KMBC-TV, Kansas City.
Thanks, Kansas City, for making us number one.
This is KMBC 9 News at 6.
Coverage you can count on.
It ain't fair.
Uh-uh.
He just lost the second love of his life,
a mysterious metal object killed her.
But police don't know what it is.
Good evening, everyone.
Tonight, a young woman in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A terrifying accident that could happen to any one of us.
As she drove along I-70,
a heavy metal plate sliced through her windshield and killed her.
Police don't know where it came from or what it is.
Bob Worley joins us live from the accident scene in Independence.
With more on what happened, Bob.
Well, Kelly, in this case, when and where are important.
Late yesterday, about 5.45, westbound I-70 just west of 291.
One bad bounce.
The result, a fatal piece of bad luck.
What the heck it is?
The metal plate weighs 37 pounds.
It may be made of nickel.
It was somehow propelled up into the air or off the back of a vehicle.
An oncoming car met metal and lost.
And a young man whose first wife died a few years ago,
leaving him with a child, lost his fiance.
It ain't fair.
I have a six-year-old son.
Patricia Walker was 25 from Odessa.
She drove the car that was hit and was killed.
A driver in front of her saw the metal plate bounce under his vehicle.
Went through the windshield of the car, struck the driver.
The metal plate went out the back window.
Two slot-like openings are in the plate.
It's heavy for its size, may have been used as a weight to maintain balance.
No one involved seems to know.
I just found out just a little bit ago that it was a 37-pound plate.
And I just don't, that seems to be awful heavy.
How is it going to just bounce up and hit somebody?
What questions do you have about the metal plate itself?
What is it? We don't know what this thing is.
Now, police would like to talk to anyone who can identify the metal plate
or who witnessed the accident on westbound I-70 just west of 291.
The number to call, 816-325-7290.
That's 325-7290.
We're live in Independence, Larry and Kelly.
Bob Whirly live with the very latest. Thank you, Bob.
What can be done to make Interstate 70 safer in Jackson County?
The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking the public's ideas on improving I-70.
They're meeting tonight until 7 at the Oak Grove Civic Center
and tomorrow night at the Gregg Community Center at 18th and Vine.
KMBC 9 News has obtained new information in the case of a Kansas City pharmacist
charged with diluting chemotherapy drugs.
We've obtained a court order explaining the judge's decision to hold Robert Courtney without bond.
Peggy Bright joins us from the newsroom with more on this story you will see only online.
Larry, there are strong words in this ruling.
Judge Robert Larson calls the crime startling, violent and shocking.
The papers also say that Courtney told investigators the motive for diluting drugs was tax problems.
He had apparently owed the IRS $600,000 until just recently.
The judge concludes his order by saying,
the defendant's willingness to risk the lives of several people who could possibly have suffered preventable deaths
in order to add to his fortune of over $10 million
clearly establishes the danger he presents to the community.
If he is willing to commit and then admit to such conduct,
I cannot imagine what else he may be capable of.
Now, Courtney is being held at the Leavenworth Detention Facility until his next hearing,
which hasn't been scheduled yet.
Here he's held in segregation inside a cell by himself for 23 hours of the day,
allowed outside into a small gated area for an hour.
This is a privately run prison who contracts with the U.S. Marshals Office.
Most of the approximately 450 inmates here are awaiting trial.
Now, the judge's order on bond is 17 pages long.
Martin Augustine will sort it all out for us on our news tonight at 10. Kelly and Larry, back to you.
Peggy Bright, thank you very much.
Sure.
Some local cancer patients are trying to decide what to do next.
KMBC9's Bev Chapman talked to a Lee's Summit woman who's wondering if she received
diluted drugs and looking for healing ways to deal with it.
It is a kind of healing massage called Reiki.
Barb Wibenmeyer says it makes her feel peaceful, and after the weekend a half she's had, she could use it.
She was among the cancer patients who tried to witness Robert Courtney's hearing yesterday,
but left without getting a seat in the crowded courtroom.
I wanted to see what greed looked like. I really wanted to see his face.
If nothing else, just to get right there and just look at him, just not say anything, just stare at him.
An ovarian cancer patient for three years, she received the drug Taxol for the last eight months
from Robert Courtney's pharmacy at the research medical tower.
She says she wanted to see him in person to try and understand.
I've never met anybody that could be that greedy, that they would play God knowingly with other people's lives.
People who believe in Reiki believe energy can be channeled to help the body, mind, and spirit.
Wibenmeyer says whatever it does, it certainly can't hurt her now.
Her cancer has spread, and next week she will head to the National Cancer Institute, where she hopes to receive a new drug.
The raid at Courtney's pharmacy and the grim news that followed leaves her angry and disappointed,
but she hopes to leave those feelings behind.
You really can't let the anger consume you. I've got bigger wars to fight.
Bev Chapman, KMBC 9 News.
Wibenmeyer's attorney today filed suit against Courtney, bringing to at least seven the number of civil actions against him.
More news tonight. President George W. Bush came to Independence today to defend his tax cut and warn Congress.
The president spent the morning in Kansas City.
KMBC 9's Michael Mahoney has more on what could be a sign of things to come in the fall.
Well, that's right, Kelley. President Bush says that he wants to keep the economy on target.
He says that his tax cut was on target, and he wants Congress to aim at the target.
So, guess where he went?
Thanks, man.
He went to a Target discount store north of the river.
Mingley was shoppers in defending his tax cut.
The people wanted tax relief. The people want fiscal sanity in Washington.
In a 40-minute speech, unusually long for him, the president said his tax cuts,
the rebate checks that started going out a couple of weeks ago, are a tonic for the economy.
We took exactly the right action at the right time.
He gave a campaign-style speech at Truman High because new figures come out Wednesday
showing the federal surplus is shrinking and a portion of the Medicare surplus is gone.
Democrats blame that on the tax cut, but the president says there is no need for worry.
Enough money to preserve and protect Social Security that Medicare, all Medicare,
every dime that comes into Medicare will be spent on Medicare.
But the president isn't the only one campaigning today.
George W. Bush is in Harry Truman's hometown explaining his budget.
This commercial from the Democratic National Committee accuses the president
of raiding the Social Security and Medicare Trust Fund.
After hearing the president's speech, one fellow thought the truth about
whether or not these tax cuts are good or bad is probably in between.
It certainly did some good. It's hard to say whether that offset some other things
that are taking place. It's always hard to judge that.
So today in Independence, President Bush tried to launch a preemptive strike,
if you will, against what is sure to be bad news tomorrow, that the surplus is shrinking
and he's trying to get out on front into what is sure to be a big question
for the White House and Congress this fall.
Where did those billions of federal surplus dollars go? Back to you.
Thank you, Michael. Not everyone welcomed President Bush this morning.
Protesters lined up outside Truman High School hours before the president's arrival.
About two dozen demonstrators held up signs. Some criticized the president's
environmental policies. Others object to the president's plan for Social Security
and Medicare.
He's threatening the Social Security and Medicare, and it looks like Medicare costs
are going to be going up because he had to give us this puny little tax cut
that he's so proud of.
The president didn't see most of the demonstrators because he entered
through the back of the high school. A lot goes into a presidential visit.
A little later on, we'll show you where the president spent the night
and hear from those who helped make sure President Bush had a pleasant stay.
A three-alarm fire in Overland Park this afternoon as one home goes up in flames.
The fire broke out at the home at 122nd and Linden around 4 o'clock.
Neighbors noticed the smoke and got the family out of the home safely.
The fire department called three alarms so crews could hose down neighboring houses
and prevent the fire from spreading in windy conditions.
No word yet on how it might have started.
Ahead at 6, the Powerball jackpot prize climbs even higher.
And a helping hand getting ready to go back to school will tell you who pitched in
to make sure these students return to school with a new backpack.
And women who face violence at home have somewhere new to turn.
More on that in just a minute.
First alert weather. We'll see how much longer the triple-digit heat will be
lasting in Kansas City. KMBC 9 News at 6 continues after these messages.
... from KMBC 9 News, Kansas City's news leader, Kelly Eckerman, Larry Moore, meteorologist Brian Busby, and sports with Len Dawson.
Closed captioning is brought to you by the Headache and Pain Center.
It's all in the way we treat you.
Hollywood Squares is dishing up a healthy serving of brotherly love as your favorite stars play with their siblings.
Watch 98 Degrees Nick and Drew Lachey.
The practice is Jason Kravitz plus Holly Robinson-Pete.
Tonight at 6.30 on Channel 9.
Elaine and George's girl are becoming friends.
Can I talk to Susan?
Oh, I don't think you want to do that.
Now, George is the odd man out.
A George divided against itself cannot stand.
Next, Seinfeld.
Good night after KMBC 9 News at 10.
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Friday, August 24th, the twins come to town for a three-game series with postgame fireworks by Wal-Mart.
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Tonight, it's the end of the line for a Kansas City charter school.
Central Missouri State University has decided to permanently revoke the charter for Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy of Technology.
The university originally revoked the charter last spring, citing problems with the school's finances and safety issues.
At a hearing July 30th, the school tried to convince the university to give it a second chance.
The university made its decision final today.
Women who become the victims of violence at the hands of someone they know have someplace new to turn tonight.
The governor's wife, Lori Holden, joined others at the grand opening of the new Rosebrook Center.
The $9 million structure is located at 77th and Prospect.
It can accommodate 75 women and children in its emergency shelter.
It will also provide therapy and counseling.
There are an extra 25 million reasons to buy a ticket at Wednesday's Powerball Lottery.
The price of the drawing has climbed from the original estimate of $175 million to $200 million.
That makes it the second largest Powerball jackpot ever.
You'll be able to see the drawing for the winning numbers right here on KMBC tomorrow night at 10.
That's a lot of money.
A lot of money, Kelly.
Have you ever wondered where the president stays when he comes to Kansas City?
We're going to show you next.
So look around the president's room when we come back.
And in first alert, whether we're going to look all across the Midwest to see how many other folks had triple digit heat in and around Kansas City.
Answer may surprise you.
That and more coming up.
More importantly, how much longer will it last?
Carpuscular arrays.
Wendy Kenny of Kansas City, Missouri with that photograph.
Has a backdrop.
KCI's haven't done it since last September.
100 degrees, 73 are low.
We'll check that five day trim.
Up next.
So didn't get enough of the Wayne Brady show.
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After 26 years of marriage, Tom and I realize we're a little different from each other.
We do everything together but each in our own way.
Except for one thing.
For aspirin therapy, our doctor says we should both take the same dose.
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Well, he's certainly not your average guest.
And it does take a lot when the President comes for a visit.
KMBC 9's Brenda Washington gives us a behind-the-scenes look at where he slept
and what it took to get his room ready.
What do you do when the President comes to town and wants to stay at your hotel?
Well, at the Hyatt where President Bush stayed Monday night, you get busy.
Things were spick and span and well maintained for him.
You also provide all the extras.
And some fruits and a bottle of water and some juices that he needed.
Skim milk, so here's a guy who stays healthy.
This is the VIP suite on the 38th floor where the President stayed.
Although she's an executive who oversees the housekeeping staff,
Gloria Dabrowski still rolled up her sleeves and helped get the room ready.
And we started cleaning the room from top to bottom.
We moved furniture in the bedroom to accommodate for a nice big treadmill in there
and to make it more accommodating for the President and also Secret Service.
Of course, the President still has to eat, so Bush went to the peppercorn duck club,
sat at this table and had a Caesar salad and filet mignon prepared by Chef David Taylor.
He had his guys watching everything that we do, which was kind of intense, you know,
because you're not used to people sitting up watching you cook every single thing,
you know, down to the seasonings and everything.
So it was a lot of fun.
The President showed his appreciation by signing a few autographs
and thanking the staff for making the Hyatt his Kansas City White House, at least for the night.
Brenda Washington, KNBC 9 News.
The Hyatt is becoming a favorite of the Bush family.
While in Kansas City this spring, the President's mother Barbara Bush stayed there
in the same suite as her son.
And the President made it out of town before summer returned, too.
And he had a pretty good meal while he was here, too, I hear.
He eats well, nice place to stay.
This staff has us down to just a cut and dry agenda.
He knew, get out, Mr. President, you have to leave before two.
That's what we find out about Purple Digits.
Man, it was a warm one.
Oh, a lot.
So let's see how that stacks up to other ones.
These are the other readings before today's go onto the books.
98 was the highest back on July 7th, and of course today 100 degrees officially at KCI.
Ironically, downtown, which is usually warmer, 99.
So it really depends on where you were.
Kind of ironic that the heat island did not take effect today.
Speaking of downtown, where the heat island is going,
98 is our current temperature, 39 percent humidity, a dew point at 74.
South winds blowing in at about 14 miles an hour and still at this hour,
a heat index at 106 degrees.
Outside, looking at pinpoint nine Doppler radar,
looking around 250 miles across the Midwest, we're pretty much clean.
We have another storm system possibly moving through,
but we just can't see it yet because it's all the way out in the Rockies.
We'll see that in just one second.
Checking with the weather watchers, we weren't alone in getting into triple digit heat.
Down toward Connie Calovich's place in Richmond, Kansas, 98 our current temperature,
but she says it hit 104 today.
98 falls to the Nebraska 102 out toward Aggieville in Manhattan.
Cloud scan, there is this little trough of low pressure.
It is spinning through Nevada going toward Utah.
Plenty of thick clouds all throughout the Rockies.
We have a thin layer of serious clouds, as you would think,
keep the temperature down. That was not the case today.
Honing in on what we have out west, it is a low pressure center,
which could be our potential rainmaker.
Not tomorrow, but maybe by tomorrow night or by midweek,
we could see that chance of rain.
Here's the Doppler Radar Network, the ring of fire.
It looks like this circle is going to continue a while, that we are kept in the clear.
But you go out west over the Rockies, you start to see showers and thunderstorms
over Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, western parts of Texas,
and also some showers from Illinois going through Wisconsin,
back toward the Twin Cities, and the extreme northern parts of Iowa,
all missing Kansas City pretty much.
We have a warm front that has already passed us by.
You didn't need a meteorologist to tell you that.
That's why it was so warm today.
And right along that boundary, there will be a chance of showers and thunderstorms,
hidden mist sort of stuff.
They'll pop up in the afternoon and then kind of descend as we go toward night.
Emphasis will still be on hot.
Not going to go for a widespread chance of rain until possibly later on.
So as you can see, slim chances for Kansas City later on Wednesday evening,
but 50-50 as you head up toward the Iowa State line.
Your forecast for this evening, 88 southwest winds at 15 to 20.
Going to be a warm one at the park if you're heading toward the Royals game.
76 in the morning, southwest winds at around 10 to 20 miles an hour.
And then tomorrow afternoon, about like today, 99 southwest winds at 10 to 15,
possibly up to 20 miles an hour, and a slight chance of showers late in the day.
We're just staying in town until I think next March or so.
And so you can see temperatures will start to go down a little bit by Friday.
89 degrees, Saturday 88, Sunday's high temperature 85,
and then the most possible rain possible scattered about on Thursday afternoon
and then again early Friday morning.
Going down would be a good thing.
Yeah, I think so right now.
Thanks, Brian.
Six months later, the crash that killed race car driver Dale Earnhardt
still has a big impact on race fans.
Now NASCAR has completed its investigation into that crash,
and Lynn has their findings coming up next.
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Jim, turn the TV off until the storm passes.
Honey, in the unlikely event that a bolt of lightning
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The NASCAR results are in, Len.
Larry, you're absolutely right.
NASCAR today broke its six-month silence on the crash
that killed popular driver Dale Earnhardt.
At a news conference in Atlanta, investigators focused on Earnhardt's seat belt
but made it clear that the broken device was not the only cause
that led to the fatal crash.
Other factors included the collision with another car,
the angle Earnhardt's car hit the wall, and the speed at impact.
It was estimated the seven-time Winston Cup champ hit the wall at 160 miles an hour.
While we may have fallen short at times in our communications,
it's my strong belief that we have been responsible in the area of safety.
We'll continue to approach this with a firm belief that even in a sport
where danger is inherent, any single death or serious injury is one too many.
As a result of the investigation, NASCAR will install black boxes
similar to the ones used in airplanes that help determine the cause of crashes.
The black boxes will be used starting next year.
Ken City Chiefs News. The team will not be at full strength Thursday night
in their preseason game at Jacksonville.
Those who missed today's morning practice include starters Dan Williams,
Donnie Edwards, and Eric Warfield. Warfield is in a heated battle
with Pat Dennis for one of the cornerback spots.
Edwards re-injured an ankle in Saturday's game against Chicago,
and the first mandatory cuts are next week.
Dave Stewart has more on that.
So many bodies, so few jobs. A week in front of the first cut,
time is running out to make this team on the way to the final 53.
I'll tell you exactly where I am. I've got 20 guys I'm sure of on defense
that are going to make it, and I've got 20 guys I'm 100% sure of on offense
that are going to make it, and I've got three guys I'm almost 100% sure
are going to make it to the kicking game.
Then there's some very competitive situations going on in decision-making processes
with those other roster spots.
The Chiefs are not sure where Dan Williams fits into all this.
Foot surgery over the offseason, now a new knee injury,
and the staff is losing patience.
We find a little bit more wrong with him every day.
So I remember not too sure. We're getting first opinions, second opinions,
third opinions, fourth opinions, fifth opinions, sixth opinions,
and maybe we'll find an opinion and say you can play soon. I hope so.
Without Williams, the Chiefs play soon enough.
A Thursday game in Jacksonville that caused the coaches to work well into the night.
I walked out of the office a quarter after 12 last night.
I can't even tell you what time the coaches left.
It might have been 3 o'clock this morning, and they're back at 6, you know,
when you really get in. So they honed an approach for the game Thursday night.
A game that if they win, puts them 3-0 in the preseason for the first time since 1980.
Dave Stewart, KMBC 9 Sports.
Now, since the starters won't play much in the final preseason game,
look for the first units on both offense and defense to see extended action on Thursday night.
Baseball tonight. The Royals' home stand continues against the Chicago White Sox.
Paul Bird is on the mound for Kansas City.
The right-hander is going after his sixth straight win.
No Royals pitcher has achieved that feat since 1994.
In their last 26 games, the Royals are 13-13,
and that sadly is the best record during that span in the American League Central Division.
So the Central Division is not that strong.
That's where things stand tonight. Thank you, Len.
Well, on our final page of 6 o'clock, hundreds of needy children get a helping hand to get ready for school.
The City Union Mission handed out school supplies to the youngsters today,
and Chiefs running back Tony Richardson and his Rich in Spirit Foundation
donated 1,800 backpacks to hold all those supplies.
The children also received some new clothes for that all-important trip back to school.
And that's our report for you at 6 o'clock. We hope you'll join us again tonight at 10.
We'll see you then.