HAYS, Kan. (AP) Kansas farmers and farmers-in-training will get some help learning to use the latest technology. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded $277,000 to Fort Hays State University and Hutchinson Community College to promote so-called precision agriculture. It involves using GPS and satellite technology to map fields and precisely apply chemicals and seed and measure the crop yield. Both schools have farms and will use the money to acquire farm equipment. Hutchinson Community College will purchase a GPS-compatible grain combine and a farm utility vehicle with soil grid sampling equipment. Its program will have a hands-on…
Author: KMAN Staff
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. (AP) A Civil War battlefield in northeast Kansas has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The National Park Service on Wednesday announced the designation for the Black Jack Battlefield just east of Baldwin City. Abolitionist John Brown fought pro-slavery forces of Henry Clay Pate in the battle on June 2, 1856. Several historians have suggested it was the first battle of the Civil War. Kerry Altenbernd, vice president of the Black Jack Battlefield Trust, says the designation gives national significance to the 40-acre site along U.S. Highway 56 about three miles east of Baldwin City. The…
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Kansas Board of Regents has approved three construction projects at the University of Kansas. The regents on Wednesday approved projects to erect a new School of Business building, a new home for the original rules of basketball and two residence halls. The School of Business building will cost nearly $66 million. Capitol Federal Savings of Tennessee donated $20 million to the project. The school needs the Legislature’s approval for bond authority for the full amount. The proposed $18 million “Rules of Basket Ball” museum will be an addition to Allen Fieldhouse. The Lawrence Journal-World reports it…
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas law enforcement took in more than 2.5 tons of unused or expired medications during a national day designed to take such medications out of circulation. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day brought in 5,334 pounds of drugs at 70 locations across Kansas on Sept. 29. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Wednesday the program has taken more than 2 million pounds of drugs in two years, including more than 12 tons in Kansas Experts say flushing the drugs or throwing them away leads to safety and health problems.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s school efficiency task force has launched a web page to take anonymous tips about problems with school spending. Brownback’s office unveiled the new website Wednesday. The governor also announced that he’s added Iola Superintendent Brian Pekarek as the panel’s 11th member. Brownback formed the task force last month to look for ways to make public schools more efficient spending their state funding. Most of the panel’s members are certified public accountants, including Brownback budget director Steve Anderson. The governor was criticized for not including any teachers or administrators. Brownback’s office says the new…
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Kansas Department of Commerce says the state has more than 1,600 unfilled truck-driving jobs, with the most urgent need in the oil and gas industries. The agency and its Local Workforce Investment Board Partners have funds available to help qualified applicants take Commercial Driver’s License training through approved providers. Commerce officials said Wednesday they’re looking into providing training opportunities in Kansas communities with high demand for drivers and adequate interest by potential job-seekers. Kansas has been experiencing growth in the oil and gas industries as new fields are opened for exploration in the southern counties.
On Sunday, October 14th, the Riley County Police Department executed search warrants that led to the arrest of three people. Since that time, more search warrants in connection with the investigation have been executed and additional people have been arrested. On Monday, October 15, a search warrant was served in the 1700 block of Anderson where over five ounces of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and about $1,000 was seized. Adam Wade Teske, 27, of Manhattan, was arrested for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful use of telecommunication device and no Kansas Drug Tax Stamp. His…
During Thursday’s Riley County Commission meeting, commissioners reviewed bids for the Walnut Creek Road Bridge Replacement. Seven construction companies from all over Kansas submitted bids on the project. The engineer’s estimate for the project was $294,345.50, and six out of the seven bids were under that price: King Construction Company, Inc. – Hesston, KS $262,956.67 Midwest Construction Company, Inc. – Holton, KS $277,339.30 Ebert Construction Co, Inc. -Wamego KS $268,353.59 J & J Contractors, Inc.-Iola, KS $271,937.56 Reece Construction Company, Inc.-Scandia, KS $259,929.96 L & M Contractors, Inc.-Great Bend, KS $270,025.32 Bridges Inc.-Newton, KS $316,765.06 Planning/Special Projects Director, Monty Wedel…
While many of us were probably stilll in bed, an early morning problem with a water tower in Manhattan caused traffic issues at Tuttle Creek Boulevard and Ehlers Road . Manhattan’s Bluemont water tower had an overflow which impacted traffic for about a half hour. Assistant Public Works Director Robert Pugh indicates a pressure transducer that communicates the tower water levels to plant operators malfunctioned. He says there will be follow-up. He adds there’s a chance the cooler weather affected its accuracy. Pugh says they’ll try recalibrating it but if that doesn’t fix the proglem, they’ll replace it. In addition he says city crews…
Kansas blocked an astounding 18 balls on Wednesday night in a four set victory over #14 K-State, 26-28, 25-15, 28-26, 25-20 at the Horejsi Center in Lawrence. The Jayhawks were led at the net by a career-high 12 stuffs from Caroline Jarmoc, to go with 11 kills, and Manhattan High grad Catherine Carmichael posted an also career high eight blocks and nine kills. K-State (17-3, 4-3 Big 12) outkilled KU (18-3, 6-1 Big 12), and had four players in double figures led by Kathleen Ludwig’s season high 17 kills. Kaitlynn Pelger had 15 kills, Lilla Porubek put up 12, and…