From the office of Gov. Laura Kelly

TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly announced Kansas has created 1,569 committed economic development projects worth more than $24.6 billion in capital investment and over 77,000 jobs under her administration.

Kelly will host food drives at the remaining seven stops of her statewide "The People's Budget" listening tour to help families affected by the federal government shutdown.

In partnership with Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters – The Community Food Network, Kelly is asking Kansans attending the town hall events to bring non-perishable, non-glass food items.

The next two events are scheduled for Oct. 29 in Hays at 11 a.m. and Garden City at 6 p.m. Additional stops will take place in Kansas City, Kansas (Nov. 3); Leawood (Nov. 5); Emporia (Nov. 6); Pittsburg (Nov. 10); and Wichita (Nov. 12).

Food banks have the highest need for canned protein and infant formula. Other needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit and beans, whole grain pasta and brown rice.

Seating at each venue will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kelly and the Kansas Department of Transportation announced $442 million in new IKE construction projects across the state.

Secretary Calvin Reed said the nine projects represent the fourth round of projects approved under Kelly's 10-year IKE program. The Total Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program invests over $2.7 billion statewide in modernization and expansion projects advancing important infrastructure.

Kelly said the IKE program is a testament to the state's commitment to building a stronger Kansas and that the program's inception has helped advance infrastructure modernization and expansion projects in rural, suburban and urban communities.

Projects are subject to retention elections every four years. The nine projects announced include infrastructure improvements in multiple districts across Kansas, with estimated construction costs ranging from $11 million to $157 million and completion dates between 2028 and 2030.

Kelly appointed Patrick Henderson of Atchison to a judgeship in the 1st Judicial District. The position was created by the retirement of Judge Dan Wiley.

Henderson is a solo practitioner at Henderson Law Office and serves as Atchison County counselor, municipal judge for the city of Atchison and city attorney for Effingham. He is a board member and treasurer of the Atchison Community Health Clinic.

District Court judges in the 1st Judicial District are appointed by the governor from nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges are subject to retention elections every four years.

The other nominees were Christopher Lyon and James Floyd.