News Archives:
Brownback Names Head Of New Children And Families Department
Fri, February 03, 2012
The Department for Children and Families will be created along with the proposed Department of Aging and Disability Services under an executive reorganization order.
Rural Communities Meet To Collaborate
Fri, February 03, 2012
A conference and brainstorming session focusing on issues facing rural Kansas kicks off Friday in Newton.
No Vaccine Exemption Bill This Year
Thu, February 02, 2012
A bill that would expand the number of exemptions allowed for parents who don’t want their children to be immunized apparently will not go to a vote this year.
New Bill Would Provide Oversight Of Medicaid Privatization
Thu, February 02, 2012
A bill called the KanCare Accountability Act has been introduced in the Kansas House.
Redistricting Proposal Includes Changes For Manhattan, Lawrence
Thu, February 02, 2012
A Senate committee has approved a map redrawing the state’s congressional districts.
Inter-Faith Ministries To Hold 12th Annual Souper Bowl
Thu, February 02, 2012
Inter-Faith Ministries will host their annual Souper Bowl event Friday to increase awareness of hunger insecurity in the Wichita area.
Senate Committee Approves Redistricting Map
Wed, February 01, 2012
The new map still needs approval from the full Senate before it moves on to the House for further consideration.
Brownback’s Office Says He Warned Legislators About Open Meetings Law
Wed, February 01, 2012
Gov. Sam Brownback’s staff says he warned lawmakers not to violate the state’s open meetings law while attending dinners at Cedar Crest mansion.
Environmental Impact Statement Required for Sunflower Project to Proceed
Wed, February 01, 2012
A federal judge in Washington says the expansion of a coal-fired power plant in southwest Kansas can’t go forward without a federal environmental impact statement.
Brownback Touts Education Proposal Before Business Leaders
Wed, February 01, 2012
Governor Sam Brownback is continuing his pitch for a plan to overhaul the school funding formula, saying the proposal could help the state avoid lawsuits over education finance.
Mayor Brewer Sets Sights On Diversification In State Of The City Address
Wed, February 01, 2012
In his State of the City Address Tuesday night, Mayor Carl Brewer said despite being challenged by dwindling revenues and continuing obligations, Wichita is healthy, focused and moving forward.
Gov Pitches Education Plan to Business Leaders
Tue, January 31, 2012
The plan would simplify the school funding formula and give local districts more freedom to raise property taxes.
Governor’s Legislative Dinners Questioned
Tue, January 31, 2012
The president of the Kansas Senate says he questioned whether dinners of legislators invited to Gov. Sam Brownback’s official residence violate the state’s open meetings law.
Senate Committee Will Vote On Redistricting Map This Week
Tue, January 31, 2012
A Senate committee will vote this week on a map that would redraw Kansas’ congressional districts.
Mayor Carl Brewer To Deliever State Of The City Address
Tue, January 31, 2012
Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the City Address Tuesday evening.
SRS Official Defends Food Stamp Policy
Mon, January 30, 2012
A top Kansas social services official told legislators Monday that a new food stamp policy is fairer than the previous policy.
Wichita Public Library To Host Foster Family Information Sessions
Mon, January 30, 2012
The Wichita Public library will host the first of two informational meetings about becoming a foster family Jan. 31 and Mar. 12.
Brownback Wants Teacher Evaluations On Public Websites
Fri, January 27, 2012
A plan by Governor Sam Brownback to post teacher evaluations on public websites is drawing strong criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
Secretary of Agriculture Says KBA Board Shares Blame For Problems
Fri, January 27, 2012
A member of Governor Sam Brownback’s administration is blaming problems with the Kansas Bioscience Authority on the agency’s board of directors.
Exhibit Of “America’s Greatest Generation” Opens Kansas Day
Fri, January 27, 2012
The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum will kick off their new exhibit Jan. 29 with a culminating event for Kansas’ 150th year of statehood.
Kansas Passenger Rail Expansion On Hold Over Funding Issues
Thu, January 26, 2012
The state transportation department says questions about funding have put a halt to plans to expand passenger rail service in Kansas.
Wichita’s Final Friday Gets New Look For New Year
Thu, January 26, 2012
Wichita’s Final Friday art gallery crawl this week will have a new look and feature the first monthly drawing for “Art Bucks” in attempt to spur local art sales.
Study Outlines Economic Impact of NBAF Lab
Wed, January 25, 2012
During the first 25 years of operation, the Manhattan facility could create more than 600 permanent jobs, paying more than a billion dollars in total wages.
KS Public Pension System Getting New Director
Wed, January 25, 2012
The director of the Kansas Legislature’s research staff is stepping down next month to become executive director of the state pension system for teachers and government workers.
Healthy School Awards Program Accepting Applications
Wed, January 25, 2012
The Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita has started accepting applications for the healthy school awards program.
Kansas Jobless Rate Falls in December
Tue, January 24, 2012
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stands at 6.3 percent, despite the loss of about 5,600 seasonal jobs.
Audit Critical of KS Bioscience Authority Leader
Tue, January 24, 2012
An outside audit of the KBA and the computer used by its former president has found evidence of document destruction, misuse of funds and policy violations on more than $570,000 in expenditures.
More Than 1,000 Gather for Anti-Abortion Rally
Mon, January 23, 2012
The annual rally coincides with the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by the US Supreme Court that legalized abortion.
Free E—File Available To Some Kansans
Mon, January 23, 2012
Free income tax preparation and e-filing will be available beginning Jan. 23 to low and moderate income Kansans.
House Introduces Additional Tax Overhaul Plan
Mon, January 23, 2012
House leaders have unveiled a plan that would cut business taxes and income taxes, with the goal of speeding economic growth.
WSU Starting Entrepreneur Program In Greensburg
Fri, January 20, 2012
Wichita State University’s Center for Enterprenuership in partnership with 4 other state and federal organizations will offer a program in developing rural businesses starting next month.
Kansas River To Be National Historic Water Trail
Thu, January 19, 2012
The federal government has begun the process for designating a portion of the Kansas River as a National Historic Water Trail.
Legislature Considering Immunization Exemption
Thu, January 19, 2012
Parents opposed to vaccinating their children for personal reasons say they’re being discriminated against and want a “personal beliefs” exemption added to the state’s immunization law.
TransCanada Not Giving Up On Keystone XL
Thu, January 19, 2012
The Canadian company whose Keystone XL pipeline proposal was rejected by the Obama Administration Wednesday plans to submit a new application.
Website To Offer Free Access To Selected Kansas Archives
Wed, January 18, 2012
A new partnership between the state historical society and a family history website will allow Kansans to access millions of state records online.
Economists Predict Job Growth For Wichita In 2012
Wed, January 18, 2012
Updated employment numbers from the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University indicate economic growth despite the recent closure announcement from Boeing.
Governor’s Arts Plan Not Enough for Some Arts Advocates
Wed, January 18, 2012
Governor Sam Brownback has proposed restoring some state funding for arts programs. But that plan doesn’t go far enough for some arts advocates.
Senators Questions Officials On Gov’s Medicaid Plan
Tue, January 17, 2012
Members of a Senate committee Tuesday questioned officials on Gov. Sam Brownback’s plan to cut costs in the Kansas Medicaid system.
Estimates Show Poor Would Take Hit In Proposed KS Tax Plan
Tue, January 17, 2012
The figures show that taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $25,000 or less would see an average increase of $156.
Voter ID Law Involves Computer Project
Tue, January 17, 2012
The fate of a proposal to require Kansas voters to prove their citizenship when they first register beginning June 15 involves a state computer project.
KS Liquor Stores Back Measure To Allow Tastings
Mon, January 16, 2012
A proposal before the Kansas Senate would allow liquor stores owners to let customers taste some products before buying them.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Corporate Award Breakfast held in Wichita
Fri, January 13, 2012
Former Wichita School Board member and Methodist Pastor, Tyrone Gordon was the keynote speaker at a Martin Luther King, Jr. Corporate Award Breakfast this morning.
New Group Formed To Oppose Hotel Guest Tax Incentive
Thu, January 12, 2012
Tax Fairness for All Wichitans will campaign to stop the planned Ambassador Hotel from keeping 75 percent of the guest tax it collects over the next 15 years.
KS Gov. Proposes Restoring $200K In Arts Funding
Thu, January 12, 2012
Kansas would resume its funding of arts programs under Gov. Sam Brownback’s latest budget proposal.
House Panel To Sponsor Kobach Elections Bill
Thu, January 12, 2012
A Kansas House panel has agreed to Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s proposal to start requiring proof of citizenship from potential voters earlier than originally scheduled.
State of the State Focuses on Taxes, Education
Thu, January 12, 2012
Governor Sam Brownback has set ambitious goals for the legislative session.
School District Holds Public Discussion On New Boundaries
Thu, January 12, 2012
The Wichita school district held the first of four public forums Wednesday night to discuss recent school boundary proposals.
ACLU Seeks Testimony From KS Insurance Providers
Wed, January 11, 2012
The American Civil Liberties Union is planning to question Kansas insurance providers about the impact of a new law restricting abortion coverage.
Learjet’s Planned Expansion Bright Spot In Wichita Aviation
Wed, January 11, 2012
The president of Bombardier says they plan to grow the site by a thousand employees.
City Sets Hearing On STAR Bond District
Tue, January 10, 2012
The Wichita City Council set a date Tuesday for a public hearing on a proposed STAR Bond district at K-96 and Greenwich Road.
Dems Want State Surplus Spent On Schools
Tue, January 10, 2012
The plan outlined today in Topeka and Johnson County calls for increasing school funding by $45 million in the 2012-13 school year, $45 million more in 2013-14 and $90 million in 2014-15.
$2 Million In Federal Funds To Advance Kansas Manufacturing
Tue, January 10, 2012
WSU recently won what’s called the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, which aims to boost the growth of advanced manufacturing in Kansas.
Transracial Adoptees Face Difficulties
Tue, January 10, 2012
Fletcher Powell talks with Dr. Darron Smith about the challenges facing transracial adoptees and their adoptive parents.
Kansas Legislators Convene 2012 Session
Mon, January 09, 2012
Kansas legislators convene the 2012 session this week with a full agenda of initiatives, ranging from tax cuts to reforming Medicaid, school finance and state pensions.
KS Supreme Court Increases Cost of Child Support Payments
Fri, January 06, 2012
An advisory committee recommended increasing the payments because the costs for raising children are on the rise.
Seniors Might Have To Pay Hunting, Fishing Fees
Fri, January 06, 2012
The tradition of giving free hunting and fishing license to senior citizens in Kansas might be coming to an end.
Health Leaders Worried About Conscientious Objection Bill
Fri, January 06, 2012
A bill to make it easier for parents to opt-out of mandatory vaccinations for their kids has public health leaders concerned.
School District Consultants Present Revised Proposal
Thu, January 05, 2012
Consultants for the Wichita school district outlined their revised proposal for school boundaries in a presentation Thursday night at North High.
Feds Reject Kansas Health Care Waiver
Thu, January 05, 2012
Federal health care regulators have rejected a request from Kansas for a waiver of regulations on the amount of money insurance companies must earmark for health care.
Boeing Wichita To Close
Thu, January 05, 2012
Kansas officials are disappointed in the Boeing Company’s decision to close its Wichita plant despite efforts to help secure a $35 billion dollar Air Force refueling tanker contract.
Governor Brownback Disappointed in Boeing Departure
Thu, January 05, 2012
The governor said Wednesday that the Boeing announcement is unfortunate, but is being driven in part by necessary cuts in federal defense spending.
Some Lawmakers Have Concerns Over New Voting Rules
Wed, January 04, 2012
Some new voting requirements have taken effect in Kansas.
Public Legislation Forum Tuesday Evening
Tue, January 03, 2012
The South Central Kansas Legislative Delegation will be hosting a public forum Tuesday evening in downtown Wichita
KS Highway Patrol Kicks Off Training Academy This Week
Tue, January 03, 2012
The Kansas Highway Patrol this week will kick off its first training academy since 2010.
Wichita Police Preparing For New Year’s Eve
Fri, December 30, 2011
The WPD is increasing its street presence and reminding Wichitans of the pitfalls of New Year’s Eve celebrations.
New Casino Takes In $3.25 Million In 8 Days
Thu, December 29, 2011
The Kansas Lottery says the casino near Mulvane cashed in $3.25 million in gaming revenue through its first eight days of operation.
Wichita Library Expands Winter Break Offerings
Thu, December 29, 2011
The Wichita Public Library has expanded its winter break offerings which include an additional day of free children’s activities Friday.
Hawker Beechcraft Sues Over Air Force Contract
Wed, December 28, 2011
Hawker Beechcraft Corp. is suing over its exclusion from competition to build a light attack aircraft, a contract worth nearly $1 billion.
Citizens Ask Questions, Express Concerns At Town Hall Meeting
Wed, December 28, 2011
A town hall meeting with four elected officials was held at Wichita’s Northeast Senior Center on December 27.
Christmas Tree Recycling Available Now
Tue, December 27, 2011
Christmas tree recycling is underway in Wichita.
Rubbermaid Expands, Brings New Jobs To Winfield
Fri, December 23, 2011
Newell Rubbermaid announced Thursday they will be expanding operations in Windfield that will move 200 jobs from a facility in Texas to South Central Kansas.
Learn How To Celebrate Kwanzaa
Thu, December 22, 2011
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by educator and activist, Dr. Maulana Karenga. It’s celebrated annually from December 26 through January 1.
Census: Kansas Population Grows 0.6 Percent
Wed, December 21, 2011
New estimates released by the Census Bureau show the Kansas population grew by more than 18,000 residents between April 2010 and July 2011.
A Look At Wichita’s Feminist Movement
Wed, December 21, 2011
Last week Wichita publisher Watermark Press released its first book in 20 years, “Radiating Like a Stone: Wichita Women and the 1970s Feminist Movement.”
Date Set For Ambassador Subsidy Vote
Tue, December 20, 2011
A date has been set for a public vote on the subsidizing of a planned hotel in downtown Wichita.
Kansas Democrats To Introduce 14 Jobs Bills
Tue, December 20, 2011
One proposal would give tax credits to businesses that train apprentices. Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, says that could help increase the number of skilled workers in the state.
City Council To Choose Consultant For Water Department
Tue, December 20, 2011
The Wichita City Council will vote Tuesday on which company to hire as an consultant to review the city’s water, meter and customer billing processes.
Pompeo Says Boeing Will Not Finish Tanker In Wichita
Mon, December 19, 2011
U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo said The Boeing Company has no intention of completing its KC-46A Air Force tanker in Wichita.
Koch Industry Looking To Fill 2500 Jobs
Mon, December 19, 2011
Company officials said most of the 300 job openings at Koch Industries and 10 of its subsidiaries in Wichita are in areas such as information technology, accounting and engineering.
Charging Station For Electric Vehicles Installed Downtown
Fri, December 16, 2011
The green and white 240-volt charging station has been installed in the north parking lot outside Westar Energy’s general office.
New SRS Secretary Could Come From KS
Fri, December 16, 2011
Governor Sam Brownback says he’ll be looking for someone with a strong Kansas connection to replace departing SRS Secretary Rob Siedlecki.
1500 Kansas Households Will Lose Unemployment Benefits
Fri, December 16, 2011
The Kansas Department of Labor said Friday the state will no longer qualify for the program.
New Proposals Presented For Wichita Public School Boundaries
Thu, December 15, 2011
Consultants for the Wichita Public School district met with a focus group Thursday night to present new and revised proposals for school boundaries.
Kansas Engineering Programs Get First $1 Million Boost
Thu, December 15, 2011
Gov. Brownback and the Kansas Board of Regents announced Wednesday the first one million dollar investment in the Keeping Kansas Competitive engineering expansion initiative.
Governor Releases Details Of Education Funding Plan
Thu, December 15, 2011
Governor Sam Brownback’s administration has made public a plan to rewrite the state’s education funding formula.
Trinity Senior Receives $44,000 WSU Scholarship
Wed, December 14, 2011
David Berry of Trinity Academy is the winner of WSU’s 2012-2013 Clay Barton Scholarship in Business. The senior will receive $11,000 dollars a year for four years.
Park Board Recommends Keeping All Golf Courses Open
Wed, December 14, 2011
The golf courses are facing financial trouble due to debt payments.
School Finance Proposal To Be Unveiled Wednesday
Wed, December 14, 2011
Governor Sam Brownback’s administration is set to officially unveil a plan to overhaul the school funding formula in Kansas.
KS Reservoirs Filling Up With Sediment
Tue, December 13, 2011
A new study shows that two federal reservoirs in Kansas are losing significant amounts of water storage capacity to sediment.
1 In 3 Women Are Victims Of Rape Or Attempted Rape
Tue, December 13, 2011
Ninety percent of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows whether it be a family member a spouse, a partner or friend.
School Districts Eager For Details On School Finance Plan
Mon, December 12, 2011
Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration will release the details of a new school finance proposal this week.
Many In Latino Community Lack Health Insurance
Mon, December 12, 2011
As part of our Sound Mind and Body health series, KMUW’s Fletcher Powell looks at the high level of uninsured in the Latino community and what’s being done to address it.
Brownback Grants No Pardons
Mon, December 12, 2011
Governor Sam Brownback says he won’t be granting any of the 37 requests his office has received this year for pardons.
Regents Name New Emporia State President
Fri, December 09, 2011
A top administrator at Texas Tech University has been chosen by the Kansas Board of Regents as the new president of Emporia State University.
Old Town Sculptures Vandalized
Fri, December 09, 2011
The nonprofit Arts Council is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in the vandalism.
Texting While Driving On The Rise
Fri, December 09, 2011
The first government study of its kind on distracted driving found texting behind the wheel increased 50 percent last year.
Regulators Approve Power Line Application
Thu, December 08, 2011
A Houston company says its planned power line across Kansas will spur wind farm development and establish the state as a national leader in clean energy production.
Brownback Lays Out Three Goals For Literacy In Kansas
Thu, December 08, 2011
The governor says improving literacy is going to require time and money from the private sector.
Petition Signers Receive Opposition Phone Calls
Thu, December 08, 2011
More than 3,500 people signed a petition to bring a hotel tax provision to a public vote. Some of those who signed have received phone calls asking them to reconsider.
Kansas Justices Hear Smoking Ban Case
Wed, December 07, 2011
Kansas Supreme Court justices are weighing arguments over a portion of the statewide smoking ban that some bar owners say could put them out of business.
