As the situation heats up, we'll talk to a family who's already said goodbye to their loved ones serving overseas.
You're watching the Kansas State Network, live from Wichita. This is KSN News at 6.
Clear, accurate, to the point.
The time for diplomacy has passed. I think that's pretty clear.
Strong words from Secretary of State Colin Powell tonight, but only a precursor for tonight's presidential ultimatum for Saddam Hussein.
Good evening, everyone. I'm Stephanie Bergman. In for Amita Cochran tonight.
We have complete team coverage of how an impending war with Iraq affects you and your community.
We'll clear up what happens with the Homeland Security terror alerts after war and how it affects your life.
We'll talk to families of deployed servicemen and women and tell you how the experts advise you to help your kids cope with war.
But first, we go from the threat of war to the threat of severe weather here in Wichita.
Let's head out to the KSN Weather Lab where Chief Meteorologist Dave Freeman has been tracking the storms today. Dave?
It's been a rough afternoon, Stephanie, as we've been doing continuous coverage with our new radio partners at News Radio 1240, KNSS, and KYN 103.7.
We welcome our listeners as well as viewers here as we continue our coverage.
A list of severe thunderstorm warnings. In effect right now, McPherson, Kingman, Sumner, Harper, Reno notice that Sedgwick County is missing from that list.
Our warning has expired. But as you'll see in a moment, we wouldn't be too surprised to see another warning issued for Wichita and Sedgwick County because more storms are heading in.
Let's track them with KSN High Definition Doppler radar. There's the big view of what's happening in South Central Kansas.
You can see another batch of storms is coming up from the south and moving into the area right now. Let's zoom in on Sedgwick County right now.
Moderate rain all the way up to K96 and I-235 on the north end of town. And then more strong storms moving in from the south coming up from Sumner County.
These storms have just produced a confirmed report of penny-sized hail near Mayfield.
So that storm you see right there at Anson heading north is the one that could potentially put us back in the soup here in Sedgwick County.
Let's go ahead and check out a couple of more storms that are causing trouble here. One of them in northern parts of Kingman County approaching Varner.
This could produce quarter-sized hail as it crosses the Reno County line moving to the north just west of Cheney Lake.
One final stop is also in Reno County and this is from Hutchinson on out toward Abbeville, Partridge, and Arlington.
I think we could see some quarter-sized hail out of that storm. Remember everything moving generally to the north.
Stephanie will keep you advised of anything that develops as needed.
The country is bracing for war tonight and awaits the President's address on Iraq.
We begin our team coverage now with KSN's Dana Hurtnicki who's been following the developments in Washington.
Dana, is the President expected to give any sort of indication tonight how soon the war could begin?
Maybe as soon as a couple days, staff. And tonight's address, the President will warn Saddam Hussein to leave the country or face an attack.
Today, the surest sign of war so far, the evacuation of UN inspectors.
They're ordered out tomorrow to avoid becoming casualties if or when war starts.
Meanwhile, in the Kuwaiti airport, Americans are also fleeing, worried about the wrath of Saddam.
You don't know about this guy. He's the devil.
The United States, Britain and Spain decided to quit pushing for a joint pro-war resolution.
The three allies didn't have the votes and faced a French and Russian veto.
Disarming Iraq to peaceful means it's not only possible, but it is possible in a short time.
But Secretary of State Colin Powell says time is up.
I can think of nothing that Saddam Hussein could do diplomatically. I think that time is now over.
He had his chance. He's had many chances over the last 12 years. And he has blown every one of those chances.
Saddam Hussein, however, says he used to have weapons of mass destruction, but not anymore.
Alright, thank you, Dana. And be sure to keep it on KSN to watch the President's speech tonight at 7, again here on KSN and NBC.
And make sure to watch KSN News at 10 for all the latest on Iraq. Plus, we'll have local and national reaction to the President's address.
With war fast approaching, will the city of Wichita face a heightened state of alert?
Well, right now we're at level yellow, meaning an elevated state of alert.
But KSN has learned that level could change to orange, possibly as soon as the President addresses the nation at 7 o'clock tonight.
KSN's Aliya Mahi joins us live in the newsroom now to explain what Wichitans will face as the threat of terror rises. Aliya?
That's right, Stephanie. We hit a level orange back in February.
But federal officials say if they heightened alert even more, that Wichitans could face even more changes in terms of security at airports and on the street.
If the United States goes to war with Iraq, there will be subtle changes around Wichita.
Officials say police will be more vigilant. There could be more security around city, county and federal buildings.
And there will be changes at the airport.
What it means, Wichitans will see more police officers patrolling City Hall, the lobby as well as outside the building, and more security guards at federal and county buildings.
An even bigger change, no longer would guards check your car's trunk, but your entire vehicle before entering the airport.
We have outstanding people trained.
Ernest Garcia has been working with city, state and federal officials on an emergency plan since September 11th.
The plan outlines how to protect the city's water treatment plant as well as a clear defined layout of how Wichita police and fire will respond in the face of an emergency.
I'm very confident that we're ready for whatever incidents might occur. We have plans in place. We have people in place. We have emergency plans.
And Stephanie, city officials say of course they never want to have to enact an emergency plan.
If we do hit a level orange or even red tonight or in the next few days, those security measures will go into effect at the airport and on the city.
All right, to be expected. Thank you, Ilya.
As we prepare for war, more local reservists are being called to duty. The final KC-135 crew is leaving McConnell Air Force Base.
One group left early this morning, the rest are leaving tomorrow.
The 18th Air Refueling Squadron is the largest one of its kind in the Air Force.
For the many families of Kansas servicemen and women who are already deployed, the threat of war leaves behind feelings of fear and uncertainty.
Kayatha and Shani Walls spent the day with two families and has their stories.
I think it's as hard on the families as it is on the soldiers.
Especially today, as soldiers stand alert and families are on guard.
My belief is that God has a plan for him and that he can do a lot of good over there.
And as his mom, I have to really believe that he is going to come back home.
And if he don't, God has a prayer plan.
Military spouses cope by praying, staying busy.
And the women I spoke to today say there is something the public can do to help.
A mother who is having to raise her kids with her husband gone, bring them dinner, do what you can to support people.
And just really remember if you are talking out against the war to support our people.
Encouraging words instead of I don't understand why they went, why are we doing this.
Especially to family members that have loved ones over there.
And just reaching out.
My daughter yelled at me, Mom, Dad is on the phone.
So I went and got the phone and he continuously kept saying how he loved me and I told him that I loved him.
In Wichita, Shani Walls, KSN News.
Many families are struggling with what to tell their young children about an impending war and how to deal with their kids' fears and anxiety.
For many local students today was the start of spring break.
These kids spent the day bowling for strikes.
But many were all too aware the U.S. could strike a rocket any time.
And for most children the threat of war is a scary proposition.
I'm just scared it's going to be like a World War II or one or the Revolutionary where we're going to be stuck and going to die somehow.
Yeah, when it comes on the news we kind of switch channels. We don't want it too much.
Therapists say there are a few things parents can do to help with their child's fears.
Listen to their concerns. Reassure children of their safety and security.
And give the facts about what's going on. But don't go into specific details of the war.
Here in Wichita opinions have been building as long as the troops have in the Persian Gulf.
Today we found Kansans on all sides of the issue.
To do that I think we've given time. So I don't know what other solution there can be at this point besides to just let him know we mean business.
I think diplomatically we've done about everything that we can.
And they've tried to work it out through phone calls through the past 24 hours.
Even today still trying to mediate and make it work. But it looks like all the options now have failed and we need to take the next step.
I mean I really don't think it should be happening. I mean I think they all should sit down and talk.
You know try to avoid this from happening because a lot of people is going to be a risk.
And I know there's a lot of opposition but at this point we need to just stop the debate and move forward and take care of the things that need to be taken care of.
As the countdown to war continues keep it on KSN for the very latest developments locally and abroad.
We'll bring you updates on every newscast and over on KSN.com.
Still to come here at 6, new developments tonight for a man accused of killing and beheading a Wichita woman.
A very tough forecast today with severe thunderstorms rolling across the area but we hit it with our KSN 3 degree guarantee.
73 forecast actual high 74. We'll kick in 50. Southerns doubles it.
We're up to $22,500 for charity with our contributions going to Salvation Army Disaster Relief.
And we'll be back to track tonight's storms coming up in just a minute.
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Clear.
A tornado is on the ground just to the southwest of Wichita.
Actual.
I project it will arrive downtown at 8-12.
To the point.
Move to shelter now.
When the big storm strikes, rely on KSN Chief Meteorologist Dave Reed.
Another way KSN News is clear.
Accurate.
To the point.
A Wichita man accused of killing and beheading a woman has now been charged with rape in Reno County.
Today Douglas Belt was charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated burglary from the 1994 attack on a Hutchinson woman.
Here in Sedgwick County, Belt is accused of killing Lucille Gallegos in an apartment building in West Wichita.
He's also been charged in several other rape cases in Kansas and one in Illinois.
Your tips have helped take 210 of Sedgwick County's most wanted off the streets.
Now deputies need your help to find Kevin Pearson.
He's wanted on several charges including attempted burglary and driving under the influence.
He's 22 years old, 5 foot 10 and weighs 140 pounds.
He has reddish blonde hair, green eyes and scars on his right fingers and hand.
He was last known to live on Hillside.
If you know anything about him, call Crime Stoppers right now at 267-2111.
Or call the Sedgwick County Sheriff at 1-800-874-6449.
You can also learn more about him on KSN.com.
Four members of a church group injured in a car wreck this weekend are doing much better tonight.
The church group was from Arkansas on its way to Colorado for a ski trip when their van hit a guardrail on I-70 and rolled.
Two people were killed in that accident.
Another victim has been released from the hospital tonight.
Three others, including a 13-year-old, are now in fair or good condition.
Wichita's mayoral election is just one week from tomorrow and as time runs out, there is more controversy in the campaign.
Candidate Bill Warren will hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon to make an announcement concerning his plans for the remainder of the election.
You'll remember last week, Warren lashed out at the Wichita eagle for printing a story quoting Warren as saying,
He hated Wichita.
He later said the paper had quoted him out of context.
KSN will be at that press conference and will have the very latest tomorrow at 5 and 6.
Tonight, the candidates for mayor and school board will be at a public forum.
That's tonight at 7 at the Gloria Day Lutheran Church at 1101 North River Boulevard.
It's sponsored by the Wichita Independent Neighborhood.
And coming up in just a moment, Dave will tell us how the threat of severe weather is affecting our forecast tonight.
We'll be right back.
Spring has certainly sprung and it's bringing us a dose of severe weather, Dave.
Boy, it's been a rough afternoon, Stephanie.
We've been going at this for about four hours now.
We've had numerous reports of large hail, mostly in the nickel to quarter sized category, not much in the way of wind,
though a new development to report to you there, our first report of any significant wind coming in in just the last minute or two.
We still have a number of warnings in effect.
Here they are, severe thunderstorm warnings in effect for Reno County, Kingman, Sumner and Harper.
All of those severe thunderstorm warnings, and as you can see, most of them are clustered right there in south central Kansas,
while moderate to heavy rainfall going on all the way up into northwest Kansas.
Well, let's track these rough storms down here in south central Kansas with our KSN high definition Doppler radar.
Here's the view of what's happening across south central Kansas.
Notice that we have several clusters of storms and most of them now are to the west of Wichita.
Let's check out what's happening over the city.
We're seeing light to moderate rainfall across much of south central Kansas, including Sedgwick County,
few areas of moderate to perhaps heavy rain to the south of the city as well.
I don't think we're seeing anything in the way of hail in Sedgwick County.
We're watching some storms just to our south though across Sumner County, where we have had some reports of hail.
These do have a chance of moving up into Sedgwick County,
so we will have to keep our guard up here over the next couple of minutes because we could get back in the game before we're done.
Now out to a little bit to our west, we do have some nasty storms.
Let's take a look at those.
First of all, we'll take you to Kingman County.
Notice that most of the activity has left Kingman County, but there is one strong storm still southeast of Kingman moving to the north.
That'll head up across Highway 54 and into Reno County at Cheney Lake in a couple of minutes.
In Reno County itself, this is probably the nastiest storm that we have out there at this hour, quarter-sized hail possible.
We also could see a little bit of gusty wind from this.
I want you to notice that this particular feature here in the bottom of this storm right down in this area right here.
Let me show it to you again with our weather commander.
There you see that area down south of Pleven and Abbeville.
That is where we could have and in fact have had a little bit of a report of wind.
Meteorologist Mark Bogner has been following that.
Mark, what do we have there from the southern part of Reno County?
That's right. We did have a report of a 60-mile-per-hour wind from the public.
That was at Turon in the southwest part of the county as this line of thunderstorms moved through,
so we could be seeing some 55-60-mile-per-hour winds from Sylvia to Pleven to Abbeville to Partridge.
We'll keep you posted on that.
Now let's take a look at what else is going on here.
There's your warnings, but let's go ahead and check out our severe thunderstorm watch.
In effect, until 7 o'clock now across much of south central and southern Kansas,
notice it's about from Dodge City and Garden City over to Wichita on down into Oklahoma.
Now that's the area with the possibility for severe weather,
but as we put our radar in motion across the region,
notice that we're getting very nice rain all the way up into northwest Kansas, southwest Nebraska,
a little bit more out in western Kansas.
So it's not a big threat for severe weather out there.
The most of the severe threat for the next little while will be right here in south central Kansas.
Let's get our KSN custom forecast.
For Wichita, of course, showers, storms, some could be severe, down to 52 overnight tonight.
But this is just the first day of several that could have some rough weather,
more severe storms possible tomorrow with a high of 67.
In southwest Kansas tonight, best threat for any severe weather would be over to the east from Dodge City on east.
Everywhere else just gets some nice beneficial rain.
Tomorrow, look for another round of scattered showers and storms and a high of 56.
Southwest Nebraska, northwest Kansas, you're also getting a chance for some much needed rain tonight.
Storms are likely down to 38, not much in the way of a threat of severe weather.
Tomorrow, showers and storms still likely with a high of 49.
In north central Kansas overnight tonight, looking for a chance for severe storms,
especially in the east, say from Great Bend and Russell on over to the east,
down to 50 tonight, tomorrow a high of only 54 with another chance for some rain, thunder and strong storms.
Here's what I mean about several days of severe weather coming up in my Wichita Weekly.
It may take until the end of Thursday before we finally get out from underneath this very powerful storm system
that will be moving across our area.
So it looks like here in the KSN Weather Lab, we'll be working very hard over these next couple of days to track these storms.
And we'll continue to do that and be back with more coming up from the KSN Weather Lab.
When severe weather strikes, remember the KSN Weather Lab forecast is also available on News Radio 1240, KNSS, and 103.7 KEYN.
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Trains, trains, and more trains.
That's what you'll see at the 16th Annual Air Capital Train Show, Century Two in downtown Wichita, March 22nd and 23rd.
Come see electric model trains speed through elaborate landscaped layouts, and vote for your favorite.
It's fun for the whole family, and children under 12 get in free.
If you like trains, you'll enjoy the 16th Annual Air Capital Train Show, Century Two in downtown Wichita, March 22nd and 23rd.
More info at www.aircaptrainshow.com.
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I'm Dr. Tanna.
Erin is 22 and notices that when she first gets up in the morning, her eyelids, both upper and lower, are swollen.
She started using some new makeup.
Could this be causing the swelling?
Certain ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
Symptoms typically include redness, swelling, itching, and high-life breakouts.
The face, lips, eyes, ears, and neck are the most common sites for reaction.
First, stop using the makeup.
If you purchased more than one product, stop all of them.
Then when your symptoms are gone, start using them again, one product at a time.
This will help you figure out which one is responsible for the reaction.
In the meantime, try Benadryl to control the itching and swelling.
For accurate diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms, see your doctor.
But if you have a health question, call the medical check line at 631-3333, Category 1026, or email me at ksn.com.
Time for one last check of our severe weather, Dave.
A bumpy start to spring break.
Boy, it sure is, Stephanie.
Still a number of warnings in effect with large hail.
The chief threat tonight, here's a look at the warnings.
Reno, Kingman, Sumner, and Harper Counties, all with severe thunderstorm warnings in effect.
Let's track a couple of those storms with our KSN high-definition Doppler radar.
There you see them, widely scattered with the strongest now, well west of the city of Wichita.
As a matter of fact, we're looking at that storm in the southern part or western part of Harper County, just west of Attica.
That's a strong and getting stronger storm, so I don't think we're done with the warnings yet.
We'll continue to keep you posted.
And of course, Stephanie, we know what's coming up tonight.
We'll do our level best to protect the families who are counting on us while staying out of the way of Mr. President.
Yeah, it's a fine line.
All right, thank you, Dave.
And you will want to keep it on KSN tonight to watch full coverage of the president's speech.
In just about a half hour at 7 o'clock, the president will address the nation on Iraq,
and we'll have complete coverage of that with NBC's Tom Brokaw.
Then tonight at 10, what the president's speech means for the countdown to war.
Plus, when war breaks out, you may be surprised about what goes down.
We'll tell you coming up at 10.
KSN's Ali Amahi will have more on how some local crime statistics are affected by the outbreak of war.
We'll also have local reaction and tell you how Wichita's are dealing with the stresses of war at 10.
The three degree guarantee just got better.
Thanks to the Southern Corporation, we're doubling our payout to charity.
How does it work?
The three degree guarantee is really very simple.
Every night, we forecast the high temperature for the next day.
If we get it within three degrees, now $100 goes to local charity.
$200 goes to charity if we get it right on the nose.
Now it's double the money for charity, thanks to the Southern Corporation.
Watch for the three degree guarantee.
It's how KSN News is clear, accurate, to the point.
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