Category Archives: Kansas

Government, History, Kansas

80th Anniversary Day of American Victory in WWII Observed

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Governor Kelly Commemorates
80th Anniversary of D-Day at
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum


ABILENE — Governor Laura Kelly today joined veterans of World War II, the Eisenhower Foundation, and local, state, and federal leaders at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to observe the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“As we commemorate the 80 years since D-Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who bravely fought in World War II,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “General Eisenhower’s leadership and expertise were invaluable in carrying out this successful operation, which laid the foundation for the peace he championed throughout his lifetime. May we never forget the sacrifices and stories of those who served.”

The D-Day operation brought together land, air, and sea armed forces on the beaches of Normandy in World War II. Under the leadership of Kansan and then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation resulted in France’s liberation and the Allied forces’ subsequent victory.

“Today, we honor those who served and those who gave their all to end the last World War,” said Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Foundation. “As one of the first organizations formed to honor World War II veterans, the Eisenhower Foundation is honored to hold this event alongside the global commemoration of D-Day. We do this to ensure we do not forget the sacrifices made to ensure the freedoms we still hold dear today.”

The Eisenhower Foundation was formed in 1945 to honor President Eisenhower through programs and events that celebrate his legacy. The D-Day remembrance ceremony included a wreath-laying and certificates of honor for 21 World War II veterans.

Government, Kansas

Bourbon County Hwy.69 Will See Improvements

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KDOT announces approved May bids
The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 22, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

District One — Northeast

Brown ‑ 36‑7 KA‑6948‑01 – U.S. 36, bridge #041 on 12th Street over U.S. 36 highway and ramp located 1.01 miles west of U.S. 73, and bridge #043 over Linden Road located 0.51 mile west of U.S. 73, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $334,004.35.

Doniphan ‑ 36‑22 KA‑6588‑02 – U.S. 36, beginning at the 4-lane/4-lane divide east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, guard fence, 4.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $526,527.25.

Jefferson ‑ 44 KA‑6734‑01 ‑ K‑900, bridge #048 over Perry Lake/Rock Creek at Perry Lake State Park, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $265,547.46.

Osage ‑ 31‑70 KA‑7326‑01 ‑ K‑31, beginning 0.2 mile west of the K‑31/Melvern Lake Parkway junction (K‑31 off ramp) east and south to the K‑31/I‑35 junction, overlay, 7.2 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,982,004.90.

Shawnee ‑ 70‑89 KA‑6932‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #039 on California Avenue over I‑70 located at the California Avenue/I‑70 junction in Topeka, bridge repair, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $332,976.37.

Shawnee ‑ 4‑89 KA‑6933‑01 ‑ K‑4, bridge #261 and #262 over U.S. 40 located at the U.S. 40/K‑4 east junction, bridge repair, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $622,444.34.

Wyandotte ‑ 70‑105 KA‑6750‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #029 over the Union Pacific Railroad located 0.60 mile west of the Missouri state line, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $277,270.95.

District Two — North Central

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑6861‑01 – U.S. 50, K‑150 and K‑177 in Marion, Chase, Harvey, Morris and Butler counties, signing, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $266,649.22.

District Three — Northwest

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7328‑01 ‑ Various locations in Cheyenne, Sherman, Wallace, Gove, Norton, Rooks, Thomas, Ellis, Smith and Osborne counties, milling, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $30,630.05.

District Four — Southeast

Bourbon ‑ 69‑6 KA‑6738‑03 – U.S. 69, northbound lanes beginning at the U.S. 69/U.S. 54 south junction north to the Bourbon/Linn county line, guard fence, 13.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $707,804.13.

Bourbon ‑ 69‑6 KA‑6738‑01 – U.S. 69, northbound lanes beginning at the U.S. 69/U.S. 54 south junction north to the Bourbon/Linn county line, overlay, 13.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $9,286,974.65.

Cherokee ‑ 400‑11 KA‑2375‑10 – U.S. 400, from 4.2 miles east of the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction east 1.55 miles, grading and surfacing, 1.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $7,158,505.35.

Franklin ‑ 35‑30 KA‑6843‑01 ‑ I‑35, sign structure located on south side of Neosho Road bridge over median of I‑35; sign facing northbound traffic, signing, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $174,027.44.

Linn ‑ 69‑54 KA‑6791‑03 – U.S. 69, northbound lanes beginning at the Bourbon/Linn county line north 12 miles, guard fence, 12.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $334,549.25.

Linn ‑ 69‑54 KA‑6791‑01 – U.S. 69, northbound lanes beginning at the Bourbon/Linn county line north 12 miles, overlay, 12.0 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $8,289,921.98.

Montgomery ‑ 75‑63 KA‑5699‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, bridge #001 over Cheyenne Creek located 1.0 mile north of the U.S. 166/U.S. 75 south junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $3,788,843.79.

District Five — South Central

Butler ‑ 177‑8 KA‑6940‑01 ‑ K‑177, bridge #125 over Durechen Creek located 7.75 miles north of U.S. 54, and bridge #126 over the BNSF Railroad located 8.17 miles north of U.S. 54, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $1,550,203.38.

Comanche ‑ 1‑17 KA‑6603‑01 ‑ K‑1, bridge #14 over Salt Fork Arkansas River located 7.43 miles north of the Oklahoma/Kansas state line, and bridge #015 over Salt Fork Arkansas River drainage located 7.54 miles north of the Oklahoma/Kansas state line, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., $1,994,813.50.

Cowley ‑ 77‑18 KA‑6766‑01 – U.S. 77, bridge #102 over BNSF Railroad/F Street located 0.42 mile north of the U.S. 77B/U.S. 77 south junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $1,192,103.58.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑6261‑01 ‑ U.S. 400, U.S. 54, U.S. 77, K‑254, K‑196 and K‑177 in Butler, Sedgwick, Cowley, Greenwood, Harvey and Marion counties, signing, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $2,358,425.50.

District Six — Southwest

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑6264‑01 ‑ K‑156, U.S. 83, U.S. 83B, U.S. 50 and U.S. 50B in Finney, Gray, Haskell and Scott counties, signing, Fulsom Brothers, Inc., Cedar Vale, Kansas, $1,590,013.36.

 

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Government, Kansas

Kansas May Tax Collections Below The Estimate

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May Total Tax Collections at $658.9 Million; 22.7% Below the Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ended May with total tax collections at $658.9 million. That is $193.0 million, or 22.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 23.1% from May 2023.

“The expected shortfall in May individual income tax collections can be largely attributed to the two additional processing days in April.” Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart said. “Combined with more efficient payment processing, the Department of Revenue was able to process significantly more payments in April which would have typically been processed in May.”

Individual income tax collections were $305.2 million. That is $144.8 million, or 32.2% below the estimate, and down 30.6% from May 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $39.8 million. That is $53.2 million, or 57.2% below the estimate and down 56.3% from May 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $281.9 million, which is $4.2 million, or 1.5% above the estimate, and down $7.7 million, or 2.7%, from May 2023.

Total tax collections for FY 2024 through May are $8.977 billion which is $92.0 million or 1.0% below the estimate.

Click here to view the May 2024 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Special Kansas Legislature Session Will Convene

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Governor Kelly Announces Special Session
of the Kansas Legislature


TOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that she will use her constitutional power under Article 1, Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution to reconvene the Kansas Legislature for a special session on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

“I am committed to working with the Legislature to deliver responsible, sustainable tax cuts for all Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A special session provides the opportunity for bipartisan collaboration on comprehensive tax relief that does not threaten Kansas’ solid fiscal foundation. By working together, we can swiftly come to a compromise to put more money back into Kansans’ pockets.”

Governor Kelly will issue the proclamation officially convening the Legislature for a special session in the coming days.

Kansas

EBT Food Access Launches

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Kansas Launches Summer EBT Program to Improve Food Access for Kids During Summer Break

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is launching Summer EBT, a new program to help eligible families offset some of the costs of buying food for their school-aged children over summer break. Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks in other states, is a partnership between DCF and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. The program provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries.

“Summer is a time when many children lose the free and reduced-price meals they get at school and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Summer EBT benefits can be used to buy food like fruits, vegetables, meat, whole grains, and dairy at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits.”

“Children and teens need healthy food year-round to play, grow, and learn. Summer EBT will help families stretch their grocery budget during the summer and provide their children with the nutrition they need to thrive,” Howard continued.

Summer EBT benefits will begin rolling out in mid to late July. For most families, Summer EBT will automatically be added to an existing household’s Kansas Benefits Card (also known as an EBT card) or loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card and mailed to the home. Families that don’t receive Summer EBT benefits but believe they qualify must apply between Aug. 12 and Sept. 11, 2024, through the DCF online self-service portal, dcfapp.kees.ks.gov. Children who receive Summer EBT can still participate in other summer meal programs that may be available in their community.

Eligibility:

Children may be eligible for the program if:

  • The child is school-aged (7-17 years old) and received food assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and/or foster care benefits at any point during the school year.

OR

  • The child attends a Kansas school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals at any point during the school year.

Enrollment:

By the end of July 2024, benefits will be issued automatically to eligible children whom DCF can identify in partnership with the Kansas Department of Education. Any child(ren) who did not receive benefits by the end of July 2024 may apply for Summer EBT benefits through the online self-service portal, dcfapp.kees.ks.gov. Online applications for Summer EBT will be accepted from Aug. 12 through Sept. 11, 2024.

Learn more about the Summer EBT program at dcf.ks.gov.

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The Kansas Department for Children and Families’ (DCF) mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offer a wide range of support services, including food, utility, child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children, including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities, and other agencies to support families, children, and vulnerable adults, connecting them with resources, supports, and networks in their home communities.

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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