Thursday’s In Focus guests included NBAF Coordinator for USDA APHIS Dr. Ken Burton with the latest monthly update on NBAF activities. Governor’s Military Council Executive Director Perry Wiggins joined us with an update on Fort Riley training activities and information regarding the federal funding of the military budget.
Author: KMAN Staff
TOPEKA — Kansas legislators are moving closer to passing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for increasing funding for public schools. House Republicans gave up Wednesday night on trying to find an alternative to Kelly’s proposal to increase spending on public schools by roughly $90 million a year. The Senate approved Kelly’s plan last month with bipartisan support. The House has yet to pass a funding proposal but did narrowly pass a bill making changes in education policies. That was enough for the House and Senate to begin negotiations this week on both money and policy. The Senate didn’t back off…
Officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 1100 block of College Ave in Manhattan on April 3, 2019, at approximately 2:40 PM. Officers listed Brooklyn Lonker, 23 of Eudora as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect damaged a window and took a backpack containing misceallaneous items. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $914.00. Police ask that anyone with information please contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward…
The planned Douglas Recreation Center’s design will be approved at a Manhattan City Commission meeting. Commissioners unanimously voted to table the decision on the design at its Tuesday meeting. The commission wanted to see a cost estimate for a design that includes a three-lane elevate track as preferred by the community, but the designs presented for approval only had a two-lane elevated track to keep the construction costs down. Mayor Mike Dodson recommended the tabling. The presented designs, in addition to the track, can be programmed for an 84 foot KSHSA basketball court, two NCAA volleyball courts as well as…
The Manhattan City Commission gave initial approval of an ordinance requiring massage therapists to be licensed in order to practice in the city Tuesday. It passed first reading by unanimous vote. Kansas is one of two states that does not license massage therapists, which has led multiple municipalities to pass their own ordinance requiring licenses. Riley County District Attorney Barry Wilkerson asked in 2018 that the city explore an ordinance to combat sex trafficking. Riley County police as well as some local practitioners have previously voiced support for licensing in some form during an October 2018 Commission work session. Mayor…
Children of current and former 1st Infantry Division soldiers could qualify for scholarships through the Society of the 1st Infantry Division. The $10,000 Huebner Scholarships, named after Lt. Gen. Clarence Huebner who commanded the division in WWII, are available to grandchildren and great-grandchildren of soldiers as well. Recipients will receive the funds in yearly installments of $2,500. The Society was created by Big Red One veterans in 1919 to support fellow Big Red One veterans. Retired Col. Thomas Hollis is the Society’s executive director. He says the scholarships are a chance to give back. “The scholarship recipients extend the BRO…
Wednesday’s guests included Kansas Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers speaking on the need for the Kansas Senate to advance a proposal to expand Medicaid in Kansas. We also spoke with USD 383 Manhattan/Ogden Assistant Superintendent Eric Reid and Board President Curt Herrman on education matters ahead of the April 3 school board meeting.
With only about 20 days left in the legislative session and a break in the session coming up, Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Democrats are pushing for Medicaid expansion to go be brought to a debate in the State Senate. KanCare expansion passed the House by a 69 to 54 vote in March after a gut-and-go process got the bill to the floor for discussion despite opposition by GOP leadership. The governor’s administration estimates expansion will cost about $30 million in the first year — $14.9 million per half year — and expands access to those who take home wages…
Tuesday’s guests on In Focus were Manhattan City Mayor Mike Dodson and City Manager Ron Fehr.
Riley County commissioners approved the stipend program for the county volunteer first responders and firefighters on Monday. The program will compensate volunteers who respond to calls in order to recruit more people. This came up since the first responders were unable to respond to 261 calls last year in northern county. These calls still received ambulance care. Emergency Management Director and District 1 Fire Chief Pat Collins brought this issue up last week with two other options. They included a full time employee and a hybrid of both plans. Collins says part of the reason for the stipend is to…