Tax cap proposal for property value increases dies in Kansas House
Kansas lawmakers nearly passed a bill to cap annual property value increases at the CPI rate. Critics warned it would shift tax burden and create valuation disparities, while proponents argued for reduced mill levies and new funding models. Ottawa and Franklin County saw higher levies and calculated growth despite mixed local actions. The author urges replacing property tax with income tax, noting political resistance to sweeping reforms. John D Montgomery
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas House
Ralph Tanner
R-Baldwin
Ottawa
Franklin County
Kansas
Franklin County Commission
Ottawa City Commission
John D. Montgomery
Honor and honor in modern politics recall Lincoln’s duel threat
In a column by David S. Awbrey the author contrasts Lincoln’s 1842 anonymous attack on James Shields with today’s anonymous political spending. He cites bills in the 1998 Kansas Legislature requiring donor disclosure, notes opposition from Graves allies, and argues true honor requires public accountability and personal integrity in democracy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
Abraham Lincoln
James Shields
Shields
Lincoln
Douglas L. Wilson
Wilson
Honor
America
Triad Management Services
Sen
Sam Brownback
Norman Rockwell
Old
Saturday Evening Post
Jimmy Stewart
Smith
Washington
United States
David S. Awbrey
Kansas Press Association
Kansas Dental Association praises bill increasing access to care
In a reader forum letter J Kendall Dillehay of Wichita endorses a Kansas bill letting dental assistants, under dentist supervision, perform portions of cleanings after training. The measure aims to expand preventive services while preserving gumline safety and dentist oversight as the profession modernizes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas
Kansas Dental Board
Dental Board
Kansas House of Representatives
Kansas Senate
J. Kendall Dillehay
Kansas Dental Association
Wichita
Merit pay debate roils Ottawa teachers and board
Lynda Alderman argues against merit pay for teachers and criticizes unilateral board actions. She contends raises favor veteran mentorship and teamwork, cites COLA contrasts, notes risks from districts like Emporia and USD 253, and warns Ottawa’s bargain damage will take years to repair.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Herald
Bell
Montgomery
Emporia
H.L. Mencken
Ottawa
Lynda
Osborne Terrace
Also Mentioned on This Page
Brownback
Senate
House
Bill Graves
Graves
Kent Glasscock
Manhattan
Visions OF Kansas
Doonesbury
MIR
Butts
Iervists
Wk . Amoring
Bay
Mallard Fillmore
Ajkee
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!