Topeka, Ks - The Kansas Department of Labor reports the state unemployment rate in April was 5.8 percent, a decline from 6.6 percent in March and from 6.3 percent in April 2011. 

Parsons, Ks -  The president of a group spearheading the establishment of a Children’s Museum in Parsons Dan Van Leeuwen, Vice President Tracy Gilmore, Board Member Kirby Ray and Labette County Tourism Director Jim Zaleski  attended a 3-day conference of the Association of Children’s Museums held earlier this month in Portland, Oregon. 

Washington, DC - During the Memorial Day congressional work period, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas will hold a series of Town Hall meetings in the Southeast part of the state to listen to the concerns of Kansans.

Parsons, Ks -  A Delivery truck this (fri.) morning destroyed the big sign at Herrman Lumber Company, 801 South 16^th Street in Parsons. 

Topeka – Big Jay from the University of Kansas, K-State’s Willie the Wildcat and Gus the Gorilla from Pittsburg State University joined Kansas Governor Sam Brownback at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library Thursday to kick off Read Kansas Read. 

Erie, Ks – The regular weekly Neosho County Commission meeting is scheduled from 8-10:30 a.m. today (fri.) at the courthouse in Erie. 

Parsons, Ks – The annual Parsons Chamber of Commerce Golf tournament will take place Saturday at the Katy Golf Course. 

Cherryvale, Ks – The 30^th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is being held Saturday in Logan Park at Cherryvale.