Governor Kelly Announces the Transfer of Direct Aid Funds to Kansas Counties

$400 Million from the CARES Act – Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF)

 

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Office of Recovery’s disbursement of CARES Act funds to Kansas counties.

 

As part of her administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Kelly is directing resources to county officials and local administrators to cover COVID-19 expenses for communities across Kansas.

 

“We are putting these funds directly into the hands of our county governments and offering them the flexibility to direct the money in ways that are specific to their community needs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our economy open and prioritizing the health and safety of Kansans is our goal, and these funds will relieve some of the burden Kansans are facing.”

 

Governor Kelly’s SPARK Taskforce and Office of Recovery have been assessing statewide needs for the second and third rounds of CRF investments.

 

Following the guidance of the U.S. Treasury to deliver funds fairly, timely, and effectually, $400 million of the State’s CRF allocation was distributed to local governments yesterday.

 

County governments can use the funds for reimbursement of the unbudgeted costs of expenditures incurred due to COVID-19. Additionally, county governments will be able to spend the remaining amount of their allotment by submitting a direct aid plan to the Office of Recovery by August 15, 2020. The direct aid plan allows counties to prepare for any possible increase in COVID-19 cases in the future.

 

The Office of Recovery has provided county officials with webinars, templates, and other resources to assist them in their direct aid plan preparations. Counties that do not submit direct aid plans will be required to return funds to the State.

 

“The SPARK Taskforce continues to address the needs of the people of Kansas,” Office of Recovery Executive Director Cheryl Harrison-Lee said. “Their expertise is invaluable as the Office of Recovery readies itself for the arduous task of administering and supporting this undertaking.”

 

The SPARK Taskforce will meet next week to hear SPARK Agency Work Group proposals for the statewide investment of Round II CRF dollars. The SPARK Steering Committee will convene on Monday, July 20, at 1:00 p.m. to review proposals. The SPARK Executive Committee will convene on Wednesday, July 22, at 11:00 a.m. to approve items for the State Finance Council’s review and final passage.

 

More information about the SPARK Taskforce and the tools provided to counties can be found at covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/.

 

KDADS Completes Statewide Nursing Facility Surveys Ahead of Federal Deadline;
Positioned for additional federal CARES Act funding*

TOPEKA –  Secretary Laura Howard announced today the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has completed focused infection control surveys (FICS) in all federally certified nursing facilities in the state as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) more than two weeks ahead of the deadline set by the federal agency.

On March 4, 2020, CMS suspended non-emergency surveys of nursing facilities and redirected states to conduct FICS, immediate jeopardy complaints and allegations of abuse and neglect. That directive was followed June 1, 2020 by the release of CMS document QSO-20-31-All that requires states to complete 100% of FICS by July 31, 2020 to maintain full FY 2021 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocations. KDADS reached the July 31 mandate more than 2 weeks ahead of the deadline, ensuring the state will continue to receive its complete share of CARES funds to protect these vulnerable populations.

Since the March 4 directive was received from CMS, 57 full-time KDADS surveyors with support from contractor Healthcare Management Solutions, have completed surveys in all of the state’s 326 certified, licensed facilities. QSO-20-29-NH All outlines specific enforcement actions for infection control citations facilities are subject to based on inspection results. To date, surveyors have:

• Completed 326 FICS
• Completed 90 Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) complaint investigations
• Written 26 IJ citations
• Written 39 infection control citations at D, E and F Level (citations at these levels could lead to financial penalty or require follow-up action(s) from the nursing facility; Health Inspection Score: Weights for Different Types of Deficiencies)
• Written 16 IJ level infection control citations (citations at these levels could lead to financial penalty or require follow-up action(s) from the nursing facility; Health Inspection Score: Weights for Different Types of Deficiencies)
• Zero facilities not in compliance with QSO-20-31-ALL

“Since the pandemic started, KDADS surveyors have been on the frontlines conducting in-person inspections and investigations and have been essential to our successful compliance with federal directives that address the safety of Kansans in nursing facilities and the staff who care for them,” Secretary Howard said. “Reaching the 100% requirement early is a reflection of the hard work of our dedicated team of surveyors.”

To help track COVID-19 and its impact on nursing facilities across the state and to inform the public, KDADS has developed an online resource page that contains detailed information including FICS completed and infection control citations issued, reopening guidance, facilities reporting COVID-19 cases by county, and Kansas-facility specific data from CMS. Visit https://kdads.ks.gov/covid-19/adult-care-home-covid-19-data.

*States that have not completed 100% of their FICS by July 31, 2020 will be required to submit a corrective action plan to CMS outlining a strategy for completion within 30 days. If, after the 30-day period, states have not achieved 100% compliance, CARES Act FY2021 allocation may be reduced up to10%. Subsequent 30-day extensions could result in additional reductions to 5%. These funds will be redistributed to states that completed 100% of their FICS by July 31.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Editorial Boards Across Kansas Agree Governor Laura Kelly’s School Delay Order is Right Decision

Kansas City Star, Wichita Eagle, Hutchinson News editorial boards voice support

 

Reopening of Kansas schools delayed as Gov. Laura Kelly imposes COVID-19 common sense

The Kansas City Star

July 15, 2020

 

Key Quote: “Parents, students and teachers should breathe a sigh of relief, albeit 6 feet apart, after Gov. Laura Kelly Wednesday sagely delayed the reopening of Kansas schools until after Labor Day. Throwing school doors open a month or less from now seemed highly improbable, and certainly reckless during the state’s current spike in coronavirus cases.”

 

Read the full story here.

 

…

 

We all want Kansas kids back in school – but this pandemic has other plans

The Wichita Eagle

July 16, 2020

 

Key Quote: “Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to delay the start of school recognizes that simple fact: As local coronavirus cases continue to surge and Wichita-area hospitals warn that they’re nearing capacity with COVID-19 patients, we can’t just pretend everything’s OK. The governor’s plan to keep schools closed through Labor Day would allow districts to hone plans and communicate them to employees and families.”

 

Read the full story here.

…

 

Editorial: If you want schools open, follow guidelines

The Hutchinson News

July 16, 2020

 

Key Quote: “Gov. Laura Kelly has stepped up yet again to do what’s right for Kansas. In deciding to delay the opening of state schools by three weeks, Kelly made clear what other politicians are reluctant to say. The pandemic isn’t over. It’s not even declining. In Kansas, and in many other states, it is actually gathering strength.”

 

Read the full store here.

The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2020 Public Library CARES Grant

 

The Kansas Libraries CARES grant application is now open. The Cares grant is open from now until July 31, 2020. Funding for this grant comes to the State Library from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  This non-competitive grant is open to Kansas public libraries. Application and guidelines can be found at https://kslib.info/1451/LSTA-CARES-Covid-19.

 

The purpose of the funding will be to help libraries address efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. The application is relatively simple and the list of approved purchases is long and expansive.  The State Library wants to make this process as easy possible. Libraries will be allowed to include purchases from April 21, 2020 through September 30, 2020.

 

Please note, this application has an abbreviated grant timeline.

The application submission deadline will be Friday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m. CST.

 

Timeline:

• July 31, 2020: Application Deadline
• August 2020: Funding Dispersed
• September 30, 2020: Libraries should make every effort to expend the full amount awarded and according to grant guidelines by this date.
• October 31, 2020: Libraries must submit documentation of purchase and complete a brief report via a form provided by the State Library of Kansas.

 

This grant opportunity for public libraries is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services federal CARES Act.

 

For more information, visit the State Library of Kansas website:

https://kslib.info/1451/LSTA-CARES-Covid-19

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Executive Order Delaying School Openings Until After Labor Day

Will also issue order enforcing health guidelines, mitigation strategies in schools

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that on Monday, she will sign an executive order to delay opening schools until after the Labor Day holiday.

 

“I can’t in good conscience open schools when cases in our state are at an all-time high and continuing to rapidly rise,” Governor Kelly said. “Every action I have taken throughout this pandemic has been done to keep Kansans healthy, keep our state open for business and get our kids back in school.”

The Governor made this decision in consultation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Education, which continue to monitor health metrics and disease spread in the state.

 

On Monday, a record coronavirus spike pushed Kansas past 20,000 total cases. ICU capacity in some of the state’s hospitals are under threat, and nearly 300 Kansans have died.

 

The Governor will also issue an executive order requiring schools to mandate commonsense mitigation strategies outlined in the Kansas Board of Education’s fall plan for schools. Under the order, masks, social distancing, proper hygiene, and daily temperature checks will be enforced regardless of the Kansas school district.

 

“The additional three weeks before opening schools will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer,” Governor Kelly said. “The Kansas State Board of Education and I are united in prioritizing the health of our students and faculty, and ensuring we provide a world-class education for our students.”

Further details will be announced next week after the order is released.

 

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has announced that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has now been confirmed in 10 counties in Kansas. KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. More than 60 premises have tested positive for VSV in Butler, Chase, Cowley, Greenwood, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread.

 

All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. Nearly 50 premises are currently under quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms on the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises. Over 70 premises have been released from quarantine.

 

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

 

“As this VSV outbreak continues, we ask all owners of horses and other livestock to monitor your animals for symptoms of VSV, and be in communication with your veterinarian if you see anything of concern,” Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner said. “You can help slow the spread of this virus by taking aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection and by keeping your horses separate from other horses which may be infected.”

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms.

 

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

 

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

 

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

 

Information about VSV can be found on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, including:

• Documents describing symptoms of VSV
• Recommendations for fly control practices
• Guidelines for shows and fairs
• Materials from a webinar with K-State Research and Extension in Butler County
• Current state and national situation reports

 

VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. For questions about VSV in Kansas, please contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.

 

The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2020 Kansas Notable Books

15 years of 15 books celebrating Kansas cultural heritage

 

Topeka, KS – State Librarian Eric Norris announced today the 15th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with wide public appeal, written either by a Kansan, set in Kansas, or about a Kansas related topic.

 

“I am proud to present the 2020 Kansas Notable Book list. This year’s list covers a wide swath of our cultural and natural history,” said Eric Norris, State Librarian. “The rich array of works on this year’s list examine petroglyphs across the prairie and go on fantastical high seas adventures with pirates; explore the careers of academics, athletes, and aviators; and consider the importance of family from the viewpoint of a young Exoduster in the 1880s and as a world traveler in a present day small western Kansas town. This year’s list will both educate and entertain.  I encourage every Kansan to contact their local public library and celebrate the artists and artistry of Kansas.”

 

A committee of librarians, academics, and historians nominated titles from a list of eligible books, and state librarian Eric Norris selected the final list. In 2006, the first Kansas Notable Books list was announced. Since then more than 200 books have been recognized for their contribution to Kansas literary heritage.

 

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book. The Kansas Center for the Book is a program at the State Library of Kansas and the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The Kansas Center for the Book exists to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.

 

For more information about Kansas Notable Books, visit https://kslib.info/2020KNB, call 785-296-3296, or email [email protected].

 

2020 Kansas Notable Books

 

Birds, Bones, and Beetles: The Improbable Career and Remarkable Legacy of University of Kansas Naturalist Charles D. Bunker by Charles H. Warner (Lawrence) University Press of Kansas

 

A Constellation of Roses by Miranda Asebedo (Manhattan) HarperTeen

 

Crumbled! (The Misadventures of Nobbin Swill) by Lisa Harkrader (Tonganoxie) Yellow Jacket

 

Follow Me Down to Nicodemus Town by A. LaFaye (Glen Carbon IL), illustrations by Nicole Tadgell (Oxford MA) Albert Whitman & Company

 

Headwinds: A Memoir by Edna Bell-Pearson (Overland Park) Meadowlark

 

The Healer’s Daughter: A Novel by Charlotte Hinger (Hoxie) Five Star Publishing

 

How to Be a Family: The Year I Dragged My Kids Around the World to Find a New Way to Be Together by Dan Kois (Arlington VA) Little, Brown and Company

 

Journey to a Promised Land: A Story of the Exodusters (I Am America) by Allison Lassieur (Schenectady NY) Jolly Fish Press

 

Kansas City Chiefs Legends: The Greatest Coaches, Players and Front Office Execs in Chiefs History by Jeff Deters (Lawrence) Deters Publications

 

A Perfect Silhouette by Judith Miller (Overland Park) Bethany House Publishers

 

Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills by Rex C. Buchanan (Lawrence), Burke W. Griggs (Lawrence), Joshua L. Svaty (Ellsworth) University Press of Kansas

 

The Reckless Oath We Made: A Novel by Bryn Greenwood (Lawrence) G.P. Putnam’s Sons

 

Steel Tide: A Seafire Novel by Natalie C. Parker (Lawrence) Razorbill

 

The Topeka School: A Novel by Ben Lerner (Brooklyn NY) Farrar, Straus and Giroux

 

What Color Is Night? by Grant Snider (Wichita) Chronicle Books

 

 

The State Library of Kansas – To learn more, visit kslib.info.

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a captive cervid herd in Osage County, Kansas, and is working with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to mitigate risk to the captive cervid industry as well as the local wild deer population in the area. Though CWD has been detected in wild deer populations in many western Kansas counties, this is the first documented positive case in eastern Kansas and the first in a captive herd since 2001.

 

CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of animals in the family cervidae (elk, deer, and moose) that impacts the animal’s brain cells, ultimately causing death. Only animals in the family cervidae are susceptible to CWD. Currently, there is no evidence that CWD poses a threat to humans.

 

The CWD-infected animal was born and raised on the premises in Osage County where it was tested after being euthanized in late June. The affected premises has been placed under quarantine, and tracing and surveillance are underway on all animals which have moved into or out of this captive cervid herd in the last five years.

 

KDWPT will conduct additional surveillance of CWD in Osage County as part of the agency’s annual testing of wild deer taken during hunting seasons, and through a three-year, statewide research project set to begin this fall. KDWPT will use the data collected to develop CWD risk assessment maps and future surveillance, prevention, management, and regulatory efforts.

 

Owners of captive cervid herds in Kansas are encouraged to participate in KDA’s CWD Herd Certification Program. This program provides increased oversight via annual inventory reconciliation, identification of all cervids over one year of age on the premises, and CWD testing for all animal mortalities. Though certification is voluntary, only operations that have been CWD-certified for at least five years may legally move animals interstate. The infected Osage County animal was in a CWD-certified herd which had not received any animals from any operations that did not have equal or greater certification status.

 

For more information, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/CWD, call the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601, or visit KDWPT at ksoutdoors.com/CWD.

 

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve while also promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection to the best of our ability.

 

Department of Commerce strengthens team with new Deputy Secretary and Community Development Director

 

TOPEKA – Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced the hiring of two economic development professionals to help direct business and community development efforts for the state.

 

William (Bill) Murphy will become the new Deputy Secretary for Business Development at Commerce, directing efforts to drive the growth of existing businesses in Kansas and recruit new businesses into the state. He will oversee the Business, Community and International development divisions, as well as the Bioscience/Technology and Marketing and Communications divisions.

 

With more than two decades of experience in economic development leadership roles, Murphy currently serves as senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

He previously worked as executive vice president of economic development for the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and before that held various economic development roles in Ohio and Maryland. He also worked in the energy sector in Ohio.

 

“Bill will be a tremendous asset for Commerce and Kansas in this very critical role,” Toland said. “He has a strong record facilitating job creation and capital investment, and his expertise and experience in economic development for markets of all sizes will be instrumental as we continue to work on a statewide, national and international approach to growth in Kansas.”

 

Murphy earned a Master of Urban/Public Administration degree and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Wright State University. He also completed various economic development-related certifications and training.

 

“I’m thrilled to join the Commerce team that is leading the state’s economic comeback at this critical juncture,” Murphy said. “Kansas is very well positioned to return to a posture of aggressive growth, and to seize opportunities created by COVID-19, which is why I’m eager to get to work with Governor Kelly, Secretary Toland and businesses and communities statewide.”

 

Toland also announced the hiring of Kayla Savage to lead the newly established Community Development Division.

 

As director of Commerce’s Community Development Division, Savage oversees the Community Development Block Grant program, the Community Service Tax Credit program, Rural Opportunity Zones and Kansas Main Street, which was relaunched in December 2019. Her role also includes partnering with the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure that rural Kansans have the tools and skills necessary to create thriving, resilient communities.

 

“Kayla is bright, creative and a natural collaborator,” Toland said. “She’s helping Commerce ensure that all Kansas towns can have the resources and tools they need to create vibrant communities.”

 

Savage previously was program coordinator and assistant director for the community education unit of Global Campus, and before that served as executive director of the Main Street program in Emporia, Kansas.

 

She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication, Public Relations and Business from Emporia State University and Master of Science in Community Development from Kansas State University.

 

“It’s an honor to be part of this vital effort to help communities across Kansas connect with the tools they need to move forward and prosper,” Savage said. “Our team will be innovative and visionary in partnering with communities of all sizes and geographic locations during this very critical time, and beyond.”

 

For more information on Commerce’s Business and Community Development divisions and other programs, visit kansascommerce.gov.