KCC extends emergency order suspending utility disconnects until May 15

 

Citing the continued threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas Corporation Commission used its emergency powers to extend a previous order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until May 15.   The action, taken during a Commission business meeting this morning, will offer continued relief to those experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 virus. The previous order, issued March 16, was set to expire tomorrow.

 

The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under its jurisdiction to enact similar practices.

 

“The difficulties associated with COVID-19 are far from over. As Kansans continue to face both health and financial challenges, it is critical that they have continued access to utility services in their homes to ensure public safety,” said Commission Chair Susan Duffy.

 

The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.

 

Today’s order can be viewed at:
https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20200414110728.pdf?Id=14bf4cde-a3d1-4c29-8971-327bab674e74

 

 

Bourbon County remains at seven cases of COVID 19.

Click here for more information:

 

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 #20-22 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations. It is an extension of motor carrier rules and regulations put in place by Executive Order #20-09.

 

“As this public health crisis evolves, our teams are constantly adapting and developing methods to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus,” Kelly said. “The executive orders issued today will ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities.”

 

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. #20-22, click here.

 

 

 

Since March, Governor Laura Kelly has made appointments to various boards, councils and committees while also coordinating emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“My administration has been working diligently over the past month to ensure Kansans have the information and resources they need in order to stay safe during these trying times,” Kelly said.

 

This announcement includes 44 appointments across 19 different boards made by the governor in recent weeks.

 

“I am committed to keeping government working for all Kansans, and that includes continuing the essential appointments process,” Kelly said. “These appointments have been made with the same level of scrutiny and certainty as always, and I have no doubt these individuals will be great additions to their respective boards and help keep our state running as it should.”

 

Below are the appointments made by Governor Kelly.

Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. *

 

State Board of Technical Professions

The board is charged with protecting the health, safety and welfare of Kansans by registering and licensing technical professionals to ensure that only qualified persons carry out the practice of engineering, architecture, land surveying, landscape architecture and geology in the state.

• Bonnie Limbird, Prairie Village

 

State Building Advisory Commission

The commission evaluates and selects firms to be interviewed by user agencies for Capitol improvement projects; collects and maintains current data on construction costs; establishes criteria and procedures to evaluate the qualification and performance of contractors providing architectural, engineering or construction services; develops and adopts standards for the inspection and acceptance of Capitol improvement projects; reviews state agencies’ yearly Capitol improvement project requests; and files an advice report with the budget director.

• Fran Hug, Topeka

 

State Use Law Committee

The Committee’s purpose is to advise the director of purchases on issues surrounding the purchase of products and services provided by blind or disabled persons.

• Representative Jan Kessinger, Overland Park
• Shelby Fry, Topeka
• Robert Tabor, Lawrence
• Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Wichita (reappointment)

 

Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

The purpose of the board is to provide oversight to the Hall of Fame and provide ideas for awareness, education, needed legislation and fundraising.

• Ann Gaffigan, Olathe

 

Kansas Guardianship Program Board of Directors

The Kansas Guardianship Program Board of Directors is a partnership involving the state of Kansas and its citizen volunteers to assist certain adults legally determined to be unable to manage for themselves. Members shall have knowledge and interest in issues related to guardianship, conservatorship and the needs of disabled adults.

• Sherrie Watkins, Kansas City

 

Kansas Statewide Independent Living Council

The purpose of the Council is to develop a State Plan through external input, which ensures independent living for Kansans; advocate for the accomplishment of the State Plan objectives; monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the plan; and to be a statewide catalyst for independent living.

• Teresa Beaudry, Deerfield
• Ray Petty, Lawrence

 

Kansas Board of Healing Arts

The purpose of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts is the regulation of 11 healthcare professions and to ensure that these healthcare professionals meet and maintain certain qualifications to protect the public from incompetent practice, unprofessional conduct and other proscribed behavior by individuals who have been credentialed to practice in Kansas.

• Dr. Stephanie Suber, Lawrence

 

Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma

The ACT is advisory to the Secretary of Health and Environment on the development and implementations of a statewide trauma system.

• Dr. Wael Khreiss, Topeka
• Dr. Stepheny Berry, Leawood
• Carol Perry, Topeka (reappointment)
• Jane Kemmerer, Jewell (reappointment)

 

Kansas State Board of Tax Appeals*

The board’s mission is to impartially resolve disputes between taxpayers and taxing authorities. It also reviews tax exemption decisions made by local governments and grievances resulting from technical errors, and corrects tax inequities.

• Robert Marx, Fairway

 

Kansas Propane Education Research Council

The purpose of the council is to develop programs and projects to enhance consumer and employee safety and training; provide research and development to improve existing propane technology; and to increase efficiency of propane use.

• Rob Northcutt, El Dorado
• Lewis Creek, Meriden
• Richard Mentzer, Yates Center
• Edward Barrett, Pratt

 

Kansas Credit Union Council

The purpose of the council is to supervise and regulate credit unions across Kansas.

• Michael Augustine, Olathe
• Charles Bullock, Wichita
• Kirsten Flory, Baldwin City

 

Kansas Banking Board*

The mission of the Kansas Banking Board is to prudently, equitably, ethically and efficiently administer all its statutorily delegated powers and duties so as to promote competitiveness, financial stability, safe and sound banking practices, protection of Kansas consumers and public confidence in the state-chartered banking industry.

• Mary Ann Berry, Goddard
• Lea Tatum-Haskell, Topeka

 

Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council

The Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council advises the Governor on adult, adolescent, and children services issues.

• Elijah Redington, Newton
• Savannah Hunsucker, Walton
• Ashely Grill, Overland Park
• Dr. Sherrie Vaughn, Topeka

 

Employment First Oversight Committee

The Commission makes annual recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies on strategies to increase the rate of competitive integrated employment for Kansans with disabilities.

• Joseph Scarlett, Overland Park

 

Kansas Water Authority

The water authority advises the governor, the Legislature and the director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) on water policy issues — including the approval of the Kansas Water Plan and revisions, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the KWO.

• Dr. Jean Steiner, Manhattan

 

Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency

The purpose of the Advisory Group is to determine, advocate for and promote the best interests of juveniles in Kansas.

• Dr. April Terry, Hays

 

Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission*

The purpose of the Commission is to protect the integrity of the racing and gaming industry through enforcement of Kansas laws.

• David Moses, Wichita (reappointment)
• Larry Turnquist, Salina (reappointment)

 

Civil Service Board*

The State Civil Board hears appeals from classified state employees with permanent status under the Kansas civil service act as well as applicants for classified positions who are entitled by law and regulation to appeal to the Board.

• Tom Wright, Topeka

 

Kansas Volunteer Commission

The Commission prepares a national service plan for the state; ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies; and administers certain grant programs.

• Brittany Crabtree, Topeka
• Ginger Williams, Lenexa,
• Marcee Binder, Pittsburg
• Dr. Emily Riner, Lecompton
• Ralph G. Costilla, Wichita
• Dr. Joe Marlow, Olathe (reappointment)
• Amy Pinger, Topeka (reappointment)
• Shelby Ostrom, Overland Park (reappointment)
• Breanna Monk, Wichita (reappointment)

 

For more information on the appointments, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/

Agriculture Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board to Meet Via Conference Call April 17

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. —   The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17. This is a regularly scheduled board meeting that will be held via conference call.   The mission of the KDA Agricultural Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach Team is to serve all Kansans through innovative programming and delivering solutions designed to create an environment that facilitates growth and expansion in agriculture while increasing pride in and awareness of the state’s largest industry — agriculture.   The meeting is open to the public. To request a copy of the agenda or directions on how to participate in the conference call, please contact Kerry Wefald, agriculture marketing director, at 785-564-6758 or [email protected].   Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting. ###   WHO:            KDA Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board   WHAT:          Regular Board Meeting   WHEN:          10:00 a.m. on April 17, 2020

Bourbon County remains at 7 cases of COVID 19.

 

To see the details:

 

https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData

To view the April 12 Kansas COVID 19 update click below;

 

 

https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData

Bourbon County cases remain at 7.

Click below for the full report:

 

https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData

Bourbon County remains at seven cases of  COVID 19.

 

To see the state update:

https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData

COVID relief: Speeding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loans

Topeka, Kan. – In an effort to speed relief funds in the face of the current public health emergency, the Department of Commerce is providing guidance on how CDBG funds, which are already in Kansas communities, can be loaned to area businesses more quickly.

Under certain circumstances these funds can be made available via local governments in just 24 hours.

“Local communities have a better understanding of the immediate needs in each of their communities,” Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “The state stands ready to support them in making these funds available to communities across Kansas.”

There is currently about $6 million in CDBG funds that resides in communities statewide as local Revolving Loan Funds.  The funds are administered by cities, counties and economic development organizations.  Under normal circumstances when a community wants to issue a business loan, Commerce must conduct an environmental review that takes 30 days.  The communities also must do public notice, which can also take 30 days.

If a revolving loan is for working capital, then environmental review is not applicable, and the public notice can be reduced to 24 hours. This allows communities to issue a loan in two days and not involve the Department of Commerce. This will speed the delivery of these funds to businesses that need it now.

Local communities are also empowered to make decisions on matching funds, collateral and interest rates, as well.

Secretary of Commerce David Toland will hold a conference call with CDBG communities Friday, March 20, 2 p.m., to promote the use of these funds to help ease the burdens of the coronavirus crisis.

For more information on Community Development Block Grants, visit: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/programs-services/community-development/community-development-block-grant-program/.

 

 

 

 

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. —    The State Conservation Commission will hold a conference call on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. This conference call 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 conference call, please contact the KDA Division of Conservation at 785-564-6620  or [email protected].

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to Suspend Sales of Nonresident Turkey Permits

 

PRATT – In an effort to protect the health of Kansans and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly, with the support of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), is suspending sales of general nonresident turkey permits effective immediately. The suspension is made possible via Executive Order No. 20-21, signed on April 9, 2020 by Governor Kelly.

 

“During this unprecedented crisis, we must take every measure possible to protect Kansas lives,” Kelly said. “While turkey hunting is largely a solitary activity, the potential for inadvertent spread of COVID-19 due to travel associated with nonresident participation is something we simply cannot risk. Secretary Brad Loveless and his staff have done a tremendous job maintaining safe spaces for us all to enjoy, and I’m confident they’ll continue their good work as we encourage everyone to enjoy recreational activities locally this spring.”

 

“We’ve received a tremendous amount of feedback from concerned individuals and at the end of the day, we want to do what’s right by our fellow Kansans,” Loveless said. “Initially, this issue seemed self-limiting as nonresident permit sales lagged behind last year’s sales year-to-date. However, recently, as opportunities in other states began to diminish, nonresident demand increased at a rate we are no longer comfortable with.”

 

Nonresident hunters who made their spring turkey purchase prior to the order’s effective date may still participate in Kansas’ spring turkey season; however, because Kansas’ regular turkey season has yet to open (April 15, 2020), only a small percentage of the nonresident permits normally purchased have been sold. KDWPT is offering refunds and KDWPT gift cards in an effort to lower participation rates even further. Nonresident hunters may obtain a refund or KDWPT gift card by sending an email request to [email protected].

 

“There’s no doubt this will come as a disappointment to many of our out-of-state hunters and outfitters, and rightfully so. Kansas’ spring turkey season is something a lot of us look forward to,” Loveless said. “But I’m also confident many of these same individuals will understand and join us in ‘recreating locally’ this year until we can once again travel without fear of spreading COVID-19.”

 

For other KDWPT updates, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/COVID-19.