The man leading efforts to build a memorial honoring Dwight D. Eisenhower says conflicts about the design shouldn't derail the effort.

Retired Brigadier General Carl Reddel spoke yesterday at the Dole Institute in Lawrence, saying "it's about time that we do this." Reddel is the executive director of the memorial commission. He said the proposed $142 million memorial would celebrate Eisenhower's success as a general and a president.

Drew Patton first discovered his passion for music by watching Wichita bands such as Ricky Fitts and Hanoi Chevrolet during his high school years. He began playing music shortly thereafter in a succession of bands including punk, progressive rock (with the band Cosmic Octave) and beyond.

Upon entering college, he discovered an interest in jazz (including greats such as Joe Pass) and quickly became infatuated with writing music "on the page" because he was able to discover new harmonies outside of what he was accustomed to playing on the instrument.

What is being called a "community sustainability" event will be part of the annual KidFest this Saturday in Expo Hall at Century II in downtown Wichita, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Green Zone will feature family-friendly activities in an effort to encourage people to conserve water, save energy, recycle, improve air quality and garden.

Free vehicle-emission testing will be available. 

1. Boz Scaggs - Memphis (429 Records)
2. Big Bill Morganfield - Blules With A Mood (Black Shuck)
3. Dynamites w/ Charles Walker - Love Is Only Everything (Gemco)
4. Robin Trower - Roots and Branches (V12)
   

Gov. Sam Brownback has told U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder a new Kansas gun law aimed at reining in the federal government has broad support in the state.

Brownback sent a letter Thursday to Holder defending the law, which took effect last week.

He said Kansans hold dear their right to bear arms.

On April 26, US Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to Gov. Sam Brownback that states the new Kansas law attempting to block federal regulation of some guns is unconstitutional. That new law took effect April 25, just one day earlier.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

The new law declares the federal government has no authority to regulate guns, ammunition and accessories manufactured, sold and kept only in Kansas. The law also makes it a felony for a federal agent to enforce any law, regulation, order or treaty covering those items.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says his office is working overtime to keep up with the influx of applications for concealed-carry permits.

Schmidt's office received almost 3,500 in April, making it the third-highest month since the state's licensing program began in 2007.

The office also received a record 4,072 applications in March for the licenses.

Schmidt says his office has been criticized for not processing applications within the legal maximum of 90 days.