April 2026 Across Kansas: News, Places, Food, Trivia & Family Fun
Across Kansas This Month
April 2026 brought spring green-up, severe-weather reminders, business and broadband updates, rural community news, wheat reports, and a new historic byway for Kansans to explore.
- News
- Places
- Food
- Trivia
- Family Fun
April tax collections finished above estimate
The State of Kansas ended April 2026 with total tax collections of $1.4 billion, according to the Kansas Office of the Governor. That was $31.6 million, or 2.3%, above the estimate, and total tax collections were up 4.0% from April 2025.
The same release reported individual income tax collections of $803.5 million and combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts of $302.9 million. Source: Kansas Office of the Governor.
Winter wheat moved quickly through spring stages
For the week ending April 26, USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Kansas winter wheat condition at 16% very poor, 25% poor, 36% fair, 21% good, and 2% excellent.
The same report said winter wheat was 86% jointed and 43% headed. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 28% very short, 31% short, 34% adequate, and 7% surplus. Source: USDA NASS Kansas Crop Progress and Condition.
April storms brought tornadoes and large hail
The National Weather Service in Topeka documented April 13 severe storms in east central Kansas, including large hail and two confirmed tornadoes. The Ottawa tornado was rated EF-2, with estimated peak winds of 125 mph, a 7.30-mile path, and three injuries.
NWS Wichita also documented a long April 26-27 severe-weather event across central and eastern Kansas. The event included fifteen straight hours of severe storms, large hail, and a tornado near Sycamore that produced EF-1 and EF-2 damage. Sources: National Weather Service Topeka and National Weather Service Wichita.
Pony Express Historic Byway became Kansas' 13th scenic byway
Kansas Tourism announced the official designation of the Pony Express Historic Byway on April 8. The route begins at mile marker 381 on U.S. Highway 36 east of Troy and runs through Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha, Marshall, and Washington counties before ending at Highway 243 near the historic Hollenberg Pony Express Station.
The announcement said the public unveiling ceremony was held April 7 at Hollenberg Pony Express Station in Hanover. Source: Kansas Department of Commerce / Kansas Tourism.
Battery manufacturer selected Liberal for a new U.S. facility
The Kansas Department of Commerce announced April 10 that Apogee Power, a Taiwan-based energy technology and advanced battery manufacturer, selected Liberal for a new U.S. manufacturing and assembly facility.
Commerce said the company plans to invest almost $16 million over three to five years and create 80 new jobs. Source: Kansas Department of Commerce.
Kansas announced broadband grants, a job fair, and apprenticeship awards
The Office of Broadband Development announced $16.3 million in available Broadband Acceleration Grant funding, with the application period opening April 27. Commerce also promoted an April 23 KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair.
On April 29 in Topeka, the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship presented the 2026 Kansas Apprenticeship Awards during the state's National Apprenticeship Week Celebration. Sources: Kansas Office of Broadband Development, KANSASWORKS, and Kansas Office of Apprenticeship.
Featured Kansas Tourist Spot
Pony Express Historic Byway
Location: Northern Kansas, from east of Troy to the Hollenberg Pony Express Station near Hanover
April's featured destination comes straight from the month's news. Kansas Tourism designated the Pony Express Historic Byway as Kansas' 13th scenic byway, giving travelers a new way to follow a historic corridor across northern Kansas.
The route runs through Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha, Marshall, and Washington counties and ends near the Hollenberg Pony Express Station. Travel Kansas lists Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site at 2889 23rd Road near Hanover, and Travel Kansas also lists the Pony Express Home Station No. 1 Barn & Museum in Marysville as open mid-April through October.
- Plan a U.S. Highway 36 spring drive and leave time for small-town stops.
- Use the byway as a history thread rather than a rush-through route.
- Check current hours before visiting museums or historic sites.
- Pair the trip with local restaurants, parks, and downtown walks along the route.
Visitor tip: Byway travel is best when you slow down. Before leaving, check current hours, road conditions, and local event calendars. Sources: Kansas Tourism byway announcement, Travel Kansas Hollenberg listing, and Travel Kansas Marysville listing.
Kansas Kitchen
Spring Asparagus & Ham Breakfast Casserole
April is asparagus season in many Kansas gardens. K-State Research and Extension describes asparagus as one of the first crops harvested in spring, and Butler County Extension notes that asparagus can typically start being harvested in early to mid-April, depending on the year.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 1/2 cups chopped asparagus, woody ends removed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 3 cups cubed day-old bread
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter for the baking dish
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter an 8-by-8-inch or similar baking dish.
- Scatter bread cubes, ham, asparagus, and cheese in the dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour egg mixture over the bread and vegetables. Press lightly so the bread absorbs some liquid.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the casserole reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Kansas connection: This is a Kansas-inspired spring recipe built around asparagus, one of the first spring garden crops. Sources: K-State Research and Extension asparagus guide, K-State Research and Extension Butler County, and USDA FSIS safe temperature chart.
Kansas Trivia
Test Your Kansas Knowledge
- Which byway became Kansas' 13th scenic byway in April 2026?
A. Pony Express Historic Byway B. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway C. Kansas Route 66 Historic Byway D. Western Vistas Historic Byway - Which city was selected for Apogee Power's new U.S. facility?
A. Salina B. Liberal C. Ottawa D. Topeka - What kind of severe weather hit Ottawa on April 13?
A. Blizzard B. EF-2 tornado C. Ice storm D. Dust storm - How much Broadband Acceleration Grant funding was announced in April?
A. $1 million B. $5.9 million C. $16.3 million D. $125 million - According to K-State Extension, asparagus is one of the first crops harvested in which season?
A. Winter B. Spring C. Summer D. Fall
Answer key: 1-A, 2-B, 3-B, 4-C, 5-B
Kids Corner
April Kansas Crossword
Open the crossword, type one letter in each square, then check or print the puzzle. The puzzle uses words from this month's newsletter.
Seasonal Kansas
What April Brings
- Spring Green-UpGrass, trees, and gardens move fast when warm days and rain line up.
- Severe WeatherApril is a month to keep warning alerts on and avoid flooded roads.
- Wheat WatchingUSDA reports track wheat condition, jointing, heading, and soil moisture.
- Road TripsByways, parks, museum stops, and town squares become easier to enjoy.
Coming Up Next Month
- May 1-3: Brookside Art Annual in Kansas City. Source: Visit KC.
- May 1-2: Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Guadalupe Centers in Kansas City. Source: Visit KC.
- May 16: HeritageFest in Andover, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Source: City of Andover.
- May 16: Turkey Creek Festival in Merriam. Source: Visit KC.
- May 23: Oceans of Fun season opening. Source: Visit KC.
- May 24: Celebration at the Station in Kansas City. Source: Visit KC.
Keep Exploring Kansas
April reminded Kansans how quickly spring can change the view: fresh grass, storm clouds, wheat fields, road-trip routes, and new community projects all moving at once. Thanks for reading JustKansas Monthly. We will see you next month with more verified news, useful ideas, and family-friendly ways to explore the state.
Sources
- April Total Tax Collections at $1.4 Billion; 2.3% Above Estimate - Kansas Office of the Governor, published May 1, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Kansas Crop Progress and Condition, April 27, 2026 - USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Severe Storms and Tornadoes Hit Eastern Kansas 04/13/2026 - National Weather Service Topeka, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Three rounds of storms including an EF-2 tornado on April 26th - National Weather Service Wichita, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Pony Express Historic Byway Designated as Kansas' 13th Scenic Byway - Kansas Department of Commerce / Kansas Tourism, published April 8, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site - Travel Kansas, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Pony Express Home Station No. 1 Barn & Museum - Travel Kansas, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Taiwanese Battery Manufacturer Selects Liberal for New U.S. Facility - Kansas Department of Commerce, published April 10, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding - Kansas Department of Commerce, published April 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Spring Into a New Career at KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair - Kansas Department of Commerce, published April 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Celebrates 2026 Apprenticeship Award Winners - Kansas Department of Commerce, published April 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Kansas Commerce Selects Third Round of Rural Champions - Kansas Department of Commerce, published April 15, 2026, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Asparagus - K-State Research and Extension, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Asparagus Spring Care - K-State Research and Extension Butler County, accessed July 13, 2026.
- Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart - USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, accessed July 13, 2026.
- 2026's Top Annual Events in Kansas City - Visit KC, accessed July 13, 2026.
- HeritageFest - City of Andover, accessed July 13, 2026.