(AP) – Deer and turkey hunters in Kansas will be able to use more legal equipment during upcoming hunting seasons.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism says deer hunters will be allowed to use any center fire rifle or handgun cartridge when deer season starts in September. Previously, hunters had to use ammunition with at least a .23 caliber bullet. Also, any gauge slugs will be allowed starting in the fall.

KFDI reports that the state also will allow anyone to use crossbows during archery season, and radio transmitters in arrows will be legal. Previously, only people under 15, older than 55, or with physical disabilities could use crossbows.

Turkey hunters also will be able to use any gauge shotgun, starting in the spring turkey season.

Pat Roberts ‏@SenPatRoberts12h

Great Jayhawk win! Congratulations Kansas for another Sweet 16 appearance!

Jerry Moran ‏@JerryMoran12h

It’s always great to hear the Rock Chalk chant after a win. Congrats to @CoachBillSelf and @KU_Hoops for advancing to the Sweet 16.

Congrats to the Wichita State Shockers for shocking No. 1-seed Gonzaga #sweet16 #WATCHUS #Goshox @GoShockers

Odds favor above-average temperatures for much of America’s drought-parched regions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in its three-month U.S. Spring Outlook.

NOAA said this spring will offer little drought relief for hard-hit areas of Texas, the Southwest and the Great Plains. Additionally, NOAA says river flooding is likely to be worse than last year, with the most significant flood potential in North Dakota.

The just-completed winter season was the 20^th warmest on record, with the average temperature for the contiguous U.S. at 34.3 F., 1.9 F above the 20^th century average. NOAA says winter was warmer than average for all states east of the Rockies, with the largest departures from average along the East Coast. The states of Florida, Delaware and Vermont each had one of their ten warmest winters on record. Conversely, the Southwest was cooler than average, and near-average winter temperatures were reported in the Northwest.

The winter nationally-averaged precipitation total of 7.10 inches was 0.63-inches above the long-term average.

NOAA’s latest drought assessment for March 21 through June 30 calls for some improvement for the most intense drought areas of the central and southern Great Plains. However, “prospects for drought improvement decrease further south across the southern high Plains and Texas.

According to NOAA’s drought outlook, 51 percent of the continental U.S. is in moderate to exceptional drought. That’s an improvement from last year when two-thirds of the U.S. was under at least moderate drought.—–From Greg Henderson, Editor, Associate Publisher, Drovers CattleNetwork

More than 250 companies from around the United States will be exhibiting their products on the fairgrounds at Salina’s Bicentennial Center and Saline County Livestock & Expo Center March 26-28 at the Mid America Farm Expo. More than 300 exhibits will be on display showing the latest in farm technology, machinery, equipment and supplies.

The Expo began 48 years as a project of the Agriculture Committee of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. It was named the Salina Materials Handling Show, and had 44 exhibits on display on the Saline County Fairgrounds, now called the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center. With the construction of the Bicentennial Center directly across from the Expo Center, the Farm Expo expanded and is now one of the largest spring farm shows in the Midwest. It attracts approximately 10,000 persons over the three days.

The Expo is headquartered in the Bicentennial Center, with additional displays in Agricultural Hall, and Exhibition Barn, at the Saline County Livestock & Expo Center. In addition, outside exhibits are located in front of Ag Hall and on the Bicentennial Center west parking lot.

Special features of the Expo, in addition to the variety of farm equipment displays, will include seminars on Nitrogen Management, Agriculture Law and Federal Farm Legislation, Cattle Handling, and a special presentation by Mitch Holthus, voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, entitled “It’s Time To Back To The Farm.” There will also be an opportunity for individuals to have their well water tested for nitrate and chloride all three days during the expo. In addition, United State First District Congressman Tim Huelskamp, will hold a town Hall meeting on Tuesday, March 26, 10:30-11:30am, in the meeting rooms above the Bicentennial Center Lobby.

“This show has grown over the years to become one of the premiere early spring farm shows in the Midwest,” stated Carl Garten, Chairman of the Chamber’s Ag Division. “Exhibits are up from last year. This is going to be one of the largest shows we have had in several years. Companies from across the United States come to exhibit their farm machinery, equipment and supplies. Millions of dollars of equipment are on display. It is one of the finest, best run Farm Expos in the country.”

There’s no charge for admission or parking. Hours are 9AM-5PM March 26, 9AM-5PM March 27 and 9AM-4PM March 28. It is sponsored by the Agriculture Division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce

Senator Moran tells the Senate about his amendment to support the National Institute of Health.

Easter Egg Scramble is on March 30th at 10 a.m. in the former Fashion Bug space!! Lots of eggs and goodies!

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Three people were injured Saturday night when a Mini-van slid on icy roads on highway 400 west of Dodge City The sliding van was T-boned on the passenger side by a Chevy Impala. The van’s driver, Seventy one year old Melva L. Bernard of Mullinville, Kansas was taken to Western Plains Medical Center. The driver and passenger of the Impala, 60 year-old Steven Isaac and his 60 year-old wife Rebecca of Montezuma also remain hospitalized. All three were wearing seat belts