Panel restores all-day kindergarten funding in Kansas
The Kansas House budget committee kept Gov. Brownback’s all-day kindergarten plan alive by restoring $16 million for the coming five years while a separate working group reviews the program. Rep. Jerry Lunn said the move preserves options as lawmakers weigh costs and benefits. The full Appropriations panel also approved the Department of Education budget with minor shifts, including $1.1 million for new standardized tests. Critics question affordability and effectiveness, while supporters cite reading scores and early-grade preparation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Topeka
Kansas House
Sam Brownback
House
Appropriations Committee
Brownback
Jerry Lunn
Tors
Lunn
Overland Park
Department of Education
House Appropriations Committee
Marc Rhoades
Newton
Tax refund proposal would tax break on college textbooks
TOPERA College students in Kansas would file for a refund of state sales taxes spent on textbooks under a House advance. Rep. Brandon Whipple says removing the tax helps offset college costs. students spend about 660 dollars yearly, saving roughly 40 dollars. Bill 2557 amendment advanced. final vote expected Wednesday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Topera — College
Kansas
Brandon Whipple
Wichita
Kansas University
Legisla
Whipple
Kansas law hearing on sex education poster sparks parental input
Lawmakers hear from parents and educators in Shawnee and Lawrence about a poster titled How People Express Their Sexual Feelings at Hocker Grove Middle School and proposals to require opt-in consent forms for health and sexuality education. Critics warn extra burdens on staff. supporters emphasize parental oversight.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cook
R-Shawnee
Hocker Grove Middle School
Shawnee
Pilcher-Cook
Mark Ellis
Hocker Grove
Ellis
Shawnee Mission School District
Lawrence
Julie Boyle
Tom Krebs
Kansas Association of School Boards
Krebs
Tee
Mark Desetti
Kansas National Education Association
Lawrence-Douglas County
Bees face winter closure at local museum exhibit
Museum director Bruce Sherting says the bee exhibit could reopen in April as temperatures rise and plants bloom. Officials will consult aviary experts to prevent a repeat, possibly by temporarily closing the tube when cold. Humphrey and staff vow a spring colony. Reporter Giles Bruce can be reached at 832-7233.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bruce Sherting
Humphrey
Giles Bruce
Ljworld.com
Audit Suggests University Cost Cuts Amid Budget Crisis
The Legislative Division of Post Audit urges universities to cut costs by trimming faculty low enrollment classes and consolidating departments. It notes no analysis of student impact and argues cross campus cost comparisons ignore differing missions. The period's $106 million 13 percent higher education cut is not accounted for.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Legislative Division of Post
Regents Universities
Topeka Couple Welcomes Daughter This Tuesday
Sean and Maegan O'Callaghan of Topeka welcome a baby girl born this Tuesday. The family reports good health and joy as they announce the new arrival.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sean and
Maegan O’callaghan
Topeka
Kansas bill would allow spanking with marks up to ten strikes
State Rep. Gail Finney proposes a measure to let teachers caregivers and parents spank children leaving redness or bruising with up to 10 hand strikes and allow others to gain permission to spank. Fists belts and switches would remain banned. Rep. John Rubin questions committee action.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas
Gail Finney
Wichita
Finney
KCTV
John Rubin
House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee
Woman Pleads Guilty to Forgery in Lawrence Case
Rebecca Foster, 43, pleaded guilty to three counts of felony forgery for using another woman's checks at area businesses on January 20 in Lawrence. District Judge Peggy Kittel scheduled sentencing for March 28, with potential 23 months per count and up to 100000 per count fines. Restitution includes 280.20 plus an undetermined amount for a related case, with additional charges dropped.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lawrence
Rebecca Foster
Foster
Peggy Kittel
Kittel
Trial Set in Topeka Robbery and Kidnapping Case
A Topeka man charged after a prolonged December disturbance at a Lawrence location faces trial. The case involves robbery and kidnapping allegations with ongoing legal proceedings and hearings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Topeka
Lawrence
Counselor to speak at LMH on violence past life
Lawrence Memorial Hospital hosts Guy Maxwell a former domestic violence offender now a counselor for sex offenders and substance abusers at 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on February 24 in the hospital auditorium. RSVP via surveymonkey.com/s/DWL5PPY. The event is presented by the Headquarters Counseling Center.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Guy Maxwell
Lawrence Memorial Hospital
Maxwell
Colorado State Penitentiary
Surveymonkey
Headquarters Counseling Center
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Hous
Jerome Leon Miller III
Douglas County District Court
Miller
West 24Th Street
Lawrence Home Builders Association
Crown Toyota
Iowa St
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Robbie Flory
Association
Flory
Lawrence Marketplace
LMH
Pilot Club of
Douglas County Fairgrounds
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Harper
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Pilot Café
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