As a Senate committee rejected a cocktail of tax increases aimed at curing the state's recession hangover, Republicans in the House slashed into state spending.

If House Speaker Mike O'Neal, R-Hutchinson, is right in saying there is no rule or law to bar lawyer-legislators from representing parties in lawsuits against the state, the Legislature should pass one.

Six Kansas lawmakers were named Monday to a panel to review an ethics complaint against House Speaker Mike O'Neal, R-Hutchinson. The complaint was filed Friday by House Democratic leaders who accuse O'Neal of having a conflict of interest by representing a coalition of business groups in a lawsuit against the state.

Bethany College in Lindsborg is dealing with a budget deficit. According to the school, officials are dealing with budget pressures, including a deficit in the operating budget.

The private Lutheran college in Lindsborg reports total enrollment of 519 students at the 20-day mark of the spring semester.

Voters in the town of 3,300 will receive ballots in the mail Tuesday and are required to return them to the county clerka TMs office by noon April 6. They will decide whether Lindsborg imposes a net 0.5 percent increase in the local sales tax, increasing the sales tax rate from 7.3 percent to 7.8 percent.

In January, sales tax increases, eliminating sales tax exemptions and increasing sin taxes found only tepid support among lawmakers.

The Senate's budget committee carried over Tuesday a 5 percent salary cut for high-level employees serving in the Kansas legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.

Doug Casebeer has been in the mountains for years, but he continues to be inspired by the Great Plains.

The menu includes homemade chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls and homemade pie and cake.

Bethany Alum and Board Member Sid Stolz '83 has pledged $50,000 for the new chapel, while the remaining $50,000 will be donated by descendants of Swedish immigrants to Lindsborg.

With 12,401 ballots counted, the Kansas Sampler Foundation has announced the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography.

Four-State Lookout, White Cloud N Offers a view of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa from a viewing platform.

At the halfway point of the legislative session, here are some random - and hopefully more than half-baked - thoughts.

The Senate overwhelmingly voted Thursday to impose a 5 percent salary cut for legislators, judges and certain political appointees.