Thursday, February 4, 2010

Former Teacher Faces Sex Crime Allegations

A former Liberal teacher makes his first court appearance following sex crime allegations. Jason Brown, 26, faces three charges of indecent liberties with a child. Brown taught at South Middle School before resigning last month.

The criminal complaint alleges that he inappropriately touched a teenage girl on three different occasions between October and December. Brown is being held at the Seward County Jail on $150,000 bond. His next hearing is scheduled for February 24th.

Dodge City Man Pleads No Contest In Son's Death

A Dodge City man pleads no contest in the death of his infant son. Francisco Pablo-Bicente, 33, entered the plea Wednesday in the July 2008 death of Juan Pablo-Tino.

An autopsy showed the boy had several blunt-force injuries, including broken bones. Pablo-Bicente was originally charged with first-degree murder, but the charge was reduced to second-degree murder in the plea agreement.

Senators To Schools: Use Tax Dollars For Classrooms

Kansas state senators say local school districts should not use state tax dollars to sue the state for more tax dollars. The measure comes after a coalition of school districts, including Dodge City public schools, are trying to get more school funding amidst the widespread budget crunches. Resolution supporters think tax dollars should be put into classrooms and not a lawsuit.

Local District Looks For Cost-Cutting Ideas

A four-day week and an eight-month school year are two ideas that could save a Western Kansas school district some money. A special committee made the recommendations to the Cimarron school board at a recent meeting.

Several area districts already have a four-day week, but few are as large as Cimarron, which has nearly 700 students. Board members do not plan on taking any action until more information is available. Short-term cost-cutting measures include reducing natural gas consumption and eliminating the staff appreciation dinner, a $2,000 expense.

More Snow Falls In Western Kansas

Just when roads and sidewalks were beginning to clear from last week's weather, a fresh layer of snow hits much of Western Kansas. It was enough for many schools to cancel or delay school today. In Garden City -- snow fell throughout the morning, adding up to three to four inches by noon. Area residents are getting lots of use out of their snow shovels this winter. Last year, it didn't snow until the blizzard in late March.