West Nile virus confirmed in horses

Topeka — Health officials have confirmed the state’s third case, first among horses, of West Nile virus.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Wednesday a test conducted by veterinarians at Kansas State University confirmed the case. Last year there were 794 reported cases of West Nile among horses and mules.

Two previous cases of West Nile have involved mosquitoes found May 28 in Crawford County and a bird found June 27 in Shawnee County. There have been no human cases reported. In 2002, the first year the disease was found in Kansas, 22 people contracted West Nile, with no fatalities.

Health officials began surveillance efforts statewide in May by collecting birds and mosquitoes in an effort to gain a handle on the virus. This season of West Nile is expected to be more severe than last year’s, mirroring other states’ experiences.

Teens put first-aid skills to use on flight to KC

Warwick, Pa. — Teenagers flying to a first-aid competition in Kansas City, Mo., got a chance to put their skills to use during the trip: A fellow passenger on the plane passed out.

Christian Armstrong and Daniel R. Strohecker, both 18, came to the unconscious man’s aid late last month. The man was suffering from extremely low blood sugar. But with the help of the two teens who studied at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, the man recovered.

A few days later, Armstrong, who is a volunteer firefighter in Warwick, won first place in the competition. He was presented with a medal and a new first-aid kit.

Suspect pleads guilty in stabbing death

Kansas City, Kan. — A Wyandotte County woman has pleaded guilty to stabbing her boyfriend to death last December.

Tonya A. Houk, 26, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in the slaying of 45-year-old Joel R. Harris Jr. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped a first-degree murder charge and will recommend a seven-year prison term.

At the plea hearing, Houk admitted stabbing Harris in the heart after a fight broke out at their residence between him and two of his friends.

A pathologist testified that the stabbing caused Harris’ death. He also had been shot with a small-caliber rifle and run over by a pickup truck.

Single arrest made in fatal shooting

Topeka — A man was shot and killed Wednesday morning after an argument at an apartment in central Topeka.

Police identified the victim as William Alan Lindsay, 36, of Topeka. He had been shot when police arrived at the apartment around 5 a.m. and died later at a Topeka hospital, said Lt. John Sidwell.

Police arrested a man who lived in the apartment after questioning the man and a woman. Police said Lindsay was shot after he argued with the man.