Kansas lawmakers weigh district sharing and consolidation
Lawmakers debate school district sharing of superintendents and services as enrollment falls. They favor easing barriers to collaboration, with some urging incentives. Experts urge a three year process overseen by the state board, focusing on academic quality and local control.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Faber
Janis Lee
Ckensington
Kansas
Kansas Board of Education
Bruce Wyatt
Salina
Wyatt
Tanner
State Board of Education
Lottery Bill Faces Setback Amid Narrow Vote Split
House negotiator Rep. Doug Mays said they’ve gone as far as possible with the airfare provision in the lottery bill and hopes a revised compromise minus that clause reaches the Senate Monday. If approved, the bill could pass Tuesday and go to Gov. Graves. Senate Minority Leader Hensley called the session a charade as debates on lottery revenue use continue. The package is expected to raise about 60 million for state needs including education and prison maintenance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
House
Rep
Doug Mays
Kerr
Mays
R-Topeka
Conference Committee
Senate
Bill Graves
Anthony Hensley
D-Topeka
Kansas
Lawmakers spar over plan to shift water standards to EPA control
Sen Tim Huelskamp argues the bill would put state in charge of water standards, while Sen Janis Lee says KDHE would work with EPA. Graeber contends federal law places water protection with governors or state agencies and warns the EPA would decide after 90 days, potentially nullifying KDHE authority and forcing a fall session. He warns the bill could lower private property pollution protections as water crosses boundaries.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
EPA
Tim Huelskamp
R-Fowler
Janis Lee
D-Kensington
KDHE
Graeber
Missing Bockhol family found dead in river
Divers recovered a white Dodge Caravan from the Des Plaines River near Joliet with the bodies of Karen Bockhol 49 and her adult children Thomas 23 and Tracy 26. Investigators noted a broken branch and white paint on bark, linking to their disappearance while delivering newspapers. The van was pulled after hours in 14 feet of swift water.
Torah Stolen From Denver Synagogue Clocked in Denver
A 200 year old Torah valued at 35000 dollars was taken from a locked cabinet at the Talmudic Research Institute in east Denver. Discovered missing Tuesday the scroll was believed stolen within the past month. Detective Mike Greer said no suspects or break in were found. The parchment scroll holds the five books of Moses.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Denver
Europe
Talmudic Research Institute
East
Mike Greer
Gas prices strain area budgets and elder needs
Community leaders describe rising energy costs as forcing households to trim groceries and med purchases while elderly residents on fixed incomes face higher bills. Agencies like The Salvation Army and Emmaus House coordinate aid, but demand exceeds funding. Utilities offer budget plans and protections under cold weather rules to ease monthly payments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Salvation Army
Emmaus House
Frost
Deanna Bradford
Southwest
SWEAA
Red Cross
Bradford
Phil Escareno
Peoples Natural Gas
Kansas Corporation Commission
Bob Helm
Midwest Energy
KCC
Kansas
Commission
Helm
Escareno
Peoples
Midwest
Energy Saving Tips for Home Heating and Water Use
Energy advisor Escareno outlines efficiency upgrades and behavioral changes to cut costs. Upgrading to 90 percent furnace efficiency can save about 244 annually on a 1500 to 1800 square foot home, while thermostat management, set backs, monthly filter changes, and lower water heater temperatures further reduce bills. Reducing door openings and mindful occupancy also lowers energy use under Kansas rental laws.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Escareno
Helm
Kansas
Also Mentioned on This Page
Wichita
Joe Shriver
Arkansas City
Kansas Supreme Court
Carla Stovall
Happy
Jimmy Baier
St. Mary’s Center
Unified School District 457
Georgia Matthews
School Service Center
E. Highway 50
Garden City
Unified School District
Fleming St
Tami Hunter
Tom Herrman
Knights of Columbus Hall
Uncle Kunkel
Sears
Tom
Mayo Clinic
E. Kansas Plaza
Stownns Shoe
N. Main
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