The state legislature has given final approval to legislation prohibiting some lawsuits against wholesalers who supply vehicle to retail dealerships. Under the bill, consumers could only sue the dealership directly. The bill affects only lawsuits filed under a state law dealing with deception, false promises, and misrepresentation. The legislation now goes to Gov. Matt Blunt.

After 26 years in business in Centralia, Leonard Forbes, owner of Len's Repair, has closed his shop. Forbes said he knew the end was coming with the implementation of so many computerized components on vehicles. "I wasn't interested in keeping up with the computers," he said.

Blue Ridge Mazda is going high tech at its new location in Lee's Summit. The dealership, which moved from Raytown in January, is offering customers interactive capabilities through wireless technology and computer kiosks. "That means they can do cost comparisons on the Kelley Blue Book Web site or Edmunds.com right there at the dealership," said Jamie Tinsley, a Mazda spokeswoman in Houston.

Katy Black of Gallatin received a $1,000 scholarship from the Automotive Communication Council (ACC), a professional organization of people in the automotive aftermarket who specialize in marketing communications. The two scholarships were awarded to students focusing on marketing, public relations, journalism, advertising, or related fields in the aftermarket.  Black will graduate with a 3.92 grade-point average and will be studying advertising and graphic design at Park University. Her father works at Frost Automotive, a CARQUEST store.

Gov. Matt Blunt signed legislation to help law enforcement track down those who steal copper and other metals. The signed legislation will give police the tools to pursue the thieves and put them behind bars.  "By requiring scrap dealers to collect more identifying information from sellers, and by fighting these criminals with stiffer penalties, we will greatly deter their efforts to steal and sell other people's property to make a quick buck," Sen. Rob Mayer said. As of May 16, 2008, Missouri Information Analysis Center had reported 208 thefts of metal worth more than $1.2 million.

KANSAS
NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster Diana Harker recently won her first race, in Brainerd, Minn. Harker races for Randy Meyer Racing. Randy Meyer is based in Olathe and owns Meyer Truck Center. Harker's twin sister, Kate, also races in the same class.

Ausmor Inc. of McPherson has expanded its line of new rear-drive axle shaft kits, adding a new application for some GM light-duty trucks. The kits include new wheel bearings, wheel seals, and studs.  

    
Richard Loder, owner of Arlington Muffler in Arlington, sold his business to Michael and Emy Blasi. The new owners changed the business name to Blasi Alignment & Brakes. They specialize in alignment, tires, brakes, auto glass, front-end work, and other services. 

 
On May 1, after 16 years with Miller Automotive in McPherson, Mike Waner took over as owner of the repair shop. The new business name is Mike Waner Automotive.

The Car Guys shop in Hutchinson has reopened under new management. Robert Williams and Karl Ahrens, both with more than 20 years of experience in automotive repair, will be running the shop.

Gary Grubbs, owner of Diesel Pickup Specialists in Inman, was selected to be on the JASPER Independent Garage Customer Advisory Committee for 2008.

Keith and Kathleen Bright of Salina were chosen as a top-12 finalist in the 2008 PPG Hot Wheels Spectraflame Paint Your Ride Contest. Contestants had to paint their vehicles using any of the 12 colors from the PPG Vibrance Collection Hot Wheels Spectraflame paint. The Brights painted their 1931 Chrysler Model 309 four-door sedan a Hot Wheels Spectraflame Anti-Freeze Green. Finalist vehicles will be exhibited at the PPG Show Truck area during the 11th Annual PPG Goodguys Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, on July 11–13.

IOWA
The Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association (IIADA) recently had its annual convention at the Lake Panorama National Resort and Conference Center. During the conference, the dealer of the year was named, scholarships were presented, and new officers were elected. Jim Harbach of J's Auto in Manchester was selected as the 2007 IIADA Quality Dealer of the Year. IIADA awarded 29 scholarships to children and grandchildren of their members and to the children of employees of member dealerships. Louise Laneville Cordes of Jim Cordes Motors in New London was elected president.