Stations

Did you know you don't have to rely on satellite or cable... to watch TV.  You don't even need those options to get a clear HD picture, if you have an HD TV set.  All you need is an antenna. When we have "technical" questions at KWCH, we rely on our engineers for the answers.  That's why we asked one of them--Mark Statzer -- to test the Clear-Cast X1 Digital Antenna.  After the extension table and shipping, you'll pay close to 82-dollars for the antenna. The product's website says with it, you will "receive (a)

Gas prices continue to climb in Wichita. Some stations are selling unleaded for $3.25 or even $3.29 a gallon. A week ago, prices were $3.02 a gallon Analysts say the sudden spike is due to unrest in the Middle East, especially in oil-producing Libya. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the U.S. is talking to other countries about plans in case prices continue to rise. The U.S. has its own strategic oil reserves it can tap into in an emergency. Gas prices are up roughly 25% from levels a year ago but about 20% below the record $4.11 national average set in 2008.

Don't panic.  It will only be a test. That's the message from several government agencies about a national test of the Emergency Alert System scheduled for Wednesday November 9th. Television and radio stations across the country are required to participate in the test, that's coordinated by FEMA, the F.C.C. and that National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). KWCH, KSCW and KDCU will participate in the test. Here's what you need to know and to pass along to your friends and family: The test will take place Wednesday November 9th, at approximately 1:00 p.m. Central Time (2:00 p.m. Eastern)

The parking lot at the Century II Expo Hall got a make over Wednesday. After parking, drivers will not use the traditional meters, but four pay stations at the north end of the lot. They will have to remember their spot number and punch it into the device. This is part of a trial that is expected to last three months. "We see this as an opportunity to provide a higher lever of service to our patrons," John D'Angelo, manager, arts & cultural service division, said. The pay station will accept change as well as credit cards as payment.

Gas prices jumped another dime in Wichita overnight. Many stations changed their prices to $3.75 for a gallon of regular unleaded. What are you paying for gas where you live? Join the conversation on Facebook using the link on the left.

One of the people responsible for the success of Eyewitness News has passed away. Ross Beach was a long time leader in Kansas broadcasting, as well as banking, oil, gas and aviation. Ross along with partner Bob Schmidt, bought what was then the struggling CBS affiliate KTVH in the early 1980s. Their leadership and investment help turn it into a decades-long success story. I was here at the time, and I know personally the difference they made...I could never thank them enough.

by Kim Hynes (WICHITA, Kan.) A flooding mitigation project in west Wichita will cost more than originally planned. Tuesday the Wichita city council approved a $800,000 budget increase for the Cadillac Lake project. This is the second budget increase since the project started. Back in 2007, the city and developers near New Market Square entered into an agreement to use the wetland for storm water run off. The project is supposed to protect properties downstream from increased flooding.

Mike Pompeo called a news conference Wednesday to fight the latest Wink Hartman ad. The two candidates have exchanged attack ads for the past several weeks. Pompeo is calling for TV stations to pull the ad from the air. “I stand here today to refute a malicious attack launched on me by Wink Hartman,” says Pompeo. The ad features a man who never says his name and claims Pompeo drove him into bankruptcy. “Pompeo's business practice forced me to declare bankruptcy, lay off all my employees and to lose benefits,” says the man in the ad. The man’s name is Daniel Lind.

Wichita police say someone used bolt cutters to breach a gas tank at a local gas station...and made off with 150 gallons of gas. It happened at D&T Gas in the 800 block of S. Woodlawn. Police believe the theft happened between Monday and Wednesday. Authorities are going over video from that gas station, but have not yet found anything suspicious. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office says 40 feet of copper were stolen from a Westar relay station just north of Wichita. It happened some time between late March and late April. The Sheriff's Office says someone cut two padlocks at the Westar relay station in the 11600 block of N. West Street.  They then stole 40 feet of copper wire which was used to disperse lightning strikes. The wire was both multi-strand and single-strand and is valued at $4,600.  The thief also caused around $50 in damage.

The parking lot at the Century II Expo Hall got a make over Wednesday. After parking, drivers will not use the traditional meters, but four pay stations at the north end of the lot. They will have to remember their spot number and punch it into the device. This is part of a trial that is expected to last three months. "We see this as an opportunity to provide a higher lever of service to our patrons," John D'Angelo, manager, arts & cultural service division, said. The pay station will accept change as well as credit cards as payment.

Wichita police are investigating an armed robbery at a Quik Trip.  The robbery happened around 5:30 Tuesday morning at the Maple and West gas station. According to our news partners at KFDI, a robber walked into the gas station and demanded money.  He then walked out the back door. They say he then got on a silver ten speed bike and took off.  

A fuel shortage has forced the Kansas Turnpike Authority to close the Towanda service station for the next couple of hours. The KTA says no fuel is available at the service station, located on I-35, about seven miles south of El Dorado. This is the second time in several weeks the service station has run low on fuel. Officials said computer updates are causing temporary fuel unavailbility. The KTA hopes to re-open around midnight. In an unrelated issue, the KTA reported lane closures on I-35 about 5 miles north of Wichita while crews worked to remove a semi from the ditch.

Wichita's old historic downtown train station has a new owner with a big vision. "Everybody knows where Union Station is," developer Chad Stafford says.  "Everybody likes the uniqueness of this project and the uniqueness of the location--centrally located in the urban core. " Developer Chad Stafford says his company, Occidental Management, will convert the four-building complex into offices, retail stores and restaurants.  Stafford says the project will also preserve the historic integrity of the property which sits right between Old Town and Intrust Bank Arena.

Wichita Police are searching for a suspect wanted in a bizarre bomb threat robbery.  The crime happened at Quik Trip, 5602 E. Harry, around 5:45 p.m. Friday. Police said a customer parked his car at a pump, then pushed a button asking for help. The driver claimed to be disabled, saying he could not pump his own gas. The customer flashed a gun after the clerk came outside to help, authorities said. The suspect also handed the employee a box that resembled a bomb. The suspect then called the store, demanding money, or he said he would detonate the device.

A man wearing a ski mask and gloves walks in to a gas station pointing a gun at a teller, demanding cash. Police say the woman at the register handed over a small amount of cash. The robber left without hurting anyone.

Thahn Nguyen's family has owned the DC Gas Station for about 15 years. In all of those years welcoming customers, they've also had a share unwelcome visitors. "About ten years ago my mom did get robbed once and ever since then we exercise our right to open carry," Nguyen said. Nguyen says the shooting at another convenience store shows how some gas station attendants are willing to fight back. "it sends a message that we are willing to protect ourselves when push comes to shove, but it's unfortunate that a man had to die for store owners to be able to stand up for that right.

A gas pump explodes in South Wichita Saturday morning after a vehicle crashes into it. Wichita fire and emergency crews responded to the fire at the QuikTrip at Harry and S. Seneca. An emergency dispatch supervisor says it happened around 5:30 a.m. The supervisor says the fire was put out quickly. Crews shut down the intersection to fight the fire. The supervisor says there are no reports of injuries. Police say witnesses saw a woman back into the pump and then drive away.