CHANUTE, Kan. — In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month in November, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) is highlighting the positive impact of the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s & Dementia (K-RAD) program on unpaid family caregivers throughout Southeast Kansas.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be rewarding, but it also comes with physical and emotional challenges. The K-RAD program helps ease some of that burden by providing financial assistance for temporary respite care, giving caregivers an opportunity to take a break, attend to personal needs, and recharge while knowing their loved one is receiving care.
K-RAD, administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging, provides eligible unpaid family caregivers with up to $1,000 per year to help cover the cost of temporary respite services.
Melinda Feugate, SEKAAA Case Manager, has seen firsthand the difference this assistance makes for families.
“Clients who receive K-RAD often tell us how tremendously helpful the respite services have been. For some caregivers, simply having time away to reset from the mental fatigue of caregiving makes a tremendous difference. They return feeling refreshed, with renewed energy to continue caring for their loved ones. That break can be so important, not only for the caregiver’s well-being but also for the person receiving care,” said Feugate.
“Family caregivers give so much of themselves every day. It is important that they have opportunities to take care of themselves, too,” said Kathy Brennon, Executive Director of SEKAAA. “Programs like K-RAD recognize the important role caregivers play and provide practical support that can help families continue caring for their loved ones at home and in their communities.”
K-RAD is available to unpaid caregivers age 18 and older who live in Kansas and provide care to an individual with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Exceptions to living arrangements may be requested. Assistance is paid directly to approved respite providers and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding allows.
Caregivers interested in learning more or applying for assistance can contact SEKAAA at 620-431-2980 or call the statewide K-RAD information line at 1-866-457-2364.
Additional program information and eligibility requirements are available through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/krad.
About Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging
Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) is a nonprofit, community-based organization established in 1973 under the Older Americans Act. Serving nine counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA works to support older adults in living the lifestyle of their choice through individualized, person-centered services tailored to meet their unique needs. The agency also provides information, assistance, and resources to family caregivers to help them navigate the challenges of caring for an aging loved one.
About the K-RAD Program
The Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s & Dementia (K-RAD) Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The program helps unpaid caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia access temporary respite services, providing caregivers with an opportunity to rest and recharge while their loved ones receive care.
Contact: Kathy Brennon, Executive Director, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), 620-431-2980, Kathy.Brennon@sekaaa.com
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has extended the application deadline for candidates for the position of Chief Engineer until Friday, December 4. The agency is extending the deadline at the request of stakeholders and to ensure that all eligible and qualified Professional Engineers with relevant experience have sufficient opportunity to consider and apply for this position. The agency first posted the position on October 26.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, November 19.
“Transitioning into a new career can open doors to unseen opportunities and career growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our monthly job fairs help close the gap between proactive jobseekers and employers who are eager to recruit the talent that’s developing right here in Kansas.”
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
The virtual format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event. Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation.
About KANSASWORKS
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services. KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas to remain at half-staff after sundown on November 2, 2026, in honor of Representative Dan Goddard. Flags are to remain at half-staff until the day of interment, which will be announced at a later date.
Flags were previously at half-staff until sundown on November 2, 2026, in honor of farm workers’ rights leader Dolores Huerta.
“Representative Goddard was a true public servant, serving 24 years in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot, then working to support economic development at closed military bases, and eventually serving in both the Kansas Senate and the Kansas House,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit the Kansas Flag Honors page.
EMPORIA, KANSAS – The State Library of Kansas, Talking Books Division offers free library services to eligible Kansans, those who cannot read standard print due to visual, physical or reading disabilities. “NovemBARD” introduces eligible Kansans to the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled’s (NLS) collection where they will find tens of thousands of books, magazines and music scores, all instantly available with BARD.
With BARD, patrons select from over 187,000 titles in audio and braille formats, allowing them to read or listen anytime and anywhere. BARD offers access through a mobile app, BARD Express which is a program for Windows-based computers, or through a web browser to download content to play on a digital player provided by Talking Books.
“The NovemBARD campaign is about empowering Kansans and ensuring they have the tools to explore the limitless world of books,” said Michael Lang, director of Talking Books. “BARD provides the freedom to download and access thousands of titles, opening doors to new stories, adventures and learning.”
If you are eligible for Talking Books and want to learn more visit library.ks.gov/talking-books/bard or contact the Talking Books team for assistance by phone, 800-362-0699, or email, KTB@ks.gov. Go to the Talking Books webpage to see if a Talking Books Roadshow will visit a library near you, library.ks.gov/talking-books. The State Library is committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to enjoy reading without barriers.
The State Library of Kansas supports the informational needs of government entities and the people of Kansas and serves as a repository for government publications. Through the coordination of statewide resource-sharing initiatives and grant programs, the State Library plays a crucial role in strengthening public libraries. The State Library of Kansas oversees the Talking Books program, which provides specialized materials and support services to qualifying Kansans. Learn more at library.ks.gov.
TOPEKA—The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission sent the names of three nominees for district judge to Governor Laura Kelly, who has 60 days to decide who will fill the vacancy.
The judicial vacancy was created when District Judge Mark Ward retired October 9.
The 6th Judicial District is composed of Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties.
The nominees are:
James Crux, Pittsburg, Bourbon County attorney
Madeline Jensen, Spring Hill, assistant county attorney, Miami County
Jacklyn Paletta, Paola, municipal judge, Louisburg; county counselor, Linn County; Pascolo Law LLC
Term of office
After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.
Nominating commission
The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Larkin Walsh as the nonvoting chair; Mark McCoy and Zackery Reynolds, Fort Scott; Patton Apple and Ronald Wood, Louisburg; Todd Schneider, Mound City; and Mary Stephenson, Paola.
The following is the constitutional amendment voters will consider in the November 3 General Election, from the Kansas Secretary of State website.
Vote Yes or No
“Explanatory statement. This amendment would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state.
“A vote for this proposition would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state.
“A vote against this proposition would make no change to the constitution of the state of Kansas, and the language concerning voter qualifications would remain the same.”
Shall the following be adopted?
Ҥ 1. Qualifications of electors.Every(a) No person shall be deemed a qualified elector unless such person:
(1) Is a citizen of the United States who;
(2) has attained the age of eighteen years; and who
(3) except as provided in subsection (b) or (c), resides in the voting area in which he or she such person seeks to vote shall be deemed a qualified elector.
(b) Laws of this state relating to voting for presidential electors and candidates for the office of president and vice-president of the United States shall comply with the laws of the United States relating thereto. A citizen of the United States, who is otherwise qualified to vote in Kansas for presidential electors and candidates for the offices of president and vice-president of the United States may vote for such officers either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of this state if his or her such person’s removal from this state occurs during a period in accordance with federal law next preceding such election.
(c) A person who is otherwise a qualified elector may vote in the voting area of his or her such person’s former residence either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of such voting area during a period prescribed by law next preceding the election at which he or she such person seeks to vote, if his such person’s new residence is in another voting area in the state of Kansas.”
“A ‘yes’ vote on the ballot would change how USD235 School Board Members are elected,” said Vance Eden, superintendent of Uniontown School District.
“A ‘no’ vote would keep School Board Member elections in the same format as we have had. In that format, two members are elected from each of three different sections of the school district. The final seat is an At-Large position.”
On the ballot, it reads:
USD 235 QUESTION
CHANGE IN METHOD OF ELECTION TO ELECT AT-LARGE FOR MEMBER POSITIONS The Uniontown School District;
Unified School District No.235
Bourbon County, Kansas
Shall the following change in the Method of Election be adopted?
“Shall Unified School District No. 235, Bourbon County, Kansas change the method of election from the current three member district method under which the school district is divided into two member districts, in which three board members are elected from each member district is divided into two member districts, in which three members are elected from each member district and one board member is elected at-large, to the election at-large for member positions method of electing school board members under which:
The school district is not divided into any member districts, and all board members are elected at large.
“Shall a change in the method of election as described in the ballot title above, be approved?”
To vote in favor of the method of election change, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word Yes
Yes; to vote against it, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word No.
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
On November 3, 2026, an election for city, school and federal and state candidates will be held.
The ballot will also include the following constitutional amendment question about who is eligible to vote in Kansas.
And for Uniontown’s School District citizens, a question on voting for at-large positions on the U.S.D. 235 School Board.
Uniontown High School.
The following was submitted by Bourbon County Clerk Ann Clark, with information that tells who the candidates are, where you can vote, when advance voting starts and ends, when early voting begins and ends, and a special notice that some voting places have changed.
Please read the information and be prepared to let your vote count.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT QUESTION
Explanatory statement. This amendment would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state. “A vote for this proposition would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state. “A vote against this proposition would make no change to the constitution of the state of Kansas, and the language concerning voter qualifications would remain the same. “Shall the following be adopted?“§ 1. Qualifications of electors.Every(a) No person shall be deemed a qualified elector unless such person:
(1) Is a citizen of the United States who;
(2) has attained the age of eighteen years; and who
(3) except as provided in subsection (b) or (c), resides in the voting area in which he or she such person seeks to vote shall be deemed a qualified elector.
(b) Laws of this state relating to voting for presidential electors and candidates for the office of president and vice-president of the United States shall comply with the laws of the United States relating thereto. A citizen of the United States, who is otherwise qualified to vote in Kansas for presidential electors and candidates for the offices of president and vice-president of the United States may vote for such officers either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of this state if his or her such person’s removal from this state occurs during a period in accordance with federal law next preceding such election.
(c) A person who is otherwise a qualified elector may vote in the voting area of his or her such person’s former residence either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of such voting area during a period prescribed by law next preceding the election at which he or she such person seeks to vote, if his such person’s new residence is in another voting area in the state of Kansas.”
The full list of candidates on the ballot is as follows:
UNITED STATES SENATE
Adam Hamilton, Democratic. Box 6, Stillwell, KS 66085
Roger Marshall, Republican,
David C Graham, Libertarian, Overland Park, KS
UNITED STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Don Cover, Democratic, 9305 70th Road, Galesburg, KS 66740
Juan C. Luengo, Democratic,14904 S Summit St, Olathe, KS 66062
Steven Johnson, Republican,10197 S Hopkins Road, Asaria, KS 67416
Eric Lund, Libertarian, Paola, KS
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
Dinah Sykes, Democratic
Daniel Hawkins, Republican, 9406 W Harvest Lane, Wichita, KS 67212
Rick Koehn, Libertarian, Cimarron, KS
KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENATIVES
Rick James, Republican, LaCygne, KS 66040
Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Fort Scott, KS
MEMBER STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Heather Guernsey, Democratic, 18725 Ford Road, Chanute, KS 66720
Destry Brown, Republican, 2108 Jayhawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
Eric S. Rosen,
Larkin E. Walsh
COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE
Lesley Ann Isherwood
Amy Fellows Cline
Kim R. Schroeder
Lori Ann Bolten Fleming
Jacy Hurst
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
Amy L Harth
COUNTYCOMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1
Clint L. Walker (Democratic) 1999 105th St. Mapleton, KS 66754
Mike Hueston (Republican) 351 N Bourbon, Mapleton, KS 66754
COUNTYCOMMISSIONERDISTRICT 3
Joe Allen (Republican) 1025 260th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
COUNTYCOMMISSSIONER DISTRICT4
Gregg Motley, Republican 1904 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701, 66701
DRYWOOD TOWNSHIP CLERK
Laura Krom Republican, 2361 Fern Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
MARION TOWNSHIP CLERK
Brent M. Smit, Republican 763 95th Street, Redfield, Ks 66769
Michael Ramsey, Republican, 1270 Highway 3, Uniontown, Ks 66779
MARMATON TOWNSHIP CLERK]
No Candidate Filing
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
OSAGE TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
PAWNEE TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
SCOTT TOWNSHIP CLERK
Donald Banwart, Republican, 982 Highway 69, Fort Scott, KS 66701
TIMBERHILL TOWNSHIP CLERK
Jennifer Epting Williams, Republican, 530 N Washington, Mapleton, KS 66754
WALNUT TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
USD 235 QUESTION
CHANGE IN METHOD OF ELECTION TO ELECT AT-LARGE FOR MEMBER POSITIONS The Uniontown School District;
Unified School District No.235
Bourbon County, Kansas
Shall the following change in the Method of Election be adopted?
“Shall Unified School District No. 235, Bourbon County, Kansas change the method of election from the current three member district method under which the school district is divided into two member districts, in which three board members are elected from each member district is divided into two member districts, in which three members are elected from each member district and one board member is elected at-large, to the election at large for member positions method of electing school bord members under which:
The school district is not divided into any member districts, and all board members are elected at large.
“Shall a change in the method of election as described in the ballot title above, be approved?”
To vote in favor of the method of election change, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word
Yes; to vote against it, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word no.
VOTING PRECINCTS IN BOURBON COUNTY– PLEASE NOTE THAT THE POLLING PLACES HAVE CHANGED!!
It is hereby noted that the polls are open between the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the following location:
1st,4th, 5th.and 6th Wards and Scott D1, D2 and D4 Townships at Community Christian Church, 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott
Freedom, Fulton, and Osage Townships at Fulton Community Building, 408 W. Osage, Fulton
2nd, 3rd, and 7th wards, Drywood Township, and Scott D3, and D5 Townships at Grace Baptist Church, 502 S. Margrave, Fort Scott
Franklin, Mapleton, Millcreek and Timberhill Townships and Mapleton City at Mapleton Community Building, 565 Eldora, Mapleton
East Marion, Marmaton, Pawnee, West Marion, and Walnut Townships and Bronson, Redfield, and Uniontown Cities at Uniontown City Hall, 206 Sherman, Uniontown
Voter Registration And Voting
You may register to vote at the office of the County Clerk during their regular business hours, or online
Deadline to Change Party: K.S.A. 25-3304(b) The deadline for party affiliation changes was October 14, 2026 at the end of the business day. Party affiliation changes will be accepted and processed after December 1, 2026. If you still desire to update or change your party affiliation, you may do so December 1, 2026, by filling out a new voter registration.
Closing of Registration Books: Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2310 & K.A.R. 7-23-4 Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of October 2026, registration books for the City/School General Election closed at the end of the business day. The books will remain closed until the day following the General Election.
Advance Voting by Mail; K.S.A. 25-1123 Any registered voter was eligible to vote by Advance Ballot, beginning Thursday, October 15, 2026. The last day to request an advance ballot by mail is Wednesday, October 28,2026
Apply for Advance Ballot: K.S.A. 25-1122 € (4). Applications for advance Ballots are available at the Bourbon County Clerk, Election Office or by calling 620-223-3800 Ext:100. A printable application for an Advance Ballot is available on the county website www.bourboncountyis.org or Kansas Secretary of State website www.kssos.org.
Returning Advance Ballots: K.S.A. 25-1132
In Person: ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to any polling location within the County or to the County Election Office, Courthouse, 210 S National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701.
By Mail: Ballot must be postmarked on or before Tuesday November 3, 2026 (Election Day) and received in the County Election office by Friday, November 6th, 2026.
Early Voting: Voters can vote in advance in the Commission Room at Bourbon County Courthouse beginning Monday, October 19th, 2026, through Monday, November 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Important Note: Per K.S.A. 25-2908 All Voters must provide Valid Photo Identification (Drivers License, Military ID, Kansas College ID, Kansas ID or other qualifying ID card) to Vote. For a list of accepted identification and additional information go to www.gotvoterid.com or call 1-800. 262.vote (8683).
Public Demonstration: K.S.A. 25-4411(b) & 25-4610(b) A Public Demonstration of the Clear Ballot Election Software will be held Friday October 30th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse.
CANVASS: KSA 25-3101, 3104, 3107 Monday November 9th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Room of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The Kansas Department of Transportation wants drivers to make safety a priority by buckling up and putting down the phone every time they operate a vehicle.
Wednesday, Oct. 28 is Buckle Up Phone Down Day, which urges drivers to make two simple choices that can help decrease traffic injuries and fatalities on Kansas roadways: always wear a seat belt and avoid distracted driving.
“I’m encouraging all Kansans to join me by accepting the challenge to buckle up and put the phone down every time you get into your vehicle,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “If we want our kids to be safe drivers, it starts with us. That means leading by example and having honest conversations with our teens about the responsibility that comes with driving.”
According to preliminary Kansas 2025 crash data, 368 people died in Kansas crashes. Of these, 110 were unbelted. Additionally, in over 1,900 crashes with suspected serious injuries, 379 of the injured occupants were unbelted. In the same year, 60 people died in crashes linked to any type of distracted driving, and another 421 persons were suspected to have sustained serious injury in distracted driving crashes. Each of these crashes — and the resulting deaths and injuries — may have been prevented. According to NHTSA, wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury by about 45% in a passenger car and by 60% in a light truck. Moderate to severe injury is reduced by 50% and 65% respectively.
Cell phone use is the most common form of distracted driving. Texting is particularly dangerous because it involves visual, manual and cognitive distraction. KDOT encourages drivers to:
Park in a safe location before reading or sending a text message.
Ask a passenger to serve as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications or put your phone away so you won’t be tempted to respond.
Speak up if you see someone texting and driving and ask them to put the phone down.
The Missouri Department of Transportation created the campaign in 2017, and it has since grown into a nationwide campaign.
For more information about the campaign and to accept the challenge, visit www.modot.org/buckleupphonedown.
For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit KanDrive.gov, call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas. Travelers who need assistance on the highway can dial *47 for the KHP or *582 while on the Kansas Turnpike. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
TOPEKA—The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, to interview applicants to fill a district judge vacancy.
The 6th Judicial District is composed of Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties. The judicial vacancy was created when District Judge Mark Ward retired October 9.
Public interviews
Interviews are open to the public and will take place at:
Linn County Justice Center
308 Main St.
Mound City
Interview schedule
9:30 a.m. — Madeline Jensen, Spring Hill, assistant county attorney, Miami County
10:15 a.m. — James Crux, Pittsburg, Bourbon County attorney
11:00 a.m. — Joshua Albin, Andover, attorney, Adams Jones Law Firm, P.A.; city attorney, Burden
12:30 p.m. — Terra Tecchio, Ft. Scott, attorney, Tecchio Consulting, LLC; Baseley Law Office
1:15 p.m. — Jacklyn Paletta, Paola, municipal judge, Louisburg; county counselor, Linn County; Pascolo Law LLC
Accommodation
Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible: ADA@kscourts.gov, 785-296-2256, TTY at 711.
Nominating commission
The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Larkin Walsh as the nonvoting chair; Mark McCoy and Zackery Reynolds, Fort Scott; Patton Apple and Ronald Wood, Louisburg; Todd Schneider, Mound City; and Mary Stephenson, Paola.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — Fall has brought a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) nationwide, including Kansas and other states along the Central and Mississippi flyways. This resurgence aligns with the peak migration of wild waterfowl, which continues to be the primary source of the spread of this virus to backyard and commercial poultry flocks.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture reminds poultry owners that the fall bird migration significantly increases the threat of exposure to susceptible birds in Kansas. Anyone involved with poultry production, from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer, should review their operating practices to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity measures to protect your birds from the spread of HPAI on the KDA Division of Animal Health website at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza.
This virus is primarily being transmitted by wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese which are migrating through this region. The best thing poultry owners can do to protect their birds is to eliminate possible exposure to wild migratory birds and their habitat. This can take many forms, including cleaning your boots/clothing after walking near ponds and lakes populated with wild birds, keeping your poultry in an enclosure which wild birds can’t enter, and staying away from sick or dead wild birds.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, gamebirds, turkeys, and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.
If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.
HPAI is not a food safety concern; birds and eggs from infected flocks do not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 °F is recommended as a general food safety precaution. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk for HPAI is low.
For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project-specific publication that lists all KDOT-administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov.
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Nov. 5. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-2252.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 785-296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
