Category Archives: Government

Agenda for the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Feb. 10

Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
February 10, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Appoint New Members (Action Item)
5.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.1 Board Minutes
a. 01-13-25
b. 01-20-25
5.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
5.3 Check Register
5.4 Payroll – January 20, 2025 – $1,682,710.56
5.5 Activity Funds Accounts
5.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.7 UMB Credit Card Agreement
5.8 Zero Reasons Why Fundraising
6.0 Student Recognition
7.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.1 Superintendent’s Report
7.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
7.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.4 Winfield Scott Presentation
8.0 Old Business
8.1 TowerPoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site (Action)
8.2 10 Passenger Van Purchase (Action)
9.0 New Business
9.1 Eugene Ware Event Date Changes (Action)
10.0 Public Forum
11.0 Other Business – Time ____
11.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
11.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
11.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
12.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President

Agenda of the Uniontown City Council on Feb. 11

The Uniontown City Council will meet on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in City Hall

Attachments:

2025 Financials – January

0225 QB info items 0225 ADP info items

0225 Gusto info items

0225 Jayhawk info item

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Warehouse Electric bid opening –

 

402 Sherman bid opening –

 

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –

 

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, HiAP –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of January 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
  2. December & January Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & February Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

Jayhawk software & Quickbooks online

Trash complaint – 301 1st St #1

Rabies Clinic –

CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan

KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

SEED Grant – need to do invitation for bid and start ordering other items.

 

Park electric –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

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

Amended Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Jan.14

The Regular Council Meeting on January 14, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Hannah Geneva, Michael Ramsey, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – not in attendance

 

SEK Multi-County Health Department, Hannah Geneva – Hannah stated that Bourbon County Health Department offers these health care options: physicals, family planning, WIC programs, TB testing, blood draws, and a Dr. does come one time every 3 months. She left flyers for anyone to pick-up here at City Hall.

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Michael Ramsey asked if the City of Uniontown has a Noise Ordinance. We do have a Nuisance Ordinance that touches on the noise ordinance. He is wanting to have one in place if appropriate about the Hwy 3 semi-truck braking coming down the Highway 3 hill.  It was stated that where he is located at it will not be covered under the City of Uniontown. He states that he will investigate further with the State and the County. But informed this would have to be enforced by the County and the State as is a State highway.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

Treasurer Johnson stated that she did not have any financial reports as gWorks is not working. She has 4 support tickets and an email to the owner of the company.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Amber, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of December 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KRWA Conference on 3/25-27/2025- Superintendent wants to attend this conference.

 

Motion by Amber, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 that the City Superintendent may go to the KRWA conference.

 

Clerk Report:  Danea Esslinger  

gWorks issues – Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised. She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to software issues.  Council advised to contact the League of Kansas Municipality to see what they advise. Also contact our attorney to see if will issue a 10-day demand letter for software issue assistance, or we may contact other software vendors.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to software issues; penalty will be applied if not paid January 25th.

 

Website Hosting – Cost is going up more $2.50 more, and now is $22.24.

Allpaid – Cost is going up a minimum $3.99 fee for all debit and credit card transactions fee.

Rabies Clinic – Contact Dr. Lora Holeman to see if she will do a Rabies Clinic here on or around March 15 to 22.

SOS – Send Off Seniors asked the City of Uniontown for a donation. Clerk Esslinger advised that we have always given $100 dollars each year for the SOS.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0 to give the SOS $100 donation.

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilman Kelly – City Superintendent did a good job snow plowing.

Councilwoman Pemberton – No

Councilwoman Pritchett – No

Councilman Stewart– No

Mayor Jurgensen – Mayor asked Superintendent Rich about the water alarm. Rich reported was having issues with the Scada antenna.

Mayor Jurgensen — Mayor also reminded Clerk Esslinger and Treasurer Johnson that the Clerk has not passed the 90-day probation period and to not have Clerk Esslinger sign any account payable checks yet.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Warehouse project –Mayor will get spec’s to the Clerk in order get electrical bids for this project. After that is completed, then will send out invitations to bid. State bids will be due on February 11 at noon to the City Hall.

 

SEED Grant – formally announce winners on January 17, if you want to know if we are awarded, be here at 10AM.

 

Park electric – Mayor is checking on more information for the South East Park Electricity.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Weed Barn – Mayor request to send an invitation to accept bids for the Weed Barn and submit to The Fort Scott Tribune. State to accept bids but must be clear that it is being sold as is condition, want closing cost to be split by both parties, and any or all bids may be accepted or rejected. State all bids will be due on February 11 at noon to the City Hall.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:445 PM.

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:43.

 

Motion by Stewart,  Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to amend the Employee Benefit Plan from the 2.0.0 to addition to the 2.2.0 and 2.3.0 to be combined together and labeled as only 2.2.0.

 

Moved by Stewart, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:45PM.

 

Public Hearing on Evergy’s Request to Recover Costs

KCC schedules public hearing and comment period on Evergy’s
request to recover costs for new gas plants and solar facility

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has scheduled a virtual public hearing beginning at 6 p.m. on March 5th to provide Evergy Kansas customers across the state with information about three proposed new generation investments (two combined cycle gas-fired generating turbine plants and one solar facility). One gas plant would be located near Evergy’s Viola Substation in Sumner County and the second near Hutchinson in Reno County. The Kansas Sky solar facility would be located in Douglas County. The Commission will also provide an opportunity for public comments during the hearing.

Evergy filed an application with the KCC requesting a predetermination of the prudency of the investments and whether the company would be entitled to recover the costs of the investments and under what terms. Evergy has asked to recover the cost of construction work in progress (CWIP) and in a future rate proceeding will ask for recovery of the investments after they are in service, which is expected at the end of 2026 for the solar facility and 2029 and 2030 for the gas plants.

To participate in the virtual hearing via Zoom and make a public comment, advance registration is required by noon on March 4. For persons wishing to watch, but not comment during the public hearing, a live video stream will be available on the KCC YouTube channel. The hearing will also be recorded for later viewing.

In addition to the hearing, the Commission will accept written comments through 5 p.m. on April 7. Comments may be submitted online, by mail or by calling the KCC at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

To register for the virtual hearing, make a public comment online or find additional information on the application, go to the Commission’s website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” tab.

The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before July 7, 2025.

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Kansas Department of Commerce’s Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP) Starts March 1

Lt. Governor Toland Announces More Than $4 Million Available in Community Service
Tax Credit Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $4.13 million in tax credits will be made available under the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP).

“Revitalizing our communities and state requires targeted investments that make people want to live and work in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “CSP supports communities by substantially reducing the cost for donors to make contributions to charitable organizations that help fund important local projects.”

The Community Service Tax Credit Program provides an opportunity for private, non-profit organizations and public healthcare entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital campaigns involving community service, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship and technical training, and healthcare services.

Under the program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors that make contributions towards approved projects. Organizations are chosen through a competitive selection process in which applications are thoroughly analyzed to determine award sizes and final awardees.

Proposed projects must be unique or one-time in nature while creating lasting value for charitable organizations. Projects could include a capital campaign, major equipment purchase, major renovation, capacity building and more.

Applications will be open March 1 through April 30. Those applying may request up to $200,000 in tax credits. Applicants in rural communities of less than 15,000 population are eligible for a 70% credit. Those applicants not located in rural areas are eligible for a 50% credit.

If your organization is interested in applying for CSP, the Department of Commerce will host an introductory webinar at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 27. For more information and to register for the webinar, click here.

For questions regarding CSP, contact Quality Places Specialist Miranda Carpenter by email or call (785) 940-0626.

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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KDHE Launches New Cancer Data Dashboard

TOPEKA – In celebration of World Cancer Day, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has launched its new Cancer Data Dashboard, which is now available on the KDHE website. Released by the Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics (BEPHI) and the State Cancer Program, this comprehensive, interactive tool offers stakeholders, researchers, policymakers and the general public access to the most up-to-date cancer data for Kansas, providing an essential resource for improving cancer care, prevention and policymaking.

Launched on Oct. 22, 2024, the Kansas Cancer Data Dashboard integrates data from the Kansas Cancer Registry, Vital Statistics and the Kansas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This tool enables users to access data on cancer incidence, mortality, survivorship, screening and cancer risk factors with a simple, interactive interface. Users can explore cancer data by sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, race, ethnicity and population density, and they can view data mapped across Kansas counties and regions.

”The new Cancer Data Dashboard is a valuable resource for cancer prevention and control efforts in Kansas,” Jana Farmer, Cancer Section Director at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said. ”By making this data accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, we can enhance decision-making and drive evidence-based strategies that improve cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship outcomes for Kansans.”

Key features of the Cancer Data Dashboard include:

  • A snapshot of the top 10 cancer diagnoses and cancer deaths by sex and age group, including specific data for children under 20 and 15 years old, along with age-specific incidence and mortality rates for all cancers.
  • Age-adjusted cancer incidence rates for 24 cancer types, segmented by sociodemographic factors, and includes data on both overall and late-stage cancer diagnoses, as well as the most recent 10 years of incidence data.
  • Cancer death data for 24 cancer types, segmented by sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, race and ethnicity.
  • Cancer screening prevalence rates for lung, colorectal, cervical, and female breast cancer based on U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines, along with data on cancer risk factors such as tobacco use, binge drinking, obesity, and physical inactivity, as well as information on family history collection and genetic counseling.

A unique feature of the Cancer Data Dashboard is its inclusion of data related to cancer survivorship, which is sourced from the Kansas BRFSS cancer survivorship modules. This section addresses key issues such as receiving survivorship care plans and treatment summaries, financial hardships caused by cancer and the management of cancer-related pain. Additionally, the dashboard allows users to compare cancer survivors with individuals without a cancer diagnosis on topics like healthcare access, health status, cancer risk factors and cancer screening rates. Serving as a centralized, all-in-one platform, the dashboard is a vital resource for Kansas’ cancer prevention and control stakeholders, public health researchers, and community advocates. By offering interactive maps and detailed, accessible data, it empowers users to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively where they are most needed.

The new dashboard is now available to the public and can be accessed here.

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Applications Open for Kansas Arts Commission Funding Opportunitie

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced applications are being accepted for four Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant programs that support a wide range of arts and cultural activities across the state.

The grant programs, which are designed to foster community pride, economic growth and cultural heritage, include:

  • General Operating Support Grant: Provides funding for day-to-day operations of established arts organizations
  • Arts Everywhere Grant: Supports specific projects and initiatives and is open to both arts and non-arts organizations
  • Public Art & Murals Grant: Funds permanent and semi-permanent public art installations
  • Visiting Artists Grant: Helps bring professional artists from across the nation to Kansas communities

“Providing targeted financial support for the arts is vital in revitalizing and supporting our communities and organizations of all sizes,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Groups are using these grants to help make important, impactful and meaningful work happen, boosting local economies and connecting residents to the creative talent found throughout the Sunflower State.”

The KAC grants are available to support arts and cultural activities that are taking place starting on July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Supported activities include arts education projects, music, dance, visual arts, professional and community theater, media arts, creative writing, murals, poetry, the operations of museums and other creative disciplines.

Eligible applicants include Kansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of local government (e.g., schools, universities, libraries, art agencies, etc.) and federally recognized tribal communities. All applicants must have at least one fiscal year of completed arts programming.

“Our funding opportunities are open to any and all Kansas organizations, and the application can be completed without specializing in grant writing,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “We encourage all interested applicants to take advantage of the resources we have available to help navigate the process.”

To access relevant KAC application webinars, click here.

The deadline for all four KAC grant applications is 5:00 p.m. February 28. For more details, guidelines and eligibility, click here.

Visiting Touring Roster Artists grants also are available to bring artists on the Kansas Touring Roster to communities across the state. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis but must be made at least 60 days in advance of the proposed activity. More details can be found 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 Kansas Arts Commission (KAC):

The Kansas Arts Commission stewards the state’s investment in the arts by empowering creativity, fostering innovation, and strengthening the economy to enhance the vitality of every Kansas community. The Kansas Arts Commission is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. To learn more about KAC, click here or contact Ben Stanton at [email protected] or (785) 213-5959.

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KS Tax Collections $942.8 Million In January

Governor Kelly Announces January
Total Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by
Nearly $16M


TOPEKA
– The State of Kansas ends January 2025 with total tax collections at $942.8 million. That is $15.9 million, or 1.7%, above the estimate. Total tax collections are up 1.5% from January 2024.

“While current revenues are in line with the estimates, it is important that we continue to focus on fiscal responsibility to ensure long term financial health in Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

Individual income tax collections were $500.1 million, $25.1 million or 5.3% above the estimate, and up 5.1% from January 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $73.0 million, $20.0 million or 21.5% below the estimate, and down 18.7% from January 2024.

“But for a tax system deployment on Friday, January 31, which delayed that day’s individual income tax refunds to today, total taxes collected would have been extremely close to the forecasted amount for the month of January,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $348.8 million, $11.8 million or 3.5% above the estimate, and up $4.5 million or 1.3% from January 2024.

Click here to view the January 2025 revenue numbers.

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KDOT to host open houses on U.S. 69 design options in Crawford County

Submitted graphic.

 

 

The Kansas Department of Transportation will host four in-person open houses and one virtual open house to allow the public to review design options for the U.S. 69 project in Crawford County in February.

 

All the open houses will share the same information, and the public will be able to provide input at each meeting. Project team members will be available to answer questions about the design options that were developed based on feedback from previous open houses and insights gained from data collected along the study area.

 

Participants are encouraged to drop by at any time during the in-person open houses, as there will be no formal presentations. The virtual open house will be recorded and start at the designated time and include a walk-through of the design options with a question-and-answer session.

 

In-person open houses times and locations:

 

Pittsburg State University, Overman Student Center, Ballroom C

302 E. Cleveland Ave., in Pittsburg.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m.

 

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fellowship Hall

100 S. Cherokee St., in Frontenac.

Thursday, Feb. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Northeast High School

1003 E. South St., in Arma.

Thursday, Feb. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m.

 

Virtual open house time and link:

Friday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. to noon (sign-in starts at 10:30 a.m.).
Link: https://shorturl.at/xXhjc

 

Information presented at the open houses will also be available online by Feb. 26 at: ksdot.gov/us69-highway-study

 

Anyone who requires language translation, special assistance or accommodation to attend the meeting should contact Alicea Thompson at [email protected] or call (785) 817-0864 at least five days before the meeting date.

Kansas Legislative Update by Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

January 31, 2025

 

Thoughts and Prayers As we come to grips with the heart-wrenching drowning of two youth in Linn County, the D.C. and Philadelphia plane crashes last week, and the devasting fires in California, we are reminded how fragile life is.  It is also a reminder of the hundreds of emergency responders who swiftly and often put themselves in harm’s way.  Prayers are with all who have been touched by these emergencies and the unimaginable sorrow.

 

Week three of the 2025 session proved to be productive for the Senate.

 

Illegal immigration was debated on the Senate floor January 29th instead of on the 28th.  Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1602 requests that the Governor fully cooperate with federal enforcement of immigration laws.  It passed overwhelming 31 to 9 and was sent to the House for consideration.  The Senate sent a strong message to the Governor that we want federal immigration laws to be upheld.  I voted Yes.

 

Property Tax legislation overwhelmingly passed the Senate.  Senate Bill (SB) 35 would repeal the 1.5 mill property tax the state collects for maintenance on regent’s buildings and some state buildings.  State General Funds (mainly income and sales taxes) will be used to make up the difference if SB 35 becomes law.  The bill passed the Senate 38 to 2.  I voted Yes to lower your property taxes.

 

SB 10 was requested by the Kansas County Appraiser Association (KCAA) and would exempt several personal property items, such as ATVs, electric wheelchairs, golf carts, watercraft and electric bicycles.  We heard testimony that for many of these items it costs more to collect the taxes than what is paid.  I had the opportunity to visit with several of the county appraisers while they were in Topeka.  They gave several examples of why this legislation is needed.  Some are arguing this bill helps the rich.  The appraisers reassured us that it is best these items come off the tax rolls.  It passed 37 to 3.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

The 2025 KidWind Challenge competitions begin this week

 

TOPEKA – The 2025 Kansas KidWind Challenge kicks off this week. The annual competition has grown significantly from one regional challenge with 14 teams in 2016 to six regional events with a total of 94 teams from 48 schools this year.

The first regional challenge will be held in Hutchinson on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Five more regional events are scheduled throughout the month in Colby (Feb. 11), Dodge City (Feb. 13), Overland Park (Feb. 19), Manhattan (Feb. 25), and Burlington (Feb. 28). All events are open to the public. The 2025 KidWind Event Guide, complete with times and locations, is available here.

Student teams work together to design, build and test a wind turbine using the materials of their choice – no two look alike. Each team’s turbine will be put to the test in a 48″ × 48″ wind tunnel at a wind speed of approximately 3.5-5 m/s (meters per second). Scoring is based on turbine performance, a knowledge quiz, a presentation to judges where the team explains its design process, and an instant challenge.

Students compete by age categories: 4th – 5th grade, 6th – 8th grade and 9th – 12th grade. The winning teams at regional events advance to the state finals on April 5 in Salina. State winners are invited to participate in the World KidWind Challenge in Phoenix, AZ planned for May 18-21.

“KidWind is a fantastic hands-on opportunity that allows students to tinker and experiment with wind turbine designs. They experience the thrill of scientific discovery as their designs are validated through performance testing, and they hone their public-speaking skills as they present their turbine design to a panel of judges,” explained David Carter, Director of the Kansas Energy Program at K-State Engineering Extension.

Kansas KidWind is an energy-related STEM education event from the Kansas Corporation Commission and K-State Engineering Extension made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

More information about KidWind is available at https://www.kcc.ks.gov/energy-education/kidwind.

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