A fire in the early morning hours Tuesday at 1140 County Line Road caused damage to an apartment, according to the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department.
The fire was reported at 2:43 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Responding in 4 minutes, fire crews reported heavy smoke coming from the multi-story wood-framed structure.
All the residents left the structure, and the fire was brought under control within 45 minutes, according to a Fire Department spokesman.
There were no injuries, and damage was estimated at $20,000, the spokesman stated.
The cause of the fire is undetermined and is under investigation, the spokesman stated.
Relative humidity will fall this afternoon, adding to a danger of fire. (National Weather Service graphic)
This will be the last sunny, warm day of the week before temperatures head downward and rain moves in.
However, the changing humidity level will bring an increased risk of fire danger this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
The relative humidity will fall to 25-30 percent combined with southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, according to the weather service. Extremely dry surface fuels in combination with ample sunshine and low humidity will lend to elevated fire weather danger today. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged today.
The next chance for rain and thunderstorms is expected on Thursday afternoon and evening, mainly north of Interstate 70, the weather service said.
Today’s forecast is sunny with a high near 78, and a south southwest wind of 8 to 15 mph, gusting as high as 24 mph, the weather service said.
Tonight, the low will be around 48 with partly cloudy skies, according to the weather service. A light and variable wind will become east northeast 5 to 7 mph after midnight.
Thursday, there is a 40 percent chance of showers with thunderstorms also possible after 5 p.m., the weather service said. The high will be near 69, with an east wind 6 to 13 mph, gusting as high as 22 mph.
Thursday night, expect a low of 42 with partly cloudy skies, according to the weather service. A southeast wind of 9 to 11 mph will become west after midnight.
Friday, a high near 50 with mostly sunny skies is expected, the weather service said. It will be breezy, with a west wind of 11 to 20 mph, gusting as high as 33 mph.
Friday night, consider covering plants that have already come up in the garden. The low will be around 27 with mostly cloudy skies, according to the weather service.
Saturday, it will be sunny with a high near 42, the weather service said.
Saturday night, expect a low of 27 and partly cloudy skies, according to the weather service.
Sunday’s forecast is partly sunny with a high near 50, the weather service said.
Sunday night, the low will be around 33 with mostly cloudy skies, according to the weather service.
Monday, there will be a 30 percent chance of rain and snow showers, the weather service said. The high will be near 57.
Monday night, the chance of showers is 30 percent, according to the weather service. The low will be around 48.
Gov. Sam Brownback tonight stated that he will veto a tax increase bill that passed the Kansas Legislature.
In an op-ed released Tuesday evening, Gov. Brownback stated that he and the Legislature cut income taxes several years ago to make it easier for residents to thrive and accomplish their dreams.
He stated this current bill will raise taxes on the middle class. He encouraged the Legislature to adopt his budget proposal.
The text of Gov. Brownback’s op-ed:
“Since the pioneers moved westward across the country and settled this fertile ground, our state has always held a promise for those who came here—that through dedication and hard work your standing in life can improve. One of my primary goals as Governor is to make it easier for Kansans to thrive and to accomplish their dreams. That is precisely why we cut income taxes on all Kansans several years ago, working to make Kansas the best state in America to raise a family and grow a business.
“Last week, both chambers of the Kansas legislature voted to raise taxes on Kansans making over $15,000. Not only did they raise taxes on single Kansans earning more than $9.74 an hour, but they did so before even passing a budget. By doing this, legislators said that the hard-working people of Kansas must find savings in their own personal budgets before their elected representatives can be bothered to find savings in the state’s budget. This mindset is unacceptable.
“I am vetoing HB 2178, the punitive tax increase on working Kansans. I am vetoing it because the legislature failed to fulfill my request that they find savings and efficiencies before asking the people of Kansas for more taxes. I am vetoing it because Kansas families deserve to keep more of their hard-earned cash. I am vetoing it because it is retroactive and thus incredibly unfair.
“Legislators who voted for this largest tax hike in Kansas history will try to persuade you that it is primarily a tax on wealthy business owners. This is false. Rather, this bill is an assault on the pocketbooks of the middle class. These legislators campaigned saying they were going to raise some other guy’s taxes. But when the votes were finally cast, they raised yours.
“Above all else, we must remember that tax dollars do not belong to the government. They belong to the families, individuals, and job-creators who earn a paycheck. It is wrong for government to take more tax dollars than are absolutely necessary to provide for the core functions of the state.
“Should the Legislature override this veto, Kansans are the ones who will pay the price. It doesn’t have to be this way; there is another option. My budget proposal does not target Kansas families or the working class, but still achieves structural balance. I urge you to call your legislator and tell them to find savings in government before asking you and your family for more money. After all, it’s your money, not the government’s. As the stewards of your tax dollars, legislators must be fiscally responsible with your money. It is not too late; the Legislature still has time to choose fiscal responsibility over tax increases on Kansas families.”
