Kansas
Legislation in the Kansas Senate would eliminate regulatory hoops for social workers
March is Social Work Month, and It’s a special time to celebrate social workers for all the work they do and their impact on so many Kansans.
This year, Kansas social workers celebrate a historic landmark with the 50th anniversary of the state’s Social Work Practice Act.
In 1974, social workers joined together under the auspices of the Kansas Council of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and persuaded the Kansas Legislature to require that social workers be licensed.
Former Sen. Neil Arasmith, a Republican from Jewell, sponsored Senate Bill 623. This bill led the way for the development of social work as a profession and has governed the practice of social work for 50 years.
Kansas became one of the first states in the country to pass three levels of licensure at the bachelor, master and post-graduate clinical level. At that time, only 11 states had social work licensure laws on the books. In comparison, our neighboring state of Missouri didn’t enact social work licensure until 1989 — the 45th state in the U.S. to do so.
Prior to licensing anyone could legally call himself a social worker and offer mental health services through agencies or private practice whether they were qualified to provide such services.
The 1974 law defined the practice of social work, prescribed qualifications for licensure applicants, restricted private practice to the more highly qualified practitioners and provided the public a system of redress and protection from harm.
With the passage of SB 623, Kansas created the Board of Social Work Examiners located with the Kansas Department of Social Rehabilitation Services to provide recommendations to SRS Secretary Robert Harder. The Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board was then established in 1980 and took over the regulating of psychologists and social workers.
This year, social workers, including Kansas Chapter of NASW, are championing HB 2484 — another landmark piece of legislation. HB 2484 will facilitate multistate practice through a social work licensure compact.
The compact will allow social workers to provide continuity of care across state lines, including through telehealth platforms, without the cost and burden of seeking additional state-specific licenses.
HB 2484 passed the Kansas House with a vote 118 to 2. The bill is now in the Senate. Currently, 22 states have introduced similar bills, including neighboring states Colorado and Nebraska, while Missouri and South Dakota already passed the compact into law.
During a time in our state and our nation where social workers are needed in nationwide shortages, eliminating regulatory hoops to allow our Kansas social workers the ability to practice in multiple states is critical. Social work multistate licensure must be solved to increase access to professional licensure and address the increasing need for mental health services.
Social workers are the largest provider of mental health services in Kansas and across the nation. We are at a pivotal moment in our state’s history to ensure the ability of our profession to meet the behavioral health demand.
We encourage you during Social Work Month and beyond to learn more about the profession. Take the time to thank a social worker who most likely has impacted countless individuals in our community. The well-earned thanks are likely after an emotionally draining day with long hours, low pay and facing sometimes an uphill battle in assisting others with personal challenges.
We hope you take a moment to recognize those in your life and community doing this critical work. Thank you.
Tonya Ricklefs, LMSW, is the NASW Kansas Chapter president, and Becky Fast is the NASW Kansas Chapter executive director.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas City police say extra help from other departments is giving the agency more flexibility during World Cup-related events, matches and regular patrols across the city.
KCPD said officers from dozens of other departments are helping with safety efforts around major events, including watch parties, Fan Fest and crowds at Kansas City Stadium.
The department said officers from across Kansas and Missouri have stepped up to help. Officers from Oklahoma City and Ohio are also assisting, including mounted officers who brought horses.
Police said the extra staffing is needed because officers still have to respond to regular calls across the metro during the events. KCPD blocked vacation time this month to keep officers available.
Sgt. Jake Becchina with KCPD’s Media Relations Unit said people attending the events may notice officers from several agencies.
“If you walk through Fan Fest, you may see a dozen police officers from a dozen different departments that are here helping us out,” Becchina said.
Becchina said people have noticed the added police presence.
“Probably one of the most overwhelming themes or regular themes I hear is, ‘I feel safe here. I see a lot of police officers. Thank you guys for being here,’” Becchina said.
With the Netherlands playing Thursday, the Orange Bus and Army are en route, with a large parade planned that morning. Becchina said police are prepared for the crowds expected around the events.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
The Kansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 22, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 22 drawing
17-19-21-45-48, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 22 drawing
Midday: 4-1-4
Evening: 7-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from June 22 drawing
Red Balls: 10-18, White Balls: 17-23
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from June 22 drawing
12-13-35-41-52, Star Ball: 05, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Super Kansas Cash numbers from June 22 drawing
08-13-17-21-24, Cash Ball: 14
Check Super Kansas Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 22 drawing
07-08-20-24-42, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Kansas Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at select Kansas Lottery offices.
By mail, send a winner claim form and your signed lottery ticket to:
Kansas Lottery Headquarters
128 N Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603-3638
(785) 296-5700
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a claim form, and deliver the form along with your signed lottery ticket to Kansas Lottery headquarters. 128 N Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603-3638, (785) 296-5700. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Kansas Lottery.
When are the Kansas Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3 Midday/Evening: 1:10 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Super Kansas Cash: 9:10 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Kansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and Kansas Tourism today announced that more than 230 tourism attractions are participating in the 2026 Sunflower Summer program, giving Kansas families free access to must-see attractions throughout the state. Kansas residents with school-aged children from pre-K through 12th grade are eligible to participate.
This year’s lineup of attractions features activities in every region of Kansas, offering opportunities to explore the state’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, unique natural landscapes and family-friendly destinations.
“Sunflower Summer has been a great way for Kansas families to fall in love with our great state — and everything it has to offer,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether it’s visiting a museum, exploring a historic site or spending the day at the zoo — these experiences help families connect to the state we all love and admire.”
The 2026 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 9 through Aug. 2. During this period, Kansas students and one accompanying adult will receive free one-time admissions to each participating attraction. Passes can be claimed through the Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Sunflower Summer back so that Kansas families can really experience their home state in an entirely new way,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “From iconic attractions to our hidden gems, this year truly showcases the depth and diversity of experiences across the state.”
For the complete list of participating attractions and full program details, visit the Sunflower Summer webpage at https://sunflowersummer.org/. Families are encouraged to share their journeys on social media using #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer. For more Kansas travel ideas or to order a free Kansas travel guide, visit here https://www.travelks.com/kansas-250/.
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