KDOT employees testify in shooting trial

Kansas Department of Transportation employees took the stand Monday to describe their encounter with an angry, shotgun-wielding resident along the proposed realignment route of U.S. Highway 59.

It was the first day of a jury trial for Robert M. Krische, 46, who is charged with firing a shotgun at a vehicle driven by two KDOT survey-crew members April 15 at his home in the 400 section of East 1250 road, eight miles south of Lawrence.

KDOT employee Robert Selley testified Krische cursed at him, told him to leave and refused to identify himself. As Selley drove away, he yelled a profanity at Krische, and then two shotgun blasts went off, Selley said.

Defense attorney Michael Riling has said that an official notice of intent to enter the property wasn’t issued until six days after the incident.

Krische is charged with two counts of aggravated assault. The trial continues today.

Vinland Living Nativity to open for 28th year

Vinland — The Vinland Living Nativity will be open Sunday through Tuesday at the Vinland Fairgrounds for the 28th year.

Volunteers will portray Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the shepherds. The shepherds will watch over live animals.

The nativity will run each of the three days from 6 p.m to 9 p.m.

To be a volunteer in the living nativity, call Jean Moore at (785) 594-3568. Babies should not be older than 6 months.

The Vinland United Methodist Church is in charge of the event. Visitors to the nativity can make a donation to Youthville Inc., an organization that provides places to live and counseling for troubled youths.

The fairgrounds are a quarter of a mile east of Douglas County Road 1055 on County Road 460.