Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sheriff Deputies Can't Say 'No' To Casino

Finney County law enforcement takes a big hit, as the sheriff department loses three deputies to the new Boot Hill Casino.

Two deputies from the gang unit and one from patrol were lured away by the Dodge City casino to work as security guards. For them it's a pay increase and an opportunity to work for the state. For the sheriff's department, it puts them in a tough position.

They will have to shift around personnel to fill voids in certain areas, and because there's a potential for job cuts in 2011, hiring freezes were made on two of the positions.

Garfield Project On Schedule

The new high school may be getting all the attention, but another big project that Garden City voters approved last November is moving right on schedule.

The school board heard this week that the new addition to Garfield Elementary is making good progress. It's scheduled to be completed next July, and be ready for the upcoming school year.

The building will eventually become a centralized early childhood development center for the district in 2012, once the new high school is completed. Until then, it will be shared by both elementary and preschool students.

Parkinson, Taiwanese President Talk Beef

Governor Mark Parkinson met with Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou to discuss relaxing some current restrictions on Kansas beef exports to Taiwan. It was one of several topics the two leaders discussed. They also spoke about advancing business ties between Kansas and the Asian country.

Taiwan was the 16th largest market for Kansas products in 2008. They're also the second largest consumer of US agricultural products per capita.