West Nile virus confirmed in bird

Topeka — Health officials Thursday confirmed the state’s first case of West Nile virus among birds.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment tested a blue jay found in Shawnee County on June 27 and found it had the virus. It was the first of 34 birds tested.

West Nile was first found this year in Kansas in mosquito populations sampled May 28 in Crawford County.

State epidemiologists expect this season of West Nile to be more severe than last year’s, mirroring other states’ experiences.

West Nile arrived in Kansas last year, with 22 human cases and 794 cases in horses and mules.

Driver in hit-and-run remains at large

The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to look for the driver of a tractor-trailer involved in a hit-and-run accident Tuesday in Franklin County. Quang Dinh Tran, 17, Kansas City, Mo., was killed in the accident.

Tran was one of four people traveling in a mini-van that stopped on the side of Interstate 35 just east of Ottawa because of a flat tire. The tractor struck one other passenger, who was treated and released from a Topeka hospital.

The Highway Patrol reported the trailer was orange with the words “Schneider Trucking” on the back end. The trailer may have writing on the side. The tractor may have damage such as nicks, blood splats or fibers on the passenger side near the headlight. To report information about the trailer or the accident, call the Highway Patrol at (785) 296-3102.

Inmate may be charged after fight at county jail

An inmate at the Douglas County Jail may face additional criminal charges for allegedly attacking another inmate with a “blunt object,” a Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said.

Corrections officers were able to break up the fight, which occurred Sunday afternoon at an undisclosed location inside the jail.

The victim, an 18-year-old inmate, did not require medical treatment.

The suspect, whose name was not released, could face charges of aggravated battery.

Young pianists to visit university

Forty of the top young piano players from across the country will be at Kansas University this month for the International Institute for Young Musicians’ Summer Music Academy.

The academy, directed by KU alumnus Scott McBride Smith, runs Monday through July 25 and features pianists ages 13 through 19 who were selected by audition. They will take classes and will give two free public concerts at the Lied Center during the academy. The first is at 4 p.m. July 12, the second at 6:30 p.m. July 23.