Month: July 2015

Arkansas paver ordered to pay $250,000 penalty, restitution to Kansas consumers

An Arkansas door-to-door paving operation was ordered to pay a $250,000 penalty and more than $32,000 in restitution to five Kansas consumers for violating Kansas consumer protection laws, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.

In a default judgment entered earlier this month in Shawnee County District Court, Judge Franklin R. Theis ordered Roger Crawford, doing business as Allstate Construction and Asphalt Construction, to pay the civil penalty. The company was accused of engaging in unfair and deceptive practices while selling paving services door-to-door.

In addition to the civil penalty, Crawford was ordered to repay a total of $32,198 to five Kansas consumers.

Schmidt warned consumers to be especially cautious of door-to-door home repair sales which claim to offer a good deal.

“Consumers should be on the lookout for these fly-by-night operations looking to make a quick buck,” Schmidt said. “Kansans who are in need of driveway repairs should seek out local, reputable contractors and get multiple written estimates before having any work done.”

More tips on staying safe from home repair scams are available on the attorney general’s consumer protection website at www.InYourCornerKansas.org.

Variety show planned Aug. 1 to benefit two charities

by Carol Geary

Have you ever heard a dog sing?
When was the last time a politician serenaded you?
Has a handsome troubadour from Brazil shared his music with you lately?

You’ll have a chance to witness all of these performers and more at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Bonner Springs First Christian Church,148 N. Nettleton Ave.

An old fashioned variety show headlined by a performance of the Senior Barn Players guarantees an interestiing evening of fun you won’t want to miss.

Although there is no admission charge, a free will donation to benefit Feed His Lambs and Vaughn-Trent Community Services is suggested. Vaughn-Trent provides utility assistance, a food pantry and has a thrift store in downtown Bonner Springs. Feed His Lambs is a weekend meal program for local children and their families.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment while helping two good causes.

KCK school buses scheduled for inspections

The Kansas Highway Patrol will conduct its annual School Bus Inspection in the Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools on Thursday, July 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Highway Patrol officers will work with a team of bus drivers to thoroughly inspect each of the district’s 190 buses and 5 vans, checking the lights, emergency exits, tires, windshield wipers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and more.

By regulations, KCKPS must have each school bus inspected annually, and cannot transport students until the inspection process has been completed and the buses are found to be in proper working order.

Mechanics at the bus barn work diligently throughout the summer months to prepare for this date by making sure each bus mechanical system is in working order, and confirm the appropriate safety devices are in proper working order, a district spokesman said.

The sight of this inspection in progress means the first day of school is just around the corner.

School begins Aug. 10 in KCKPS for grades PreK-5, 6 and 9. All students return to class on Aug. 11.
– Story from Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools