Region briefs

COLBY

Crime spree brings suspended sentences

A woman who eluded authorities after a crime spree last August in western Kansas has been sentenced for her part in the crimes.

Tina Janice Pearce, 24, pleaded guilty to Thomas County charges of burglary, felony theft and criminal restraint and a Sheridan County charge of felony theft.

For each Thomas County charge, Pearce received suspended sentences that equal 60 months of probation. In Sheridan County, she was given a 12-month suspended prison term.

As part of a plea, Pearce agreed to assist in the prosecution of her co-defendant, Kristopher Aaron Lambert.

The couple allegedly stole a truck in Wisconsin, made their way to a farmhouse near Colby and tied up a 17-year-old girl. Her car was taken and found later in Hoxie. That’s where the two allegedly stole a Jeep.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

Thousands in metro still without electricity

Power crews were making progress, but thousands of people remained without power more than a week after an ice storm downed power lines, utility officials said.

FEMA director Joe M. Allbaugh was scheduled to arrive today in Kansas City. He will examine damage from what is being called the worst ice storm in Kansas City history.

By Thursday afternoon, utilities reported 15,750 customers remaining without power.

Most utilities said they expected to have power completely restored by Friday night, although Missouri Public Service said some of its customers may not get power until the end of the weekend.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

Three-alarm house fire injures two firefighters

Two firefighters were injured, one critically, during a three-alarm fire at a home on Kansas City’s south side Wednesday night.

Fire officials said tree limbs piled up in the wake of last week’s ice storm blocked access to a hydrant near the home, delaying firefighters when they arrived at the scene. Occupants of the home got out safely.

One firefighter was reported in critical condition at St. Joseph’s Hospital; the other was treated and released.