MANHATTAN, Kansas — Holiday gift boxes are now available to order for the 2022 holiday season from the From the Land of Kansas state trademark program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Each gift box contains an assortment of products grown, raised or produced in Kansas, with two size options available: the Konza Box and the Ad Astra Box. From the Land of Kansas gift boxes allow for ease of purchase for family, friends or clients and add a personal, customized note for the holiday season.
The Konza Box includes sand plum jelly from Bruce’s Bullseye Farms, pepper meat sticks from R Family Farms, allergy-friendly snack bites from Safely Delicious, garden veggie dip from Twisted Pepper Co., sunflower oil from Wright Enterprises, Snaxsun lightly salted wheat snacks from Wheatland Foods, and a chocolate bar from The Sweet Granada.
The Ad Astra Box includes white popcorn kernels from Free Day Popcorn, Merry Berry jam from Grandma Hoerner’s, sweet and tangy mustard from Grannie’s Homemade Mustard, medium garden salsa from Holmes Made Salsa, sugar cookie mix from Queen Marie Gluten Free, chai concentrate mix from Signet Coffee Roasters, lavender mint lip balm from Sweet Streams Lavender, sunflower oil form Wright Enterprises, meat sticks from Yoder Meats and a chocolate bar from The Sweet Granada.
Gift boxes can be purchased online at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com/holidaybox and can be shipped anywhere in the United States. For orders larger than 10, call 785-564-6755 or email [email protected] to ensure holiday delivery. December 9 is the last day to order for guaranteed delivery before Christmas.
“Our holiday gift boxes are the perfect gift for anyone who loves Kansas. It’s a way to give back to Kansas ag businesses while making gift shopping simple and personalized,” said Sammy Gleason, From the Land of Kansas marketing manager. “We appreciate all our customers who come back each year to support our amazing producers and look forward to new customers ordering for the first time.”
The From the Land of Kansas trademark program at KDA is designed to promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. For more information about the holiday gift boxes or about the trademark program, visit fromthelandofkansas.com or contact From the Land of Kansas marketing manager Sammy Gleason at 785-564-6755.
Kansas Main Street Program Seeking New Communities, Hosting Application Workshop
TOPEKA – The Kansas Main Street program announced today it is seeking new communities to join the program in 2023. On Monday, November 14, at 10 a.m., the program will host a virtual application workshop for communities interested in the program.
“My administration rebuilt economic development tools like the Kansas Main Street Program, and it has since been a crucial part of preserving and growing Kansas downtowns,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage more Kansas communities to join this program and strengthen their economy.”
Kansas Main Street provides technical assistance and support for communities working to revitalize their downtown area by focusing on four points — economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.
Communities wishing to submit applications will be required first to attend the virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for successfully completing the application.
Applications for the Kansas Main Street program will open on December 5 and close on February 3, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in February, with new communities announced in March.
“Since Governor Kelly brought the Kansas Main Street program back in 2019, ten communities have been added, bringing the total number of designated communities to 35,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These Kansas communities once again have the resources and tools they need to enhance the quality of life and breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.”
Benefits of earning designation as a Kansas Main Street community include:
Comprehensive technical assistance from the state and national programs to further economic development downtown.
Training in strategic planning, program capacity-building, and organizational management for the Main Street organization.
Individualized training for Main Street managers, boards, and other Main Street participants.
Attendance to statewide quarterly training and professional development opportunities for participant communities.
Access to design services to help downtown property owners undertake effective rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive reuse, and infill projects, as well as reimagining public spaces within the district.
Access to business assistance such as recruitment and retention, succession planning, business plan development, and entrepreneurial development.
Membership in the Main Street America network.
“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,” said Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell. “Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is a positive step forward for our state.”
Registration for the November 14 application workshop is required, which can be completed here.
TOPEKA – More than 50 million vehicles on the nation’s roadways have unrepaired, open recalls that can lead to costly damages and put occupants at a safety risk. The Kansas Department of Transportation is joining the National Safety Council (NSC) in encouraging vehicle owners to use the Check To Protect program, which allows free repairs through an authorized dealer.
“What you don’t know can hurt you,” said Gary Herman, KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager, Bureau of Transportation Safety. “All car owners should regularly check for safety recalls, especially going into winter in Kansas. Failing vehicle parts can lead to life threatening injuries.”
The NSC warns vehicle owners to not assume recall notices will be sent by mail. Owners of older, used or vehicles not regularly seen for routine maintenance can be difficult to track down.
Checking a recall status should be part of routine vehicle maintenance and done at least twice a year. A vehicle license plate or the vehicle identification number (VIN) is required. VIN numbers are on the driver’s side dashboard or on vehicle registration/insurance documents. Then go to the Check To Protect website, https://checktoprotect.org. Anyone with a recall will be prompted to schedule a free repair at a dealer.
The Kansas Department of Transportation is committed to keeping the highways cleared when inclement weather impacts the state, but staffing shortages continue to affect the agency with not enough snowplow operators in many areas. These ongoing shortages could affect KDOT’s ability to clear snow and ice from highways in a timely manner.
“We want motorists to know ahead of time – it’s not a matter of if the highways will be cleared this winter, but when,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “KDOT crews will be proactive by shifting crews and pretreating surfaces whenever possible but having fewer employees could cause delays in removing snow and ice from all the affected roadways.”
The agency is about 24% short of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed in offices across the state. However, all KDOT field offices have made preparations in September and October to be ready for winter – employees participated in regional meetings with several days of hands-on snowfighter training exercises. Salt, sand and other materials are fully stocked, and pre-maintenance work on snowplows and other equipment is complete.
“Our maintenance crews always do their best to serve the public as they work 12-hour shifts in their efforts to clear the highways,” said Secretary Lorenz. “But motorists can help by checking on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delaying travel plans. It’s important to plan ahead, stay informed and travel safe.”
Before traveling, check www.KanDrive.org, KDOT’s road condition website – it is updated 24/7 for highway conditions, short-term closures and general traffic alerts, and provides camera views to see current road conditions in that area. KanDrive now has a new App available for download on iOS and Android phones with a hands-free/eye-free feature to announce upcoming traffic events while traveling. The Kansas 511 phone system also has been updated and provides reports on a specific route, in a city or between two cities.
The agency also will deploy all employees who have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to plow snow and hire seasonal employees. KDOT will assist selected applicants in obtaining a CDL upon hiring, which includes providing training. For people interested in working at KDOT, go to the state’s employment website at http://jobs.ks.gov/
Governor Laura Kelly Seeks Public Input on Wildfire Prevention and Response
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly called on Kansans to share their thoughts on how the State of Kansas can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires. The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force, established by Governor Kelly this past July, is seeking public input as it takes a comprehensive look at mitigating wildfire threats, reviews how local and state officials respond to such emergencies, and considers how to better support communities impacted by wildfires.
“Wildfires take a devastating toll on Kansas families and businesses, which is why we want to hear directly from the people most impacted by these disasters,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “If you have thoughts on how our state can prevent or better prepare for future disasters, please let the Wildfire Task Force know. Together, we will continue working to protect our first responders, our farmers and ranchers, and our communities.”
The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force was founded in the wake of Kansas experiencing several large-scale wildfires. Over the last five years, the Kansas State Fire Marshal has received reports of an average of 6,000-plus wildland fires each year. Since 2016, the state has experienced three large wildfires that burned over 800,000 acres.
The Task Force is led by Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam and includes bipartisan representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and organizations. The group has met several times since its creation.
“Reducing the fuel load to mitigate the risk of large-scale wildfires is a high priority; it will involve many partners and may look not look the same across the state, as different regions have different needs and challenges,” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam, Chair of the Task Force, said. “We have been engaged in extended discussions about the critical impact of wildland fires and look forward to input from the public on these issues.”
Public input can be submitted on the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s website: www.agriculture.ks.gov/WildfireTaskForce. Submissions can be made through the end of November.
The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1
TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Tuesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.
With energy costs expected to rise this winter, the protections offered by the Cold Weather Rule could be more critical than ever in keeping individuals and families safe and connected. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Midwest households heating with natural gas could see their bills increase by 33%. Those using electric heat could pay 8% more. If the weather is colder than expected, those numbers could be higher.
While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.
The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.
Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.
The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric, natural gas, and water utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.
Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.
Program still accepting applications for mortgage, property tax, and utility assistance
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that six months after its launch, the KansasHomeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) has distributed $24.8 million in mortgage, property tax, and utility aid to 2,321 Kansas homeowners.
“Housing is vital to a strong workforce and a resilient economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This program is providing much-needed relief for Kansans, and my administration will continue supporting homeowners by cutting property taxes and expanding affordable housing.”
The Kelly Administration granted the funding for the temporary relief initiative distributed by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to help Kansas homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship avoid foreclosure and catch up on their mortgages and property taxes. The program assists with mortgage payments, property taxes and charges, utility and internet fees, and more.
“Housing stability is essential for strong families, healthy communities, and a thriving economy,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).“This assistance keeps families safely housed and preserves the dream of homeownership for Kansans facing hardship.”
Currently, 2,321 KHAF applications have been granted assistance, and additional funds remain to assist homeowners. Kansans who have fallen behind on their mortgage and/or property tax payments are encouraged to apply now.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
jjjjjjjj• You own your home in Kansas and are at least 30 days past due on mortgage or jjjjjjjjjjjjproperty taxes.
jjjjjjjj• The property (a single-family home, one-to-four-unit dwelling, condo, townhome, or jjjjjjjjjjjjmanufactured home) is your primary residence.
jjjjjjjj• Your household has experienced financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.
Kansans requesting KHAF assistance are encouraged to apply online. If approved, funds are paid directly to the service provider(s), who apply them to the homeowner’s account(s).
More than 200 mortgage loan servicers partner with the KHAF program as participating lenders. The program will remain open until program funds are fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is processed in a timely manner.
Applicants in need of assistance may call 1-855-307-KHAF(5423) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
KDWP to Receive $4.3 Million in Grants to Conserve At-risk Wildlife
Kansas City, Kan. – In an announcement made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Oct. 19, 2022, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will receive a portion of more than $66.7 million in matching grants to be distributed across 16 states and Guam in support of imperiled species. The grant dollars are made possible by the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund – grants that contribute millions annually to support implementing state and territorial programs that conserve and recover federally listed and at-risk species on non-federal lands.
“This grant funding makes it possible for us to conserve nearly 1,600 acres of critical wetland habitat that will not only benefit species most at risk, but many other species that depend on wetlands for food, shelter and respite during migration,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “We know we can’t conserve imperiled species without first conserving their habitat, so this is a great ‘next step’ towards paving the way for these projects, as well as future efforts to conserve critical habitat across our great state.”
Authorized by Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act and partly funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $4,306,820 from the CESCF will be distributed to Kansas to support habitat conservation.
Of the more than $4.3 million in grant funding slated for the Sunflower State, $3,994,790 will be dedicated to wetland habitat conservation in support of Whooping Cranes and Eastern Black Rails, with the remaining $312,030 supporting Kansas’ Aquatic Safe Harbor Agreement.
“Thanks to decades-long partnerships like the one we have with Ducks Unlimited, we’ve been able to restore, renovate, and protect critical habitat for a variety of native species,” said KDWP Assistant Secretary Stuart Schrag. “Now, being the recipient of this federal Recovery Land grant for the first time ever only elevates what KDWP and Ducks Unlimited can do together to positively impact critical landscapes and the wildlife that depend on them.”
Ducks Unlimited – a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl – played an active role in KDWP’s grant application process, recognizing the vital importance of stopover habitat for the federally-endangered Whooping Crane, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for the federally-threatened Eastern Black Rail.
“The partnership between KDWP, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to secure these funds is a prime example of how collaboration can greatly benefit imperiled species,” said Matt Hough, Manager of Conservation Programs in Kansas for Ducks Unlimited. “Working together toward the common goal of conserving wildlife are what these relationships are all about, because when we protect wetlands and associated habitats, both wildlife and people benefit.”
To learn more about threatened and endangered species in Kansas – including the recovery plans KDWP has in place to guide research and management of listed species – click HERE.
To learn more about the CESCF grant program, click HERE.
TOPEKA – Influenza season is here in Kansas. While activity remains low, influenza cases have already been seen in Kansas.
The flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving the vaccine before influenza activity begins in your community, ideally by the end of October.
“Early indications say the flu may hit a little harder this year, so it’s very important to start thinking about getting the vaccine,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, State Health Officer at KDHE. “The good news is you don’t need two separate appointments; you can get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same time!”
KDHE monitors flu activity, including the percentage of emergency department visits and deaths attributable to influenza. During the 2021-2022 flu season, influenza was a contributing or direct cause of death in 44 deaths. Pneumonia, which often develops with influenza infections, was a contributing or direct cause of death in 1,200 deaths. Severe influenza infection and symptoms may be avoided with vaccination.
“The influenza vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age or older. Being vaccinated against influenza is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications, including babies and young children, pregnant women, older persons and people with certain chronic conditions,” said Duwve.
Kansans can start getting their vaccine from their health care provider, at local pharmacies, health departments and some medical clinics.
Getting vaccinated also protects people around you. Getting vaccinated is important for persons caring for young children, adults over 65, and those caring for persons with certain medical conditions. Most people who get the flu recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people can develop complications like pneumonia which could lead to hospitalization and be life-threatening.
Find a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov. For the latest on Kansas influenza news, visit kdhe.ks.gov/flu.
ORLANDO, FLA. – Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz was awarded the 2022 George S. Bartlett Award given jointly by the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association for her outstanding leadership and extensive service in transportation.
Through AASHTO, Lorenz is currently leading a national effort to develop a united vision for state DOTs to deliver community centered transportation. The vision will provide state DOTs a range of strategies they can deploy to make transportation work better for people and communities in their states.
“Transportation is about people, those we serve, and those we work with to better deliver improvements in our communities, said Secretary Lorenz. “I’m honored to receive this award from organizations and colleagues I greatly admire because of our shared vision to make transportation safer and work better for all Americans.”
Lorenz has been actively involved in TRB for more than 15 years on numerous committees as well as the Chair of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project Panel on Administration of Highway and Transportation Agencies. She is Immediate Past President of AASHTO’s Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials, which serves 10 states in the Midwest. In addition, Lorenz serves on AASHTO’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors as well as chair of AASHTO’s Council on Aviation.
In 2019, Lorenz was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to lead KDOT. This is her second tour of duty at the agency as she served as the Director of Public Affairs from 2003 to 2011.
Previously, Lorenz directed national engineering firms’ strategic consulting and public engagement services for transportation projects at the local, regional and national levels.
Lorenz received the award on Oct. 22 at the AASHTO 2022 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
The general election will be November 8, but those who wish to, may vote earlier.
Early voting will begin Wednesday, October 26th and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will end on Monday, November 7th at noon.
People may vote at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. in the commission room.
“We provide early voting to allow everyone the opportunity to vote, which is why we started offering Saturday voting,” said Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk. “We had a good turnout in the primary for early voting and a lot of positive comments regarding Saturday voting. We will continue to offer Saturday voting as an option if people continue to utilize it.”
Ashley Shelton. Submitted photo.
In addition to selecting candidates, there will be two questions on this ballot, one about the election of sheriffs and one about Kansas legislative oversight.
Taken from the ballot:
County Sheriff Question
This amendment would preserve the right of citizens of each county that elected a county sheriff to continue electing the county sheriff. The amendment would also provide that a county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office pursuant to either a recall election or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.
A yes vote for this proposition would preserve the right of citizens of each county, to continue electing the county sheriff via popular vote. The amendment would also direct that a county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office pursuant to either a recall election or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.
A no vote against this proposition would not make any changes to the constitution and would retain current law concerning the election of a sheriff and the procedures for involuntary removal of a sheriff from office.
The amendment states:
County and township officers.(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), each county shall elect a sheriff for a term of four years by a majority of the qualified electors of the county voting thereon at the time of voting designated for such office pursuant to law in effect on January 11, 2022, and every four years thereafter. (b) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to a county that abolished the office of sheriff prior to January 11, 2022. Such county may restore the office of sheriff as provided by law and such restoration shall be irrevocable. A county that restores the office of sheriff shall elect a sheriff by a majority of the qualified electors of the county voting thereon for a term of four years. Such sheriff shall have such qualifications and duties as provided by law. The time of voting for the office of sheriff may be provided for by the legislature pursuant to section 18 of article 2 of this constitution. (c) The filling of vacancies and the qualifications and duties of the office of sheriff shall be as provided by law. (d)The legislature shall provide for suchothercounty and township officers as may be necessary. § 5. Removal of officers.(a) Except as provided in subsection (b),all county and township officers may be removed from office, in such manner and for such cause, as shall be prescribed by law. (b) A county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office by recall election pursuant to section 3 of article 4 of this constitution or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“A yes vote would require counties to maintain a sheriff as an elected official,”
The Question of Legislative Oversight
The purpose of this amendment is to provide the legislature with oversight of state executive branch agencies and officials by providing the legislature authority to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations.
A yes voteforthis proposition would allow the legislature to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations that are adopted by state executive branch agencies and officials that have the force and effect of law.
A no voteagainstthis proposition would allow state executive branch agencies and officials to continue adopting rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law without any opportunity for the legislature to directly revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.
Legislative oversight of administrative rules and regulations.
Whenever the legislature by law has authorized any officer or agency within the executive branch of government to adopt rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law, the legislature may provide by law for the revocation or suspension of any such rule and regulation, or any portion thereof, upon a vote of a majority of the members then elected or appointed and qualified in each house.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“This will basically allow the legislature to overturn regulations created by agencies, environmental agency for example,” Meeks said. “It would take away some of the governor’s administrative powers.”
Justin Meeks, Bourbon County Counselor. Submitted photo.
