

EMC Insurance Companies has told its agents around the state not to offer policies to school districts that allow concealed weapons under a law that takes effect July 1. EMC will not renew policies for districts it already insures if they allow concealed weapons.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports EMC insures about 90% of the state's 286 school districts.

EMC official Bernie Zalaznik says the company believes the decision is in its best financial interest because of the potential liabilities.

The new law lets school boards designate employees who can bring guns to school. Currently, only law enforcement officers can carry guns on school property.

ELLIS COUNTY-FIREWORKS

Ellis County bans fireworks

(Information in the following story is from: The Hays (Kan.) Daily News, http://www.hdnews.net)

HAYS, Kan. (AP) - A northwest Kansas county has banned the sale and discharge of fireworks in rural areas during the Fourth of July holiday.

The Hays Daily News reports the Ellis County commission this week rescinded an earlier resolution to allow the sale of fireworks in rural areas.

The Ellis County cities of Hays, Ellis, Schoenchen (SHEHN'-chehn) and Victoria have also banned the sale and use of fireworks over the holiday because of dry conditions.

MISSING COUPLE

Kansas couple missing on trip to Illinois

GARNETT, Kan. (AP) - Law enforcement officials are looking for an elderly Kansas couple who have not been heard from since Monday.

Police say 91-year-old Vernon Hunt and 81-year-old Goldie Hunt of Garnett left their home Monday for a trip to Dwight, Ill. Relatives believe the couple planned to drive Interstate 70 from Kansas City to St. Louis and Interstate 55 to Dwight.

Their vehicle is a black 2005 Chrysler 300 with Kansas plates 473FNM.

Their son, Jay Selanders, said the couple has a cell phone but it has apparently not been turned on.

PARTY BUS-DEATH

Lawsuit filed in fatal fall from party bus

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - The family of a Kansas woman who fell to her death from a party bus is suing the operators of the bus.

The family of 26-year-old Jamie Frecks filed the wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against Midnight Express, the company's three operators and the driver of the bus. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Frecks' infant daughter. A second lawsuit was filed on behalf of Frecks' estate.

A second suit was filed on behalf of Frecks' estate.

Frecks fell from the bus when doors suddenly opened. She was hit by at least three vehicles on May 4 on Interstate 35 in Kansas City, Kan.

The Kansas City Star reports an attorney for the bus operators said they would have no comment on the lawsuits.

SWORD INJURY

Kansas man stabs friend with sword

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) - Overland Park police say a man is hospitalized after a friend allegedly stabbed him with a sword.

Police spokesman Gary Mason says the victim, a man in his mid-30s, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed early Wednesday in Overland Park.

Mason says the two friends were messing around when it got out of hand and they started wrestling.

He says the suspect, a 26-year-old Overland Park man, got upset, grabbed a sword and stabbed his friend.

The Kansas City Star reports the suspect is being held in Johnson County jail on suspicion of aggravated battery that caused great bodily harm.

FRAUDULENT GOODS-TRAFFICKING

Judge delays trial of Kansas store owner

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A federal judge is giving a Wichita store owner more time to work out a plea deal with the government over accusations she sold fake luxury goods.

U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren on Tuesday pushed back the trial of Glenda Sue Morgan to Aug. 27 at the request of the parties.

Morgan had been scheduled to go on trial July 2 on an indictment charging her and The Fabulous Store LLC with conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit goods.

The judge found more time was needed to prepare for trial. He also noted plea negotiations are ongoing for a possible pretrial resolution.

Prosecutors allege Morgan sold handbags, wallets, sunglasses and jewelry bearing trademark designs and brand names but not made by those companies.

HUTCHINSON-SMALLVILLE

Hutchinson will be 'Smallville' on Friday

(Information in the following story is from: The Hutchinson (Kan.) News, http://www.hutchnews.com)

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) - Clark Kent would be right at home in Hutchinson on Friday.

Hutchinson May Bob Bush signed a proclamation Tuesday renaming the central Kansas city "Smallville" for one day. That's the fictional town where Superman's alter-ego grew up. Friday is also the day that Clark Kent will be inducted into the Kansas Hall of Fame.

Superman's hometown has often been depicted as being somewhere in Kansas, although a specific city was not named. Other Superman fans claim he was born in different states.

The Hutchinson News reports three residents worked for more than a year to persuade Hutchinson officials to change the name. Christopher Wietrick, Ben Eisiminger and Casey McNeely say they are already planning a bigger celebration for next year.