Stormy Weather Threatens Multiple Counties
DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) _The National Weather Service issued tornado watches yesterday (SAT) for two dozen counties in Kansas. Earlier this week a strong storm system churned up several tornadoes in Kansas, including one that damaged some homes near the tiny town of Republic just south of the Nebraska state line. Flood warnings also have been issued for the Little Blue River near Barnes and the Big Blue River near Marysville in the northern part of the state.
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Schools Feel the Impact of Education Funding Changes
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Public school districts across Kansas are cutting programs, shedding jobs, and ending the school year early due to the state's new school funding law. Meanwhile, conservative Republican officials behind the new law, call the funding approach a generous step forward for education. Supporters contend that the law provides stability for the state's 286 school districts and will boost total state aid. They also say districts are getting far more money now than they did during the 2013-14 school year. But new law slashed over $50 million in funding that the districts were counting on for the current school year. As a result, at least eight Kansas districts are ending the school year early. The Kansas Association of School Boards reports that at least two dozen are considering spending cuts or property tax increases.
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Construction Begins on Daycare Center for Topeka Homeless
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ A Topeka homeless shelter has started work on a $3.6 million day care facility. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that children from the Topeka Rescue Mission participated in a groundbreaking Friday for the Children's Palace. It will provide daytime care to homeless children up to age 5. Children's ministry director Jessica Hosman says the Children's Palace is slated to be completed in April 2016. It will serve up to 124 children. The day care is part of a building campaign that also will include new shelter space and a renovation of the current shelter to house a larger adult training area, kitchen and medical clinic. The final phase will be an addition to the Children's Palace that will house after-school and summer programs for school-aged children.
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Suspect Sought in Wichita Teen's Death
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) _ Wichita police are investigating after a 17-year-old was shot and killed while attending a family event in the southeast part of the city. The Wichita Eagle reports that the shooting happened early Saturday at a venue that is rented for parties. Wichita police Lieutenant James Espinoza says the teen was dead when officers arrived. The teen's name wasn't immediately released. Police are trying to identify a suspect.
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Kansas Doctor Sentenced for Fraud
SAN ANTONIO (AP) _ A Kansas doctor who formerly worked at a San Antonio military medical center has been sentenced to six years in prison for Army contract fraud. A warrant has been issued for ex-Army physician Heidi Webster of Manhattan, Kansas. Webster failed to show up for sentencing Friday in federal court in San Antonio. A judge also ordered Webster to repay nearly $614,000. Webster and retired Army Master Sergeant Lawrence Peter Fenti of New Braunfels pleaded guilty in 2014 to conspiracy and bribery counts. Fenti formerly was chief administrator for Brooke Army Medical Center's radiology department, where Webster worked. Prosecutors say the pair provided false information to fraudulently secure military contracts for two Kansas companies run by Webster. Last September, Fenti was sentenced to four years in prison.
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