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Top Morning News 10.17.12

Kansas Officials Defend Proposed Science Standards

Kansas officials involved in drafting proposed science standards have disputed an Emporia State University biology professor’s criticism of the guidelines as weak.

Matt Krehbiel is the state Department of Education official overseeing work on the standards for Kansas public schools. Krehbiel said Tuesday the goal is to concentrate on important core, scientific concepts. And State Board of Education Chair David Dennis said he thinks the work is moving in the right direction.

Emporia State professor John Richard Schrock said earlier Tuesday the proposed standards don’t have enough material on such subjects as botany, zoology and microbiology.

Kansas is working with 25 other states and the National Research Council on common standards for possible adoption in their public schools.

The state board of Education heard an update Tuesday.


New Kansas Driver’s License Is Harder To Fake

Kansas has unveiled a new driver’s license. The update includes new holograms and hidden images that can only be seen under an ultraviolet light. The improved security measures are aimed at fighting counterfeiters.

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Applications For Kansas Court Vacancy Due Nov. 14

Attorneys and lower-court judges in Kansas have until November 14 to apply for a seat on the state Court of Appeals.

A statewide nominating commission is taking applications for the position formerly held by Chief Judge Richard Greene, who died last week.

The commission will interview the candidates and pick three finalists for Governor Sam Brownback to consider. No dates for the interviews have been scheduled.

Commission members are also reviewing applications for the Court of Appeals seat that will become vacant in January, when Judge Christel Marquardt plans to retire.

The commission has received 21 applications for Marquardt’s seat, including one from Caleb Stegall, the governor’s chief counsel. Interviews with those applicants are scheduled for November 13 and 14.


Sen. Steve Abrams Running For Senate President

State Senator Steve Abrams of Arkansas City says he plans to run for president of the Kansas Senate.

Abrams, a Republican who has represented the 32nd District since 2008, says he would champion conservative principles if he is chosen Senate president. He promised to insist on civility while working with Gov. Sam Brownback and the House to promote a conservative agenda.

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Valley Center To Host Vietnam Memorial

Valley Center is making last-minute preparations to host the granite replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The famous “Moving Wall” will be escorted by American Legion riders tomorrow morning into Valley Center’s Lions Park. The memorial will be open 24 hours a day until it leaves Monday afternoon. The half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., has been touring the country for more than 20 years. It bears all of the names. 

American Legion volunteers are providing 24-hour security.  The memorial honors the U.S. servicemen and women who served in the Vietnam War and bears the names of the more than 58,000 killed in the conflict.