Government

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission voted 6-4 Thursday against moving forward with a rezoning request regarding the former Tiller clinic in east Wichita. The vote came after more than an hour of discussion.

Commissioner Chuck Warren asked his colleagues where they draw the line between how the clinic will affect the neighborhood and protecting the private property rights of a business owner.

Warren told the Commission he thought they should explore options with a public hearing, which the commissioners voted down.

Wichita city officials held a news conference Thursday morning to give an update on the conditions in the midst of one of the city’s worst snow storms.

The Wichita area has already received more than 10 inches of snow over the past two days, causing drifts, vehicle accidents, delays and school closings.

Here are the updates from multiple city departments: 

Wichita Police Department

Librarians at the state library want to remind residents they can access legislative documents and information with a simple phone call.

For nearly 40 years the State Library of Kansas has operated the toll free legislative hotline that connects Kansans with a state reference librarian.

Residents can access state information on government, legislation and public policy. They can also leave messages for legislators our request documents like voting records, committee agendas and copies of bills.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission is expected to consider a request Thursday to rezone the clinic that formerly belonged to assassinated doctor, George Tiller. He performed abortions at the facility in east Wichita.

A representative from Kansans for Life and the new owner of the medical clinic are expected to address the commission.

THE QUEST TO REZONE

A Kansas House committee held hearings today on a bill that would put new restrictions on abortion in Kansas.