Man Steals Ambulance In KC-MO

It all started around 3:50 am at Research Medical Center at Meyer Boulevard and Prospect.

MAST-EMS unit "114" was in the ambulance bay at Research having just dropped off a patient when a man who had been in the Research emergency room awaiting treatment and "in police custody" snuck out and stole Mast Unit-114.

When the theft was discovered and the call when out at 3:58 am- a KC-MO South Patrol officer almost immediately spotted the ambulance at Blue Ridge and westbound Bannister Road.

The officer followed it west until I-435- where the thief turned northbound- speeds increased and the chase was on.

The pursuit went northbound on I-435 for about 11 miles at reported speeds of 90 to 100 mph.

North of I-70- police spiked the ambulance's tires (unfortunately a following MAST supervisor's tires as well)- but the stolen ambulance continued north to Winner Road/U.S. 24 then exited.

Shedding pieces of tire and "equipment" off one of the newest-model MAST units- the thief went east - then south on Winner Road- driving east in the westbound lanes at speeds of 50-60 mph as he entered the Englewood District at 4:13 am..

At 4:15 am where Winner Road meets Chrysler and becomes Lexington- the thief crashed the stolen ambulance east through the Crysler intersection into a pole and tree- coming to rest down a slight incline toward the railroad tracks next to a 2-story blue house- barely missing the structure.

The suspect was unconscious when pursuing officers got to him. The "approximately 45-year-old" man was taken to an area medical trauma center in serious to critical condition.

No one else was hurt- charges are pending and the wrecked MAST ambulance towed to headquarters.

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National Weather Service Forecast Shows A Flood Concern

The Saturday morning NWS-Pleasant Hill/Kansas City "area forecast discussion" contains some rather strong language regarding possible flooding concerns- beginning early Sunday and continuing for several days.


The discussion- found listed HERE- starts out with:


...POTENTIAL WIDESPREAD FLOODING SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

then explains...

A FAR MORE TROUBLESOME WEATHER PATTERN WILL ARRIVE LATE
TONIGHT...AND CONTINUE INTO TUESDAY...WITH THE DISTINCT POSSIBILITY
FOR SEVERAL ROUNDS OF CONVECTION BRINGING EXCESSIVE RAINFALL THROUGH
MOST...IF NOT ALL OF THE FORECAST AREA. MODEL SOLUTIONS ARE
BEGINNING TO AGREE ON THIS OMINOUS PATTERN SETUP...EASILY
RECOGNIZABLE AS A POTENTIAL LARGE FLOOD EVENT. ... THIS SCENARIO APPEARS QUITE
POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT...SUNDAY NIGHT...AND MONDAY NIGHT (AND
PARTICULARLY SUNDAY AND MONDAY NIGHTS)...WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SOME
LOCATIONS TO RECEIVE MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF EXCESSIVE RAINFALL. ...FLOOD WATCH STATEMENTS MAY BE
NEEDED AS EARLY AS EARLY SUNDAY MORNING...AND CERTAINLY GIVEN THE
PATTERN RECOGNITION...APPEAR LIKELY FOR LATE SUNDAY NIGHT AND BEYOND.


In addition- much of the Kansas City Metro and MetroRegion will be in a "slight risk" of possible severe thunderstorms beginning Sunday through Monday mornings.



As usual- we'll be on top of this developing and potentially dangerous weather situation here at CSW.

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Why KC-MO City Government Should NOT Go Into The Real Estate Business

In the worst economic period of many of our lifetimes- the City of KC-MO elected officials STILL talk of building a 1000 room convention hotel downtown.

According to a story in today's (Friday) KANSAS CITY STAR- the City would be "part owner" of such a project.

My view on why this is a BAD idea is just look around at all the failing city infrastructure.

It is well documented how the City has put off or "deferred" maintenance on many of it's properties for many years now.

Example: a recent water leak in the Mayor's office on the 29th floor of city hall. Did the problem result in deferred maintenance and just how many thousands of dollars will THAT cost to repair?

Also- I'll try my damnest not to mention the City's debt load right now- which our elected officials seem to conveniently overlook.

Why the HELL didn't city officials think of a new convention hotel when Bartle Hall was expanded and when the economy was in MUCH better shape to finance it?

The City has too many OTHER needs right now- and there's still a $20-plus-million handout the developers at 63rd Street and Prospect (Citadel Plaza) are waiting in line for.

New jobs they say? Any new jobs created by a new hotel would predominately be low-paying service jobs. Service jobs- what America is becoming known for and barely enough to support the worker- let alone any family they might have.

This project should be shelved until the economy improves significantly and until City infrastructure responsibilities are fully funded and repaired and elected officials pushing this project SHOULD be drug-tested!

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A Jay Leno "Headline"

(If Jay was still doing them that is)...

This headline is from The KANSAS CITY STAR.

Apparently the state budget crunch in Missouri has forced prison officials to incarcerate people in strange places...



Wonder how hot that case of hot sauce is anyway?

Next they'll be putting the marijuana prisoners in a Twinkies case...

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How Does John Landsberg KNOW This?

Mr. Landsberg operates the local Net site "bottomline.com" and today posted a story about small businesses- focusing on not-a-small-local business- Sprint.

Mr. Landsberg either works a 2nd job at Sprint- or has uninformed spies there- judging by this part of his article (italics- boldened print mine):


"Fire Your Worst Customers

Not too long ago, Sprint “fired” some of its worst customers. Many of these folks were the type who called repeatedly to complain with the hope that Sprint would knock money off their bills each month.

It was a game to many of these customers, but not to Sprint employees who had to deal with them. Many of these customers were slow/no payers each month on the cheapest calling plans. In reality, they demanded the most and paid the least.

It was practically impossible for the company to satisfy their needs without just giving them service for free each month. Even that would probably not have made them happy. (I can pretty much guarantee these former Sprint customers are driving customer service reps nuts at some other carrier today.)

While you can question the way Sprint “fired” these customers, it is tough to say it was not justified in most cases. It only takes a few of these customers to cause morale problems throughout an entire organization."

Firstly- how does Mr. Landsberg KNOW that a plethora of bad and slow-paying customers caused the Sprint action?

I knew 2 people who were "fired" by Sprint because they were continually overcharged or charged for services they had not subscribed to (see also Comcast- AT&T) and HAD to call every bill to TRY to get the improper charges taken care of.

I've had the same problem as well with other companies- but I "fired" them first. I know of dozens of others who have found incorrect charges from service providers as well.

I've been told by former customer service reps that incorrect billing is a widespread & common occurance- particularily telecommunications companies.

Mr. Landsberg has seemingly had few if any problems with such companies judging by the tone of this article that is HIGHLY critical of "many" improperly-billed customers.

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Bits and Pieces

*The Colour of Money
The "racist" flap at K.C. Live regarding rapper Jazzy Jeff has been covered by everyone in Metro K.C. above 3rd grade level.
The facet of this incident not so much discussed is why did K.C. Live buy such a crappy sound system that can't handle rap or hip-hop volumes?
I guess us taxpayers didn't pony up enough for this manufactured party venue...

*Needed: Suspension of Developer Tax Breaks
Actually- what I'd like to see is voter approval for ANY TIF or developer tax break more than $1 million.
Bet very few of these sweet deals would pass...

*Digital TV Conversion
Geez- maybe now since tomorrow's the (tentative?) day of the switch- we won't have to hear and see seemingly CONSTANT reminders that the average American gets screwed again.

*Iowans Need Government "Bailout"
Here's a story about how Iowans who suffered the severe flooding a year ago are STILL waiting for financial help from the Federal government.
Unless your a billionaire banker or a car maker- forget the government bailing out ordinary citizens.

*Dick Cheney and Other Loud-Mouthed Right-Wingers
Odd- you didn't hear much from these dolts when Bush was in office screwing America all to Hell. These people are bona-fide moral wing nuts.
Not surprising since Cheney was one of if not THE ringleader of absolutely the WORST Administration in my lifetime.
Who the HELL even listens to these screwballs (and keep me away from those who do)- let alone take them seriously?

*Oil Company Greed
Slightly over 6 months ago- gas prices locally were around $1.30 per gallon. Today- gasoline tips the $2.50 per gallon mark with further rises promised.
Want a full-blown depression? Come see America when gasoline tops $3 per gallon or more again. Hear right-wingers blame Obama for that after giving Bush and $4 per gallon gasoline a free ride.
Mega-inflation is right around the corner disguised as a gas pump.

*Ranchers Award Kansas City Weather people
Nothing worse than a severe thunderstorm with a "radar-indicated" tornado bearing down on your herd. Yet to be confirmed- but a rancher's association is awarding yet-unnamed Kansas City television stations for their wall to wall coverage of possible severe weather in Cow County.
It's reported that several heifers and a sow or two were saved. The award is a gold-plated hail helmet with engraved- commemorative hype.

*Auto Mechanics Honor Missouri Highway Department

And why not? If not for the deplorable shape of many Missouri freeways and roadways- many of those people would be out of work.

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K.C. Metro-MetroRegion BREAKING WEATHER: Tornado Watch No. 367 Valid Until 1 AM- KS-MO

Tornado Watch No. 367 will be in effect for the Missouri side of Metro K.C.- Cass county- and the rest of the Missouri MetroRegion south and southeast of Kansas City.

The watch is in effect until 1 am Thursday morning.

In addition- all of us in Metro Kansas City should be on the alert for heavy rains and possible flash flooding later this evening and overnight.

Here are the latest visible satellite and NWS Doppler weather radar images:

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Triple Murder In Cole Camp

This one strikes too close to home.

Late Tuesday- Missouri Highway Patrol and Benton county authorities were called to a home in Cole Camp- population about 1100 people- where 3 people were found murdered.

The victims were relatives of former inlaws of mine: Donnie R. Luetjen- age 64; Sharon K. Luetjen- age 61; and Taron D. Luetjen- age 15.

These were good people who suffered an end that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

I hope the killer is caught soon- and my deepest condolences go out to both the Luetjen and Harris families.

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Metro K.C. BREAKING WEATHER: Flash Flooding In Johnson County-KS

This traffic camera at 75th Street and Metcalf in Overland Park shows severe flash flooding at that intersection.

All persons driving in Johnson county and Jackson county Missouri should use GREAT CAUTION over the next 2 hours due to torrential rain and flash flooding!

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Severe Thunderstorm Watch No. 354 - Areal Information

Here are counties and cities included in ST Watch No. 354 valid until 3pm.

Also- a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was just issued for southeastern Johnson- northeastern Miami counties in KS and northwestern Cass county Missouri until 10:30 am..

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WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCH 354
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL MO
903 AM CDT TUE JUN 9 2009


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 354 IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN KANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES
IN EAST CENTRAL KANSAS: JOHNSON KS LINN KS MIAMI
IN NORTHEAST KANSAS: ATCHISON KS LEAVENWORTH WYANDOTTE


IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 7 COUNTIES
IN WEST CENTRAL MISSOURI: BATES CASS CLAY HENRY JACKSON JOHNSON MO PLATTE


THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF: ATCHISON... BUTLER... CLINTON... EXCELSIOR SPRINGS... HARRISONVILLE... INDEPENDENCE... KANSAS CITY... KANSAS CITY... LEAVENWORTH... LIBERTY... MOUND CITY... OLATHE... OVERLAND PARK... PAOLA... PARKVILLE... PLATTE CITY... WARRENSBURG AND WINDSOR.

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THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 354 IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS


IN KANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 23 COUNTIES

IN EAST CENTRAL KANSAS: ANDERSON COFFEY DOUGLAS FRANKLIN GEARY LYON MORRIS OSAGE SHAWNEE WABAUNSEE


IN NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS: CLAY CLOUD DICKINSON OTTAWA REPUBLIC WASHINGTON

IN NORTHEAST KANSAS: BROWN JACKSON JEFFERSON MARSHALL NEMAHA POTTAWATOMIE RILEY


THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF: ABILENE... CLAY CENTER... CONCORDIA... EMPORIA... HIAWATHA... JUNCTION CITY... LAWRENCE... MANHATTAN... MARYSVILLE... OTTAWA AND TOPEKA.

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Kansas City Metro BREAKING WEATHER: Severe T-stm Watch Until 3 PM

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has (supposively) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (about 30 minutes ago) that will be valid until 3 PM this Tuesday afternoon.

This watch will include the MetroRegion cities of Kansas City- Topeka and Lawrence. No other areal coverage is known- since the SPC has yet to issue any watch graphics.

We'll have several periods of thunderstorms today- with the highest likelyhood of severe weather coming later this Tuesday afternoon and evening.


What I DO have are the latest visible satellite and NWS Doppler weather radar images:

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Metro Kansas City WEATHER: Another "Moderate Risk" of Severe T-stms Nearby

The K.C. Metro is on the northeastern edge of a NWS-SPC forecasted area for severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes later today and tonight.


That moderate risk area (see Image 1) covers a large part of south-central- southeastern and eastern Kansas. All of Metro and all but the extreme northern parts of the K.C. MetroRegion are inside a "slight risk" area for severe storms.


Kansas cities such as Ottawa- Paola- Garnett and Emporia are inside this moderate risk area.

The SPC also mentions the risk of "a few strong tornadoes" in the moderate risk area (see Image 2).


CSW will update this developing weather situation throughout the day....


Here are the latest visible satellite and Doppler weather radar images:

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Metro Kansas City's BREAKING NEWS: Woman Critically Injured In Fairway-KS Shooting

Fairway and several other Kansas suburban police departments have closed off an area in Fairway after a shooting there.

The incident was in the 6200 block of Glenfield- where a woman painting a house was reportedly shot in the head by a white male suspect named Tom Grammer.

The woman gunshot victim- in her 40's- was taken to an area medical trauma center with a massive head wound- condition grave.

Police are seeking the Grammer suspect: a white male in his 40's- height 5-foot- nine-inches with short brown hair with a receeding hairline- driving a possible blue Dodge Dakota or Durango pickup truck with Oklahoma license plates.

Police think this is some sort of domestic dispute.

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"Radar-Indicated Tornado in Cow County"- Overblown TV Weather Hype

You know the scenario: You sit down to actually watch some network programming on television- trying to watch the screen around little maps and banners- then it's flat-out wall-to-wall weather.

The warning is for a "radar-indicated" tornado and the county affected has less people living in it than my neighborhood. Not only that- the storm's more than 50 miles away moving away.

None of that bothers me. Long ago I gave up on network TV programming and if bad weather is around there's the computer and/or NWS weather radio.

I didn't post on last night's weather situation after the watch was issued because there wasn't really anything threatening the Metro or anyone else of consequence.

Gary Lezak said it best during one of his weather cut-ins during a commercial break on last night's severe weather: "Ninety-nine percent (of the viewing area) won't see any tornado."

More like 99.999% of last night's viewers didn't even experience a thunderstorm until late last night.

It's come down to whom to warn and how to warn them.

If a confirmed tornadic supercell thunderstorm is bearing down on the heavily-populated Metro- sure- go wall-to-wall with your weather coverage.

If a radar-indicated tornado is reported in Cow County- more than 50 miles away from your populated primary area of responsibility and moving away- give your viewers a break.

It MAY be cheaper in the long run to send the few thousand cloud-spotting-challenged residents of Cow County a weather radio than to piss off more than a million potential viewers.

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K.C. Metro-MetroRegion WEATHER: Tornado Watch No. 342 In Effect Until 11 PM - KS-MO-NE-IA

Most of Metro Kansas City and that part of the northern K.C. MetroRegion shown is included in Tornado Watch Number 342 until 11 PM this Sunday night.

Metro K.C. counties of Miami & Linn in KS and Cass and Johnson in Missouri are NOT included in this watch.

Thunderstorms developing rapidly over north into east-central Kansas will increase in number & intensity over the next few hours. Movement will be from the west and southwest- possibly from the northwest later tonight.

Here are the latest visible satellite and NWS Doppler radar images:

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Tips For When The Power Fails

Though most of the Kansas City MetroRegion has been spared this widespread problem so far this year- power failures and outages too often occur.

Here are some helpful tips when the power goes out- courtesy of FEMA:


When the power fails, resist the temptation to call 9-1-1 for information - that's what your battery-powered radio is for.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.

Turn off electric appliances to protect against power surges when power is restored. Turn off all lights but one (to alert you when power resumes).

Plan on cell phones or corded phones for emergency calls—cordless phones require electricity.

Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full (gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps).

Candles can be dangerous fire hazards. Flashlights and electric lanterns are safer by far.

Battery operated radios and (alarm) clocks are other essentials, along with a supply of fresh batteries. If electric wheel chairs or electric life support devices are part of the equation, consider extra battery packs or a prearranged agreement from local police or fire stations for priority support.

Never use a portable generator in a garage, carport, basement, crawl-space or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Install home Carbon Monoxide alarms that have battery back-up. Store fuel safely.

When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate problems that could occur if there's a sharp increase in demand. If you think that electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call your local power company.

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Metro-MetroRegion K.C. WEATHER: "Moderate Risk" Of Severe T-stms and Tornadoes Later Today

Metro Kansas City as well as much of the northern Kansas and Missouri MetroRegion is under a "moderate risk" of severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes later today through Monday morning.


The greatest risk of severe weather will be later this Sunday afternoon into evening. This risk area includes the Kansas City- St. Joseph- Maryville- Chillicothe and Bethany-MO areas- as well as Kansas cities as Lawrence- Atchison- Leavenworth- Emporia & Topeka.


This is a potentially dangerous weather situation that bears close watching if you will be outdoors later today.


Meanwhile- a strong thunderstorm continues to move along the river areas of Metro Kansas City- no severe weather has been reported but cloud to ground lightning can be expected along with heavy rain.


CSW will post the latest on this and any later developments....

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Kansas City's BREAKING NEWS: Jumper Closes I-435 At Missouri River in KC-MO

KC-MO police have closed northbound- and they just closed southbound I-435 as well at the I-435 bridge over the Missouri River after the driver a vehicle they were pursuing stopped- got out- and threatened to jump off the bridge.

Northbound is closed at Front Street and southbound is closed at M-210.

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UPDATE 0227 CDT: At 2:09 AM- KC-MO reported the jumper was in custody and officers were opening I-435 at the Missouri River bridge.

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