Ottawa University scare ends as boxes prove harmless props
A campus lockdown at Ottawa University began after custodians found suspicious boxes described as treasure chests near Tony Jones Hall and Mowbray Student Union. Police evacuated students, closed classes, and cordoned streets until the Topeka Bomb Squad concluded the packages were empty and part of a birthday party prop. Authorities outlined how neighbors were briefly alerted and later reassured.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa University
Topeka Police Department
S. Cedar St
Ottawa
Tony Jones
Dennis Butler
Butler
Mowbray
Blake Jorgensen
Richard Neinstedt
Adam Weingartner
Bennett Hall
Otter Lane
Scavenger hunt scare at OU prompts campus evacuation
About 150 students evacuated from Bennett Hall as packages found near the university posed no threat. Paula Paine said the boxes were part of a birthday scavenger hunt, with no malicious intent. Campus remained safe after bomb squad and K nine search with involvement from Ottawa Police and other agencies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Weingartner
Ottawa
Paula Paine
University
Paine
Jenna Lunger
Lunger
Steve Lunger
Bennett Hall
Former Ottawa superintendent to testify in long running suit
Former Ottawa Schools superintendent Dean Katt is set to testify in a sprawling case against Manning Construction over Lincoln Elementary and Garfield Elementary in Ottawa. Plaintiffs allege epoxy floor cracks and roof defects, with leaks noted at Garfield and Lincoln, and say Manning failed to fix them after notices in 2005.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dean Katt
Manning Construction Co
MPW Construction Inc
Lincoln
N. Milner Road
Ottawa
Garfield
S. College St
Manning Construction
Manning
Ottawa Schools
Katt
Lincoln and
Next step for seat after Richards resignation talk
Richards says he will discuss with City Attorney Bezek the resignation procedure if appointed sheriff. Bezek notes a resignation letter is needed and city ordinance sets 45 days for the commission to appoint a successor to serve the remainder of the term. The city will advertise, interview Ottawa residents, and appoint the next highest vote-getter or other eligible applicant.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bob Bezek
Richards
Bezek
City Commission
Ottawa
Richards Named Sheriff-Elect After Franklin County Convention
Veteran Overland Park detective and Ottawa city commissioner-elect Richards, 44, celebrated by unanimous vote at Thursday convention following Jeff Curry’s resignation amid criminal charges. Richards, a former Desert Storm veteran and Air Force law enforcement leader, plans to resign city post once Gov. Brownback appoints him Franklin County sheriff. He leads the Franklin County Republican Central Committee and serves in church roles while balancing family life with three sons and a daughter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jeff Curry
Richards
Franklin County
Ottawa
Michelle
Sam Brownback
Neosho County
U.S. Air Force
Air Force
Pacific Air Forces
Overland Park Police Department
Republican Central Committee
Church of the Nazarene, Seventh and Elm
Franklin County Planning Commission
Kansas Gop
Church of the Nazarene
City Commission
The
Herald
USAF
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ottawa Police Department
Matt Bristow
Ottawa Herald
Sequester
Kansas Highway Patrol
Dennis Tyner
Tyner
Ottawa Fire Department
Franklin County Emergency Medical Services
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Franklin County Emergency Management Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Jeanny Sharp
Cent
Madison
Gardner
Eudora
Platte County
Platte City
Wellsville
Olathe City
Olathe
Harrah’s
Topeka
Mayetta
Kan
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Norris
Michael Seck
Overland Park
Doug Carder
Dcarder
Ottawaherald
City
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