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KS - June 25 2025

Kansas Wheat Harvest; Hydroelectric Plant Uncertainty; Haskell University Control; Democrats' Fight Back Tour; Joe's BBQ Ranks Fourth

Greg Loving

25 Jun 2025 • 4 min read

Sarah Hill-Nelson, CEO of Bowersock Mills & Power Co. in Lawrence, says alternative energy tax credits targeted for elimination by Congress offered important financial support for expansion of electricity production capacity at the hydroelectric facility positioned on both the north and south sides of the Kansas River. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

Kansas Wheat Harvest Lags Behind Schedule Amid Weather, Disease Challenges

Lawrence Hydroelectric Plant Faces Uncertainty as Congress Threatens Renewable Energy Tax Credits

Federal Lawmakers Consider Removing Haskell University From Bureau of Indian Education Control

House Democrats Bring 'Fight Back Tour' to Central Kansas Communities

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Q Ranks Fourth in Nation by Food & Wine Magazine

1. Kansas Wheat Harvest Lags Behind Schedule Amid Weather, Disease Challenges

Kansas farmers are harvesting wheat at a slower pace than usual, with only 20 percent of the crop collected statewide compared to 49 percent at this time last year, according to USDA data. Central Kansas growers, including those around Hutchinson, face additional hurdles from wheat streak mosaic virus affecting yields and recent storms creating muddy field conditions that have forced farmers to work around weather delays.

Citizen Journal

2. Lawrence Hydroelectric Plant Faces Uncertainty as Congress Threatens Renewable Energy Tax Credits

The century-old Bowersock Mills & Power Co. in Lawrence could see its expansion plans stalled if Congress eliminates renewable energy tax incentives that helped the facility triple its power production 15 years ago. CEO Sarah Hill-Nelson said the $25 million debt-financed expansion that modernized one of the oldest hydroelectric plants west of the Mississippi River was made possible by federal tax benefits designed to encourage alternative energy production growth.

Both the U.S. House and Senate are preparing legislation that would cut these investment and production tax policies as part of President Donald Trump's political agenda, with the House passing its version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in May by a narrow 215-214 vote. Hill-Nelson warned that the proposed cuts would undermine alternative energy companies across Kansas, threaten jobs and make it difficult to meet growing domestic electricity demands, noting that Bowersock has aspirations for further expansion that would depend on similar incentives.

Kansas Reflector

3. Federal Lawmakers Consider Removing Haskell University From Bureau of Indian Education Control

A bipartisan congressional effort is underway to transfer oversight of Lawrence's Haskell Indian Nations University away from the Bureau of Indian Education following testimony about sexual harassment, inadequate resources and persistent mismanagement at the institution. While some federal lawmakers questioned whether the troubled university should continue operating, others argued for reform and proper funding to support its students rather than closure.

Topeka Capital-Journal

4. House Democrats Bring 'Fight Back Tour' to Central Kansas Communities

Kansas House Democrats made stops in Abilene and Hutchinson last weekend as part of their statewide outreach campaign aimed at connecting with voters in areas without Democratic legislative representation. House Democratic Leader Brandon Woodard emphasized the importance of visiting communities where the party doesn't hold seats, with former State Rep. Jason Probst moderating discussions in 90-degree heat as attendees shared concerns ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Citizen Journal

5. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Q Ranks Fourth in Nation by Food & Wine Magazine

Kansas City's barbecue reputation received another boost as Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Q claimed the No. 4 spot on Food & Wine magazine's annual list of 10 must-visit barbecue restaurants in America. The local favorite was one of only two Midwestern establishments featured in the Global Tastemakers Awards, with the magazine recognizing Joe's for its legendary sauces and slow-smoked meats that help maintain Kansas City's status as a premier barbecue destination.

Kansas City Star

Hutchinson

Salina

McPherson / Lindsborg