70-103. Oath of salvor; sale of property, when; notice; disposition of proceeds. Within two (2) days after the taking up and securing of any such wrecked property, the salvor shall make oath before a judge of a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which such property is taken up or secured, that the property was lost or wrecked, and in a perishable condition, and that he or she was not directly or indirectly instrumental in causing the property to be so wrecked or lost, and also the quantity, quality and estimated value of such property, and the time and place of taking up, and that he or she has not disposed of or secreted any part of the same.

If such property be not claimed and proved by the owner within ten (10) days after the filing of such affidavit, such judge, on the application of such salvor, shall issue a warrant directed to the sheriff of such county directing the sheriff to sell the same at vendue, first giving ten (10) days' notice by three (3) advertisements, put up in public places within the county, of the time and place of sale; and if such property be not claimed and proved by the owner, and the salvage and costs paid, then such property shall be sold, and the proceeds shall be returned to such judge, who shall pay to the proper parties the salvage and the costs of proceedings, and the remainder, if any, shall be paid to the state treasurer as provided in K.S.A. 20-2801, and any amendments thereto, unless the owner shall make proof of his or her right to the same within three (3) months. If the name or initial of the owner of any log, tow, or other property, be plainly marked or branded thereon, then the salvor shall in addition to the foregoing proceedings also give notice to the owner, if known from such mark or brand.

History: L. 1869, ch. 85, § 8; L. 1873, ch. 127, § 2; R.S. 1923, 70-103; L. 1974, ch. 446, § 22; L. 1978, ch. 105, § 28; January 1, 1979.