KS - May 1 2025

Gov. Kelly Declares State of Emergency to Ease Fuel Delivery Delays

KCC Penalizes AT&T for Repeated Delays in Marking Buried Infrastructure for Excavators

Former Kansas Foster Care Leaders Expected to Change Pleas in $4.7M Fraud Case

KU Football Stadium Renovation on Schedule for August Opener

"Hollywood Has Failed Us": Miller Theatres Shutter Blue Springs 8 Location

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Gov. Kelly Declares State of Emergency to Ease Fuel Delivery Delays

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly took action this week to alleviate delivery delays of fuel, particularly diesel, due to supply chain disruptions. On Wednesday, Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation “to allow a waiver for hours of service for motor carriers in Kansas.” The Kansas Corporation Commission, which enforces federal regulations on truck drivers, explained that the declaration lifts some of the rules on drivers, particularly concerning the amount of time they can drive. The KCC said there isn’t necessarily a diesel fuel shortage, but there are supply issues due to pipeline repairs. In a news release announcing the action, the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office said areas within Kansas and surrounding states are impacted, leading to long lines at fuel terminals and a disruption in the supply delivery. The adjutant general’s office said that while diesel has been the earliest impacted, the supply chain problems could also affect gasoline. Source: KWCH

KCC Penalizes AT&T for Repeated Delays in Marking Buried Infrastructure for Excavators

TOPEKA — The Kansas Corporation unanimously issued a $60,000 fine to AT&T for racking up dozens of violations of a state law requiring the marking of its buried infrastructure within two days of requests made by excavating companies operating in Wichita, Olathe, Overland Park, Burrton and Kansas City, Kansas. KCC staff conducted an investigation of nonresponse tickets submitted by excavators from April 30, 2024, to May 30, 2024, in which AT&T failed to mark underground lines within the allotted time. Source: Kansas Reflector

Former Kansas Foster Care Leaders Expected to Change Pleas in $4.7M Fraud Case

TOPEKA — Former Kansas foster care leaders accused of defrauding their old employer of millions of dollars indicated in court that they plan to change their not guilty pleas, avoiding a trial. William Whymark, the former IT director for the regional foster care provider Saint Francis Ministries, is expected to change his plea later this year as attorneys continue to negotiate a deal. His co-defendant and former Saint Francis CEO Robert Smith is also “actively engaged in plea negotiations,” Smith’s attorney said at a Wednesday hearing. Smith faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering amounting to $4.7 million in damages. Whymark faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud. A federal grand jury indicted the two in November 2022. Source: Kansas Reflector

KU Football Stadium Renovation on Schedule for August Opener

LAWRENCE — KU athletic director Travis Goff recently shared some updates about the progress of the university’s Gateway District project, a multi-phase endeavor that includes efforts to create a reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Goff outlined that everything is on track with the first phase of the project, meaning the stadium is set to be available for the Aug. 23 home opener this year against Fresno State. This phase includes the construction of the new-look southwest, west, and north portions of the football stadium, as well as the Anderson Family Football Complex. Source: CJOnline

"Hollywood Has Failed Us": Miller Theatres Shutter Blue Springs 8 Location

Blue Springs 8, a fixture in eastern Jackson County since the late 1980s, closed overnight. Miller Theatres announced Wednesday evening that the movie house would cease operations effective Thursday. The family-owned operation has owned the theater since 2015. “After Covid, Hollywood has failed to consistently release quality and quantity film product,” the Millers wrote on social media. “As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for small independent theatre locations such as ours to survive and thrive in this environment.” Ownership of the theater changed hands multiple times following its 1987 debut at the intersection of Highway 7 and Duncan Road in Blue Springs. AMC Theatres, Crown Cinemas and Dickinson Theatres operated the theater at various points prior to the Millers taking over.Source: Kansas City Star

Editors Note: its not only Hollywood, streaming has upended the whole industry

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Sources

1. https://www.kwch.com/2025/05/01/kansas-governor-issues-state-disaster-emergency-response-fuel-delivery-delays/
2. https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/01/kcc-issues-60000-fine-to-att-for-failing-to-promptly-mark-underground-lines-for-excavators/
3. https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-foster-care-leaders-accused-of-swindling-millions-want-to-change-not-guilty-pleas/
4. https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/college/hawk-zone/2025/05/01/kansas-football-stadium-renovation-2025-travis-goff-update-gateway-district-project-lawrence/83184129007/
5. https://www.kansascity.com/news/business/openings-closings/article305497646.html