Sports: Indians stay alive at state baeball tourney See B1
The Weekender Saturday, August 1, 2015
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Governor spells out budget cuts Street By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican Gov. Sam Brownback tinkered Thursday with Kansas’ budget to keep it in balance, announcing $63 million in changes that he said should have little effect on the public. Brownback took advantage of unanticipated federal funds and lower-than-expected spending by state agencies to lessen the chance of a deficit
next year. Top Republican legislators praised his actions, but Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat, called them “gimmicks” that don’t address the state’s underlying financial problems. Brownback said in an exclusive telephone interview with The Associated Press that his goal is to ensure that the state maintains a small cushion of cash reserves in its main bank account without any effects on
government services. Budget director Shawn Sullivan had a Statehouse news conference Thursday to unveil the budget changes; Brownback met with business leaders in Wichita. “It’s more efficiencies of government,” Brownback said. “We need to be as efficient as we can. It’s a neverending process.” The state’s budget problems arose after GOP lawmakers cut personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s
urging in an effort to stimulate the economy. A budget-balancing plan approved by lawmakers last month allowed them to preserve the bulk of the income tax cuts but increased sales and cigarette taxes. House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs, a Kansas City Democrat, said the state needs “sustainable revenue” rather than one-time budget fixes. Senate Minority Leader See BUDGET | Page A3
FAIR FUN WINDS DOWN
The Allen County Fair action reached a crescendo Thursday with the Barnyard Olympics, top, which featured contestants attempting to catch Cheetos with their heads lathered in shaving cream. At far left, Levi Meiwes attempts to break a water balloon between his legs. At top middle, Jillian Keller leads her steer through the livestock auction. At bottom middle, Emily McKarnin attempts to stuff marshmallows in her mouth. The fair ends tonight with a mud run at Wide Open Speed Park.
effort begins Iola’s annual chip-seal maintenance of streets is scheduled to begin next week, perhaps as early as Monday. Street and Alley Department workers will apply oil, covered with a layer of rock, on streets north of U.S. 54 and west of Cottonwood Street. Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock urged motorists in the northwest part of town to avoid parking along the street until after that area has been chip-sealed. Vehicles that are an obstruction will be towed. Residents also are discouraged from mowing in such a manner that would put lawn clippings onto the roadway before the chipseal application. Schinstock expects the project to take two to three weeks.
Foster rules loosened By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas Department of Children and Families official said Friday that the state will continue to allow qualified single adults to serve as foster parents for abused and neglected children, but she said her agency isn’t ready to say whether it will allow married same-sex couples to do so. The department has See FOSTER | Page A3
REGISTER/RICK DANLEY
Kansas program touts ag opportunity By KAYLA BANZET The Iola Register
Kansas is not just a flyover state and Stacy Mayo along with From the Land of Kansas is determined to prove it. Mayo, From the Land of Kansas director, spoke at See, Hear Iola Friday to explain how the program works for Kansans. She joined the program in November 2013. Mayo grew up in Garden City with small business owners as parents. She graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications and journalism and minored in agribuisness and animal sci-
See, Hear Iola ence and industry. From the Land of Kansas began in 1988 and was housed under the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Though it has made some housing, trademark name and logo changes the program was revamped on Jan. 29, 2013 (Kansas’ birthday) and was launched to companies and potential member companies. Mayo said the program is similar to a three-legged stool. The first part of the program is the members. See KANSAS | Page A4
Quote of the day Vol. 117, No. 187
Bargain hunters abound
Iola’s annual Sidewalk Sale kicked off with glorious weather Friday morning in downtown Iola. Here, Brandi Spainhoward sorts through garments while she shops outside Audacious Boutique. The Sidewalk Sale continues today. REGISTER/SARAH WEIDE
“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” — Maya Angelou 75 Cents
Hi: 90 Lo: 67 Iola, KS