Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of December 12

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The Regular Uniontown Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman

 

404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear.  Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure.  Exterior and interior work is continuing.

 

USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program.  He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM

 

Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%).  The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St.  It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners.  Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.

He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting

 

Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan.  This will be put on the January agenda under new business.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance.  Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.

 

Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party.  Historically the city donates $100.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party

 

Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription.  It has been used twice in the last three years.  Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed.  She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.

She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE.  KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory.  Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available.  She will be attending a MAP webinar in January.  Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb

She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development.  Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.

Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.

Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18.  Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.

 

Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock.  County rock crusher is broken down at this time.  Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side.  It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate.  Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station –

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024

 

Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed.  The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.

 

Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000.  She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module.  There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing.  All quotes are for cloud-based software.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software

 

Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found.  None can be used until we have an employee to insure.  Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council on January 8 at 7 p.m.

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CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

2023 Financials – December

01-24 Informational Items

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Oath of office for newly elected councilmembers

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  3. Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
  4. Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Sewer issue at 100 Second St update

Sewer issue in alley between Hill and Clay

Water valve replacement update, labor cost estimate

 

Codes Enforcement: 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

New finance and utility billing software implementation

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees increase

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project –

 

Pond Project –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Water Meter Replacement Plan –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Below Estimate

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December Total Tax Collections at $1.043B;

3.4% Below Estimate

TOPEKA –The State of Kansas ends December 2023 with total tax collections at $1.043 billion. That is $36.9 million, or 3.4%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 3.8% from December 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $397.1 million. That is $17.1 million, or 4.5%, above the estimate, and up 5.9% from December 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $235.7 million. That is $39.3 million, or 14.3%, below the estimate and down 16.1% from December 2022.

“Withholding tax, the largest component of the individual income tax receipts, was 9.2% greater than December 2022”, said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “This comes as no real surprise as the growth is entirely consistent with recent findings of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which showed that personal income and earnings in Kansas grew during the second and third quarters of 2023 at some of the highest rates in the country.”

Secretary Burghart further observed that the corporate income tax receipts were lower than expected because there was one less deposit day this December compared to December 2022. Nearly $34.4 million was deposited on that additional day in December 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.4 million, which is $5.6 million, or 1.8%, below the estimate and down $4.9 million, or 1.6%, from December 2022.

Click to here view the December 2023 revenue numbers.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

James Woods Leaves a Vacancy on USD 234 Board of Education

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James Wood from the USD 234 School Directory.

James Wood has served as a member of the Board of Education in Fort Scott for four years. He was just recently re-elected in November for a second term. James works at Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA. In late November, James was promoted to a partner position with Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA, which changed his responsibilities at the firm. Consequently, James is resigning his position on the USD # 234 school board effective January 1, 2024.

“James has been a great board member and has held several leadership positions on the school board during his term. He is a creative thinker and has been a great asset to the board because of his accounting and business background. He will be sorely missed on our board,” states Destry Brown, superintendent.
On reflecting about his time on the board, James reflects, “I have truly enjoyed my time on the Board of Education. I believe in the direction our school district is going and am excited for the future of the district. I grew up as a Tiger and will always be a Tiger at heart.”
The Board of Education will discuss filling the vacancy created by Wood’s resignation at the next board meeting on January 11th. 
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly’s Year In Review

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Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2023 for Kansas

TOPEKA – As 2023 comes to an end, Governor Laura Kelly today highlighted some of the key successes from the first year of her second term.

“This year, I worked with the Legislature, members of my administration, and Kansans from across the state to continue building on the successes of our first term,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Heading into 2024, there is more work to be done to ensure Kansas remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Bipartisanship: In 2023, Governor Kelly signed 89 bipartisan bills into law, including significant legislation that:

Expanding Affordable Child Care:  The first executive order of Governor Kelly’s second term established the Early Childhood Transition Task Force. The task force was charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood programs and developing a roadmap to create a cabinet-level agency solely focused on supporting our youngest Kansans. Earlier this month, the task force presented Governor Kelly with its final report.

Throughout 2023, the Kelly administration has allocated more than $65 million to create nearly 6,000 new child care slots.

Economy and Workforce: In 2023 alone, the Kelly administration closed 256 economic development projects, totaling more than $3 billion in new business dollars invested into the state and creating or retaining more than 12,000 jobs.

In September, Governor Kelly celebrated the anniversary of establishing the Office of Registered Apprenticeship. Now, over 4,500 Kansans are active in a registered apprenticeship program, showing a nearly 55% increase in new registered apprentices and 18 new programs established in 2023.

Infrastructure: In 2023, Governor Kelly announced the final phase of the last two projects remaining from the T-WORKS program. These projects were only able to move forward through the Governor’s and Legislature’s bipartisan work to close the “Bank of KDOT” by the end of her first term.

High-Speed Internet: The collaboration of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Research and Education Network, and private providers brought $43 million in federal funding to strengthen the state’s high-speed internet infrastructure. Nearly 9,000 homes and businesses have been connected to high-speed internet in 2023.

Water: In partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly invested a record $35 million to protect vital water resources and fund projects to address high-priority dams and small-town water infrastructure through the passage of HB 2302. As she proposed in her budget, funding has also been dedicated to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.

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Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for January 2

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The only order of business for 1-2-2024 is to establish the new 2024 City Commission. All other business will be discussed on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:00PM

 

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
January 2, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: M. Wells
III. New Business
A. Oath of Office – Commissioner Tracy Dancer and Commissioner Dyllon Olson
B. Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott
C. Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott
D. Review and agreement of Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563
E. Review and agreement of Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City
of Fort Scott, Kansas
IV. Public Comment:
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
V. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
M. Wells –
M. Guns –
T. Dancer –
D. Olson
C. City Attorney Comments:
VI. Executive Session:
VII. Adjournment:
Next regular meeting scheduled: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:00PM

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Has A New Human Resource Director and City Manager Reflects on 2023, Looks To 2024

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Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin was asked what the city’s accomplishments were this year and also what is on the horizon for 2024 and he sent his reply.

He also announced a new administrative position has been filled by Payton Coyan.

Payton Coyan. Submitted photo

 

Payton Coyan started as the Fort Scott Human Resource Director on December 27.

She has four years of experience in driving strategic human resource operational initiatives, with a  focus on talent acquisition, employee retention, succession planning, organizational development, legal compliance, and grievance management. She also has skills in recruitment, interviewing, resume screening, negotiating, conflict resolution, streamlining operations, and heightening employee productivity by mastering HR situations for integrating human resource functions with overall goals, according to a press release.

She has experience managing employee benefits, employee hiring and onboarding, performance management, and HR records.

Coyan is a graduate of Ottawa University.

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said in the press release. ” I come from an amazing family and am fortunate to have… every one of them in my life. I am a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and love our community full-heartedly. In my free time, I enjoy…camping, (going) on a nature walk, walking downtown, or reading a book.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo

Matkin stated he is sure there is more coming for the city in 2024  but this list of goals will get things going, and “I am sure I missed some things on what we did in 2023.”

2023 Accomplishments:

  • Establishing the “My Fort Scott” App
  • Completion of Cooper Street
  • Completion of the “Old Faithful” sewer project near Nelson Park, between Elm and Pine on North Grant Street.
  • Improved wages for city staff, crews, and public safety members
  • Gunn Park Campground area improvements
  • Lake Fort Scott stem repair
  • The 2022 Cape Seal program completed
  • 2023 Cape Seal program prepped and ready for 2024
  • Increased advertisements and promotion of area events by the Fort ScottTourism Department
  • Approvement of 2nd Phase of  City Connecting Link Improvement grant for the Wall Street project. This is a federal and state-funded program that will start in 2025.
  • Pothole and crack sealing program
  • Established “street repair” crew
  • Memorial Hall improvements (thanks to volunteers for helping this happen)
  • Additional Lake Fort Scott docks
  • Buck Run Community Center improvements
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon improvements and elimination of the “smell”
  • Assignment of Baker Tilley,  a consulting and public accounting firm, as City Finance Director, with their representative being Ben Hart.
  • Flawless 2022 City audit
  • Establishing a budget that did not increase taxes and freed up city monies for investments
  • Community Development Block Grant sewer repair throughout the city
  • Fort Scott Airport runway and taxi-way improvements thanks to an FAA grant
  • Stormwater project from 15th to 17th and Eddy streets
  • Purchased street line paint machine, city crews painting streets instead of outsourcing
  • Several street and water line repairs
  • Bringing back the Community Development position
  • UTV for the fire department (thanks to Timken Foundation grant)
  • Additional quick-action weapons for the Fort Scott Police Department
  • New Christmas “swags” for downtown
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course cart path improvements and repairs
  • Workman Compensation insurance graded the city with a Gold Star which will equate to a 5% reduction in premium

 

What’s Up in 2024:

  • Tourism Department to branch out to the Kansas City  area to promote Fort Scott
  • 2024 Street program that will improve streets one block at a time
  • Horton Street project
  • Additional aeration systems to the wastewater plant
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course maintenance barn and simulator barn justified; built either in the 4th quarter of ’24 or 1st quarter of ’25.
  • Gunn Park shelter house renovation and shower house built
  • Gunn Park sewer project
  • 2” water line replacement program
  • Caboose in Fisher Park painted and moved to an uptown location at Scott Avenue and Wall Street
  • Two additional police cars were purchased
  • Memorial Hall bathroom renovations (grant pending)
  • Memorial Hall tables and stage lights improvements
  • Phase 1 on the Farmers Market Pavilion completed, and Phase 2 started
  • Buck Run Creek area sewer repair
  • Improved housing initiatives
  • Goals and expectations for our Economic Development Department, which is Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
  • Contractor licensing completed and implemented
  • Event Tourism Grant policy completed and implemented
  • City of Fort Scott webpage improvements and updated
  • Lake Fort Scott camping area – phase 1
  • Lake Fort Scott secondary valve installed
  • Additional water sources researched
  • Buck Run Walking Trail phase 1 started (grant search and cleanup)
  • Additional downtown parking (plus paving what we currently have)
  • 25th Street rebuilt
  • School speed signs installed on Margrave and National

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor: Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year

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Governor Kelly Announces Grocery Shoppers Can Expect an Additional $150M in Tax Relief in 2024

~~Kansans to See State Sales Tax Go Down on Food for Second Straight Year~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that in 2024, consumers in the Sunflower State are projected to see an additional $150 million in savings because of the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022. According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, the reduction of the state sales tax on groceries from 4% to 2% will save shoppers $12.5 million per month in 2024.

“By taking a middle-of-the-road approach, we have been able to continue putting money back in the pockets of every Kansan,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This reduction is a step toward eliminating the state sales tax on groceries completely, which will happen in 2025.”

After working tirelessly to put the state on solid financial footing, in 2021 Governor Kelly called on the Kansas Legislature to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries as soon as possible. The legislature ultimately passed legislation that gradually reduced the state sales tax on groceries over three years.

In 2023, the state sales tax rate on groceries went down from 6.5% to 4%, saving consumers $187.7 million per year. By the end of 2024, it is projected that shoppers will have saved more than half a billion dollars in sales tax on groceries over the two years the reduction has been in place.

The state sales tax reduction applies to food, food ingredients, and certain prepared foods. When looking at a receipt, shoppers will see two tax rates, one for qualifying purchases and one for all other items.

The reduction to the 2% state sales tax on qualifying items goes into effect on January 1, 2024.

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Government, Kansas

There is a Resource for Residents Seeking Info on Legislative Matters

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Kansans encouraged to call, chat, or email the State Library’s Legislative Hotline

TOPEKA –As the beginning of the 2024 legislative draws near, the State Library of Kansas reminds Kansans of the dedicated Legislative Hotline, an ongoing resource for residents seeking information about state legislation or legislative matters. Staffed by experienced librarians, this hotline serves as a trustworthy point of contact.

Residents can inquire about various topics, such as:

  • Identifying their legislators
  • Accessing legislator contact information
  • Checking the status of specific bills
  • Understanding the legislative process
  • Locating historical information
  • Other inquiries related to Kansas government

“Finding timely and accurate information about state government can be challenging, yet is critical to ensuring that Kansans can engage with their elected officials on the issues that matter the most to them,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By reaching out to the legislative hotline, Kansans can get the information they need from trusted librarians.”

Kansans can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email:

Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Outside of these hours, messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at kslib.info/ask. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.

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Exercise, Government, Kansas

Celebrate New Years Day With A Hike In The Park

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Kansas State Parks to Offer New Year’s Day Hikes

SHAWNEE – Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park. These self-led and guided hikes are organized annually by parks staff to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with nature.

This year, more than 1,000 hikes will be available in state parks around the country, including 33 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary at each state park, all aim to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural, and historical resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout calendar year 2024.

“This will be our 13th year to offer First Day Hikes in Kansas’ state parks and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they’re a fun and healthy way to start the New Year, they’re a great cure for cabin fever, and they’re held in some of the prettiest parts of our state.”

Where to Participate
For a complete list of First Day Hike events in Kansas on January 1, 2024, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Special-Events/First-Day-Hikes.

What To Expect
Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels including walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And, if hiking isn’t in your interest or ability, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun offerings, from boating to fishing and horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.

What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend coming prepared for a First Day Hike with the following, if possible:

  • Water
  • Snacks Weather appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Hiking stick
  • Camera

NOTE: LIMITED First Day Hike T-Shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. And, a vehicle permit may be required ($5.00 at the state park entrance).

First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated. America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.

For information on First Day Hikes across the nation, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And don’t forget to share your January 1 hiking story on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.

Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tops Nation in Economic Growth Over Fall 2023 

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~~Kansas’ Economic Growth Was #1 in the Nation in the 3rd Quarter of 2023,
#2 in the Nation in the 2nd Quarter~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated that, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Kansas economy grew by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter of 2023 — the fastest rate in the nation. This improves on an already impressive record of economic growth; in the 2nd quarter of 2023, Kansas’ economy grew at the second-fastest rate in the nation at 7.4%.

“This data shows that our efforts to support businesses, create a stable economy, and grow our workforce are paying off,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, Kansas is outstripping the entire nation in economic growth and attracting business investment. Last week, I announced Kansas surpassed $18 billion in business investment since I took office in 2019. It’s clear we have the momentum to continue this trajectory of economic success into 2024 and beyond.”

The Kelly Administration’s work to support the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries helped drive this economic growth. While those industries decreased nationally and in 33 other states, they were leading contributors to growth in Kansas.

Kansas also ranked third in the nation for growth in personal income, with personal income growing at 4.9% over the 3rd quarter of 2023. Farming, which decreased nationally and in 41 other states, was the leading contributor to the increased earnings in Kansas.

Kansas’ economic growth is measured by the change in its real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state. The second quarter of 2023 included April through June; the third quarter included July through September.