At around noon today, a car turned over near the 57th Street exit on Interstate 70 West.

Police flared off about a mile of the scene. The first two photos, snapped with my cellphone, show the police closing the right lane.

The bottom photo was terribly timed and shows the tipped over vehicle. No word on injuries.

Shattered glass was near the scene as well.

The Kansas City T-Bones will hold open tryouts for the 2010 season in May.

Tryouts will be held at 3 p.m. on May 2.

“Our annual tryouts are a great opportunity for players to showcase themselves and make an impression on our coaching staff,” said general manager Chris Browne.  “Specifically, it’s a great chance for players from the metro area to get noticed.”

In the past, those who have tried out made the roster, including Eric Vega and Brandon Jones.

Registration begins at 2 p.m. on May 2. The cost to register for the tryouts is $60 if paid prior to the tryouts. On-site registration will cost $70.

For more information, contact T-Bones Director of Baseball Operations Tim Doherty at tdoherty@tbonesbaseball.com. An application form can be downloaded at www.tbonesbaseball.com.

A Rantoul, Kan., man has pleaded guilty to a charge of producing child pornography.

Ronald Schulz, 54, pleaded guilty today in a Kansas City, Kan., court.

He admits to communicating with an undercover agent in Sacramento, Calif., by sending photos of child pornography through email and other Internet forms of communication.

The images were traced to Rantoul, Kan.

A search warrant for his home was served in September. There, law enforcement found thousands of mages of child pornography. Among the worst photos included a 2-month-old girl who was a relative of Schulz. In the photos, Schulz was shown touching the child’s private area.

He could face between 15-30 years in prison, along with a fine of $250,000.

A part of your normal morning drink of coffee on Feb. 9 will be for a very good cause if you have it at Palmer's Candy.

From 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Palmer's Candies & Ice Cream in the Legends Shopping Center at Village West will donate 10 percent of their sales to the local American Red Cross.

The local business is joined in the effort by Country Club Bank.

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As expected, the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education picked up its discussion on outsourcing positions in security, custodian, transportation nutritional services today during a budget workshop.

However, the board rejected a motion that would call for bids in these areas...for now.

Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools Executive Director of Operations and Quality Control Kelli Mather outlined some possibilities in terms of cost savings and the costs of outsourcing these positions.

"This topic brings about emotion and anxiety," Mather said to board members. "It's critical information you need to make informed decisions."

Since exact cost savings are unknown, Mather went on research. The district could save an estimated five to 10 percent of its operation costs. Overall, the district spends 12.2 percent of its expenses on maintenance and operation costs.

Mather also cautioned board members regarding contracts with larger companies that would fill the positions.

"There are some disadvantages and potential for higher costs," she said. "If contracts are not clearfully or clearly written, you could look at being lowballed and the board should be very cautious at that."

The district would look at these cost savings: Between $3-4 million in cleaning services, just over $741,000 in security cost savings and hundreds of thousands more in transportation and nutritional services.

Current employees would likely have the option of taking reduced salaries and benefits if the district goes the route.

But there are other costs associated with outsourcing, mostly those on the community.

Over 75 percent of the employees in security, transportation, nutritional and custodial departments work and live in Wyandotte County.

And if a lively discussion between board members is any preview, a battle to approve outsourcing could be divided.

Board member Richard Kaminski suggested some board members were taking the issue "personally."

"We're here to save money for the district," he said. "Would you rather lay off teachers?"

Board member Brenda Jones responded.

"These are people in our community," she said. "That's why I'm taking it personally. It impacts our community regardless of the cost savings."

Board members wanted more information and more discussion before sending out bids for these areas. However, the issue will continue to be discussed and a call for bids in at least some areas will likely be made eventually.

No final decision was made Tuesday.

In preparation for another budget cut, the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Education is considering $15 million in more cuts.

With the possibility of the base state aid per pupil being lowered to the 1999 level of $3,770, these forced cuts would be more draconian.

KCK Public Schools assistant superintendent Cynthia Lane outlined those proposals to the board.

One possibility that would be enforced is a one-day district wide furlough. One day a year, everything in the district would be closed and teachers would not be paid for the day.

Savings for the one-day furlough during the school year are estimated at $650,000. A one-day furlough during the summer would save around $82,000.

Board member Richard Kaminski expressed immediate opposition to the furlough move, reflecting on the Unified Government's decision to implement a similar furlough.

The one-day furlough is classified as a "phase three adjustment," which Lane said are "not recommended."

Among other phase three cuts that are possible:

• The district may increase the required bus transportation mileage from 1.5 miles to 2.5 miles at the middle school and high school level. This would save around $960,000.

• Both the preschool and school district might later consider a four-day a week schedule. Transportation savings for both areas would be just over $1.2 million. Substitute teaching costs savings for a four-day a week schedule are $340,000. Utility savings would be over $520,000.

Again, the phase three options are not recommended. However, they could become a reality if budget cuts are enforced again by the State of Kansas.

"We have more difficult items to explore," Lane said. "It's just an informational opportunity."

As drastic as cuts in phase three are, phase four cuts would directly impact students in the district.

About $1.2 million of cuts in athletics and activities would be included. While programs would not be completely eliminated for now, cuts targeted at supplemental costs at both the middle schools and high schools would be made.

The good news – no teaching jobs are expected to be eliminated.

"Student achievement is our primarily focus," Lane said. "We must still be able to ensure our kids reach higher levels of success. We must get them to higher levels of achievement. The teacher is the number one factor with that. Unless if things get to the point, we will not bring reduction of teaching positions."

KCK Public Schools Superintendent Jill Shackelford said support from the community is needed during this time.

"Dramatic things will have to happen," she said. "We need our parents in our community around here."

The board, currently meeting on the third floor of the downtown branch of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library, is discussing more budget actions. '

There are recommended cuts for the board to be made at a future meeting.

Among recommended suggestions made by Lane:

• The district would likely dip into its contingency fund even more. The district would use $3 million of its current fund. Right now, KCK Public Schools has over $8 million in contingency savings.

• Workman's compensation is expected to be set aside again this year, saving $ 1 million.

• The superintendent's cabinet could be reorganized with two job reductions or salary adjustments, saving about $400,000.

• Attorney fees for the board of education would be slashed by $15,000.

Again, no decisions on any of the listed cuts above were made.

This month, school districts in the State of Kansas are supposed to get $96 million in state aid.

So far, only a half of that has been paid.

The Associated Press reported that the 295 school districts will have to wait (at least) until the end of the week to be paid its full share.

Along with the school districts not being paid on time, the state's pension fund for teachers and government workers has also not been paid.

A $70 million quarterly payment for the pension has been delayed as well.

As the economy has worsened, revenues taken in from the state have dipped dramatically.

Five budget cuts have been made that have directly impacted school districts all over the state. Most have cut jobs and eliminated positions.

A bill that would make the reopening of The Woodlands more likely has officially been introduced and released to the public.

As expected, the bill calls for a significant increase of revenue sharing in favor of the racetrack operator. The bill is SB 401.

Highlights:

• 58 percent of net electronic gaming machine income would be kept by the manager of The Woodlands. This is up from 25 percent in the previous version of the bill.

• Seven percent of machine income will be credited to the live horse racing purse supplement fund, while an additional seven percent would be credited to the live greyhound acing purse fund.

• 22 percent of net revenue will be paid to the State of Kansas.

• Three percent of revenue would be paid to local governments, with 1.5 percent going to Kansas City, Kan., and an additional 1.5 percent being paid to Wyandotte County.

• The Woodlands would be allowed to open anywhere between 600 and 1,500 slot machines.

• The bill would require a mandatory casino in the zone where the racetrack is located. However, that provision is targeted in Sedgwick County, as Wyandotte County's casino matters have been wrapped up.

A similar bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

The Woodlands closed in 2007 after the owners of the track determined that the share of the state's revenue was too large, while their own revenue was too small.

While it's unknown how much revenue would be generated for the state, any kind would help at this point. The state's looking at the possibility of increasing its sales tax and tobacco tax.

The bill can be downloaded here.

Precipitation of any kind within the next three days is unlikely.

Temperatures will warm up until the low 40s by Thursday. However, a chance of snow is possible Friday.

The full four-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. North northwest wind around 7 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. North northwest wind between 3 and 6 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Southeast wind between 5 and 9 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. South southeast wind between 6 and 9 mph.

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 41. Southeast wind around 9 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of rain and snow before midnight, then a chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday: A chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 26.

Photo and information courtesy of Laura Nelson, Bishop Ward High School

The Bishop Ward High School Decathlon Team took first place in division two of the Kansas State Academic Decathlon, which was held last week.

In the Varsity Division:

• Maria Solis placed 3rd in Essay and Economics, 2nd in Art and 1st in Interview, Math, Language and Literature, Music, Written Super Quiz and Speech.

• Marla Gritzan placed 3rd in Speech and Science, 2nd in Essay, Language and Literature and Interview and 1st in Economics, Art and Music.

• Rashad Singleton placed 3rd in Interview, 2nd in Speech, Math, Science, Music, Written Super Quiz and Economics, and 1st in Essay.

In the Scholastic Division:

• Nick Balliett placed 3rd in Interview, 2nd in Speech, Art, Written Super Quiz, Music and Math, 1st in Economics, Language and Literature and Science.

• Josh Williamson placed 3rd in Language and Literature, 2nd in Essay, Music, Economics and Science, 1st in Speech and Art.

• Stephanie Duenas placed 3rd in Math, Science and Art, 2nd in Interview, Language and Literature and Economics 1st in Essay, Written Super Quiz and Music.

In the Honors Division:

• Ellen Larson took 1st in Interview and Speech, Heather MacPherson took 3rd in Speech and 2nd in Math.

• Emily Cushing took 3rd in Interview and Music, 2nd in Essay, Art and Language and Literature, 1st in Economics, Math, Science and Written Super Quiz

Top Scorers per Division:

• Varsity: 1st: Maria Solis 2nd: Rashad Singleton, 3rd: Marla Gritzan 

• Scholastic: 1st: Stephanie Duenas 2nd: Nick Balliett, 3rd: Josh Williamson 

• Honors: 2nd: Emily Cushing, 3rd: Ellen Larson

Emily Cushing was the Bishop Ward High Scorer.

Bishop Ward will compete at the national competition in April.

PHOTO: The Bishop Ward High School Academic Decathlon team includes (front row, left to right) junior Rashad Singleton, senior Josh Williamson, junior Nick Balliett, (back row, left to right), junior Heather MacPherson, senior Maria Solis, senior Emily Cushing, junior Marla Gritzan, senior Stephanie Duenas, sophomore Ellen Larson, and freshman India D’Ortona.

The Unified Government Board of Commissioners last week unanimously approved of a motion to establish a sales tax election on April 13.

The ballot question calls for a 3/8-cent sales tax increase that would generate $6 million, along with an additional $2.25 million in Village West. The Village West revenue would pay off sales tax revenue bonds.

The sales tax is expected to be used for both public safety and infrastructure.

Last fall, a discussion was held by commissioners to determine which path the majority of the funding would go.

In the official ordinance, both infrastructure and public safety are mentioned. Both the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department are facing a shortfall of force. About 20 police officers are needed for the KCKPD to be considered as full strength.

The key passage:

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners deems it advisable to provide for an additional source of revenue to finance public safety and neighborhood infrastructure, including the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads, curbs, and sidewalks within the City by imposition of a three-eighths of one percent citywide retailers’ sales tax (the “Sales Tax”), provided that the electors of the City authorize such Sales Tax at an election held for such purpose;

A burglar stole approximately $8,000 in jewelry last week from a home in Kansas City, Kan.

The incident occurred in the late morning hours of Jan. 24 on the 1700 Block of Ruby Avenue.

Once inside the home after shattering a window, the thief made off with the jewelry. The damage estimated to the window was just $30.

Kansas City, Kan., police filed both a report of burglary and criminal damage.

A home on Leavenworth Road was robbed of $5,000 in electrical wiring and $2,000 in pipes.

The robbery occurred between Jan. 20-23 on the 5300 Block of Leavenworth Road. A police report was written for both burglary and criminal damage, as multiple robbers vandalized the home's interior to the price tag of $10,000.

The incident was reported to the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department just after 2 p.m. on Jan. 23.

UPDATE: Forgot to put this in the original post, but the police report indicates that five people broke into the home.

Coming into the season, a rebuilding season of sorts was expected at Washington.

After losing three strong contributing seniors in Brett Jones, Dominique Simmons and Kalub Long to graduation, coaches in the Kansas City, Kan., League selected Washington to finish last.

So far, junior guard Tra'Vaughn White is picking up the slack. And then more.

White is averaging nearly 30 points a game and his game is standing out above the pack in a league that's been known for talented guards for a long time.

At 8-5 and coming off a great effort against the 11-2 Harmon Hawks, Washington looks poised to contend for a league title this year because of White, who's building a strong resume for KCK League Player of the Year.

"All I did was really work over the summer on my game," White said. "I work on pulling up and knocking down shots."

While the 30-point average would lead one to believe he heaves up numerous three-point shots, that's not the case.

White scores a majority of his points the old style – driving aggressively inside and knocking down mid-range jumpers. White also finds opportunities for his teammates inside the paint.

Against league teams, White's production picks up even more.

In two games against Wyandotte this season, White has scored 41 and 30 points. On the road in league games against Schlagle and Harmon, he scored 29 and 30 points respectively.

Against KCK competition, he averages 32.5 points per game.

If that's not enough, he scored 38 points against Olathe-Christian and 23 against Blue Valley North, one of the Kansas' premier big class teams.

Still, the 30-point average is not enough for White.

"I'm not satisfied with my game right now," White said. "I just want to get better and I want the team to get better."

Eric King, head coach of the Wildcats, says White will go down as one of Washington's best players.

"He's just a special player," King said. "He's working hard and is leading the team. He just attacks the rim."

King said White is receiving Division I attention from schools like Missouri and UNLV.

White will have two opportunities to shine this week on the road.

Washington travels to Olathe East, who's won 10 games so far this season. On Friday, White will compete against Sumner Academy, one of the top 4A teams in the state. Both games tip at 7 p.m.

PHOTO 1: Tra'Vaughn White pictured against Harmon last Friday night. He scored 30 points against the Hawks.

PHOTO 2: Tra'Vaughn White's breakout game as a sophomore came against Harmon at home last season. White led Washington in scoring that night and hit some key shots in the Wildcats' upset victory.