Category Archives: Kansas

Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Free Fishing and State Park Entrance Days for 2025

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Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Announces Free Fishing and State Park Entrance Days for 2025

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Secretary Christopher Kennedy has issued orders designating several Free Fishing and Free State Park Entrance days. The announcement was made at the April 24, 2025, Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting.

The Free Fishing Days are June 7 and 8, 2025. On those days, anyone can fish by legal means without a Kansas fishing license. All length and creel limits still apply.

All Kansas State Parks will also offer free entrance on Saturday, May 3. Camping fees still apply.

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy Kansas’ incredible natural resources,” said Kennedy. “Whether you’re casting a line, hiking a trail, picnicking on a beach, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, these days are meant to inspire connection with your family, friends, and the great outdoors.”

Along with these statewide events, Secretary Kennedy has also designated several park-specific Free Entrance Days that align with local events and programs designed to engage families, outdoor enthusiasts, and newcomers to Kansas state parks. These dates are as follows:

  • May 11 – Wilson State Park
  • May 17 – Milford State Park
  • June 7 – Cheney State Park
  • June 7 – El Dorado State Park
  • June 7 – Prairie Dog State Park
  • June 7 – Elk City State Park
  • June 7 – Glen Elder State Park
  • June 14 – Cedar Bluff State Park
  • June 14 – Historic Lake Scott State Park
  • June 14 – Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
  • July 4 – Cross Timbers State Park
  • August 16 – Hillsdale State Park
  • August 23 – Tuttle Creek State Park
  • September 7 – Lovewell State Park
  • September 21 – Webster State Park
  • September 27 – Clinton State Park
  • September 27 – Crawford State Park
  • September 27 – Fall River State Park
  • October 11 – Eisenhower State Park
  • October 11 – Meade State Park
  • October 25 – Kanopolis State Park
  • October 25 – Perry State Park
  • October 25 – Pomona State Park
  • October 25 – Sand Hills State Park

For more information about Kansas state parks, fishing opportunities, and upcoming events, visit ksoutdoors.com.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.com.

 

Government, Kansas

Early Childhood Legislation: Governor Kelly

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Governor Kelly Signs Landmark
Bipartisan Early Childhood Legislation:
Here’s What They’re Saying


TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly signed Thursday House Bill 2045, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood. The bill was crafted through negotiations with a bipartisan group of Kansas legislators from both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate and ultimately received widespread bipartisan support.

This landmark piece of legislation is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years. Governor Kelly signed the bill into law during a ceremony at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.

Under this legislation, nearly 20 existing state programs serving young children and families will be consolidated into the Office of Early Childhood. The office will be responsible for the state’s early childhood system, serve communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy for expanding access to child care, and administer services currently spread throughout various state agencies.

Here’s what they’re saying:

“Access to safe, high-quality childcare is essential for Kansas families and our workforce. This legislation provides a bipartisan solution that simplifies regulations, improves government efficiency, and removes unnecessary barriers that have limited childcare availability. By streamlining processes while upholding strict safety standards, we are creating a system that supports children, increases access, and ultimately makes childcare more affordable for families across the state.”
—Representative Laura Williams, Kansas House District 30

“This bipartisan child care bill removes the burdensome government red tape and provides additional child care slots to communities all across Kansas, both rural and urban. I’m proud that we have gotten this bill across the finish line and delivered for Kansas families.”
—Senator Tory Marie Blew, Kansas Senate District 33

 “This bipartisan compromise will propel Kansas early childhood system forward and be transformative for children and families. By establishing the Office of Early Childhood and supporting our early childhood workforce, we will expand access to high-quality child care and provide our children the best possible start.”
—Senator Pat Pettey, Kansas Senate District 6

“For far too long, childcare in Kansas was fragmented, inefficient, and difficult for parents and providers to navigate. As Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, I’ve heard firsthand how the lack of affordable, accessible childcare has kept parents—especially mothers—out of the workforce. This bill revolutionizes the way we approach childcare by consolidating oversight into a single department and creating transparency in both regulation and funding. Most importantly, it empowers parents with more affordable options by allowing individuals to care for up to four children without bureaucratic red tape. This commonsense solution will open thousands of new childcare slots and help parents get back to work. It’s a win for Kansas families and our economy.”
—Representative Sean Tarwater, Kansas House District 27

“The Office of Early Childhood is a great example of what bipartisan collaboration can achieve. Governor Kelly has been a strong advocate for expanding childcare in Kansas, and I’m thankful to her team and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who helped bring this vision to life. Making childcare more affordable and accessible is one of the most meaningful ways we can support Kansas families”
—Representative Brandon Woodard, House Democratic Leader

 “The Kansas Chamber thanks the Legislature and the Governor for the passage of House Bill 2045, a comprehensive package reforming child care. The affordability and accessibility of child care facilities has continued to be a concern of the business community as business leader believe the lack of child care keeps Kansans out of the workforce. House Bill 2045 establishes the Office of Early Childhood to consolidate government positions and streamline child care services across the state, opening up the much needed access to child care for Kansas families and allowing them to reenter the workforce.”
—Alan Cobb, President and CEO, Kansas Chamber

 “High-quality, affordable childcare is vital to Kansas families and to a strong economy. The new Office of Early Childhood streamlines access, reduces burdens, and reflects a bipartisan commitment to helping parents return to work while supporting healthy child development.”
—Joe Reardon, President and CEO, Greater KC Chamber of Commerce

 “Access to high-quality child care is necessary for Kansas children and our economy to thrive. By unifying early childhood services under one roof, it will remove red tape and make it easier for families, providers and businesses to access critical early childhood services. We applaud the Governor and the Kansas Legislature for establishing the Office of Early Childhood and taking an important first step to improving the early childhood system in Kansas”
—David Jordan, United Methodist Health Ministries Fund

 “Work aimed at expanding access to child care for families is worth all the time and effort invested in passing this legislation. The bipartisan product will be instrumental for making the process better for child care organizations and for those who interface with the system; and, ideally, it will result in more child care slots. The state needed desperately to move in this direction and that’s what this significant outcome reflects.”
—Joyce Glasscock, Executive Director, Kansas Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs

“For far too many Kansans, access to affordable child care is the final hurdle on the path to achieving the American dream. The lack of child care options has become a major hinderance for economic growth in our region and across the state. House Bill 2045 will benefit job creators and help everyday Kansans by reducing bureaucracy and increasing options for families. We thank the Legislature and the Governor for coming together to address this pressing challenge.”
—John Rolfe, President and CEO, Wichita Chamber of Commerce

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Pope Francis

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, on Wednesday, directed flags on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities to be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on the day of interment, April 26, in honor of Pope Francis.

“As one of the most influential leaders of our time, Pope Francis was a beacon of light. His wisdom inspired countless people to treat others with compassion and generosity,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “May his legacy of selflessness and humility be instilled in each of us and continue to live on.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://www.governor.ks.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson April 18, 2025

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Caryn Tyson
Kansas Land and Military Installation Protection Act, SB 9, prohibits foreign adversaries from purchasing property within 100 miles of a military installation and any foreign adversary ownership of non-residential real property purchased prior to July 1, 2025, will have to register with the Attorney General’s office.  The bill would also require Kansas government agencies to purchase American-made or allied-made drones or drone technology.  The bill didn’t go as far as some of us would like, but it is much better than not doing anything to block China and others from infiltrating Kansas even more.  SB 9 passed the Senate 38 to 1.  I voted Yes.  The Governor signed it into law.
Conservation Districts funding caps will be doubled in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and the States’s matching funding will also double, limited to $50,000 per district because SB 39 became law.  Conservation districts were established in 1937 after the Dust Bowl.  The districts are local units of government within a county for conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources.  County commissioners may levy a property tax to provide additional funding for the operation of a conservation district.  This did not change in SB 39.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously.
Web-based Insurance Verification will be allowed as CCR 42 will be law.  There were several provisions in CCR 42, but the main provision was establishing the Kansas Real Time Motor Vehicle Insurance Verification Act, putting insurance data in an online centralized system allowing for easy verification of insurance.  I understand the convenience of a web-based centralized system and I also understand the vulnerabilities of this type of system.  Do you remember what happened last year with the Kansas Judicial centralized system?  It was hacked and down for several weeks, so I did not support CCR 42.  However, it passed because convenience was the priority, not data security.  It passed 39 to 1.
Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission name will be changed to the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission.  We need to be strengthening the Commission’s role, not weakening it.  HB 2206 passed the Senate 32 to 8, and the Governor signed it into law.  I voted no.
Special Elections will only be held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March, or on the same day as a general, or primary election (November or August) as HB 2022 is now law.  Currently, special elections and mail ballot elections (such as for school bonds or special sales taxes) can occur at any time, creating waste for the taxpayer and causing confusion for voters.  HB 2022 makes it simple and will save counties hundreds of thousands of dollars in special elections.  During testimony, we heard Sedgewick County spent over $136,000 on one special election.  I supported this legislation.  It passed the Senate 29 to 11 and was signed into law.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Government, Kansas

Statewide Virtual Job Fair April 23

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KANSASWORKS Hosts Job Fair Highlighting
Open Positions Across Kansas

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland is encouraging jobseekers and employers alike to take part in the upcoming Statewide Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 23.

“Kansas employers across the state have plentiful good-paying opportunities for jobseekers with any level of work experience,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The number of companies expanding in Kansas or relocating here brings new career options for all Kansans to take advantage of, including recent graduates of our outstanding higher education system.”

The Virtual Job Fair allows for anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

The 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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Government, Kansas

Popular Sunflower Summer Program Returning for Another Summer

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the popular Sunflower Summer program, which encourages young Kansans to explore and fall in love with Kansas, will return this summer. Designed for Kansas residents and families with school-aged children from Pre-K to Grade 12, Sunflower Summer will run from July 12 to August 3.

“The Sunflower Summer initiative is a great opportunity for our young and growing Kansans to explore all the things that make our state great,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “While encouraging exploration, the program also drives tourism, ushering in new dollars and new memories for families and communities alike.”

The program covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per attraction, per season. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and are later redeemed at the participating venues upon arrival.

“This program is a wonderful opportunity for Kansas attractions to welcome families from across the state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Sunflower Summer not only provides free admission to incredible destinations, it strengthens communities by making family adventures more accessible and extends the length of their vacations.”

Kansas Tourism is encouraging eligible tourism attractions to apply to be part of this year’s Sunflower Summer season. The application for attractions opens April 15 and will remain open through April 30. Participating attractions will be announced in early June.

Sunflower Summer has updated venue participation requirements and reimbursement guidelines for the 2025 season. For important updates, the attraction application and additional information, visit the program webpage 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 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.

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Government, Kansas

Reinstatement of Federal Funds to Support Teachers, Child Care Providers Is Sought

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Governor Kelly Calls on Trump Administration
to Reinstate Federal Funds to Support Teachers, Child Care Providers

~ Governor Kelly sends letter to secretary of education requesting
restoration of $22.6 million in funding for Kansas students and educators ~

TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday she has sent a letter to United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, requesting reinstatement of $22.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The United States Department of Education announced in late March that the federal government was recouping nearly $3 billion in pandemic relief funds from states. Many states, including Kansas, had already obligated these funds for programs and services benefiting students and educators.

“Abruptly stripping this funding is a disservice to the Kansas students and teachers who rely on it to excel in the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is critical for our schools to continue setting Kansas children up for a strong start to life. I urge the Trump administration to reinstate this funding to ensure our students can continue to access these key resources they need to succeed.”

In Kansas, these funds have been critical for supporting student learning recovery and ensuring the education workforce is prepared to assist those students in their academic needs. Funds have been used to retrain teachers in the science of reading and other evidence-based interventions to support student learning, career and postsecondary exploration experiences for students, and to lower start-up costs for child care providers.

On April 3, 2025, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) requested the Trump administration restore Kansas’ funding and allow for KSDE to continue using these funds toward its intended purposes. That request continues to be under consideration by the secretary of education.

In October 2024, Governor Kelly announced the state would cover the cost of licensure, fingerprinting, and background check fees for early childhood educators using these federal education funds. The Kelly administration began waiving these fees using federal and state funds in 2021.

Since 2021, these efforts have saved child care providers $3.34 million in fees and covered application costs of over 15,500 providers and background checks for over 39,400 providers. These fees will be reinstated until the Trump administration restores Kansas’ funding allocation.

Governor Kelly’s full letter to Secretary McMahon can be found here.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson April 12

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Caryn Tyson
The 2025 session has ended.  There were several veto overrides, and more legislation sent to the Governor.  Below are some of the vetoed bills and the results of the override.
Nutrition In Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SB 79, directed the Secretary for Children and Families to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods for the food assistance program, SNAP. The Senate voted to override the veto 29 to 11, but the House did not vote on it so the veto was sustained.  I voted for the legislation and for the override.  It didn’t stop people from purchasing these items.  They just would not have been able to use taxpayer funded SNAP money to buy those products.  It was reported before the veto override that the Governor’s office had sent a letter requesting the waiver and then withdrew it before she vetoed the bill.
Income Tax reductions will occur when income taxes collected exceeds inflation and there is 15% or more in the rainy-day fund because SB 269 will be law.  SB 269 will help reign in the out-of-control state government growth.  In 2023, all funds spending increased over 10%, $2.3 billion – in one year.  State government spending has increased approximately 50% since Governor Kelly took office.  Last year, we were able to reduce state income taxes by exempting Social Security, increasing personal exemptions, and reducing the tax brackets.  Even with these cuts, the state continues to collect more in income taxes.  SB 269 will keep us on the path started last year of limiting government growth.  The Governor’s veto was overridden 30 to 10 in the Senate, 87 to 37 in the House.  I voted Yes.
State Welfare programs will be audited as result of the veto override of HB 2217.  We must ensure that state assistance is getting to those in need and stop the waste, fraud, and abuse of these programs.  HB 2217 will give the inspector general the authority to audit.  It’s disappointing we must pass laws to audit fraud.  It doesn’t make sense.  However, it is now law.  The Senate voted 30 to 10 on the override.  I voted Yes.
Budget Continuous Funding is ensured in SB 14.  Looking forward, there could be a time when the budget is used as leverage to force legislators’ hands.  SB 14 would put the previous year’s budget in place if there is a year that a budget doesn’t pass, preventing a government shutdown.  It passed the Senate 31 to 9 and the House 85 to 39.  I voted Yes on the override.
“Bidenbucks” No More in Kansas as SB 5 becomes law.  Election officials can no longer accept federal funds unless approved by law.  A couple of years ago we passed into law an amendment that I had ran to stop financial influences such as “Zuckerbucks” on Kansas elections.  It became law.  Since them, federal money has been used to influence how we execute Kansas elections.  That will no longer be the case.  The override passed the Senate 31 to 9 and 86 to 37 in the House.  I voted Yes.
 
There were several other items passed into law, too many to cover in this week’s report.  I’ll write more next week.  In the meantime, all legislation is posted at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Government, Kansas

New webpage gives access to new civil case filings in district courts

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TOPEKA—The Kansas court system has launched a new webpage that gives visitors access to new civil case filings before they are reviewed and accepted by the district court clerk, eliminating the wait time for attorneys, the public, and media who track new civil cases.

“Court modernization is a continuous process to improve how Kansas courts serve the people of Kansas, and the civil filing webpage is a great example,” said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. “People who watch for new civil cases can use it to track when cases are filed, even while the filings are waiting to be processed by the court clerk.”

Attorneys have been required to electronically file court documents since 2018. All electronically filed documents enter a queue to be processed by the court clerk, including documents creating new civil cases.

“If a new civil case is efiled Friday afternoon, the court clerk may not process it until Monday morning,” Luckert said. “The new civil filing webpage makes that information available sooner to people who track new civil cases, with the understanding that a case is not created until the filings are accepted by the clerk.”

Kansas Civil Filings webpage

The Kansas Civil Filings webpage hosts documents after they are submitted, unless they are designated sealed. To designate a case or document as sealed, a filer must submit a motion to seal at the same time they submit the document to meet requirements in Supreme Court Rule 23.

Filings are not court records until accepted by clerk

Documents on the Kansas Civil Filings webpage are not court records until they are reviewed and accepted by the court clerk.

After the court clerk confirms a filing follows applicable rules, it is accepted and becomes a court record. Public court records are on the Kansas District Court Public Access Portal.

Documents available for three days

Documents remain on the Kansas Civil Filings webpage for three days, unless they are rejected by the court clerk under provisions in Supreme Court Rule 23(c).

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

Government, Kansas

Kansas Recognized as an Innovation Champion by Consumer Technology Association

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that Kansas has been recognized as an Innovation Champion, the highest-scoring category, in the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) 2025 Scorecard. This recognition highlights Kansas’ commitment to innovation, economic growth, and quality of life.

“Being named an Innovation Champion for the third time during my administration underscores our efforts to adopt policies that attract technological innovation across a variety of industries,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The advancements we’ve made in every part of our state demonstrate that Kansas is a premier state to live, work, and raise a family.”

CTA’s seventh edition of the U.S. Innovation Scorecard reviewed all 50 states by analyzing 54 indicators across 11 categories. Kansas is one of 12 states to receive the title of Innovation Champion and one of six that earned the honor on CTA’s previous Scorecard in 2023.

“This year’s U.S. Innovation Scorecard honorees prioritize technology infrastructure and create sophisticated solutions to empower innovation in their communities,” said CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio. “New innovations change the relationship between humans and technology, with advances in robotics, AI, smart home, and more improving the lives of millions of consumers.”

This year’s Scorecard features four new categories reflecting the expanding foundations required for technological innovation. The new categories assess:

  • Blockchain, which assesses state legislation on policies toward blockchain technologies.
  • Data Privacy, which measures indicators on businesses’ ability to innovate and compete without compromising sensitive data or legal clarity.
  • Grid Preparedness, which measures a state’s energy demand in comparison to its energy supply.
  • Manufacturing, which analyzes a state’s total number of manufacturers, its manufacturing percentage of GDP, and how it is attracting new manufacturing talent.

These new categories complement the seven categories carried over from the 2023 Scorecard, underscoring CTA’s intent to assess how states have continued to develop in key areas.

Learn more about CTA’s 2025 Global Innovation Scorecard here.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas launches the Accelerating Concept to Commercialization Program

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The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation is proud to announce the launch of the Accelerating Concept to Commercialization in Kansas (ACCEL-KS) program, an initiative aimed at fast-tracking innovative ideas to market-ready solutions. The program is designed to empower entrepreneurs, foster collaboration, maximize diverse resources, and support Kansas businesses to drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs in target industries.

“ACCEL-KS embodies Kansas’ bold commitment to supporting innovators and entrepreneurs by providing the tools, resources and collaborative network they need to create home-grown wealth and products throughout the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By strengthening the pipeline from concept to commercialization, we are positioning our state as a hub for transformative technologies and additional economic growth.”

The Office of Innovation seeks to collaborate with existing incubators or innovation centers on Proof-of-Concept (PoC) programming. In partnership with Commerce, entities will be awarded up to $500,000 to develop and deliver a statewide PoC network. The awards require a 25% cash match.

“The ACCEL-KS partners will align with the Office of Innovation’s goals to accelerate the state’s innovation economy,” Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Romaine Redman said. “Through this model, we are forging a partnership for excellence as we surround innovators and entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship and commercialization support needed to turn bold ideas into market-ready solutions.”

To be selected, innovation incubators and centers are required to outline a plan detailing how a statewide PoC program would work. The plans must be focused on identifying and supporting idea- and early-stage entrepreneurs through the development of high-impact PoC projects by providing technical assistance, mentorship, prototyping resources and commercialization support to innovators.

Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. May 9. Interested organizations are encouraged to attend one of two virtual information sessions scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, and 3:00 p.m. April 23. To register for the April 11 webinar, click here; for the April 23 session, click here.

For additional information or questions about the program, visit the ACCEL-KS website 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.

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Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court Nominating Commission accepting applications to fill vacancy

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Supreme Court Nominating Commission accepting applications to fill upcoming vacancy

TOPEKA—The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court created when Justice Evelyn Wilson resigns July 4.

Wilson’s resignation triggers a merit-based nomination process that involves the Supreme Court Nominating Commission, which reviews nominees, and the governor, who makes the appointments.

Application process

The application form is available on the judicial branch website or from the clerk of the appellate courts office in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.

Only applications submitted on the application form will be accepted. An original and one copy of the application must be received by the appellate clerk’s office by noon Monday, May 12, 2025.

Applications may be hand-delivered or submitted by mail to:

Douglas T. Shima
Clerk of the Appellate Courts
Kansas Judicial Center
301 SW 10th Ave., Room 107
Topeka KS 66612-1507

Applications with an original signature may be emailed to [email protected]. Applications will not be accepted by fax.

Merit-based selection process

When there is a vacancy on the court, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission reviews applications and conducts public interviews of nominees. The commission narrows the nominee pool to three names that it sends to the governor. The governor chooses one nominee to appoint.

The nominating commission will announce when it convenes to interview applicants. Interviews are open to the public.

Nominating commission

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission has nine members. There is one lawyer and one nonlawyer from each of the state’s four congressional districts, plus one lawyer who serves as chairperson.

Nonlawyers are appointed by the governor. Lawyers are elected by other lawyers within their congressional districts. The chairperson is elected by lawyers statewide.

Eligibility requirements

A nominee for justice must be:

  • at least 30 years old; and
  • a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school.

Selection criteria

When the Supreme Court Nominating Commission reviews nominees for justice, they look at the person’s:

  • legal and judicial experience;
  • educational background;
  • character and ethics;
  • temperament;
  • service to the community;
  • impartiality; and
  • respect of colleagues.

Judicial conduct

Justices must follow the law and not be influenced by politics, special interest groups, public opinion, or their own personal beliefs.

Justices demonstrate their accountability by following a Code of Judicial Conduct—overseen by the Commission on Judicial Conduct—that establishes standards of ethical behavior. They also take an oath of office that includes swearing to support, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution and Kansas Constitution.

Retention elections

After a new justice serves one year on the court, he or she must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the justice serves a six-year term.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov