Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Dodge City Cheese Factory Finds Major Support

The efforts to bring a large cheese factory to Dodge City gets a big boost of support from the state. Dodge City Cheese was awarded $12.6 million in tax-exempt bonds. It's a decision that makes the plant one step closer to reality.

The company holds an option to purchase a vacant building in the city's industrial park and build a new plant on 26 acres of land for cheese production. The company would employ 350 people during the 18 months of construction and 100 people once the plant opens.

Alleged Illegal Practice Forces Coach To Resign

A Dodge City coach resigns among allegations that he violated a rule enforced by the Kansas High School Athletic Association.

Justin Burke has spent the past five years as the head football coach and head track coach at Dodge City High School. The school board met Monday night to discuss the violation and later accepted Burke's resignation.

The district would not release the details of the violation. However, Burke acknowledged in a statement that the alleged violation was an illegal practice. This year, the Dodge City Red Demons enjoyed their most successful football season since 1994.

Driving Range Re-named In Memory Of Student

The name of Holcomb's driving range is changing in memory of a former student. The Holcomb Driving Range will now be known as the Tanner Dean Born Memorial Driving Range.

Tanner Born graduated from Holcomb High School last year and died in December. He was pursuing a lifetime career in golf. At Monday night's meeting, the Holcomb school board unanimously voted to make the change.

Grant Will Restore Tribune's Carnival

A Western Kansas town is one of six across the state that will receive a grant for parks and recreation improvements.

The city of Tribune was awarded $59,000 to restore its community carnival. A total of a half-million dollars was granted to six small towns in various Kansas regions. The Tribune community is committing volunteer time, labor, and materials towards their project.

Consolidation Could Save Millions, Have Major Impact on WKS

A recent audit on school consolidation could have a major impact on school districts in Western Kansas. The report suggests millions of dollars could be saved through district consolidation. A small- and large-scale scenario was given. The first scenario would eliminate 27 districts, saving $18 million annually.

The large-scale scenario would completely overhaul the school system, wiping out 141 districts and saving the state $138 million a year. That plan would affect nearly every district in Western Kansas. No decision is expected to be made anytime soon.