State office building named after Eisenhower

Topeka — A Topeka office building purchased by the state in 1999 is being renamed after Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th U.S. president.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Thursday the former Security Benefit Group building, known as the Harrison Center since the state acquired it five years ago, is being named the Dwight D. Eisenhower State Office Building.

Eisenhower, who was raised in Abilene, served as president from 1953 to 1961. He signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 that created the nation’s vast interstate highway network.

“President Eisenhower led the world in the battle to defeat fascism in World War II, then came home and changed the face of America by creating the greatest transportation system the world has ever known,” Sebelius said.

The Eisenhower office building has been renovated and will be the new home of the Kansas Department of Transportation, which began moving into the facility this spring.

Nothing found at dig site

Topeka — Nearly a week after authorities armed with a search warrant descended on a farm in far southwestern Kansas, nothing has been found, according to a spokesman for Kansas Atty. Gen. Phill Kline.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Whitney Watson said.

Kline has said officials from several law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant Oct. 8 in Morton County, blocking off roads and keeping the media at bay.

The digging by law officials on the farm fueled speculation, but Kline has refused to reveal what the search in Richfield is for.

On Thursday, Watson declined to provide any details either, but said the search had been postponed for the past several days because of rain.

Friends of the Kaw present ‘a repast’

Kansas City, Kan. — The Friends of the Kaw organization will sponsor a “Taste of Lewis and Clark” by the campfire at the historic campsite from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the new Lewis and Clark Historic Park in the Fairfax district of Kansas City, Kan.

The event will include a performance by Lewis and Clark re-enactors at Kaw Point. Friends of the Kaw suggests a donation of $25 per person for dinner and drinks, which will go to benefit the Kansas Riverkeeper/Friends of the Kaw organizations. Reservations must be made by Saturday, with Laura Calwell at (913) 963-3460.

For directions to the historic park, go to www.lewisandclarkwyco.org. In case of inclement weather, the event will be at 5610 W. 61st Terrace in Mission; call (913) 677-5854.