Snow Comes to Eastern Kansas
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - Snowy weather was widespread across eastern Kansas on Friday. Chelsea Picha, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Topeka, said they were tracking two different storm systems in Kansas over the next several days. Portions of central and western Kansas had forecasts for up to four inches of snow, with other areas expecting up to two inches. The National Weather Service cautioned drivers to expect slippery road conditions.
The next round of snow for northeast and east-central Kansas is expected Monday into Tuesday. Monday's forecast includes a nearly 100% chance of snow or rain.
(Read more about expected snowfall in Kansas.)
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Study Group Urges Lawmakers to Increase Special Education Funding
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) – A group created to study special education in Kansas is urging lawmakers to increase funding by nearly $350 million over four years. The Kansas News Service reports that the task force split 6-4 on the recommendation. It echoes Governor Laura Kelly’s plan to bring Kansas into compliance with state law on special education funding. Four Republican lawmakers oppose the move, citing problems with the overall funding formula. Representative Kristey Williams of Augusta says schools get more money for special education than their budgets reflect.
“There is money attributable to special-education students, and we are not counting any of it. We are not counting the local option budget, and that’s just one,” she stated.
The task force recommended further study on how districts provide special-ed services. The group also wants the state to reimburse schools for special-ed costs more quickly.
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Business Lobbying Group Announces Priorities for Coming Legislative Session
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – Tax reform remains a top priority for the Kansas Chamber as lawmakers return to Topeka on Monday, January 8th, for the 2024 session. The Kansas News Service reports that the Kansas Chamber will once again lobby for the passage of a single-rate tax of 5 percent for annual income above $15,000. Proponents say replacing the current multi-tiered tax rate would help taxpayers and the state can afford it. But critics have said the change would favor wealthier people and cost around $1.5 billion in revenue per year. The plan would need a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to override a likely veto from the governor.
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Wastewater Indicates High Levels of COVID-19 Virus in Kansas, Other Midwestern States
UNDATED (Midwest Newsroom) – Kansas is among several Midwestern states where wastewater is showing elevated levels of COVID-19. The Midwest Newsroom reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe virus levels as “very high,” which is an indicator that COVID-19 is spreading again. So far, there has not been a spike in hospital cases. The latest COVID-19 variant accounts for about half of the current COVID-19 cases in the country. The variant is highly infectious, but it does not make most people any sicker. Wastewater testing started in 2020, as an early warning system to alert public health officials about possible outbreaks. The CDC urges people to get tested if they think they may be infected.
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2024 Kansas Legislative Session Begins Monday
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka next week for the start of the 2024 legislative session. The House and Senate are scheduled to gavel in at 2 pm Monday for what is expected to be a largely ceremonial first day.
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Kansas Governor Still Opposed to School Vouchers
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says she will continue to oppose plans to shift state tax dollars to private schools. Republican lawmakers have said they will continue pushing school choice measures when they return to Topeka next week. They got close last year with a plan to let parents open state-sponsored education savings accounts to use at private or home schools. But the Democratic governor has vowed to keep her veto pen handy. Kelly says public schools are crucial to the state’s overall economy and its future. “That’s what Kansans want funded, and that’s what we will continue to do. And I will oppose vouchers, from now until eternity.” Supporters of school choice say Kansas families need alternatives to failing public schools. Opponents say voucher programs hand out tax dollars without much accountability.
One GOP proposal would let parents open state-sponsored education savings accounts to use at private or home schools. The Democratic governor says vouchers don’t make sense because more than half the counties in Kansas don’t have private schools. “It’s just not a good idea. And particularly in a state like Kansas - we are not private school rich. We really don’t, particularly as you get out into our more rural areas," she said. Supporters of school choice say it’s a way to give families more educational freedom. Critics claim there’s no evidence that voucher programs work or that students do better in private schools.
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Advocates Hope to Persuade Legislators to Use Part of State's Budget Surplus to Reduce Disability Services Waiting List
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KNS) – More than 7,000 Kansans with disabilities are on a waitlist to receive state financial support for in-home medical care. The Kansas News Service reports that advocates for Kansans with developmental and physical disabilities say the state has fallen behind on providing financial assistance for in-home services. The money covers services such as a nurse who could help someone using a wheelchair get out of bed. Sara Hart Weir of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities says the state has plenty of funds available in its budget to begin chipping away at the waitlist. “Now is the time, with where our state budget is, to invest in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” she added. Disability rights advocacy groups estimate the state would need to increase funding by roughly $85 million to decrease the waitlist by 20% this year.
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Two Substitute Teachers File Lawsuit Against Lansing School District
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) – Two teachers are suing the Lansing school district in Kansas for alleged free-speech violations. The Kansas News Service reports that Vera Daniels and Celeste Hoins worked as substitute teachers in Lansing until last summer, when the school board fired them. The teachers say it’s because they spoke out against district policies, including book bans and a new Parents’ Bill of Rights. The teachers addressed the board several times during public forums over the past year. Arthur Benson is the teachers’ attorney. He says board members retaliated against them for voicing their opinions.
“They had both been outstanding teachers and in great demand as substitute teachers. Everyone loved them and prized their work,” he added.
Lansing school officials could not be reached for comment. The district has until late February to respond to the lawsuit.
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Entire Kickapoo Reservation Police Force Resigned in December
HORTON, Kan. (WIBW) – Every member of the Kickapoo Tribe Police Department has either walked out or officially resigned. WIBW reports that all members of the police force resigned last month. Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Chairwoman Gail Cheatham told the Horton City Commission on December 18th that the entire department resigned on Monday, December 4, 2023. Cheatham told the commissioners that every single member of the police force walked out, with the exception of one who gave two weeks notice. She said that the tribal council had contacted the Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement Division to request technical assistance and a departmental assessment. When BIA assessors arrived at the station, the police force walked out. Cheatham said that the Brown County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are covering patrols on the reservation, and that the Kickapoo Fire Department will also respond to calls.
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Lawrence Man Sought in Silver Alert Found Safe
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - A Lawrence man has been found safe after going missing Thursday. A statewide Silver Alert was issued for 84-year-old Keith Schmitz, who has dementia. In a press release, the Lawrence Police Department said good Samaritans found Schmitz in his car on the side of the road in Oklahoma and took him to the nearest police station.
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Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas Could See More Days of Extreme Wildfire Risk in Next 100 Years
UNDATED (HPM) – A new study says climate change is increasing the risk of fire in Kansas and nearby states. Harvest Public Media reports that Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas are projected to get 30 more days per year of extreme wildfire risk by the end of this century. The region has already seen more major wildfires in recent decades. In March 2017, a series of blazes burned more than 2 million acres in these states. Changes to the landscape are one reason. For example, junipers are invading prairies and making it harder to control fires. But the new analysis from the Desert Research Institute shows that climate change will exacerbate the problem.
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Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Warns of Scam
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW/KPR) - The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office is warning of a scam that has cheated area residents out of almost 300-thousand dollars. WIBW reports that the scammers call mostly elderly residents, posing as an attorney representing their grandchild who has been involved in a collision or a crime. In a press release, Sheriff Brian Hill says the scammer then directs the victim to withdraw a large amount of cash, which is either picked up by someone posing as a courier or the victim is instructed to ship the cash through the mail or other shipping service. The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office says people who receive a scam call should contact law enforcement.
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KU Study Shows Diversity of Plant Species Important for Soil Health, Higher Crop Yields
LIBERAL, Kan. (KNS) – A study at the University of Kansas shows that diverse plant species produce higher yields and better soil health.
Kansas is known for its vast fields of singular grain crops. But the Kansas News Service reports that a new study on prairie plants shows having diverse crops slows the spread of pathogens that can lead to crop failure. Agronomy scientists have believed this for years, and now they say the research provides concrete evidence that more innovation in industrial farming is needed. James Bever, an author of the study, says the results show that monoculture planting could leave current and future crops vulnerable.
“What's unique about our study is how strong the evidence that we found and how fast it happens that we get these pathogens building up very quickly,” Bever explained.
Bever says focusing on diverse species could save farms money on pesticides and tillage.
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Chiefs, Royals Committed to Jackson County Amid Questions over Future Stadiums
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals announced Friday that both franchises would remain in Jackson County, where Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums are located, if voters there approve the extension of an existing sales tax that has long paid for their upkeep.
The stadiums, which opened in the early 1970s, are located at the Truman Sports Complex and have been tied to each other through lease agreements with the county for the past five decades. But with the current lease expiring in 2030-31, both teams are planning for the future of their facilities, and the Royals have indicated they want a new downtown ballpark.
They would use the extended sales tax to help fund it while the Chiefs would use it for Arrowhead Stadium renovations.
The Royals have been considering bids from Jackson County, where a new ballpark would be close to the existing T-Mobile Center and Power & Light entertainment district, and a competing offer from Clay County, which sits across the Missouri River.
“The Chiefs and the Royals have partnered with Jackson County for 50 years in a partnership that has worked well for all constituents,” the teams said. “As part of the proposed agreement between the teams and Jackson County, the teams have agreed to provide more than $200 million in new economic benefits to Jackson County over 40 years in a new lease agreement."
The agreement would alleviate the county's obligation to pay stadium insurance premiums and redirect the park tax back to the county. Meanwhile, the Royals would privately fund a new $1 billion ballpark district around their new facility.
The Jackson County legislature is due to meet Monday, and the Chiefs and Royals will attempt to get the tax on the April ballot. If approved, that would clear the way for both teams to begin planning for construction and renovations.
"The partnership between Jackson County, the Chiefs and Royals has been a tremendous success over the past 50 years, and directly responsible for much of the great momentum our hometown has built," the teams said. “The framework described here is a significant financial benefit for Jackson County, collaboratively built around concerns expressed by the county executive and other local leaders, and provides a further boost to Kansas City and the region for decades to come.”
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Ex-Kansas State Quarterback Will Howard Announces He Is Transferring to Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard announced his intention to transfer to Ohio State on Thursday night, giving the Buckeyes a replacement for Kyle McCord after his own decision to transfer to Syracuse. Howard made the announcement on his social media channels.
Howard has one season of eligibility remaining after he went 12-5 as a starter for the Wildcats, leading them past TCU in the 2022 Big 12 title game and helping them reach the Pop-Tarts Bowl this past season. But with Kansas State expected to turn over its offense to five-star prospect Avery Johnson, who led the Wildcats to a victory in the bowl game, Howard announced he was entering the transfer portal and considered Miami and Southern California before settling on Ohio State. He also considered declaring for the NFL draft before deciding to spend a year with the Buckeyes.
Howard has prototypical NFL size at 6-foot-5, 240-plus pounds, and along with a strong arm the ability to run. He also gives Ohio State some experience, having started 27 games and thrown for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns during his career.
The Buckeyes missed out on the College Football Playoff following their regular-season loss to Michigan, landing them in the Cotton Bowl. McCord's decision to transfer forced them to start Devin Brown against Missouri, and he left in the second quarter with a sprained ankle, forcing Lincoln Kienholz to play the rest of the way in a 14-3 loss.
Johnson threw for 178 yards and two scores, ran for 71 yards and another TD and was voted the MVP of the Pop-Tarts Bowl for helping the Wildcats to a 28-19 victory over North Carolina State.
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KU and K-State Players Named to Associated Press All-Bowl Roster
UNDATED (AP) – The Associated Press has announced its all-bowl team. These players were judged to have turned in notable performances in this season's college football bowl games. Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm, and Cooper Beebe were singled out for their performances.
Wide receivers Lawrence Arnold and Luke Grimm of the Kansas Jayhawks played in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, each scoring three touchdowns in Kansas’ 49-36 triumph over UNLV. Grimm had four receptions for 160 yards. Arnold caught six passes for 132 yards.
Cooper Beebe, an AP All-America first-team guard who opted to play for Kansas State (No. 25 CFP) in its 28-19 victory over No. 19 North Carolina State (No. 18) in the Pop Tarts Bowl rather than getting a head start on draft preparation, paved the way for Kansas State to gain 435 total yards, including 257 rushing.
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Blaine Gabbert to Make First NFL Start Since 2018 as Playoff-Bound Chiefs Face Chargers
UNDATED (AP) – Sunday might be an opportunity to gauge how devoted Taylor Swift is as a football fan.
One of the few pressing questions going into the AFC West matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers is whether the megastar entertainer decides to take in the regular-season finale at SoFi Stadium, where she performed six sold-out shows on her Eras Tour in late July and early August.
If Swift shows up, she might see something resembling a preseason game — with boyfriend Travis Kelce on the sideline.
With the Chiefs (10-6) locked into the third seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes won't get a chance until next season to see if he can get his ninth win in 11 starts against the Chargers. Blaine Gabbert will be making his first start since 2018, when he was with the Tennessee Titans.
This will be the 49th start for Gabbert, who has played for six teams in 12 seasons.
Gabbert said he doesn't expect many changes with him running the offense.
“We run coach (Andy) Reid’s offense, and ultimately, that’s what we’re going to run. Every quarterback is different, every quarterback does things differently, some things better than others et cetera, et cetera,” Gabbert said. "We’re just going to run our offense. Hopefully throw to the open guy, run the ball well and score some points.”
Along with Mahomes, the Chiefs could rest several other key players, and potentially cost them some significant milestones.
Kelce needs 16 receiving yards to extend his club record and the NFL record for a tight end with his eighth consecutive 1,000-yard season. Wide receiver Rashee Rice needs 58 yards receiving to break Dwayne Bowe’s franchise rookie record. And defensive tackle Chris Jones needs a half-sack to trigger a $1.25 million bonus for reaching 10 on the season.
Reid will not be sitting all of his starters, and he knows there are some meaningful numbers at stake.
“It depends on what the milestone is. We’ll see how all that goes," Reid said.
The Chargers (5-11) have dropped four straight and seven of their last eight. They are locked into a top-eight draft pick while they search for a new coach and general manager. Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.
In the midst of one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the Bolts would like to end on a winning note for interim coach Giff Smith.
“The motivation to get ready for this game is not an issue. You have seen these last two games, these guys have come out and played hard. We just have to find a way to get over the hump," Smith said. "As far as anything personal goes, that’s kind of irrelevant to me right now. I want to do right by these guys and the organization and go out there and beat Kansas City.”
STICKING WITH IT
Easton Stick is looking for his first win as a starting quarterback. The fifth-year player, who took over when Justin Herbert broke his right index finger during the second quarter against Denver on Dec. 10, was unable to get the Chargers into the end zone in last week's 16-9 loss to the Broncos. On the bright side, Stick hasn't committed a turnover the last two weeks.
Stick had three giveaways in his first start at Las Vegas on Dec. 14. He has completed 68% of his passes with three touchdowns and an interception.
“You do this because you want to play, you want to compete, and that’s what you miss when you’re not in there," Stick said. "It’s been a blast, every minute of it — the ups and downs. It’s been awesome. Like I said, I’m really grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to ending it the right way.”
THE OTHER BACKUP
Gabbert is a known quantity, but his backup for the game, Chris Oladokun, is hardly a household name. He played at South Florida and Samford before ending his college career at South Dakota State, and was a seventh-round pick by Pittsburgh in the 2022 draft. Oladokun was released in August, signed with Kansas City and has been on the Chiefs' practice squad ever since.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker was voted the AFC special teams player of the week after going 6 for 6 on field goals to match a career best in last week’s 25-17 win over the Bengals. Butker scored 18 straight points, allowing Kansas City to rally from an early deficit and clinch its eighth consecutive division title.
DIVISION WOES
One of the priorities for the Chargers' new coach and GM should be improving the team's performance in the division. The Bolts are an AFC West-worst 23-42 since 2013, when Telesco was hired. The Chiefs are 50-15 against division opponents that span, which encompasses Reid's entire tenure.
Los Angeles has dropped four straight in AFC West games, is on an eight-game losing streak on the road and hasn't defeated the Chiefs on its home field since 2013. That includes games in San Diego, both of the Chargers’ venues in Los Angeles and a 2019 game in Mexico City where they were the home team.
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This summary of area news is curated by KPR news staffers, including J. Schafer, Laura Lorson, and Kaye McIntyre. Our headlines are generally posted by 10 am weekdays and updated throughout the day. These ad-free headlines are made possible by KPR members. Become one today. You can also follow KPR News on Twitter.