Report: Highway deaths down

Fewer fatality wrecks and continued collaboration with agencies throughout Kansas were some highlights in the Kansas Highway Patrol’s recently released 2008 Annual Report.

In a letter to the highway patrol, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius applauded the agency’s efforts and noted a decrease in fatality crashes on Kansas roads.

Every year since 1992, fatality numbers have exceeded 400, Sebelius wrote.

But in 2008, fatality wrecks totaled 383, a highway patrol captain said Monday.

“Through the collaboration of various location law enforcement agencies, state and city public safety organizations and private entities, we celebrate this milestone for Kansas,” Sebelius wrote.

Despite the fewer number of fatality wrecks overall, Franklin County still saw two in 2008.

During Memorial Day weekend, Lucinda Cook, 46, Pomona, died after the van she was riding in left the road, entered a ditch, became airborne across a small creek and crashed into its embankment, officers said.

The crash happened on Thomas Road about nine miles west of U.S. 59.

In late November, 14-year-old Trevor Wormell, Williamsburg, was killed after a vehicle he was riding in collided with a combine on Colorado Road one mile south of Pomona.

The two fatality crashes still were fewer than Franklin County typically sees in a single year, Steve Lunger, Franklin County undersheriff, said.

Other information in the highway patrol’s Annual Report included statistics, department descriptions and highlights the agency’s activities during the year.

For example, more than 6,800 pounds of marijuana, 169 pounds of cocaine and 77 pounds of methamphetamine were seized in Kansas in 2008, the report said, along with 46 vehicles and 13 firearms.

The agency’s expenditures in 2008 totaled more than $87.8 million, the report said, which went for such expenses as a training center, motorist assistance, personnel, fleet and aircraft and more.

“As many organizations found their resources limited in 2008, the patrol sought to provide the same service, courtesy and protection that we strive for every day,” Col. Terry Maple, superintendent, said in a news release.

The highway patrol’s complete report is available at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org.

Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.