New Metro Link line
budget has risen 36%
The Metro Link plan to extend the line from Forest Park to Clayton and Shrewsbury has changed; the cost has risen to $550.3 million. The proposed budget of the project has risen numerous times since it was originally presented.
The Bi-State Transportation Board said the 8.2-mile segment could still be built with local tax dollars, but funds could be depleted and could prevent future expansions to the system.
A local quarter-cent sales tax dedicated to the commuter train’s extension will completely fund the line through University City, Clayton and Shrewsbury. It is still scheduled to open in 2005.
Jury Reaches Mixed Verdict in High-Speed Chase
DELPHI, Indiana (AP)-A jury acquitted a Chinese national of attempted murder and other counts in a high-speed chase in which a sheriff’s deputy’s cruiser was struck and several other vehicles were run off the road.
However, Carroll County jurors on Friday also found Yimin Wang guilty but mentally ill at the time of the offense on additional counts of resisting law enforcement and criminal recklessness.
Wang, who is to be sentenced Dec. 19, was charged in a July 4 chase.
The 28-year-old a doctoral student in chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis had pleaded not guilty by reason of
insanity.
Much of the trial focused on his mental state during the chase, the Journal and Courier of Lafayette reported.
Two psychiatrists who interviewed Wang in prison testified it is likely the man suffers from severe bipolar disorder.
Prosecutors alleged Wang backed his Honda Accord into Carroll County Chief Deputy Tony Burns’ patrol car after the officer stopped him for speeding about 70 miles (112 kilometers) northwest of Indianapolis. The impact caused the car door to slam on Burns’ leg.
Wang then sped off at about 90 mph (145 kph) and headed north, running several motorists off the road, police said.
Wang eventually crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle in Monticello.
Burns was treated for minor injuries to his arm and leg. No one else was injured in the chase.
Jurors acquitted Wang of attempted murder, battery by means of a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness and failure to stop after an accident causing injury.
Prosecutor John Huffer said he hopes that the guilty verdicts on the two other counts will result in Wang receiving medical attention for mental illness.
During the trial, Wang testified he believed he saw messages from God in road signs telling him to go to Chicago and preach the gospel.