WICHITA, Kan. (AP) A coalition of community groups in Wichita is holding a homeless count and hosting an event offering services for the city’s homeless families. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Century II expo hall in Wichita. Volunteers will interview homeless individuals to count them and gather information. Services will include haircuts, flu shots and dental screenings; distribution of information about housing and benefits; and a giveaway of socks, hats and gloves. United Way of the Plains is coordinating the count. It’s designed to measure the size and scope of Wichita’s homeless problem…
Author: KMAN Staff
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Kansas House is set to take a final vote on a bill restricting political fundraising by public unions. The House gave the measure first-round approval Wednesday on a 66-54 unrecorded vote. Approval on a second vote, expected Thursday, would send it to the Senate. The bill would bar groups that represent teachers and government workers from automatically deducting money from members’ paychecks to finance political activities. Similar legislation cleared the House in 2012 but died in the Senate. Its chances of success are considered higher this year, with Republicans now holding large majorities in both chambers.
An explosion at the main headquarters of Mexico’s state-owned oil company in the capital Thursday heavily damaged three floors of the building, sending hundreds into the streets and a large plume of smoke over the skyline.
Former Sen. Chuck Hagel began confirmation hearings for his nomination to be Secretary of Defense. He sparred with Sen. John McCain over whether the surge during the Iraq war was worthwhile.
Riley County Police were at the scene of the Countryside Estates for at least a couple of hours late Thursday morning and early afternoon. Details are not being released as to why police were there, although sources indicate information should be available a bit later. The Riley County Police report released early Friday morning indicates some drug-related arrests in that area, but KMAN has not yet been able to confirm the cases are connected.
An unattended death was reported to Riley County Police Tuesday. The death is believed to have happened sometime between 3:00 p.m. on Sunday and 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. Police cannot release the name of the male who died because not all of the family have yet been notified. The man was found at his residence in the central part of Manhattan, east of City Park. This is believed to be a result of medical reasons and no autopsy was requested. KMAN will bring you more details as they become available. —— When a man answered his phone, he thought he was helping…
During Monday’s Riley County Commission meeting, IT/GIS Director Robert Nall made the request to have the county’s aerial photography updated. During this time of year, the trees are bare and the visibility is much clearer. The commission requested that Nall look into collaborating with other surrounding counties. Nall returned to Thursday’s commission meeting and shared the results of his research. Pottawatomie county, Geary county, Fort Riley, and the city of Manhattan were some of the places Nall checked with, many of which never responded or were only interested in portions of the photography project. Although collaboration can be a good…
Manhattan has a new Fire Chief. Scott French, who had been serving as Deputy Chief of Operations, will take over the new role March first, replacing Chief Jerry Snyder who is officially retiring as Director of Fire Services. French is pleased with his new role, but tells KMAN not to expect any big differences in the way things are taken care of. French also thanks Chief Snyder for his dedication and leadership. In addition to serving as Deputy Chief of Operations for the city of Manhattan, French has held the positions of Assistant Chief, Lieutenant I and II, Fire Driver…
In a letter to fans on Thursday morning, K-State athletic director John Currie announced a new five-year contract with head football coach Bill Snyder that will keep him on the sidelines thru the 2017 season. The deal replaces his current contract, which was signed in 2009. Snyder will be paid $2.75 million in the 2013 season, and $14.75 million over five years. The contract has a rollover clause with a $100,000 increase per season, as the 73-year old coach will make $2.85 million in 2014-15, $2.95 million in 2015-16, $3.05 million in 2016-17 and $3.15 million in 2017-18, as well as…
Suspected tornadoes are under investigation in a number of states, after severe storms blasted the South and Midwest. Two deaths are blamed on the weather.