This week – January 24, 2013:
DEFENDING KEMPER
A group has formed with the goal of keeping Kemper Arena intact. The American Royal Association hopes to demolish the 38-year old facility and build a coliseum-like structure to house agricultural and horse shows year-round. Kemper has struggled as a mainstream entertainment venue since the opening of the Sprint Center downtown.
American Royal Officials wonder where the Kemper supporters were when Sprint was going on the ballot.
Gun Control
The Johnson County Sheriff says gun control is like unilateral disarmament and that the founders are probably ‘spinning in their graves.” Frank Denning says he will not support or enforce any law that restricts the gun rights of tax-paying, law-abiding citizens.
A new survey shows that 60 percent of high school and college students plan to own a gun (or think about it) when they purchase a home.
AND AWAY WE GO!
Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders has refined his plans for a county-wide transit system that would include tracks, buses, biking paths and more. The cost of 650 million dollars would be paid by a one-cent sales tax.
A SECOND “FIRST”
America’s first black president is serving his second term. Barack Obama was sworn in on the day when the nation celebrated the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
ROASTS AND TOASTS
