Government, Kansas

KS Total March Taxes Collected Are Below The Estimate

Leave a comment

March Total Tax Collections at $577.1 Million;
10.7% Below Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends March 2026 with total tax collections at $577.1 million. That is $68.9 million, or 10.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 9.4% from March 2025.

“Missing revenue estimates by nearly $69 million in March and by over $175 million cumulatively since the last Consensus Revenue Estimates in November is concerning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “More concerning is that Legislative Leadership rushed through this session, turning off the lights and going home before the April Consensus Revenue Estimates are announced.

“This reckless, irresponsible approach to budgeting is not smart and it is not fair. I hope that future Legislative Leadership understands that the people expect them to be good stewards of Kansas taxpayers’ dollars and that means working until the job is done right, even during election years.”

Individual income tax collections were $271.3 million. That is $3.7 million, or 1.3% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 3.7% from March 2025. Corporate income tax collections were negative $23.5 million. That is $63.5 million, or 158.8% below the estimate, and down 147.0% from March 2025.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $262.1 million, which is $8.1 million or 3.2% above the estimate, and up 6.2% from March 2025.

Click here to view the March 2026 revenue numbers.

###
Opinion

An Easter Thanksgiving by Patty LaRoche

Leave a comment
Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Thirty years ago, I was not frazzled easily. Perhaps because I had survived the ordeal of raising three A.D.D. sons without any criminal repercussions. Perhaps because I had learned to relax as a teacher and enjoy my students, or perhaps because I was finally figuring out the difference between religion and a relationship with Christ. What I deal with now is nothing compared to those challenges, so I have no idea why at this age I get frazzled so easily. Still, the list of things that frustrate me is endless. For example:

  • Delayed Amazon deliveries
  • A slow internet speed
  • Passwords and QR codes
  • Fast-food restaurants that use kiosks
  • Pinterest ideas that appear impossible to mess up…until I try them
  • Stop lights that stay red when no one is coming from the opposite direction

The list above includes modern inventions that are intended to make our lives easier, yet when they fail to do so, I become frustrated instead of being thankful for the times they do work. Why is that? In Luke 17:11-17, we read of 10 outcast lepers who were healed by Jesus. Lepers were no small deal (like my list above). They were considered permanently unclean, so they could not worship in the temple. They could not hang with their families and were cut off from society. They would gladly have changed places with me, complaining about such trivial things as my list above. Jesus curing them was no minor miracle.

Still, only one leper thanked him, and in no insignificant way. That leper fell at Jesus’ feet and loudly praised him for this miracle. Jesus questioned why the other nine just went on their merry way while only this one stayed behind to show gratitude. “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Questions asked in Luke 17:17,18. Being thankful was important to Jesus.

Typically, I love thanking people and look for ways to do so. Still, I need to do a better job of thanking God. Take this morning, for example. I had countless reasons for which to be grateful: life itself; opportunities to pray; a phone call from one of our children; a car that started; great friends; inspirational, Christian Instagram posts; Kleenex (allergies); and short lines at the post office. The list was endless, but only now, while writing this, am I thanking God.

In the Bible, the word “thanks” or “Thanksgiving” appears over 100 times, and no season reminds me of the need to show gratitude more than Easter. Without the Resurrection, we would be hopeless. The Bible would be just another history book, Christianity would be pointless, and none of us would have a chance to spend eternity with Jesus.

The next time I’m frustrated because my internet is weak or my Pinterest macaroons look more like a blackened pizza crust or I spend 15 minutes pushing the wrong buttons, trying to order an Egg McMuffin, I need to remember what’s truly important. Actually, I need to remember Who is the most important…and maybe fall at His feet when I do.

That’s what Easter is all about.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FS Presbyterian Village Hosts Chamber Coffee on April 2

Leave a comment


The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 2nd at 8 a.m., hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is a faith-based, not-for-profit community offering independent and assisted living, along with a variety of services that support residents in maintaining an active, engaging lifestyle.

During the Chamber Coffee, guests will also learn about the Village’s current Art is Ageless program and exhibit, on display March 30 through April 10. This annual juried exhibit showcases the creativity of artists aged 65 and older, with selected works eligible to be featured in the 2027 Art is Ageless calendar.

The Art is Ageless program encourages local seniors to express their creativity through visual arts, music, lifelong learning, and community engagement throughout the year.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.


Area News

CFSEK Announces 2026 Recipients of Bill House Agricultural Grants

Leave a comment

 

Bill House was a visionary figure in the world of agriculture in Kansas and across the country. When Mr. House passed in 2009, he chose to give back to the future of agriculture across Kansas. Following the sale of his land in 2024, the Bill House Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) to support agricultural initiatives and scholarships for students pursuing agricultural-related degrees.

“Bill House understood that the land is only as strong as the people who manage it. We are honored to carry on his legacy and lifelong commitment to education and leadership,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These grants are an investment in the families and students who will keep the legacy of Kansas agriculture strong for future generations. We strive to carry out Mr. House’s vision of leaving the land better than he found it.”

In the inaugural grant cycle in 2025, 11 projects received grants totaling $100,000. In 2026, 21 projects through 9 organizations received a total of $200,100 in grant funds. These grants focus on supporting agricultural education opportunities across Kansas for all age groups.

The 2026 recipients of the Bill House Agricultural Grants are:

  1. Hereford Youth Foundation of America
  • National Junior Hereford Association Fed Steer Shootout Program and Educational Field Day
  1. Kansas 4-H Foundation Inc.
  • Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes
  • Kansas State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Enhancement
  • Southeast Kansas 4-H Challenge Days
  1. Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation
  • Agricultural Leadership Conference Scholarships
  1. Kansas FFA Foundation Inc.
  • Supervised Agriculture Experience Grants
  • Agricultural Educator Development & Retention Initiative
  1. Kansas Livestock Foundation
  • Kansas Junior Livestock Show CFSEK Bill House Leadership Award
  1. Kansas State University
  • Returning to the Farm Family Scholarship
  • Transition Planning Coaching for Farm and Ranch Families
  • K-State Junior Beef Producer Day
  • Bovine reproductive practices workshop and reproductive efficiency conference
  • Cow-Camp
  • Enhancing training tools for cattle producers
  • KOMA Cattle Conference
  • Beef and Forage Field Days
  1. Pioneer Bluffs Foundation, Inc.
  • Far Corners- A segment of Emil Redmon’s Cow Stories from the Farm and Ranch
  1. Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc.
  • Forage Testing Incentive – An Extension Effort to Improve Feed Quality & Profitability
  • Soil Sampling Incentive – An Extension Effort to Improve Crop Production and Forage Quality
  1. Wildcat Extension Education Foundation
  • Forage Probes
  • Livestock Production Youth Programming Materials

In the spirit of Bill House’s dedication to the ranching community, the selection committee also allocated $20,000 to support Kansas livestock producers affected by recent wildfires in the state. This contribution to the Kansas Livestock Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund reflects a commitment to providing critical support for producers as they navigate the difficult path to recovery.

CFSEK would like to congratulate all the recipients and thank them for their work supporting the future of agriculture in Kansas and beyond.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by connecting donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK and the Bill House funds is available at SoutheastKansas.org/BillHouse

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Blissful Meadows Boutique Open House/Ribbon Cutting is Today

Leave a comment

Join us for a Ribbon-Cutting Celebration today at

Blissful Meadows

1 N. Main St.

April 1st

Grand Opening

2-6pm

Ribbon Cutting

5:30pm

Modern Western boutique

Home décor + unique finds

Refreshments + grand opening specials

Come out, shop, and help welcome this exciting new downtown business!

Click HERE to visit the

Blissful Meadows

Facebook Page!

A special Thank You to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact
Government, Kansas

Child Abuse Prevention Month: April

Leave a comment

TOPEKA – (April 1, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and the Kansas State Child Death Review Board are encouraging Kansans to wear blue on Friday, April 10, to increase awareness of child abuse. The effort is part of April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The State Child Death Review Board indicates that child abuse and neglect can take many forms and often occur behind closed doors, making awareness and prevention efforts critical. While physical abuse may be the most visible, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect can have equally serious and lasting impacts on a child’s health, development, and well-being. Recognizing the signs and taking action to support families and report concerns are essential steps in preventing abuse and helping ensure children across Kansas grow up in safe and supportive environments.

“Child abuse prevention requires a collective effort from communities across Kansas,” said Sara Hortenstine, Youth Services Division Chief. “Wearing blue helps raise awareness and reminds us all that we share a responsibility to support families, recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, and report concerns. Speaking up can make a critical difference in protecting children and preventing tragedy.”

For additional information on child abuse and neglect, visit www.ag.ks.gov, or call (785) 296-7970. The Kansas Department for Children and Families maintains the state’s Protection Report Center. Residents who suspect a case of child abuse or neglect may report it at (800) 922-5330. In cases in which the child may be in imminent danger, call 911.

###
Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact

Bourbon County Local News