PSU, Chamber host legislative send-off
PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and Pittsburg State University hosted the annual legislative send-off at the Wilkinson Alumni Center on the PSU campus Friday afternoon, The Pittsburg Morning Sun reported.
State Representatives Ken Collins (R-2) and Chuck Smith (R-3) and Senator Tim Shallenburger (R-13) were in attendance to share their views and answer questions about the legislative session.
The key points of discussion centered on the Pittsburg Chamber’s four stated priorities: Medicaid expansion; continued expansion of U.S. 69; increased investment in Pittsburg State University; and investment in childcare and education.
LCHS students perform at Citrus Bowl
ALTAMONT — The Labette County High School All-American cheer and dance teams traveled to Orlando, Fla., to perform New Year’s Day at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, The Parsons Sun reports. The girls performed a routine during the pre-game show with over 700 other cheerleaders, dancers and mascots from across the country. During halftime, they performed another routine with Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw.
Owens gives preview of plans
NEWTON — Changes to tax law should be a major issue this year at the state house, according to Harvey County Now. That was the opinion of State Rep. Stephen Owens, who gave a preview of his plans and work for the 2024 Kansas Legislative Session.
“I envision we’ll see very similar to that bill that passed last year,” he said. The previous bill that passed the legislature, but lacked enough votes to overcome Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto, set state income tax at 5.15 percent, regardless of income level.
Kansas currently taxes those making under $30,000 at a rate of 3.1 percent; those between $30,000 and $60,000 at 5.25 percent; and those making over $60,000 at 5.7 percent.
Nutrition On The Square opens in Girard
GIRARD — The Girard Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting Friday for a new business in Girard’s historic downtown square area, The Pittsburg Morning Sun reports.
The chamber and townspeople celebrated the opening of a new health food store — Nutrition On The Square — owned and operated by Cath Amick, at 124 E. Forest Ave., in the former Girard Press building.
Amick said that owning a business in Girard has been a goal of hers.
“I’ve been wanting to be here for a long time,” she said. “It’s super exciting. I feel like we’ll be able to be part of the community more as a whole.”
Amick added that she started her career in healthy living in her home state of California. The health food store offers a wide array of shakes, teas, coffees, and healthy snacks.
