News

When we hear the word “noise,” we think annoyance and distraction. And that makes perfect sense. Noise is essentially interference, something that disrupts our experience with everything from radios and televisions to images on digital cameras. But our ears have a unique relationship with colorful noise.

In his novel The Godfather, Mario Puzo used his life in New York, his penetrating imagination, and some kind of exotic material for polishing prose to reveal the world of the Mafia. In that world, the reader observes the coming of age of Michael Corleone, as he reluctantly confronts his complicated fate as a gangster. This leads him down the path to self-betrayal.

Sedgwick county residents Thursday had a second chance to publicly voice concerns about the recommended 2013 budget.

About 50 people gathered in the commission chambers at the county court house to listen and express concerns about proposed cuts outlined in the county manager’s 2013 recommended budget.

The budget includes broad cuts to eliminate the $9.3 million deficit, including funding reductions to the County Extension Center and 4-H programs, Judge Riddel Boy’s Ranch, senior centers and the Sedgwick County Zoo.

A mix-up at a polling place in Topeka could affect the outcome of two Republican primary elections for seats in the Kansas House. At least 80 voters were given the wrong ballots.

The victor in one of the affected House races won by just 41 votes.

Democrats in the Legislature say they are in a good position to pick up some seats in the fall election.

In this week’s primary elections, conservative Republicans beat more moderate candidates in many races.

Democrats say that could affect their chances in the fall election.

The nation’s chief agricultural negotiator plans to meet with Kansas producers to talk about trade issues.

Isi Siddiqui is a presidential appointee in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He planned several stops in Kansas today to discuss efforts to bring down trade barriers and increase U.S. farm exports.

In Johnson County, Siddiqui is to tour Bayer Animal Health Company and Kansas State University’s research lab. He also plans to tour the Cargill Innovation Center in Wichita and host a roundtable meeting with the Wichita Agribusiness Council.

The City of Wichita anticipates a quarter million dollars in projected hotel cash flow from the city-owned downtown Hyatt as part of the proposed 2013-14 budget.

Wichita City Manager Bob Layton gave an overview of the proposed budget as part of a formal public hearing during Tuesday’s city council meeting.  Layton told council members one issue that helped shape the budget has to do with the Hyatt.

“This budget anticipates for the first time, a revenue flow to the city from the Hyatt operations,” said Layton.

Marc Bennett won the Republican primary for Sedgwick County district attorney over Kevin O’Connor.  There was no Democratic candidate.

Karl Peterjohn kept his seat on the Sedgwick County Commission winning over Wichita City Council member Jeff Longwell.

Jeff Easter defeated incumbent Bob Hinshaw in the Republican primary for Sedgwick County sheriff.

I recently attended one of the most avant-garde art events I've seen in Wichita for some time. This event brought together local art, music, and food trucks to Abode Venue for a dynamic night of cutting edge culture.