US-59 progress boosts Ottawa to Lawrence reconstruction plans
Congressional action adds 10 million to a highway bill for US-59, designated as a priority project. State lawmakers in Topeka back the effort with a 121-2 vote urging federal priority status, while Gov Graves signals action and a task force to assemble the state’s highway improvement list. A four-lane expansion depends on future funding, with a Focus on 59 meeting set for April 15 in Ottawa to broaden regional support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
Lawrence
Jim Ryan
Topeka
Ralph Tanner
Baldwin
Statehouse
Tanner
Ryan
State Senate
Robert Tyson
Parker
Bill Graves
Graves
Washington
Government contact details for Kansas officials listed
Attorney General Carla Stovall in Topeka provides contact at the Judicial Center with phone. Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius in Topeka offers numbers 1 800 432 2484 or 785 296 3071. State Rep Bill Feuerborn in Topeka room 273 W and State Rep Ralph Tanner in room 426 S list numbers. State Sen Robert Tyson in Topeka room 128 S provides phone 785 296 7380.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carla Stovall
Judicial Center
Topeka
Kathleen Sebelius
Southwest 9Th
Bill Feuerborn
Statehouse
Second thoughts on apology for slavery apology shift
The writer reverses earlier doubts about a slavery apology by President Clinton and Rep. Hall, noting fierce reaction and ongoing debate over whether such regret matters. They emphasize Clinton's Africa tour aims to boost trade and trust, and reflect on national responsibility beyond individual ownership.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ashington
Tony Hall
Ohio
Page
Clinton
America
Uganda
Africa
Hall
Rep
Tom DeLay
Texas
House
Germany
Ireland
Japan
Reader Letter Responds to Animal Cruelty Penalties
Diane Munro Seymour voices shock at the Scruffy case and the push to raise penalties for animal cruelty. She argues law changes may be emotionally charged yet insufficient, warns of desensitization to violence, and urges a broader view of criminal penalties while stressing victims deserve humane treatment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Scruffy
Jonesboro
Ark
Diane Munro-Seymour
Pine
Clyde Letchem Ottawa native served in WWI and Kansas fire marshal
Clyde Letchem born 1892 in Ottawa served in the Army in 1917 and was appointed Kansas state fire marshal in 1939, retiring in 1955. He died in Topeka in 1970. Information requested to contact Jack Wray at 2447 Nebraska Road Ottawa KS 66067 or 785 242-1870.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Clyde Letchem
Ottawa
Topeka
Jack Wray
Nebraska Road
Kan
Ottawa Babe Ruth fees draw backlash over value
David Baldwin argues that Ottawa Babe Ruth baseball sign ups are down for ages 11 to 15 due to high fees, poorer facilities, reduced umpiring, and lack of scorekeepers. He urges community involvement, budgeting prudence, and attendance at ORC meetings to address coaching quality, equipment, and scheduling. He notes planned ORC monthly meetings and calls for support from parents and sponsors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Johnson County
Emporia
Lawrence
Ottawa Recreation Commission
ORC
Ottawa
Bambino
Babe’ Ruth Board
David Baldwin
Eisenhower Ave
Reader Forum submissions sought for The Ottawa Herald
Readers may send hand signed letters with address and phone to Reader Forum The Ottawa Herald 104 S Cedar Ottawa KS 66067 or by email to letters ottawaherald com Submissions must be under 500 words and include contact details for verification.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa Herald
S. Cedar
Ottawa
Ottawaherald
Also Mentioned on This Page
DeLay
United States
Kathleen
Tribune Media Services
Doonesbury
Mallard Fillmore
Wegsional
Ken Smh
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