Governor dedicates ‘Ad Astra’ statue Monday

A 22-foot-tall bronze statue of a Kansa Indian atop the Capitol dome was dedicated Monday in Topeka.

Gov. Bill Graves led the ceremony for the “Ad Astra” statue, created by Salina sculptor Richard Bergen. An American Indian blessing was offered.

The statue was placed onto the Capitol dome Oct. 10, three days later than planned after placements bolts would not align properly.

Election 2002: Report poll problems to the Journal-World

The Journal-World is interested in hearing from voters who think laws may have been broken or who experience other problems at their polling places.

In recent elections, voters have complained of a variety of problems, ranging from inadequately trained poll workers to not being allowed to vote.

If you have trouble voting today, please call 832-7150 to leave a message so the newspaper can follow up on your story. Please leave your name, phone number and details about the trouble you experienced. E-mail with the same information may be sent to news@ljworld.com. Please use the subject line “poll problems.”

Voters who think laws may have been broken at their polling places also are encouraged to call the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office at (785) 296-4564.

Condition update: Victim of dog attack remains in hospital

A 7-year-old boy attacked by a dog remained in fair condition Monday at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.

Tanner Marroquin sustained injuries to his arm and shoulder about 5 p.m. Sunday when he ventured into a neighbor’s yard and was attacked by a Rottweiler.

Police would not release the name of the dog’s owner because of the ongoing investigation.

Lawrence Police Sgt. Mike Pattrick said when incident reports were completed they would be forwarded to a prosecuting attorney, whose responsibility it would be to decided whether to issue any citation.

The 8-year-old dog is at a Lawrence veterinary clinic undergoing 10 days of observation for rabies.

Accident: Driver treated after falling asleep at wheel

A 33-year-old Topeka man was treated at a Topeka hospital and released after a Monday morning car accident.

Floyd Gellinger was traveling west about 8 a.m. on U.S. Highway 40 about nine miles from Lawrence when he feel asleep. His vehicle veered right, hit a signpost and continued into the ditch, according to a Kansas Highway Patrol report.

His car rolled several times, coming to rest in a field. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Topeka.

County commission: Baldwin-area customers to get power boost

Electric customers in and around Baldwin should be able to count on more consistent power by summer, as a new electric substation is installed outside the community, officials said.

Kansas City Power and Light intends to spend at least $200,000 to build the substation formally known as a voltage regulator near the southwest corner of East 1800 and North 200 roads, less than a mile southeast of Baldwin.

Douglas County commissioners approved a permit for the project Monday morning.

The station will be about 12 feet tall and cover 24 square feet. A 19-foot-tall tower will be installed alongside the building.

The project will boost power pumped in from other substations near Gardner and Ottawa, said John Scruggs, an engineer for the company.