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Top Morning News 3.05.13

Lawmakers to consider bill that limits teacher's bargaining rights; Man enters plea in Wichita child exploitation case; Workshop teaches digital skills.

Lawmakers To Take Up Bill That Would Limit Teacher Bargaining

Kansas legislators are considering major changes in a state law governing contract negotiations between teachers and school districts. The state's largest teacher's union is calling it a "war" on educators.

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Former Police Officer, KU Athlete Pleads Guilty To Child Exploitation

A 33-year-old former Wichita police officer and University of Kansas football player has pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation involving a 15-month-old girl.

Gregory Nicks entered his pleas Monday in exchange for the state dropping two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was arrested in his Maize home in November 2011 after his wife called 911 to report the abuse.

Nicks was the Jayhawks' long snapper in 2001 and 2002 and later a Wichita police officer for about three years.

Workshop Teaches Digital Skills For Sharing African-American Culture

A two-day workshop in Wichita will offer skills on how to email, text, tweet and post on Facebook. The workshop is designed to build intergenerational bonds around African-American culture and technology.

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Kansas Snow Melt Helps Soil, Ponds

A new report shows the recent snowfall in Kansas has helped relieve some drought conditions.

Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service says the melting snow has improved soil moisture in parts of the state. Water levels in stock ponds are also showing slight improvement. However, we still need more rain.

Topsoil moisture levels across Kansas are now rated 49 percent short to very short, while subsoil moisture levels are 83 percent short to very short. Stock water supplies are 85 percent short to very short.

Meanwhile, 35 percent of the winter wheat crop is rate in poor to very poor condition. About 41 percent of the wheat is in fair condition, with 23 percent rated good and 1 percent in excellent condition.

When she's not out making lattes in her mobile coffee bus Sunflower Espresso, Kate Hutchens is a fill-in host for KMUW. She has worked in broadcast journalism at KFDI, Oregon Public Broadcasting, and at KMUW as Morning Edition host, which she did until March 2017.