Derby

Marching band chosen to perform in D.C.

Derby High School’s marching band has been chosen to represent Kansas at the 2004 National Festival of the States World War II Memorial Parade in Washington.

The parade is one of the activities surrounding the dedication of the National World War II Memorial over the Memorial Day weekend.

Besides the parade, Derby High’s band may also perform at the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, Mount Vernon and the U.S. Soldiers and Airmen’s Home.

Between now and May, students and parents will try to raise money for the trip. It is expected to cost about $200,000 for about 160 people, including about 130 band members and their chaperones.

Topeka

City takes step toward Sunday liquor sales

Topeka City Council members have taken an important first step toward allowing Sunday liquor sales.

The council voted 6-3 early Wednesday to amend the city’s charter to allow such sales. City Atty. Brendan Long said the council would have to pass an ordinance, setting times stores can be open, for Sunday sales to begin.

Topeka would be among a growing list of communities authorizing Sunday sales. State law has long banned such sales, but a Wyandotte County district judge ruled last year that cities and counties have the authority to exempt themselves from the ban.

“I decided to introduce this ordinance because it’s a matter of choice for me as a citizen and it’s my right to purchase liquor in any store that chooses to be open,” said council member Jeff Preisner.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

Off-duty security guard charged in shooting

A Kansas City man who works as a security guard has been charged with shooting to death a man who had been driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Vincent Flores, 33, was charged by Jackson County prosecutors Wednesday with voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in Tuesday’s killing of Gerald E. Mezsaros. Flores was being held on $50,000 bond.

According to a police affidavit, a witness said Mezsaros was driving the wrong way on a one-way street when he nearly hit Flores’ vehicle.

The witness said Flores got out of his vehicle and began yelling at Mezsaros to move, according to the affidavit. The witness told police that Mezsaros tried to drive around Flores, who then shot Mezsaros in the chest.

Flores told police he fired after twice being struck by Mezsaros’ vehicle and that he thought Mezsaros was going to run him over, according to the affidavit.

OLATHE

Suspect charged with videotaping women

Police have arrested a suburban Kansas City man charged earlier this month with using a camera hidden in a bag to videotape under the clothing of unsuspecting women at a shopping mall.

Chad S. Kubicina was arrested Sunday and released after posting a $1,000 bond. He faces an eavesdropping charge in Johnson County.

A victim in the July 10 incident noticed the camera and contacted mall security officers.