TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A new state program that gives irrigators flexibility in managing their water allocations while also encouraging conservation has about 750 participants. The program was created last year by the Kansas Legislature to conserve the future of the Ogallala Aquifer. The Hutchinson News reports that the multi-year flex account program allows irrigators to use more water during drought years. They can manage their water rights over five years, which helps the state’s aquifers recover during years with more moisture. Kansas Department of Agriculture issued about 2,300 drought emergency term permits during last year’s drought that allowed irrigators to…
Author: KMAN Staff
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansans between the ages of 65 and 74 have only a few days left to enjoy hunting and fishing for free. The state will stop providing free hunting and fishing licenses for people in that age range, starting in January. The exemption began in 1971. State officials estimate ending the practice will bring in $900,000 to $1.5 million. Mike Miller, spokesman for the state’s wildlife department, says Kansas misses out on federal money because it doesn’t sell enough licenses. He says an estimated 30,000 hunters don’t have to buy licenses because of the age exemption. The Joplin…
MULVANE, Kan. (AP) Lottery officials say revenue from the Kansas Star Casino’s first 10 months in operation has exceeded the revenue earned by the two other casinos in Kansas in about the same period. The Kansas Lottery Commission says the Kansas Star casino, which opened in Mulvane on Dec. 20, 2011, had earned about $158 million through the end of October. That is more than the revenue earned in nearly the same period by the two other state-owned casinos. Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City earned $119 million. Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, which opened Feb. 3, has earned $93…
DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) Kansas Congressman Tim Huelskamp has written House Speaker John Boehner seeking reinstatement to committees he was removed from last week. Huelskamp, R-Kan., was among four GOP lawmakers that Boehner removed from important House political assignments after they bucked party leaders on key votes. The four congressmen voted against the agreement in the summer of 2011 to raise the government’s debt ceiling. Huelskamp lost his seat on the House Budget and Agriculture Committees. Huelskamp says in a release that he sent a letter Friday to Boehner requesting that he be re-seated on the two committees. He says…
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Incoming Kansas Senate Vice President Jeff King has appointed a legislative aide who’s worked for leaders in both chambers as his new chief of staff. King said he picked Katie Koupal for the job because of her Statehouse experience. King is a Republican from Independence. Koupal has worked for House Majority Leader Arlen Siegfreid, an Olathe Republican, and former Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, an Independence Republican. She’s also worked for a Topeka lobbying firm. King was appointed to the Senate in 2010, after Schmidt was elected attorney general. King previously served four years in the House.…
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger has appointed a new assistant commissioner and general counsel, shuffling her staff after the departure of her top deputy. Praeger promoted Zachary Anshutz from general counsel to assistant commissioner. Anshutz will replace former Assistant Commissioner Bob Tomlinson. Tomlinson is a former Kansas House member and left Praeger’s office to become the director of the state office that handles hearings on administrative decisions by state agencies. Anshutz has been part of the Insurance Department’s legal staff for nearly six years. To replace Anshutz as general counsel, Praeger has promoted John Wine from assistant…
With the end of the year drawing near, the Riley County Commission is beginning to discuss department head evaluations. Noxious Weed Director, Dennis Peterson, Riley County Historical Museum Director, Cheryl Collins, IT/GIS Director Robert Nall, Planning/Special Projects Director, Monty Wedel, and Community Corrections Director, Shelly Williams, were all on the agenda for their evaluations. All of these evaluations were discussed in executive session. Along with year end business, County Treasurer, Eileen King took the time to remind the public the first half of property tax payments are due December 20th. Starting on the 21st, property tax payments will need to…
The Riley County Police reported Monday a criminal damage to property case last week with someone shooting a car. Matthew Dodson, 25, of Manhattan, reported that between December 4 at 5 pm and December 7 at 3 pm his 2008 red Ford Mustang was parked outside a residence when it was shot with a bullet through the trunk. There was also damage done to the bumper from an unknown source. Total estimated damage was $1,000. — Over the weekend, a Manhattan woman reported that her ex boyfriend violated an active restraining order. The 22 year old Manhattan resident reported to the Riley County…
Tuttle Creek Boulevard was shut down on Friday due to a traffic accident for about an hour. Since then details of what happened have been released. Jennifer Porter-Thomas, 26, of Louisville, Kansas was traveling south on Tuttle Creek Boulevard in her Chevy car, when Kashaya Zukowske, 22, of Manhattan, who was making a left hand turn onto Marlatt Ave in her 2002 red Ford F150 struck her vehicle. Both drivers were transported to Mercy Regional Health Center, but have since been treated and released. Zukowske was cited with failure to yield the right of way. —- KMAN brought you a story on…
It was a busy weekend for the Manhattan High Wrestlers, after falling to Centennial League foe Emporia 35-22 in a dual on Friday. The Tribe Wrestling team got back at it on Saturday in a tournament in Abilene. The dual tournament’s featured opponents were host Abilene, Shawnee Heights, Shawnee Mission East, Smith Center, and Goddard. In the first round, Manhattan faced Abilene won all matches from 138 lbs up to win 45-24. The second round paired the Tribe with Shawnee Mission East with the dual ending in favor of Manhattan 51-24. In round three, the Tribe faced off with Smith…