Category Archives: Kansas

Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Kansas Families Tourism Program Opens May 25

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2024 Sunflower Summer Program to Run

May 25-Aug.11

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism has announced the 2024 Sunflower Summer program will be open for Kansas families on Saturday, May 25. Designed for Kansas students and their families, the Sunflower Summer program provides complimentary access to over 220 tourism attractions across the state. The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run through August 11.

To participate, Kansas families with school-age children can download the Sunflower Summer app at the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or at SunflowerSummer.org to claim tickets to attraction venues. These digital tickets are redeemed upon arrival at the participating venue. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2024 season.

“We’re excited to make this year’s growing Sunflower Summer program available to Kansas families,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Our aim is to encourage Kansans’ to embark on unforgettable journeys and create lasting memories in their home state.”

Exclusive to Kansas families, the Sunflower Summer program is open to all Kansas families with school-aged students, pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private, and homeschooled.

Out-of-state students and families are not eligible to participate in Sunflower Summer.

Participating attractions include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, water parks, amusement parks, zoos, guided trolley tours, live theater events and professional sports events. A comprehensive list of attractions participating in the 2024 Sunflower Summer program can be found on SunflowerSummer.org and on the mobile app.

To share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media, use the hashtags #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer as you post your travels. For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Kansas, go to TravelKS.com.

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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grants Announced

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Lt. Governor Toland Announces $500,000 in Tourism Attraction Development Grants

TOPEKA — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $500,000 has been awarded in the latest round of Attraction Development Grant funding. The Kansas Tourism grant program assists in the development of sustainable tourism experiences that influence travel decisions and create economic impact, including new jobs, capital investment, revenue and increased visitation.

“High-quality tourism attractions play a large role in the economic success our state has seen over the past five years,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By establishing and continuing to invest in quality attractions, we are improving the quality of life for current Kansans and creating more reasons for potential future residents to call Kansas home.”

The Attraction Development Grant funding will be divided among 14 new or enhancing existing tourism attraction projects. Grant recipients will invest almost $1.4 million in matching investments toward the approved projects.

“It is exciting to unveil new attractions that give travelers reasons to visit our great state, immerse themselves in our story, and really get to know Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “With these grant awards, we’re not just building destinations, we’re crafting dreams and shaping the future of tourism in Kansas.”

To view the latest Attraction Development Grant recipients, click here.

For more information on the program, click here or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.

For a full list of grants offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, click 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Kansas, Youth

Boys State of Kansas Meets June 2-8 at K-State

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Speakers, Special Events Set for 86th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas

 

May 20, 2024 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 86th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU.

 

Among the major events during the week. Unless noted, these events are open to the public.

 

 

Sunday, June 2

  • Opening ceremonies, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (end time could be earlier), McCain Auditorium

o   Opening remarks: Tom Wierman, Kansas Boys State executive director, a 1976 KBS delegate from Ransom High School and current resident of Wichita, and Sam Houston, Kansas Boys State 2023 governor and 2024 graduate of McPherson High School.

o   Keynote speaker: Kendall Gammon, 15-year NFL veteran with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Considered the best long-snapper in the NFL, Gammon, a 1987 graduate of Rose Hill (Kan.) High School and 1991 graduate of Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, was a member of Pitt State’s 1991 NCAA Division II national championship team. He also played in Super Bowl 30 and in the 2005 Pro Bowl. Gammon talk will draw on personal life challenges with a message threaded with vulnerability and authentic stories to inspire attendees to use emotional strength to embrace change, build strong relationships and positively impact growth and success.

o   Conversation with John Celock, a New York based award-winning author, media affairs advisor and special projects editor of City & State New York, a magazine focused on politics and government. Celock authored The Next Generation: Young Elected Officials and their Impact on American Politics, a 2010 book examining why people aged 35 and under run for elective office, the challenges they face and how their age impacts their views on public policy. Celock is a former state politics reporter and Patch liaison for The Huffington Post where he covered state-level politics and policy across the country, along with U.S. Senate races, as well as coordinated presidential campaign coverage and breaking news events. Celock’s work at The Huffington Post has been credited with impacting state-level legislation in Kansas and Alabama.

  • John Milburn, KBS associate director and a 1985 KBS delegate from Pittsburg High School will moderate the discussion. A resident of Lawrence, Milburn is the special assistant for communications and policy for the Kansas Secretary of State.

Media note: Starting at approximately 1 p.m., the KBS delegates will walk from Wefald Hall to McCain Auditorium – great photo/video opportunity.

 

Monday, June 3

  • Swearing in of 2024 Kansas Boys State mayors, 6:50 p.m., Kansas Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow Hall/Marlatt Hall parking lot [between buildings on Claflin Road]).

o   Scott Schwab, Kansas Secretary of State and 1989 KBS delegate from Great Bend High School, will provide remarks and swear in the KBS mayors.

  • Party caucuses, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Federalist Party, Fiedler Hall, Room 1107; Nationalist Party, Rathbone Hall, Room 1073 (Each party will select their candidates for the six state offices and formulate their party platforms.).

This event is not open to the public.

 

Tuesday, June 4

  • Kansas Boys State governor candidates’ debate and introduction of other state office candidates, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., McCain Auditorium.
  • Announcement of Kansas Boys State general election winners for governor and other state offices, and swearing-in ceremony, 7 p.m., KBS Assembly Area.

Wednesday, June 5

  • Flag retirement ceremony, 7:30 p.m., World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020.

Media note: This event is a great photo/video opportunity.

  • Evening ceremonies, 8 p.m., McCain Auditorium.

o   2024 Kansas Boys State governor’s inaugural address.

o   Address by Randy Frank, Hillsboro, American Legion Department of Kansas commander, and introduction of Kansas American Legion dignitaries

o   Kansas Boys State band performance, chorus performance and talent show.

 

Thursday, June 6

  • Candidates for Boys Nation, two of whom will represent Kansas Boys State as senators in Washington, D.C., July 19-26, will present speeches, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.

Friday, June 7

  • Announcement of delegates who will represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.

Saturday, June 8

  • Closing ceremonies, 9:15 to 10:45 a.m., McCain Auditorium.

o   Announcement of Kansas Boys State outstanding citizens, Kansas Boys State Samsung American Legion Scholarship and KBS Executive Director Scholarship winners, and announcement of various awards, including Advisor of the Year, Counselor of the Year, New Counselor of the Year, William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, Outstanding Senator Award and Outstanding State Representative Award.

o   Farewell address by KBS Executive Director Tom Wierman.

o   Closing Address by 2024 KBS Governor

  • Final State Assembly/Final Flag Lowering, 11 to 11:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area

 

Members of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate are expected to make visits to Kansas Boys State during the week, based on availability due to a potential special session being called by Gov. Laura Kelly.

 

In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, as well as the evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday through Friday, and at 6:45 p.m. on Monday. For those who cannot attend any events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState. and on its website at ksbstate.org.

 

The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

 

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

 

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Signs Omnibus Budget Bill

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Governor Kelly Signs Omnibus Budget,
Makes Investments in Mental Health, Water,
and Kansas’ Workforce Pipeline


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed House Bill 2551, the Omnibus Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget increases funding to address water quantity and quality issues, invests in workforce development, and provides additional funding for essential services and critical mental health needs.

“I am proud of the Legislature’s bipartisan work to ensure we continue to make investments into our state water plan fund, strengthen our workforce, and make progress in addressing Kansans’ mental health needs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding supports my administration’s work to address critical infrastructure needs, grow our economy, and make Kansas the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.”

The budget:

Invests in the workforce pipeline: Provides $8.3 million in need-based financial aid and scholarships, strengthening Kansas’ workforce pipeline. This funding includes $2 million to be invested in students who are pursuing careers in nursing, $1.7 million for first-generation students and children of teachers and paraprofessionals, and more than $1 million for National Guard members pursuing a master’s degree.

Addresses water quality and quantity issues in Kansas: Increases investment in the state water plan fund by $10 million, in addition to the $35 million the governor previously allocated. This funding is critical to addressing Kansas’ water quality and quantity needs. The bill also increases funding to $16 million for projects that will strengthen the state’s infrastructure for drinking water and wastewater in small communities across Kansas.

Makes critical investments in mental health services for students: An additional $4.5 million will be invested in the Mental Health Intervention Pilot to further expand students’ access to behavioral health services. This increase will provide a total of over $18 million in the upcoming school year. With this funding, the Kelly administration has invested over $78 million in this program, resulting in over 6,000 students receiving services in 90 school districts annually.

Builds capacity for mental health treatment in the South Central region: $26.5 million is being invested to build the new South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Wichita. The South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital will serve acute inpatient mental health patients. It will also be the location for adult forensic beds to alleviate jail overcrowding and shorten wait times on pending evaluations and treatment. The facility will expand access to additional in-patient mental health beds in the region and allow patients to remain closer to home and family while receiving care.

Governor Kelly also line-item vetoed certain aspects of the bill. Find more information and her veto messages here.

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Government, Kansas

Online tool supports local public agencies in addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety

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The Kansas Department of Transportation released a new online tool to help local public agencies learn about corridors where pedestrians and cyclists may be present and possible safety risks they could face.

The Kansas Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Tool includes a StoryMap, which explains how the data can be interpreted, and an interactive mapping and data visualization tool. Data gathered from the tool can assist agencies to understand safety concerns for these local travelers. The tool helps support safety-conscious decision making, including investments in infrastructure, education, enforcement or emergency services.

“Pedestrians and cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users,” said Transportation Safety Bureau Chief Vanessa Spartan. “Understanding where they’re traveling and risk factors on those routes are important steps to addressing potential safety needs. We often find that investments in the safety of pedestrians and cyclists also benefits other road users.”

The assessment plan, which was published in November 2023, is part of the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The safety plan aims to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes on all state and local roads in Kansas.

The tool and safety assessment are on the Bureau of Transportation Safety’s website at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burTrafficSaf/default.asp.

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Government, Kansas

KDOT seeks input on EV charging in Kansas

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation is looking for input from the public to determine what’s next for the Charge Up Kansas National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan.

Each state is required to develop a NEVI plan to access funds specified for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, which will be updated annually. The plan will outline how the state will use funds to support the deployment of a charging infrastructure.

KDOT is requesting public feedback on EV charging to help create next year’s plan. Go to https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d33b6d2213cf44c2a700b57509db4f1c to complete a short survey.

As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), each state was allocated funding to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging and infrastructure. The State of Kansas is projected to receive nearly $40 million of NEVI funds over five years.  In addition, Kansas agencies and communities will be eligible to apply for additional funding through $2.5 billion in discretionary programs.

For more information, go to the Charge Up Kansas webpage at https://ike.ksdot.gov/charge-up-kansas or contact [email protected].

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Government, Jobs, Kansas

Commerce Encourages Jobseekers to Join Virtual State Agency Job Fair

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers to take part in this month’s State of Kansas Agency Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22.

“Our state agencies are always looking for strong candidates who can help serve the people and communities of our great state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I encourage anyone who is interested in doing important and meaningful work for Kansas to come join a winning team.”

There are currently 786 agency positions available across the state that range from entry to senior level. State agencies are looking for new talent to assist in improving Kansas. The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a state position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating agencies.

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

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations 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 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.

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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas, Youth

Kansas Family Permanency Option For Aging Out Of Foster Care System

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Governor Kelly Ceremonially Signs SOUL Family Legal Permanency Bill

~~Kansas Becomes First State in the Country
to Adopt the SOUL Family Option~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed House Bill 2536 today, establishing the Support, Opportunity, Unity, and Legal (SOUL) Family permanency option for children aging out of the state’s foster care system.

“My administration has been focused on reforming our child welfare system and reducing the number of children and teenagers entering foster care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The changes we have made to our child welfare system have been significant and the SOUL Family permanency is another example of this. It is a tool that we can use to ensure Kansas foster children aging out of the system grow into the next phase of their life, finish their education, settle into jobs, and become contributing members of their community.”

The Kelly administration’s work has resulted in a nearly 20% drop in the total number of young people in foster care.

SOUL Family is a fourth pathway for teens 16 or older in foster care to obtain legal permanency and transition into adulthood via a custodian of their choice.

Previously, young people in custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) had three pathways for permanency, a term for a legally recognized family-like relationship. Those pathways were adoption, reintegration, and appointment of a custodian. Now, teens 16 and older can choose a person or a group of people they trust to help raise them as they enter adulthood.

“The SOUL Family option means young people who are aging out of foster care will be empowered to select the circle of caring adults who will help them as they move into adulthood,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The adults would agree to serve as legally recognized caregivers not just during the young person’s transition from foster care to adulthood, but for the rest of their lives.”

While adoption, reunification, and guardianship provide family for many youths, those pathways don’t always meet the needs of others. Stakeholders and those with lived experience in the foster care system testified to the need for the SOUL Family permanency option.

Kansas is the first state in the country to sign the Soul Family permanency option into law.

“When young people with lived foster care experience spoke, the legislature listened with the overwhelming support of the SOUL bill. This additional permanency option gives youth the freedom to select their SOUL family, providing the security and stability needed as they approach adulthood,” said Kansas State Representative Susan Concannon, District 107. “This is a game changer, and I’m so proud that Kansas is the first state to pass this innovative approach to permanency.”

DCF is currently working on the implementation process, which includes building the criteria, practices, resources, benefits, and administrative structures to best support the safety and well-being of young people transitioning from foster care into court-approved legal SOUL Families. This fourth permanency option is expected to be available to young people in foster care this summer.

Young people with lived experience will continue to be involved in the implementation process.

 

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Government, Housing, Kansas

Upper Floor Housing in Kansas Main Street Communities Are Eligible For Grants

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Upper Floor Housing Grants Available for Designated Main Street Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $400,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.

“Main Street communities across the state long have been revitalizing their historic business districts and supporting economic vitality,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Increasing the amount of available upper-floor housing is essential to maximizing the economic potential of Main Streets across Kansas. ROOMS grants provide another powerful tool to breathe new life into their downtown areas.”

Upper-floor investments create new housing opportunities and can play an important role in addressing the shortage of quality housing, which regularly is identified as a major issue throughout Kansas. Upper-floor housing enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. It also can lead to increased investment, improved infrastructure, a positive cycle of economic growth, a stronger tax base, and a greater sense of place and community identity.

“These types of projects are expensive and require funding from multiple sources,” Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said. “The ROOMS grants offer a tremendous opportunity to help make these kinds of projects happen.”

ROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that can be shown to lead directly to housing creation or retention in upper floors of existing buildings in the designated downtown area. Projects must incorporate Main Street design standards and follow local ordinances and code for improvements. Each eligible applicant may receive a single $50,000 grant.

To view a webinar recording about the ROOMS grant program, click here. For more information about the Kansas Main Street program, 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Grants To Restore Barns For Agritourism Announced

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Kansas Tourism Announces New Grant to Assist Restoration of Historic Barns for Agritourism Businesses

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced the Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant Program is open for applications. This is the first grant program of its kind for Kansas Tourism. The grant has been created to support and expand agritourism businesses across Kansas through converting underutilized or vacant historic barns into new venues.

“Transforming barns through the BARN program will preserve historical structures and repurpose them into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, all while bringing new life and economic opportunities into Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing these iconic buildings, we are honoring our state’s agricultural roots and planting seeds for future businesses to grow and prosper.”

The BARN grant program is designed to spur economic growth and help create memorable visitor experiences by preserving a significant aspect of Kansas’ architectural history. These grants are specifically designed to rescue iconic barns from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into spaces conducive for new or expanding agritourism businesses.

“The type of project we are looking for are those that have the potential to bring new visitors to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Agritourism is an effective way to celebrate our state’s agricultural tradition while providing unforgettable travel experiences to our visitors.”

A total of $100,000 will be provided this year, with a maximum of $25,000 available per project. Applications are open until July 31 and awards will be made in September. BARN guidelines and applications are available 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Recognizing Companies/Individuals For Positive Community Impact

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Nominations Now Open for 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on their communities and the Kansas economy.

This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held Thursday, October 3, at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The number of outstanding business success stories across Kansas continues to grow — and we’re looking forward to recognizing more impressive companies and businesspeople who invest in their communities and in our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The To The Stars awardees exemplify the spirit and determination necessary to succeed in business and make a lasting impact. We all know companies and individuals that have gone above and beyond, and I encourage everyone to nominate them for this notable honor.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:

  • AgriBusiness– Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
  • Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
  • Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

The Department of Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.

“As our state’s economy keeps growing, it’s only appropriate that we celebrate and thank the Kansas businesses that continue to support their communities and drive our state’s unprecedented economic success,” Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “We look forward to recognizing another year of outstanding businesses and hard-working Kansans, and we hope to see you in Great Bend.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Establishes Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Work Group and Task Force Combine to Establish Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) are taking steps to gather professionals, as well as individuals with lived experience, to update the state’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia state plan.

In response to this public health care crisis, in May 2019, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 19-08, establishing the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force. Task Force members divided into committees that studied, researched and documented the following topics for the plan: Public Awareness, Access to Care, Family Caregivers, Training and Workforce, Safety and Legal, Research and Data, Dementia Care and Rural.

In 2024, KDHE received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to engage members of the 2018 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and 2019 Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force in establishing a Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Coalition to address Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).

“This coalition is the perfect opportunity to continue our partnerships across the state in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their effects on Kansans and their families,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “The hard work and dedication of the individuals in these groups have provided the foundation that will allow us to continue educating and discussing these important topics as we move forward in supporting the individuals affected by these impactful diagnoses.”

In addition to expanding the Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group and Task Force into a state-level Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Coalition and updating the state plan to include related disease and actions from the CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative, the program will begin educating the public on brain health and ADRD issues and the broad spectrum of actions needed to fully address ADRD across Kansas.

“Our goal is to improve access to dementia care and quality of life and build strong communities for those living with Alzhemier’s disease or other forms of dementia through strengthened partnerships and policies,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “By engaging and educating the public and focusing on action plans to promote dementia-friendly resources, we can elevate and address issues in dementia care.”

Coalition meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, virtually, from 1 to 3 p.m. The next one is scheduled for May 14. To participate contact Tyra Quintin or Amy Hampton.

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