Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Budget Bill

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TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has signed the state’s budget, House Bill 2513, which allocates funding for Fiscal Years 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029.

“To put it simply, this is a bad budget that went through a bad process.

“Once again, the Legislature completely ignored my statutorily-required budget proposal that would have put our state back on track to a structural balance between revenues and expenditures,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Instead, Legislative Leadership rushed through this session, drafting and passing the budget before April Consensus Revenue Estimates are announced in just twelve days. While a full understanding of the fiscal impact of this budget won’t be known until April 20th, a few of its failures are obvious.

“This budget fails Kansas children by inexplicably cutting funding for mental health services in schools and severely underfunding special education. It cuts core services provided by state agencies to Kansans while protecting funding for the Legislature—whose own budget has doubled in the last few years—and its pet projects. In a truly shameless move, Legislators increased their own salaries by 4% after giving themselves a 93% pay raise just last year. They gave their own staff a 10% increase while offering a mere 1% to the state employees who plow our roads, who work in our prisons and our mental health facilities, who keep our communities safe.

“Despite this being a really bad budget, I will sign it, because the alternative is worse. Due to the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ passed by Congress last year, Kansas taxpayers are having to shoulder costs previously absorbed at the federal level. As a result, our state agencies’ budgets had to be increased. Those millions of dollars of added costs are appropriated in this budget while they were not in last year’s.

“This is the last budget that I will sign as governor. It is my hope that the next governor will have a Legislature that is willing to return to the traditional partnership that is more likely to produce a budget that is fiscally responsible, invests in our state’s future wisely, and is befitting the trust Kansans place in us to be good stewards of their resources.”

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

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Government, Kansas

Multi-Pronged Plan to Address Property Tax Relief: Gov. Kelly

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Governor Kelly Proposes Multi-Pronged Plan to Address Property Tax Relief


TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly is laying out a comprehensive plan to provide immediate and lasting tax relief at the state level, and to begin the conversation about engaging local leaders on enacting property tax reform.

“Kansans deserve real property tax relief, and they deserve the truth about how such relief can be accomplished,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “To date, the Legislature – led by a Republican supermajority – has provided only lip service on this topic and has failed to deliver on the campaign promises and talking points they have been repeating for two years. Today, I’m laying out a fiscally responsible property tax relief plan that I invite the Legislature to debate and take action on to finally give Kansans some real relief.”

The truth about property taxes is that the overwhelming majority of property taxes are levied at the local level – by cities, counties, and school districts. The revenues that these taxes generate are designed to contribute to an improved quality of life for its citizens, like paying for police and firefighters, maintaining reliable roads, and providing access to high-quality public schools. However, increased valuations and rising costs have placed an undue burden on property owners across the state.

Action must be taken to encourage local governments to keep their costs down, while not sacrificing the services that its citizens deserve. But the State is not excused from being a part of the solution and providing relief for the portion of property taxes for which it is responsible.

To identify a real and lasting solution, Governor Kelly is introducing a multi-pronged approach to drive property tax reform in Kansas. She encourages the Legislature to follow her lead and to debate and vote on this property tax reform package in the closing days of the 2026 legislative session.

Governor Kelly’s plan is divided into three parts: 1) immediate property tax relief for vehicle owners, 2) incentivizing local governments to permanently bend their cost curves, and 3) requiring the state to have skin in the game for its share of property taxes.

The first leg of the plan is for the Legislature to adopt Senate Bill 378, which was introduced by Senator Ethan Corson during the 2026 legislative session. This bill would provide for a one-time $250 vehicle tax credit for all vehicle owners in the state when they register their vehicle. The cost to cover this credit would be paid for by using surplus funds sitting in the budget stabilization fund. This policy would give immediate relief to Kansans in Fiscal Year 2027, while the other components of the package take shape. By limiting this to a one-time event, it will not jeopardize the fidelity of the budget stabilization fund.

The second leg of the plan is to create a fund to be distributed to cities and counties that demonstrate an ability to manage their budgets responsibly. The state would make an annual deposit into this fund, beginning with $60.0 million in the first year, and growing the deposit by 2 percent each year. Cities and counties that keep their annual budget growth at a reasonable level – recommended to be no greater than 3 percent – would be eligible to claim a portion of this fund, to assist them in paying for needed services. The distribution formula would take into account each city/county’s population and total assessed value, ensuring that rural and urban areas have equitable access to these funds.

The third leg of the plan is for the state to have some skin in the game and to provide tax relief for the 20 mills that are levied to assist the state in paying for its share of public education. Current law exempts the first $75,000 of every home’s appraised value from this 20-mill tax. The Governor’s proposal would increase the exemption level to $150,000. By doubling the current exemption, this would provide meaningful tax relief to over 700,000 Kansas homeowners every year. This proposal would safeguard funding for public education by creating a demand transfer from the State General Fund into the School District Finance Fund to ensure that public schools continue to receive their full constitutional funding.

The Governor urges the Legislature to give serious consideration to this comprehensive property tax package, while it has time to act. It is time for Kansans to hear the truth from their elected officials, and to have their elected officials deliver realistic results for them.

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Kansas, Youth

KS KidWind Challenge

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KidWind State Finals will be held in Salina on Saturday featuring
a unique shark wind tunnel making its way to Kansas now

TOPEKA – Thirty-six teams representing 25 Kansas schools will travel to Salina on Saturday with their sights set on winning a state title in the Kansas KidWind Challenge and an opportunity to advance to the World KidWind Challenge in Madison, WI in May. Each team qualified for the state finals based on their performance in regional challenges, which drew a record number of 106 participating teams.

This year’s state competition will also feature a unique attraction that may catch the eye of travelers on Kansas roads and highways over the next few days.  A shark, which is actually a large high speed wind tunnel with speeds of 10 meters/second or 22 miles per hour, will begin the journey from Madison, Wisconsin to Salina on Thursday morning. Interactive stops at schools and attractions along the way are planned in Kansas City, Topeka, and Manhattan to promote the Kansas KidWind Challenge. Links to the schedule and a photo appear below.

On Saturday, the KidWind state finals will be held at Tony’s Pizza Event Center (800 The Midway) in Salina beginning at 8 a.m. Teams compete by age groups: 4th-5th grade, 6th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade. Scoring for the event is based on turbine performance in a wind tunnel, a knowledge quiz, an instant challenge, and a presentation to judges where the team explains its turbine design and construction process. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

Links:
Shark Wind Tunnel photo
The Shark Wind tunnel schedule
State finalist teams participating in Saturday’s event

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Fort Scott Community College, Youth

Fort Scott Community College Inducts New Phi Theta Kappa Members

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New Fort Scott Community College PTK students. Submitted.

Fort Scott Community College welcomed 46 new members into its Phi Theta Kappa honor society during an induction ceremony held March 31, 2026, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

 

The ceremony recognized students from the Alpha Theta Omega Chapter for their academic achievement and commitment to excellence. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, promoting scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among high-achieving students.

 

The event began with a greeting and welcome, followed by a presentation on the society’s symbols and traditions. Chapter leadership and advisors participated in the formal induction process, including the recitation of the Phi Theta Kappa pledge and official recognition of new members.

 

Students inducted into the chapter achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing at least 12 credit hours, meeting the national eligibility requirements for membership.

 

During the ceremony, chapter advisors emphasized the significance of academic dedication and the opportunities available through Phi Theta Kappa, including scholarships, leadership development and community engagement.

The induction concluded with closing remarks and a reception honoring the new members and their accomplishments.

 

Phi Theta Kappa has recognized and encouraged scholarship among two-year college students worldwide for more than 100 years. The organization is designated by the American Association of Community Colleges as the official honor society for two-year institutions.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa at Fort Scott Community College, contact the college at (620) 223-2700.

 

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Fort Scott Community College

FSCC 39th Annual Scholarship Dinner Highlighted Educational Opportunities

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Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

The Fort Scott Community College Foundation hosted its 39th Annual Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday evening at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, celebrating student achievement and recognizing the generosity of donors who make scholarships possible.

 

The annual event, held at 6 p.m., brought together community members, donors, students, and college leadership to honor the impact of scholarship support at Fort Scott Community College. The program highlighted the Foundation’s mission of providing financial assistance to students while strengthening educational opportunities across the region.

 

Throughout the evening, dozens of named scholarships were recognized, each representing individuals, families, businesses, and organizations committed to investing in student success. Scholarships support a wide range of academic programs, workforce training, and student needs, helping remove financial barriers to higher education.

 

Foundation representatives emphasized the life-changing impact of donor contributions, noting that scholarship support allows students to pursue their goals without the burden of financial stress. Many recipients are balancing work, family, and academic responsibilities, making these opportunities critical to their success.

 

In addition to recognizing scholarship recipients, the event acknowledged the continued generosity of donors and encouraged ongoing support through contributions, new scholarship creation, and planned giving.

 

The Fort Scott Community College Foundation, established to support the college’s educational mission, continues to play a vital role in connecting community resources with student needs. Through events like the Scholarship Dinner, the Foundation highlights the collective effort required to invest in the future of students and the region.

 

For more information about the Foundation or how to contribute, visit www.fsccfoundation.org

or contact the Fort Scott Community College Foundation office.

  

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Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Special Board Meeting April 8

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Fort Scott, KS – The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees met April 6 for a special session, addressing grant planning, operational efficiencies, and personnel matters during a late-evening meeting in the Ellis Building.

 

The board considered action to rescind a previously approved request for proposals (RFP) tied to the FRAME grant project with Bourbon County Revitalization, signaling a shift in approach as officials evaluate next steps. Trustees also discussed multiple options for the future of the FRAME grant, including issuing a new RFP, requesting a project extension pending approval from the Kansas Department of Commerce, or discontinuing the project and returning funds if an extension is not granted.

 

In other business, the board reviewed a proposal to dispose of several underutilized or costly fleet vehicles. The plan calls for selling the vehicles through an online auction platform, with the goal of reducing maintenance costs and generating revenue for future replacements.

 

FSCC Athletics presented a proposal to add a second full-time athletic trainer beginning in fall 2026. The addition is intended to support a growing student-athlete population, improve medical coverage, and enhance recruitment efforts. The item is expected to return for board action later in April.

 

College President Dr. Jack Welch provided an institutional update, highlighting ongoing organizational realignment efforts designed to better serve students and strengthen college operations.

 

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Uncategorized

Bourbon County Arts Council Presents Barnaby Bright on April 30

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Arts Council

Bourbon County

Arts Council

Presents

Barnaby Bright

Thursday, April 30th

Doors Open 5:00pm

Hearty Appetizer Buffet 5:30-7:30pm

Performance 8:00pm

Crooner’s/Liberty Theatre

113 S. Main Fort Scott, KS

Reservations Required

Tickets

$50 BCAC Member

$60 Non-Member

Contact

Terri Floyd 620-224-7221

Deb Anderson 620-224-8650

Click HERE to visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook Page.

Click HERE to visit Barnaby Bright’s Facebook Page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Kansas, Youth

Application Deadline for 2026 Boys State of Kansas Session Set for April 30

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April 7, 2026 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session through Thursday, April 30. Applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall.

 

Kansas Boys State is for individuals who will complete their sophomore or junior year of high school this spring. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2026 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. Furthermore, delegates who are returning to KBS for a second year (high school sophomores during the 2024-25 academic year) have the opportunity to attend the 2026 session for just $50 total, provided they get at least three eligible people from their school (or another school) to attend.

 

Kansas Boys State attendees are also eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110-C]) through K-State at a 72% discount, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. 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.

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.  For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org.

 

For information about the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.

— #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

Scam Is Circulating in Kansas

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Example of scam currently circulating. 

Scam impersonating a court targets Kansans in multiple communities

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch is raising awareness about a new scam that threatens court enforcement for an unpaid toll and encourages the person targeted to scan a QR code to make a payment.

 

The scam appears to be a message from the traffic division in a Kansas district court. It lists a fake case number and the name of a judge who does not exist.

 

Any person can check whether they have a matter pending before a district court using the Kansas District Court Records CaseSearch.

 

If a traffic infraction exists on CaseSearch it will also generally show whether there are any unpaid fines or fees. The CaseSearch site links to the KSCourts Central Payment Center where payments can be made online.

 

Courts are encouraging the public to check the Spot the Scam webpage if they are contacted by someone who claims to be with a court. The page says to be alert for these signs that a contact they did not expect is a scam:

 

  • Scammer initiates contact. Scammers will call, text, or email you using phone numbers, email addresses, website links, and documents that look real but are fake.
  • Scammers ask for personal information. Never give a Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information to someone you don’t contact on your own.
  • Scammers demand payment. Scammers will pressure you to pay now using gift cards or apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. They will tell you something bad will happen if you don’t pay now.

 

The page also gives guidance for reporting scams and a link to contact information for courts statewide.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
url    url    url    url    url

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Trustees In Attendance at Foundation Dinner This Evening

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This is to provide notice that members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees may be in attendance at the Fort Scott Community College Foundation Scholarship Dinner this evening.
The event is scheduled for April 7 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Ellis Center.
It is possible that more than four Board members will be present. No official business will be conducted during this event.
Submitted by
Gina Shelton, CPA
Fort Scott Community College
CFO – VP of Finance & Operations
Government, Kansas

Supported Decision-making Agreements Act Is Signed

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Establishing the Supported Decision-making Agreements Act


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), establishing the Supported Decision-making Agreements Act, which will allow adults to enter into supported decision-making agreements to receive assistance with an adult’s affairs from one or more other adults. This bill provides individuals who need assistance with decision-making with the option to receive support from one or more adults while remaining as independent as possible.

“Senate Bill 84 is thoughtful legislation that empowers Kansans to receive support as they make key decisions about their lives, while preserving their independence,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These voluntary agreements will equip those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, or other impairments, with assistance from trusted adults as they navigate decisions about health care, finances, housing, and more.”

SB 84 establishes the legal framework for a supportive adult to provide decision-making assistance to another adult (the principal), who could be an adult with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, mental health needs, or more, who wants support while maintaining control over decisions in their life. A supporter could provide the principal with aid in making and communicating decisions, and understanding information, options, responsibilities, and consequences related to those decisions. The supporter could also access and obtain information relevant to decisions necessary for managing the principal’s affairs; ascertain the wishes and decisions of the principal and help communicate those decisions to others; advocate to ensure those wishes and decisions are implemented; and accompany the principal, as well as participate in discussions with others, when the principal is making decisions.

“I’m pleased to support this commonsense legislation that establishes a legal framework to help Kansans receive voluntary support from other adults as they navigate their lives, while maintaining their control and independence,” said Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin, District 20. “Everyone has the right to agency in their own life, and this bill will enable more Kansans to make choices that are best for them with the comfort of knowing they have reliable assistance from others. Congratulations to disability advocates who have been working on this for years.”

The supportive adult would not be allowed to exert undue influence on the principal, make decisions for or on behalf of the principal, sign for the principal, obtain information not reasonably related to the matters the supporter is authorized to assist the principal with under the agreement without consent, and use information acquired for a purpose other than authorized under the agreement. Violations would be added to the crime of mistreatment of a dependent adult or an elder person, for which felony or misdemeanor penalties would apply, depending on the amount of financial resources involved.

“Through Senate Bill 84, we’re offering Kansans more avenues to be active participants not only in their own lives, but also in their communities across the state,” said Senator Rick Billinger, District 40. “This is strong, bipartisan legislation that will truly help more Kansans make life-changing decisions that will be in their best interests.”

In addition to Senate Bill 84, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Substitute for Senate Bill 260: Establishing the born to invest act and requiring the office of vital statistics to provide data to the office of the state treasurer for distribution of informational materials regarding certain government-administered savings accounts

Senate Bill 398: Aligning a part of the Kansas Rules of Evidence dealing with Expert witnesses with the Federal Rules of Evidence by requiring a proponent to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that certain specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand evidence before certain qualified witnesses may testify.

Senate Bill 418: Enacting the by-right housing development act to provide a streamlined permit approval process for by-right housing developments and allowing third-party review of new residential construction development documents and inspection of improvements, along with making other updates to zoning and regulations.

Senate Bill 459: Removing the prisoner review board from the supervision of the secretary of corrections, changing the appointing authority, creating qualifications for the members of the board, and requiring parole hearings to be postponed if proper notice of the public comment session is not made to the victim.

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2402: Requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility provision, providing a financial hardship exception to such participation and requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation.

House Bill 2739: Relating to housing code requirements, removing the definition of apartment houses from chapter 31 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, providing requirements for adoption of the national fire protection association standards, 2024 edition, and providing that certain state accessibility standards are not applicable to moderate income housing program and Kansas investor tax credit housing act projects.

House Bill 2528: Requiring all state board of nursing actions related to certain nonpractice violations be void, allowing for late license renewal for professional, practical and advanced practice registered nurses, setting fees for late license renewal, limiting unprofessional conduct to acts related to the practice of nursing, prohibiting the board from taking retaliatory action against a licensee based on certain lawful actions and creating a civil cause of action for violation thereof, requiring termination of current board members on January 1, 2027 and requiring the governor to appoint interim board members subject to senate confirmation and requiring the board to issue refunds for overpayment or duplicate payment.

House Bill 2652: Requiring the clerk of the appellate courts to publish monthly a list of cases of the supreme court and court of appeals in which a decision has not been entered and filed within six months of submission and a list of cases in which a petition for review has not been granted or denied within six months of submission.

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Bourbon County Local News