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Opinion

Whose Fault Is It? by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

What was the population of Bourbon County at its peak? When was it? What about the incorporated cities in the county? What about the cities that have folded? What is the current population? Here is the list:

Bourbon County 28,575 in 1890; 14,653 in 2018

Bronson 595 in 1910; 305 in 2019

Fort Scott 11,946 in 1890; 7,697 in 2019

Fulton 506 in 1890; 155 in 2019

Mapleton 251 in 1930; 81 in 2019

Redfield 269 in 1920; 143 in 2019

Uniontown 371 in 1980; 264 in 2019

Wikipedia lists 12 communities in BB that are no longer incorporated, including Devon, Garland, Hammond, Hiattville, and Xenia, to name a few. It is also interesting to note that Bourbon County has historically been fairly balanced in the population mix between rural and urban residences.

Our county is half the size it was, and many communities have contracted by more than one-half. More communities have ceased to exist than are currently still incorporated.

Who is at fault? The short answer is no one, and everyone.

Many people, using 20/20 hindsight, blame past commissioners, but that is naïve. No one could have foreseen the megatrends of the 20th and 21st centuries that have challenged rural America. Obviously, it is silly to blame the current commissioners or anyone government entity. No commission has raised the levy in the six years I have been here; in fact, it has been lowered in recent years. The blame game started long ago and continues to this day. It has divided us into parochial camps.

We have become a victim of simple math: less people to pay the growing cost of government means the people that remain pay more. People get tired of paying more, and then they leave. Potential new people look at the cost of living here and chose to live elsewhere.

Now that we know that we cannot resist the forces that created our predicament, it is time to play offense and defense…together. We must reduce the cost of government (at least stop the steady increase), invest in problem-solving and work to attract new businesses/residents.

Lastly, we are going to have to give up some of our parochial natures. Yes, civic pride is desirable, but not to the exclusion of fellow residents of the county. Drop your grudges, work to reestablish trust, and let’s reach across artificial geographic lines and become a team. As Ben Franklin once said, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

KDHE Encourages Vaccinations and Precautions this Fourth of July Weekend

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) urges Kansans to take proactive measures this holiday weekend to protect themselves and their loved ones from the rapidly spreading Delta variant.

“As we all begin to travel and gather with friends and family, it’s critically important to keep our communities and loved ones safe,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially as new strains emerge. We can all do our part to keep our communities safe by getting vaccinated and following the CDC guidelines.”

This week, Kansas has recorded 1,211 news cases, 12 deaths and also seen an increase in the presence of the Delta variant. There are three deaths recorded in Kansas attributable to the Delta variant.

“This is a fast-spreading variant that spreads quickly in communities that have the lowest vaccination rates,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary said.  “Please get vaccinated and in the interim, please take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

If Kansans are planning to attend large gatherings, here are additional recommendations from CDC:

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.

Stay at least 6 feet away from people who do not live with you.

  • You are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with people who don’t live with you.
  • Remember that people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others.
  • Choose safer outdoor venues if possible.
  • Choose venues that limit seating and allow for social distancing and select your seat or place to stand based on your ability to stay at least 6 feet from others.
  • Arrive to the event early or at off-peak times to avoid crowding and congested areas.
  • Avoid using restroom facilities or concession areas at high traffic times, such as intermission, half-time, or immediately after the event.

Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

  • As much as possible, avoid crowds and indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors.
  • You are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 during outdoor activities. Look for seating options that are outside or have proper ventilation with outdoor air, such as tents that have open doors or rolled up sides.

Wear a mask.

  • Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect yourself and others.
  • Wear your mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.
  • Keep a spare mask in case your mask becomes wet from moisture in your breath or from snow or rain.

If you have symptoms or were exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, get tested. Testing is available by visiting KnowbeforeyougoKS.com.

To find a vaccine near you, visit www.vaccines.gov/.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Public Affairs Contact Info

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UPDATED: Public Affairs Contact Information

Department of Administration
Contact: Samir Arif
Email:[email protected]
Phone number: (785) 813-1726

Department for Aging and Disability Services
Contact: Cara Sloan
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-0807

Department of Agriculture
Contact: Heather Lansdowne
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 564-6706

Department for Children and Families
Contact: Mike Deines
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-0537

Department of Commerce
Contact: Dena Sattler
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 581.3581

Department of Corrections
Contact: Carol Pitts
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 250-4034

Adjutant General  & Kansas Division of Emergency Management
Contact: Jane Welch
Email: [email protected] 
Phone number: (785) 646-0092

Department of Health and Environment
Contact: Kristi Zears
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-1317

Kansas Highway Patrol
Contact: Captain Thomas Spencer
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-6800

Kansas Historical Society
Contact: Bobbie Athon
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 272-8681, ext. 262

 Department of Labor
Contact: Becky Shaffer
Email: [email protected]

Department of Revenue
Contact: Zach Fletcher
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-0671

Office of Recovery
Contact: Sarah Miller
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 250-7068

Department of Transportation
Contact: Steve Hale
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 217-5091

Kansas Water Office
Contact: Katie Ingels
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-3185

Department of Wildlife and Parks
Contact: Nadia Reimer
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 338-3036

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott July 2 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
July 2nd Weekly Newsletter
ACCEPTING TEAM REGISTRATIONS!
*SPONSORS
*RAFFLE ITEMS
*DONATIONS/SWAG BAGS
APPLY ONLINE!
CLICKHERE.
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute Narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Depart from The Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm.
$6 Adults & $4 for 12 yrs & under.
7/2 – Downtown Retailers Roundtable hosted by the Chamber 8:15-9:30am at the Chamber office, to collaborate on shopping events & promotions for the coming months, RSVP to the Chamber at [email protected].
7/2 – Ryan Hall Live Band, 7 pm at The Boiler Room Bewhaus! 2 S. National St.
7/2 – 7/8 – Fort Scott Cinema. Now showing: Petter Rabbit 2, Boss Baby 2, F9: Fast & Furious 9, Black Widow. Click here for more info.
7/3 – Bourbon County Carpool Tour – History of Marmaton/Marmiton. 8:30 am leaving from
Memorial Hall. Pre-Registration is required. Click here for more information.
7/3 – FSHS Volleyball Bake Sale Fundraiser at Nu-Grille, starting at 7:30 until 10 am.
7/3 – Friends of the Fort hosting a Ceremony Honoring Donation of the Lunette Blair Bldg. to the Fort Scott National Historic Site and National Park Service at Skubitz Plaza, 11am.
7/3 thru 7/5 – The Fort Scott National Historic Site welcomes you to Celebrate Independence weekend with the Sights and Sounds of 1860’s Military Fireworks. Guided Tours, Artillery Demonstrations & much more. Click here for the full schedule of events for each day.
7/3 – Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort. Bourbon County Democrats serving Breakfast on the Bricks this Saturday, click here for more info.
7/3 – The City Fireworks Display at FSCC Lawn by 9:15 pm, sponsored by the Elks Lodge, tune into KOMB All Hit 103.9 for patriotic music to coincide with the fireworks! Fort Scott Nazarene at 18th & Horton will be handing out popsicles & bottled water prior to the display starting at 8pm until supplies run out.
7/3 – The City of Uniontown Independence Festival starting at 6:30 with live music, inflatables, selfie bar, vendors in the park & Firework Display at dark (9:15 pm)
7/3 & 7/4 – Lake Fort Scott Fireworks at dark, both Saturday & Sunday nights at dark residents of Lake Fort Scott will be shooting displays of fireworks. Park in the public areas around the lake and enjoy!
7/4 – 39th Annual Burke St. 4th of July Parade.
12pm, 10th Burke St. Click here for event info.
7/5, 7/6 & 7/9 – Museum of Creativity – OPEN PLAY SEASON. Admission – $3/person (free-4-1 yr old) Monday, Thurs. & Fri. 10 am – 2 pm
Friday also at 4 pm – 8 pm. Click here for info.
7/5 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm To learn more about events & hours open,click here.
June & July Hours open daily. Thurs. thru Mon. Closed 7/2 thru 7/4.
7/7 – HR Roundtable hosted by the Chamber 8:15-9:30am, Ag Hall at FSCC (just north of Arnold Arena), Human Resources professionals representing local businesses are invited to connect and share hiring challenges and needs, light refreshments will be provided, RSVP to the Chamber at [email protected].
7/7 – Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Series, 5-7 pm including dinner catered by Sharky’s, childcare provided. Panelists include Dacia Clark of the Small Business Development Center, Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group, and Kelly Perry of Perry’s Pork Rinds, click here for more info. and to register.
7/8 to 7/11 – Midwest Showcase Baseball Tournament III, LaRoche Baseball Complex.
7/9 & 7/10 – ACRA-IPRA Rodeo, 8pm each evening as part of the Bourbon County Fair, discounted advance tickets on sale now at the Chamber, see flyer below for more details!
7/9 to 7/17 – Bourbon County Fair, activities for everyone to watch or take part in, click here for the full Fair schedule!
7/10 – Roller Skating at Buck Run Community Center, doors open 6:30 pm, skating 7-9 pm, click here for more info.
7/10 – Boiler Room Brewhaus presents Alyssa Galvan Live, 7-9pm, click here for more info.
SAVE THE DATE:
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
Friday, July 23rd, click here to register!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae

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Awareness encouraged over Fourth of July Weekend

TOPEKA – This Fourth of July weekend, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Tourism (KDWP) urges individuals who may be on Kansas lakes to be aware of potential blue-green algae and to understand that harmful algal blooms are unpredictable and may develop rapidly.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away.  These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

KDHE, in conjunction with KDWP, has also issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison County (new)

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County (new)

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County (new)

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County (upgrade 7/1)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County (new)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County (new)

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County

Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County (new)

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County (new)

Perry Zone C, Jefferson County (new)

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Overbook City Lake, Osage County (new)

Pomona Reservoir, Osage County (new)

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

 

Advisories Lifted 7/1/21

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.                                           

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries Brazil, Namibia, Oman and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The countries of Bahrain, Chile, Paraguay and Saint Martin have been removed. These changes are effective today, July 1.

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:

  • Traveled on or after July 1 to Brazil, Namibia, Oman or Saint Kitts and Nevis.
  • Traveled on or after June 17 to Kuwait or Mongolia.
  • Traveled on or after June 3 to Colombia or Suriname.
  • Traveled on or after May 20 to Costa Rica or French Guiana.
  • Traveled on or after May 6 to Maldives or Seychelles.
  • Traveled on or after April 22 to Argentina.
  • Traveled on or after April 8 to Uruguay.
  • Traveled between June 17 and July 1 to Saint Martin.
  • Traveled between June 3 and July 1 to Chile or Paraguay.
  • Traveled between April 22 and July 1 to Bahrain.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Poet Laureate Program Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Poet Laureate Program Returns to Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the return of the Poet Laureate program to the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC).

“Promoting the humanities preserves the legacy of the generations that came before us, inspires the artists of the future, and drives community and economic development,” Governor Kelly said. “KCAIC does great work in measuring, promoting, supporting, and expanding the arts to grow the state’s economy and generate creative industry-related jobs – and I know the Commission will be a good steward of the Poet Laureate program to continue that mission.”

The Poet Laureate program is designed to encourage the appreciation of poetry in Kansas by making high quality poetry freely available to a wider audience. It recognizes a citizen poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment and designates them as the top poet representing the state.

The program is returning to KCAIC after having previously been housed within Humanities Kansas. KCAIC is part of the Community Development Division in the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“As the state’s leading agency in support of all creative disciplines, I’m very excited the Poet Laureate program is making its way back to KCAIC and Commerce,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The arts are a vital part of economic development – they’re how we remind each other why we do the work we do to build our communities and our world. Sharing beauty and perspective with the people of Kansas is a fantastic way to ensure they’re happy to continue living and working in our state, and I’m very pleased that we are resurrecting this program at the Department of Commerce.”

“Kansas has a long and proud history of supporting poetry and producing great poets. Incorporating the Poet Laureate into our programming will allow us to highlight that legacy and build upon its success,” KCAIC Director Peter Jasso said.

To learn more about the Poet Laureate Program, visit the Poet Laureate page at the Department of Commerce website.

The current Poet Laureate of Kansas is Huascar Medina. Medina is a poet, writer, and performer based in Topeka. He currently works as a freelance copywriter and as the Literary Editor for seveneightfive magazine publishing stories that spotlight literary and artistic events in northeast Kansas.

The Poet Laureate program is free of charge to all Kansas non-profit organizations. If you are interested in hosting Huascar Medina as a speaker or presenter, please contact [email protected] for more information.

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.

About the Community Development Division

Established in 2019, the Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality-of-life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, visit the Community Development page at the Kansas Commerce website

Government, Kansas

Investor Tax Credit Program Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Applications Open for Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Program

~Bipartisan effort will help Kansas recruit innovative new companies, grow economy~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced applications are being accepted for Kansas startups seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2021. Through bipartisan Senate Bill 66, the Angels program was extended for five years.

“Paired with our pro-business environment and talented workforce, the Angels program will help Kansas recruit dynamic startups to strengthen our growing economy,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This program will allow Kansas to compete with every state in the nation to attract new businesses, industries, and families. I want to thank the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Legislature for supporting this bipartisan initiative.”

The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals investing in new Kansas businesses. Eligible entrepreneurs include those engaged in the development, implementation and commercialization of new and innovative technologies, products, and services.

The KAITC program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, and is designed to encourage investment in new, innovative Kansas startups. Senate Bill 66 extended KAITC for the next five years. Important updates have been made to the program, including changes to credit investment amounts, increased budget appropriations and more.

“As we know from the Framework for Growth, innovation is a vital component in building the economy of the future, and it’s an aspect we can’t ignore,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “I’m grateful to Governor Kelly and to our partners in the Legislature for seeing the limitless potential in the Angels program. If you’re looking to create the next big thing, we want you to do it here – and we have this tool to help you make it happen.”

“By ensuring tools such as the Angel Investor Tax Credit are available, we are sending a clear message to the start-up community that Kansas supports innovation and collaboration,” Kansas Representative Stephen Owens said. “Our goal is your goal, to grow strong Kansas companies. I look forward to continuing to work with the Commerce Department and the Kansas Legislature on additional new tools to further bolster growth in entrepreneurship in the next session.”

“I’m excited to see that we’re going to keep investing in this program,” Kansas Senator Robert Olson said. “Angels has created so many jobs and brought so much new investment to Kansas. Continuing with Angels is right for our state.”

Companies must qualify in order to participate in KAITC and receive tax credits. Eligibility requirements can be found at kansascommerce.gov/angels.

Startups seeking investment can apply now at kansascommerce.gov/angels, with applications accepted until August 31.

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 in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States.

About the Community Development Division

Established in 2019, the Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality-of-life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, visit the Community Development page at the Kansas Commerce website.

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