Story from the Office of the Governor: Topeka- “As 2013 comes to a close, it offers us an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the start of a new year. For Kansas and Kansans, 2013 has been a good year. “While the economy continues to recover nationwide, Kansas is seeing its lowest unemployment rate since December 2008. Our November unemployment rate of 5.1 represents a decrease by half a percentage point from October. It is a positive sign that we are moving in the right direction, creating jobs that keep our citizens here in this…
Author: KMAN Staff
Five Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division’s 1st Combat Aviation Brigade died in a UH-60 Black Hawk crash Dec. 17 in southern Afghanistan. The cause of the incident is under investigation. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Families and friends of these Big Red One’ Soldiers,” Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general, said. “We stand ready to support them and I urge our community and the nation, while remembering their sacrifices this holiday season, to do the same.” Killed were: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy L. Billings, 34, Oklahoma, of…
Cico Park could get a new look in the coming year. According to Riley County Parks Manager, Greg Lund, the playground equipment is out of date and unsafe for children. Riley County Commissioners seemed to agree as they viewed pictures and plans during Thursday’s commission meeting. Lund provided pictures of concerning structures- including a wood climbing structure and an old slide. He also provided options of equipment that could be installed in the existing structure locations. One option included a large playground building-with slides, climbing walls, and ramps. Other smaller alternatives would be to purchase separate pieces of equipment, including…
A St. Mary’s man faces a March jury trial in connection with the robbery of a Gambino’s Pizza delivery person on September 17th in St. Mary’s. Following a Thursday court appearance, Thomas’s trial was set for March 18th and 19th, with a motions hearing on February 13th. A final pre-trial hearing is also set for March 13th. The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Department sought Thomas for a couple of days after the robbery. At the time, it was reported the victim was approached by Thomas on foot and ordered to put the pizza on the ground and hand over the cash. A…
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Room and board at the state’s universities will increase next year with the biggest increase at Kansas State. The Kansas Board of Regents on Wednesday approved increases ranging from 3.9 percent at Kansas State to 2.1 percent at Fort Hays State. Regents staff says the increases are necessary to cover anticipated inflation, as well as facility maintenance and improvements. Rates will increase 3.6 percent at Emporia State, 3 percent at Pittsburg State and 2.5 percent at the University of Kansas. The regents staff said Wichita State’s plan will cost $10,164 per year but that figure is not…
Update-1 p.m. Thursday: WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement upon learning that six soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan on Monday, five of those soldiers were based at Ft. Riley: “Americans will be forever indebted to these brave soldiers who laid down their lives for our country,” Sen. Moran said. “As we pay tribute to their service and sacrifice, we are reminded that freedom is not free. I ask all Kansans to join me in remembering their families, friends and the Ft. Riley community in our thoughts and prayers.” 12:30 p.m.…
The reigning Big 12 player of the year, K-State’s Ross Kivett, passed up a chance to go pro for another run at Omaha this spring. The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association recognized Kivett as its first team preseason all-American at second base. Kivett led the Cats to its first conference title in 80 years and first ever Super Regional berth. The second baseman batted .360 with 22 extra-base hits and 26 stolen bases last season as well as led the Big 12 in hits (94) and runs (57). For his efforts, Kivett was named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-America Second Team.…
BALTIMORE (AP) The Kansas City Royals have traded outfielder David Lough to the Baltimore Orioles for infielder Danny Valencia. As a rookie this year, the 27-year-old Lough batted .286 with five homers and 33 RBIs in 96 games. He played all three outfield positions. He was originally selected by the Royals in the 11th round of the 2007 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 2012, playing 20 games and batting .237. Valencia hit .304 in 170 plate appearances for Baltimore. He bounced between the big league team and the minor leagues for much of the season.…
Officials say a late fall wildfire in Northern California is now nearly three quarters fully contained. The has destroyed more than a dozen homes and forced about 100 people to flee the scenic Big Sur region overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman is in North Korea to train help train the national team and visit leader Kim Jong Un. Rodman calls the North Korean leader his friend.