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Governor Kelly Orders State Office Buildings
in Shawnee County Closed Wednesday
Due to Inclement Weather

TOPEKA – Due to safety concerns regarding winter weather conditions resulting from the approaching winter storm, Governor Laura Kelly has issued a Declaration of Inclement Weather for Shawnee County, ordering state office buildings in Shawnee County to be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

The declaration takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. A reassessment of weather conditions will be made on Wednesday to determine if the declaration will be extended further.

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that it will be responsible for administering the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) across Kansas. The YRBS is a vital tool that gathers data on the health behaviors of high school students in Kansas. It provides essential insights into the challenges facing today’s youth and paves the way for programs and policies that promote their well-being.

First completed in 1990, the YRBS is a nationwide survey conducted every two years. Its purpose is to monitor specific behaviors that can significantly impact the health and safety of adolescents in Kansas.

“By understanding these behaviors, KDHE can work with school and community leaders to develop targeted interventions and programs to address the unique needs of Kansas youth,” said Grace Harvey, YRBS School Survey Coordinator, “Taking on the administration of the YRBS reflects our commitment to supporting Kansas youth and addressing the factors that impact their health and safety.”

For years, the YRBS in Kansas was overseen by the Kansas State Department of Education. Now, KDHE is honored to continue this critical work. This transition will enable KDHE to directly integrate survey findings into the state’s public health initiatives, ensuring a seamless connection between data and action.

The YRBS captures data on a variety of topics, including:

• Nutrition, physical activity and weight status
• Bullying
• Mental health and suicide
• Tobacco, alcohol and drug use
• Sexual behaviors that could lead to STDs, HIV, or unintended pregnancy
• Behaviors contributing to unintentional injuries or violence

The YRBS is currently conducted in 50 randomly selected high schools across the state, with students in grades 9-12 anonymously participating. To protect privacy, no personal identifiers are collected, and participation is voluntary. KDHE will work directly with the participating schools to get active parental consent from each participating student. Schools will work closely with a designated YRBS coordinator to ensure the process is smooth and minimally disruptive. Each survey takes just one class period to complete.

KDHE is looking forward to leading this important initiative and is committed to using the YRBS insights to improve the lives of Kansas youth. By working collaboratively with schools, parents and community partners, we can turn data into meaningful action, fostering a healthier and brighter future for the next generation.

To learn more, visit the KDHE website.

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PRATT – Seven lucky conservation organizations are set to receive Commission Big Game Hunting Permits after their applications were drawn by Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners during the January 30^th public meeting. The Commission Big Game Hunting Permit program allows Kansas-based non-profit organizations that focus on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage to apply for one of seven permits. The permits can then be sold by the winning group to raise funds for conservation projects in Kansas. The winning organizations typically raffle or auction the permit to the highest bidder and keep 15 percent of the sale price to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved.

“Last year, proceeds from Commission permits supported the Habitat Specialist program which is one of our key conservation partnerships with Pheasants Forever,” said Wes Sowards, assistant director of the wildlife division at KDWP. “Habitat specialists work across the state to manage wildlife habitat on both private and public land with a special emphasis on conservation objectives in the State Wildlife Action Plan.”

“These habitat specialists are the true heroes in our eyes,” said Bob Hix, a regional representative from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “The Kansas Pheasants Forever habitat team and the local chapters are committed to doing even more habitat work for all wildlife in Kansas.”

Other projects supported by the Commissioner permit proceeds have included wetland improvement at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and special youth hunt programs.

“Ducks Unlimited is honored to receive these Commission permits which have been part of an ongoing and hugely successful partnership between DU and KDWP,” said Matt Hough, Kansas conservation programs manager for Ducks Unlimited. “Proceeds from these permits will be put to great use for priority projects of both organizations for the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl habitat that also provide public benefits to the people of Kansas.”

Based on applicant preference, seven deer permits were awarded to the following conservation groups for 2025:

Ducks Unlimited Wyandotte Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280
[email protected]

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Kansas Chapter
Marshal Loftus
816-489-1023
[email protected]

Kansas Bowhunters Association
Jamie Howarter
[email protected]

Ducks Unlimited Kansas University Chapter
Mike Bulk
785-294-1280
[email protected]

Pheasants Forever Stanton County Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542
[email protected]

Pheasants Forever Osborne Chapter
Bob Hix
303-588-1542
[email protected]

National Wild Turkey Foundation Salty Spurs Chapter
Nate Watson
505-401-6474
[email protected]

Members of the public are encouraged to contact the representatives listed to learn when and where each of these permits will be auctioned or raffled in the future.

Complete rules for the Commission Big Game Permits can be found at ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Commission.

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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.

The seven-member, non-partisan Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission serves in an advisory capacity in formulating policies and plans for KDWP. The commission facilitates public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary of KDWP, ultimately voting to approve, modify, or reject those proposed rules and regulations. The Commission Big Game Permits are authorized by K.S.A. 32-970.

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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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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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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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.

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