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Ellis County Commissioners unanimously voted on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 to exceed the revenue neutral rate (RNR) and approve the 2026 Budget as previously published. The 2026 Ellis County General Fund Mill Levy rate is 37.956, increased 1.961 from 2025 (35.995.) The RNR and Budget roll-call votes followed an approximately half hour long Public Hearing where four residents discussed their concerns with both exceeding the RNR and the Commissioners decision to include a one mill “cushion” as a proactive measure.

TOPEKA — President Donald Trump granted a disaster declaration for Kansas Friday in the wake of destructive June storms and after bipartisan support from lawmakers concerned with recovery efforts. Severe storms landed in southeast and south-central Kansas on June 3, causing tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that lasted until June 7 and damaged farms, homes and power lines.

TOPEKA — Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson announced Wednesday he plans to retire from the position he has held since 2014.

USD489 Superintendent Ron Wilson shared photos with the Board of Education (BOE) on September 8, 2025 as he reported that the new Hays Middle School (HMS) Bathroom/Concessions Building is “almost complete.”

TOPEKA — Kansas’ request to ban candy and soft drinks from being purchased with food assistance dollars has yet to be approved, while other states’ similar restrictions are expected to go into effect Jan. 1.