Author: Paul Parker

By Libby Zuck The Sunflower Summer program extended its end date from Aug. 3 to Aug. 8, allowing eligible families more time to tour around the state visiting interactive attractions. Kansas Tourism announced in a Tuesday Facebook post that the program was extended for another five days. “Enjoy 5 extra days of fun in the sun before school starts,” the post said. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more state news.

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By Brandon Peoples The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a proposal to relocate staff from Washington, D.C., to five hub locations, including Kansas City. On Wednesday, USDA Deputy Undersecretary Stephen Vaden fielded questions about the plan from members of the Senate Ag Committee, during an impromptu meeting called by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn). Klobuchar called USDA’s proposal a “half-baked plan,” saying it would cause more harm than good to U.S. farmers. She also criticized the USDA’s lack of consultation with Congress and farm organizations before the plan was released. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for…

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By Emma Loura The high-selling market animal at the Riley County Fair hit five figures this year, officials said Wednesday. Lakyn Huncovsky, 17, had the 4-H grand champion steer, which brought $10,000 at the fair’s premium auction on Monday, possibly the highest number to date in Riley County. Huncovsky is a member of the Wildcat 4-H Club. Members take care of their animals through the year, then show them at the fair before they are auctioned off. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more local news.

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By Ned Seaton Manhattan’s level of debt carried by the city government ranks 8th-highest among the 26 largest cities in Kansas, according to a Mercury analysis of statewide data. By population, Manhattan is the 9th-largest city in the state. The city’s “total bonded indebtedness,” according to data obtained by The Mercury from the Kansas League of Muncipalities, stood at $138.5 million last year, the most recent period for which comparable data was available. The city with the largest debt is Wichita, with $1.1 billion. Kansas City, Kan., has $1.03 billion. Lawrence has $347 million. To view the full article visit…

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A Chapman man was involved in a single-vehicle accident Thursday morning after his car hydroplaned off the road on K-244. According to the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the crash just after 8 a.m. Clayton M. Price was traveling westbound  when the vehicle lost traction, slid off the roadway to the south, and struck a tree. Price sought medical evaluation following the crash. Click here for more Geary County news.

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