Category Archives: Kansas

Business, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

New DCF Building Exterior Framework Is Going Up

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Piles of dirt lay in the new parking spaces of the Kansas Dept. of Children and Families building that is being created at Wall  Street and National Avenue. This view is looking southwest from Wall Street.

The exterior framework began on March 22, on the new Kansas Department of Children and Families building project at Wall Street and National Avenue.

If all goes well, the completion date is July 2024, said Mike Anders, job supervisor of Silverrock Ventures.

The 13,000-square-foot building will house offices, several conference rooms, interview rooms, a large central file room,  reception/waiting areas, break rooms, and storage spaces. There is a storm shelter built into the plan.

Kendall Schoenrock, owner, and developer of Silverrock Ventures who is building the new office space for the KDCF, spent time in making the facade of the building fit in with downtown Fort Scott, Anders said.

The east side of the building is on National Avenue.

“It will have a red brick face and a limestone three-foot starter around the bottom of the east and north side,” Anders said. “It will have a different roof to fit in with downtown. It will have outside lighting like that of E3 Ranch, right across the street.”

There will be parking on the north side of the building, on Wall Street,  which the building will face. They are also leasing parking spaces from the City of Fort Scott for some parking west of the building, on the south side of that lot.

There is a whole slate of tradesmen lined up for the work ahead: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, framing, masonry, and painting, Anders said.

Skitches Hauling and Excavation, Inc., Fort Scott, was the demolition contractor for the building site.

“He supplied all of our backfill and got our job site ready to build on,” Anders said. “A great guy.”

“We tried to use local contractors,” he said. “A  lot are from a 30-mile radius approximately.”

Silverrock Ventures will do the interior finishing he said.

Wall and National Avenue is the sight of the new building for housing the Kansas Department of Children and Families. The building is currently in the exterior framework stage of the project.

About DCF

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is available to assist​ with child care and child support, employment education and training, food and cash assistance, support for youth who have experienced foster care, and more.

For further information about services to the community:

https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/default.aspx

 

If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually, report it to the Kansas Protection Report Center 24/7 at 1-800-922- 5330 ​or online.
Government, Kansas

LIEAP Application Deadline This Friday March 29 For Those Who Need Help With Utilities

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The Cold Weather Rule and the LIEAP
application period will end soon

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up that they should be aware of.  First, the deadline to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP, is Friday, March 29. LIEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Kansas Department of Children and Families. LIEAP applications must be received by the Kansas DCF office by 5 p.m. on Friday.  The KCC urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. More information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx

In addition, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Sunday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.

When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are also required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Sunday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.

It is important to note that the KCC does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

 

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Kansas

Escaped Inmate Is Apprehended

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Minimum-custody Inmate John Evans Johnson, Jr., Who Escaped from the Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center Apprehended

~Johnson, Jr. caught without incident~

KANSAS CITY, Kansas. –

Minimum-custody resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been apprehended.

On Thursday morning, March 21, 2024, Johnson, Jr., was taken into custody by Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. He was arrested on the KDOC escape warrant without incident.

He had been placed on escape status after attending two job interviews, and not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) on March 12, 2024.

No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.

 The Johnson County Department of Corrections Adult Residential Center is a 398 bed, community based, facility that provides a highly structured environment for adult offenders ordered by the District Court.

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Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Measles Are On The Rise: Vaccines Are Encouraged

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Submitted by Becky Johnson, BSN-RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer

Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination

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Health Alert Network logo.
HAN_badge_HEALTH_ADVISORY_320x125

Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
March 18, 2024, 12:30 PM ET
CDCHAN-00504

Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers aged ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, including seven outbreaks in seven jurisdictions compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported the entire year in 2023. Among the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. Given currently high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widescale spread is low. However, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.

Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons. Measles typically begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2 to 4 days before rash onset. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range 7 to 12 days), while rash onset is typically visible around 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) after initial exposure. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals infected with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward.

Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risk of measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States. Measles cases continue to be brought into the United States by travelers who are infected while in other countries. As a result, domestic measles outbreaks have been reported in most years, even following the declaration of U.S. measles elimination in 2000. Most importations come from unvaccinated U.S. residents.

Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. MMR vaccines are safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity). However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 93.1% in the 2022–2023 school year, leaving approximately 250,000 kindergartners susceptible to measles each year over the last three years. Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia (DC) had less than 95% MMR coverage among kindergartners during the 2022–2023 school year. Of states with less than 95% MMR coverage, ten reported more than 5% of kindergartners had medical and nonmedical exemptions, highlighting the importance of targeted efforts at increasing vaccine confidence and access.

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

  • Schools, early childhood education providers, and healthcare providers should work to ensure students are current with MMR vaccine.
    • Children who are not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years.
  • All U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.
    • Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses of MMR vaccine, the first of which should be administered when the child is age 12 through 15 months and the second at least 28 days later.
    • Children aged 12 months or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
    • Teenagers and adults without evidence of measles immunity should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
  • At least one of the following is considered evidence of measles immunity for international travelers: 1) birth before 1957, 2) documented administration of two doses of live measles virus vaccine (MMR, MMRV, or other measles-containing vaccine), or 3) laboratory (serologic) proof of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease.
  • Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C) and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis who has recently been abroad, especially in countries with ongoing outbreaks. When considering measles, then:
    • Isolate: Do not allow patients with suspected measles to remain in the waiting room or other common areas of a healthcare facility; isolate patients with suspected measles immediately, ideally in a single-patient airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) if available, or in a private room with a closed door until an AIIR is available. Healthcare providers should be adequately protected against measles and should adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspect cases, regardless of their vaccination status. Healthcare providers without evidence of immunity should be excluded from work from day 5 after the first exposure until day 21 following their last exposure. Offer testing outside of facilities to avoid transmission in healthcare settings. Call ahead to ensure immediate isolation for patients referred to hospitals for a higher level of care.
    • Notify: Immediately notify state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments (24-hour Epi On Call contact list) about any suspected case of measles to ensure rapid testing and investigation. States report measles cases to CDC.
    • Test: Follow CDC’s testing recommendations and collect either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, and/or urine for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and a blood specimen for serology from all patients with clinical features compatible with measles. RT-PCR is available at many state public health laboratories, through the APHL Vaccine Preventable Disease Reference Centers, and at CDC. Given potential shortages in IgM test kits, providers should be vigilant in contacting their state or local health department for guidance on testing.
    • Manage: In coordination with local or state health departments, provide appropriate measles post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible after exposure to close contacts without evidence of immunity, either with MMR (within 72 hours) or immunoglobulin (within 6 days). The choice of PEP is based on elapsed time from exposure or medical contraindications to vaccination.

Recommendations for Health Departments

Measles is an immediately notifiable disease. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have the lead in disease investigations and should report measles cases and outbreaks within 24 hours through the state health department to CDC ([email protected]) and through NNDSS.

  • Establish measles case reporting from healthcare facilities, providers, and laboratories to public health authorities.
  • If measles is identified, conduct active surveillance for additional (secondary) cases and facilitate transportation of specimens immediately to confirm diagnosis.
  • Record and report details about cases of measles, including adherence to recommended precautions and facility location(s) of index and secondary cases.
  • Enhance outreach and communications to under-vaccinated communities through trusted messengers.

Recommendations for Parents and International Travelers

  • Even if not traveling, ensure that children receive all recommended doses of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection (97%) against measles than one dose (93%). Getting MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps, or rubella.
  • Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting infected when they travel internationally. Before international travel, check your destination and CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported.
  • Parents traveling internationally with children should consult with their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that they are current with their MMR vaccinations at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants aged 6 to 11 months should have one documented dose and children aged 12 months and older should have two documented doses of MMR vaccine before international travel. Depending on where you are going and what activities you plan, other vaccines may be recommended too.
  • After international travel, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks after returning to the United States. If you or your child gets sick with a rash and a high fever, call your healthcare provider. Tell them you traveled to another country and whether you or your child have received MMR vaccine.

For More Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

Department of Health and Human Services

HAN Message Types

  • Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance about a public health incident.
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information about a public health incident.
  • Health Update: Provides updated information about a public health incident.

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This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations.
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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 15, 2024

 

Tax Relief passed the Senate and was sent to the House.  All of the bills can be found at www.kslegislature.org.  Here are some highlights.

 

Tax Relief for All Kansans: Property, Sales, and Income tax cuts passed in SB 539 with a bi-partisan vote of 29 to 11.  I voted Yes.  The bill would cut taxes for every Kansas taxpayer.  It will:

  • eliminate state income tax on Social Security (SS)
  • provide property tax relief to homeowners by increasing the K-12 20 mill exemption to $100,000, up from $44,000
  • eliminate the state sales tax on groceries July 1, instead of Jan 1, 2025
  • increase personal exemptions for single filers to $11,000 and $22,000 for married joint filers and increase for inflation each year after – current single exemption is $2250 and $4500 for married
  • increase single filer standard deduction to $4000 and increase all standard deductions (married is currently $8000) for inflation each year after
  • increase dependent exemptions to $3000 up from $2250 and increase each year after for inflation
  • create a single tax bracket at 5.7 that would decrease each year .05 for 5 years
  • decrease the privilege tax to 1.63 for banks and 1.62 for trust companies over two years
  • create a child tax credit program based on household income

Personal Property Taxes would be eliminated on off-road vehicles (including all-terrain vehicle – ATVs), watercraft, golfcarts, motorized bicycles, snowmobiles, and trailers with a gross weight of 15,000 lbs. or less.  The KS County Appraisers Association asked me to help eliminate the taxes because it cost more to collect the tax than what is collected.  The County Treasurers and Clerks I checked with agreed.  Also, constituents had contacted me asking me to help because the taxes on these items are high and the penalties are steep.  SB 484 is a win for the taxpayer and the tax collector.  It passed 29 to 11.

 

Property Tax Freeze for Seniors and Disabled Veterans would be expanded in HB 2465 by subtracting SS from the household income, increasing the household income limit to $80,000, and increasing the home valuation to $595,000.  Currently, only 50% of SS can be subtracted from the household income and it must be below $53,600 with a home valuation of $350,000 or less.  HB 2465 would also open up the filing deadline because most people didn’t know about the program.  (They must not be reading my newsletters )  The filing deadline for the property tax freeze is April 15 each year.  The form is K-40SVR at Kansas Department of Revenue https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr23.pdf.  I worked diligently with other Senators and House Tax Conference Committee members to pass this into law and we are working to expand the program so more people qualify.

 

Sales Tax Exemption For Disabled Veterans would be a new program for veterans.  Any 50% or more disabled veteran would not pay state or local sales tax on personal purchases, excluding vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping products.  It would have a limit of $24,000 in purchases.  KDOR reported that most Kansas families spend about that amount on items that have a sales tax.  The original bill was SB 58.   The committee voted to create Senate Substitute for HB 2036.

 

HB 2036, a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, created constitutional questions as stated by lawyers and others.  Instead of risking losing the legislation because of questions on constitutionality, it made more sense to expand the existing program that freezes property taxes for seniors and disabled veterans and implement the sales tax program.  It will help more disabled veterans, because not all own a home.  The state has avoided the question of constitutionality with the property tax freeze program by having all of the property taxes paid and homeowner apply for a rebate.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Area News, Government, Kansas

John E. Johnson Jr. Escaped From Jo. Co. Department of Corrections

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Escapee John Evans Johnson Jr.
Submitted photo.

Minimum-Custody Offender John Evans Johnson, Jr. Placed on Escape Status from Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center

~Should be considered dangerous~

GARDNER, Kansas. –

Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been placed on escape status after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) facility this afternoon.

Johnson, a 49-year-old white male with green eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. He has a shaved head and nine tattoos across his arms, legs, neck, and back.

He was placed on escape status when he did not return to the residential center following two job interviews.

Johnson has been serving a one-year sentence at the Johnson County Work Release Center since August 3, 2023. He was convicted in Wyandotte County for one count of burglary.

Anyone with information on Johnson should call the KDOC’s Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigations Division (EAI) at 816-266-2102, the JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at [email protected]

The walk-away is currently being investigated.  New information will be released as it becomes available.

Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who meet certain criteria can be housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration into the community.

A photo of John Evans Johnson, Jr., can be found here.

Government, Kansas

KDOT supports applications for ‘Safe Streets and Roads for All’ grants

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The Kansas Department of Transportation encourages counties, cities, towns, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations and federally recognized Tribal governments to apply for the U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program. The SS4A program provides an opportunity to leverage federal and state funding to support planning, infrastructure, behavioral and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets.

To assist groups with applications and learn more about the program,

KDOT will host a webinar from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 14. Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VmcQRVsHRJiTXVOCb4yAeQ.

After registering, a confirmation email will be sent with details on how to join the webinar. The webinar will also be recorded and posted at https://www.ksdot.gov/ss4a/programinformation.asp within two business days of the webinar.

There are two types of grants – the first is Planning and Demonstration Grants, which help develop, complete or supplement a safety action plan, or to carry out demonstration activities. The three application deadlines for Planning and Demonstration Grants are:

  • April 4 (request KDOT letter of support by March 15)
  • May 16 (request KDOT letter of support by April 26)
  • 29 (request KDOT letter of support by Aug. 9)

The application deadline for Implementation Grants is May 16 – they help implement projects and strategies addressing a roadway safety problem. The U.S. DOT is offering a pre-application review for Implementation Grants, which must be submitted by April 17. Unsuccessful Implementation Grant applicants may apply for a Planning and Demonstration Grant in the final round on Aug. 29.

The SS4A program supports the Kansas Drive to Zero Coalition’s goal of zero roadway fatalities using a Safe System Approach. In 2024, the Kansas Infrastructure Hub will take a prominent role in the match program, offering technical support and encouraging agencies to apply for local match funds from the Build Kansas Fund.

For questions regarding local match funds or technical assistance, please contact [email protected]. For other questions, please contact KDOT#[email protected].

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Art, History, Kansas

North American Travel Journalists Award Kansas a Bronze Award for “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy”

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Kansas Tourism Triumphs with Four Marketing Awards, Highlighting Excellence in Destination Promotion

TOPEKA – North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) recently announced that Kansas Tourism received four awards in the 32nd Annual NATJA Awards Competition. The competition honors the best of the best in travel journalism, photography and destination marketing organizations. This recognition underscores Kansas Tourism’s dedication to innovative destination marketing and its commitment to showcasing the state as a premier travel destination.

“Kansas Tourism’s award-winning efforts in inspiring travelers to explore our state are pivotal to our image and growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Every visitor represents a potential resident or business connection, and elevating Kansas as an attractive destination ensures lasting benefits for all communities.”

The four awards presented to Kansas Tourism include:

  • Destination of the Year Award: This special recognition honors Kansas Tourism for its unwavering dedication to innovative tourism marketing strategies and captivating the attention of travelers worldwide. Kansas Tourism was chosen for their overall 2023 marketing campaigns, which all used the brand messaging of To The Stars, and included the Kansas Day release of the “Home on the Range” project and the “To The Stories” video series.
  • Creative Marketing Campaign, Gold Award: “Home on the Range.” This campaign celebrates the uniqueness of Kansas through a series of videos set to the state’s iconic song and featured images of the state’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Featuring five well-known Kansas artists, this campaign, which was launched on Kansas Day 2023, showcases how the lyrics written more than 150 years ago still ring true today. You can see the full campaign here.
  • Destination Video, Bronze Award: “Capturing Kansas: The Gordon Parks Legacy.” This video is part of Kansas Tourism’s “To The Stories” series, which explores the faces and places that make Kansas an incredible place to visit and live. It explores Gordon Parks, who dedicated his life to combating racism and poverty through art, and how the lessons he learned on his family farm in Fort Scott helped him to become the first Black photojournalist on staff at LIFE magazine and the first African American to direct a major motion picture. Academy Award winning screenwriter and fellow Kansas native Kevin Willmott narrates the remarkably true story of how Parks opened doors for Black filmmakers everywhere. You can watch the video here.
  • Travel Guide, Honorable Mention Award: “Kansas Official Travel Guide 2023.” The annual Kansas Travel Guide invites readers to explore the Sunflower State’s diverse things to do, including attractions, museums, dining, accommodations, historic sites and outdoor adventures. Filled with captivating imagery and insightful narratives, this guide beckons travelers to discover the treasures within Kansas’ vibrant cities, historic towns, rolling plains and expansive prairies. The 2023 guide’s front cover featured a wakeboarder at Lake Perry ripping the waves, depicting one of the many unexpected activities you can find in Kansas. You can order the latest travel guide here.

“We are honored to be recognized for the work we do to inspire travel to Kansas,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Winning these prestigious tourism marketing awards reaffirms our commitment to creativity, innovation, and excellence in promoting unforgettable experiences in the state.”

“Submissions for this year’s awards competition included a diverse group of journalists, publications and destination marketing organizations from North America,” NATJA CEO Helen Hernandez said. “Selection of the winners by our independent panel of judges was particularly difficult this year because of the outstanding quality and broad range of articles, images and marketing campaigns submitted for consideration.”

Judges for the competition included award-winning newspaper and magazine editors as well as educators from across journalism disciplines. To qualify for an award or honor, work had to be published from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support. 

About the North American Travel Journalist Association:

Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public. NATJA also publishes TravelWorld International Magazine (www.travelworldmagazine.com).

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Government, Kansas

Bourbon County is Still In Drought Watch

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Governor Kelly Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings, and Watches for Kansas Counties

 

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #24-01.

“While drought conditions have improved greatly in recent months, many counties continue to be negatively impacted by the decline in water supply or strains on water resources,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all Kansans to continue to conserve water as we head into the summer months.”

The drought declaration removed all 55 counties previously in emergency status and placed 15 counties into warning status and 62 into watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. While a majority of Kansas has seen significant relief from drought since August, central and southeast Kansas continue to be in Severe Drought.

“Counties in a watch status have conditions which indicate the probability of a water shortage is rising. It is important to monitor these conditions and be mindful of water usage in these counties,” said Owen. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.”

This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by an Executive Order ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

 

Effective immediately, Executive Order #24-01:

 

  • Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning, or Watch for the counties as identified below;
  • Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning, or emergency-level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans.

For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

County Drought Stage Declarations:

Drought Emergency:

 

Drought Warning: Chautauqua, Clay, Dickinson, Elk, Graham, Harvey, Jewell, McPherson, Mitchell, Montgomery, Osborne, Ottawa, Reno, Rice, Rooks, Wilson.

 

Drought Watch: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Barton, Bourbon, Brown, Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Cloud, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Decatur, Doniphan, Douglas, Ellis, Ellsworth, Franklin, Geary, Gove, Greenwood, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Labette, Lane, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Ness, Norton, Osage, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Rawlins, Republic, Riley, Russell, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Thomas, Trego, Wabaunsee, Washington, Woodson, Wyandotte.

 

Government, Kansas

Kobach Sues TikTok

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Kobach Sues TikTok

TOPEKA – (March 6, 2024) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced his office has filed a lawsuit today in Shawnee County District Court against social media company TikTok for misrepresenting its age-appropriateness in app stores, deceiving parents about the effectiveness of its parental tools, and creating and aggressively promoting an addictive app the that erodes the mental health of Kansas children.

“TikTok deceived parents by saying that the app was safe and age appropriate. In reality, the app has promoted filth, profanity, sexual content, and alcohol and drugs to Kansas kids. Even worse, it has used coercive algorithms that spike dopamine, keep kids on the app as long as possible, and facilitate downward mental health spirals. Kansas parents deserve the truth about the harm the app causes to young users, and Kansas kids should be protected,” Kobach said.

The lawsuit alleges that TikTok knew its app was not safe for kids when it released the app in 2017.  Additionally, the company misleads parents by marketing its app as age appropriate for children 12 and older. Despite its assertions, TikTok hawks significant amounts of profanity and crude humor, sexual content and nudity, alcohol, tobacco and drug usage, and mature and suggestive themes.

“Parents and caregivers believe their children are protected from images of intense sexual content, illicit drug use, and videos encouraging vaping and tobacco use, because TikTok deceives parents into believing the company hides this content from children. In reality, this company created an app intentionally to hook Kansas children onto their salacious, dangerous, and damaging content at the price of those children’s mental health. This damage will echo far into the future of our state, and TikTok must answer for its actions,” said Deputy Attorney General Fran Oleen.

According to the petition, TikTok offers “restricted mode” and “family pairing” tools to keep Kansas children safe, but the tools are ineffective. The suit also alleges that TikTok negatively impacts the mental health of Kansas youth.

“Kids in Kansas have been bombarded with problematic TikTok videos while lost in the addictive grip of TikTok’s auto scroll that affects not only their attention spans, but their mental health. Youth in Kansas frequently find themselves in an infinite hole of TikTok videos that tell them they are not good enough or attractive enough. These videos are often paired with advice on how to evade parents’ detection of eating disorders,” said Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz. “TikTok has misrepresented itself as safe, while it purposefully addicted minors and wreaked havoc on their mental health. Even when parents and caregivers try to create a safe environment for their children by using parental controls, they are deceived by TikTok’s false representations that the parental controls are effective.”

The Office of the Kansas Attorney General is alleging multiple violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Specifically, the state seeks civil penalties of $10,000 per violation and enhanced civil penalties of $20,000 for deceptive and unconscionable acts against protected consumers.

Oleen and Dietz of the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, along with Special Assistant Attorneys General David Thompson, Brian Barnes, Megan Wold, and Athie Livas of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, represent the state of Kansas in the suit.

Read the petition here.

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Government, Kansas

Pay-Per-Mile or State Fuel Tax KS Study Begins

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Road Usage Charge study underway, looking for Kansans to participate

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the launch of a three-month pilot study exploring whether a pay-per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could potentially replace the current state fuel tax as a new way to fund roads and bridges. The study, part of the Kansas Midwest RUC Study, asks Kansans to try out mileage reporting options and provide feedback about their experience.

Today, gasoline-powered vehicles pay 24 cents per gallon for state gas tax, and diesel-powered vehicles pay 26 cents per gallon for state diesel tax. As vehicles transition to being more fuel efficient or not use gas or diesel at all, state transportation funding may fall short.

KDOT is proactively exploring whether a RUC could be a sustainable, long-term funding source for transportation in the state. KDOT, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Transportation, is utilizing federal grant money available to states to study potential alternative approaches to transportation funding. To date, most states exploring RUC are on the East and West coasts — and Kansas is adding a Midwest perspective to this national conversation.

KDOT is actively recruiting pilot participants to take part in the study, which is scheduled to begin in April. Drivers across the state are asked to take part, especially rural Kansans who drive passenger vehicles or medium-duty trucks, people working in the agriculture industry and owners or operators of large trucks. Participants who fully complete the pilot can earn a $100 incentive.

Kansans interested in taking part in the pilot can visit www.midwestruc.org for more information to complete an interest form for the pilot study.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 1, 2024

 

Halfway into session there has been debate on taxes, education, elections, health care, and other topics.  There is still much work to be completed and not much time left if the rumors are true that session will end the second week of April or before.

 

Where do we go from here?  Committees will continue to work on bills.  Most of the committees will be hearing bills that passed over from the other chamber.  However, there will be some hearings on bills that didn’t make it out of the originating chamber.

 

Legislative Post Audit reported on the Angel Investor Tax Credit program.  Investors who replied to survey questions had positive comments about the program.  Of course – they get a tax credit that they can use or sell.  A 2020 audit and the 2024 audit couldn’t determine if the businesses created jobs or stayed in business.  The audit recommends that the Department of Commerce develop processes to review the program and measurer outcomes.

 

Another Legislative Post Audit reviewed major economic development programs managed by the Department of Commerce.  The report stated that $436 million was awarded via several different programs, PEAK, JCF, KIT, and KIR from 2017 through 2021.  The staggering number was the HPIP program.  More than $3 billion was awarded in HPIP tax credits from 2017 to 2020.  Businesses can use those credits up to 16 years after they are awarded.  These and other programs giveaway billions of dollars that could be used to “buy down” taxes for all Kansans, instead of government picking winners and losers.  It would make more sense to provide tax relief for all.

All of the audits reported by Legislative Post Audit can be found online at https://www.kslpa.org/.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn