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Classic rock band names replacement for longtime member on 50th anniversary tour

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Classic rock band names replacement for longtime member on 50th anniversary tour


A classic rock band has replaced a band member on its 50th anniversary tour for the second time this year.

Kansas announced Monday that Dan McGowan will replace longtime bassist and co-lead vocalist Billy Greer on the rest of the group’s tour dates. Greer retired last week after nearly 40 years with Kansas, appearing on seven studio albums and serving as emcee during concerts for the past 18 years.

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, McGowan was a recent sub for Greer and previously played bass with Kansas keyboardist Tom Brislin’s band Gold Rotation. McGowan also performs in the progressive rock band Tea Club with his brother Patrick.

“I am thrilled and honored to be joining Kansas,” McGowan said in a statement. “I am also deeply aware of the gigantic shoes that I will be filling. Dave Hope [who played bass on Kansas’ early albums] and Billy Greer are among the best musicians in rock history.”

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“I want the fans to know that I love the music of Kansas, and I hold it in highest reverence,” McGowan added. “I am committed to doing justice to the band’s incredible legacy, and I am so grateful for this unbelievable opportunity!”

Greer was the second Kansas member to leave the band this year after original drummer Phil Ehart suffered a heart attack in February. Ehart remains with Kansas as the band’s manager, while longtime drum tech Eric Holmquist replaced him on stage.

Kansas said none of its tour dates will be affected by the lineup change. No upcoming concerts are scheduled in New York state, but Kansas played Albany and Rochester this past May.

Kansas, named after their home state, released its first album in 1974 and became one of the most popular rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s with songs like “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Dust in the Wind” and “Point of Know Return.” Ehart and original Kansas guitarist Richard Williams are the only two original members still with the band.

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“The band Kansas and its entire organization extend heartfelt gratitude to Billy for his decades of exceptional musicianship,” a group statement said.



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Kansas

Kansas felon sold meth to undercover officer multiple times

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Kansas felon sold meth to undercover officer multiple times


Fleming photo KDOC

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer, according to the United State’s Attorney.

According to court documents, Wayne F. Fleming, 41, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

In May 2021, Fleming sold drugs multiple times to an undercover officer with the Wichita Police Department. Testing by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center showed the total amount Fleming sold to the officer to be more than 200 grams of pure methamphetamine. 

“Mr. Fleming was federally indicted in 2021, but before a plea agreement was reached, Mr. Fleming went to state prison to serve time for offenses unrelated to the federal case,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The Department of Justice doesn’t forget. Not long after his release from a state prison, Mr. Fleming is now an inmate in a federal prison.”

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The Wichita Police Department investigated the case.



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Extra slice, extra time: Kansas inmate’s pizza grab lands him 16 more months in prison

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Extra slice, extra time: Kansas inmate’s pizza grab lands him 16 more months in prison


LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (KCTV) – A Kansas inmate will spend more time behind bars after a dispute over an extra slice of pizza turned physical.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson announced on Wednesday, March 25, that Wyatt C. Parnell, 42, an inmate at Lansing Correctional Facility, was sentenced to 16 additional months.

Prosecutors indicated that the sentence is the result of an attempt to assault a corrections officer during a December 2019 dining hall confrontation.

What Happened

Court records noted that the incident happened around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2019 – the day after Christmas – in the facility’s maximum-security dining room.

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According to prosecutors, Parnell entered the dining hall, picked up a dinner tray and grabbed an extra slice of pizza from a separate tray.

A corrections officer repeatedly ordered him to put the tray down and leave the area; however, court documents revealed that Parnell refused.

Wyatt C. Parnell, 42(Kansas Department of Corrections)

When the officer moved to retrieve the tray and again ordered Parnell to leave, prosecutors said he yanked the tray away and threw it on the floor.

Parnell then tried to push past the officer to reach the serving line for another tray, according to court records.

The officer reported that they attempted to detain Parnell, but he resisted, leading to a physical fight.

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The Charges & Sentence

Court records indicated that Parnell pleaded no contest to attempted aggravated battery. His new sentence will run consecutively – meaning it is added to the sentence he is already serving.

“Correctional facilities rely on order and compliance to maintain safety for both staff and inmates,” Thompson said. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of disregarding lawful commands and engaging in behavior that puts others at risk.”

Parnell’s Criminal History

Corrections records show that Parnell was already serving time for:

  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated battery
  • Two counts of criminal threat

Prison records also show a lengthy disciplinary history, including violations for:

  • Contraband possession
  • Fighting
  • Threats
  • Lewd acts
  • Entering restricted areas

Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.



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Kansas firefighters rescue chubby cat trapped in massive recliner while trying to hide from the vet

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Kansas firefighters rescue chubby cat trapped in massive recliner while trying to hide from the vet


This cat was feeling stuck.

A fat cat was nearly devoured by an unforgiving reclining chair as it desperately tried to evade its owner and got stuck ahead of an annual visit to the vet — forcing rescuing firefighters to destroy the lounger.

The Garfield lookalike summoned all its strength to avoid its owner ahead of a trip to the veterinarian on Saturday, when it somehow managed to wedge itself in the metal base of a mechanical recliner — which was full of sharp springs and hinges, photos shared by the Overland Park Police Department show.

Kansas firefighters pried a cat out of a reclincer chair. Overland Park Police/Instagram

It appeared to be mewling for help while one firefighter cradled its hind legs and another tended to one front paw. The pussycat then clung to the metal grate with its other paw, not daring to take its beady eyes off a screwdriver in the firefighter’s hand.

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The cat’s pudgy belly, jutted out as the recliner’s leg threatened to crush its chest.

Firefighters had to saw the chair in half to free the feline with assistance from animal control.

Police assured that, once the cat was safe, it “arrived to the vet for its annual checkup.”

Feline fanatics weren’t surprised by the orange cat’s brainless bolt for freedom.


Firefighters rescuing an orange and white cat from under a recliner.
Firefighters had to destroy the lounger to save the cat. Overland Park Police/Instagram

“Glad the kitty was safe!!! They will do anything to avoid a visit to the vet!!!!” one woman commented on the police department’s Instagram post.

“Anyone who has an orange cat knows this is just standard #oneorangebraincell life,” another added.

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“RIP mechanical recliner,” one user mourned.

In 2024, a 38-pound rescue cat named Crumbs got stuck in a shoe rack while trying to break out of fat camp.

In the viral snapshot of Crumbs’ ignominy, it laid face-down in a blue Croc shoe while its bulbous belly hung between the slots in the rack.





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