Baldwin Junction wreck sends two to hospitals

Two trucks collided Tuesday at a busy Douglas County intersection, sending two people to area hospitals.

Emergency crews were called shortly after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to Baldwin Junction.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2001 Dodge truck heading east on U.S. Highway 56 failed to yield as the driver was making a left-hand turn onto U.S. Highway 59, and struck a southbound 1995 Ford truck.

The driver of the Ford, Ralph C. Wiederholt, 52, McLouth, was flown by air ambulance to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. The driver of the Dodge, Robert S. Morris, 23, Kansas City, Kan., was taken by ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Wiederholt’s condition was not available Tuesday night.

Courts

Sword-wielding suspect charged with assault

Charges have been filed against the man who held police at bay last week while armed with a samurai sword.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office has charged Dennis D. Riley, 53, Lawrence, with aggravated assault, battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and two counts of criminal damage.

Cletus Wiederholt, left, and Chris Wagner prepare to tow Ralph Wiederholt's mangled Ford truck. Cletus and Ralph Wiederholt are brothers.

Police late Friday afternoon were called to the 500 block of Minnesota Street, after neighbors complained that Riley was swinging swords at them.

The man was involved in a brief standoff with police that ended when officers tackled Riley and subdued him with pepper spray, witnesses said.

Riley remained in custody Tuesday at the Douglas County Jail. His bond is set at $25,000.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday.

Entertainment

Lawrence City Band to celebrate America

The Lawrence City Band’s fifth concert of the summer season will “Celebrate America.” The free concert starts at 8 p.m. today at South Park, 11th and Massachusetts streets.

“American Salute,” “The Spirit of ’76” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” are among the patriotic tunes slated for this concert, which is being billed as a Fourth of July performance.

Lawrence choirs have been invited to sing along when the band plays “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Words will be printed on the programs.

6Productions

Map maker to share stories on ‘River City’

Cartographer David Carttar talks about the inspiration behind his sesquicentennial map of Lawrence with host Greg Hurd on “River City Weekly.”

Carttar shares some of the highlights that the map reveals about Lawrence’s history.

“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.