Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff For Sandra Day O’Connor

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Governor Kelly Orders Flags to be Flown at
Half-Staff in Honor of Former Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor


TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order 20-30 and following the proclamation of President Joe Biden, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in honor of Sandra Day O’Connor, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

“Sandra Day O’Connor blazed a trail not just on the Supreme Court but for women at every level of government,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Dedicated, impartial, and pragmatic, she sought consensus on the toughest issues facing the court, shaping the country as we know it today. My sincere condolences go out to her family.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

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Government, Kansas

Industrial Hemp Advisory Board Virtual Meeting December 20

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Advisory Board will hold its annual board meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The meeting will provide an update on hemp production in Kansas.

The meeting is a scheduled board meeting and is open to the public. Anyone desiring to attend via video conference must pre-register to be provided with a video link. For information about the meeting, including how to listen to the meeting via Zoom, please go to the Industrial Hemp page of the KDA website at https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/plant-protect-weed-control/industrial-hemp.

Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

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WHO:            KDA Industrial Hemp Advisory Board

WHAT:          Annual board meeting

WHEN:         1:30 p.m. on December 20, 2023

WHERE:       Virtually, via Zoom

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Industrial Hemp Advisory Board Virtual Meeting December 20
Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections 2.1 Percent Below Estimate

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November Total Tax Collections at $649.6M; 2.1% Below Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends November 2023 with total tax collections at $649.6 million. That is $13.8 million, or 2.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are up 1.1% from November 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $291.8 million. That is $10.7 million, or 3.5%, below the estimate, and down 0.2% from November 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $35.5 million. That is $10.4 million, or 41.5%, higher than the estimate and up 168.8% from November 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $291.0 million, which is $14.2 million, or 4.7%, below the estimate and down $13.9 million, or 4.5%, from November 2022.

Click here to view the November 2023 revenue numbers.

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Government, Kansas

Rural Hospital Leaders Discuss Medicaid Expansion

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Lieutenant Governor Toland, Rural Hospital Leaders Discuss Medicaid Expansion
Impacts on Local Economies


PARSONS— Today, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland hosted a Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy roundtable at Labette Health in Parsons. Rural hospital leaders and legislators discussed the impacts Medicaid expansion would have on healthcare and the economy in Southeast Kansas.

“Rural hospitals play a key role in keeping both Kansas communities and local economies healthy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “When our rural hospitals struggle, our businesses and workforce feel the impact. We must expand Medicaid so Kansans can access essential care, we can continue our unprecedented economic growth, and keep creating new jobs across the state.”

“Medicaid has been vital for people who have no resources for needed care,” said State Representative Ron Bryce. “Prior to becoming a state representative, I was a physician, providing care for the homeless, the working poor, and others in need. I know the workings of Medicaid first-hand from the point of view of the provider as well as the patient. We need to weigh the pluses as well as the minuses as we work to help those in need and improve the economy in southeast Kansas.”

“Access to health care is a vital component of economic development and a healthy local economy,” said Brian Williams, CEO of Labette Health. “Expanding Medicaid in Kansas would provide additional resources to hospitals allowing increased access to health care. As a Republican voter, I fully support Governor Kelly’s economic initiative to expand Medicaid for Kansans.”

Here’s how expanding Medicaid would benefit rural hospitals and the economy:

  • Medicaid expansion is associated with improved hospital financial performance and significant reductions in the probability of hospital closure, especially in rural areas.
  • The retention of even smaller than average sized hospital or nursing facility in a rural community creates economic ripples that sustain local grocery stores, eating places, and retailers.
  • Quality health care has been shown to improve business productivity, aid in the recruitment and retention of businesses, and attract and retains retirees.
  • Kansas does not save money by refusing expansion — it simply gives up the opportunity to bring tax dollars back to our state. Kansans have already paid nearly $7 billionin federal taxes to fund Medicaid expansion in other states.

Roundtable participants included:

  • State Representative Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville
  • State Representative Dan Goddard, R-Parsons
  • Ruth Duling, CEO, Girard Hospital
  • Brian Williams, CEO, Labette Health
  • Tom Hood, CEO, Wilson Medical Center
  • Former State Representative Jim Kelly, R-Independence

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Government, Kansas

Recommendations From Kansas Wildlife Task Force

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Governor Kelly Receives Final Report and Recommendations from Wildfire Task Force

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Governor’s Wildfire Task Force has submitted its final report summarizing and providing recommendations on how to improve the systems, procedures, and personnel that make up the state’s oversight of wildfire events.

In July 2022, Governor Laura Kelly appointed a group of leaders from across the state to serve as the Governor’s Wildfire Task Force to create recommendations for how Kansas communities can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires.

“I created this Task Force last year because Kansas has been devastated by wildfires far too many times, and it was clear we needed to take a deeper look at how we prevent and respond to these disasters,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate the comprehensive recommendations Secretary Beam and the Wildfire Task Force have provided, and I look forward to working together to better support Kansans before, during, and after wildfires.”

The Task Force was chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam and included representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and organizations that have played an active role in responding to wildfires across the state, along with several state legislators.

“I have appreciated the candid, yet cordial, exchange of concerns and suggestions among the Task Force members,” said Secretary Beam. “It’s obvious to me the entities involved in wildfire prevention, response, and recovery have enhanced their collaborations and partnerships in recent years, and they are committed to taking further steps to strengthen the state’s wildfire resilience.”

The Task Force report is organized into three sections: Mitigation and Prevention, Response, and Recovery. In the Mitigation and Prevention section, the Task Force examines the efforts in place to monitor fire risk, major contributors to the fire risk across the state, and work that is underway to mitigate that risk. The Response section examines the response plans and systems in place locally and statewide and how they could be strengthened. The Recovery section examines the strategies for long-term recovery following a wildfire event.

Recommendations include expanding efforts to reduce fuel loads, improving weather monitoring, increasing resources for local fire departments, and enhancing funding for firefighting equipment. Many recommendations focus on the importance of mitigation strategies, recognizing it as a shared responsibility that will require collaboration between public and private landowners. The Task Force also recognized the significant role of volunteer firefighters and the challenges local communities face in recruiting and retaining these volunteers.

State officials will now determine next steps for implementing Task Force’s recommendations.

The full report can be found here or at agriculture.ks.gov/WildfireTaskForce.

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Bourbon County, Food, Government, Kansas, Uncategorized

Perry’s Awarded Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit

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Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.

Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store, Bronson, were recently awarded the Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“Both Thaddeus and I saw it as an honor to be nominated,” Kelly Perry said. “I have no idea who nominated us. I literally cried when I received the notice letter. It’s very humbling that the community continues to support us.”

“The store has brought people in, that are traveling through,” she said. “We have a lot of folks who just want to check us out”

When people stop in the store they advocate for the community and Fort Scott,  telling them about the attractions and services that are available, she said.

In a letter from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, she commended the Perrys for their outstanding retail service.

The award is through the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards.

“Celebrating your business and its outstanding contributions to the community, state economy, and people of Kansas,” the letter stated. “Your hard work is appreciated and worthy of recognition.”

The business was nominated because it created jobs, products, and services, and has been innovating and diversifying the local marketplace, building community identity, and more, according to the governor’s letter.

The business demonstrated “tenacity, determination, and creativity that was needed to persevere, regardless of the circumstances,” Governor Kelly said in the letter.

The Perrys started out producing pork rind snacks from their home in Bronson, a small town of 300 people in western Bourbon County, in 2017.

They opened a  specialty store in 2022 in Bronson to sell their products and other food, including fresh produce, which is needed when one lives 20 miles from a large grocery store.

To learn more: Fresh Produce Pre-Order Sales Began This Month In Bronson

“We also now have Perry’s Produce Boxes available one time a month,” Kelly said.   “Pick-up is at Bids & Dib (in Fort Scott). Purchases are all done via our website www.PerrysPorkRinds.com and customers can select pick-up in Bronson or Ft. Scott.  Boxes are each just $18 and usually have double that amount of money worth of produce.  Pick up details on our website and FB page.”

One other specialty food is fudge, made on-site.

“The fudge is made by Dee Byrd and I,” Kelly said.

In October 2023 they opened a Recreational Vehicle Park at their site on Hwy. 54, which runs through the town. This venture is to supply accommodations for agri-tourism to the region.

To learn more: Perry’s Open an RV Campground in Bronson

This month they provided honor meals to 59 veterans in their storefront on Veteran’s Day. “We provided brisket, smoked by Thaddeus, loaded baked potatoes, and baked beans. We plan to do this again next year,” she said.

They currently have five full-time and one part-time employee.

 

Government, Kansas

State Seeks Input on New License Plate Design

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Governor Kelly Announces New Path Forward on State License Plate

~~Rescinds License Plate Proposal, Will Establish Public Input Process~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Department of Revenue will pause production on the license plate design revealed last Wednesday and create a process to receive public input before selecting a final design.

“I promised to be a bipartisan governor, and I think we can all admit – I succeeded at bringing Kansans across the political aisle together in disliking this new license plate,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I’ve heard you loud and clear. Elected officials should be responsive to their constituents, which is why we are adjusting the process so Kansans can provide direct input on our state’s next license plate.”

One of the challenges of designing a license plate is meeting the primary reason license plates exist: to be clear and easy to read. Kansans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design among several that follow guidelines that comply with the needs of law enforcement entities and best practices established by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, including:

  • License plate numbers will be seven (7) digits.
  • Any phrase, motto, or slogan must be placed at the bottom of the license plate.
  • Any graphic must be placed on the right or left side of the license plate number.
  • Graphics must not resemble letters, numbers, or special characters in a way that would interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.
  • Background design must not interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.
  • The license plate must have a light background behind the license plate number, and the license plate number must be black.

The Governor’s Office will share more details on license plate options, the voting process, and how this announcement impacts the transition from embossed to print-on-demand plates soon.

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Government, Kansas

Commerce Program Opens Employment Pathway for Justice-Involved Kansans

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TOPEKA – KANSASWORKS, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, is taking significant strides to empower justice-involved individuals across the state through the Re-entry Specialized Employment Counseling & Training (ReSpECT)WORKS program. This program provides intensive case management and career navigation for eligible individuals released from the prison system in Kansas.

The ReSpECTWORKS program, administered in partnership with the Kansas Department of Corrections, was established in 2021 to help reduce the state’s recidivism rate in Kansas, which is currently at 35 percent.

“This program focuses on providing an opportunity for justice-involved Kansans to secure sustainable, living-wage employment in order to actively participate in society and break the cycle of incarceration,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “In turn, employers that need talent can be rest-assured these candidates have a pool of resources to help them succeed.”

The program currently operates through federal funding that the agency competes for, such as the $4 million Pathway Home grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2021.

Assistance is provided on an as-needed basis and includes:

  • Job preparation, exploration and planning
  • Occupational skills training
  • Rental assistance
  • Transportation and other basic needs-related payments
  • Supplies and work clothes
  • Intensive case management and employment counseling
  • Assistance obtaining state identification
  • Other individualized services

“We know that those who obtain a livable wage job upon release from prison are a third less likely to return,” Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda said. “We are excited about our partnership with KANSASWORKS and the ReSpECTWORKS program, as it provides an added layer of resources to help these individuals succeed once they have returned to the community.”

A unique aspect of ReSpECTWORKS is that participants remain with the same case manager pre- and post-release. Additionally, participants receive 12 months of follow-up upon securing stable employment. The objective of this method is to assist participants by providing comprehensive, personalized service that will help lead them into and retain high-demand, sustainable-wage jobs and decrease the likelihood to re-offend.

To date, the ReSpECTWORKS program has enrolled 360 justice-involved participants and has achieved an employment rate of more than 70 percent.

“Our approach to this program is intentional, and the feedback that we’ve gotten from those enrolled is encouraging,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce Mike Beene said. “All of this is about putting the human element back into the equation, and the ReSpECTWORKS program facilitates that.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce hopes to expand the program and increase the annual number of justice-involved individuals served annually to 120 within the next year.

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.

Area News, Government, Kansas

2024 KS State Parks Permits/Campsite Reservations Will Go On Sale in December

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Annual Permits, 2024 Campsite Reservations for Kansas State Parks Coming Soon

SHAWNEE – Whether you’ve had your eye on a waterfront cabin, are slowly working through a state park “bucket list,” or simply want to break in that new tent you got as a birthday present – there are three important dates coming up that Kansas State Park visitors won’t want to miss!

Beginning December 1, 2023, the following annual permits for Kansas State Parks will go on sale online, at state park offices and at license vendor locations:

  • Annual Vehicle Permit – $25
  • Annual Vehicle Permit (Senior/Disabled Kansas Resident) – $13.75
  • Unconventional Vehicle Permit – $52.50 (Purchase at state park offices.)
  • Annual Camping Permit – $202.50 (If purchased prior to April 1 or after September 30. $252.50 if purchased between April 1 and September 30. Discount permit, a $10/night discount on camping for the calendar year.)
  • 14-day Camping Permit – $112.50 (Discount permit, a $10/night discount on camping for up to 14 nights; nights do not have to be consecutive.)

Beginning December 8, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST, campsite reservations for the prime season (April 1 thru October 31) will open for the following Kansas State Parks:

  • Cedar Bluff, Cheney, Kanopolis, Meade, Milford, Perry, Pomona, Prairie Dog, Sandhills, Tuttle Creek), and (Note: Tuttle Creek River Pond and Riley campground may be reserved online from April 1 thru November 30.)

Beginning December 15, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST, campsite reservations for the prime season (April 1 thru October 31) will open for the remaining Kansas State Parks:

  • Clinton, Crawford, Cross Timbers, Eisenhower, El Dorado, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Hillsdale, Historic Lake Scott, Lovewell, and Wilson.

Parkgoers who want to have the best chances possible of being able to reserve a campsite for a desired date(s) during prime season should:

  1. Familiarize themselves with CampItKS.com or ReserveAmerica.com
  2. Ensure they have a seamless login with an existing complete profile or create a new account for customers brand new to either website.
  3. Download the CampItKS mobile app for access on-the-go
  4. And, mark down the aforementioned launch dates for permit sales and 2024 reservations.

To view a complete list of state parks in Kansas – including maps and lists of amenities – visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks.

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Government, Kansas, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Kansas Tourism Grant Awarded to Lowell Milken Center

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Lowell Milken Center Announces Attraction Development Grant from Kansas Tourism and the Kansas Department of Commerce

 

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung  Heroes received a $6,000 Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism! The grant will be used for new panels for unsung hero Cristine Grant, who was a national voice in the fight for gender equity in sports, and unsung hero Susan LaFleche, the first Native American doctor. The grant will also be used for a re-development of museum kiosks.

 

 

 

Kansas Tourism: The mission of the Kansas Tourism Division is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas, and to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. The vision of Kansas Tourism is a better quality of life for all Kansans through a strong travel industry and economic prosperity, ensuring all travelers feel welcome and are provided the resources to create awe-inspiring experiences.

 

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.

 

 

 

Business, Government, Kansas

Made in Kansas Program Showcases Products

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Commerce Announces First ‘Made in Kansas’ Participants

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced 13 manufacturers have been accepted into the department’s Made in Kansas program. Made in Kansas is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce to help promote Kansas manufacturers to customers across Kansas and around the globe.

The Made in Kansas program is designed to showcase Kansas-made products and provide those companies with a verified stamp of assurance for use in promotional activities. Participation is free. To join the Made in Kansas program, a business must utilize manufacturing in the production process and meet one additional criterion:

  • More than half the components come from Kansas
  • Final assembly takes place in Kansas
  • Kansas-headquartered company includes design and/or engineering functions

“Some of the finest products in the world are made right here in Kansas, but the world might not know that yet,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This initiative highlights first-class manufacturers that contribute significantly to their local communities as well as the overall state economy.”

Commerce established the program to create a tangible means for companies to communicate that their products are made in Kansas. Certified program partner manufacturers have access to the exclusive Made in Kansas seal to feature on packaging, products and promotional materials.

“Having a Made in Kansas logo on products lets customers know they are purchasing excellence, reliability and consistency,” Program Manager Corrie Ann Campbell said. “Our manufacturers embody the Kansas work ethic, which is honed by more than 160 years of pioneering spirit and commitment to workmanship.”

The first manufacturers that have been accepted as Made in Kansas Program participants are:

Kansas manufacturers are encouraged to take advantage of the program and proudly display their entrepreneurism and ingenuity for the rest of the world to see. For more information about the Made in Kansas program and its partner companies, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

High Plains Water Conservation and Groundwater Management Support

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Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Receiving Nearly $25 Million to Support High Plains Aquifer


TOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department of Agriculture is receiving nearly $25 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support water conservation and groundwater management in the High Plains Aquifer.

“Kansas farmers drive our state’s economic success, and water quality and quantity are a key part of that,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will accelerate our work to help more producers voluntarily implement practices that ensure Kansans have access to sustainable, reliable water sources for generations to come.”

The funding comes through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP aims to reduce water use by collaborating with farmers and ranchers to implement a combination of NRCS practices including irrigation water management, cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management.

“To feed the world and to operate profitably, Kansas farmers need a secure water supply for this generation and the next,” said Representative Sharice Davids. “Our producers have been working hard to use water even more efficiently, and I’m pleased that this federal investment will help further that mission. Continued success of agriculture in Kansas is critical to our state’s economy and lowering food costs — issues that are top of mind as I work with my colleagues to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill.”

The High Plains Aquifer is the largest groundwater source in Kansas and plays an important economic role as farmers rely on it for irrigation. Lying underneath western and south-central Kansas, it consists of several hydraulically connected aquifers.

“I’m thrilled that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has awarded this grant to Kansas,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “This five-year project, built on a collaborative effort by KDA’s Division of Conservation, the Kansas Water Office, local groundwater management districts, non-governmental conservation groups, private landowners and irrigators, and others, will help implement increased conservation and water efficient practices across the High Plains Aquifer of Kansas. I’m confident this voluntary incentive-based initiative will be a successful project.”

The RCPP aims to reduce water use by 10 percent in each of Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts. NRCS also announced that Ducks Unlimited will be receiving $10 million as part of the Kansas Nebraska Wetland Initiative to create, restore, and protect wetland and riparian barriers in Nebraska and Kansas. More information about both grants is available here.