photo by: Richard Gwin

Contractors, cities and counties on Thursday tried to slam the brakes on a proposal by House Republican leaders that would divert $350 million in highway funds to pay for a cut in the state income tax.

photo by: Karrey Britt

Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, center, visits with advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities after a town hall meeting about the state's plan to privatize the Medicaid system Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, at Holiday Inn Lawrence. Rep. TerriLois Gregory, R-Baldwin City, also was among the approximately 150 people in attendance.

State Rep. Anthony Brown's redistricting plan puts Douglas County in the massive 1st Congressional District.

photo by: Richard Gwin

Work continues on the new Bowersock Mills & Power Co. hydroelectric power plant on the north bank of the Kansas River. Construction is expected to be complete sometime in 2013. The plant will operate in conjunction with the 1800s-era plant that Bowersock owns on the south bank of the river. The new plant is expected to produce enough electricity to power about 3,300 homes per year.

photo by: Richard Gwin

Gerald Pine waters geraniums Thursday at Howard Pine’s Garden Center, 1320 N. Third St.