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Category Archives: Government
KDOT seeking comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) 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 November 6. 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).
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Agenda for This Evenings Bo Co Commission Meeting Oct. 23
Reminder there is also a work session discussing benefits at 5:00 PM.
BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Thursday, October 23, 2025, 6:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Payroll Update – County Clerk
III. Noise Resolution
IV. Adjournment _____________
Commissioners Discuss Noise Resolution in the County Today at 6 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission will have a special meeting at 6PM to discuss a Noise Resolution.
Submitted by
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
Chief Judge Amy Harth was reappointed in the 6th Judicial District
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Candidate Forum This Evening at The Ellis Center
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If Federal Government Shut Down Continues, SNAP Benefits For November Are In Question
Kansas Department for Children and Families Shares Update on Status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amid Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.
The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.
SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households – nearly 188,000 Kansans – who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.
Impact on Kansans
This potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.
DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.
“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”
October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.
DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on dcf.ks.gov.
What happens next?
DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at dcf.ks.gov.
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.
The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org.
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Uniontown dominated at the South East Regional Eco Meet at Greenbush.
Eco-Meets are competitions that test high school students’ knowledge of Kansas’ wildlife and plants, rewarding the most naturally-qualified students with scholarships. Students are tested in four areas, which are updated annually: a particular habitat, a focus group (of animals), an outdoor scavenger hunt (to assess identification skills), and a fun interpretive event, according tohttps://www.kansasecomeet.org/faqs/
Uniontown High School students participated in Southeast Kansas Regional Eco-Meet at Greenbush, KS on October 22, according to https://www.kansasecomeet.org/southeast-kansas-regional-eco-meet/
Team A, consisting of Aryonnah Beaton, Mathew Knight, Payton McAfee and Ziggy Barbour took 1st place overall.
Team C, consisting of Liliyan Robinson, Ash Sporleder, Lexie Irsik and Scarlett McCullough took 2nd place overall. Both of those teams will advance to the State competition held at Rock Springs Ranch in Junction City on November 6.
In addition to taking the top two team awards, Uniontown captured the four top individual awards!
Aryonnah Beaton placed 1st in Aquatics and Payton McAfee placed 2nd.
Lilian Robinson placed 1st in Invertebrates and Ty Shelton placed 2nd.
Team B, consisting of Austin Maycomber, Ty Shelton, Braydon Russell and Chandler Hall and Team D, consisting of Macy Hueston, Karsyn Woods, Cristian Gonzalez and Catherine Cox also did a fantastic job yesterday but unfortunately did not qualify for State.
Uniontown brought home the traveling trophy and since 2019 Colgan has been the winner. For 2025, the trophy will stay in Uniontown High School!
Submitted by
Christal Martin
Alyson Weston
Brad Johnson
Carrie Sutcliffe
From row: (left to right)Karsyn Woods, Macy Hueston, Cristian Gonzalez, Lillyan Robinson, Lexi Irsik, Ash Sporleder, & Scarlett McCullough.
Back row: (left to right) Payton McAfee, Mathew Knight, Ziggy Barbour, Aryonnah Beaton, Chandler Hall, Austin Maycumber, Braydon Russell and Ty Shelton.
Pulling Together For The Common Good
The U.S. Federal Government shut down is affecting areas not thought of previously.
During a city supervisor’s meeting last week, it was brought up in conversation that the Fort Scott National Historic Site’s lawn had not been mowed as usual.
“With the government shutdown the FSNHS, staff has not been allowed to work at the Fort, but the grass continues to grow,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager on the city’s Facebook page. “So I reached out to the FSNHS superintendent to see what kind of hoops we needed to jump through to enable us to mow the property. After a few days of government work we were given the OK to proceed with mowing, Knowing the weekend is going to be nice and visitors will be wanting to see the Fort in it’s beauty, the Parks Department and Chief Bruner took time out of their regular daily duties to go mow and weedeat the grounds. Thank you guys for your dedication.”
Norman Mackley, Fort Scott Park Department Supervisor, said “At a supervisors weekly meeting, I think, (Fort Scott Fire Chief) Dave Bruner volunteered. Then Dave contacted me.”
Thursday afternoon, October 16, Mackley and Parks Maintenance employee Paul Ballou, each took a 72 inch city lawn mower and spent about three hours mowing the Fort Scott National Historic Site lawn.
“I found out, there is more to mow than I thought,” Mackley said. “I estimate seven acres.”
On Friday, Bruner trimmed weeds and overgrown grass with a with a weed eater to keep the Fort lawn looking neat, and manicured, with trimming also from Mackley and Ballou.
KS Department of Agriculture Crop and Livestock Research Grant Opportunity
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program. Funds for the program are appropriated to the agency by the Kansas Legislature from the State Water Plan Fund.
The grant funds are in turn awarded to projects and organizations based on their alignment with the State Water Plan and their potential impact on the Kansas agriculture industry. Areas of particular interest include improving the performance and marketability of drought-tolerant crops; improving the ability of farmers to reduce input requirements, increase effectiveness, and reduce nutrient runoff; and agriculture innovations that reduce water use, improve water quality, or improve drought resilience.
This is a competitive, reimbursement-based grant program. Applications will be evaluated by a technical review committee. The recommendations of the committee will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final award determination.
Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2025. For more information, please download and carefully read the FY26 Request for Applications document from the KDA website: agriculture.ks.gov/grants.
The funding appropriation for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Program is $450,000. Applicants may request up to $100,000 per project, and projects can be up to two years in duration.
The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for ag sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.
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Bourbon County Commission Agenda Packet for Oct. 20
To view the full agenda packet
BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved) 09.15.25, 09.16.25, 09.22.25, 09.23.25, 09.26.25, 09.29.25,
10.06.25, 10.07.25, 10.14.25
IV. Casey Brown – SEK-Cap Public Transportation
V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy.
VI. Resolutions brought for signature
Law Enforcement Fund Resolution returned for signatures
VII. Consent Agenda
Approval of 10.17.25 Accounts Payable that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.17.25 (not
mailed until approved on 10.20.25) – Accounts Payable $377,595.70
Approval of 10.17.25 Payroll that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.15.25 and allowed for
payment per K.S.A. 12-105b (b)(1) $300,350.36
VIII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
IX. Old Business
108 W 2nd
Bitcoin Mining
Noise Resolution
Gov Deals
Technology Discussion
Meeting Resolution
X. New Business
SOP Public Works
Culvert
Sanitation Discussion
Resident Complaint
XI. Department Updates
XII. Build Agenda for following meeting
XIII. Commission Comments
XIV. Adjournment ____
Medicare Beneficiaries Can Enroll: 2025 Open Enrollment Period Launched October 15th
TOPEKA – With over 571,000 Kansas residents depending on Medicare for health coverage, now is the critical time to act. The annual Medicare Fall Open Enrollment period is underway, running from October 15th through December 7th. This is your once-a-year chance to review and make changes to your benefits that will take effect on January 1st of the following year.
“Medicare coverage and costs can vary widely, so KDADS wants to make sure people understand how important it is to compare their current coverage with other options each year during the open enrollment period,” KDADS Medicare Grants Coordinator Janet Boskill said. “We encourage Kansans to review their healthcare coverage options carefully to ensure they have the best plan to meet their needs and avoid being locked into their current plan for another year if it doesn’t meet those needs.”
By shopping available plans and comparing costs, beneficiaries may be able to find a Medicare health or drug plan with better coverage or a lower premium in 2026. Help is out there:
- The Medicare Plan Finder is an online tool for comparing pricing for Original Medicare, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies.
- 1-800-MEDICARE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help in English, Spanish, and more than 200 additional languages.
- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas is a free program that offers Kansans unbiased assistance with questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. SHICK has counselors throughout the state to educate and assist the public in making informed decisions for each situation. This counseling service is free at l-800-860-5260.
Medicare Open Enrollment is a time for those enrolled in Medicare to review and adjust their coverage. During this period, participants can:
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
- Enroll, drop, or switch prescription drug plans (Part D).
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). (This can also be done during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1st through March 31st.)
Beneficiaries can only make changes during this annual window unless they qualify for a special enrollment period due to certain life events, such as moving or losing other insurance coverage.
Suppose you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and don’t want to change your coverage for 2026. In that case, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment, assuming your current plan will still be available in 2026. If your plan is discontinued and isn’t eligible for renewal, you will receive a nonrenewal notice from your carrier before open enrollment.
Each year, there’s a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1st through March 31st. Suppose you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to change your health plan. This is a time when you can review your coverage, switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage, or go back to your original Medicare. If needed, join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Changes to be aware of for 2026 include:
- Medicare Advantage
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $9.54 in 2025 to $10.11 in 2026.
- There are 87 Medicare Advantage plans available in Kansas for 2026, an increase from 80 in 2025.
- 95.2% of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- $0 is the lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan.
- 95.92% of people with Medicare will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium.
- Medicare Part D
- In 2026, 12 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans will be available. All individuals with Medicare have access to a Medicare prescription drug plan.
- 66.26% of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2025.
- 17.49% of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan get ‘Extra Help.’
- $0 is the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan. $147 is the highest monthly premium.
Total Medicare Part D premiums will also remain stable. In 2026, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, people with Medicare prescription drug coverage will benefit from a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap on their annual prescription drug costs, further making prescription drugs more affordable for seniors and people with disabilities. Because of the Inflation Reduction Act, people with Medicare coverage already see improved benefits, including a $35 cost-sharing limit on a month’s supply of each covered insulin product and recommended adult vaccines under Medicare Part D at no cost. The $35 cost-sharing limit on insulin does not include combination insulin products. People with Medicare prescription drug coverage who fall into the catastrophic phase of the prescription drug benefit will not have to pay anything out of pocket for covered Medicare prescription drugs.
Additionally, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which will be offered by all Part D plans starting in 2025, will allow people with Medicare Part D coverage the option to spread the costs of their prescription drugs over the calendar year. Learn more about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan and how it may help people with Medicare. Additionally, the Medicare prescription payment plan, first introduced in 2025, will continue to be offered by all Part D plans in 2026. This will allow people with Medicare Part D coverage the ability to spread the costs of their prescription drugs evenly over the course of the calendar year.
The Low-Income Subsidy Program, called ‘Extra Help,’ is a Medicare program that helps qualifying individuals pay Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. According to estimates, enrollees can save nearly $300 annually on average. Millions of seniors and people with disabilities can benefit from this program but aren’t enrolled. Individuals who enroll in MSPs automatically qualify for help affording prescription drugs through the “Extra Help’ program.
State-by-state fact Sheets are available at 2026-ma-part-d-landscape-
If you have questions about Medicare Open Enrollment and would like help navigating through the complexities of it, please call our SHICK hotline at 1-800-860-5260 to speak with a free, unbiased, confidential counselor in your area today!
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