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Wednesday, December 11, 2024

The Ogallala aquifer is a critical source of water in western Kansas, and it’s running dry. It plays a major role in the daily lives of Kansans. But a recent survey revealed half of Kansans say they have never heard of it. Calen Moore of the Kansas News Service reports on how the aquifer affects everyone in the state, even those who don’t live on top of it.

Plus more on these stories:

  • Wichita's City Council unanimously approved a new police union contract that will cost the city $3.2 million dollars more than it budgeted for in 2025.
  • Kansas education leaders reaffirmed Tuesday that they will stay out of any policy discussions about cellphones in schools.
  • A group of casino employees is asking Kansas lawmakers to ban smoking at the four state-owned casinos for the sake of their health.
  • Kansas wildlife rescue groups say seasonal bird migration is leading to increased spread of avian influenza in the state.
  • The remains of a Clay Center man killed during World War 2 have been identified.
  • Nine new deputies will graduate next week from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Detention Academy.
  • The second annual Kansas Global Holiday Market will be held Saturday at Naftzger Park in downtown Wichita.

Producers: Beth Golay and Fletcher Powell
Editors: Beth Golay and Tom Shine
Contributors: Megan Bailey, Daniel Caudill, Rose Conlon, Celia Hack, Calen Moore, Suzanne Perez, and Tom Shine
Theme music: Torin Andersen
Digital editor: Karlee Cooper

Fletcher Powell has worked at KMUW since 2009 as a producer, reporter, and host. He's been the host of All Things Considered since 2012 and KMUW's movie critic since 2016. He also co-hosts the PMJA-award winning show You're Saying It Wrong, which is distributed around the country on public radio stations and around the world through podcasts. Fletcher is a member of the Critics Choice Association.