Category Archives: Kansas

Business, Government, Kansas

Nominees For Positive Impact to Communities Being Sought

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Nominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.

“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a busiNominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.

“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

###ness or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

KS to Limit Bradford, Cleveland, Select, Chanticleer Pears Trees Because of Invasivenessss

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KDA Seeks Public Input on Callery Pear Trees

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is requesting public comment on a proposal to limit the number of Callery pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) that are planted in Kansas each year. This includes trees with the names of Bradford, Cleveland Select, Chanticleer, and others.

Because of this tree’s inherent invasiveness and its proven tendency to spread to areas outside of the landscapes in which is planted, KDA is seeking ideas on how to restrict the further introduction of these trees into the state, including a possible quarantine that would restrict new planting or movement of the Callery pear into and within the state of Kansas.

Although KDA recommends the removal of all invasive species found to be growing on public and private lands, this proposal would not include any requirement for the removal of any Callery pear trees that had already been planted. Therefore, listing the species as a noxious weed would not be applicable in this case.

The plant protection and weed control program at KDA is committed to protecting the state’s native and cultivated plants from the introduction and outbreak of harmful plant pests, including insects, plant diseases, weeds, and other organisms.

Provide comment on the idea of restricting the movement of Callery pear trees into and within the state of Kansas at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment.

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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Combating Fentanyl

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Attorney General Kobach Launches Awareness Campaign To Combat Fentanyl Overdose

TOPEKA–(June 12, 2023) Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is asking Kansans to be smart and protect themselves.

“Do not take any pill that you didn’t receive from a doctor of pharmacist,” Kobach says in a public service announcement sent to Kansas television stations for their immediate use.

More than 1,200 Kansans have already died from suspected fentanyl overdoses, and the problem is getting worse. Late last, Lawrence police responded to three fentanyl overdoses in one night. One person died and the others were hospitalized.
Kobach made combatting fentanyl a priority when he campaigned for the office of Kansas Attorney General. Lawmakers enhanced penalties for individuals who sell fentanyl. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations is redirecting some resources to combat the drug, and now the Attorney General is launching a public awareness campaign to warn Kansans of the potential dangers of taking pills that weren’t prescribed to them by a doctor or provided to them by a pharmacist.

“Law enforcement officers frequently tell me that Kansas is in the midst of a fentanyl poisoning wave that hasn’t yet crested. We must do everything we can to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths,” he said.

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (913) 706-6394 [email protected]
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Copyright © *2023* *Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach*, All rights reserved.
Government, Kansas

Creative Placemaking Pilot Program Launched

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Department of Commerce and Patterson Family Foundation Launch Creative Placemaking Pilot Project

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation are pleased to announce the Engaging Placemaking for Innovative Communities (EPIC) pilot program. With a focus on arts-driven community development projects that enhance rural communities and enable additional partnership and connection, EPIC is launching in south-central Kansas under the leadership of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC).

“The arts enrich communities and enhance the quality of life all across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Support from the Patterson Family Foundation is helping us elevate Kansas communities by developing innovative spaces and high-quality, creative destinations that will drive new growth, particularly in rural areas and small towns.”

Groups from Hutchinson, Kingman, Lindsborg, Little River, Lyons, St. John, Stafford and Sterling will participate in the initial EPIC pilot. The program will help connect rural communities to one another, as well as facilitate partnerships with urban and micropolitan communities. The goal is to create a two-way street, where rural communities are uplifted through new, innovative collaborations.

EPIC is designed to strengthen regional connections between community leaders, artists and arts organizations for unexpected and innovative projects that address community challenges. By strategically harnessing resources and increasing partnerships, communities can hone their unique identities to become more competitive as families choose where to put down their roots and do business.

The pilot group was identified through a competitive application process. The EPIC team will work with them through a discovery and project planning phase, then provide technical assistance and support as the project is implemented.

“Artists are experienced creative problem-solvers and critical thinkers,” KCAIC Interim Director Kate Van Steenhuyse said. “EPIC will give communities the opportunity to work through artistic processes to meaningfully engage their communities and explore new possibilities. EPIC positions arts and culture as the backbone for vibrant and welcoming communities in Kansas.”

“We’ve seen before that the arts can help make rural places into destinations,” Patterson Family Foundation President Lindsey Patterson Smith said. “This program has the potential to fuel arts-based, community-driven development, adding to the distinctive character that makes people feel connected to places. We are proud to work with the Kansas Department of Commerce to bring the EPIC program to life in south-central Kansas.”

The south-central pilot communities are participating in engagement sessions this spring to build community development project plans. Projects, co-designed with community members and area artists, will launch in the fall.

To learn more about EPIC, arts-driven community development and creative placemaking strategies, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Government, Kansas

Input For Future Community Development Grants Is Needed

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Department of Commerce Seeking Community Input for Future CDBG Projects

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, needs input regarding how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is distributed.

CDBG funds, which are received each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are used to address community needs in cities and counties across Kansas. Over the years, CDBG projects have included assistance for business start-ups and expansions, downtown commercial rehabilitation, housing rehabilitation, and water and sewer line extensions, among others.

The Department of Commerce wants to ensure CDBG investments advance the goals established in the Kansas Framework for Growth, the state’s economic development strategic plan and are utilized more strategically to help communities across the state.

To make these changes, the Department of Commerce and its partners are seeking input from residents, local elected officials, and others via an online survey. The survey, which will take about 10 minutes to complete, will pose questions such as:

  • What amenities are most important to you in your city or county?
  • What is the current quality of these amenities?
  • How does your city or county identify what improvements are needed?
  • Has your city or county benefitted from CDBG funding in the past?

Responses collected are important in guiding the best way to invest in the future of Kansas. Individuals are asked to respond by Thursday, June 15.

To complete the survey, please click here. A Spanish version of the survey can be found here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Grants Available For Cities/Counties COVID-19 Issues For Small Businesses

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Department of Commerce Makes $2 Million Available for COVID Resiliency Program

TOPEKA – The Department of Commerce will award $2 million through the Community Development Block Grant – COVID Resiliency (CDBG-CVR) program to enable cities and counties to address issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when no other funds are available. This is a competitive CDBG grant with an application window that closes July 31, 2023.

Funding for the program was made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Kansas should utilize CDBG-CV funds to modernize facilities owned and operated by small businesses that provide vital services and goods. Funds will be prioritized for for-profit businesses that have a majority ownership by a socially or economically disadvantaged person or persons as defined in 15 CFR 1400.0.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they were hit hard by the pandemic,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We are pleased to receive this funding that will help support more Kansas businesses and enable them to continue serving their communities.”

Eligible activities for the CDBG-CVR program include COVID resiliency improvements for businesses such as:

Upgrades to remain open and prevent future closures due to community illnesses and public health emergencies
Technology, hardware, and software upgrades
E-commerce updates
Professional development and training
Other updates that can be directly related to resiliency improvements

Eligible businesses must have at least 51% of their employees meet the low- to moderate-income (LMI) standards. Like other CDBG grants, cities and counties will apply for the funds on behalf of eligible businesses and then make the funds available, administering the program locally. Non-LMI communities can still qualify for this funding if not an entitlement community. The LMI requirement is determined by the business and not the city.

The Kansas Department of Commerce provides CDBG funds to non-entitlement communities across the state, while entitlement communities receive CDBG funding directly from the federal government. Entitlement communities in Kansas include Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County. Cities and counties are also ineligible if they have a current balance in in their CDBG Local Revolving Loan Funds account.

For more information on the CDBG-CVR program and to access the application, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas Historic Economic Development

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Awarded Third Consecutive Gold Shovel for
Historic Economic Development


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that for the third straight year, Kansas has won Area Development magazine’s coveted Gold Shovel Award. The back-to-back-to-back accolade has no precedent in state history and reflects three consecutive years of record-setting private-sector investment.

“Every day, my administration works to grow the economy so there are better opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This award shows that our work is paying off, and as a result, more Kansans have good-paying jobs with which they can support their families and contribute to their communities.”

Kansas was recognized for its achievement in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs throughout the state. Five states were awarded the prestigious Gold Shovel in their respective population categories, with Kansas at the top of the list of states with fewer than 3 million residents.

Panasonic Energy’s $4 billion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in De Soto was the largest capital expenditure in 2022, but it wasn’t the only one. There were 272 projects across the state totaling almost $7.4 billion in private-sector investment and nearly 13,400 jobs created or retained.

“Governor Kelly’s commitment to bring prosperity to communities across the state is being fulfilled by home-grown businesses and companies from around the world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “A third straight Gold Shovel confirms our strategic plan for economic development is working.”

That strategic plan, the Kansas Framework for Growth, was unveiled by Governor Kelly in early 2021. Through the work of thousands of Kansans from the public and private sectors, the plan emphasizes:

  • Talent development and retention
  • Working with higher education institutions on job and business creation
  • Innovation as a driver of opportunity
  • Community assets and regional approaches
  • Long-term growth policies
  • Target business sectors

Almost 90% of the successes announced since the beginning of the Kelly administration came from one of the five target sectors. Over that time, Kansas has attracted more than $16.2 billion in private-sector investment and created or retained more than 57,000 jobs.

Area Development Magazine is a publication for economic development executives covering corporate site selection and relocation.

Art, Bourbon County, Kansas

Fort Scott and Uniontown Receive Funds for New Murals

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Governor Kelly Announces 14 Rural Communities Receiving Funding for New Murals

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced 14 communities will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program. The $76,071 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that engage community residents and create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities.

“Our Rural Mural program continues to gain momentum as a way to showcase and celebrate small towns across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue supporting local community efforts to enhance their sense of place and quality of life.”

Awardees are in communities across the state with less than 15,000 population. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions – and provide a welcome message for visitors and residents alike. Each of the projects requires a 1:1 match from the community, with the smallest of communities being allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. 75% of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several of the city projects plan to start in the next few weeks.

“The Rural Murals already completed have added a unique attraction that communities are proud to display,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “As tourism in Kansas is on the rise, particularly in rural areas where visitors increasingly go to get off the beaten path, these new murals will encourage people to experience more great locations across the state.”

The organizations that are being awarded for FY 2024 include:

The Arts Center, Inc.; Anthony and Attica; $7,500
City of Cedar Vale; $1,500
City of Cheney; $3,603
Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation; $5,250
Northwest Kansas Technical College; Goodland; $4,250
5.4.7 Arts Center; Greensburg; $7,368
Graham County; Hill City; $7,500
Wichita County Economic Development, Inc.; Leoti; $4,500
Vesper Community Club, Inc.; Vesper Township; $7,500
City of Lyons; $7,500
The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation; Blue Rapids Community Action Team Fund, Blue Rapids; $2,350
City of Smith Center; $7,500
City of Uniontown; $2,250
Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Winfield; $7,500

“The innovation and creativity that these communities demonstrated in their applications was phenomenal,” said Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon. “We can’t wait to see how these new murals and public art projects will help energize these communities and increase tourism and community engagement.”

Government, Kansas

Kansas Training and Retention Aligned with Industry Need

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Kansas Commerce Department Announces Training Opportunities Available to Employers Through KTRAIN

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the rebranding of the Kansas Workforce Aligned with Industry Demand (AID) program to Kansas Training and Retention Aligned with Industry Need (KTRAIN). In partnership with the Kansas Board of Regents, the Kansas Department of Commerce had developed Workforce AID to address the skills gap challenging companies throughout the state. KTRAIN will retain that focus with opportunities for even more engagement and concentration on program aspects.

“As more and more companies locate to Kansas or expand existing operations here, the number of jobs and career opportunities keeps increasing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “It is imperative the Commerce Department keep pace. We are excited to launch KTRAIN as a means to make our talent pipeline prepared to meet the needs of the private sector.”

KTRAIN will continue established partnerships with employers to leverage demand-driven strategies that address critical skills gaps in Kansas. The KTRAIN program will reimburse Kansas employers up to 50% of the cost to deliver approved customized training and education that provide critical skills to new and current employees in high-demand, high-wage positions. Under new program guidelines, KTRAIN is designed to take this mission to higher levels by introducing several enhancements.

KTRAIN will focus on more deliberate, intentional partnership efforts that incorporate principles of the U.S. Department of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) framework. TPM is a comprehensive talent management approach that is implemented by employers to source and develop talent for jobs critical to their competitiveness and growth. TPM is a process for building high-performing education and workforce partnerships that deliver measurable returns for employers and learners alike.

KTRAIN will use principles of the TPM framework to significantly increase focus on employer-led efforts in which employers are much more than advisors or beneficiaries. Additionally, KTRAIN will introduce a more streamlined application process and provide digital versions of all program-related literature through the Kansas Department of Commerce’s website. Interested applicants also will have the option to use the website to submit forms, request information directly from the Program Manager, and submit feedback. For more information or to apply, please contact the KTRAIN Program Manager at (785) 207-5275 or email [email protected].

“KTRAIN brings a new, more collaborative approach to closing the skills gap in Kansas by applying talent pipeline management principles to education and workforce partnerships,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mike Beene said. “KTRAIN partners with employers and educators to develop demand-driven solutions to their most critical workforce needs, communicate those needs to trusted partners, and manage and improve performance.”

More information on KTRAIN can be found here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Entertainment, Kansas

2023 Kansas Notable Books list announced

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TOPEKA –The State Library of Kansas is proud to announce the 2023 Kansas Notable Books list. This year’s list of Kansas Notable Books continues the tradition of celebrating the rich stories and vibrant spirit of the state.

“The authors of the 2023 Kansas Notable Books not only help us gain a deeper understanding of our world, but also encourage empathy for others and reflection on our own life experiences,” State Librarian Ray C. Walling said. “Written by Kansans or about Kansas and Kansans, these fifteen books explore wanderlust, transformative collaboration, hidden struggles, inspiring resilience, and the power of love.”

Authors will be recognized and awarded medals by the State Librarian at the Kansas Book Festival on September 16 at Washburn University. The Book Festival is a free event that is open to the public. For more information on the event, visit kansasbookfestival.com.

The selection process for the Kansas Notable Books involved a rigorous evaluation by a selection committee made up of librarians, educators, and literary professionals. Their task was to identify books that exemplify quality writing, compelling storytelling, and significant contributions to the literary landscape. This year’s list features a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, ensuring there is something for every reader.

A program of the Kansas Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book, Kansas Notable Books works to foster a love for reading by promoting these exceptional works across the state. Public libraries, schools, and bookstores feature the Kansas Notable Books prominently and organize events that engage readers and highlight the authors’ accomplishments. An annual grant program administrated by the State Library supports Kansas public libraries adding Notable Books titles to their collections in formats best suited to their patrons. Applications will be released mid-June.

For more information about the Kansas Notable Books program, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3296 or email [email protected].

2023 Kansas Notable Books

Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt by Kathleen Wilford, Blue Bronco Books

Easy Beauty: A Memoir by Chloe Cooper Jones, Simon & Schuster

Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders by Susan Jonusas, Viking

Justa’s Escape: A Journey from WWII Ukraine by Justina Neufeld with Russell Binkley, Wipf and Stock

Kansas Speaks Out: Poems in the Age of Me, Too edited by Dennis Etzel, Jr and Jericho Hockett, An Actual Kansas Press

Letters to Martin: Meditations on Democracy by Randal Maurice Jelks, Lawrence Hill Books

The Monster’s Bones: The Discovery of T. Rex and How It Shook Our World by David K. Randall, W. W. Norton & Company

Native American Stories for Kids: 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across North America by Tom Pecore Weso, Rockridge Press

A New Guide to Kansas Mushrooms by Sherry Kay, Benjamin Sikes, and Caleb Morse, University Press of Kansas

Nothing but the Dirt: Stories from an American Farm Town by Kate Benz, University Press of Kansas

One Boy Watching by Grant Snider, Chronicle Books

River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard, Doubleday

The Undead Truth of Us by Britney S. Lewis, Hyperion

The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel by Rolf Potts, Random House

Winfield’s Walnut Valley Festival by Seth Bate, The History Press

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Health Care, Kansas

Focus on Mental Health in Agriculture Continues

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, the Kansas Department of Agriculture reminds all those in the Kansas agriculture community that mental health needs to be a priority all year round. As farmers and ranchers face unavoidable pressure from the daily challenges that are part of agriculture, from unpredictable weather to fluctuations in commodity market prices, added stress can be difficult to manage.

Several years ago, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, along with several Kansas ag partners, developed a website to provide resources and support to those dealing with ag-related stress. The website can be found at KansasAgStress.org.

The website serves as a resource for those struggling with issues ranging from mental health, anxiety and suicide to substance abuse and food insecurity. Visitors will also find information regarding financial counseling, legal assistance, disaster recovery, and much more. As more tools are developed and become available, this website continues to be updated and serves as a hub of current information and resources. For example, KDA collaborated with Kansas Corn to add a section of mental health providers with agriculture-specific experience, called Ag Aware.

KansasAgStress.org features resources and support for every member of the family, from teens to aging adults. Unique resources are also available to assist our farmer veterans, who face the issues that come with farming, along with the possible challenges of being a military veteran.

“The purpose of this website is to help care for and assist Kansas farmers and ranchers in their well-being,” Beam said. “We encourage all Kansans to care for themselves and their neighbors in difficult times, and this site provides information about the resources available in communities across the state.”

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the State of Kansas is committed to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the customers they serve. Together with our partners, we have made it a priority to provide support and assistance to Kansans battling ag-related stress and mental health struggles.

Kansas

Be a Local Voice for Kansas Water Resources

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Kansas Water Authority Regional Advisory Committee Membership Drive

 

 

Citizen advisors have been an important voice supporting water resource planning efforts in Kansas for decades. To support continued grassroots engagement in Kansas water policy and planning, the Kansas Water Office is currently accepting applications from individuals with an interest in serving as a member of one of the 14 Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) which are established by the Kansas Water Authority (KWA).

 

These committees play a key role in advising the KWA on implementation of each region’s water resource priorities as part of the state water planning process in Kansas. In conjunction with this process, RAC members provide input and advice to the KWA on identified regional and statewide water resource-related goals and action plans developed in support of state water plan implementation.

 

In addition, members help identify and provide input on other emerging water issues and concerns. They serve as important local links to the public in their regions through interactions with various groups and individuals, as well as communicate information on concerns and issues in their respective regions. The KWA, through the committee selection process, works to establish RACs which represent diverse groups of water users and interests throughout the state.

 

Kansans can have a lasting impact on the future of water resources through RAC membership. Interested individuals can apply at kwo.ks.gov/about-the-kwo/regional-advisory-committees. The application deadline is June 30, 2023.

 

 

If accommodations are needed for a person with disabilities, please notify the Kansas Water Office at 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404, Topeka, KS 66611-1249 or call (785) 296-3185.

 

Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101) requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

 

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