Sentencing delayed in murder conviction

The sentencing of Lafayette Cosby, found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting of Robert T. Martin, was delayed Tuesday.

Cosby shot Martin, an acquaintance, at an April 4 party at Jefferson Commons, 2511 W. 31st St. Cosby, seen above Tuesday in court, will be sentenced at 3 p.m. Monday.

Attorney Greg Robinson, who represents Cosby, asked for the continuation because of information he needed to review. Assistant Dist. Atty. Dave Zabel opposed the request, saying that premeditated murder typically carried a life sentence with parole eligibility after 25 years. He also said that Martin’s family members attended and wanted their opportunity to address the court and find closure.

Douglas County District Court Judge Jack Murphy said he understood the family’s desire for closure, but he postponed the sentencing.

Health

Whooping cough cases sharply increase

Kansas is seeing a “significant increase” in the number of whooping cough cases this year, state health officials said.

As of Tuesday there were 90 confirmed cases of whooping cough and 58 probable cases, according to Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Last year there were only 23 confirmed cases, and there were 38 cases in 2002.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is a potentially fatal childhood disease, but children can be immunized against it. Immunization is recommended at 4, 6 and 12 months with a booster at kindergarten. There is not a vaccine for adults, but there is medication to treat the infection and relieve the symptoms.

Symptoms of whooping cough appear as a cold or flu and include a runny nose, snoozing, fever and a mild cough.

Woodcarver, eagles on ‘River City Weekly’

“River City Weekly” brings you holiday cheer this week with a special double encore.

First, woodcarver Larry Heinen shows us his Santa’s workshop where he crafted and painted one-of-a-kind Santa Claus figures.

Then, take a close-up look at the eagles of the area with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wildlife biologist Mike Watkins.

“River City Weekly” with host Greg Hurd premieres on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays with replays at 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mondays, and 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays.