We’re counting down the top five stories on various topics today as part of an annual recap of the top stories of the year we’ll do later this month. Join the conversation by letting us know what we missed or what stories you think are important by posting a comment, below.5. Sunflower still won’t be able to build coal-fired power plants in Kansas
The fight over two proposed coal-burning electric power plants in southwest Kansas took up much of the Legislature’s time. Environmentalists condemned the project for its carbon dioxide emissions, but supporters said it would provide needed energy and help the economy. The plants remain on the drawing boards as the fight moves to the Kansas Supreme Court.4. Kathleen Sebelius’ national stature rises
The political fortunes of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius fueled speculation nearly all year. Sebelius, a rising star in the Democratic Party, was reported to have been one of the finalists to run as vice president with Barack Obama, who eventually picked Joe Biden. She then was mentioned as a possible Cabinet appointee, but then announced she would stay in Kansas to tackle the state’s worsening budget problem.3. Boyda one of few incumbent Democrats to lose
U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda, whose district includes west Lawrence, was one of only a few Democratic incumbents defeated in the November election. Boyda had won the 2nd District seat in 2006 by upsetting five-term Republican incumbent Jim Ryun. She was defeated in her re-election bid by Republican Lynn Jenkins, the state’s treasurer.2. State budget falls apart
State revenues started collapsing as the national recession deepened. Lawmakers faced a $140 million deficit in the current fiscal year, which could increase to $1 billion next year. Kansas leaders predicted painful budget cuts.1. NBAF comes to Kansas
In December, Kansas State University in Manhattan won a contest against several other sites for a federal biosecurity lab called the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. State leaders said NBAF would make Kansas a global research center on animal disease.