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Category Archives: Kansas
Conservation Commission Meets May 28
State Conservation Commission Virtual Meeting Scheduled for May 28
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The State Conservation Commission regular meeting will be held using internet meeting services on Wednesday, May 28, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. Anyone interested in the meeting can participate using video conferencing or by utilizing a call-in option. This meeting is open to the public.
The State Conservation Commission consists of five elected commissioners; two ex officio members representing the Kansas State University Agriculture Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service; and two appointed members representing the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The KDA Division of Conservation consults with the SCC to protect and enhance Kansas’ natural resources through the development, implementation and maintenance of policies, guidelines and programs designed to assist local governments and individuals in conserving the state’s renewable resources.
To request a copy of the agenda or directions on how to participate in the virtual meeting, please contact the KDA Division of Conservation at 785-564-6620 or [email protected].
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WHO: State Conservation Commission
WHAT: State Conservation Commission Virtual Meeting
WHEN: 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2020
Taskforce For State’s Economic Recovery Announced
Governor Kelly Announces Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce to Lead State’s Economic Recovery
As part of her commitment to rebuilding Kansas and the economy, Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce to lead the state’s economic recovery. The taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.
The Recovery Office team will be responsible for the statewide distribution of significant CARES Act funding. A five-member executive committee will oversee the process, and the office will have a steering committee with an additional 15 members who will form three subcommittees. The three subcommittees will focus on communication and engagement, finance and policy development and implementation and accountability.
“The state’s recovery effort must serve urban and rural areas alike across the state, and all sectors of the economy,” Kelly said. “I am grateful that our team membership reflects these ideals, and I want to thank these leaders for their willingness to serve in such challenged times.
“The health and economic challenges COVID-19 inflicted on our state truly are unprecedented – and we must use our collective talents to develop strategies to not only regain what we lost, but build a better, more inclusive and resilient economy.”
Earlier this month, Governor Kelly announced she had selected Cheryl Harrison-Lee as the Recovery Office’s executive director and Lyle Butler as the chair. Harrison-Lee has more than 30 years of experience in strategic leadership positions in a variety of corporate, entrepreneurial, private and public environments, and Butler has years of experience working with the business community and economic development as the President and CEO of several local Chambers of Commerce, most recently retiring from the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Cheryl and Lyle understand the needs of local communities in Kansas,” Governor Kelly said. “Their experience and dedication will be paramount during our state’s recovery effort and in the statewide distribution of CARES Act funding.”
“I look forward to working with these committees on a process that ensures transparency, equity and accountability, while leading Kansas’ recovery efforts from this challenging period in the world,” Executive Director Harrison-Lee said.
Other members of the SPARK Taskforce, appointed by the governor, include representatives of the business community, economic development and the Kansas Legislature. These taskforce members are:
Executive Committee
· Tom Bell, President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association, Topeka, Kansas;
· Lyle Butler, President and CEO, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce (retired), Manhattan, Kansas;
· Senator Jim Denning, Vice President, Discover Vision Centers, Overland Park, Kansas;
· Jill Docking, Senior Vice President, The Docking Group – Baird Financial, Wichita, Kansas;
· Alise Martiny, Business Manager, Greater KC Building and Trades Council, Shawnee, Kansas.
Steering Committee
· Natalie Haag, Attorney, Capitol Federal Savings, Topeka, Kansas;
· David Harwood, Senior Vice President, Terracon Consultants & Chair, KANSASWorks State Board, Olathe, Kansas;
· Senator Tom Hawk, Ranking Minority Member, Senate Ways and Means Committee, Manhattan, Kansas;
· Representative Dan Hawkins, House Majority Leader, Wichita, Kansas;
· Edward Honesty, Jr., President & Chief Operating Officer, Best Harvest Bakeries, Kansas City, Kansas;
· Chuck Mageral, Proprietor, Free State Brewing Company, Lawrence, Kansas;
· David McCarty, Owner, McCarty Family Farms, Colby, Kansas;
· Senator Carolyn McGinn, Chair, Senate Ways and Means Committee, Sedgwick, Kansas;
· Shelia Nelson-Stout, President and CEO, OCCK, Inc., Salina, Kansas;
· Neelima Parasker, President & CEO, SnapIT Solutions, Overland Park, Kansas;
· Jim Robinson, Partner, Hite Fanning & Honeyman, Wichita, Kansas;
· Secretary David Toland, Department of Commerce, Topeka, Kansas;
· Representative Troy Waymaster, Chair, House Appropriations Committee, Bunker Hill, Kansas;
· Representative Kathy Wolfe-Moore, Ranking Minority Member, House Appropriations Committee, Kansas City, Kansas.
The final member of the taskforce will be a representative of the aviation industry and will be announced at a future date. Over the coming days and weeks, information on the Recovery Office and the SPARK Taskforce can be found at covid.ks.gov.
Governor Kelly moves Kansas into modified Phase 2 On May 22
To keep Kansans safe, details in Phases 2 and 3 amended
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will sign Executive Order 20-34, which moves Kansas into Phase 2 of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas.” Phase 2, effective Friday, May 22, 2020, will be modified to include data-driven restrictions necessary to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, all of my administration’s decision-making regarding our reopening efforts has been driven by data – not dates,” Kelly said. “Because of the great work Kansans and businesses have done to keep others safe, data now indicate we are seeing a more consistent decline in hospitalizations, COVID-19-related deaths and a consistent decrease in disease spread. This puts our state in a position to safely move into a modified version of Phase 2.
“I would like to be clear – moving forward in Kansas’ reopening plan does not mean that COVID-19 no longer threatens our communities. Modifying Phase 2 to keep some restrictions allows us to reopen Kansas’ economy as quickly and safely as possible, while exercising necessary caution to keep Kansans healthy.”
Key changes to Phase 2:
- Mass gatherings of more than 15 individuals will be prohibited;
- All businesses and activities slated to open during Phase 2 will be allowed, with the exception of bars, night clubs and swimming pools. These will be moved to Phase 3;
- Businesses and activities that will be allowed to open in Phase 2 include:
- Recreational organized sports facilities, tournaments and practices will be allowed to begin on Friday, May 22, and must adhere to social distancing requirements and follow Parks and Recs guidelines, which can be found on covid.ks.gov;
- Community Centers will be allowed to open, except for indoor and outdoor swimming pools;
- Indoor leisure spaces such as arcades, trampoline parks, theaters, museums and bowling allies will be allowed to open on May 22;
- State-owned-and-operated casinos will be allowed to open once their re-opening plan has been approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment;
- In-person group exercise classes will be allowed to begin with groups of no more than 15 at a time. Locker rooms remain closed except for restroom facilities;
- Everything opened in Phase 1 and Phase 1.5 remains open pursuant to the restrictions outlined in Executive Order 20-34.
- Phase 2 will last until Sunday, June 7, assuming the current trends continue. Phase 3 is expected to begin on Monday, June 8, with mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals prohibited.
Under Phase 2, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed to the public:
- Bars and night clubs, excluding curbside and carryout services;
- Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more;
- Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades;
- Swimming pools (other than backyard pools);
- Summer camps (with the exception of licensed childcare facilities).
The Governor will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability when determining if the state should move to the next “Phase.” Regardless of phase, the State Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk.
Throughout all phases, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:
- Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;
- Remaining home when sick or running a fever;
- Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;
- Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;
- Working remotely, if possible.
Kelly’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.
State Board of Agriculture to Hold Virtual Meeting May 21
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas State Board of Agriculture will hold its regular board meeting using internet meeting services on Thursday, May 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Anyone interested in the meeting can participate using video conferencing or by utilizing a call-in option.
The meeting is open to the public. Individuals who have questions about the meeting, including how to participate in the virtual meeting, should contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].
Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
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WHO: Kansas State Board of Agriculture
WHAT: Regular board meeting
WHEN: 9:00 a.m. to noon on May 21, 2020
Kansas COVID 19 Update May 18
Resident Death at Lansing Correctional Facility
TOPEKA, Kansas – A Lansing Correctional Facility resident who died Saturday, May 16, had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the fourth resident death related to COVID-19.
The resident was a male over the age of 60 with underlying medical conditions who tested positive for the virus on April 29 and was transferred to the hospital on May 1. The official manner of death for all COVID-19 deaths is natural causes.
The individual was serving a sentence for charges including aggravated robbery and first-degree murder. He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) since December 1989 and his earliest possible release date was set for Oct. 1, 2020. For the privacy of his family and due to confidentiality laws, the KDOC will not release his name nor his underlying medical conditions. His family has been notified.
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867 during the presidency of Andrew Johnson and is the oldest and largest state correctional facility in Kansas. Serving only males, the facility capacity is 2,432 residents.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus. For information on the KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates.
Governor Kelly to meet with President on Wednesday
On Wednesday, May 20, Governor Laura Kelly will visit the White House for a meeting with President Trump.
In addition to discussing the state’s phased reopening and statewide testing strategy, topics of discussion will include protecting America’s food supply chain, supporting Kansas’ farmers, and partnering to ensure the health and safety of food supply workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I look forward to the discussion with President Trump on ways we can continue to work with the federal government on our response and recovery efforts,” Governor Kelly said. “Our continued emphasis is on protecting Kansans’ health and well-being, and helping the state recover from a public health crisis that has exacted a painful financial toll on many. The economic damage will be long lasting, and will require collaboration at every level. I look forward to discussing how the President and I will continue partnering together in our recovery.”
Relief For Motor Carriers During Pandemic
Governor Kelly announces executive order extending relief to motor carriers during COVID-19 pandemic
Governor Laura Kelly today issued a new executive order as part of her administration’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Order #20-33 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations until rescinded, on June 15, 2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier. It is an extension of measures put in place by Executive Order #20-22.
“The executive order issued today will continue to ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities,” Kelly said.
The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response effort.
To view E.O. #20-33, click here.
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New Executive Order From Gov. Kelly
Governor Kelly signs new Executive Order as part of ongoing COVID-19 response effort
Governor Laura Kelly yesterday signed Executive Order #20-32 as part of her administrations comprehensive, ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order provides temporary relief from certain restrictions concerning shared work programs.
Shared Work is an alternative for employers faced with a reduction in workforce and allows an employer to divide the available work or hours of work among a specified group of affected employees in lieu of a layoff. Shared Work allows the employees to receive a portion of their unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours for their employers.
Executive Order #20-32 expands flexibility for Kansas employers, so they can take advantage of the existing federal programs.
“We want Kansas employers to be able to keep as many people on payroll as they can, and decrease the need for unemployment.,” Kelly said. “This is all about providing further support to people facing financial hardship and employers dealing with tough decisions right now.”
The order waives a provision in the law that prohibited a contributing negative account employer (an employer that has paid more in unemployment benefits to its employees than it has contributed to its unemployment insurance account with the state) to participate in a shared work plan.
Under the federal “CARES” Act, the federal government will reimburse 100% of any state unemployment insurance benefits paid through a “short-time” or “shared work” unemployment program, through the end of 2020.
Executive Order #20-32 can be found here.
Kansas COVID 19 Update for May 15
Keep Kids Safe On The Water
National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22
Safe Kids Kansas provides tips to keep your family safe out on the water
Topeka – National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22, and Safe Kids Kansas reminds families to follow safety recommendations before heading out on open water.
“We know during this time of COVID-19, many of us are eager to get out. First and foremost, we encourage everyone to be mindful of the pandemic and follow any state and local guidance in place to ensure your family’s safety,” Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas Director, said.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2018, and that approximately 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
“Any time you are around open water, you should wear a life jacket,” Sage said. “It’s important for adults to set the right example – children notice and mirror our safety habits. Accidents on the water can happen too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.”
Kansas law requires children ages 12 and under to wear life jackets while on board a boat or when being towed behind a boat on skis or a tube. In addition, children under 13 are required to wear life jackets on any recreational vessel in waters under Coast Guard jurisdiction. Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. “Water wings” and other inflatable swimming aids such as inner tubes are just toys and do not prevent drowning.
Safe Kids Kansas also recommends the following tips to keep your family safe while boating:
Always wear a life jacket on all watercraft, including motorboats, kayaks and canoes. Make sure life jackets are Coast Guard approved and fit properly. A child can slip out of a jacket that is too big.
Be aware of Harmful Algal Blooms. Bodies of water can be impacted by blue-green algae, which can cause health risks for humans, particularly children, and pets. For more information please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.
Actively supervise kids in and around water. Supervision around water is crucial, as drowning can happen quickly and silently. Designate a grown up as a Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) and have adults take turns to prevent lapses in supervision.
Teach children about swimming safely. Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming. Teach children that swimming in open bodies of water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, currents and undertow.
Check the weather. Look at the forecast before you head out on the water. Have a weather radio or weather app handy to alert you of severe weather, which can move in quickly.
Keep a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector on your vessel. CO is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. Traveling at slow speeds or idling in the water can allow CO to build up on the surface of the water and inside the vessel. Keep a detector on board and test it regularly.
Take the time to learn CPR. We know you have a million things to do but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. This life-saving skill can also give you some peace of mind.
Take a Safe Boating Course and always do a vessel safety check. Safe Kids Kansas encourages ALL boat operators to get safety training. Kansas law requires all unaccompanied boat operators between the ages of 12 and 20 to pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education card. Boating Safety courses can be found at www.uscgboating.org.
Safe Kids Kansas also reminds parents and caregivers:
- Don’t let kids under 16 operate or ride on personal watercraft (such as jet skis).
- Never drink alcoholic beverages while boating — a large portion of boating accidents that occur each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers.
- Nobody should swim near a dock or marina with electrical hookups or lighting — swimmers can be electrocuted in the water and drown.
For more information about water and boating safety visit www.safekidskansas.org and www.safeboatingcouncil.org.
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