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Senate panel starts shaping budget bill

TOPEKA - A Senate committee began work Wednesday on its version of the year's final spending bill, mostly holding to a course legislators already have set.

That course would provide a modest increase in spending. Projections from legislative researchers suggest lawmakers could face a budget shortfall when they reconvene in 2009.

The bill will complete a budget of almost $13.7 billion. Spending is likely to increase about $500 million, a little less than 4 percent.

The House Appropriations Committee endorsed its own version Tuesday, also in keeping with the path legislators already have set.

Both chambers are expected to debate their rival proposals after legislators return April 30 from their annual spring break.

-- Associated Press

River Festival looking for gas guzzlers

The Wichita River Festival is looking for cars to turn "green."

The festival is sponsoring a contest this year in which Wichitan Johnathan Goodwin will transform a regular gas-guzzling car into a "green" vehicle. The winning overhauled vehicle will be unveiled during the festival's Block Party on May 16.

Goodwin's Wichita business has garnered national attention by making vehicles vastly more fuel efficient.

Registration for the contest is $20 and includes a festival button. It's open to all Kansas residents ages 18 or older. Eligible vehicles must be models from 1978 to 2008.

Registration will be accepted through 5 p.m. April 30. Forms are available online at www.wichitariverfestival.com or at Wichita Festivals Inc., 1820 E. Douglas. For more information, call 316-267-2817.

Denise Neil

Few clues found in house, vehicle arsons

Authorities are investigating a series of arsons in Wichita late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

A vacant house was set on fire at about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 2600 block of South Bennett, southwest of Pawnee and Meridian.

There were no witnesses, Wichita fire Lt. Stuart Bevis said.

Across town, three vehicles were set afire: a pickup at about 1:20 a.m. at 1255 N. River Blvd., another pickup at 3 a.m. at 302 S. Exposition and a van at 3:20 a.m. at 1615 W. Burton.

There are no suspects in any of the arsons, Bevis said. Anyone with information should call the investigations section of the Fire Department at 316-268-4585, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or the arson hotline at 800-KS-CRIME.

Rewards of as much as $5,000 can be given for tips that lead to arrests in arsons, Bevis said.

-- Stan Finger

Health reform update on agenda for forum

Rep. Ty Masterson of Andover and Sen. Peggy Palmer of Augusta will give a legislative update on health reform during a community forum from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday.

The forum, at the Butler County Community Building, 200 N. Griffith in El Dorado, is sponsored by the Butler County Health Department and the Kansas Public Health Association.

-- Eagle staff

Bike-riding camp taking applications

The Independent Living Resource Center is accepting applications until May 1 for the "Lose the Training Wheels" camp for children ages 7 to 18 with disabilities.

The camp will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, May 27-31.

Children with autism, cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities will be taught how to ride a bicycle without training wheels over the five-day period.

The cost is $100 per camper, with scholarships available.

For information or an application, call 316-942-6300.

-- Joe Rodriguez

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