JustKansas Monthly

February 2026 Across Kansas: News, Places, Food, Trivia & Family Fun

March 3, 2026
Late-winter Kansas prairie grassfire burning across rolling hills at sunset, with dry grass, fence posts, and patches of snow in the foreground.

Across Kansas This Month

February 2026 brought Kansas a mix of late-winter warmth, wildfire response, state finance news, winter wheat updates, arts recognition, downtown housing support, Pancake Day traditions, and history worth revisiting during Black History Month.

  • News
  • Places
  • Food
  • Trivia
  • Family Fun
State Government

February tax collections came in below estimate

The State of Kansas ended February 2026 with total tax collections of $506.3 million, according to a March 2 update from the Kansas Office of the Governor. That was $58.4 million, or 10.3%, below the estimate, and total tax collections were down 7.6% from February 2025.

The report also said individual income tax collections were $205.7 million, or 17.7% below estimate, while combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $253.4 million, slightly above estimate and up from the prior year. Source: Kansas Office of the Governor.

Agriculture

Winter wheat entered February mostly fair to good

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that, for the week ending February 1, Kansas winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 29% fair, 51% good, and 10% excellent.

Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 9% very short, 26% short, 59% adequate, and 6% surplus. The winter report is a reminder that February farm conditions can still vary widely before spring growth begins. Source: USDA NASS Kansas Crop Progress and Condition.

Weather

February helped make winter unusually warm

The National Weather Service in Wichita reported that winter 2025-2026 ranked among the top 10 warmest winters for much of central and southern Kansas. NWS said February was a major reason for that pattern, with Wichita recording its warmest February since 1930 and Russell recording its warmest February on record.

NWS February climate highlights also noted no tornado warnings and no winter storm warnings across Kansas during the month, while still tracking red flag, high wind, flood, and winter weather advisory information. Sources: National Weather Service Wichita warm winter summary and February 2026 Climate Summary.

Public Safety

Kansas issued wildfire response transportation relief

On February 24, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 26-01 to waive certain requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers assisting with wildfire relief in Kansas.

The Governor's Office said a verbal state of disaster declaration had been issued on February 15 in response to wildland fires, followed by a written declaration on February 24. The order temporarily waived certain dimension restrictions and permit fees for carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts. Source: Kansas Office of the Governor.

Community Development

Commerce backed downtown housing and community projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced on February 10 that El Dorado and Seneca would each receive $50,000 through the Residential Opportunities On Main Street program. Commerce said the projects would create 18 new upper-floor residential units in downtown buildings and leverage nearly $4.7 million in private investment.

On February 13, Commerce also launched two Kansas Community Empowerment grant opportunities: a Kickstart Grant with $40,000 available in the first round and an Impact Grant with $30,000 available in the first round. Sources: Kansas Department of Commerce ROOMS announcement and Kansas Community Empowerment grants.

Workforce & Arts

February brought job fair and arts recognition updates

KANSASWORKS hosted February's Virtual Statewide Job Fair on February 26, with the Commerce announcement describing a format where jobseekers could apply, chat live, and interview virtually with participating employers.

Earlier in the month, the Governor's Office and Kansas Arts Commission announced the 2026 Kansas Governor's Arts Awards recipients at a February 2 ceremony in Topeka. The Governor's Award went to Wichita native Joe Walsh. Sources: Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Department of Commerce / Kansas Arts Commission.

Featured Kansas Tourist Spot

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Location: Topeka, Kansas

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park is a meaningful February destination because Black History Month is a natural time to revisit Kansas' role in one of the most important civil rights decisions in U.S. history. The National Park Service says the park is located at the former Monroe Elementary School, and its visitor center includes exhibits connected to segregation, the Brown decision, and the case's legacy.

Why it matters: The National Park Service notes that the park opened on May 17, 2004, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring segregation by race in public schools unconstitutional.

  • Visit the Monroe School visitor center and first-floor exhibits.
  • Watch the park film, Race and the American Creed, when available.
  • Use the stop as a starting point for a Topeka history day.
  • Pair the visit with nearby trails or other Topeka museums if time allows.

Visitor tip: NPS lists the visitor center and park store as open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission and visitor parking are free. Check current hours before traveling. Source: National Park Service.

Historic brick school building in Topeka on a quiet winter day, inspired by Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park.

Kansas Kitchen

Liberal Pancake Day Pancakes

Stack of golden pancakes with butter and syrup on a warm Kansas kitchen table.

February is pancake season in Liberal. Visit Liberal describes International Pancake Day as a Shrove Tuesday tradition connecting Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England, with a 415-yard race and a skillet-flipping finish. The official Pancake Day site shares a simple pancake recipe that works well for a family breakfast or a small Kansas-themed gathering.

Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 15 min Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups milk, plus more if needed
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for the pan
  • Butter, syrup, fruit, or favorite toppings for serving

Instructions

  1. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few small lumps are fine.
  4. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly butter the surface.
  5. Scoop about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  7. Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Kansas connection: Liberal's Pancake Day began in 1950 when R.J. Leete of the Liberal Jaycees challenged Olney, England, to make the race an international competition. Sources: Visit Liberal, International Pancake Day recipe, and USDA FSIS safe temperature chart.

Kansas Trivia

Test Your Kansas Knowledge

  1. Which Kansas city races Olney, England, on International Pancake Day?
    A. Liberal   B. Lindsborg   C. Topeka   D. El Dorado
  2. What former Topeka school houses Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park?
    A. Monroe School   B. Lincoln School   C. Sumner School   D. Central School
  3. What share of Kansas winter wheat was rated good or excellent for the week ending February 1, 2026?
    A. 35%   B. 45%   C. 61%   D. 75%
  4. Which two Kansas Main Street communities received ROOMS awards announced in February?
    A. Dodge City and Hays   B. El Dorado and Seneca   C. Wichita and Topeka   D. Liberal and Garden City
  5. What time does Visit Liberal list for the International Pancake Day Race?
    A. 8:00 a.m.   B. 10:30 a.m.   C. 11:55 a.m.   D. 3:00 p.m.

Answer key: 1-A, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B, 5-C

Kids Corner

February Kansas Coloring Pages

Open the pancake coloring page, choose a color, then tap the spaces between the black lines to fill them.

Coloring page activity with crayons and a coloring book.

Seasonal Kansas

What February Brings

  • Winter To SpringFebruary can swing from cold mornings to warm, windy afternoons.
  • Fire Weather AwarenessDry vegetation, wind, and low humidity can raise grassfire risk.
  • Black History MonthKansas families can visit sites connected to civil rights history.
  • Pancake DayLiberal's Shrove Tuesday race keeps a local tradition moving.

Coming Up Next Month

  • March 7: KU and K-State men's basketball meet in an in-state rivalry game, highlighted by Travel Kansas in its March guide. Source: Travel Kansas.
  • March 14: Wichita's Delano Paddy Day Parade and ShamROCK the Park are listed in Visit Wichita's March events guide. Source: Visit Wichita.
  • March 17: Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade. Source: Visit KC.
  • March 20-21: Qlathe BBQ Competition at Lone Elm Park in Olathe. Source: Travel Kansas.
  • March 26-April 19: Orchid Delirium at Powell Gardens. Source: Visit KC.
  • March 27-29: Planet Comicon Kansas City. Source: Visit KC.

Keep Exploring Kansas

February reminded Kansas that a short month can still hold a lot: warm-weather records, field reports, local grants, wildfire response, arts recognition, pancake races, and history that continues to shape the country. Thanks for reading JustKansas Monthly. We will see you next month with more verified news, practical ideas, and reasons to keep exploring the Sunflower State.

Sources