Driver gets jail time for killing pedestrian

A judge ordered jail time Thursday for the driver who struck and killed a pedestrian last year outside a fraternity and sorority party at Teepee Junction.

Judge Michael Malone sentenced 21-year-old Joseph J. Bell of Basehor to two years in the Douglas County Jail: one year for leaving the scene of an accident and one year for vehicular homicide. But it’s unlikely he’ll serve that much time. Malone said he would review Bell’s case again in about a week and consider putting him on probation.

Bell was driving a Chevrolet Suburban that struck and killed Devin Scott Emery on March 14, 2004, near U.S. Highway 24-40. He entered a plea earlier this year.

Dist. Atty. Charles Branson said his office recommended going into the sentencing that Bell serve three weekends in jail and do 100 hours of community service, speaking to students about the ramifications of drinking and driving.

Branson said there were indications Bell had been drinking that night, but there were no conclusive blood and alcohol tests. Police said at the time of the wreck that the driver of the Suburban left the scene and returned later.

Events

Cycling CEO pleased with Lawrence race

While some Lawrence residents may have been irked that the Collegiate Road National Championship cycling event held downtown a week ago caused traffic congestion, the CEO of USA Cycling said he couldn’t have been happier with the event.

Gerald Bisceglia this week called the event the “best Collegiate Championship ever.”

The event was arranged by the Lawrence Sports Corp., a subsidiary of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau. The event is scheduled to be in Lawrence again next year and in 2007.

Safety

Highway Patrol plans focus on seat belt use

The Kansas Highway Patrol will concentrate on seat belt use enforcement from Monday until June 5 as part of the nationwide “Click it or Ticket” effort to cut down on traffic deaths.

The patrol will put extra troopers on the road, and drivers stopped and ticketed for a traffic violation will get a second ticket if not wearing a seat belt.

“Our goal is to make sure all passengers and drivers know they face higher risks if they don’t buckle up – a higher risk of getting a ticket and higher risks of serious injury or death,” said Col. William Seck, superintendent of the highway patrol.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, three people died and 208 were injured last year statewide during the Memorial Day weekend.

Kansas law requires all children under age 4 to be in approved child-safety seats and all children ages 4-13 to wear seat belts.