Hurricane-force winds whipped through the Kansas City, Mo., area in the wee hours Friday morning, leaving damaged buildings, downed power lines and debris strewn across yards and roadways. -- The Examiner

Friday marked the last of a series of first-time health forums held across Kansas this year to inform concerned citizens of legislative and other changes concerning public health.

Local health officials and Rep. Ty Masterson presented the meeting at the Civic Center.

Despite a good job at Wesley Medical Center, one Kansas resident decided to give that all up for a change and to serve his country. Pfc. Randy Read decided to join the Army a little over 1 1/2 years ago.

Despite a good job at Wesley Medical Center, one local resident decided to give that all up for a change, and to serve his country.

PFC Randy Read, decided to join the Army a little over 1 1/2 years ago.

He may very well be the greatest musician you’ve never heard of. His name is Aaron Sidwell, and he’s been writing songs since he was 12 years old.

Following this week’s announcement that State Sen. Peggy Palmer (R-Augusta) wouldn’t be seeking re-election, her seat was essentially up for grabs. Initially State Rep.

David Crum from District 77 had promised Palmer he would seek her position, but he bowed out, choosing to focus on his current role.

Now it appears that State Rep. Ty Masterson (R-Andover) of District 99 will make a bid for Palmer’s Senate seat. He spent Tuesday aligning his supporters, respected friends and colleagues, to be sure “everybody was on board.”

State Sen. Peggy Palmer (Augusta - R) has withdrawn as a candidate for re-election in Kansas Senate District 16.

Palmer cited the need for increased flexibility in her schedule in order to accompany her husband on business-related travel and  personal reasons as the primary causes of her withdrawal.

Today there is a new faith. Mother Earth is replacing Father God.

After seven long weeks with no primaries or caucuses, the Democratic Party is finally getting back to business in the race to choose a candidate.

Christian comedian Mark Lowry has made a career of using his hyperactivity as a child and his attention deficit disorder as his material.

He may very well be the greatest musician you’ve never heard of.

His name is Aaron Sidwell and he’s been writing songs since he was 12 years old and he wants to be the next American Idol.

But he missed that boat.

Twice.

Students link up with teacher in Hong Kong

Butler Community College students will be hoofing it to 60 years of Broadway hits this weekend. The dance department’s final show of the year, titled “Steppin’ Out,” will feature numbers from “West Side Story,” “Rent,” “Fosse,” “Hair,” “Tarzan” and “Grease.”

Tuesday was not a good day. The Augusta Gazette family was touched by tragedy.

There is nothing that will cause you to become jaded more quickly than two incredibly jaded people exchanging manufactured incredulity (read: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama).