Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Global Technical Issue Impacts Agency Services

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) confirmed that a software update from vendor partner CrowdStrike has impacted services for Executive Branch agencies.

This was not a cybersecurity attack and there is no threat to life safety services.

CrowdStrike, a vendor partner, deployed an update late Thursday evening and into the early morning hours of Friday, impacting servers and computers. CrowdStrike has provided fixes, and OITS is working closely with them and the Executive Branch agencies to remediate any issues. This is a global problem, impacting many beyond Kansas.

Services continue to be restored online. We cannot provide an estimated time for each service’s restoration.

More information will be provided as things develop.

Please direct any questions to Allie Denning, Director of Public Affairs, OITS. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Government, Kansas

Water-Related Technical Assistance and Water Projects Grant Applications Now Accepted

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HB 2302 Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Fund

The Kansas Water Office announced that applications are now being accepted for the House Bill 2302 Grant Programs.

In 2023, Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Legislature, through Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302, increased the amount of state funding for the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF). The State Water Plan Fund was created in 1989 to provide funding for projects, programs, and activities recommended in the Kansas Water Plan (KWP) to address the various water issues identified in the KWP. Provisions for HB 2302 included the creation of two new water-related grants funds: the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund.

The Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Fund serve to help municipalities and special districts related to water to obtain the up-front technical assistance and the on-the-ground actions needed to address various water quantity and quality needs. The two funds are generally directed to supporting water-related infrastructure activities.

Last year, Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office invested $18 million into 34 municipalities and special districts related to water across Kansas. Nineteen Technical Assistance Grants and 15 Water Project Grants were awarded.

Applications for this round of funding are due on September 6, 2024. Previous applicants must resubmit their applications for consideration. For additional information, please visit https://www.kwo.ks.gov/news-events/hb-2302-grant-programs.

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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and         conservation.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

KDOT to replace guardrail along U.S. 69

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The week of July 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin replacing guardrail on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. The 27-mile project area starts at the south U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction and continues north to Pleasanton.

 

The speed limit will be reduced to 60 miles an hour in the work zone, with alternating lane closures for northbound traffic. The ramp from westbound U.S. 54 to northbound U.S. 69 in Fort Scott will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23. Use alternate routes during the closure.

 

KDOT awarded construction contracts totaling $1 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of 2024. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Elections, Government, Kansas

Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives

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This is part of a series on the candidates on the August Primary Election ballot.
There are two candi dates for District 4 Kansas House of Representatives on the Bourbon County ballot.
Josh Jones.
Joshua Jones, 43, lives in Bourbon County.
He has three experience years as a  Fort Scott City Commissioner and 20+ years as a small business owner.
Jones has been involved in his community in the following ways: Kiwanis, Chair of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Advance Bourbon County, previous city commissioner, Christmas in the Park/Bricks committee, Bourbon County Core Communities
“The primary role of any elected official is to represent the people in their jurisdiction, as citizens are the ultimate authority. Unfortunately, many candidates make promises during election campaigns but fail to follow through once elected. When I served as a city commissioner, I was the only one to hold public forums while in office. Transparency and communication are essential.”
“The Kansas House of Representatives faces many pressing issues, with two major concerns being taxes and government overreach into our freedoms and liberties. Often, the government assumes it knows what’s best for us and enacts laws that infringe on our freedoms. The more this happens, the closer our government comes to resembling a dictatorship and less of a government for the people.”
Rick James. Submitted photo.
 Rick James, 61, lives outside of LaCygne.
He earned a  Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree and has
30 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps.
He has served two full terms as a County Commissioner (Linn County, Ks.); served 7 years on the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services, and 4 years on the Ks. Area on Aging for SE (Ottawa). He is a local business owner of Semper Fi Auction Services (2013) and Bravo Realty (2019).
His community involvement:  a member of Lady of our Lord’s Catholic Church, member of Rotary 2010-2024,  and has “Helped out doing benefit auctions for our non-profits locally. I’m a conservative and proud Republican. Semper Fi.”
The primary role of a Kansas House Representative to James is:
“Introducing good legislation that benefits our constituents. Reduce government where possible—serving as the voice to our constituents in legislative matters, advocating for their interests and concerns in Topeka. I will be fiscally responsible and work to lower taxes. By engaging with community groups, attending local events, and staying informed about local issues;  I can be the sounding board for the 4th District.”
The most pressing issue in the Kansas House of Representatives is
“Taxes… first and foremost.  We as local and state governments have got to work harder at being good stewards to our citizens when spending their money. Another issue is the recent attacks on rural America with green energy wanting to take 10’s of thousands of acres away from our landowners here in Bourbon and Linn County. Other bad ideas like Pikes Reservoir (10,000 acre lake proposed in Bourbon County) which was known in Topeka before land owners knew.  There are many things our state can improve on so lets start where it hurts citizens the most (TAXES).  We have a great district and I would appreciate your vote in August. “
Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Above Estimate for June

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Governor Kelly Announces June Total Tax Collections at 2.4% Above the Estimate

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that June’s total tax collections were $1.03 billion. That is $24.1 million, or 2.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up 3.9% from June 2023.

“While the tax revenue collected for June is encouraging, we must remain committed to fiscal responsibility,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing our work to put our state on solid fiscal ground, we can ensure Kansans have the services and quality of life they deserve.”

Individual income tax collections were $452.4 million. That is $82.4 million, or 22.3% more than the estimate, and up 19.4% from June 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $193.1 million. That is $53.9 million, or 21.8% less than the estimate, and down 14.6% from June 2023.

“Individual income tax receipts exceeded the June estimate because of higher-than-expected withholding tax and individual estimated payments and the fact that fewer refunds were paid than in June 2023,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Withholding tax receipts are 17.0% greater than in June 2023, and that source continues to be the State’s most reliable revenue stream.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $292.1 million. That is $2.2 million, or 0.7% more than the estimate, but down $11.4 million, or 3.8%, from June 2023.

Click here to view the June 2024 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Political signs not allowed on highway right of way

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TOPEKA – It’s a sign of the season – political campaigning and the posting of campaign signs. The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds the public that all political campaign signs or billboards are prohibited from being placed on state highway right of way.

By law, all right of way on state highways is exclusively for public highway purposes. Only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs placed by KDOT are allowed on the 9,500-mile state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes.

When KDOT maintenance crews find political signs on state highway right of way, the signs will be removed immediately and without notice. All such signs will then be taken to the closest KDOT Subarea office. Political campaign signs not retrieved from the Subarea offices will be disposed of after the election.

Political campaign advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way. However, people placing or erecting signs on private property must first obtain permission from the property owner.

A state law passed in 2015 related to placement of campaign signs on city- or county-owned right of way does not apply to state highway right of way. Persons placing signs on city street or county road right of way should consult the local jurisdiction on any rules.
Government, Kansas

Kansas Launches National Campaign to Attract and Retain Talent

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, alongside leaders from across the state, today unveiled Love, Kansas, a dynamic talent attraction campaign aimed at boosting Kansas’ population by inviting past residents to choose the Sunflower State as their future home. This national marketing initiative will highlight Kansas as an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family, with a special emphasis on “boomerangs” – individuals with previous ties to the state.

The campaign was launched at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, where Lieutenant Governor Toland shared his personal journey back to Kansas that was inspired by a heartfelt phone call from a family friend about a job opportunity in his hometown of Iola.

“It’s simple: We need more humans in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state.  And with the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren’t just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back – we’re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State.”

Love, Kansas will focus on the state’s abundant job opportunities, high quality of life, excellent education system and affordable communities.  The campaign will be driven at the local level but will strategically target key markets across the U.S., with a strong focus on digital and social media platforms. Influencer and journalist engagement, as well as targeted in-person events both within and outside of Kansas, will play a crucial role in reaching potential boomerangs.

During the launch event, it was announced that the first 50 communities to partner with Love, Kansas will be eligible for a $5,000 grant to assist in their efforts in attracting new residents to their community. Nineteen pilot communities and seven universities already have joined the initiative and are planning events that are aligned with the campaign’s theme. A primary goal is for communities across the state to do direct outreach to past residents they have a personal connection with, inviting them to return home.

“The collaboration already on display between so many partners underscores the enthusiasm for this campaign,” Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “There are so many amazing things happening in Kansas right now; Love, Kansas gives us the chance to let people throughout the country know about them.”

The Love, Kansas campaign is being spearheaded by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

For more information about the campaign, view this video (here) or visit the Love, Kansas website here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support. 

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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Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

City of Fort Scott’s East National Avenue Project: KDOT Awarded

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Governor Kelly Announces $8.6M Awarded to
Cost Share Program Projects

EDWARDSVILLE – Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced that $8.6 million will be awarded to 14 transportation construction projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for spring 2024.

“These new Cost Share projects will repair and modernize transportation infrastructure in communities across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Collaboration on these selected projects address short-term challenges to bring long-term solutions to the places Kansans call home.”

Governor Kelly lauded the 104th Street sidewalk expansion in the City of Edwardsville as a prime example of how a Cost Share project can benefit a community. Enhancements to the city’s pedestrian facilities will fill the largest gap in pedestrian access between K-32 and the elementary school and encourage safe non-motorized access to school and recreational activities.

With today’s announcement, more than $260 million has been invested to support the 179 projects selected in the Cost Share Program since it began in the fall of 2019. Combining more than $146 million in state funding with more than $115 million in matching local funds has been a substantial boost to Kansas communities.

“Kansans understand the value of partnerships,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “The Cost Share Program provides the opportunity for partnership between KDOT and communities to solve local transportation issues through shared investment. Addressing these infrastructure projects enables solutions that will help these communities and residents keep moving forward for generations.”

Both rural and urban areas can submit transportation projects that improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility. The program is part of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE.

Click here to view a map of the 14 Cost Share Program projects announced today. These projects are also listed below:

  • City of Baxter Springs – Bagcraft Boulevard improvements.
  • City of Edwardsville – 104th Street sidewalk expansion.
  • City of Fort Scott – East National Avenue project.
  • City of Hesston – East-west community connection.
  • City of Hoisington – Green and Vine Street resurfacing and pedestrian improvements.
  • City of Inman – Street improvements for Nikkel Addition.
  • City of Norton – Oliver Lane and Franklin Avenue paving project.
  • City of Sabetha – Kansas Road and 14th Street surfacing.
  • City of St. John – St. John Street improvements.
  • City of Wamego – Kaw Valley Road improvements.
  • Cloud County – Noble Road pavement preservation project.
  • Lane County – Airport runway and county road improvements.
  • Seward County – Meade Lake Road HMA overlay.
  • Wallace County – Smoky Hill River low water crossings project.

More information about KDOT’s Cost Share Program is on KDOT’s website at https://www.ksdot.org/CostShare/CostShareProgram.asp.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

June 21, 2024

 

Special Session resulted in two bills becoming law, Senate Bill (SB) 1, tax relief for all Kansans, and House Bill (HB) 2001, an expansion of the Sales Tax And Revenue (STAR) Bonds program.

 

No State Income Tax On Social Security is a major win in SB 1 that will help over 76,000 Kansans.  The average savings will be around $1,300 a year according to Legislative Research.  I have been leading this effort for a few years.  It is now law.

 

Lower Income Taxes  for all Kansas taxpayers is a win; by decreasing the 5.7 bracket to 5.58, the 5.25 to 5.2, and 3.1 to 0; increasing the current $2,250 personal exemptions to $9,160 for a single filer, $18,320 for married, and $2,320 for each dependent; and increasing standard deductions 3% – single filer from $3,500 to $3,605 and married from $8,000 to $8,240.  A Kansas family, married filing jointly with two dependents, taking a standard deduction will not pay income tax on the first $31,200 of earnings – which happens to be the current federal poverty level.

 

Property tax relief comes from increasing the current $44,700 exemption to $75,000 when calculating the K-12 20 mill.  It was reported to be about $70 savings for a homeowner.  It is much smaller than many of us wanted.  Also lost were future tax cuts based on inflation, so as inflation increases the property tax exemption $75,000 for homeowners, all standard deductions and personal exemptions would have also increased – thus lowering your taxes.  The grocery sales tax going to 0% earlier than next year was lost.  Because the Governor and a handful of legislators refused to support tax bills that overwhelmingly passed during session, you will continue to pay 2% state sales tax on groceries until Jan 1, 2025.  They blocked those items from becoming law with over $4 billion of taxpayer money sitting in the state coffers.  SB 1 was as good as we could get this year for major tax cuts.  SB 1 also abolishes the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR) and the County & City Revenue Sharing Fund.  No money has been transferred to these funds for over 20 years.

 

The STAR Bonds program is basically a loan via bonds used to build a project, except STAR Bonds, i.e. loans, are paid off with sales tax and other revenue (taxes) collected in a designated STAR Bond district.  The owner of the property doesn’t pay for the facility being built, the STAR Bonds and taxes pay for most, if not all of it.  HB 2001, expanding STAR Bonds, sailed through the special session.  It didn’t have the votes during regular session, but over 30 lobbyists were hired to push it during a “special session”.  HB 2001 allows STAR Bonds to be issued and to pay for 70% of a Chiefs, Royals, and/or practice stadiums to be built.  It also allows for STAR Bonds to pay for businesses like restaurants, hotels and others, with sales taxes and other revenue (taxes).  Previous STAR Bond projects were funded at 50%, not 70%, and had a 20 year payback, not the 30 year payback in HB 2001.  Another change is that 100% of taxes collected on alcohol sales can be used to pay off the bonds.  Can you believe the law requires revenues filed with Kansas Department of Revenue in connection to STAR bonds for sports stadiums “shall be kept confidential” and if disclosed subject to legal penalties?  And then the law puts a handful of legislative leaders in control of extensions and one person in charge of the program.  Local tax money, property taxes and such, could also be used to develop these stadiums.  Just look at Wyandotte County property taxes to see what exempting the NASCAR racetrack and other properties do for local homeowners in the area.  They have some of the highest mill levies, which means higher taxes.  Another question, how will they secure the property to build?  Eminent domain was used to force homeowners, landowners, businesses, and even a church to sell their property to build a racetrack.  There are always reasons to vote yes or no on a bill, but the negatives outweighed the excitement of one of the most generous giveaways to a professional sports team ever, so I voted No.

 

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

Caryn

Government, Kansas

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

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The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes July 3. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Government, Kansas

Governor Has Signed Legislation For Tax Cuts For All Kansans and STAR Bonds Use

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Governor Kelly Signs Bill Providing Tax Cuts for
All Kansans

~~ Gov. Kelly Also Signs Legislation Approving Economic Development Tool to Attract Professional Sports Teams to the State ~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed Senate Bill 1, bipartisan legislation that will provide tax cuts for all Kansans without threatening the state’s long-term fiscal health. The bill reduces property and income taxes, immediately eliminates the state tax on Social Security income, and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

“I am proud to be delivering on my commitment to responsible, meaningful tax relief for all Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate the Legislature’s quick work to pass this tax relief package. Senate Bill 1 provides significant tax relief while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our public schools, roads and bridges, and State Water Plan.”

The governor also signed House Bill 2001, enabling the use of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds, an economic development tool, to expand Kansas’ portfolio of professional sports teams. STAR Bonds allow the issuance of bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects. The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.

“We know that modernizing our economic development tools provides the opportunity to increase private investment into the state,” Governor Kelly said. “By modifying the STAR Bonds program, one of our strongest economic development mechanisms, lawmakers crafted a viable option for attracting professional sports teams to Kansas.”

Click here to learn more about STAR Bonds.

Fort Scott, Government, Kansas, Youth

Reegan McDaniel Receives Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate

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Agriculture Education Students Awarded Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificates

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Twenty-five students from five schools in Kansas have been awarded the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate. High schools with students earning certificates include Buhler, Centre, Ellsworth, Fort Scott and Republic County.

Students have completed requirements in the areas of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and FFA. They have demonstrated excellence in agricultural knowledge, career readiness, and leadership development. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all school courses to earn the certification.

“Students receiving these certificates are among the most well-rounded agricultural education students in the state. This recognition isn’t based on one single activity or achievement but on meeting the criteria for several components showing diversity in agricultural knowledge and success in and out of the classroom,” said John Clark, the agriculture education teacher at Buhler High School.

KDA is committed to establishing a dynamic and well-equipped workforce that meets the diverse needs of the agriculture industry today. “As agriculture continues to advance, there is a continued need for skilled young people to operate high-tech machinery on our dairies, ranches, and farms, and technical specialists to provide research in agronomy, technology and animal science fields,” said Russell Plaschka, KDA marketing director. “Kansas agriculture is growing, and the industry requires a well-equipped workforce to help support that growth in our great state. We are proud of these young adults.”

These certificates have been endorsed by several industry organizations and employers.

Applications for the Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificates are accepted each spring. To find more information, visit agriculture.ks.gov/ageducation.

Complete list of students:

Buhler High School
Jaelyn Anderson
Peyton Coldren
Marlie Cooper
Brynlee Frank
Krysten Hamby
Amos Harder
Megan Krueger
Mikayla Milburn
Danielle Rogers
Madison Shain
Makenna Siemens
Emmie Stallman

Centre High School
Jenna Bittle
Leah Brunner
Karsen Kroupa
Jenaya Plett
Emilee Remmers
Isabel Rziha
Allie Stuchlik
Payton Svitak

Ellsworth High School
Rebekah Vague

Fort Scott High School
Reegan McDaniel

Republic County High School
Macey Homeier
Camryn Reynolds
Gracia Siemsen

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