The Kansas City Chiefs changed quarterbacks. But the story that got the most ink and air-time in Kansas City was an arrest in Colorado. Those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.
Arrest, Confession In Jessica Ridgeway Killing
Westminster Colorado Police announced on Wednesday that they had man in custody in connection with the murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway. Some family members of the child including her father live in the Independence area. Colorado prosecutors said the following day that the accused, 17-year-old Austin Reed Sigg had confessed to abducting and killing the girl and assaulting a female jogger earlier this year. Police are also investigating a possible connection with the unsuccessful enticement of two middle-school-aged boys in September.
Sex Offender Abducts Missouri Child
Meanwhile, Missourians feared the worst for a little girl who was abducted from her home near Poplar Bluff by a a convicted sex offender. Five-year-old Amanda Berthoff was missing for about six hours before the Poplar Bluff police department announced that officers had arrested her abductor in a traffic stop, and that the girl appeared to be unharmed. Police said they found images of sexual acts with children on the computer of Jeffrey Shelton, the man arrested.
Hereford House Arson Trial Underway
In the trial of two men charged with torching the Hereford House restaurant four years ago... and restaurant owner Rod Anderson, who federal prosecutors say hired them to do it. Testimony included reports that Anderson had been heard saying he wished the restaurant would burn down and testimony from the ex-wife of one of the alleged arsonists, who testified that he came home smelling of gasoline.
Cassel Out, Quinn In as Chiefs Quarterback
Chiefs' coach Romeo Crennel announced that Brady Quinn would replace Matt Cassel at quarterback. Crennel said that was the change that would have the most effect on the team. He emphasized, though that Cassel was not the only person at fault for the team's miserable record. The Chiefs had won only one game this season as Quinn assumed the starter's position.
Grand Jury Rules Overland Park Stature Not Obscene
A Johnson County grand jury called by citizen petitions convened, then adjourned the same day. The panel said there were no grounds for any potential indictment over a bare-breasted statue at the Overland Park Arboretum. A spokesman for the organization that held the petition drive said he was disappointed with the process and the involvement of the Johnson County District Attorney.
Brownback Proposes Property Tax Cap
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback proposed a cap on property taxes, and a number of Democrats including Representative Jim Ward said their was also interested. Under the plan, if assessed values go up, tax rates would be adjusted downward to compensate for it.
Schoeller and Kander Spar On Photo ID, Carnahan Decries Confusion
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach joined candidate for Missouri Secretary of State Shane Schoeller as he toured the state showcasing the centerpiece of his campaign – a proposal for voter photo ID. In the Kansas City area, Schoeller campaigned in Lee's Summit. Democratic opponent Jason Kander called the proposal extreme, unnecessary and unfair.
Meanwhile, retiring Democratic Secretary of State Robin Carnahan said all the talk about photo ID has some voters confused and emphasized that photo ID is not required in Missouri in the coming election, though it is in Kansas. Carnahan said there have been no known cases in Missouri of anyone voting using a fraudulent identity.