Sterling: City commission bans Rottweilers, pit bulls

Pit bulls and Rottweilers are soon to be illegal in Sterling, the latest of dozens of Kansas communities to outlaw certain breeds of dogs.

A new ordinance, taking effect late this week, states that Rottweilers and pit bulls cannot be “kept, owned or possessed within the city limits.”

The city commission unanimously approved the new law Monday night, along with another addressing control of dogs and a means for dealing with potentially dangerous dogs.

Commissioner Lee Sankey said citizens favored the ban on the two breeds.

“That’s what the people I talked to want,” Sankey said. “Because irresponsible dog owners can’t be controlled, the poor dogs catch it.”

The issue surfaced in Sterling after two sisters, 3 and 11, were attacked and bitten by a neighbor’s pit bull March 8 in their back yard.

Harrisonville, Mo.: Prosecutor to oppose requested arraignment

In an apparent effort to help their case in Kansas, attorneys for John E. Robinson Sr. are trying to speed up the murder case against him in Missouri.

Robinson faces three first-degree murder charges in Cass County, Mo. In Johnson County, Kan., his trial on separate murder charges is scheduled for Sept. 16.

Robinson’s attorneys have sought to have him arraigned on the Missouri charges. They haven’t said why, but Cass County prosecutor Chris Koster said he thinks he knows: Once Robinson is arraigned in Missouri, his attorneys can begin questioning witnesses, including police investigators in both states.

Rules about pre-trial witness questioning are stricter in Kansas, so Robinson’s attorneys may be hoping to use statements from investigators in the Kansas trial.

Burlington: Nuclear plant back in operation

The Wolf Creek nuclear power plant is expected to be at full power within a few days following its latest shutdown, plant officials said.

Operators took the plant off-line May 13 after sensors indicated what appeared to be a small piece of metal in one of the four steam generators. The object was detected while the plant was being started up following a shutdown May 8.

Technicians retrieved two small objects from the primary water system side of the generator, Wolf Creek officials said in a news release. The metal objects were not needed for the plant’s operation, according to the release.

Power generation resumed at noon Monday and will be increased through the next few days.