Researchers discover cause of bug bites

Pittsburg — A parasite is believed to be the cause of mysterious bites that started showing up in late August in southeast Kansas, officials said.

A team of state and federal researchers announced Monday they’ve determined the bites likely were caused by the straw itch mite, or Pyemotes. Health officials say they are invisible to the naked eye and feed on insect larvae associated with grain and storage.

In most cases, the bites clear up in one to two weeks, experts said, adding that spraying for the mites probably wouldn’t be effective.

The Crawford County Health Department said it recommended people use insect repellent containing the chemical DEET to prevent bites.

Crime

Second Fort Riley shooting victim dies

Topeka — A second Fort Riley soldier has died from wounds suffered in a shooting near Clay Center, while two suspects remain in jail.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Monday that Spc. Christopher Hymer, 23, of Nevada, Mo., died Saturday afternoon. He was shot Sept. 13 at a Clay County home.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Werner, 30, of Oxnard, Calif., was dead at the scene. He had served two tours of duty in Iraq and was back in Kansas to have surgery on a hand he injured in a football game in Iraq about a month ago.

Prosecutors so far have charged Sgts. Aaron Stanley, 22, of Bismarck, N.D., and Eric Colvin, 23, of Papillion, Neb., with one count each of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.

Politics

NAACP to sponsor candidate mixer

Lawrence residents will have another chance Sunday to meet and talk with political candidates.

The Lawrence and Kansas University chapters of the NAACP are offering a free political mixer from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.

Nearly 40 local, state and national candidates plan to attend.

All candidates will speak briefly and be available to talk with attendees.

Refreshments and a cash bar will be available.

Transit

One million riders have taken the T

The city bus system crossed the million-rider threshold in August, officials said Monday.

Between the T fixed-route service and the door-to-door paratransit bus for riders with disabilities, the system has given 1,041,999 rides since its beginning on Dec. 16, 2000.

That ridership includes an average 1,069 rides a day in August, officials said, up 16 percent from August 2003.

“The Lawrence Transit System is growing consistently each month,” Karin Rexroad, public transit administrator, said in a press release.

Gasoline Prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.69 a gallon at the Citgo station at 2005 W. Ninth St.

If you find a lower price, call 832-7154.