Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

KS Commerce Dept. Launches Quality of Life Improvement Grant Program

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Commerce Launches New Quality of Place Grant for Rural Revitalization

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today the launch of the new Towns grant program. This program is an initiative designed to spur quality-of-place improvements in rural Kansas communities that have received no funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce in the past three years. This new opportunity will have $100,000 available for its first round of funding.

The program provides grants that range from $1,000 to $10,000 to support small-scaled projects that will deliver meaningful results in rural communities, with a focus on increasing local capacity, fostering community and youth engagement, and mobilizing volunteers and local investment.

“The Kelly-Toland Administration remains committed to bringing prosperity to all of Kansas, and this program will strategically foster new investments that provide our smaller communities with greater opportunities to flourish,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants will empower local leaders to transform ideas into reality, creating vibrant spaces that attract families, support local businesses, and strengthen the fabric of rural Kansas for future generations.”

Eligible applicants must represent a community with a population of 5,000 or less and that has received no Commerce funding in the preceding three years.

“The Towns grant will provide an opportunity for grassroots, rural leaders to revitalize our small and rural communities,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “By targeting these resources to underserved regions of the state, we can continue ushering in a promising future for every Kansan, no matter their geographic location.”

Applicants must demonstrate investment in the projects by providing a minimum match of 10%, which can come in-kind for communities with populations under 1,000. The matching funds must come from a private source or non-state funded grants.

Awards will be disbursed to a variety of eligible project types across the entire state. Communities with similar needs are encouraged to leverage resource sharing such as grant administration, grant writing and matching funds.

To support potential applicants, Commerce will host a series of informational webinars and workshops. The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) will host virtual office hours for applicants who might have questions regarding the grant program. Registration for the webinars and office hours, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible communities and project expenses can be found here.

Grant applications open Monday, December 16, and will close February 28, 2025. Awardees will be announced mid-April 2025.

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 creates committee on pretrial detention practices

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Supreme Court creates committee on pretrial detention practices

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has created an ad hoc committee to advise the court and help implement recommended changes in pretrial supervision and detention practices.

The Ad Hoc Criminal Pretrial Practices and Procedures Advisory Committee will implement recommendations made in late 2020 by the Ad Hoc Pretrial Justice Task Force.

The new 15-member committee is created by Supreme Court Administrative Order 2024-CM-099 signed today by Chief Justice Marla Luckert.

“Today we continue work the original task force started when it examined pretrial procedures in Kansas courts, with the intent to find balance between upholding the constitutional rights of a person charged with a crime and the need for public safety,” Luckert said. “We want to ensure defendants appear in court, but we must operate from a presumption of innocence and liberty, not from a presumption of guilt and preventive detention.”

The task force, created in 2018, examined pretrial detention practices for criminal defendants in Kansas district courts. It also explored alternatives to pretrial detention used to ensure public safety and encourage the accused to appear for court proceedings.

Chief Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, Kansas Court of Appeals, chaired the task force and will serve in the same role for the committee.

“At the time of our research, we found that 53% of local jail inmates in Kansas had not yet been convicted of a crime,” Arnold-Burger said. “Nationally, also at that time, nearly two-thirds of people in jail were there awaiting trial and unable to pay bail or post a bond.”

The task force report cited studies that show pretrial detention can be devastating for defendants. Americans who answered surveys on the topic said they believe the current system unjustly discriminates against the poor and deprives them of their liberties.

“Low-income and poor Kansans risk losing their jobs, homes, and families if they cannot afford bail or a bond,” Arnold-Burger said. “We must consider other options that respect defendants’ freedom and financial situation while also upholding public safety and ensuring they show up for court.”

The report pointed to surveys that indicate most Americans support:

  • reducing pretrial incarceration except when necessary to protect the public;
  • pretrial release for nonviolent and misdemeanor crimes; and
  • pretrial release with orders to stay away from the victim or with pretrial supervision for low-level violent crimes.

About the committee

The committee is composed of judges, court services officers, attorneys, and community corrections officers. In addition to Arnold-Burger serving as chair, the Court of Appeals will be represented by Judge Jacy Hurst, who will serve as vice-chair

Other committee members are:

  • District Judge Amy Hanley, 7th Judicial District
  • District Magistrate Judge John McEntee, 10th Judicial District
  • District Judge M. Jennifer Brunetti, 11th Judicial District
  • District Magistrate Judge Ronald Sylvester, 30th Judicial District
  • Spence Koehn, court services officer specialist, Office of Judicial Administration
  • Bree Gibson, court services officer III, 10th Judicial District
  • Stephanie Springer, chief court services officer, 27th Judicial District
  • Kevin McGuffin, chief court services officer, 31st Judicial District
  • Justin Barrett, defense attorney, Thomas County
  • Heather Cessna, executive director, Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
  • Sheriff Jeff Easter, Sedgwick County
  • Robert Sullivan, director, Johnson County Community Corrections
  • Todd Thompson, Leavenworth County Attorney

The committee will:

  • develop an implementation plan for the best practice recommendations for pretrial procedures and conditions of release;
  • create educational materials and programs related to pretrial practices and procedures;
  • create and pilot statewide pretrial supervision standards;
  • select and pilot an assessment tool for a pretrial supervision program;
  • recommend best practices for data collection;
  • recommend additional topics for consideration regarding pretrial practices.

Resources:

Supreme Court Ad Hoc Pretrial Justice Task Force

Executive summary of Pretrial Justice Task Force Report to the Kansas Supreme Court

Full Pretrial Justice Task Force Report to the Kansas Supreme Court

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 

Government, Kansas

KS Is Expanding Internet Access

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Governor Kelly Announces $10.7M to Expand Internet Access to Devices and Public Wi-Fi

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that applications will open Thursday, Dec. 12, for a second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. The program will provide $10.7 million to organizations working to expand access to public wi-fi and connected devices.

“Our digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.”

ADOPT is built around two key categories:

  • Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% co-investment
  • Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% co-investment

“The ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy.”

The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) continues to partner with entities that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the Equipment Distribution component of the program. The devices will be provided to individuals who cannot connect to the internet. The program emphasizes long-term loans for computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure sustainable access for qualifying individuals.

The Public Wi-Fi component encourages organizations to form partnerships to deliver solutions in underserved and unserved public spaces, bringing affordable and reliable internet services to areas that lack access.

“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward.”

KOBD encourages local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and other organizations to continue collaborating and enhancing Kansas communities through ADOPT. To learn more about the program guidelines and entities eligible to apply, click here.

KOBD will host a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, to discuss funding priorities and application guidelines. To register, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Courts News Release: Kansas Supreme Court docket for December 10–11

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Kansas Courts News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2024

Contact:

Lisa Taylor

Public Information Director

785-296-4872

[email protected]

Kansas Supreme Court docket for December 10–11

TOPEKA—Cases on the Supreme Court December 10–11, 2024, docket are summarized below and will be heard in the Supreme Court courtroom on the third floor of the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.

All Supreme Court oral arguments are livestreamed at www.youtube.com/KansasSupremeCourt.

Accommodation

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the docket should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible:

ADA Coordinator
[email protected]
785-296-2256
TTY at 711

Note to media

 

Reporters who plan to cover oral arguments need to be familiar with Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Judicial Proceedings, which prohibits using electronic recording devices during proceedings. If you plan to be in the courtroom when a case is heard, notify Lisa Taylor at [email protected] by noon the day before it is scheduled. If you want to use a camera, video camera, or audio recording device, it must be approved by the chief justice in advance of the oral argument.

9 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Appeal No. 125,734: Austin Properties, LLC v. City of Shawnee, Kansas

Johnson County: (Petition for Review) Austin Properties, LLC submitted an application to the City of Shawnee to develop a “high-end” multifamily residential development planned on approximately 29 acres near Highway K-7 and Woodsonia Drive. An overwhelming number of neighbors filed a protest petition opposing Austin’s application, thus requiring the City to achieve a three-fourths majority vote to approve Austin’s application. After failing to achieve the majority vote, Austin’s proposal failed to pass. Austin sought judicial review, and the district court upheld the City’s decision. The Court of Appeals held that while there is no doubt about the court’s review, and likely the credibility and reliability of the City’s zoning decisions would benefit from a more complete explanation of its rationale for denying Austin’s application, there was sufficient information in the record to demonstrate the reasonableness of the City’s decision. Issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals erred in striking the due process provisions from the rezoning statute, K.S.A. 12-757(d), on the ground that they conflict with the adjacent-landowner protest authorization within the same statute, K.S.A. 12-757(f); 2) the Court of Appeals decision conflicts with Wells v. City of Basehor, 97 P.3d 528, and erroneously expands the scope of K.S.A. 12-757(f) beyond allowing landowners to protest the use of adjacent land, to protesting development design plans; and 3) the Court of Appeals established an unachievable evidentiary standard.

10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Appeal No. 125,761: State of Kansas v. Casinroyial Donje Caszarone Collins

Sedgwick County: (Petition for Review) Collins appealed the district court’s order denying his motion to reinstate his appeal finding that no exception applied that would allow Collins to file an appeal out of time. The Court of Appeals found Collins’ arguments to be unpreserved or unpersuasive and affirmed. The issue on review is whether the exceptional circumstances excuse Collins’ filing his notice of appeal late.

Appeal No. 126,130: State of Kansas v. Christopher Shawn Adams

Ellis County: (Petition for Review) If a prosecutor charges a witness with perjury based on their preliminary hearing testimony in a criminal case, may that person then assert a constitutional privilege against self-incrimination when called as a State’s witness in the later jury trial? The district court ruled Stephanie Lang could exercise her right to avoid another perjury charge in that circumstance. The Court of Appeals agreed with the district court that the State’s grant of immunity to Lang under K.S.A. 22-3415 was insufficient to protect her against a second perjury charge and the State could not use Lang’s preliminary hearing testimony and her out-of-court statements presented during the preliminary hearing as evidence in the jury trial, even though she would be unavailable as a witness. The Court of Appeals also held that because the State did not challenge that ruling in bringing this interlocutory appeal, it may be reconsidered in the district court. The issue on review is whether the Court of Appeals erred in finding that the State’s grant of use and derivative use immunity to Lang was insufficient to protect her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination because her immunized testimony, if false, could subject her to the risk of a future charge of perjury.

9 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Case No. 128,062: In The Matter of Alejandro J. Solorio

Disciplinary: Solorio was admitted to the practice of law in 2000. Solorio’s ethics matter involved his representation of two individuals in an immigration matter and his failure to take action on their behalf. The disciplinary administrator recommended that Solorio’s license be suspended for one year. After a 90-day period, the disciplinary administrator recommended the remaining nine months be stayed and Solorio placed on 18 months’ probation. Solorio recommended that he be suspended for six months, with an immediate stay and that he be placed on 18 months’ probation. The hearing panel recommends that Solorio be censured and that the censure be published in the Kansas Reports.

Case No. 128,210: In The Matter of Laine C. Rundus

Disciplinary: Rundus was admitted to the practice of law in 2007. Rundus was charged and convicted of DUI on three different occasions. The Supreme Court temporarily suspended Rundus’ license on April 3, 2024.

The parties entered a summary submission agreement with a jointly recommended suspension of Rundus’ license for one year.

Summary Calendar–No Oral Argument

When a case does not present a new question of law, and oral argument is deemed neither helpful to the court nor essential to a fair hearing of the appeal, it is placed on the summary calendar. These cases are deemed submitted without oral argument.

Appeal No. 125,999: Sarah E. Tharrett, as successor trustee of the Roxine Poznich revocable trust v. David T. Everett

Bourbon County: (Petition for Review, Cross Petition for Review) David T. Everett appeals the district court’s final order granting declaratory relief, which authorized the final distribution of a trust and ordered him to surrender $4,000 in attorney fees from his distribution to the trustee, Sarah E. Tharrett. On appeal, Everett raises several procedural challenges to the proceedings in district court and argues the court abused its discretion in granting Tharrett’s motion for attorney fees. The Court of Appeals stated that the record reflects that Everett, after being sent the final distribution check from the trust, which was calculated in accordance with the district court’s final order, accepted the payment and negotiated the distribution check. The Court of Appeals held that because Everett voluntarily accepted the benefits of the district court’s order, he cannot now take the inconsistent position of appealing from it. Because Everett accepted the district court’s judgment, the Court of Appeals held it lacked jurisdiction over his appeal and dismissed it. The issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals erred by failing to address Everett’s argument that acquiescence to a void judgment is not possible; 2) the Court of Appeals erred by failing to address Everett’s argument that acquiescence was not properly preserved below; 3) the Court of Appeals erred when it rejected Everett’s self-protection argument; and 4) the Court of Appeals erred when it held that no issue Everett raised was separable from issues he alleged concerning acquiescence.

Appeal No. 126,288: State of Kansas v. Brenton S. Cook

Saline County: (Criminal Appeal) In 2006, a jury convicted Cook of first-degree murder, and he received a hard 25 life sentence. Cook’s convictions were affirmed on appeal and three subsequent motions under K.S.A. 60-1507 were denied. In this motion to correct illegal sentence, he challenges his sentence because his trial violated the merger doctrine, multiplicity, and double jeopardy statutes. The district court immediately denied Cook’s motion. The issue on review is whether the district court erred in immediately denying Cook’s motion to correct an illegal sentence.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Down From Estimate For November

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November Total Tax Collections at $675.5 Million; 3.6% Below the Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends November 2024 with total tax collections at $675.5 million. That is $25.4 million, or 3.6%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are up 4.0% from November 2023.

Individual income tax collections were $335.2 million. That is $15.3 million, or 4.4% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections are up 14.9% from November 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $24.5 million. That is $5.9 million, or 19.4% below the estimate, and down 31.1% from November 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $287.3 million, which is $2.0 million, or 0.7% below the estimate, and down $3.7 million, or 1.3%, from November 2023.

Click here to view the November 2024 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Awarded Low-Carbon Construction Materials Support

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Governor Kelly Announces $32M Award to KDOT for Modernizing Construction Materials

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is receiving nearly $32 million to support using low-carbon construction materials in federally aided projects.

The Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program aims to modernize project practices and support the adoption of advanced construction materials across Kansas.

“KDOT’s program will be a model for how states can work with contractors to incorporate advanced materials while delivering projects that strengthen our local economies,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

The program will promote the use of construction materials with lower levels of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions as measured from cradle to gate instead of benchmarks established from current national averages. Those national benchmarks will be replaced by Kansas benchmarks as soon as enough local data becomes available. It will focus on concrete, cement, and asphalt and explore eligible glass and steel materials as the program develops.

“This is significant funding that will drive innovation in construction practices,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “By providing guidance and performance monitoring, KDOT can help contractors integrate cutting-edge materials into their projects and meet evolving industry standards.”

KDOT was one of 39 states awarded funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s discretionary grant program.

“KDOT can help enhance individual projects and pave the way for long-term advancement in the construction industry,” Kansas Transportation Deputy Secretary Greg Schieber said. “Our aim is to create a foundation for growth and continued success.”

Additional information about the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, is available by clicking here.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces More than $10M for Crime Victims and Survivors Programs

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that more than $10 million in federal funding will be allocated to community-based organizations and local and state agencies providing services directly to crime victims and survivors. This funding comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program.

“These services are vital to the well-being of Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding gives organizations the ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors deserve as they stabilize their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of safety and security.”

VOCA grants help organizations in delivering essential services, which include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement and prosecutors. Other services involve crisis counseling offered by sexual assault and mental health centers, forensic interviews conducted by children’s advocacy centers, as well as shelter, transportation, and transitional housing provided by domestic violence programs.

A total of $10,289,285 was awarded to 65 agencies.  

2025 VOCA Grant Awards

County

Organization Name

Grant Award

Allen

Hope Unlimited

$89,696

Barton

Barton County Attorney’s Office

$49,984

Barton

Family Crisis Center

$188,745

Butler

Family Life Center

$34,465

Butler

Sunlight Children’s Services

$91,447

Butler

Tri-County CASA

$9,950

Cloud

North Central Kansas CASA

$18,909

Crawford

Children’s Advocacy Center

$29,366

Crawford

Safehouse Crisis Center

$115,452

Douglas

Child Advocacy Center of Douglas County

$23,545

Douglas

Douglas County CASA

$9,653

Douglas

Douglas County District Attorney’s Office

$58,809

Douglas

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

$103,475

Douglas

The Willow Domestic Violence Center

$144,488

Ellis

Options:  Domestic & Sexual Violence Services

$169,028

Finney

Family Crisis Services

$114,043

Finney

Spirit of the Plains CASA

$12,293

Ford

CASA-Children Worth Saving

$22,204

Ford

Crisis Center of Dodge City

$46,904

Ford

Ford County Attorney’s Office

$189,604

Ford

Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center

$26,157

Geary

CASA of the 8th Judicial District

$15,114

Harvey

CASA:  A Voice for Children

$17,443

Harvey

Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force

$278,923

Harvey

Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center

$23,900

Johnson

CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties

$63,122

Johnson

Johnson County District Attorney’s Office

$128,693

Johnson

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

$179,913

Johnson

Safehome

$476,194

Johnson

Sunflower House

$198,495

Leavenworth

Alliance Against Family Violence

$36,694

Leavenworth

First Judicial District CASA Association

$73,449

Lyon

SOS

$189,996

Reno

BrightHouse

$163,944

Reno

Horizons Mental Health Center Child Advocacy Center

$52,410

Riley

Crisis Center

$64,694

Riley

Kansas State University

$228,054

Riley

Riley County Police Department

$88,166

Riley

Sunflower Children’s Collective

$72,278

Saline

Child Advocacy & Parenting Services

$71,497

Saline

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas

$360,296

Scott

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

$267,447

Sedgwick

CAC of Sedgwick County

$274,888

Sedgwick

Catholic Charities, Harbor House

$159,780

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Police Department

$114,159

Sedgwick

City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office

$142,937

Sedgwick

ICT SOS

$89,435

Sedgwick

Roots & Wings CASA

$41,990

Sedgwick

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

$73,288

Sedgwick

StepStone

$96,582

Sedgwick

Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center

$225,714

Sedgwick

Wichita Children’s Home

$299,227

Sedgwick

Wichita Family Crisis Center

$249,382

Seward

Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services

$111,992

Shawnee

City of Topeka Police Department

$70,453

Shawnee

Disability Rights Center of Kansas

$719,634

Shawnee

Kansas Department of Corrections

$856,094

Shawnee

Kansas Legal Services

$794,166

Shawnee

LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center

$15,644

Shawnee

YWCA Center for Safety & Empowerment

$137,366

Wyandotte

Friends of Yates

$254,767

Wyandotte

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault

$428,780

Wyandotte

The Family Conservancy

$103,736

Wyandotte

Unified Gov’t of Wyandotte Co/KS City KS–Police Dept.

$385,332

Wyandotte

ReHope (Restoration House)

$45,000

TOTAL

$10,289,285

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Big Game Hunting Permits Now Available

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Application Period for Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission Big Game Hunting Permits Now Open

 

TOPEKA – Kansas-based chapters of nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage have a special fundraising opportunity thanks to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission. Through the Commission Big Game Permit program, eligible organizations can enter a random drawing for one of seven special big game hunting permits, which may then be sold to fund conservation projects. The drawing will take place at the Commission’s meeting on January 30, 2025. Applicants do not need to be present to win.

Applications are due by Jan. 17, 2025. To submit an application:

  1. Visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Commission
  2. Click “Commissioner Permits” toward the bottom of the page
  3. Download the file titled, “2025 Commissioner Permit Application fillable.”
  4. Return the completed application by mail or email at the addresses listed on the application

Each year, the program offers up to seven Commission Big Game permits (no more than one elk and one antelope and up to seven deer permits), depending on applicants’ preferences. Deer permits are either-species/either-sex and are valid statewide during any season with the legal equipment for that season; and, they do not count against other big game permits the license holder may obtain.

Winning organizations keep 15 percent of their sale price of the Commission Big Game Permit to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved. (If Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry is drawn, they may keep 85 percent of their sale price in order to offset donated deer processing fees.) Organizations may not win a Commission Big Game Permit more than once in a three-year period.

For more information, contact Jake George, KDWP Wildlife Division Director, at [email protected].

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Government, Kansas

Commerce Announces New Housing Workforce Development Grant

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers.

“Kansas has ushered in unprecedented levels of business investment, unlocking more workforce opportunities than we’ve ever seen before, but we don’t want a housing shortage to limit our potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This new grant opportunity will help build more housing in Kansas and create more opportunities for skilled professionals to put down roots in our state.”

FRAME was developed in response to a housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. The study highlighted the critical shortage of housing and skilled workers needed to meet the state’s growing demand. Existing contractors are stretched thin, and there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new workforce to ensure Kansas communities can build, grow and thrive.

“We believe the FRAME grant program has the ability to transform communities across the state,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Not only will we see added housing, but we are creating a pipeline of skilled workers who are essential to the future of our economy.”

Key details of the FRAME include:

  • Funding Amount: $2 million in total funding is available, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $1 million per college
  • Eligibility: Open to technical and community colleges in Kansas with existing construction programs
  • Purpose: Funds will support the construction of new homes or renovation of existing homes while providing training in skilled trades such as construction, plumbing, electrical work and more
  • Application Period: Opens on December 1 and closes on February 14, 2025
  • Awards Announcement: Recipients will be notified in March 2025

Those applying should clearly demonstrate how the funds will be used to expand or develop housing programs, add residential housing in Kansas, and train students in various skilled trades. Colleges must outline a sustainable plan for future growth and how they will partner with local high schools, community organizations and industry professionals to engage students and ensure employment opportunities.

To learn more about the FRAME grant, click here. Commerce will present an informational webinar at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3. 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.

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Government, Kansas

Private Sector Investment In Kansas Since 2019: $20 Billion

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Governor Kelly Announces $20 Billion in
Private Sector Investment Since 2019


TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday that since the start of her administration in 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $20 billion in committed private sector investment to the state. This historic milestone has resulted in commitments to create or retain nearly 70,000 jobs with 1,312 successful projects in 87 of Kansas’ 105 counties.

“My administration’s efforts to invest in all aspects that make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise families has put our state back on top,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our laser-sharp focus has resulted in thousands of successful projects across the entire state, bringing more jobs to Kansas than ever before. We have created a solid foundation to continue landing investments here in the Sunflower State, allowing Kansas to climb higher than ever before.”

The Kansas Framework for Growth, Kansas’ economic development strategic plan, has guided an intentional development of the state’s economy. The plan’s comprehensive focus on all factors impacting economic growth has been a novel and effective approach.

“Since 2019, we have continued to make huge strides in wage growth and job creation, and we’ve risen up the rankings for business investment per capita,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Today, more businesses than ever are looking at and choosing Kansas for their companies’ growth and expansion. This historic milestone is a testament to our ongoing momentum and dedication to serving Kansans and unlocking hidden potential all across our state.”

Of the successful projects landed in Kansas since the implementation of the Framework, approximately 90% align with the five target industry sectors identified in the plan. Strategic investments by the state in these sectors are driving growth and prosperity across Kansas.

“Tapping into the Midwestern work ethic and quality of people in Philipsburg was key,” Amber Wave Chief Operating Officer Steve Adams said in reference to his company’s decision to build North America’s largest wheat protein plant in Phillips County. “It’s about creating opportunity everywhere and utilizing the Kansas strengths, which is what makes this facility and Amber Wave a natural fit. We are excited to be a part of the new future and growing out here in western Kansas.”

Businesses not only are looking for a site to serve their needs, but also for communities that their workforce can enjoy and put down roots in. Providing resources for housing development, broadband expansion, child care, arts, and other economic determinants of health that contribute to a dynamic quality of life has made Kansas more attractive and provided an advantage to landing businesses. Promoting the vitality, livability, and quality of these places has been essential to the momentum Kansas has already created and is necessary to continue the growth.

To further this goal, the Kansas Framework for Growth leverages four strategic pillars that power new opportunities across each of the sectors. These pillars focus on talent, innovation, community assets, and policy, which are critical to keep supporting the competitiveness and resilience of the target sectors and economic regions.

“In Kansas, we could not do the economic development we are doing without the quality-of-life issues being addressed, and it has been incredibly important for the state to help us focus on meeting those challenges that may be more difficult to do on the community level by themselves,” Dodge City and Ford County Development Executive Director Joann Knight said. “Quality of life is key to helping the state grow, and the partnerships that have been built between the Department of Commerce and local communities has helped make Kansas the most amazing place.”

The jobs associated with these economic development projects are contributing to the overall wage growth across the state. On average, the 69,706 jobs created and retained pay 7.7% more than the overall average private sector wage in Kansas. This upward momentum in wages demonstrates that Kansas is creating good-paying jobs with reliable and stable salaries.

To hear more about the historic $20 billion milestone, watch the Kansas Department of Commerce video here.

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Ribbon Cutting for New DCF Building Is November 19 at 10 S. National

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The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday), Nov. 19 at the Department of Children and Families’ new Fort Scott Service Center. We hope you can join us!

 

 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

When: Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m.

Where: 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott

What: Remarks from Secretary Laura Howard, ribbon cutting, refreshments and guided tours

Government, Kansas

Commerce Launches Kansas Global Business Expansion Program

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TOPEKA – The International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce today launched the Kansas Global Business Expansion (K-GLOBE) program. The program merges two formerly separate programs – the Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program (KITSAP) and the Kansas International Trade Marketing Assistance Program (KITMAP) – into one international business development-focused grant.

“Commerce is streamlining the manner in which Kansas companies receive assistance to start or continue growing their exporting potential,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The K-GLOBE program is going to provide entrepreneurial businesses with resources to expand their sales internationally, putting their products and services in front of a much larger marketplace.”

K-GLOBE is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division to support exporting efforts of small- and medium-sized Kansas businesses by exhibiting products internationally at trade shows and conferences. The grant assists Kansas companies by conducting export-related marketing and business development activities such as foreign sales trips, market research, website localization, and translation and interpretation services.

“95% of potential customers for Kansas products and services reside outside of the United States. We want Kansas companies to have the opportunity to effectively capture this international market share and bring revenue home from abroad,” Commerce International Director Laura Lombard said. “K-GLOBE aims to support companies by being a financial resource for those international goals and we are hopeful that Kansas businesses will take advantage.”

The new program provides companies with a reimbursement for 50% of eligible direct expenses up to $10,000 per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Eligible businesses are companies with their headquarters located in Kansas whose products or services originated in the state, or with products that received substantial value-added processing in Kansas.

“Applications and paperwork are inevitable in any grant process, but we’re grateful to Kansas Commerce for their initiative to simplify the programs,” Sam Billen of Primary Color Music, LLC said. “We expect to continue using K-GLOBE and hopeful that many other Kansas-based businesses will take advantage of these resources.”

For more information about K-GLOBE, 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.