HUTCHINSON

State fair scales back free Friday preview

Although the Kansas State Fair has phased out its traditional free-Friday policy, early birds will still get a break as the fair begins its 10-day run.

Those who show up before 11 a.m. today won’t have to pay the admission fee $6 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and $3 for children 6 through 12. And if they come early, they can get their hands stamped to get back in without charge if they want to return later in the day or this evening.

Attendance at last year’s fair was down nearly 20 percent, causing an estimated $1 million loss for the fair and fair vendors.

OLATHE

Judge denies delay in serial murder trial

A Johnson County judge on Thursday denied a defense request to delay the Sept. 16 murder trial of John E. Robinson.

Johnson County District Judge John Anderson III also barred television cameras from the trial. Attorneys for several television stations had opposed the camera ban.

Robinson’s attorneys had asked for an eight-month delay in Robinson’s Kansas murder trial. He is accused of killing two women whose bodies were found in barrels and another who disappeared in 1985.

His attorneys said that if the trial is not delayed, they should be allowed to withdraw because they would not have enough time to prepare. Anderson denied that request, too.

Wichita

Road grader operator dies in train collision

A Sumner County road grader operator was killed by a train Wednesday as he crossed railroad tracks near Mulvane, authorities said.

Authorities do not know whether Richard Sprout, 64, Belle Plaine, tried to beat the train or did not see it coming.

No other injuries were reported.

The engine and three cars derailed in the accident five miles south of Mulvane.