Lawrence Sees Uptick in Resignations of Teachers, Staff
LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - 128 Lawrence school district teachers and staff have resigned so far this school year, up significantly from last year. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that this represents a 27 percent increase over the previous year. Exit interviews indicate that USD 497's budget issues have been a factor in the increase in resignations. The Lawrence school board recently approved $6 million in budget cuts that eliminated 90 positions, including more than 70 teachers.
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Topeka Man Sentenced in Washburn Football Shooting
UNDATED (KPR) - Francisco Mendez of Topeka has been sentenced to life in prison for killing a former Washburn University football players. Mendez was convicted in March of one count of first-degree murder, four counts of attempted first-degree murder, and seven counts of aggravated armed robbery as the result of a shooting in April 2019. Dwane Simmons was killed that night while attending a party to celebrate with his friend and football teammate Corey Ballentine, who had been drafted by the New York Giants earlier in the day. Ballentine was wounded in the shooting and says the bullet is still lodged near his lower back. Ballentine is now a member of the Atlanta Falcons football team.
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New Blue-Green Algae Warnings Issued for Several Kansas Lakes
TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Heading into the Memorial Day weekend, new warnings for blue-green algae have been issued for several Kansas lakes. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks issued new public health advisories for Big Eleven Lake in Wyandotte County and Gathering Pond in Geary County. The warning means that lake water is not safe for pets and livestock to drink and that skin contact should be avoided. Blue-green algae toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. A previous blue-green algae warning for Wyandotte County Lake has been lifted.
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Officials Identity Man Killed in Wichita SWAT Team Standoff
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities have identified a man killed this week following an exchange of gunfire with a Wichita SWAT team during a more than 10-hour standoff. Police say 39-year-old Gregorio Merced Banuelos, of Wichita, died following the shootout. Police have said officers were called to a home in west Wichita early Wednesday after reports of a shooting. They found a woman and a child in the front yard, and officers saw a man run into the home holding a gun as other people inside the house left the residence. After nearly 10 hours, SWAT members went into the home, and police say Banuelos and SWAT members exchanged gunfire in the home's basement. Police say Banuelos was then shot by two SWAT members as he aggressively advanced on other officers.
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Lawmakers Approve $50 Million for Kansas Businesses Restricted over COVID
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is moving to provide $50 million in relief to businesses forced by state or local officials to shut down or restrict their operations during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. The Republican-controlled Legislature on Monday approved a bill setting up the new program and sent it to Democratic Governor Laura Kelly on lawmakers’ last scheduled day in session this year. The measure is aimed at small businesses and would allow them to receive up to $5,000 for 2020 and 2021 if state and local officials imposed COVID-19 restrictions. Many of the restrictions were lifted by the summer of 2020.
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California Couple Gives McPherson College $25 Million Gift
MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — A California couple known for their philanthropy is donating $25 million to McPherson College. Melanie Lundquist announced the gift from her and her husband, Richard, during her commencement address Sunday at the small liberal arts college. The college said the gift will complete a Building Community fundraising campaign started in October 2019. The Lundquists did not attend or graduate from McPherson but have been supporters since 2012. Richard Lundquist owns Continental Development Corporation, a property development firm based in California. The gift is the largest donation in McPherson's 135-year history.