Author: KMAN Staff

TOPEKA — The highest court in Kansas has struck down a Wichita voter-approved ordinance that reduces penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana. The Kansas Supreme Court issued its ruling Friday. The case has been closely watched by activists in other Kansas communities who are considering similar voter-led initiatives if state lawmakers continue to block reform of marijuana laws. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt argued the ordinance conflicts with state law. Wichita voters approved the ordinance in April, with 54 percent in favor. The city council says it put the measure on the ballot because 3,000 people signed a petition for it.…

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Captain Josh Kyle with the Riley County Police Department spoke on Friday’s InFocus: And State Representative Tom Phillips of Manhattan paid the KMAN studio a visit as well:

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As courthouse security upgrades begin at the Riley County District Courthouse local leaders discussed further details on the implementation of those improvements Thursday in Manhattan’s City Hall for their monthly joint City/County/County meeting. Riley County Police Department Director Brad Schoen told KMAN after the meeting that budget and staffing issues were talked about. “Things are starting to gel,” Schoen said. “The question today was, okay, this is obviously going to impact — or has the potential to impact — the Law Board budget. How are we going to go about doing that? How are going to deal with staffing? How many…

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K-State’s Cats for Life are marching on and taking a stand! President of the Cats for Life campus organization, Kalie Timmins along with Vice President, Annie Ross are leading the group to Washington D.C. to participate in March for Life – the largest pro-life rally in the world. According to the organization’s website, “the mission of the March for Life is to provide all Americans with a place to testify to the beauty of life and the dignity of each human person. ” Ross says that the event is a peaceful forum for the group to have their voices heard without…

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Riley County commissioners discussed what it should do with an extra $300,000 in the county’s general fund Thursday morning. During Monday’s meeting county treasurer Shilo Heger reported to commissioners that sales tax revenue was $295,995.23 above projections. Stronger than expected auto sales have pushed sales tax revenue above more conservative projections. One option commissioners discussed Thursday is to restore some 2016 appropriations to their 2015 levels, since many of those appropriations were cut across the board during last year’s budget sessions. Commissioner Robert Boyd outlined Pawnee Mental Health Services, Big Lakes Development Services, Riley County Extension and the Riley County…

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In this edition of In Focus, Cathy Dawes is joined by Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce President Lyle Butler.

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