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Category Archives: Government
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KS Governor Approves Options for Intellectual/Development Disabled People
Governor Kelly Announces CMS Approval of Kansas’ Community Supports Waiver, Effective October 1, 2026
Expands options for individuals with I/DD to live independently in their communities
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Kansas’ new Community Supports Waiver.
CMS approved the initial 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver on July 1, 2026. It will operate concurrently with an amendment to Kansas’ 1915(b) KanCare managed care waiver. Both the new waiver and the KanCare amendment become effective on October 1, 2026. CMS has approved a projected enrollment of 500 individuals for the first waiver year (October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027).
“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ approval of Kansas’ Community Supports Waiver represents what is possible through collaboration, forward-thinking, and putting the needs of Kansans first,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is a monumental step that will empower individuals and families across Kansas to live full lives by ensuring they can access the care they need, when they need it.”
The waiver will provide targeted HCBS to Kansans ages 5 and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who do not require 24-hour support but would otherwise need services in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). Developed with the recommendations of the Kansas Legislature’s 2022 Special Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disability Waiver Modernization in mind, the waiver offers more flexible, right-sized supports that help individuals live more independently at home and in their communities and promote competitive integrated employment.
The Community Supports Waiver includes services such as:
- Individual Employment Support
- Personal Care Services
- Respite Care
- Therapies (Behavior, Occupational, Physical, and Speech/Language)
- Assistive Technology and Remote Support Services
- Home and Environmental Modifications
- Life Skill Services
- Benefits Planning and Career Exploration
- Family/Caregiver Support and Training
- Individual-Directed Goods and Services
- Non-Medical Transportation, and more
Services under the waiver are subject to an annual cap of $20,000 per participant.
KDADS and KDHE will now begin final implementation activities, including system updates, provider enrollment and training, policy development, and outreach. Individuals and families interested in learning more can visit www.kdads.ks.gov/kansascsw.
What They’re Saying:
“This approval marks a major milestone for Kansas and for the thousands of individuals and families who have waited for more flexible, person-centered options. The Community Supports Waiver is the result of years of collaboration among self-advocates, families, providers, community developmental disabilities organizations (CDDO), and other stakeholders. It will expand access to services, ease pressure on the I/DD waiver waitlist, and give Kansans with I/DD greater choice and control over their lives.”
– Secretary Laura Howard, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
“Giving Kansans access to the Community Supports Waiver through Medicaid is a much-needed enhancement to the services we have worked so hard to provide our all of our members. It not only will help individuals live more independently at home and in the community, but it will offer many more opportunities for them to choose and direct their own services. This is great news for Kansas.”
– Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
“Approval of the Community Supports Waiver is a major milestone for Kansas and for Kansans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It will help individuals who need lower-level supports access services more quickly and reduce the waiting list for the comprehensive I/DD Waiver. I’m proud to have helped guide the development and funding of this new Home & Community Supports Waiver through the Legislature in my roles on Senate Ways & Means, Senate Public Health & Welfare, and the Bob Bethell Joint Committee on HCBS & KanCare Oversight. I remain committed to supporting the resources and alignment needed to ensure this waiver meets the needs of Kansans with I/DD.”
– Senator Pat Pettey, District 6
“It’s great to see the Community Supports Waiver finally up and running. I believe it will make an incredible difference for folks in the I/DD community and their families. As I’ve said many times, I believe it could take half the folks off the wait list.
“A special thanks to the many legislators, staff, and other advocates who also saw the vision and helped along the way and put up with my constant pushing in support of the Community Supports Waiver.
“Today is a great day for the I/DD community in Kansas.”
– Representative Will Carpenter, District 75
“The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) is proud to celebrate this historic milestone for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As the state’s largest organization dedicated exclusively to advancing opportunities for people with I/DD, KCDD has long advocated for the creation of the Community Supports Waiver because we believe it represents an important new pathway to services while strengthening Kansas’ broader commitment to ending the longstanding I/DD waiver waitlist.
“For far too many Kansans, waiting years for critical supports has become the norm. This new waiver creates an important bridge—providing earlier access to meaningful services and helping individuals receive support while they await comprehensive waiver services. It reflects a shared commitment to building a more responsive, person-centered disability system.
“We appreciate the leadership of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Legislature, self-advocates, families, providers, and our many partners who worked together to make this vision a reality. KCDD looks forward to continuing our partnership to ensure every Kansan with I/DD has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in the community of their choice.”
– Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
2026 Bourbon County Primary: Full Candidate List & Ballot Question
2026 Bourbon County Primary Election: Candidates and Ballot Question
The Bourbon County Clerk’s office has released the official list of candidates and ballot question for the August 2026 Primary Election. Below is a complete breakdown of every race and the constitutional amendment question that Bourbon County voters will see on their ballots.
Democratic Primary Candidates
United States Senator
- Damon Anderson – Shawnee
- Christy Davis – Cottonwood Falls
- Adam Hamilton – Stilwell
- Jason Hart – Wichita
- Kevin Latz – Mission Hills
- Erik Murray – Kansas City
- Sandy Spidel Neumann – Overland Park
- Anne Parelkar – Overland Park
- Patrick C. Schmidt – Topeka
- Michael “Mike” Soetaert – Wellington
- Noah Taylor – Kechi
U.S. House of Representatives – District 2
- Don Coover – Galesburg
Kansas Governor / Lt. Governor
- Ethan Corson / Renee Duxler – Salina
- Cindy Holscher / KC Ohaebosim – Wichita
- Curt Skoog / Jennifer Bacani McKenney – Fredonia
Kansas Secretary of State
- Jennifer Day – Overland Park
- Samuel Lane – Shawnee
Kansas Attorney General
- Chris Mann – Lawrence
Kansas State Treasurer
- Juan C. Luengo – Olathe
Commissioner of Insurance
- Dinah Sykes – Lenexa
State Board of Education – District 9
- Heather Guernsey – Chanute
Bourbon County Commissioner – District 1
- Clinton L. Walker – Mapleton
Bourbon County Commissioner – District 3
- No candidate filed
Bourbon County Commissioner – District 4
- No candidate filed
Township Clerk (Democratic)
No candidates filed in Drywood, Franklin, Freedom, Marion, Millcreek, Marmaton, Osage, Pawnee, Scott, Timberhill, or Walnut townships.
Democratic Precinct Committeeman/Committeewoman
| Precinct | Position | Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| 7th Ward | Committeewoman | Tracy J. Schafer – Fort Scott |
| Marmaton D2 | Committeewoman | Thelma J. Quirin – Redfield |
| Millcreek | Committeewoman | Jane L. Gaines – Fort Scott |
| Scott D4 | Committeewoman | Carol K. Lydic – Fort Scott |
| Timberhill | Committeeman | Clinton Lee Walker – Mapleton |
| Timberhill | Committeewoman | Rachel Walker – Mapleton |
| All other Democratic precinct positions: No candidate filed | ||
Republican Primary Candidates
United States Senator
- Roger Marshall – St. John
- Pond Naramore – Lawrence
U.S. House of Representatives – District 2
- Derek Schmidt – Independence
- Chad E. Young – Lawrence
Kansas Governor / Lt. Governor
- Ty Masterson / Jeffrey Klemp – Lansing
- Charlotte O’Hara / Michelle Dombrosky – Olathe
- Nick Reinecker / Katy Reinecker – Inman
- Stacy L. Rogers / Michael W. Smith – Lansing
- Philip Sarnecki / Joy Eakins – Wichita
- Vicki Schmidt / Joe Newland – Neodesha
- Scott Schwab / Ken Rahjes – Agra
Kansas Secretary of State
- Pat Proctor – Leavenworth
Kansas Attorney General
- Kris Kobach – Lecompton
Kansas State Treasurer
- Steven Johnson – Assaria
Commissioner of Insurance
- Daniel Hawkins – Wichita
Kansas House of Representatives – District 4
- Rick James – La Cygne
State Board of Education – District 9
- Destry Brown – Fort Scott
- Kristian Gerken – Paola
- Renee Slinkard – Parker
Bourbon County Commissioner – District 1
- Lyle K. (Pete) Owenby – Redfield
- Mike Hueston – Mapleton
- Lisa Dillon – Fort Scott
Bourbon County Commissioner – District 3
- Joe Allen – Fort Scott
- Josh Jones – Fort Scott
Bourbon County Commissioner – District 4
- Gregg Motley – Fort Scott
Township Clerk (Republican)
- Drywood: Laura Krom
- Franklin: No candidate filed
- Freedom: No candidate filed
- Marion: Brent M. Smith; Michael Ramsey
- Millcreek: No candidate filed
- Marmaton: No candidate filed
- Osage: No candidate filed
- Pawnee: No candidate filed
- Scott: Donald Banwart
- Timberhill: Jennifer Epting Williams
- Walnut: No candidate filed
Republican Precinct Committeeman/Committeewoman
| Precinct | Position | Candidate(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Ward | Committeeman | Kevin W. Davidson |
| 1st Ward | Committeewoman | Cheryl L. Adamson |
| 2nd Ward | Committeeman | Robert J. Uhler |
| 2nd Ward | Committeewoman | Laurie R. Uhler |
| 3rd Ward | Committeeman | Brian Rhoades |
| 3rd Ward | Committeewoman | Brandy L. Rhoades |
| 4th Ward | Committeeman | Matthew Wells |
| 4th Ward | Committeewoman | Katie Wells |
| 5th Ward | Committeeman | No candidate filed |
| 5th Ward | Committeewoman | Jana R. Walker |
| 6th Ward | Committeeman | Douglas E. Niemeir |
| 6th Ward | Committeewoman | No candidate filed |
| 7th Ward | Committeeman | Michael Hoyt; Robert S. Love |
| 7th Ward | Committeewoman | Patricia S. Love |
| Drywood | Committeeman | Larry Shead |
| Drywood | Committeewoman | Vickie Shead; Laura Krom |
| Franklin | Committeeman | Tony Bradbury |
| Franklin | Committeewoman | Kaitlyn Bradbury |
| Freedom D1 | Committeeman | No candidate filed |
| Freedom D1 | Committeewoman | Janice Seested |
| Freedom D5 | Committeeman | Lawrence Paddock |
| Freedom D5 | Committeewoman | Karen A. Paddock |
| Marion | Committeeman | No candidate filed |
| Marion | Committeewoman | Nancy Holt |
| Marmaton D2 | Committeeman | Jeffrey L. Reed; Micheal Bryant |
| Marmaton D2 | Committeewoman | Angela Soetaert |
| Marmaton D4 | Committeeman | No candidate filed |
| Marmaton D4 | Committeewoman | No candidate filed |
| Millcreek | Committeeman | Boa Casper |
| Millcreek | Committeewoman | Katie K. Casper |
| Osage | Committeeman | Joshua Kee; Marvin Creager |
| Osage | Committeewoman | Mika Milburn-Kee |
| Pawnee | Committeeman | Kevin Wagner |
| Pawnee | Committeewoman | Rachel Wagner |
| Scott D1 | Committeeman | Jim Sackett |
| Scott D1 | Committeewoman | Gayle Sackett |
| Scott D2 | Committeeman | Bryan Holt |
| Scott D2 | Committeewoman | Tara Holt |
| Scott D3 | Committeeman | Luke Demko |
| Scott D3 | Committeewoman | No candidate filed |
| Scott D4 | Committeeman | Roy D. Dare |
| Scott D4 | Committeewoman | Anne Dare |
| Scott D5 | Committeeman | Bill Lalman |
| Scott D5 | Committeewoman | Glenda Lalman |
| Timberhill | Committeeman | Timothy H. Emerson Sr.; Brandon Whisenhunt |
| Timberhill | Committeewoman | Rebecca Whisenhunt |
| Walnut | Committeeman | Jason Sutterby |
| Walnut | Committeewoman | Rebecca Sutterby |
Constitutional Amendment Question
In addition to candidate races, voters will be asked to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment regarding how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected.
Explanatory Statement
This amendment gives voters the right to elect the justices of the Kansas Supreme Court. The justices shall serve terms of six years, with elections of justice positions 1, 2 and 3 to occur in 2028, positions 4 and 5 to occur in 2030, and positions 6 and 7 to occur in 2032, and every six years thereafter. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Any vacancy on the court for an unexpired term shall be filled at an election as provided by law.
A vote FOR this proposition would give Kansas citizens the right to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices as provided by law. Justices will hold office for terms of six years. The Kansas Supreme Court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, would be abolished.
A vote AGAINST this proposition would continue the current system in which the Kansas Supreme Court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, provides the governor a list of three individuals to choose from for vacancies on the Kansas Supreme Court. Justices hold office for a term of six years and retain their offices if they win a retention election in which they do not face an opponent.
Proposed Amendment Text (§ 5 – Selection of Justices of the Supreme Court)
The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Justice positions 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected at the general election in November of 2028, justice positions 4 and 5 in November of 2030 and justice positions 6 and 7 in November of 2032, and every six years thereafter, respectively. Any vacancy occurring on the supreme court for an unexpired term shall be filled by election as provided by law.
The full text of the amendment, including proposed changes to §§ 8 and 15 of the Kansas Constitution, is available in the attached ballot PDF.
Source: Bourbon County Clerk’s Office.
Documents:
Kansas June Tax Collections $1.07B, 3.2% Above Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends June 2026 with total tax collections at $1.07 billion. That is $33.5 million, or 3.2%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.0% from June 2025.
Individual income tax collections were $490.0 million. That is $25.0 million, or 5.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 4.0% from June 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $185.1 million. That is $7.1 million, or 4.0% above the estimate, and down 11.0% from June 2025.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $296.8 million, which is $1.2 million, or 0.4%, below the estimate, and up 2.0% from June 2025.
FS Public Library Board Is Seeking A Member
VACANCIES FOR LIBRARY BOARD – (1) opening for a (4)-year term. This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Fort Scott Public Library. For further information please contact the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler at (620) 223-2882. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MONDAY, JULY 6th AT 5:00pm.
Please submit ALL Letters of Interest to the City Clerk by the deadlines indicated either in person at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street or by email. PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION. All letters will be verified, and all candidates must appear before the City Commission when scheduled by agenda. If letters cannot be verified, they will not be considered. For questions, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected]or (620) 223-0550 ext. 507.
Kansas Courts Launch Eviction Expungement Portal
TOPEKA—People who’ve gone through an eviction case now have access to an online resource to request that the eviction be removed, or expunged, from the court record if certain criteria are met.
The Kansas judicial branch launched the new Eviction Expungement Portal on July 1. It allows people who are not represented by an attorney to file electronically to request the record of their eviction be removed if they meet certain qualifications under law.
Using the portal, a person can file a court motion to remove the record and submit a return of service to show the motion was served on the plaintiff in the case. The plaintiff has 30 days after the motion is delivered to them to file an objection with the court.
The portal walks the person through finding their eviction case and filing the motion to have the record of it removed. The portal also collects information that it uses to generate forms.
After the person submits the necessary forms through the portal, the documents are sent to the appropriate district court for filing in their eviction case.
The portal also connects the filer with forms created by the Kansas Judicial Council to help with the process.
If a person is represented by an attorney, their attorney would file the motion through the Kansas Courts eFiling system.
During the 2026 session, the Kansas Legislature passed 2026 Substitute for House Bill 2357. The bill created the option for someone to request that an eviction be removed from the court record and required that an electronic process be available for submitting that request.
Immerse Yourself in America’s History at the Fort On July 4
Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence
Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.
On Saturday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
10 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration
1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort
2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
3 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration
Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.
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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
Credit Photo as: NPS Photo of an artillery firing.
Submitted by Carl Brenner
Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)
National Park Service, DOI Region 5
Bo Co Bridge Repair Bid Approved on Hwy. 69
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Ks Dept. of Agriculture Announces Photo Contest
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The beauty of Kansas agriculture can’t be captured by a camera, but we encourage you to try in the annual Kansas Department of Agriculture Photo Contest. KDA is now accepting photo entries, and will continue accepting entries through August 16.
This year’s KDA Photo Contest categories were selected to celebrate the hard work that happens all year long in Kansas agriculture by recognizing the seasons: Spring into the Fields, Life in the Summer, Fall on the Farm, and Winter at Work. These categories allow you to showcase Kansas agriculture in many ways — from spring planting through fall harvest, from the intense heat of summer to the bitter cold of winter. As always, there is a separate Youth division, for young photographers age 18 and under. And a video category will welcome drone footage, harvest videos, or other short clips of under 30 seconds that showcase Kansas agriculture. Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories.
KDA serves to advocate for agriculture, the state’s largest industry and economic driver. Photos which best capture the categories will be used throughout the year as we tell the story of Kansas agriculture. After submission, KDA is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.
Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to [email protected]. Videos should be sent in .mp4 or .mov format. Entries must include a title and brief description, where and when the photo/video was taken, the photographer’s full name and age, entry category, hometown, and email address.
Guidelines for the KDA Photo Contest, including deadlines, categories and prizes, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/
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Entries Now Open for KDA Photo Contest.pdf
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KDOT Requests Comment on Statewide Transportation
The Kansas Department of Transportation requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov/about/publications-
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes July 9. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-2252.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 785-296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
The Kansas Labor Report for May 2026
Labor Report
May 2026
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor has released the May 2026 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: May 2026 Kansas Labor Report.
The June 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released Friday, July 17.
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