6Productions

K.C. zoo, baseball focus of ‘River City’ interviews

Kansas City Zoo director of mammals Conrad Schmitt shows TV viewers the zoo’s elephants and rhinos on “River City Weekly.” Schmitt also shares a brief history of the zoo plus a look ahead to the zoo of the future.

Then the show’s host, Greg Hurd, joins Kansas City Royals manager Tony Pena on the field at Kauffman Stadium where Pena sheds light on the team’s winning ways as well as his love for the game.

“River City Weekly” premieres on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays with encore presentations at 7:30 weeknights, 8:30 weekday mornings and 9 a.m. Saturdays.

Health

Kansas’ 2nd human case of West Nile confirmed

Topeka — The second case this year of West Nile virus in a human has been confirmed in Kansas.

The victim is a 65-year-old man from Sherman County, who first had signs of encephalitis and ascending paralysis on July 24, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The patient is hospitalized.

“This is one of those rare times when West Nile virus resulted in a serious illness,” said Dr. Gail Hansen, deputy state epidemiologist.

Evidence of West Nile virus has been found in animals or mosquitoes in 43 counties so far this year, KDHE officials said. There were 22 human cases in Kansas last year.

To avoid becoming infected with the West Nile virus, KDHE recommends using DEET mosquito repellent, limiting outdoor activities and wearing protective clothing.

Politics

Ryun promises help for Cottonwood program

U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, R-Kansas, spent much of Tuesday morning touring Cottonwood Inc., 2801 W. 31st.

“I’ve driven by Cottonwood for years,” Ryun said. “I had an idea of what they do here, but now I’ve taken the tour — it’s amazing what all goes on here.”

Cottonwood Inc. is a community-based program for people with developmental disabilities.

Ryun vowed to support Cottonwood’s efforts to renew its contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. Under the contract, Cottonwood workers assemble and package cargo straps.

“They do such good work here, I doubt they’ll need my help,” Ryun said. “But we’ll do whatever we can.”

The five-year contract is about to enter its final year.