Dollar General’s scale comes from systematically filling gaps left by larger-format retailers in smaller communities, combined with a simple, low-cost operating model that delivers solid returns on relatively modest capital investment per store.

Dollar General (NYSE: DG) is a public company and the largest U.S. retailer by number of stores. It operates as a small-box discount chain focused on everyday essentials, primarily in rural and underserved markets.

Store Count

As of the end of fiscal 2025 (January 30, 2026), Dollar General operated 20,893 stores (including Dollar General, DG Market, DGX, and pOpshelf formats in the U.S., plus a small number of Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico).

By early May 2026 the count reached about 21,055. Texas leads with nearly 2,000 stores, followed by North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, and Pennsylvania (each over 1,000 in recent tallies). Stores exist in 48 U.S. states.

The company plans roughly 450 new U.S. stores (plus about 10 in Mexico) in fiscal 2026, along with thousands of remodels (Project Renovate and Project Elevate) and a smaller number of relocations. Growth has slowed from prior years’ higher openings as the company balances expansion with remodels and selective closures. Management has estimated roughly 11,000 additional potential U.S. opportunities remain.

Approximately 80% of stores serve towns of 20,000 or fewer people. About 75% of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Dollar General.

Sales and Financial Snapshot

Fiscal 2025 net sales reached $42.7 billion, up about 5.2% year-over-year. Same-store sales rose 3.0%.

Average sales per store were roughly $2.05 million annually. Sales per square foot ran in the high $260s (around $269 in the latest full-year figures).

Product mix is heavily weighted toward consumables (roughly 80–82% of sales: food, paper, cleaning, health & beauty, etc.), with seasonal items (~10%), home products (~5%), and apparel (~3%). The typical basket is small (often around $15), supporting frequent “fill-in” trips.

Stores average about 7,500 square feet of selling space historically, with newer primary formats targeting ~8,500 square feet (some larger DG Market formats reach ~16,000 sq ft for expanded fresh/perishables). New stores target cash payback in about two years and average returns in the mid-teens (around 16–17%).

The company employs roughly 194,000 people. Market capitalization has fluctuated in the mid-$20 billions in recent 2026 trading.

Headquarters and Leadership

Home office: 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072 (Nashville area).

Founded in 1939 in Scottsville, Kentucky, as J.L. Turner and Son (a wholesale dry-goods business) by James Luther Turner and his son Cal Turner Sr. The first Dollar General store opened in 1955 under the concept that nothing cost more than a dollar. It went public in 1968, was taken private by KKR in a 2007 leveraged buyout, and returned to the public markets via IPO in 2009. Todd Vasos has been a long-serving CEO (with recent leadership transition notes in 2026 announcements).

How They Decide Where to Put Stores (and Density)

Dollar General prioritizes underserved rural and small-town markets with limited competition from big-box retailers. Key elements of the approach include:

• Demographic filters: Areas with roughly 3,000–4,000 households within a 3-mile radius; median household incomes often in the $40,000–$70,000 range (core customers skew lower-income; households under ~$30k–$40k represent a large share of business).
• Convenience and accessibility: High-traffic locations near major roads, easy vehicle/foot access, ample parking, freestanding or strong visibility sites. Preference for places where the nearest full-service grocery or big-box alternative may be several miles away.
• Competition and economics: Analysis of existing retail density, local sales potential, traffic patterns, zoning, and real-estate costs. The small-box, low-capex model works in markets too sparse for Walmart or traditional grocers. They accept some trade-area overlap/cannibalization to lock in good real estate and build density advantages.
• Data-driven process: Real estate team uses population trends, household data, competitor mapping, and site-specific due diligence. New stores are predominantly rural; the company has also expanded into select suburban and metro-edge locations over time.

They do not typically pack many stores into dense urban cores the way convenience chains might. Instead, the model is high store count through broad geographic coverage of smaller communities (one store often serves a modest trade area of a few miles). Density varies sharply by region—very high in parts of the South and Midwest, much lower in the Mountain West or California.

Other Key Points

• Formats and innovation: Traditional Dollar General stores, larger DG Market (more fresh/grocery), smaller DGX convenience-style, and pOpshelf (non-consumables focus; expansion paused for evaluation in recent periods). Ongoing investments in coolers, fresh produce (rolling out to more stores), remodels, and digital (app, delivery partnerships).
• Business model strengths: High convenience, value pricing (many $1 items plus private brands), lean operations, and resilience in lower-income/rural demand. Consumables focus provides relative stability.
• Challenges and recent context: Inventory management improvements, margin recovery efforts after earlier pressures, selective store closures in prior years (while still netting growth), and higher construction costs for new builds.
• International: Early-stage expansion into Mexico.

Dollar General’s scale comes from systematically filling gaps left by larger-format retailers in smaller communities, combined with a simple, low-cost operating model that delivers solid returns on relatively modest capital investment per store. Official sources (investor.dollargeneral.com, SEC filings such as the 10-K/annual report for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2026, and earnings releases) are the best ongoing references for the latest numbers.

Topeka JUMP is a long-running, clergy- and congregation-driven organizing effort that turns faith communities into a coordinated civic force.

 Topeka JUMP (Justice, Unity, & Ministry Project) is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and congregation-based community organizing group in Topeka/Shawnee County, Kansas. It focuses on systemic policy and funding changes to address issues affecting marginalized groups.

It is part of the DART (Direct Action and Research Training) network of similar organizations.

History and Structure

Founded in 2012 by a group of local clergy seeking to live out a biblical call to justice (drawing heavily on Micah 6:8: “What does the LORD require of you? To do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”). It started small and has grown into a coalition of roughly 30–36 faith communities.

These include a diverse mix of United Methodist churches, Baptist, Catholic, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Episcopal, non-denominational, and others (examples from past lists: Asbury Mt. Olive UMC, El Shaddai Ministries, Grace Episcopal Cathedral, University UMC, Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Southern Hills Mennonite, Temple Beth Sholom, and more). Member congregations supply the bulk of the “people power.”

The model is classic DART-style organizing:

• Congregations identify problems through listening and surveys.
• Members research solutions and build relationships with decision-makers.
• Large public assemblies pressure officials for specific, public commitments.
• Follow-up ensures accountability.

It has received awards from NAMI Kansas (2015), Living the Dream Inc. (2017), Topeka Center for Peace and Justice (2018), and Cornerstone of Topeka (2019).

Leadership and Staff

• Lead Organizer / Director: Sarah Balzer (hired around early 2023 after founder Shanae Calhoun/Elem left to start Willow Consulting). Balzer previously worked with the sister organization Justice Matters in Lawrence; she has a social work background and Mennonite ties. She has been the consistent public face in coverage through at least 2024–2025.
• Associates historically include Jason Maymon and Austin Christ (Christ was referenced as a spokesman around the April 2026 assembly).
• Co-chairs / Executive team: Rotate among clergy and lay leaders from member congregations (examples in recent years: Melodine/Melodene Byrd of El Shaddai, Christine Potter, Rev. Lorna Boden of Tecumseh UMC, Rev. Harry Christian, Rev. Curtis Odum, and others).

Exact current staffing can shift; the best source is direct contact with the organization.

Office and Contact

• Address: 3033 SW MacVicar St. (sometimes listed as Ave.), Topeka, KS 66611.
• Phone: (785) 783-3721
• Email: topeka.jump@gmail.com
• Website: topekajump.com (includes donation link and basic campaign info)

Meetings and Events

Yes, they hold regular and large-scale meetings. The structure is intentional and public-facing:

• Community Problems Assembly — Members vote on priority issues for the year (example: November 3, 2025, at El Shaddai Ministries, 920 SE Sherman Ave.).
• Rally / Solutions events — Mid-year (e.g., March 2026).
• Nehemiah Action Assembly — The signature annual event (typically April or early May). Hundreds to over 1,000 people from member congregations fill a venue (most often Washburn University’s Lee Arena at 1901 SW Mulvane St., sometimes White Concert Hall). Officials are invited, research and personal stories are presented, and specific public commitments are sought. Recent example: April 30, 2026, at Lee Arena, focused on affordable housing, homelessness, food insecurity, and violence reduction, with attendance around 1,050.
• Justice Ministry Celebration — Usually June.
• Campaign-specific steering committees and research teams meet more frequently.
• Occasional moral marches / rallies (e.g., April 19, 2026, housing march from University United Methodist Church to a Habitat for Humanity project site, with participants carrying symbolic paper keys).

Locations rotate among Washburn venues and member churches. Childcare is sometimes offered at large assemblies. Formats can adjust for health guidelines.

Current and Recent Campaigns / Impact

They pursue multi-year campaigns with measurable policy wins:

• Safe & Affordable Housing (ongoing since ~2015): Helped pass the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund ordinance (2019). Continues pushing for permanent annual public funding (target often cited as $2 million) or dedicated revenue such as a sales tax. Recent moral marches and Nehemiah commitments from city officials.
• Mental Health Crisis / Crisis Intervention: Worked for Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) beds so people in crisis go to treatment rather than jail or ER. Secured significant state funding commitments for Valeo Behavioral Health (plans for dozens of beds).
• Violence Reduction: Advocated for evidence-based Group Violence Intervention strategies; related efforts include the Community Inspired Violence Intervention Coalition (CIVIC), which received startup funding.
• Homelessness: Elevated as a major priority around 2023–2024 (including calls for low-barrier shelter options).
• Food Insecurity (newest major campaign as of late 2025/2026): Voted in by network members; announced a grocery delivery partnership model (inspired by a Dallas program) aimed at food deserts, especially central Topeka where insecurity rates are much higher.
• Past campaigns: Expanded Oxford House recovery beds, public transit pilot programs (SOTO/NETO), education supports (Communities in Schools), predatory lending reform (paused), and budget restorations for mental health services.

They emphasize data, personal testimony, and sustained pressure rather than one-off protests. Coverage appears regularly in the Topeka Capital-Journal, WIBW, and other local outlets.

Summary

Topeka JUMP is a long-running, clergy- and congregation-driven organizing effort that turns faith communities into a coordinated civic force. Its power comes from large, disciplined public assemblies that extract specific commitments from elected officials and agency leaders, followed by accountability work. The office is on SW MacVicar, the most visible “head” role is the Lead Organizer (Sarah Balzer in recent years), and the big public meetings are the annual Nehemiah Action Assemblies plus problem-identification and celebration events.

For the absolute latest on leadership, exact meeting schedules, or involvement, contact them directly via the phone, email, or website above—organizational details evolve with staff and campaign cycles.

Look (https://mcremedia.blogspot.com/2024/05/fwd-go-topeka-inquiry.html)

Look here, folks. A while back—May of 2024—I put up a post on the blog about this exact thing. Molly Howey, who was running GO Topeka at the time, sent over their list of grants, contributions, sponsorships, and scholarships from 2022 and 2023. You can still find it at mcremedia.blogspot.com if you want to see the whole thing with your own eyes. That list tells the story plain as day.

Good golly MOLLY

Sales tax money earmarked for economic development was going out the door to:

• New Mount Zion Baptist Church for community drive-thru dinners and back-to-school events
• Shampayne Lloyd Ministries for a “Victorious Woman Retreat”
• Topeka Center for Peace and Justice
• Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration
• YWCA Northeast Kansas for scholarships and Women of Excellence dinners
• NAACP Topeka Branch for their Freedom Fund Banquet
• Oakland Garden and other community grower groups
• NOTO Arts and Entertainment District for “diversity and inclusion”
• A pet nursing hotel that won a pitch contest

Now listen close. None of those groups are evil. Most of them do work that some people care about. But they do not deserve a single dime of the half-cent sales tax that was sold to the public as economic development money. That tax is paid by every working man and woman in Shawnee County every time they buy something. It was never meant to be a community chest for churches, ministries, celebration committees, social advocacy groups, or pet hotels. Those are charitable causes. Charity starts at home—with people freely choosing to give out of their own pockets. When you force it through a sales tax and let a private group hand it out, it stops being charity and starts being a handout taken from taxpayers who never agreed to fund it.

Real economic development means jobs that put food on tables, payroll that grows the tax base, and businesses that expand and stay here. Writing checks to a women’s retreat or a Juneteenth event or a peace-and-justice center does none of that. It just feels good to the people writing the checks.

And here’s where the rubber meets the road. During the budget process—every single year when JEDO and GO Topeka decide where that money goes—common sense says if you keep allocating it to the wrong places, the public is going to suffer. Every dollar that goes to a church dinner or an arts diversity program or a ministry retreat is a dollar that is not available for real job incentives, workforce training that leads to actual paychecks, or shovel-ready sites that could bring employers to town. Over time that adds up. Fewer good jobs. More of our young people packing up and leaving. Higher pressure on the rest of the tax base. Roads and bridges and everything else that actually keeps the place running get squeezed. The public pays the price while the handouts keep flowing to groups that already have their own fundraising channels.

That’s not complicated. That’s just common sense. The money has a purpose. Stick to the purpose. Anything else is taking from the people who work for a living and giving it to causes they never voted to support. 

Full credit and thanks to This Is Topeka for the thorough reporting. Check their site for the original article and ongoing local coverage.

Lauren’s Bay Finally Moving Forward: Unpaid Taxes Lead to Auction and New Builders By Henry McClure | MCRE, LLC

In the spirit of transparency and keeping Shawnee County informed on local development news, I wanted to share a strong summary of recent reporting from This Is Topeka (thisistopeka.com). All credit goes to This Is Topeka Staff for their July 21, 2026 article: “Years of Unpaid Taxes End With Lauren’s Bay Sold to Three Builders.” I highly recommend reading the full piece for the complete details.

Key Developments at Lauren’s Bay

After years of stalled progress, unpaid taxes, and debates over special assessments, more than 100 vacant lots in the southwest Topeka subdivision (near SW 47th and Wanamaker, Auburn-Washburn School District) were sold at a Shawnee County judicial tax foreclosure auction on June 10, 2026.

The buyers include three reputable local builders:

• Diamond Homes of Topeka (formerly Dultmeier Homes) – approximately 40 lots.
• Drippé Homes – approximately 12 lots.
• Skill Pro Group – approximately 52 lots.

Builders have shared optimistic timelines with This Is Topeka, with clearing already underway and foundations potentially starting after August 1. Plans call for 10–15 homes from one builder and around six from another in the coming year, with potential for more phases.

The Backstory

As This Is Topeka explains, Lauren’s Bay was planned as an upscale neighborhood. Unusually, the city invested in full infrastructure (roads, sewers, utilities) upfront about 15 years ago— an “experiment” not typically repeated. Development lagged, leaving infrastructure in place but insufficient homes to support the costs. This led to massive accumulation of delinquent property taxes, penalties, and special assessments (reportedly exceeding $7 million at one point for properties tied to developer Jim Klausman).

Special assessments, as detailed in the article, are a mechanism to fund improvements benefiting specific properties rather than the entire tax base. When unpaid, they can trigger foreclosure.

City leaders had explored deals to forgive portions of debt in exchange for payments and commitments to build, citing housing needs. These efforts faced significant public opposition over fairness and were ultimately set aside, allowing the county foreclosure process to proceed.

Auction Strategy and Results

To promote actual development over speculation, the county grouped lots into larger packages. This approach worked, landing the properties with established builders ready to construct. While the auction generated less than $1 million against millions owed, the focus of such sales is returning land to productive use, future tax revenue, and community benefit rather than full past-due recovery.

Looking Ahead

For existing residents, this should reduce overgrown vacant areas and bring more neighbors. It represents a fresh start for the subdivision, leveraging existing infrastructure in a strong school district. As This Is Topeka notes, questions remain about accountability in the original agreements and handling of public investments, but the sale opens the door to new homes and growth.

This outcome underscores the importance of timely development, fiscal responsibility, and transparent processes in local projects—topics central to making Shawnee County a place where families want to live and build.

Full credit and thanks to This Is Topeka for the thorough reporting. Check their site for the original article and ongoing local coverage. 

In Shawnee County, Kansas (which includes Topeka), getting a question (ballot measure) on the ballot generally relies on petitions for citizen-initiated actions, referrals by governing bodies, or specific statutory processes.

There is no broad statewide citizen initiative or referendum for laws or constitutional amendments—Kansas relies on the legislature for statewide measures. Local options exist for cities (like Topeka) and counties, but they are limited, vary by issue, and must follow exact statutory requirements.

No, a city council person or county commissioner does not have to sponsor it, and it does not require their consensus or a majority vote upfront. Citizens can drive the process via petition in many cases, forcing the governing body to act (e.g., pass the ordinance or call an election). However, the governing body can sometimes adopt the measure itself or challenge its legality. Petitions are the primary citizen tool.

Key Distinctions: City (Topeka) vs. County (Shawnee County)

• Topeka (first-class city with home rule powers): Stronger initiative/referendum options under K.S.A. 12-3013 and constitutional home rule (Article 12, Section 5).
• Shawnee County (unincorporated areas or countywide): More limited; home rule resolutions (K.S.A. 19-101a et seq.) are common for county actions, with petition options for specific taxes, bonds, or charter matters. Veto referendums exist for certain home rule counties.

General Process for Citizen Petitions (Most Common Path)

1. Determine the Type of Measure and Applicable Statute:

   • Initiated Ordinance (Cities like Topeka): Propose a new local law/ordinance. Requires signatures from 25% of electors who voted in the last preceding regular city election (for first-class cities like Topeka). Example: A recent property tax cap petition needed ~2,795 signatures based on prior turnout.
   • Referendum/Veto (Repeal or Protest Existing Action): For city ordinances (home rule cities have mandatory referendum power for charter ordinances) or specific county actions. Signature thresholds vary (e.g., lower for some vetoes).
   • County-Specific (e.g., Sales Tax, Bonds, Gage Park): Often 5-10% of voters from a prior election (e.g., 5% for certain Shawnee County sales tax or park measures; 10% for general county sales tax). Some require resolutions from taxing districts.
   • Charter Resolutions/Amendments: For home rule or structural changes. Petitions can trigger elections.
   • Other specifics: Bond questions, tax levies, zoning, liquor, etc., have tailored rules.

   Consult statutes (e.g., K.S.A. Chapter 12 for cities, Chapter 19 for counties, Chapter 25 for elections) or an attorney. Not all issues qualify (e.g., administrative matters or special assessments often excluded).

2. Draft the Petition and Question:

   • Submit a copy of the proposed question/ordinance to the county counselor (Shawnee County) or district attorney before circulating for an advisory opinion on legality/form (within 5 business days; rebuttable presumption of validity if approved or no response).
   • Petition must include: Clear ballot question (per K.S.A. 25-620/25-3601), name of subdivision, signer recital ("I have personally signed... registered elector of [subdivision]..."), circulator affidavit (notarized, witnessing all signatures on their pages).
   • Use the SOS Petition Circulation Guide for format. No standard pre-printed forms (except recall). Seek legal help for drafting.

3. Circulate and Collect Signatures:

   • Who can sign/circulate: Registered electors of the relevant area (city or county). Circulators need not be registered in the district but must witness every signature on their pages, collect from only one county per page, and notarize their affidavit.
   • Time limit: Petitions void after 180 days from the first signature (shorter for recall). File all at once as a group.
   • Verification: County election officer checks signatures against voter rolls. Insufficient = start over; no successive filings for the same issue.

4. File the Petition:

   • With the city clerk (Topeka) or Shawnee County Election Office (county issues). They verify and certify.
   • Contact: Shawnee County Election Office, (785) 251-5900.

5. Governing Body Response:

   • For city initiatives (K.S.A. 12-3013): Within 20 days, pass the ordinance unchanged or call a special election (or use next regular if within 90 days).
   • County: Similar for qualifying petitions (e.g., tax measures); they direct the county clerk to submit to voters.
   • Governing body can adopt it outright, avoiding an election.

6. Election:

   • Usually at the next primary/general election (unless special authorized). Simple majority typically passes it.
   • If passed by voters: Becomes binding (with limits on later repeal/amendment for some ordinances).

Other Ways (No Petition Needed from Citizens)

• Governing Body Referral: City council or county commissioners can place questions (e.g., tax, bonds, charter) via resolution/ordinance.
• Home Rule Charter Resolutions: County can use K.S.A. 19-101a for local legislation; petitions can influence or trigger votes in some cases.
• Specific Statutes: E.g., sales tax, park authorities, zoning referendums have their own triggers.

Challenges and Tips

• Legality: Courts can strike invalid forms or non-qualifying subjects. Challenge window is short (e.g., 20 days).
• Costs/Practicality: Signature gathering is labor-intensive; professional help or volunteers needed. High thresholds for cities.
• Resources:
  • Kansas SOS Petition Guide: sos.ks.gov.
  • Shawnee County Election Office / City Clerk.
  • Statutes via kslegislature.org or ksrevisor.gov.
  • Consult a lawyer (county counselor opinion is advisory only).
• Examples: Topeka tax petitions, Shawnee County bond/park measures, past consolidation votes.

This is complex and issue-specific—requirements differ for bonds, taxes, zoning, etc. For your exact goal (e.g., development policy, tax, or reform), review the precise K.S.A. section and consult the Election Office or legal counsel early to avoid invalidation. Success depends on strong organization, clear drafting, and sufficient support.

Fw: A Doctor's Note - Senator Marshall's Weekly Newsletter

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
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From: Senator Roger Marshall <donotreply@marshall.senate.gov>
Sent: Friday, 17 July 2026 16:49:19
To: mcre13@gmail.com <mcre13@gmail.com>
Subject: A Doctor's Note - Senator Marshall's Weekly Newsletter

 

Visit Our Website Media Fraud Bust of the Week This week’s ‘Fraud Bust of the Week’ shows just how far some criminals will go to take taxpayer dollars meant for others. The case centers on a mother and her two adult sons who worked together for years on a conspiracy to steal over $5 million in taxpayer dollars by falsifying paperwork and tax returns. Along with filing $1,533,395 worth of fraudulent claims with the IRS, the family conspired to obtain over $3,273,455 in COVID-19 unemployment funds — funds intended to aid hardworking Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. But it doesn’t stop there — the family also submitted fraudulent claims to the U.S. Small Business Administration, seeking $337,645 in PPP loans designed to help small businesses keep their employees on payroll through the pandemic. Thanks to the Trump Administration’s work, these criminals have been indicted and will face justice. Americans are done with criminals selfishly taking advantage of programs designed to help those in need, and we will not quit fighting until every one of these fraudsters has been caught. Click here for the full story. Senator Marshall: Every Democrat Wants to Vote Against Voter ID This week, I joined Newsmax, KCMO Radio, KNSS Radio, and Fox Business to discuss the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, his personal character and genuine love for America, his ongoing legacy in the Senate, and how the work to pass the SAVE America Act and require voter ID must continue in his honor. We also discussed new evidence that raises serious questions about Dr. Fauci’s role in the origins of COVID-19, the federal government’s response to the pandemic, and the treatment of whistleblowers, and my call for the Department of Justice to appoint a special counsel to investigate Dr. Fauci. Click HERE or on the image above to watch the full interview on Newsmax. Click HERE or on the image above to watch the full interview on KCMO Radio. Click HERE or on the image above to watch the full interview on Fox Business. Click HERE or on the image above to watch the full interview on KNSS Radio. Senator Marshall Calls for Special Counsel Investigation into Dr. Fauci This week, I sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche calling for the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci following the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s (ODNI) recent declassification of documents regarding the handling of COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, I have remained committed to investigating COVID-19 origins and gain-of-function oversight, and I believe newly declassified documents warrant an independent special counsel investigation into Dr. Fauci’s role, as well as a review of former President Biden’s pardon. The pandemic imposed enormous costs on Kansas families, businesses, and communities, and the restoration of public trust demands an independent investigation of federal officials’ conduct before, during, and after the pandemic. Click here to learn more about my request for a special counsel investigation. Senator Marshall Applauds $2.1 Million in Kansas Library Funding, Emphasizes Importance of American History This week, I also celebrated $2,109,394 in funds being awarded to the State Library of Kansas by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). I fought hard for these dollars during the federal appropriations process because I know how vital they are for Kansas communities. These funds will be used by the State Library to directly support local libraries across Kansas, funding important community initiatives like local summer reading programs. Kansas libraries are more than just a place to check out books. They provide resources for kids to learn to read, learn to think, and learn what it means to be an American. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, these dollars also play a critical role in ensuring Kansas kids grow up knowing our nation’s history and our values of faith, family, and freedom. Click here to learn more. Senator Marshall Applauds Improved Processing Speed for Fallen Officer Benefits This week, I applauded an announcement by the Department of Justice that processing speed for the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program has tripled in the last month, providing over $96 million in benefits to eligible surviving families of fallen public safety officers. As a Kansan and the son of a former police chief, I especially appreciate this improvement as we continue to remember the four Kansas law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities in 2025. The PSOB Program provides benefits to family members of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders, and disability benefits to officers and their families in case of a catastrophic injury in the line of duty. These important benefits provide families with funds to help them adjust after loss or catastrophic disability, as well as assisting with education costs. When an officer doesn’t come home, their family shouldn’t have to fight the government on top of everything else. I am thrilled to hear about this progress in cutting red tape and getting benefits to these families faster, and I will keep pushing until every family gets what they’ve earned. Click here to learn more. Senator Marshall Joins Colleagues in Calling for Senate Vote on Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Package This week, I joined my Senate Republican colleagues in calling on the Senate to take up the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, a comprehensive package of anti-fraud reforms that would recover taxpayer dollars, prevent future fraud, and strengthen accountability across the federal government. This legislation is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion by preventing fraud before it occurs, recovering stolen funds, and holding criminals accountable. I am proud that it includes my WALZ Act, legislation that would help prevent fraud by requiring payments to be made as reimbursements only after services have been provided — closing loopholes that have allowed billions in taxpayer dollars to be stolen. Fraudsters are always looking for the next weak spot, and for years, Washington has made their job far too easy. President Trump has brought a renewed focus to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse, and Congress should seize this opportunity to make those reforms permanent, saving taxpayers billions and better protecting the hard-earned dollars of Kansas families. Click here to learn more. Senator Marshall Introduces Bill Requiring Insurers to Cover Restorative Care Following Harmful Gender Transition Procedures This week, I introduced the Treatment and Restoration Uniformity and Transparency in Health Coverage (TRUTH in Coverage) Act to require private health insurance plans that cover gender transition procedures to also cover medically necessary care for patients experiencing complications or seeking restorative treatment following those procedures. As physicians, we take an oath to do no harm. Unfortunately, too many Americans have undergone irreversible gender transition procedures only to be left with life-changing complications and nowhere to turn. Insurance companies have been more than willing to profit by covering these procedures, but when patients need care to treat complications and restore healthy human function, they are often left on their own. Patients deserve transparency before making life-altering medical decisions, and insurance companies should be consistent in their coverage when those decisions result in lifelong complications. Starting in 2027, this bill establishes a federal standard ensuring insurance companies cannot cover transition procedures while denying coverage for treatment needed to address resulting harm or restore healthy human function. I will always fight to protect minors from these procedures and work to ease the suffering of those who have undergone them — it is only right that they have access to care that can help relieve the lifelong complications that often come along with these transitions. Click here to learn more. Senator Marshall Questions CDC, ASPR Nominees on America’s Public Health Preparedness On Wednesday, I had the honor of questioning President Trump’s nominees to lead two of the nation’s top public health agencies during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing. The witnesses included Sean Kaufman, M.P.H., nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Erica Schwartz, nominee to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Throughout the hearing, I emphasized restoring trust in public health, strengthening America’s preparedness for future pandemics, supporting innovation through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign sources of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Click here for more info.   Great Bend Tribune: Sen. Marshall visits Clara Barton Hospital. WIBW: Local politicians react to passing of longtime Senator Lindsey Graham. New York Post: GOP senator demands special counsel probe of Dr. Anthony Fauci over COVID-19 origins. Newsmax: Sen. Marshall to Newsmax: Senate Should Advance SAVE Act Piece by Piece. Washington Times: China’s Payment Foothold Threatens American Small Businesses. Breitbart: GOP Sen. Marshall: Gulf States Should ‘Finish the Job’ with Iran, ‘We’ve Done Our Job’. KCLY: Federal Funding to Support Kansas Libraries, Reading Programs and Community Services. Ad Astra Radio: Pawnee and Stafford Counties Receive $20,255,000 BUILD Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. KOAM: Sen. Marshall touts $2.1M in federal funding for Kansas libraries. KCLY: DOJ Announces Faster Processing for Public Safety Officers’ Benefits. New York Post: Markwayne Mullin to announce election security crackdown after The Post reveals DHS IDs 275K noncitizens registered to vote. 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Hey everyone — just wanted to pop in and say thanks.  

Lately I've noticed a real uptick in traffic across the blog, YouTube channel, and socials. Whether you're checking in on local development news, real estate opportunities here in Topeka and Shawnee County, or just following along with what I'm seeing on the ground, I appreciate every view, comment, and share. It means a lot.  

This isn't just about numbers for me — it's about using this platform the right way. I've spent 45+ years in real estate and development, and I've seen how information (or the lack of it) can make or break projects, businesses, and our community. So my goal has always been to cut through the noise: sharing honest updates on zoning, incentives, infrastructure, local politics, and opportunities that actually move the needle.  

If you're a small business owner, developer, property owner, or just someone with a story or idea that deserves more eyes, let's talk. I'm happy to help spotlight good work, share marketing tips from what I've learned building MCRE, or simply get the word out on things that matter to Shawnee County families.  

Drop a comment, shoot me a message, or tag a friend who might benefit. This only works when it's a two-way street.  

Grateful to be building this with you all. Let's keep putting Shawnee County first.  

#Topeka #ShawneeCounty #LocalNews 

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

Let’s Aim Higher

 Title: A Hurtful Comment, a Quick Deep Dive, and Thoughts on Public Service in Topeka

I do need help. I am so arrogant. I am so arrogant that I thought I could change Topeka. I thought I could change Topeka due to my arrogance. And I’m going to need a lot of help to get people to actually change Topeka.

Today, while reviewing some old memories and posts, one comment stood out. Kristen Anderson White wrote on Facebook: “God help us if anyone ever takes you seriously. You need help!”

It was directed at me, and honestly, it hurt. I’ve spent decades in Topeka real estate, founding MCRE, LLC, working on developments, and running for Shawnee County Commissioner and Mayor because I believe our community deserves better—more transparent processes, shovel-ready projects, accountability for taxpayer dollars, and economic growth that gives our kids and grandkids reasons to stay and build here. Showing up at meetings, drafting proposals, studying drainage and zoning details, and putting my name on the ballot isn’t easy. It means sticking your neck out in public.

So I did what anyone would do after seeing a comment like that: I researched who Kristen Anderson White is. If she’s out there minding her own business as a kind person contributing positively, that’s great. I don’t hate her for a single post. But the disconnect between the comment and her actual record is striking.

Kristen Anderson White’s Track Record

Kristen is a lifelong Topekan, Topeka West High School Class of 1972 graduate, and Kansas State University art education alum. She built a career as an artist, designer, and entrepreneur. For years she and her husband Bob White ran Gallery Classic, a retail store focused on Belgian antiques, home décor, and art. They purchased the building around 1999 and operated it successfully until selling the property in 2011. She championed re-purposed and reclaimed pieces—promoting sustainable decorating well before it was trendy.

She also founded White x White, a wholesale home décor company importing quality Belgian-style furniture and antiques for retailers across the country. She made regular sourcing trips to Belgium with Bob, bringing distinctive European influences back to Topeka. She’s a mother, stepmother, grandmother (“Kiki” to her grands), and a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at age 40 in 1994, treated successfully, and has remained cancer-free. She’s active in local history groups like Topeka History Geeks, helping preserve and share our community’s stories.

That’s a solid, positive track record of building businesses, creating, and staying involved locally for decades.

Why the Comment?

Which raises the question: Why the hateful tone? Why tell someone actively trying to serve the public that they “need help” and shouldn’t be taken seriously?

It doesn’t seem in character with the rest of her life. But that’s the thing about online comments. It’s easy—and safer—to fire off a zinger from the couch or a dark basement. No need to study the issues, attend the meetings, file the paperwork, or put your own record on the line. Running for office, advocating for reform, and showing up publicly means facing criticism, scrutiny, and yes, mean-spirited posts. It’s not for everyone. Some prefer the comfort of the sidelines.

I get it. Local development, incentives, zoning, and city leadership spark strong feelings. Reasonable people can disagree. But dismissing the person rather than engaging the ideas doesn’t help Topeka move forward.

Let’s Aim Higher

Topeka needs more people willing to stick their necks out—not fewer. Whether you agree with my positions or not, the work is about results: better deals for taxpayers, infrastructure readiness, and consistent rules for everyone. I’ll keep showing up, researching, and pushing for positive change—arrogant as that may be.

To Kristen and anyone else: If you have substantive critiques of the policies or proposals, I’m happy to discuss them. Let’s keep the conversation focused on ideas and data instead of personal attacks. Our community deserves that.

Henry McClure

1. Exact Statutory Language (Key Sections of SB 98)

 Definition of “Qualified Data Center” (New Section 1(g)):

“Qualified data center” means one or more buildings that are constructed, reconstructed, enlarged, remodeled or leased to house a group of networked computer servers in this state to centralize the storage, management and dissemination of data and information pertaining to a particular business, taxonomy or body of knowledge and such buildings are connected to each other by fiber and associated equipment required for operating a fiber transmission network between data center buildings and internet points for the purpose of providing redundancy and resiliency for the data center services provided in each building.

Core Qualification (New Section 2(a)):

A qualified firm that makes an investment in eligible data center costs in a qualified data center of at least $250,000,000 in the aggregate by the fifth year of operations and creates and maintains at least 20 new jobs at the qualified data center within two calendar years after the commencement of operations shall receive a sales tax exemption...

Electricity Rate Prohibition (amended K.S.A. 66-101j):

A customer shall not be eligible for the discount authorized by this section for any new or expanded facility that is a qualified data center as defined in section 1, and amendments thereto.

Water Conservation Commitment (Section 2(b)(5)): The firm must commit to practices that will conserve, reuse and replace water, including (but not limited to) efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, recirculation, reclaimed water use, and watershed restoration support.

Clawback / Cure (Section 2(c)): 120-day cure period after written notice of breach. If not cured, Commerce can require repayment of all or part of the sales tax exemption received, terminate the exemption, or suspend it.

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2. Comparison to Neighboring States (2026)

State	Main Incentive	Min Investment	Min Jobs	Duration	Power Discount Allowed?	Security Review?	Notes / Strength vs KS
Kansas	100% state + local sales tax	$250M	20	20 years	No	Yes (KIFC)	Strongest security + ratepayer protection
Missouri	100% state + local sales tax	$25M (new) / $5M (expand)	10 (new) / 5 (expand)	Up to 15 years	Yes (local deals common)	No	Much lower thresholds; heavy local Chapter 100 property tax abatements (often 90%+ for 20+ years)
Iowa	Sales tax exemption or refund	$200M (full) or $1M–$10M (partial)	Varies	10–15 years (recently limited)	Yes	No	Lower bar; also property tax exemption starting 2027
Nebraska	Sales tax exemption on equipment + construction materials	$3M–$37M+ (tiered)	30+ or maintain employment	Multi-year	Yes	No	Flexible tiers via Advantage/ImagiNE programs
Oklahoma	Sales tax exemption on equipment/machinery (and sometimes power for certain NAICS)	None specific	None specific	Ongoing	Partial	No	Broad computer services exemption
Colorado	Proposed/debated 20–30 year sales tax exemption (HB26-1030 style)	Varies	Varies	20–30 years	Yes	No	Not as mature; fiscal pushback ongoing

Takeaway: Kansas has the highest investment threshold ($250M) and the strongest ratepayer and security protections. Missouri is currently the most aggressive competitor in the KC metro with much lower bars and huge local property tax deals. Iowa and Nebraska are also active but less “hyperscale-focused.”

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3. Sample Local Zoning Language That Interacts with SB 98

Here’s clean, professional language you (or a city/county attorney) can adapt for Topeka, Shawnee County, or any Kansas jurisdiction. It is designed to work with SB 98 while giving locals real control.

text

Section X.XX – Data Centers and Related Facilities

A. Definition. “Data Center” means a facility whose primary purpose is the storage, management, processing, and dissemination of digital data, including but not limited to facilities that would qualify as a “qualified data center” under K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 74-50,331 et seq. (SB 98).

B. Zoning Districts. Data Centers shall be permitted only in the following districts as a Conditional Use or Special Use Permit: [I-2 Heavy Industrial / PUD / specific overlay]. They are prohibited in all residential, agricultural, commercial, and mixed-use districts unless specifically rezoned after public hearing.

C. Additional Requirements for Conditional/Special Use Approval:
   1. Minimum lot size of 40 acres (or as determined by City/County).
   2. Minimum setbacks of 500 feet from any residential zoning district or dwelling, and 200 feet from any public right-of-way.
   3. Noise, vibration, light, and dust standards stricter than general industrial (e.g., no more than 55 dBA at property line, zero detectable off-site vibration).
   4. Water Conservation Plan approved by [City Water / County] that demonstrates net-zero or better impact on local aquifers and surface water (air-cooled or closed-loop preferred).
   5. Written will-serve letters from the electric utility and water provider confirming capacity without adverse impact on existing customers.
   6. Landscape and screening plan that fully conceals the facility from public view within 5 years.
   7. Decommissioning bond or escrow in an amount sufficient to restore the site.
   8. Community Benefits Agreement (optional but strongly preferred) addressing local hiring, road improvements, and annual payments in lieu of taxes.

D. Interaction with State Incentives. Approval of a Conditional Use Permit does not constitute endorsement for any state incentive under SB 98. The governing body may condition approval on the applicant agreeing not to seek, or to waive, any local portion of the SB 98 sales tax exemption, or on additional local performance guarantees.

E. Temporary Moratorium Authority. The governing body may by resolution impose a temporary moratorium of up to 12 months on new applications for Data Centers while studying impacts.

This language has already been used (in pieces) in places like Independence, Spring Hill, and Topeka’s recent discussions.

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4. Analysis of the Compass Datacenters Proposal (Topeka / Shawnee County)

Current Status (as of July 16, 2026):

• Proposed ~60 MW campus near the Walmart distribution center area in Shawnee County / Topeka vicinity.
• No formal application submitted yet (as of early July).
• Compass has been in preliminary talks with the City and County.
• City of Topeka just enacted a 12-month moratorium (July 14–15, 2026) on data centers and battery storage systems specifically to study impacts — this freezes any city-side progress.
• Shawnee County approved a resolution in early July raising conditional-use permit fees for “intelligence industry” projects to $15,000 and setting some frameworks.
• Recent public controversy: Compass representative walked away from a scheduled meeting with local landowners when media arrived (July 15).

Under SB 98 Rules:

• 60 MW is large enough that it will almost certainly clear the $250M investment threshold (hyperscale campuses routinely exceed this).
• 20 permanent jobs is easy for them to meet (they typically create more).
• They will need a 10-year power purchase agreement with Evergy and a water plan.
• They must pass KIFC review (Compass is U.S.-based, so this is usually straightforward unless foreign tenants or technology raise flags).
• They are ineligible for any discounted economic-development electricity rates.

Local Leverage Points:

• Zoning / Conditional Use is still required → moratorium and high fees buy time.
• Water, noise, traffic, and visual impact remain fully under local control.
• Public pressure is already high and effective (Topeka moratorium is direct proof).
• You can demand the Community Benefits Agreement language above as a condition of any future approval.

Bottom line on Compass: It is a real prospect but currently stalled by the City’s 12-month pause and rising local opposition. It is a classic “test case” of SB 98 — state incentives are ready and waiting, but local land-use control is still the decisive gate.

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Kansas SB 98 – Summary and Deep Dive (Enacted 2025, effective July 1, 2025)

Quick Summary

SB 98 created the Kansas Data Center Sales Tax Exemption Program. It offers a 20-year 100% state and local sales and use tax exemption on construction, equipment, and related costs for large-scale data centers that invest at least $250 million and create at least 20 new full-time Kansas-resident jobs.

Key strings attached:

• Must buy power from the local utility for 10 years.
• Must have a water conservation plan.
• Must pass a cybersecurity/critical-infrastructure review by the Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center (KIFC).
• Explicitly banned from receiving the normal economic-development discounted electricity rates that other large industrial customers can get.

It is the state’s main tool to attract hyperscale and large data centers while trying to protect ratepayers and national security interests.

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Deep Dive

1. Legislative Purpose and Background

SB 98 (Chapter 124 of the 2025 Session Laws) was designed to make Kansas competitive in the national race for AI and cloud data center investment.

It does three main things:

1. Creates a long-duration sales tax exemption for qualified data centers.
2. Prohibits public utilities from giving data centers the standard 40%/20% economic-development electricity rate discounts.
3. Requires a mandatory national-security-style review before any public incentive can be awarded.

The bill amends K.S.A. 79-3606 (sales tax exemptions) by adding new subsection (xxxx) and amends K.S.A. 66-101j (electric utility economic development rates) to carve data centers out of the discount program.

2. Key Definitions (from the statute)

• Qualified Data Center: One or more buildings (or leased space) in Kansas that house networked computer servers for storage, management, and dissemination of data. Buildings must be connected by fiber for redundancy and resiliency.
• Qualified Firm: A business (or affiliate) registered with the Kansas Secretary of State that is engaged in developing, operating, or leasing a qualified data center. Excludes traditional telecom, wireless, and video service providers.
• Eligible Data Center Costs: Land, buildings, site improvements, data center equipment, software, engineering/design, permitting, site characterization, lease payments, and other direct costs. Electricity costs are excluded.
• Data Center Equipment: Servers, routers, cooling systems (chillers, towers, fans), generators, cabling, software, security systems, water conservation systems, and related personal property used exclusively for data processing/storage/communication.
• New Jobs: Full-time positions filled by Kansas residents, located at or directly associated with the data center.

3. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, a firm must:

Requirement	Details	Deadline
Capital Investment	≥ $250 million in eligible data center costs	By end of 5th year of operations
Job Creation	≥ 20 new full-time jobs filled by Kansas residents	Within 2 years of commencement of operations
Electricity	Signed 10-year purchase agreement with the local retail electric utility	Required in the Incentive Agreement
Water	Comprehensive water conservation/reuse plan	Required for approval
Security Review	Full KIFC review + Fusion Center Oversight Board approval	Before any incentive is awarded
Construction Start	Must begin construction within 10 years of the agreement (or earlier as negotiated)	Per Incentive Agreement
Other	Registered & in good standing with Kansas SOS; project capital not from federally sanctioned entities	Ongoing

The exemption period is 20 years from commencement of operations (or as certified).

4. What the Exemption Covers

100% exemption from state and local sales and use tax on:

• Tangible personal property and services used in construction, reconstruction, enlargement, or remodeling.
• Purchase and installation of data center equipment and eligible data center costs.
• Labor to install, repair, service, alter, or maintain data center equipment.

It does not cover electricity, construction tools/machinery of the contractor, or general administrative equipment.

5. Critical Side Provisions

Electricity Rate Ban (the most important “protection”) Public utilities cannot grant data centers the economic-development rate discounts available to other large industrial customers under K.S.A. 66-101j. This was intentional — Kansas lawmakers wanted the tax break but did not want residential ratepayers subsidizing cheap power for data centers.

KIFC Security Review Before Commerce can approve the incentive, the Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center evaluates:

• Equipment and software
• Ownership structure and foreign affiliations
• Operational purpose
• Critical infrastructure risk

The Fusion Center Oversight Board can approve, require modifications, or deny. This is a national-security gate that most states do not have.

Water Conservation Applicants must submit a plan that typically includes recirculation, rainwater harvesting, reclaimed water, efficient cooling, etc. Air-cooled or closed-loop systems are strongly preferred by communities.

6. Application & Certification Process

1. Submit complete application + $1,000 non-refundable fee to Kansas Department of Commerce.
2. Simultaneously submit detailed technical/ownership package directly to KIFC (Commerce never sees the sensitive materials).
3. KIFC / Oversight Board review and approval.
4. Commerce eligibility review.
5. Execute binding Incentive Agreement.
6. Commerce issues Certification Letter to Kansas Department of Revenue.
7. KDOR issues the project exemption certificate (Form PR-70 series process).
8. Contractor uses the certificate for tax-free purchases and retains invoices for 5 years.

Applications are accepted year-round.

7. Compliance, Monitoring & Clawbacks

• Commerce conducts ongoing monitoring + mandatory formal review every 5 years.
• Firms must report investment, jobs, power purchases, and water measures.
• 120-day cure period for deficiencies.
• Remedies for uncured breaches: suspension, modification, termination of the exemption, and clawback (repayment of previously exempted sales tax, proportional to the violation).
• False information or failure to cooperate can trigger full recapture.

8. Practical Implications (“The Real Deal”)

• Attractiveness: The 20-year full sales tax holiday is one of the cleaner, longer incentives in the Midwest. Combined with land availability and (in many places) power headroom, it is working — planned capacity in Kansas has exploded since mid-2025.
• Ratepayer Protection: Stronger than many peer states. Data centers pay full or premium industrial rates and fund their own upgrades.
• Local Control Still Intact: The state incentive does not override local zoning. Cities and counties can still impose moratoriums, special-use permits, or refuse rezoning (as Topeka did in July 2026).
• Jobs Reality: Only 20 permanent jobs required. Most employment is temporary construction. Multipliers (indirect jobs) exist but are often overstated.
• Water & Noise: These remain the biggest local flashpoints. The statute requires a water plan but does not set hard numerical limits — that is left to local negotiation and permitting.
• Security Layer: The KIFC review is unique and can slow or kill projects with problematic foreign ownership or technology.

Bottom Line

SB 98 is a deliberate, carefully structured invitation to large data centers. Kansas opened the door with a generous tax exemption while building in two major guardrails (no power discounts + mandatory intelligence review).

The horse is out of the barn at the state level. Whether individual projects succeed now depends almost entirely on local zoning, politics, water availability, and community resistance.