Republican Leaders Expect to Approve Plans Addressing State Budget Deficit
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Republican leaders expect two Kansas legislative committees to approve plans next week for closing a projected $190 million deficit in the state's next budget. The House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means committees will be starting from GOP Governor Sam Brownback's proposals for juggling funds and capturing unanticipated savings.
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Vehicle Accident Kills Fort Riley Soldier in Iraq
FORT RILEY, Kan. (AP) _ Authorities say a 30-year-old soldier from Fort Riley has died in a vehicle accident in Iraq. Fort Riley said in a release Friday that Sergeant Joseph Stifter of Glendale, California died Thursday. Stifter was a field artillery cannon crewmember. Stifter is survived by his wife, daughter, mother and father.
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New Catholic Elementary School to open in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is opening a city school for the first time in more than 70 years. The Kansas City Star reports the Bright Futures Fund, which raises money for schools in the diocese, is acquiring the Derrick Thomas Academy charter school building as the future home of a new Catholic elementary school.
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Downtown Kansas City Revitalization Continues
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Dozens of underused or empty office buildings in downtown Kansas City are being converted to residential space, adding more life to efforts to revitalize the once-dormant area. Downtown Council vice president Sean O'Bryne tells the Kansas City Star at last two dozen downtown buildings have already been reused and another dozen are in progress to become housing or hotels. He hopes six to 10 more buildings will eventually be added to the list.
