Kansas passes law curbing military funeral protests
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signs legislation restricting picketing within 150 feet of military funerals and banning disruption during and around services. The measure targets Westboro Baptist Church and its members, aiming to curb desecration at services and protect grieving families amid broader debates on free speech and civility. The law awaits judicial review before taking effect.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas
Kathleen Sebelius
Sebelius
Capitol
Fred Phelps
Topeka
Westboro Baptist Church
Phelps
Shirley Phelps- Roper
Phelpses
Nrom
Phelps and Co
Westboro
Paul Morrison
Ottawa home sale to Baldwin City prompts tax concerns
A couple recounts moving from southeast Kansas to Ottawa, then Baldwin City, due to high real estate taxes. They note Ottawa rental home bought in 1989 for 18,000, built before 1910, last valued at 77,160 up 17.7 percent from last year and 90.3 percent since 2002. They cite subjective assessments and wide comparables from 36,000 to 60,000 with square footage values from 29.68 to 60.77 per sq ft.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas
Ottawa
Baldwin City
Douglas County
Franklin County
Taxes debated after property valuation in Franklin County Ottawa
Property owners challenge a $79.05 per square foot valuation saying market factors drive values but upkeep should not raise taxes. They doubt many will relocate to Ottawa or Franklin County if the tax structure remains public.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ottawa
Franklin County
LifeCare center expansion celebrated with ribbon cutting
The LifeCare Center in Ottawa marked its expansion and added ultrasound services for free. The nonprofit serves pregnant women and families, requiring clients to earn supplies through classes and appointments, while appealing for donations to sustain operations as funding declines. Mayor Henningsen supported the effort with a donation and a call for others to give.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
LifeCare Center
Ottawa
LifeCare
Franklin County
Deborah Henningsen
Ottawa Herald
Walnut Street
Fred Thompson faces steep climbs to White House bid
Michael Reagan notes Fred Thompson must conquer health doubts from lymphoma and fund-raising hurdles, staff and ground game, and multi state primary pressures. He warns campaigns need direct presence and cautions against relying on Reaganesque charisma, citing his father’s 1980 race.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Law & Order
Fred Thompson
Thompson
Eisenhower
Neil Cavuto
Ronald Reagan
George Bush
America
Ottawa Herald Letters Policy and Submission Rules
The Ottawa Herald invites readers to send letters of up to 250 words to the Readers' Forum. Include name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. One letter per reader per month. Form letters poems consumer complaints or business testimonials will not be printed.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ralph Harris
Hanis Group
Phelps’ Church
The
Herald
Onand Herald
Harris Group
Keanny Sharp
Ottawaherald
S. Cedar
Gordon Billingsley
Ottawaherald.com
Linda Brown
Brown
Kathy Miller
Krmiller
Bill Gray
Tim Millberm
Spedar
Michie
Howe “Oui Alopal
Mi Foo VO
White House
Michael Reagan
Radio America
Wevewen
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!