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Category Archives: Kansas
Kansas Tourism Grant Awarded to Lowell Milken Center
Lowell Milken Center Announces Attraction Development Grant from Kansas Tourism and the Kansas Department of Commerce
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes received a $6,000 Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism! The grant will be used for new panels for unsung hero Cristine Grant, who was a national voice in the fight for gender equity in sports, and unsung hero Susan LaFleche, the first Native American doctor. The grant will also be used for a re-development of museum kiosks.
Kansas Tourism: The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas, and to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. The vision of Kansas Tourism is a better quality of life for all Kansans through a strong travel industry and economic prosperity, ensuring all travelers feel welcome and are provided the resources to create awe-inspiring experiences.
About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.
Made in Kansas Program Showcases Products
Commerce Announces First ‘Made in Kansas’ Participants
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced 13 manufacturers have been accepted into the department’s Made in Kansas program. Made in Kansas is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce to help promote Kansas manufacturers to customers across Kansas and around the globe.
The Made in Kansas program is designed to showcase Kansas-made products and provide those companies with a verified stamp of assurance for use in promotional activities. Participation is free. To join the Made in Kansas program, a business must utilize manufacturing in the production process and meet one additional criterion:
- More than half the components come from Kansas
- Final assembly takes place in Kansas
- Kansas-headquartered company includes design and/or engineering functions
“Some of the finest products in the world are made right here in Kansas, but the world might not know that yet,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This initiative highlights first-class manufacturers that contribute significantly to their local communities as well as the overall state economy.”
Commerce established the program to create a tangible means for companies to communicate that their products are made in Kansas. Certified program partner manufacturers have access to the exclusive Made in Kansas seal to feature on packaging, products and promotional materials.
“Having a Made in Kansas logo on products lets customers know they are purchasing excellence, reliability and consistency,” Program Manager Corrie Ann Campbell said. “Our manufacturers embody the Kansas work ethic, which is honed by more than 160 years of pioneering spirit and commitment to workmanship.”
The first manufacturers that have been accepted as Made in Kansas Program participants are:
- Cross Manufacturing, Hays, Lewis, Pratt
- Garmin International, Olathe
- Great Plains Manufacturing, Salina
- Handy Hook, Garden Plain
- JAWbats, Baldwin City
- MAC Water Technologies, Kansas City
- MaiCo Industries, Ellsworth
- New Age Industrial, Norton
- RANS Aircraft, Hays
- Rawhide Portable Corral, Abilene
- Splashtacular, Paola
- Superior Boiler, Hutchinson
- Vortex Global, Salina
Kansas manufacturers are encouraged to take advantage of the program and proudly display their entrepreneurism and ingenuity for the rest of the world to see. For more information about the Made in Kansas program and its partner companies, 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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High Plains Water Conservation and Groundwater Management Support
Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Receiving Nearly $25 Million to Support High Plains Aquifer
TOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department of Agriculture is receiving nearly $25 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support water conservation and groundwater management in the High Plains Aquifer.
“Kansas farmers drive our state’s economic success, and water quality and quantity are a key part of that,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will accelerate our work to help more producers voluntarily implement practices that ensure Kansans have access to sustainable, reliable water sources for generations to come.”
The funding comes through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP aims to reduce water use by collaborating with farmers and ranchers to implement a combination of NRCS practices including irrigation water management, cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management.
“To feed the world and to operate profitably, Kansas farmers need a secure water supply for this generation and the next,” said Representative Sharice Davids. “Our producers have been working hard to use water even more efficiently, and I’m pleased that this federal investment will help further that mission. Continued success of agriculture in Kansas is critical to our state’s economy and lowering food costs — issues that are top of mind as I work with my colleagues to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill.”
The High Plains Aquifer is the largest groundwater source in Kansas and plays an important economic role as farmers rely on it for irrigation. Lying underneath western and south-central Kansas, it consists of several hydraulically connected aquifers.
“I’m thrilled that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has awarded this grant to Kansas,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “This five-year project, built on a collaborative effort by KDA’s Division of Conservation, the Kansas Water Office, local groundwater management districts, non-governmental conservation groups, private landowners and irrigators, and others, will help implement increased conservation and water efficient practices across the High Plains Aquifer of Kansas. I’m confident this voluntary incentive-based initiative will be a successful project.”
The RCPP aims to reduce water use by 10 percent in each of Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts. NRCS also announced that Ducks Unlimited will be receiving $10 million as part of the Kansas Nebraska Wetland Initiative to create, restore, and protect wetland and riparian barriers in Nebraska and Kansas. More information about both grants is available here.
Kansas Water Quantity and Quality Grants Launched
Governor Kelly Announces $85M for Two New Water-Related Grant Programs
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office today announced that $85 million over five years will go toward water projects with the launch of the Technical Assistance Fund Grants and Water Projects Fund Grants programs. Both grant programs provide funding for up-front technical assistance and on-the-ground actions needed to address water quantity and quality issues around the state.
The grants were made possible when Governor Kelly signed Senate Substitute for HB 2302, a bipartisan bill from the 2023 legislative session that increased funding for the State Water Plan Fund and established these two grant programs.
“Current drought conditions across Kansas have reinforced that strong water infrastructure is essential to growing our economy and preserving our quality of life for future generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These two grant opportunities will provide critical technical assistance and resources to improve our state’s vital water infrastructure.”
The Technical Assistance Fund Grants, totaling $5 million each year for five years, provide funding for planning, engineering, managing, and other technical assistance to develop water infrastructure projects and to process grant and loan applications for such projects. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.
The Water Projects Fund Grants, totaling $12 million each year for five years, provide funding for construction, repair, maintenance, or replacement of water-related infrastructures and related construction costs; matching money for grant or loan applications for water-related infrastructure projects; and payment towards certain loan balances. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.
“Access to reliable, clean water supplies is essential to all of our Kansas communities,” Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office Director, said. “These grants can help applicants to identity their water infrastructure needs, navigate application procedures, and obtain funds necessary to providing a safe, secure water supply for their communities.”
Eligible applicants include municipalities with an approved water conservation plan and special districts related to water organized under the Laws of Kansas.
Entities can apply via the Kansas Water Office website at:
More information on the application criteria and process can be found on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.
Kansas October Tax Collections Report
October Total Tax Collections 4.1% Below Estimate; Individual Refunds up $50.2M
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022.
Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.
“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.
KDOT Staffing Shortages Could Impact Highway Snow and Ice Removal
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The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1
TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Wednesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.
While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.
The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.
Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.
The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.
Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or 785-271-3140.
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KDOT sets online meetings for input on projects to address extreme weather, natural hazards
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The A, B, C, & D’s of Medicare
We’ve all seen the Medicare ads that will make you wonder if you are missing out on important benefits. This is not necessarily the case and there is no need to ponder this concern alone! Trained and unbiased Senior Health Insurance Counselors are available to visit with you and see what works best for your situation.
Medicare Annual Election Period, running from October 15th-December 7th, is a great time to ask your questions! Call 620-244-3826 to schedule an appointment. Until then, here are some Medicare basics:
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that can cover:
- individuals ages 65 and older, individuals younger than age 65 years with disabilities, and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers:
- Inpatient hospital care
- Qualified short-term stay in skilled nursing facilities
- Home health care Hospice care
- Part A is premium-free for most individuals
Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers:
- Doctor’s office visits
- Outpatient hospital care
- Lab tests and certain medical equipment and supplies
- In 2024, this monthly premium for most people is $174.70.
Medicare Advantage Plans are also called Medicare Part C:
- Combine Part A and Part B services (i.e., HMO, PPO, PFFS, etc.)
- Some offer prescription drug coverage
- Should visit with your doctors prior to see if accepts this plan
Medicare Part D is Prescription Drug Coverage:
- Insurance that covers both generic and brand-name prescriptions
- Coverage is provided through private insurance companies
- Most will pay a monthly premium for a drug plan
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):
- Private health insurance that helps pay beneficiaries’ share of costs in Original Medicare
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
- Helps pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays for individuals with limited income and resources
Part D Extra Help:
- Helps pay for premiums, deductibles and prescription drug costs with an income eligibility requirement
For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
Improving Kansas Electrical Grid Resilience and Capacity
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KS Announces 5-Year Blueprint to Ensure Reliable, Quality Water Supply
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