BY ANDY TAYLOR

INDEPENDENCE — Gabe Schenk will take his first steps into kindergarten next week, but he’s already got enough book smarts to make him a college-educated scientist.

That’s because Schenk, age 5, has the makings of a true meteorologist.

And, he’ll be glad to tell you all about his weather knowledge.

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BY ANDY TAYLOR

INDEPENDENCE — Plans calling for the merger of the Extension districts in Montgomery, Crawford and Labette counties cleared a hurdle Monday when Montgomery County commissioners gave a temporary blessing to the merger.

Commissioners will ask county counselor Paul Kritz to read the proposed merger agreement. Should Kritz declare the agreement to be legally suitable, then commissioners will approve the merger agreement at their Aug. 23 meeting.
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