Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Sports Betting is Legal in Kansas

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Governor Laura Kelly Places First Legal Sports Bet in Kansas

KANSAS CITY – Today Governor Laura Kelly traveled to Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas to kick off legal sports betting in Kansas. The Governor placed the first legal sports wager in Kansas, betting $15 – the same as Patrick Mahomes’ jersey number – on the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LVII this upcoming football season.

“Every day I hear from Kansans across the state who are eager to finally place legal wagers on sports. I’m glad we were able to move quickly to get this bipartisan effort done in time for football season,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, casinos, restaurants, and other venues will have another way to attract Kansans to their establishments—creating jobs and driving economic growth. And I’m willing to bet on that. Go Chiefs!”

“We are so grateful for the leadership of Governor Kelly and the legislature to finally get legalized sports wagering over the goal line this year,” said Lydia Garvey, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.  “We have been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive, and I’m confident many of our customers will follow her lead in betting on Kansas City to emerge as champions once again.”

The four casinos contracted with the state to offer sports wagering through independent platforms are Boot Hill Casino & Resort; Ford County near Dodge City; Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS; and Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg.

Tribal casinos are also working to align on contracts with the State of Kansas for sports wagering. These casinos will be authorized to launch as soon as they are ready.

Learn more about Kansas sports wagering rules and regulations here.

Business, Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Is Coming

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Governor Laura Kelly Urges Kansas Small Businesses to Prepare for COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Program

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration is launching the application process for the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief program in October. She urged Kansas small business owners to verify they are registered for a federal Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) ahead of the application process opening.

“The financial assistance provided through this program will give Kansas entrepreneurs resources to continue to grow and invest in their businesses,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Proactively verifying UEI registration will help small business owners receive this relief quickly and efficiently once the program’s application portal opens in October.”

In June, Governor Kelly signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, investing $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Program is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which requires a UEI registration to be completed for a business to be eligible to receive assistance. UEI registration ensures the accuracy of information and the security of funding being used for this program.

The UEI is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to all entities and is used as the primary means of entity identification for Federal awards and for those doing business with the federal government. The UEI is issued at no cost through the federal System for Award Management website (SAM.gov).

If a business is already registered in SAM.gov, no additional action is needed to obtain a UEI. UEI registration can be confirmed by logging into SAM.gov and verifying that the business’ Entity Status states “Active Registration.”

Please note that due to recent increases in the number of entities registering with SAM.gov it may take up to 25 business days for new registrations to be processed. For any issues related to registering with SAM.gov or obtaining a UEI the Federal Service Desk can be reached at 866-606-8220.

Information detailing the application process and dates for the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Program is forthcoming from the Kansas Department of Revenue. The application will provide definitions, explain the assistance process in detail, and will specify exactly what information must be submitted in support of the application.

Claimants will have until April 15, 2023, to file an application for this financial assistance.

Government, Kansas

KCC awarded $25 million federal grant to plug abandoned wells

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has been awarded a $25 million initial federal grant to help plug abandoned wells in the state. The initial grant is part of $1.15 billion earmarked under the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help states remediate abandoned oil and gas wells. A total of $4.7 billion has been allocated over the next eight years to plug abandoned wells in the U.S. The KCC is eligible to receive another $33.6 million in future formula grant funding.

“These federal grants provide Kansas with a one-time opportunity to help address the issue of abandoned wells in Kansas while helping the economy by providing good paying jobs for several years,” said Ryan A. Hoffman, KCC Conservation Division Director.

The KCC plans to use the initial $25 million grant to pay for eight projects involving the plugging of more than 2300 abandoned wells over the next two to three years.  Four projects are located in Eastern Kansas. The other four are located in Central and Western Kansas. A map showing the locations of the projects and number of wells in each can be viewed here.

A well is considered “abandoned” when it has been permanently taken out of production, is not properly plugged to prevent possible air or groundwater pollution, and the rightful legal owner cannot be determined or located to take responsibility.

While the federal grants will help reduce the total number of abandoned wells in Kansas, they are insufficient to address the entire problem.  The KCC will still rely on industry generated funds to plug the thousands of wells remaining after the federal program expires.

More than 11,000 abandoned wells have been plugged since the establishment of the state well plugging fund in 1995. Oil and gas drilling in Kansas began in the 1860’s. Record keeping by early operators was not as precise as it is today. It is not uncommon for older abandoned wells to be discovered by landowners who were unaware they existed.

“These federal grant funds will provide important assistance in plugging abandoned wells in Kansas. However, to adequately protect Kansas fresh water resources, it will also be necessary to continue funding the plugging of abandoned wells with state well plugging fund resources provided by oil and gas industry fee assessments,” said Dwight D. Keen, Chair of the KCC.

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Business, Food, Government, Kansas, Youth

Grant Opps for Childcare/Senior Programs, Community Vibrancy, Food Retail, Libraries

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Kansas Department of Commerce Announces New Grant Opportunity to Support Economic Development in Smaller Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new grant opportunity today that will help support economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller communities across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.

The brand-new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) program will make grants between $5,000 and $50,000 available to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants will be available in the following categories:

  • Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment;
  • Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage;
  • Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion; and
  • Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements.

“The Department of Commerce is very pleased to offer this new grant opportunity to our smallest communities across Kansas,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “The SEED grants will offer communities a boost that will help them prosper and thrive. Quality-of-life investments help create vibrant communities that attract more people to live and work in Kansas.”

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.

Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

Earlier this year, the Beneficient Company Group, L.P. received its full charter and became the first technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution in Kansas pursuant to the TEFFI Act. Beneficient’s first contribution to the grant program totaled $2.7 million.

SEED grant applications will open Monday, August 29, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 30. Grant awardees will be announced in October.

An informational webinar on the SEED grant will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. (CST) Monday, August 29. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/seedgrants.

Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

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

Government, Kansas

Comments Requested of State Transportation Improvement Plan

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2022-2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Sept. 7. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
Government, Kansas

Grant Opp For Rural First Responders

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $3.2 Million in Grants Available to Aid Rural First Responders Combatting Opioid Abuse

~~ Applications Open Through September 15~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced $3.2 million in grants that will be used to assist rural first responders combatting opioid abuse. The grants will fund training regarding carrying and administering approved medication for emergency reversal of opioid overdose.

“The opioid crisis impacts families across Kansas, which is why it’s crucial that our first responders have the support and training they need to save lives and bring relief to our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will be instrumental in helping struggling Kansans access appropriate treatment and recovery support services.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) First Responder-Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (FR-CARA) grants, administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), are open for application by rural first responder agencies and members of other key community sectors at the state, tribal, and local levels.

“Far too many Kansans have lost loved ones, and far too many communities have experienced heartbreak at the hands of the opioid epidemic. This grant will help train our first responders to save lives and educate our neighbors about this issue, particularly in rural communities,” said Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03). “I’m glad to support these federal grants and to support Governor Kelly in ensuring this crisis is addressed in every corner of our state.”

“Expanding our efforts to address the substance abuse crisis through access to treatment, training and other proven tools and resources is a priority for our agency,” KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andy Brown said. “This funding will help us identify partners across the state who can connect recovery services and resources to rural communities to meet the needs of Kansans.”

KDADS has selected four rural regions of the state that encompass 53 counties for implementing this project based on the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services map.  These regions include:

  • Region I – Northwest: Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Phillips, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Rooks, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Trego, Ellis, Russell, Ness, and Rush
  • Region II – Southwest: Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Lane, Hamilton, Kearney, Finney, Hodgeman, Gray, Ford, Stanton, Grant, Haskell, Meade, Clark, Morton, Stevens, and Seward
  • Region III – North Central: Smith, Jewell, Republic, Osborne, Mitchell, Cloud, Clay, Ottawa, Lincoln, Dickinson, Saline, and Ellsworth
  • Region IV – Southeast: Greenwood, Woodson, Allen, Bourbon, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Chautauqua, Montgomery, Labette, and Cherokee

First responder agencies can find additional information, including application forms and submission instructions, for the grant funding here.

Applications are due to KDADS by September 15, 2022.

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Government, Kansas

Rural By Choice Applications Sought

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Commerce Department Launches Rural by Choice Champions Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced a unique opportunity for rural communities throughout the state – the Rural by Choice Champions Program (Rural Champions). This one-year pilot program will create a network of grassroots individuals who will tackle critical community projects and identified needs integral for rural prosperity. Rural Champions, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, will help drive success when there is a lack of capital or other resources to complete the project.

“We are continually looking at ways to keep and attract individuals that want to live and work in our rural communities throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “Through this program and other initiatives, such as our Grassroots Economic Development Program and Rural Opportunity Zones, we are focusing on removing barriers to success in rural Kansas.”

In 2021, Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), in partnership with the Kansas Sampler Foundation, outlined the recommendation for Rural Champions in its Power Up and Go report, an effort begun by former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers prior to his appointment as State Treasurer. The need for the Rural Champions program was identified through surveys and interviews of more than 600 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success.

In order to apply, communities describe current activities, challenges that are stifling progress and how a Rural Champion would benefit advancement. Twelve communities will be selected for the pilot program and will receive a stipend for wages for the Rural Champion. Projects could include anything that the community designates as critically needed, including, but not limited to:

  • a new childcare facility or rehabilitating a building to support a childcare center;
  • health and wellness projects such as a trail system or shared bike program;
  • rehabilitation or construction of new housing units; or
  • entrepreneurship development.

Eligible applicants, which must be located in counties with less than 40,000 population, include:

  • Cities or Counties;
  • Economic/Community Development Organizations;
  • Community Foundations;
  • Local Chambers of Commerce or Tourism groups;
  • Nonprofit organizations including 501(c)3 or 501(c)6;
  • Main Street organizations or affiliates; or
  • Federally recognized tribal communities.

“The program was designed to help revitalize rural communities,” said Trisha Purdon, Director Office of Rural Prosperity. “The Rural Champions will play an integral part in identifying projects – and then making them happen. Every community is unique, and this program provides the flexibility to develop a project that fits their goals.”

Rural Champions will receive direct guidance and technical assistance from the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure project success. The Office of Rural Prosperity will assist with the development of a rural community playbook to share with other communities for future projects.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16. An informational webinar will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit our website at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/orp/ruralchampions/. Rural Champions will be announced in late September and will have one year to complete their projects.

Questions can be directed to Kerri Falletti at [email protected] or 785-207-5206.

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

About the Patterson Family Foundation:

Where you come from says a lot about you. But what you do says even more. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities we come from through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/

Government, Kansas

KDOT’s Cost Share Program applications being accepted

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The Kansas Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for the fall 2022 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. More than $100 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program’s began in 2019.

The Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to local entities for construction projects that improve safety, leverage state funds to increase total transportation investment and help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system. This is the seventh round of projects to receive funding.

“The continuation of the Cost Share Program shows KDOT’s ongoing commitment to improving transportation and creating economic growth and job opportunities across Kansas,” said Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager. “Past Cost Share participants have proven this program to be the financial boost that many small and large communities needed to achieve their project goals.”

An informational webinar on the program will take place on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. The application process will be discussed, and attendees can ask questions. To register for the webinar, go to: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VeQ_i8kSQyu9gc7VprLd1g

All transportation projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system), rail, airport, bicycle/pedestrian and public transit. Candidate projects should include investments that provide transportation benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs. This round of grant funding has an overall budget of $11 million, with a maximum awarded amount of $1.5 million per project.

The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 15. More information and the application link are on KDOT’s website at http://www.ksdot.org/CostShare/CostShareProgram.asp. All applications will be completed online, and a sample PDF application will be available for preview.

Please contact Needham, [email protected], with any questions.
Government, Kansas

New Fed Infrastructure Law Will Aid KS Bridge Improvements

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KDOT local bridge programs

reshaped to take advantage of federal funds
TOPEKA – Kansas cities and counties needing to replace or repair locally owned bridges have a supportive partner in the Kansas Department of Transportation. The agency is improving programs and collaborating with partners to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

KDOT has reshaped two local bridge improvement programs which focus on city and county bridges to include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years. The increase will more than double and triple local bridge improvement funds currently available in these programs under the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).

  • KDOT’s Off-System Bridge Program (OSB) will be expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. (Starting Federal Fiscal Year 2024)
  • The Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) will increase from $5 million annually to $20 million. (Starting State Fiscal Year 2023)

The application process for both programs is now underway. Awarded funds will be directed to rebuild and rehabilitate bridges located on roads both on and off the federal-aid system.

“We’re being both smart and pro-active by improving programs, streamlining processes and helping our partners make the most of these new Federal funds,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “KDOT’s Bureau of Local Projects is administering these funds through existing IKE programs in order to minimize paperwork and to expedite the launch of projects.”

KDOT will cap individual projects at $2 million for the combined state and federal funds under OSB. The local match requirements for the KLBIP program are based on a sliding scale that takes population density of the county. Both programs award funds through a competitive application process.

Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair.

Applications for both programs must be received by Friday, Sept. 2. Additional information is available by contacting either:

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Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Surpass Estimate

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Begins Fiscal Year 2023 with Tax Collections Surpassing Estimate by $127.6M

~~July Marks 24th Month In a Row that Kansas Tax Collections
Have Surpassed Estimates~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas July tax receipts. In total, Kansas saw its total tax receipts for July exceed the estimate by $127.6 million with $586.2 million collected.

“Due to my administration’s record-setting economic development successes over the last three and a half years, July marks the 24th month in a row that Kansas tax receipts have surpassed expectations,” said Governor Kelly. “That represents more money our state can use to continue fully funding our schools, improving our roads, investing in law enforcement, and expanding health care.”

Individual income tax receipts were $300.5 million, or 15.6%, over the $260.0 million estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $36.6 million, or 66.4%, over the estimate. Higher-than-expected corporate tax receipts reflect continued optimism that corporate profits will remain stable in the new fiscal year.

A comparison of July’s receipts to those of July of 2021 is not meaningful because a statutory change during the 2022 Legislative Session had the effect of deferring the collection of certain sales and use tax receipts from July to August beginning this fiscal year.

Retail sales tax collections were $174.2 million, or 39.4%, over the estimate.  Compensating use tax collections were $21.0 million, or 65.7%, over the estimate with $53.0 million collected.  Actual receipts for the two tax types were less than July 2021 due to a change in the timing for remittances by large retailers resulting from the enactment of 2022 H.B. 2136.

The complete July 2022 Revenue Report can be found here.

Government, Kansas

To The Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses 2022 Nominations Now Open

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2022 To The Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses Awards. The annual awards program recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities.

“Kansas businesses and businesspeople are the lifeblood of our state. They are what make our state strong, prosperous and successful – and such a great place to live and work,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The successes of the Kansas business community need to be shared, so I encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this important recognition.”

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

  • AgriBusiness (New award for 2022!) – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services and agri-tourism.
  • Apprenticeship Champions and Partners (New award for 2022!) – companies that excel in providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas.
  • Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business.
  • Cool Things Made in Kansas (New award for 2022!) – companies that make, produce or sell uniquely Kansas items.
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations.
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution.
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools (New award for 2022!) – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire veterans, those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities.
  • Retail/Service – outstanding achievement by businesses selling goods, products and/or services.
  • Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30.
  • Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State.

The Department of Commerce will host regional luncheons to honor the 2022 Merit and Regional Award winners in September. Regional Award winners will be eligible to receive the statewide award in their respective category and will be invited to attend the Statewide Awards Banquet in October. During the statewide banquet, the Department of Commerce will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner, along with honoring the 2022 Exporter of the Year.

“We want to recognize the many businesses and businesspeople throughout our state that are working hard to build their companies and at the same time contributing to their community as valuable resources,” said Craig VanWey, In-State Business Development Manager. “These awards allow us to shine a light on the terrific success stories taking place in all parts of the state.”

To learn more about To The Stars: Celebrating Kansas Businesses award categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through August 5.

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

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Kansas

Temperatures soar in Kansas: Don’t leave children in cars

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Temperatures are forecasted to climb back into the 90s across Kansas again this week, and the Kansas Department of Transportation, emergency responders and health advisors remind parents and caregivers to never leave a child in a car.

Heat risks for children can occur even when outside temperatures are much lower. On a sunny day, the inside of a car can heat up 40 degrees in one hour, with 80% of that heat rise happening in the first 30 minutes. If the outside temperature is 80, a vehicle can heat to 99 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 114 degrees in 30 minutes.

Even a brief entrapment in a vehicle can expose a child to heat stroke once their body temperature reaches 104. A child may not be able to remove themselves from a car seat or escape a locked car.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, like all other emergency responders, are looking out for the safety of Kansas motorists and occupants. “Do not forget or leave children in a vehicle, even with windows cracked, for any amount of time,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Children are more at risk for heatstroke complications and death because their bodies absorb heat more quickly and have trouble cooling off. A child’s body temperature climbs three to five times faster than an adult. Sweating won’t cool down an infant or young child in the same way it does an adult.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than half (53%) of all vehicle-related heatstroke deaths in children are caused by a child accidentally being left in the car, and 26% are from a child getting into a hot car unsupervised.

If you are a bystander and see a child in a hot vehicle:

  • Make sure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call 911 immediately.
  • If the child appears to be okay, attempt to locate the parents. If someone is with you, one person should actively search for the parent while the other waits at the car.