Death Penalty for Sheriff’s Killer
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Scott Cheever, who showed little emotion as he talked about killing Sheriff Matt Samuels, kept the same stoic expression Thursday when a jury recommended he die for the murder..

Kansas Nanny State funding continues to grow
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Higher tobacco taxes would raise nearly $52 million, and the plan would rely on nearly $74 million in federal funds. The state would have to find an additional $34 million and the authority said possibilities could include special "lifestyle" taxes on items such as soda or junk food.

The Collectivism of Kansas
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In case you don't recognize it, the name for what the governor espouses is collectivism. Collectivism places the interests of the state above the interests of individuals. It says that man exists not for his own end, but instead exists to serve the state, and the state's needs outweigh all others. If your goals are in harmony with the state's goals, and if you are willing to condone a coercive state pursuing those goals through force, that's good for you.

Petition approved for Planned Parenthood Grand Jury
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Enough valid signatures have been collected to convene a grand jury to investigate Planned Parenthood of Overland Park, the Johnson County election office reported Friday.

Sunflower Electric, lawmakers go on offensive over coal plants
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Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, and House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, also have weighed in with an “open letter” critical of the Sebelius administration’s decision on the coal plants.

Embarq to cut 1,000 jobs
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Embarq Corp. is cutting about 1,000 jobs as it relies on streamlining and more aggressive marketing to counter a soft economy and cutthroat competition.

Southern Johnson County residents speak out against annexation
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“If homeowners had sought to become a part of the city or even had a say in the process, this would be acceptable. Instead, Overland Park has made up its mind,” said Norman Pishny, secretary/treasurer of the anti-expansion coalition. “We’re hoping that the Johnson County Commission doesn’t go for Overland Park’s annexation without representation.”

Sheriff to break ground on $60 million jail, County to break bank
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By adding 554 beds to its jail near Gardner, Johnson County will have 1,088 beds — enough to edge out Sedgwick County by 20 beds, sheriff’s spokesman Tom Erickson said Wednesday. The new beds are to open in April 2009. Operating costs for a 554-bed facility will be around $35 million per year. Private outsourcing of inmates would have costs between $10-15 million per year and venture capital used to build the facility. Taxes will continue to skyrocket in Johnson County.

Inmate's death thought to be homicide
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The death of a Hutchinson Correctional Facility inmate on Sunday is being investigated as a homicide, authorities announced. The case is being investigated the KBI and Reno County Sheriff’s Office.

Inmate escapes from jail
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A prisoner wanted for crimes in Nebraska, Illinois and Kansas escaped from the Geary County Detention Center early Thursday.