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By Mary Ann Redeker maryann @ emporia . com

The rain which occurred earlier in the day didn ’ t put a damper on the Grandstand Concert Saturday evening at the Lyon County Fair .

A crowd of around 2,000 enjoyed Phil Vassar , Jane McCoy and Just Passin ’ Through , all of whom took the stage to put on an entertaining show .

“ I really enjoyed the concert ,” Don Scheer said . “ It was a real mud hole out there with the rain we received earlier in the day , but it was really good . Phil Vassar did three songs that were really good that I remembered from the past and really enjoyed . It was definitely a good time .”

A “ piano-pounding powerhouse ,” Vassar has 10 No . 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits , two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies , ACM ’ s Top New Male Vocalist award and was named ASCAP ’ s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999 .

Vassar provided hit after hit and played the piano to the delight of the crowd .

Tracy Jacob said she enjoyed Vassar ’ s performance and the way he played the piano .

“ Phil Vassar was so good tonight ,” she said . “ He played piano songs and did an excellent job . I love all of his songs .”

Just Passin ’ Through kept the crowd entertained with hits from country artists to blues and rock and roll . They are a high energy country and honky tonk dance band with members coming from towns around eastern Kansas . They were put together originally for one show which has turned into many more and now have several years of playing together .

“ The band Just Passin ’ Through was also really good ,” Jacob said . “ I had never seen them before but I would actually go see them again , they were that good .”

Jane McCoy of Emporia was a special

KENDRA JOHNSON / SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Phil Vassar sings a song during his concert at the Lyon County Fairgrounds on Saturday .

KENDRA JOHNSON / SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

By Mary Ann Redeker maryann @ emporia . com

The Spotlight Event of the Year , “ Ribs and Sides ” was a big hit at the Lyon County Fair on Sunday afternoon .

The delicious smells of barbecue , sides and desserts were observed as one walked in the Anderson building , where the contest was held .

The event was open to anyone who wanted to bring their favorite ribs , sides and desserts to be judged for prizes and bragging rights .

There were six categories in the contest ; mild ribs , medium ribs , hot ribs , vegetable sides , salads and desserts .

Vivian Prose cleaned house as she took first place in the medium rib , hot rib , salad and dessert categories .

“ I learned to cook during my time participating in 4-H ,” she said . “ It taught me so much and was an experience I will never forget . I just love the fair .”

JAN BUCKMAN / SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Chuck Samples and Dan Slater judged several ribs and side dishes in the Anderson Building on Sunday . It was part of the activities for the Lyon County Fair .

JAN BUCKMAN / SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Sandy Hines was a volunteer for the Ribs and Sides activity at the fair on Sunday . Before the judges dug in to the food for judging , Sandy would present the items to be judged to the audience .

By Mary Ann Redeker maryann @ emporia . com

The Associated Press

VOL . 125 , NO . 32

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The young son of a Kansas state lawmaker died on a water slide that is billed as the world ’ s largest , according to officials and the boy ’ s family .

Authorities did not immediately identify the child who died Sunday at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City , Kansas , but state Rep . Scott Schwab and his wife released a statement saying it was their son Caleb Thomas Schwab .

“ Since the day he was born , he brought abundant joy to our family and all those he came in contact with ,” said the statement , which asked for privacy as the family grieves .

Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said the child died on one of the park ’ s main attractions , Verruckt , a 168-foot-tall water slide that has 264 stairs leading to the top .

Verruckt , which means “ insane ” in German , was certified as the world ’ s tallest water slide by Guinness World Records . Riders go down the slide in multi-person rafts and have to be at least 54 inches tall , according to the park ’ s website .

Officials haven ’ t provided specific details about what led to Caleb ’ s death . Kansas City , Kansas , police spokesman Officer Cameron Morgan said he did not have any information , and Prosapio said more details would be released later .

“ We honestly don ’ t know what ’ s happened ,” she told reporters at a news conference . “ That ’ s why ... a full investigation is necessary . We have to understand what ’ s happened .”

The park will be closed Monday , and the ride will be closed pending the investigation , Prosapio said . Authorities initially said the

Please see Death , Page 5

Webb Hall was buzzing with excitement Friday evening for the 7th Annual Denim & Diamonds Benefit for Newman Regional Health .

The yearly benefit saw an increase in attendance , with over 400 people enjoying the event on the campus of Emporia State University , up from 325 last year .

There was a special guest in attendance , Sheila Bird , new executive director at the Newman foundation , who arrived in Emporia just five days ago to start her new position .

“ Denim & Diamonds is a great event ,” Bird said . “ It ’ s obvious to see from the attendance tonight that the community supports the

Please see Benefit , Page 3

MARY ANN REDEKER / GAZETTE

Attendees browse silent auction items Friday evening during Denim & Diamonds . The event also included a live auction . The proceeds of the event go toward improving health care at Newman Regional Health .

MARY ANN REDEKER / GAZETTE

Attendees mingle during the 7th Annual Denim & Diamonds event Friday evening at Emporia State University .