TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers say that legislative sessions need to be curtailed to expedite decisions and save taxpayer money.
The House Committee on Appropriations held a hearing Thursday to discuss a bill that would shorten the session in odd numbered years to 60 days. Even-numbered years would remain at 90 days as required by the Kansas Constitution.
Republican Rep. Marvin Kleeb from Overland Park was one of many members who testified that the shorter session would allow them to spend more time with their families and return to their businesses. They also said it would push lawmakers to discuss bills in a more efficient manner.
Kleeb added that a shorter session could save taxpayers more than $1.9 million a year.
The history of Kansas is one replete with humble but aspirational men and women. Our state has raised many national leaders who, over the years, have helped Kansas and the nation overcome many obstacles. Yet, our state’s true legacy has been built by the farmers, factory workers, teachers and parents who work hard every day to improve our communities and state for the next generation. These unsung heroes have made Kansas such a special place to live. In them, the spirit of the pioneers who settled our state 155 years ago lives on.
At no point in the past century have Kansans had it easy – our state’s motto, “To the stars through difficulty,” reflects this truth. Our motto, though, captures a central feature of Kansans’ character: an innate drive to innovate, support one another, and leave behind a stronger, freer and more prosperous state and nation for the next generation. I witness these ideals time and again as I visit communities across our state.
Tradition of Innovation
Kansas has always been home to innovators – individuals who are willing to risk their livelihoods to pursue their dreams. From Amelia Earhart of Atchison to Nobel Prize winner Jack Kilby of Great Bend to Walter Chrysler of Ellis, Kansans are not afraid to break new ground in order to improve American lives. In Overland Park, lifelong Kansan and entrepreneur Chris Costello continues this legacy of innovation with his company Blooom, Inc. A rapidly-growing online financial service provider, Blooom helps people maximize their retirement investments. It was recognized as the winner of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s “One in a Million” competition in November 2015 – a national event that awards grants to start-ups each year – and the company has received significant praise for its low-cost approach to both innovation in personal finance and for encouraging financial literacy. The Kauffman Foundation’s statistics confirm that entrepreneurial ventures like Blooom are a critical component of economic growth, creating an average of 3 million jobs each year. The creativity and tenacity entrepreneurs bring to their work are traits that have made Kansans successful throughout history.
Communities Coming Together
This past year, the Department of Defense was tasked with reducing troop totals at military bases across the country. Initial reports were that Fort Riley could be significantly impacted. Members of the Junction City, Manhattan and Fort Riley communities responded by organizing a listening session attended by the Army’s then-Director of Force Management, Major General Roger Cloutier, which would give the community an opportunity to demonstrate its support for the base. The turnout was unparalleled – more than 4,200 Kansans attended to show their love and support for our service members and their families – and it was the largest listening session audience for any session the Army held. The Big Red One at Fort Riley sacrifices for our nation to make certain that those who follow us, our kids and grandkids, are able to grow up with the same freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. The February 2015 listening session was, in my view, the perfect example of Kansans coming together for a greater cause.
Remembering the Past, Honoring the Future
It’s been eight years since the Greensburg community was destroyed by an F5 tornado. In the storm’s aftermath, we saw the very best in people all across the state as rescue crews, volunteers and donations from communities near and far flowed into the city in an outpouring of support. Greensburg residents refused to let this great tragedy define their community. The reopening of the Twilight Theater last spring is a testament to their courage to persevere in spite of enormous challenges. The theater originally opened in 1917 and has a long history as a gathering place for Greensburg residents, serving as both a movie theater and auditorium space over the years. Fortunately, what was old is new once again. The theater has entertained more than 1,000 Kansans each month since its opening and is now used as an auditorium for Kiowa County schools. I have visited Greensburg a number of times since the tornado, and each time I walk down Main Street and see the progress made I think of the modern-day pioneers who overcame difficulties in order to build a better future for their community.
Pioneers like the entrepreneurs at Blooom, those who came together to attend the Fort Riley Listening Session, and the resilient residents of Greensburg are who make our state such a special place to call home. Because of folks like them, bright days lie ahead for Kansas. I will continue to do all I can to make certain we leave behind a stronger, freer and more prosperous place to call home. May God continue to bless the great state of Kansas.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is investigating an outbreak of norovirus, shown here, at the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park. CREATIVE COMMONS / PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGES
By DAN MARGOILES
Kansas health authorities now say that more than 390 people have reported getting ill after attending the New Theatre Restaurant in Overland Park.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says it’s expanding its investigation of norovirus infection after receiving the reports.
The new number is about quadruple the number the agency reported on Wednesday, when it said more than 100 people who attended performances at the popular dinner theater restaurant had become ill. Four people were confirmed to have come down with the virus, which is highly contagious.
KDHE is asking anyone who attended the theater since Friday, Jan. 15, irrespective of whether they became ill, to fill out a confidential online survey at https://tinyurl.com/newtheatre2016.
Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It causes 19 million to 21 million illnesses annually and is the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks.
Dan Margolies, editor of the Heartland Health Monitor team, is based at KCUR. You can reach him on Twitter @DanMargolies.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 17-year-old who was shot and wounded by Wichita police has been charged with a misdemeanor weapons violation.
The Wichita Eagle reports that the charge was filed Thursday in juvenile court. It carries penalties ranging from probation to 28 days in juvenile detention.
Police said the black teen was armed and running toward the white police officer who fired at him. The shooting happened on the night of Dec. 4 outside a high school where a girls’ basketball game was underway.
Police say the teen began running with a handgun when officers stopped a pickup truck that police thought contained a suspect in a double homicide. The teen is accusing of ignoring multiple commands to drop the handgun.
Prosecutors haven’t yet ruled on whether the shooting was justified.
WASHINGTON – Today Congressman Tim Huelskamp released an official email communication from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) which revealed that the agency will not enforce their ‘threatened’ listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) anywhere in the U.S. This declaration followed an order from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas vacating the listing and ruling that the FWS “arbitrarily” and “capriciously” listed the LPC. The judge called the FWS analysis of the situation “neither rigorous nor valid.” Until this time, it was unclear whether the FWS would still enforce their listing outside of Texas.
Huelskamp released the following statement:
“For years, I have been leading the fight against the FWS and this nonsensical listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. The original decision to list the bird was not based on sound science or the proven success of voluntary conservation, but that didn’t stop the FWS bureaucrats from imposing their decision on our farmers, ranchers, energy producers and other small businesses. I call on the FWS to abandon any appeal of this Court ruling and instead to recognize the continued LPC recovery as the historic drought has hopefully ended and voluntary efforts are working.
“The original listing tactic for the LPC was initiated through a secretive legal action – a method known as ‘sue and settle’ – one in which the government encourages a lawsuit and then secretly settles without public input. Two weeks ago, the House passed a bill I sponsored, H.R. 712, to prevent agencies from undermining current law with this approach.”
The email is below:
[redacted],
It was good talking with you earlier this morning. Below is some background to respond to your question about the lesser prairie-chicken.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has vacated the listing decision for the lesser prairie-chicken. The United States requested the court to modify the judgment, to leave the listing in place on remand for the Service to complete a new rule making. The court has ordered the parties to engage in mediation. As a result of the court’s order, the Service is not treating the lesser prairie-chicken as a species protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We continue to support voluntary conservation efforts that benefit the lesser prairie-chicken and will continue to work with the states, private landowners, other federal agencies, and other partners on these efforts. Interested landowners and industry may enroll in the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Range-wide Plan, NRCS’ Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative or a Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs). CCAAs are available in New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. In addition, an Oil and Gas CCAA is available for companies across the five-state range of the lesser prairie-chicken.
Please let me know if you need anything else.
[redacted]
[redacted]
Deputy Chief
Division of Congressional and Legislative Affairs
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have given final approval to a bill to keep the state’s courts open following a legal dispute involving their budget.
The Senate passed the measure Thursday on a 39-1 vote. The House approved it last week, 119-0, so the bill goes next to Gov. Sam Brownback
The measure repeals a 2015 law threatening the court system’s budget.
That law said the judiciary’s entire budget would be nullified if the courts struck down another law enacted in 2014.
The 2014 law stripped the Kansas Supreme Court of its power to appoint chief judges in the state’s 31 judicial districts and gave it to local judges instead. The high court invalidated the 2014 law last month.
Supporters of the 2014 law said they didn’t intend to
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control says three more people — in Connecticut, Missouri and New York — have been added to the list of those sickened from a listeria outbreak linked to packaged salads made at a Dole processing facility in Ohio.
One person died and at least 15 people in eight states were hospitalized in the outbreak since July after eating salads sold under the names Dole, Fresh Selections, Simple Truth, Marketside, The Little Salad Bar and President’s Choice.
The Dole facility in Springfield, Ohio, ceased production last week and voluntarily recalled all salad mixes Wednesday.
The most recent illness was diagnosed Jan. 3.
The Springfield News-Sun newspaper reported Thursday that inspection records showed the plant had proper procedures in place in recent years to prevent illness.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate has approved Gov. Sam Brownback’s appointments of a new commerce secretary and three members of the board overseeing the state’s higher education system.
All four votes Thursday were 40-0.
Antonio Soave has served as interim commerce secretary since December.
He formerly was chairman and CEO of a company that helps businesses with mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and expanding foreign markets.
Soave also previously coached college soccer and played professional soccer in Italy.
The three Board of Regents members confirmed Thursday were appointed by Brownback in June.
They are David Murfin of Wichita, Dennis Mullin of Manhattan and Daniel Thomas of Mission Hills.
Murfin is CEO of an oil drilling and equipment company. Mullin is chairman of a steel and pipe supply firm. Thomas is a dentist.
photo courtesy Joplin Globe Robert Troxel, U.S. Postal Service Maintenance Tech begins removal of the banner on Wednesday
PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP) — A post office in a southeast Kansas city has removed a “God Bless America” banner after an organization complained the banner violated the principle of separation church and state.
The Joplin Globe reports the Pittsburg post office removed the banner Wednesday after hearing complaints about it from the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation. The foundation has also been trying to get Missouri sheriffs to remove “In God We Trust” bumper stickers from department vehicles and “In God We Trust” from U.S. coins and currency.
Pittsburg postal workers paid for the 12-foot-long vinyl banner after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Post Office says the postal service took the banner down because postal policy prohibits the placement of notices on postal property unless they’re official government notices.
Kansas congresswoman Lynn Jenkins said, “I find it sad that our local post office would be forced to bend to the whims of an outside organization, such as the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Seeking the removal of this patriotic banner is a classic solution in search of a problem and I urge the United States Postal Service to rethink their decision, as this banner means more than just words to our veterans and community members.”
HAYS– A Russell County man was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. on Thursday in Ellis County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Taurus driven by Wade Ellsworth Winder, 60, Paradise, was northbound on U.S.183 at the Interstate 70 Junction.
The driver began coughing and the vehicle entered the east ditch.
The driver lost control of the vehicle. It struck a culvert and rolled.
Winder was transported to Hays Medical Center.
He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge has dropped all charges against a former Bel Aire police officer accused in a scheme to buy and sell discounted firearms by falsely claiming they would be used for law enforcement purposes.
U.S. District Judge Eric Melgren dismissed on Thursday at the government’s request mail and wire fraud charges against Nathan Mavia just weeks before his trial.
Mavia had been employed at the department from February 2012 until June 2014.
Court filings do not indicate why prosecutors asked the court to throw out his charges. Neither the U.S. attorney’s office nor his defense attorney immediately returned messages seeking comment.
Former Bel Aire Police Chief John Daily and two of his ex-officers, Robert McCaslin and Ricky Swanson, face trial on Feb. 16 in U.S. District Court in Wichita.
After a eight day break the Hays High Lady Indians got back to action, traveling to the 21st Annual Mid-America classic in McPherson. Hays drew the 8-1 Olathe East Hawks in the first round. The Hawks came in ranked 7th in 6A, their only loss coming to Missouri’s Kickapoo High School.
Scoring was at a premium in the first half. Hays took their only lead of the first quarter at 2-1 with a Haley George basket. The field goal came with 4:55 in the first quarter. Olathe East wouldn’t get their first field goal until the 2:50 mark to grab a 3-2 lead. East turned that basket into a 14-1 run and built their lead to 12 midway through the second quarter.
Highlights
Talyn Kleweno more than double the Indians first quarter output with a four point play in the second quarter. It would be the Lady Indians only points of the second quarter and the Indians trailed at halftime 17-7.
Hays twice cut the lead down to seven points in the third quarter following at three pointer from Audra Schmeidler and a basket from Kallie Leiker. East though responded with a 15-3 run to close the quarter taking a 34-15 lead. The Hawks would cruise through the fourth quarter claiming the 44-20 win.
Coach Kirk Maska
Hays falls to 4-7 on the season and plays either Manhattan or Andale in the consolation semi-finals. Olathe East is now 9-1.
ABILENE- Law enforcement authorities in Dickinson County are investigating five suspects for the alleged distribution of marijuana to local residents, including high school students, according to Dickinson County Sheriff Gareth Hoffman.
Agents of the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department Drug Enforcement Unit and officers with the Abilene Police Department began the investigation in January.
On Monday, a controlled purchase of marijuana was conducted from a residence at 812 Northwest Third Street in Abilene.
On Tuesday, agents of the Sheriff’s Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Deputies, and Abilene police officers executed a search warrant for the residence at 812 Northwest Third Street in Abilene.
Those arrested included:
–Tristen Jacob Howard, 20, on felony counts including suspicion of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Acquiring Drug Proceeds, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Failure to Obtain a Kansas Drug Tax Stamp, Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Distribution of Marijuana, Acquiring Drug Proceeds, and Unlawful Use of a Telecommunication Device to Arrange a Drug Sale plus a misdemeanor allegation of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
DINKEL, MATTHEW JOHN –
–Matthew John Dinkel, 25, on felony counts including suspicion of Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Acquiring Drug Proceeds, Unlawful Use of a Telecommunication Device to Arrange a Drug Sale, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and a misdemeanor count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
–Devon Michael Hallock, on felony counts including suspicion of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Distribution of Marijuana, Acquiring Drug Proceeds, Unlawful Use of a Telecommunication Device, and additionally on two counts of suspicion of Assault On Law Enforcement Officer for an alleged altercation in the Dickinson County Jail after his arrest.
–Michael Wayne Wright, 31, on a felony count of Possession of Methamphetamine plus two misdemeanor counts of Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
–Zachary Taylor Swarts, 18, on a felony allegation of Conspiracy to Possess Marijuana.
Hoffman reported that during the search of the residence law enforcement officers seized more than two ounces of marijuana that were ready for sale, and over 50 pieces of evidence related to the distribution of marijuana. During the course of the investigation it was learned that persons arrested were allegedly selling marijuana to people from the ages of 14 to 21.
SWARTS, ZACHARY TAYLOR –
Also noted as a result of the investigation, law enforcement officers in Great Bend were able to execute a search warrant there. Law enforcement seized several pounds of marijuana and items of drug paraphernalia, and are expecting to make several arrests of people suspected in dealing marijuana to local residents.
