Two Ottawa men to face separate trials in stabbing
Franklin County Attorney sought a consolidated trial for John Balbirnie and Brandon Ellsmore in the July stabbing death of Paul Nicholson, 24, Ottawa. Judge Sachse denied consolidation. Balbirnie pleads not guilty to first degree murder. Ellsmore pleads not guilty after standing mute to a second degree murder charge. Trial dates were set for December and January but likely postponed. Ellsmore allegedly stabbed Nicholson in the back during a July argument at 200 block of South Locust Street.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Courtney Servaes
Herald
Ottawa
Paul Duane Nicholson
Franklin County
Heather Jones
John David Balbirnie
Brandon Lee Ellsmore
Thomas Sachse
Balbirnie
Ellsmore
Sachse
Ottawa Police Department
Nicholson
South Locust Street
Ottawa attic fire damages uninjured residents
Witnesses testified Balbirnie stabbed Nicholson in the shoulder near the neck and chest during an apartment incident. A pre trial conference is set for 9 30 a m Dec 13 at Franklin County District Court, with new trial dates likely to be set then.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Balbirnie
Nicholson
Franklin County District Court
Ottawa Tightens Temporary Uses Policy Affects Sno Shack
Ottawa city commissioners approved changes to the temporary uses policy, affecting seasonal businesses such as the Sno Shack at 1648 S. Main St. The amendment requires the structure to be moved or made permanent, with a 120 day removal window and concerns over building anchoring.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
S. Main St
Lee
Wheat growers seek rain as Kansas cold snap hits
In north central Kansas farmers face a dusty scene as dry conditions hamper visibility and stress winter wheat. Some hope for 1.5 to 2 inches of slow rain while anticipating a predicted minus 28 degree freeze. Local farmers Billy Gans and Gary Olson discuss impacts on wheat growth and harvest timing amid the cold spell.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Weather Service
Bennington Area
Billy Gans
Gans
Gary Olson
Unemployment trends seen in Franklin County
Weigand notes monthly unemployment claims to the Kansas Department of Labor have fallen but cautions this may reflect exhausted benefit periods or ongoing filings. Before the recession Franklin County’s jobless rate hovered 3 to 4 percent and he predicts about 6 percent a year from now with gradual improvement ahead.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas Department of Labor
Weigand
Franklin County
Energy drinks and caffeine risks warn of health effects
Health expert warns that energy drinks and caffeine pills differ and can cause jitteriness and withdrawal. High caffeine content concerns include dehydration, stomach upset, and potential intoxication for youths. moderation is advised as long term effects remain inconclusive.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Red Bull
Rockstar
Ransom
FDA
Also Mentioned on This Page
By Courtney Servaes
Kansas
Olson
Saline County
The
Food and Drug Administration
KansasAutos.net
Thera
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