Topeka ? The state budget crisis is producing frayed nerves at the Statehouse.

Tempers flared Friday among some officials over tongue-in-cheek memos circulated on the governor’s stationery.

One asked that all state agencies stop spending money so that Graves’ “good friend Jack Brier” could buy buildings in Topeka.

Another of the bogus memos said a Graves news release criticizing conservative Republicans was written by a staff member under the influence of drugs.

Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer wasn’t laughing.

“If someone on my staff had written those, I would fire them,” Sherrer said.

Rep. Doug Spangler, D-Kansas City, Kan.,who also issued a heated news release accusing Graves of soaking everyday Kansans and giving tax breaks to millionaires, said officials needed to calm down.

“I think everybody needs to take a chill pill,” Spangler said.