Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Federal Victims of Crimes Grants Announced in Kansas

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Governor Kelly Announces Over $10M 
in Federal Victims of Crime Act Funding


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that over $10.4 million in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant funding will be awarded to 64 community-based organizations and local and state agencies.

“The services these 64 organizations provide are essential to Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This crucial funding is vital to these organizations’ ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors need as they rebuild their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of normality.”

The organizations and agencies provide mental health services, legal assistance, victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and other services to crime victims and survivors. The VOCA grant funding comes from the Federal Crime Victims Fund, which is financed by fines and penalties from convictions in federal cases.

The grant funds are made available through the Office for Victims of Crime, a key component of the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice.

A total of $10,484,525 was awarded.

The 2026 VOCA grant awardees are below:

2026 VOCA Grant Awards

County

Organization Name

Grant Award

Allen

Hope Unlimited

$116,263

Barton

Barton County Attorney’s Office

$52,064

Barton

Family Crisis Center

$194,908

Butler

Family Life Center

$34,269

Butler

Sunlight Children’s Services

$92,331

Butler

Tri-County CASA

$9,949

Cloud

North Central Kansas CASA

$18,909

Crawford

Children’s Advocacy Center

$29,693

Crawford

Safehouse Crisis Center

$123,077

Douglas

Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County

$24,008

Douglas

Douglas County CASA

$9,653

Douglas

Douglas County District Attorney’s Office

$62,635

Douglas

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

$92,031

Douglas

The Willow Domestic Violence Center

$147,905

Ellis

Options: Domestic & Sexual Violence Services

$182,122

Finney

Family Crisis Services

$114,552

Finney

Spirit of the Plains CASA

$12,150

Ford

CASA-Children Worth Saving

$23,225

Ford

Crisis Center of Dodge City

$50,525

Ford

Ford County Attorney’s Office

$193,148

Ford

Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center

$28,807

Geary

CASA of the 8th Judicial District

$15,114

Harvey

CASA: A Voice for Children

$17,106

Harvey

Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force

$282,566

Harvey

Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center

$23,885

Johnson

CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties

$63,122

Johnson

Johnson County District Attorney’s Office

$119,529

Johnson

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

$181,170

Johnson

Safehome

$526,088

Johnson

Sunflower House

$195,183

Leavenworth

Alliance Against Family Violence

$38,926

Leavenworth

First Judicial District CASA Association

$72,450

Lyon

SOS

$193,594

Reno

BrightHouse

$167,878

Reno

Horizons Mental Health Center Child Advocacy Center

$64,405

Riley

Crisis Center

$68,949

Riley

Kansas State University

$225,309

Riley

Riley County Police Department

$94,662

Riley

Sunflower Children’s Collective

$73,120

Saline

Child Advocacy & Parenting Services

$67,677

Saline

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas

$369,402

Scott

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

$265,566

Sedgwick

CAC of Sedgwick County

$283,508

Sedgwick

Catholic Charities, Harbor House

$135,041

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Police Department

$120,594

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office

$159,160

Sedgwick

ICT SOS

$91,398

Sedgwick

Roots & Wings CASA

$43,780

Sedgwick

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

$73,288

Sedgwick

StepStone

$115,354

Sedgwick

Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center

$233,177

Sedgwick

Wichita Children’s Home

$314,772

Sedgwick

Wichita Family Crisis Center

$252,400

Seward

Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services

$115,803

Shawnee

City of Topeka Police Department

$71,955

Shawnee

Disability Rights Center of Kansas

$719,609

Shawnee

Kansas Department of Corrections

$887,658

Shawnee

Kansas Legal Services

$794,126

Shawnee

LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center

$17,497

Shawnee

YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment

$124,421

Wyandotte

Friends of Yates

$280,485

Wyandotte

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault

$457,221

Wyandotte

ReHope (Restoration House)

$45,000

Wyandotte

Unified Gov’t of Wyandotte Co/KS City KS–Police Dept.

$410,353

TOTAL

$10,484,525

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Government, Jobs, Kansas

KS Labor Report November 2025

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TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has released the November 2025 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: November 2025 Kansas Labor Report.

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has released the October and November 2025 Kansas Labor Reports. Due to the lapse in federal funding during the federal government shutdown, all Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) operations were suspended from Oct. 1, 2025, through Nov. 12, 2025. As a result, KDOL will not publish separate reports for the October and November 2025 Kansas Labor Reports. Establishment survey data from the Current Employment Statistics program for October 2025 will be published with the November 2025 data. Household survey data from the Current Population Survey, which serve as the primary input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics models, were not collected for the October 2025 reference period due to a lapse in appropriations and will not be collected retroactively.

The December 2025 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Friday, January 23.

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Government

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

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Thoughts From Under the Dome

 

As I am writing this the 2026 legislative session starts next week but I am in Topeka early to get settled in and ready for the upcoming fun. The House Higher Education Budget Committee is meeting today and although I am not on that committee I will be setting in this afternoon to hear Pittsburg State President  Dr. Thomas Newsome give his presentation. I find it helpful to keep in touch with the educational institutions that serve our corner of Southeast Kansas as they are a great resource.

 

On the subject of upcoming legislation, I am sponsoring House Bill 2412, which will change the offense of endangering a child under the age of six years old from a misdemeanor to a felony. I was prompted to initiate this legislation after meeting with the family of Benny who is a child who suffers from permanent disability as a result of neglectful daycare workers. The persons who were responsible had their day in court, but in my opinion, the sentencing was much lighter than what an offense of this magnitude warrants. The bill also addresses dangerous environments where methamphetamine and fentanyl are involved.

 

As the legislative session progresses, I welcome your calls and emails to let me know when you agree or disagree. I also enjoy visits from the folks back home so I encourage everyone to spend a day in Topeka as your schedules allow and be sure to let me know that you are coming so I can schedule time to meet. It brings a real positive energy to the halls of the Statehouse when school groups are here, so if you are a teacher, feel free to bring your classes up for a visit. Until next time, Ad Astra Per Aspera.

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

620-240-0778

 
Bourbon County, Government

Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on January 5

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BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Monday, January 05, 2026, 5:30 PM (Revised 01.05.26)
I. Call Meeting to Order
 Roll Call
 Pledge of Allegiance
 Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 12.15.25 and 12.18.25 (Unofficial until approved)
IV. Approval of Consent Agenda
 Accounts Payable & Payroll 12.24.25 $250,716.54
 Accounts Payable 12.31.25 $234,630.63
 Tax Corrections
V. Public Comments
VI. Ben Hall- Discussion Bitcoin Mining & Evotech
VII. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy. – Lora Holdridge
VIII. Old Business
 Handbook Review
 Set Public Hearing Date for Road Closure – Daniels
 Sanitation Violation Update – County Counselor
 Moratorium Update – County Counselor
IX. New Business
 Website – approval of access – Milburn-Kee
 Executive Assistant Introduction & Update – Milburn-Kee
 Letter of Support Request (Scott Wheeler)
 Resolution 01-26 Section 125 Plan Document
 Resolution 02-26 Holidays and Paydays
 Resolution 03-26 GAAP Waiver
 Resolution 04-26 Designation of Depositories and Official Publication Carrier
 Resolution 05-26 ROZ participation
 Resolution 06-26 Meeting Date, Location and Time
X. Build Agenda for Following Meeting
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Adjournment _____________
01/12/26 01/19/26 01/26/26
District 4 & 5 Oaths
Reorganization of Board
Board Memberships
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether
or not in consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of
corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
FUTURE
Economic Development
Juvenile Detention Contract – Spring 2026
Benefits Committee Letters
Elm Creek Quarry
Phone System
Elevator
Stop Sign Removal 205th Overbrook
Handbook
Credit Card Policy

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Highlights 2025 Successes, Looks Ahead to 2026

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Kansas Governor’s legislative priorities in 2026 center on budget, water and children
12.25.25 | Kansas Reflector

  • Kelly, scheduled to deliver the State of the State address on Jan. 13, said developing a budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 would be her primary quest.
  • “No. 1 is always the budget,” she said in an interview with Kansas Reflector. “That the Legislature pass a balanced, reasonable, sane budget that funds the important responsibilities of state government.”
  • Kelly said another objective was to sustain the push for economic development. The state’s commitment to financially support relocation of the Kansas City Chiefs to a stadium in Wyandotte County and a headquarters in Johnson County was a “game-changer for our state,” she said.
  • In the 2026 session, Kelly said she also would focus on finalizing a long-term plan for preserving and enhancing the state’s water resources.
  • “We are on the cusp of coming up with that strategic plan that I’d like to see in place before I’m out of office,” Kelly said. “As I’ve said before, I don’t expect to solve the water problem by the time I leave, but I would like in place a structure and a funding source that will ensure that we can address water.”
  • In addition, the governor said she was committed to standing up the new state Office of Early Childhood by July 1. The goals would be consolidation of programs housed in a cluster of state agencies and the upgrading of services beneficial to children.

‘Seamless opening’ of office a top priority in Laura Kelly’s last year
12.29.25 | Topeka Capital-Journal 

  • Kelly, who is entering her final year as governor, told The Capital-Journal in a Dec. 17 interview that one of her top priorities for her last year “is to ensure a seamless opening of the Office of Early Childhood.”
  • “We have been putting all the puzzle pieces in place,” she said. “I think we will be ready on July 1, but I won’t stop focusing on that to ensure that we are.”
  • “That office is what will ensure that my original campaign goal in 2018 of having the most comprehensive, robust early childhood education system in the country can become a reality,” Kelly said.
  • Creation of a new state agency was a top priority of Kelly’s second term. She campaigned for reelection on a promise to consolidate programs into a newly established cabinet-level agency. Her first official act of her second term was signing an executive order — while holding her granddaughter on her lap — to set up a task force to study the issue. The task force solicited input with meetings around the state.

Water planning among Gov. Laura Kelly’s priorities ahead of 2026 legislative session
12.17.25 | WIBW

  • Governor Laura Kelly outlined some of her priorities for the 2026 legislative session in an interview with 13 NEWS Wednesday. The outgoing Democrat said she wants to have the Office of Early Childhood up and running by July and finalize a strategic approach to the state’s water resources before leaving office.
  • Kelly said continuing to develop a long-term plan for the state’s water resources remains a priority, building the legislative task force established in the 2025 session.
  • “I don’t expect I’m going to solve the issues around water before I’m out of office, but I am hoping in concert with the legislature, and particularly with the task force that they set up last year that by the time I’m walking out this door that there will be in place a very solid strategic plan to deal with water, and that plan will include a dedicated funding source,” Kelly said.
  • Kelly said the state’s approach to transportation infrastructure is comparable to her vision for water planning.
  • “What I hope it would be very much is what we do for our roads and bridges,” she said. “We think long-term with roads and bridges and we also have a dedicated funding source for that. You have to have that for those kinds of projects that are going to be constructed over a longer period,” Kelly said. “So that’s what I’m hoping when all is said and done, that we have in place here in Kansas the ways and the means to implement a water plan that will ensure quality and quantity for generations.”

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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan Program Announced

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Governor Kelly Announces $221 Million for Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been awarded $221 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to support the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. This funding will strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, and improve health outcomes for Kansans across the state. This funding award exceeds the base amount states allocated and reflects the quality of Kansas’ application.

“This funding for Kansas will go a long way in fundamentally changing the health care delivery system for rural communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I want to thank the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance for their input on the application development, KDHE, KDADS, and the team at the University of Kansas Health Care Collaborative, who partnered with the State in the development and submission of the plan to CMS.”

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will serve as the lead agency for this grant. This process will include coordination with key stakeholders, including the Rural Health Alliance, across the state to ensure funds are distributed in alignment with the approved program framework and federal requirements. Kansas’ framework will provide for projects under five key initiatives:

  • Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs
  • Secure Local Access to Primary Care
  • Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce
  • Enable Value-Based Care
  • Harness Data and Technology

Kansas submitted its application to CMS on Nov. 3. The full application is available on the KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program webpage.

Additional details regarding implementation timelines and next steps will be shared as the work progresses.

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Business, Government, Kansas, Sports

New Domed Chiefs Stadium and Training Facility Coming to Kansas

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Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs
Announce Agreement On Plans for
State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

Gov. Kelly: “This is a game-changer for Kansas”

New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.  It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be found here.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said Christal Watson, Mayor & CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy – and a lot of fun for our families,” said John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of.”

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public – 40% private). The public portion is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund – both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.  The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds, click here.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.

For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit.

A photo is available for media use here.

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Government

Newsletter of U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

This past week saw progress on several legislative efforts that have been months in the making. Some cleared the House of Representatives and will now be considered by the Senate, while three bills I’ve been working on won final approval in both houses and were signed into law by President Trump.

On Wednesday, the Senate passed the House-amended National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA) (S. 1071) on a bipartisan vote of 77-20. The bill then made its way to the White House where President Trump signed the bill on Thursday evening. As I have long said, our Armed Forces must remain the most capable and lethal military force in the world. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am pleased to have contributed to that effort – for Kansans and for our nation.

The NDAA also included bills  I cosponsored that will improve public safety, which are:

  • Protect Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1274) reauthorizes and strengthens the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program. This legislation authorizes increased funding for ICACs, updates the national strategy to prevent child exploitation, and strengthens ICAC task forces.
  • Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 (H.R. 1236) expands the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program to include retired officers who are killed or permanently disabled in targeted attacks due to their prior service.
  • Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1269) ensures the death or permanent disability of a public safety officer due to an exposure-related cancer is presumed a personal injury sustained in the line of duty under the Public Service Officer Benefits program when certain conditions are met. I heard from several constituents how important this legislation is to Kansas firefighters; I appreciated that input and was happy to support it.

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee debated and voted on several bills. I am a cosponsor of the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), which would establish a formal recognition by the President of the United States for law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I consulted with our Kansas officials who operate the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial in Topeka, and with their input, offered an amendment to the bill that will make it work better in practice. During debate, I told the Judiciary Committee about the four Kansas officers killed in the line of duty this year.

Rep. Derek Schmidt (KS-2) during consideration of the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) in the House Judiciary Committee. Click here to watch full remarks.

Throughout the week, the House debated and passed legislation to address border security, rising healthcare costs, and rising energy costs. I supported the following:

  • Kayla Hamilton Act (H.R. 4371) would ensure the federal government conducts a proper review of unaccompanied migrant children entering our country.
  • Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703) would lower insurance premium costs by at least 11% through cost-sharing reduction payments that would stabilize the insurance individual market.
  • SPEED Act (H.R. 4776) would amend the National Environment Policy Act of 1969 to streamline the environmental review process.
  • Reliable Power Act (H.R. 3616) would ensure future federal regulations that impact power generation will not harm electric reliability.
Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

 

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.
Around the District

Recently, I was in Emporia to participate in Wreaths Across America. What an honor and privilege it was to pay tribute to those who served our great country and to help pass along to our next generation the service and sacrifice that built our country and has kept us free. I was also in Topeka to help at the Kansas Children’s Service League Red Stocking Breakfast. I’ve been a longtime supporter of KCSL and the great work they do with kids, and I’m grateful for their dedication. It’s always good to be home!
Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court Justice Luckert Is Leaving the Court

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Chief Justice Marla Luckert to step back from role 

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Marla Luckert will resign from the office of chief justice on January 2, but she will remain as a justice on the Supreme Court until she retires on a date to be announced.

The Kansas Constitution includes a provision that allows Luckert to step back from her duties as chief justice while she continues to serve as justice. She said it is her intent to finish work on cases she heard before mid-October, when she took medical leave following a stroke.

Luckert said her decision to step back as chief justice and ultimately retire from the Supreme Court was made through careful deliberation, both individually and with her family, and it was not without hesitation.

“When I left Goodland to attend college and law school, I never imagined I would serve on the Supreme Court or as chief justice,” she said. “I achieved far more than I imagined I would as a young woman from rural Kansas, and it has been my great honor to serve Kansans as a judge, justice, and chief justice.”

Luckert was the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court and the second to serve as chief justice. She said the privilege to engage in work she loves made her decision to step back and ultimately retire more difficult. She added that knowing she leaves the court in good hands made her decision easier.

Justice Eric Rosen, who has served recently as acting chief justice,  will formally step into the chief justice role on January 2. The role is reserved for the justice who has the most continuous years of service on the court.

“Justice Rosen and I have served side by side for more than 20 years, and I appreciate his leadership serving as acting chief justice these last few months,” Luckert said. “It reassures me to know I will transfer responsibility to his very capable hands.”

Luckert and Rosen both served as district judges in the 3rd Judicial District, a one-county district composed of Shawnee County, before they were appointed to the Supreme Court in 2002 and 2005.

Rosen said he’s grateful for his years working with Luckert and for her guiding influence as chief justice. He noted her efforts to build and strengthen relationships within state government and for ushering the court system through adversity.

“Her tenure as chief justice was fraught with challenge, but she managed it all with unflappable grace,” he said. “Not only did she help us overcome major obstacles, but she also made our court system stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future. I will greatly miss her as a colleague and confidant, but she will always remain both a professional and close personal friend.”

Luckert said she will also resign from her roles on national committees. She currently is chair of the Civil Justice Committee and a member of the Access and Fairness Committees, both of which are joint ventures involving the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators.

She will also resign her position on the Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction, which is part of the Judicial Conference of the United States, and her service is on the invitation of Chief Justice John Roberts.

Luckert is a fourth-generation native of Sherman County. She has been a Shawnee County resident since enrolling at Washburn University for her undergraduate studies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a law degree from Washburn University School of Law.

After working 12 years in private practice, she was appointed a district judge for the 3rd Judicial District in 1992. She later served as the district’s chief judge, a role she held for three years. She was the first woman in Kansas appointed to a chief judge role.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
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Fort Scott, Government

City Manager Tells of Work Done in 2025, Updated

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At this morning’s final Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce hosted by the City of Fort Scott, City Manager Brad Matkin gave the following speech to the attendees.

Included in this update is additonal information that Mr. Matkin sent today, with more specifics:

Accomplishment 2025

 

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

This year was about stability, progress, and laying a solid foundation for the future of Fort Scott. Through careful planning and disciplined financial management, the City maintained a balanced budget, protected our reserves, and continued to make strategic investments in our community. At a time when many cities are facing financial strain, Fort Scott remained fiscally responsible while continuing to deliver essential services.

One of our most important accomplishments this year was continued investment in infrastructure. We made meaningful progress on street improvements and utility maintenance, focusing on projects that improve safety, reliability, and long-term efficiency. These are not always the most visible projects, but they are critical to protecting our assets and supporting future growth.

Public safety remained a top priority. Our police, 911 Dispatch, and fire departments continued to serve with professionalism and dedication, maintaining strong response times and community engagement. Training, equipment upgrades, and inter-agency coordination helped ensure our first responders remain prepared to serve and protect the community.

Tourism continued to be an important driver of activity in Fort Scott this year. Visitors drawn to our historic assets, community events, and local attractions supported our businesses, restaurants, and lodging establishments. From heritage tourism centered around Fort Scott National Historic Site to festivals, holiday events, athletic events, museums, and regional gatherings; tourism helped generate economic activity while showcasing what makes Fort Scott unique.

These tourism efforts not only benefit our local economy but also reinforce community pride and increases Fort Scott’s regional presence.

Economic development in Fort Scott this year focused on strengthening what we already have while positioning the community for future opportunity. We continued working with local businesses, property owners, and regional partners to support reinvestment, job retention, and responsible growth. Economic development in Fort Scott is about progress with purpose—building on our strengths while preparing for the opportunities ahead.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without our city employees. I want to recognize the dedication of our staff across all departments, many of whom take on multiple roles and responsibilities to ensure services are delivered efficiently and professionally. Their commitment to Fort Scott is evident every day.

As we look ahead, our focus will remain on sound financial stewardship, continued infrastructure investment, public safety, tourism and Business Development. While challenges remain, Fort Scott is well-positioned to move forward with confidence.

I would also like to thank Fort Scott’s business leaders and local employers. Your commitment to investing here, employing our residents, rehabbing buildings that seemed lost, and supporting community events is essential to our city’s success. You are key partners in Fort Scott’s progress, and we appreciate the role you play in keeping our community strong and resilient.

I’ve heard comments that Fort Scott is “dying.” I don’t see a city in decline—I see a city that is evolving, investing, and positioning itself for the future. Communities that are truly dying are not improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, welcoming visitors, or planning ahead. Fort Scott is doing all of those things.

As we look ahead to 2026, Fort Scott’s goals focus on responsible growth, strong core services, and community well-being. We will continue investing in infrastructure, including streets, utilities, and public facilities, while maintaining a balanced budget and strong financial stewardship. Supporting economic development and local businesses remains a priority, alongside efforts to promote tourism and highlight Fort Scott’s historic and cultural assets. Public safety, workforce development, and community engagement will remain central to our work, ensuring residents continue to enjoy a safe, vibrant, and thriving city. These goals are designed to strengthen our foundation and position Fort Scott for continued progress and opportunity.

It is an honor to be City Manager of the place I call “HOME” and will continue to work hard to make this a much better place for all of us.

“As we enter the Christmas season, may we be reminded that the true strength of Fort Scott lies in the spirit of service, generosity, and community we share.”

Thank you, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Hyundai and Kia Settlement in Kansas

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Kansas To Receive $71K-plus in AG settlement with Hyundai, Kia

As a result of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will offer free hardware fix for all affected vehicles that will thwart further thefts and protect public safety.

TOPEKA – (Dec. 17, 2025) –Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today that Kansas, along with attorneys general from 34 states, has reached a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia over their sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry-standard, anti-theft technology. This failure resulted in an epidemic of car thefts and joy riding across the country that continues to threaten public safety. Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia have agreed to:

  • Equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with industry-standard, engine immobilizer anti-theft technology;
  • Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including vehicles that previously were only eligible for the companies’ software updates;
  • Provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars are damaged by thieves; and
  • Pay $4.5 million to the states to defray the costs of the investigation.

Kansas will receive $71,427.88 for the costs of the investigation. Significant consumer restitution will allow Kansas consumers to drive a vehicle that will no longer be a target for criminals. Almost 48,000 of these vehicles were sold in Kansas.

Hyundai and Kia chose not include anti-theft “engine-immobilizer” technology in millions of their vehicles sold throughout the United States, including in Kansas.  An engine immobilizer prevents thieves from starting a vehicle’s engine without the vehicle’s “smart” key, which stores the vehicle’s electronic security code. Hyundai and Kia were slow to respond to the crisis, waiting until 2023 to launch a service campaign to update the software.

Eligible consumers will have one year from the date of notice from the companies to make an appointment to have the ignition cylinder protector installed at their local Hyundai or Kia authorized dealerships. Attorney General Kobach urges consumers to schedule the installation of the ignition cylinder protector as soon as possible.

In addition, consumers who previously installed the software update on their vehicles (or were scheduled to do so) but nonetheless experienced a theft or attempted theft of their vehicle on or after April 29, 2025, are eligible to file a claim for restitution for certain theft and attempted-theft related expenses. For more information about eligibility and how to submit a claim for compensation from Hyundai or Kia, please visit the following website as soon as possible:

http://www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com

Assistant Attorney General Kaley Schrader was on the case.

 

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