Category Archives: Government

Government, Kansas

Construction Careers Highlighted at Kansas Virtual Job Fair

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KANSASWORKS Highlighting Construction Careers at Upcoming Virtual Job Fair

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today encouraged jobseekers and employers interested in construction careers to take advantage of an upcoming virtual job fair. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the sector-specific fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9.

“As we continue on our strong trajectory of economic growth, there has been a corresponding increase in new building construction across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Many employers are eager to hire hardworking Kansans ready to fill the many open construction roles – and at the same time help build a new and better Kansas.”

The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a new position to fill out applications, chat live, and interview virtually with participating employers.

The virtual job fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

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Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the March 11 Uniontown City Council

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The Regular Council Meeting on March 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, the PSU Nursing Students Anthony Arulzu, Shannon Kalgreen, Mia Perez, Cora Simpson, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing–not in attendance, Mitchell Trenching submitted a bid for replacing lines from main through building.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept Mitchell Trenching bid of $900.

 

SEED Grant bid opening–one bid was received by Terry Nading for all SEED projects total material and labor $14,440.

Terry Nading provided 2 sizes for the bullet proof glass window: 58 ¾” x 29 7/8” for $1,600 or 36” x 29 7/8” for $800 and labor $1,260.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept Terry Nading bid proposal for all but the window at this time.

 

FEMA Flooding bid opening–2 bids were received for all 4 components by Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on theses bids at this time as Council is waiting until after the FEMA meeting on 3/18/25.

 

2 Sidewalk bid opening-2 concrete bids were received. Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on the 2 concrete bids at this time as Council is waiting on response from business owner.

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the February 2025 financial reports.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for February was $306,769.02, Receipts $37,051.18, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $59,968.41, Checking Account Closing Balance $280,827.79. Bank Statement Balance $289,529.93, including Checking Account Interest of $58.11, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,702.14, Reconciled Balance $280,827.79.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,042.59, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $2,2822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,871.48, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $386,564.12. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $119.73, and Utility CDs $581.65 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $701.38.  Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of February $25,941.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $16,964.05.  Appropriations to date for February 2025 are $50,641.45

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second byKelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of February 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting.
  • Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for February 2025 and the Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Tractor-tractor repair completed, Brad Stewart delivered and picked up tractor with his trailer and fuel, please compensate him for

wear and tear on equipment and fuel costs for $500

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0-1 (Stewart abstain) to approve payment.

 

Mosquito Workshop-superintendent requested workshop attendance.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve Mosquito workshop attendance.

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Jayhawk software & Quickbooks online update-started the Jayhawk software requirements and have not started Quickbooks online.

Telephone/Blue Tooth Ear Headset/Monitor-asked Council for 2 new monitors, new updated telephones, and blue tooth headset

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve requested equipment.

 

Reminders for upcoming events for the City of Uniontown:

Rabies Clinic will be on 3/29/25 @ 1:30pm to 3pm with Dr. Lora Holeman

City Office will be closed on March 19, 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2025

CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan

KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan

Dogs at large-Dog catcher has been unable to catch the dogs at large in the City. Council advise to send 2 citations for repeat offenders, and a certified letter to the other offender.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –none

Councilman Kelly – none

Councilwoman Pemberton – are we are still needing and accepting book donations? Treasurer Johnson said yes.

Councilwoman Pritchett –letter needed to tenant and landlord regarding trash on front porch and now in back yard

Councilman Stewart– none

Mayor Jurgensen –none

 

OLD BUSINESS

Warehouse Building Electric update-have electricity installed and have rollup doors programed

Council stated to get a bids for the foam installation for the warehouse building.

 

Motion by Pritchett, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to get bids for the foam installation of the Warehouse.

 

Park electric –electrician is waiting for boring to be completed

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00 PM.

 

Johnson called in at 8:45, out at 9:00.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:15 PM.

 

Esslinger called in at 9:03, out at 9:20.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:30 PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 9:30.  No action from executive session.

 

City Clerk asked the council if need to send a debtor to collections with CBK, Inc. Council agreed to send.

 

Council member stated need to change the next month meeting from April 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to move date and time of next month meeting to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

 

ADJOURN Time 9:45 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Kelly, Approved 5-0

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Supreme Court announces new portal to search appellate cases

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TOPEKA—Beginning today, people can search appellate cases using a public access portal that not only gives case information but also public case documents.

 

The Kansas Appellate Courts Public Access Portal is part of the Kansas eCourt project to centralize case information on a single web-based platform, transforming the way courts serve the people of Kansas. The multiyear project introduced a new case management system in district and appellate courts, making it possible to search statewide court case information online.

 

“We are thrilled to announce this much-anticipated milestone for the Kansas court system,” said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. “For the first time in the history of our courts, public case information and case documents in both district and appellate courts can be searched online without cost.”

 

Using the portal to search cases

 

Before searching cases on the Kansas Appellate Courts Public Access Portal, a person must register as a portal user. A link to the registration form is in the top right corner of the portal home page.

 

All registered users must abide by the Kansas Courts Public Access Portal User Agreement.

 

If a person is registered to use the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal, they do not need to register to use the Kansas Appellate Courts Public Access Portal. Their registration transfers to the appellate portal and their username and password are the same.

 

Case information and case documents

 

People who use the portal to search appellate cases will get information that includes party names and a register of events. It can also include case documents.

 

Only case documents filed after March 13, 2025, will be available on the portal. To access a public case document filed prior to March 13, 2025, a user would need to request it from the clerk of the appellate courts.

 

More information about the portal and what it offers is on the kscourts.gov webpage Search Appellate Court Records.

 

Some case information, documents not available

 

Sealed cases and sealed records are not public, and some cases are exempt from disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-221). Other records may be exempt by judicial rule, order, or caselaw.

 

Cases and records not available through the public access portal are identified in Supreme Court Kansas eCourt Rules (20–25).

 

Supreme Court Rule 22: Access to Public Electronic District Court and Appellate Case Records

 

Updated Supreme Court Rule 22

 

Administrative Order 2025-RL-027 signed and filed Friday, March 21, adopted modifications to Supreme Court Rule 22 that take effect today, March 24. Modifications to Supreme Court Rule 22 make more case types searchable through the district court and appellate courts public access portals.

 

Under updates to Rule 22, certain case types in the domestic, juvenile offender, and probate case categories become available on the public access portals effective today, March 24, 2025.

 

Searching these case types will give registered users access to case events but not case documents. To access public case documents, a user must visit a courthouse or the Kansas Judicial Center to use a computer terminal to search these case types.

 

Kansas eCourt case management system

 

Beginning in 2019, district courts were brought onto a centralized case management system following a statewide rollout plan. The last district court moved to the new system in November 2024.

 

The appellate courts began operating on the appellate version of the same case management system in June 2024. Additional time was needed to prepare to offer case information and documents online through a public access portal.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Restrictive Voting Legislation

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed Senate Bill 4.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 4:

“The three-day grace period for mail ballots was a bipartisan solution approved by the Legislature in 2017 to address delays in processing of mail by the United States Postal Service, particularly in rural areas. The goal was to ensure that all Kansans had their votes counted, no matter where they lived.

“Not only will removing the three-day grace period for mail ballots disenfranchise thousands of Kansas voters, but it also shows a lack of understanding of our elections in Kansas. Implementing this will create confusion among county election officials, who will have to update policies and procedures on handling of mail ballots in a higher turnout election year.

“This bill is an attack on rural Kansans who want to participate in the electoral process guaranteed by our Constitution. I will not sign legislation that deprives Kansans from having their vote counted.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 4.”

Government, Kansas

Move-Over Protections for all Highway Drivers Bill

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Expanding Move-Over Protections for all Highway Drivers


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly signed on Monday  Senate Bill 8, which requires drivers to move over when passing stationary vehicles displaying hazard warning lights.

“Thanks to this commonsense bill, all drivers will now be required to move over or slow down if there is a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This bill will improve safety and will make it easier to educate the driving public.”

Senate Bill 8 works to protect both drivers of disabled vehicles displaying hazard warning signal lights and other drivers on the road. The bill requires drivers on the road to proceed with caution and change lanes away from the disabled vehicle if it is possible and safe to do so.

“Eighty-two crashes occurred from 2018-2023 with someone in a vehicle while on the side of the road,” said State Representative for the 125th District Shannon Francis. “This bill will improve driver behavior by creating consistency with other move-over bills for law enforcement, first responders, and utility vehicles, among others.”

Historically, move-over protections had been limited to emergency personnel. Over time, these protections included road service vehicles, utility, and tow trucks. This year, move-over protections will apply to all highway vehicles.

“Senate Bill 8 is a commonsense safety measure that will enhance protections for all travelers on Kansas roadways,” said Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson  “With its enactment, we’re taking meaningful steps to look out for drivers and passengers.”

In addition to Senate Bill 8, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Senate Bill 2: Validates the election results for the bond issuance question submitted by the board of education of USD 200, Greeley County, at a special election held on May 21, 2024.

Senate Bill 7: Increases the statutory limits on bonds issued by a township based on township population and purpose of the bond issuance, increasing townships’ ability to access resources for infrastructure and facility improvements.

Senate Bill 88: Ensures the state long-term care ombudsman and regional ombudsman receive memory care training to better serve Kansans with dementia and other memory illnesses.

Senate Bill 175: Modernizes the definition of athletic trainer and provides an exemption for trainers licensed in other states or countries to practice in Kansas.

House Bill 2261: Resolves ambiguity surrounding the classification of Kansas Highway Patrol majors.

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Area News, Business, Government, Kansas

Gamechangers and Champions Event

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Kansas Innovation Partners Gather for Gamechangers and Champions Event

TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Innovation served as a convening partner last week for the Gamechangers and Champions event, held in Wichita, which brought together a diverse set of partners to support entrepreneurship and innovative startup development in Kansas. The 2025 Gamechangers and Champions was co-presented by NXTUS, a Wichita-based catalyst for the startup ecosystem.

“By bringing together startups, angel investors and ecosystem champions from across Kansas, we are creating a space where groundbreaking ideas can take root, partnerships can spark, and the future of our state’s innovation ecosystem can be shaped,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This collaboration with NXTUS reflects our enduring commitment to empowering local startups, cultivating collaboration and fostering a culture of innovation that drives economic growth and opportunity for all Kansans.”

In addition to professional development and networking, Kansas startups competed in the Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels — a startup pitch competition — where entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their businesses, gain exposure to investors, and compete for funding that could propel their ventures forward. A $20,000 grand prize was delivered to pitch competition winner, Andrew Marquez with VU Scholarships of Roeland Park. And, selected by a vote of the more than 200 attendees, Matt Williams with Noonan brought home the “Fan’s Choice” award, which carried a $2,500 prize.

“Most Kansans have no idea the breadth and quality of entrepreneurs who are building tomorrow’s great businesses right here in Kansas,” President and CEO of NXTUS Mary Beth Jarvis said. “We’re changing that, thanks to the support from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Barton School of Business at WSU and the dozens of other sponsors. For the first time ever, we’ll collide state-wide innovators – these gamechangers for our economy – with their champions – the investors and supporters who are lifting them up as they build companies around breakthroughs in every industry.”

In addition to the pitch competition that initially included 74 companies, Gamechangers and Champions 2025 featured a variety of engaging activities, including:

  • Opening Networking Session with Startup Grind and WIBA, sponsored by IMA
  • Startup Grind Fireside Chat with Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage Cloud, presented by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Expert-led breakout tracks – Focused educational sessions for both startups and investors, supported by the Greater Wichita Partnership, Lange Capital and Kansas State University
  • Business & Basketball Lounge – Thanks to Network Kansas’ eGrowth Ventures, attendees had access to networking sessions, complimentary headshots, and the NCAA Tournament games
  • Keynote remarks, sponsored by Koch, from Kevin Lockett – Former K-State and Kansas City Chiefs player and longtime entrepreneur, who now manages the investment firm Fulcrum Global Capital

The event successfully created a space for innovation, collaboration and the celebration of Kansas’ growing startup ecosystem.

“The Gamechangers and Champions event was a true celebration of the diverse innovators building disruptive startups right here in Kansas,” Commerce Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Romaine Redman said. “Congratulations to Andrew Marquez and VU Scholarships on winning this year’s pitch competition as they march on toward many future successes. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for making this celebration possible and to the city of Wichita for warmly welcoming innovators, investors and ecosystem partners from across the state.”

About NXTUS:

NXTUS Inc. helps entrepreneurs grow companies of significance. The organization works to connect startup founders with community resources, capital and customers. NXTUS manages NXTSTAGE programs, which are aimed at connecting startups to mature businesses and regional partners looking to become customers for their innovations and to help accelerate the pace of innovation and startup growth in the region, as well as Accelerate Venture Partners, a fast-growing regional angel investor syndicate.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government

Derek Schmidt, U.S. House Representative Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I was back home this week, crisscrossing the district visiting businesses, schools, and many of the Kansans I’m blessed to represent. On the legislative side of things, I joined an effort to repeal an unnecessary and costly tax on our family farms and businesses.

 

Here are the highlights from a great week back home in eastern Kansas:

Supporting Local Businesses

I was in southeast Kansas on Tuesday, where I visited Progressive Products, Inc (PPI).

PPI has been providing good paying jobs and bolstering our southeast Kansas economy for nearly 45 years! The pneumatic conveying systems components they manufacture are used in factories, grain handling facilities, chemical plants, and other installations across the country and around the world. These components – which allow the rapid and efficient transportation of bulk dry solids during production and refining processes – are a critical part of our country’s food production process.

I also visited PPI’s sister company, Apex Stages, the 2nd largest hydraulic stage manufacturer in North America. Both companies operate out of facilities in Pittsburg.

 

Following my visit to PPI, I paid a impromptu visit to the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce. Staying connected with Kansas business leaders is critical to ensuring I’m doing my job to support our local economy at the federal level.

From high prices to overbearing federal regulations, the past few years have been hard on our businesses. That’s why I’m working hard every day to fight inflation, roll back these arcane rules, and provide Kansans with a government and an economy that works for them, not against them.

Repealing the Death Tax

When a family is grieving the death of a loved one, the last thing they need is a knock on the door from the IRS. Unfortunately, this situation plays out far too often for our farmers and ranchers because of the “Death Tax,” an unfair and costly fee on the transfer of property, land, and other assets from a deceased family member to heirs of family farms and small businesses.

 

Family farms and small businesses are the lifeblood of our food supply and economy. In fact, families operate 95% of the the 1.9 million farms in the United States and account for 90% of our country’s total agricultural production value. Congress should be doing everything in our power to promote longevity and continuity for these family farms and businesses rather than using taxes to discourage multi-generational ownership. This is why I joined more than 170 of my colleagues to cosponsor the Death Tax Repeal Act.

 

This legislation has the support of more than 170 of my colleagues and more than 230 organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Agricultural Retailers Association, and National Federation of Independent Business. Senator John Thune has introduced companion legislation in the Senate, so I’m hopeful we can get this bill passed quickly and remove more of big government’s overreach into Americans’ lives.

Supporting Kansas Colleges

On Wednesday, I headed to Hillsboro to tour Tabor College.

Since 1908, Tabor has been providing quality higher education opportunities to our Kansas community. Thank you to the gracious faculty and staff who showed me around the beautiful campus! Our community is lucky to have you.

 

Like many Americans, I believe education is an issue best handled at the state and local levels. There’s been a lot in the news about the Department of Education this week as President Trump signed an order to begin moving its services to different government agencies. As I’ve said before and will say again, I’m 100% supportive of eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in our federal government while ensuring programs Kansans rely on are preserved and strengthened.

 

Our nation’s education system is still dealing with the devastating pandemic loss of learning. We are the strongest country with the biggest economy in the world. There’s no reason our students should be lagging behind those in other nations. I’m hopeful these changes will refocus our education system on setting our students up for success rather than indoctrinating them with political agendas.

Supporting States’ Protection of their Citizens

Under the Biden administration, illegal aliens, drugs, and all manner of contraband flowed freely into our country. Left with nowhere to turn, states began taking matters into their own hands, passing laws to protect their citizens from the Biden border crisis. Instead of taking action to secure the borders, the Biden administration instead sued the states who passed laws allowing illegal aliens to be charged for entering the country unlawfully.

 

As attorney general, I argued and won Kansas v. Garcia at the United States Supreme Court. This case – which originated from three illegal aliens appealing their state convictions of identity theft on the grounds that their convictions were the result of lying on federal tax forms – reaffirmed states’ ability to enforce state identity theft laws against illegal aliens. I believe it’s beyond ridiculous for the federal government to spend time and taxpayer money fighting states trying to protect their citizens and stop illegal immigration.

 

Thankfully, the Trump administration moved to dismiss two Biden era lawsuits that sought to block states’ enforcement of laws aimed at combatting illegal immigration. Though the lawsuits have been dropped, the fight isn’t over. I believe Congress should fix federal law to ensure states have a proper role in securing our borders so no future president can simultaneously surrender our borders and prevent states from standing in the gap, which is why I intend to introduce legislation in the near future to do just that.

We’ll be back in Washington this week as we continue working to codify many of the policies that have begun to reverse the damages of the last four years. We have a real opportunity to make lasting, positive change in our country. I for one don’t plan to waste it.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.

It’s an incredible honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress!

Sincerely,

Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress

Washington D.C. Office
1223 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Topeka Office

3550 SW 5th St.

Suite B

Topeka, KS 66606

Pittsburg Office

402 North Broadway St.

Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762
 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Ten Cases of Measles In Kansas Are Reported

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Per the Kansas Dept. Of Health & Environment: “As of March 21, 2025, Kansas is reporting 10 measles cases in Grant, Morton, and Stevens counties, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported. The CDC is also reporting increases in measles with 378 cases nationwide across 15 jurisdictions. Due to measles’ highly contagious nature, additional cases are expected, especially among unvaccinated individuals in Kansas and nearby areas. The KDHE advises healthcare providers to promptly report suspected cases and to submit specimens to the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory for testing. KDHE is providing new vaccine recommendations for those in outbreak-affected areas.”
If you live in or near the counties listed and have questions about your measles immunity, please contact your local health department.

There are no known cases of measles in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon or Woodson Counties at this time.

Submitted from Becky Johnson, Administrator/Southeast Kansas Local Health Officer

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission to Meet in Topeka on March 27

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold its next public meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Topeka & Shawnee County Library in Topeka. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.

The meeting will open with a report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, during which commissioners will hear about regulations currently in promulgation. Following the department report, commissioners will take comments on non-agenda items and listen to remarks from KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy.

A discussion on the night vision coyote hunting season will then take place, followed by workshop session items – topics that may be voted on in the future – including:

  • 2025-26 Waterfowl Season Date, Bag and Possession Limits
  • Kansas Duck Zones
  • K.A.R. 115-25-8 – Elk; open season, bag limit, and permits
  • K.A.R. 115-25-9 – Big Game Regulations
  • 2025 Deer Permit Quotas

The meeting will conclude with an additional opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items. The complete agenda can be viewed HERE.

Attendees can participate in the meetings in person or virtually. Instructions for joining via Zoom, phone, or live streaming are available HERE under “Instructions to Participate in Virtual Meeting.” Those who wish to provide input but cannot attend may fill out the “Contact All Commissioners” form HERE.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Individuals with disabilities may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission secretary at (620) 672-0702.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Flint Oak Hunting Resort in Fall River.

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Government

USDA Expediting $10 Billion in Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers

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Marking National Agriculture Day, Secretary Rollins Prioritizes Timely Support for Farmers

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.

 

“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” said Secretary Rollins. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”

 

Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.

 

Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates

 

The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:

 

  • Wheat – $30.69
 Eligible oilseeds:
  • Corn – $42.91
  • Canola – $31.83
  • Sorghum – $42.52
  • Crambe – $19.08
  • Barley – $21.67
  • Flax – $20.97
  • Oats – $77.66
  • Mustard – $11.36
  • Upland cotton & Extra-long staple cotton – $84.74
  • Rapeseed – $23.63
  • Long & medium grain rice – $76.94
  • Safflower – $26.32
  • Peanuts – $75.51
  • Sesame – $16.83
  • Soybeans – $29.76
  • Sunflower – $27.23
  • Dry peas – $16.02
  
  • Lentils – $19.30
  
  • Small Chickpeas – $31.45
  
  • Large Chickpeas – $24.02
  

Producer Eligibility

 

Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.

 

Applying for ECAP

 

Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.

 

If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:

 

  • Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
  • Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).
  • Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
  • Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).
  • AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.
  • SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

 

Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.

 

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.

 

 

 

ECAP Payments and Calculator

 

ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure that total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.

 

ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%.

 

For ECAP payment estimates, producers are encouraged to visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to use the ECAP online calculator.

 

 

More Information

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

Government

Obituary of Tonja Stockton

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Tonja Lynne Stockton, previously of Odessa, Missouri, died on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, Missouri.  She was 56.  She was born on August 12, 1968, in Northridge, California, and later adopted in 1974 by Ronald and Barbara Albright.  She attended Fort Scott schools, graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1987.

 

While a student at K-State University, Tonja did research leading her to a unique gift: she traveled to California where she met her sister Lynette Graff and her extended family.  While in California, she married Chris Stockton and together they had two children, Tyler Christopher Stockton and Nickolas Reid Stockton.  They divorced and Tonja was later re-married to Jeffrey Richter.  Tonja will be greatly missed by her family.  A loving Mother, she tried to give Tyler, Nick, Jayme, Aaliyah, and Harli all she could.

 

The loved ones listed in this obituary are a who’s who of her family, whether related by adoption, birth, or marriage:  Surviving are her parents, sister, sons, and granddaughters; her brothers Chip (Jennifer) Albright, Des Moines, IA, and Andy (Shanna) Albright, Frontenac, KS; her aunts Judith Augustine, Liz Simons (Gary), her uncle Richard Albright (Paulette); her nieces Katelyn Norman, Lillian Albright, Annabel Albright, Abigail Albright, Emerson Albright, Lakin Albright; her nephew Scott Grunow; her cousins Simone Wisler, Mac Wisler, Hilary Velandia, Charity Long, Mike Wisler, Chris Simons, Sara Kohlstaedt, Joe’ Fritter, and Dani Vonfeldt.

Tonja was predeceased by her husband Jeffrey, her cousin Tess Wisler Keane, her grandparents Richard and Betty Hixon, Frank and Lillian Albright, and Delores Albright.

 

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Konantz Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made in Tonja’s name to the Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc. and left in care of Konantz Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS  66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.