Friday, August 22, 2008

Scam in Kansas City

The City of Kansas City, MO warns of a scam targeting lodging establishments, including B&Bs. The telephone-based scam attempts to extort money from a business owner under the guise of fees for forms from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The scam artist tells the establishment that he/she needs to send $200 for a form that must be displayed in the business under new state regulations that went into effect Aug. 1. The caller says the form and fee are part of that new state law. A second call may follow, telling the business owner the form and an invoice have been mailed. The phone call may be blocked by caller ID or show a number from Montreal, Canada.

No such law has been passed and state employees from the Department of Health and Senior Services have not been making such calls soliciting a fee or form connected to this fictitious law.

If you have received such a call or have questions, call 816-513-6313.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Crime in Hutchinson

Johanna Johnson, owner of Bear Blessings in Hutchinson, KS, fell victim to a robbery on Aug. 1. According to Johnson, two women and man entered the store. One woman had a baby, and perhaps using the baby as a distraction, another man entered the the store the men, and either two or three men stole a flat metal showcase, 1 1/2 ft. by 2 ft., containing items including bulls-eye red and white marble gear shift knob, sterling silver spoons, pocket watches, old coins, straight-edge razors, advertising eversharps and pens, and pocket knives. Also taken were 5 silver-plated bracelets made from spoon and fork handles with magnetic closures, and rhinestone jewelry including a long rhinestone necklace with over 300 blue stones. Total lost, said Johnson, is estimated at over $3,000.

A police report has been filed. If you have any information on the crime or the lost items listed, call 620-669-8997.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Mulvane show in Topeka ending?

Bill Ansley, coordinator for the high-quality Mulvane Antique Show & Sale, told me that the show may be ending. This past July was the show's eighth year, featuring 40-45 very quality-minded dealers, held on the campus of Washburn University in Topeka, KS. The show is a fund raiser for the Mulvane Art Museum also on the Washburn campus. Bill is looking for someone to take over the show but that person must have or decide to have an affiliation with MWB, the fundraising arm of the museum. It would be a shame to have this show end.

If you're interested or know of someone who may be, contact Discovery Publications at 800-899-9730. Ask for Bruce.