American Recession Brings Less Electricity Usage

While those of us monopoly-tied to KCP&L will see rate increases to pay for KCP&L's new Iatan coal-fired power plant- the ASSOCIATED PRESS reports that usage nationwide has actually dropped for the first time since 1949.


The AP story states that electric rates should start falling- at least in the short term. That is unless like us- you're paying for new- mercury-producing coal-fired power plants.

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Kansas City's BREAKING News: Fire Reported at Central Middle School

At 3:12 pm- five companies of the Kansas City MO Fire department were sent to the Central Middle School at 3611 East Linwood on the report of a "fire in the book room" near an "auditorium."

The on-scene fire battalion chief at 3:14 pm reports the school "building evacuated" of students and school employees- with "one small stream" used on the fire.

At 3:16 pm- the fire's reported "out"- but with much smoke throughout the "4-story" building.

No injuries have been reported- the extent and cause of the fire is yet unknown.

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Kerry Livgren- Founding Member of Rock Band Kansas- Has A Stroke

This is according to The TOPEKA CAPITOL-JOURNAL- Mr. Livgren is in "serious but stable condition" after suffering a stroke early Tuesday.


Livgren was the writer of the rock band KANSAS' hits such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind."



Mr. Livgren and KANSAS performed at the Missouri State Fair a few weeks ago.

Our prayers for a fast & full recovery Kerry Livgren!

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Raytown Post Newspaper Calls It Quits

According to their Website- The RAYTOWN POST is "ceasing publication and operations" effective immediately.

This will leave the Jackson County suburb without a weekly newspaper for the first time in 75 years.

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KC-MO City Council Wants To Tilt Bar - Tavern Playing Field

According to BLOG KC and links to the KC-MO City Government sites- the City Council- who never met a corporate contribution they didn't hold dear- is considering changing the rules for bar closing times.



It's said this change will heavily favor the heavily-taxpayer-subsidized Power & Light District/KC Live area and leave other areas currently legal under 3 am closing times close earlier.



As if the anti-smoking ordinances aren't hurting bar & tavern operators enough.

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UPDATE - 1110 CDT - The City Council commitee passed both ordinances regarding bars & taverns to go before a full vote of the City Council Thursday.

It sounds as if the new rules DO NOT contain a "grandfather clause" for existing businesses. It seems an emphasis was put on current clubs and taverns who get police calls.

The Council may be mildly surprised to see the number of police calls that come out of the Power & Light/KC LIVE area.

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Los Angeles Transmitters Being Overrun By Fire?

The latest image from the Mount Wilson Webcam shows considerable smoke surrounding the sites of at least 20 radio-TV and cellphone transmitters- compared to another picture- taken from the same angle- earlier this morning.


California firefighters say they've made some gains on this wildfire- called the "Station Fire."

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Kansas City Weather Averages-Extremes - September

Here are the official weather averages and extremes from the National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill.

Averages are based on a 29-year period from 1970-1999 with most observations taken at Kansas City International airport.

Weather extremes/records are from 1888 through 2006.

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