Study area identified and drinking water testing opportunities available
More than 15 years ago data was collected by the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) on the declining quality of groundwater in the Arkansas River region due to naturally occurring sources. The Kansas Water Office along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Agriculture will be working with KGS and Groundwater Management District No. 3 in a two-year study to collect current, updated data in the areas adjacent to the river and surface irrigation canals in Hamilton, Kearny, Finney, Gray, and Ford counties in response to a legislative resolution passed this past 2019 session, Senate Resolution No. 1729.
In an effort to help update data, a study area has been identified and the state of Kansas is providing the opportunity for domestic well owners in those areas who use their well(s) for drinking water purposes to have their water tested for free. Test results will be provided back to the well owner and used in the broader study to determine overall regional groundwater quality. Please note, water from public water supply systems is routinely tested and meets all safe drinking water standards, and therefore is not included in this study.
The state is working with the five listed county health departments and conservation districts have water sampling kits available to private well owners. This will be a phased approach starting with Hamilton County, followed by Kearny, Finney, Gray and Ford. Those who use their well(s) for drinking water purposes are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to help update the water quality data in this study area. Participation in this study is voluntary.
Sample kits will be available beginning in Hamilton County on August 19 with the other counties to follow.
In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.
The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. service members who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.
The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”
Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.
The law’s journey began on Feb. 14 when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced S. 504, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. A companion measure, H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House by Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va.
Reistad expressed gratitude to the bipartisan members of Congress for passing the legislation.
“We are grateful that President Trump fully acknowledges the importance of The American Legion by signing the LEGION Act in the White House today – just one week after it passed the House of Representatives,” Reistad said. “In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing thousands of honorable but previously ineligible veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans organization in the country.”
Reistad pointed out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used. “In the meantime, I recommend that prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act’ in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras,” Reistad said. “The larger pool of veterans now eligible for The American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”
Any Veteran who has served one day on active duty and was honorably discharged can now join the American Legion.
We have quite a few Bourbon County Veterans who can now join the Fort Scott American Legion. I already have four area Veterans ready to join our Post. Reach out to Veterans you know and ask them to join us.
Contact me for membership applications OR invite them to our next meeting on Monday, August 5 at 7 pm. All they need in order to join our Post is proof of honorable service and their first year’s dues of $40
Hay bales, wheat, soybeans, and corn, those are the normal scenes in rural Kansas during the summertime.
But a new alternative crop is possible in the summer of 2019.
Hemp production has come to Kansas following Former Governor John Colyer’s enactment of the Alternative Crop Research Act in April 2018.
Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks, of the Bourbon County Commission, was asked to provide information to the commission on hemp.
“Hemp is not marijuana,” Meeks said. “The size is different, the hemp plant is much bigger. And you can’t get high from hemp.”
There are three people, called licensees, legally planting hemp in Bourbon County, according to Jason Walker, Public Relations Director for the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Regulations and procedures for planting hemp in Kansas are quite rigorous, Meeks stated.
None the less, there are those who have started planting.
“As of July 22, 2019, the Kansas Department of Agriculture has received the notification, through required planting reports, that roughly 1170 acres of industrial hemp have been planted in Kansas,” Walker said. He noted that 65 acres are licensed (potential) acres in Bourbon County.
Joe Bisogno, Jr. started growing hemp on eight acres on a small acreage in Bourbon County this month, he said.
He prefers not to give the location of the area where he is growing the hemp “So people won’t try to come to look at it,” he said.
“When you license to grow hemp, you can’t have anybody in the designated area, they can’t come on the property,” Bisogno said.
“The application process involves each person that touches the field (where hemp is produced) has to get a background check,” Meeks said.
Bisogno said he traveled the country to see how to plant, process and harvest the plant first hand, before taking the plunge into growing hemp.
“Joe Bisogno Jr. and Joe Bisogno Sr. have done a lot of work at the legislative level for hemp production,” Meeks said. “They deserve credit for that.”
The recent planting on Joe Jr.’s small acreage is for research purposes, he said.
“I’m doing research on the hemp,” he said. “I plan to compare how hemp grows in two different soil types.”
Bisogno is planting the hemp for economic reasons.
“You can make money on a small acreage,” he said.
“It’s easily a billion-dollar industry,” Meeks, said. “There are thousands of articles that can be made from hemp, such as flooring and clothing.”
Here is the history of how Kansans came to grow hemp, provided by Kansas government links.
Then-Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. signed Senate Bill 263 ( K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq.) in April 2018, which enacted the Alternative Crop Research Act allowing the Kansas Department of Agriculture to oversee the cultivation of industrial hemp in a research program, according to the website https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/plant-protect-weed-control/industrial-hemp
“The KDA legal staff and plant protection and weed control program staff quickly began the process of developing regulations and other administrative documents and procedures to guide the Alternative Crop Research Act, according to the website.
“Since that time, KDA staff participated in more than 14 public outreach events across the state, which began with an open dialogue and information exchange at a public forum May 11 and included a public hearing prior to publishing the regulations.
“The regulations were approved by the Department of Administration and the Attorney General and reviewed by the Legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations before final regulations were published in the Kansas Register on Jan. 24, 2019. They became effective on Feb. 8, 2019, 15 days following their publication.
“The Industrial Hemp Research Program became possible because the 2014 Farm Bill included a section to allow for universities and state departments of agriculture to begin cultivating industrial hemp for purposes of research, provided that the growing and cultivating of industrial hemp is allowed under state law.
“Industrial hemp is defined by SB 263 as all parts and varieties of the plant cannabis sativa L that contain a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
“The recent passage of the 2018 Farm Bill removed federal restrictions on the establishment of commercial hemp programs and allows individual states to develop a plan to license the commercial production of hemp and further directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a plan for states that do not do so.
“In order to establish a program for the commercial production of industrial hemp, Kansas must develop a plan through KDA, in consultation with the Governor and Attorney General. Any such plan must be submitted to USDA for approval.
“The opportunity to grow a new specialty oilseed crop in Kansas offers potential for diversification for Kansas farmers looking for an alternative crop, or for new farming enterprises interested in cultivating industrial hemp.
“The Kansas agriculture industry has developed a statewide strategic growth plan in recent years, and is committed to pursuing new and innovative opportunities to grow agriculture.
“The research generated by participants of this new industrial hemp program will be valuable data in identifying the growth potential offered in this sector.”
Governor Laura Kelly appointed Sylvia Penner and Adrion Roberson to the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission.
“Sylvia and Adrion have a proven track record of working hard in their communities,” Kelly said. “We have a lot of work to do. I know they are ready for the challenge and will become integral voices in the discussion and work of this commission.”
Penner, Wichita, currently serves as an attorney at the firm Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson and Kitch, LLC. Previously, she was an instructor for both Tabor College in Wichita, and Washburn University School of Law in Topeka. Penner received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Tabor College, and a juris doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law. Penner has held numerous leadership and membership positions including: American Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Wichita Crime Commission, Wichita Women Attorneys Association, Kansas Admissions Review Board and Kansas Appleseed board of directors.
Penner will fill the position of the criminal defense attorney appointment.
Roberson, Kansas City, currently serves as co-pastor of the Berean Fellowship Church and as CEO/co-founder of KC United! Youth Sports and Education Initiative. Previously, Roberson served as a faculty member for the Kansas Leadership Center and created multiple development initiative programs to help Kansans mobilize and gain critical life skills. He served as chairman for Connect the DOTTES for a better KCK. Roberson received his bachelor’s degree in urban pastoral theology from Calvary Bible College.
Roberson will fill the position of the faith-based community appointment.
The Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission was created as part of HB 2290, which passed during the 2019 legislative session. The governor appoints one criminal defense attorney or public defender, one member of the faith-based community and one facilitator to provide administrative assistance to develop a project plan and assist the Commission in its duties.
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae
Seven lakes with warnings; nine with watches
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes.
Warnings:
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)
Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)
*Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)
South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)
Colby City Pond (Villa High Lake), Thomas County (unchanged)
Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffee County (new 7/25)
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
Water contact should be avoided.
Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
Watches:
Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (unchanged)
Marion Reservoir, Marion County (unchanged)
Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (unchanged)
Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)
Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (downgraded 7/25 from warning)
Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County (downgraded from 7/25 warning)
Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (new 7/25)
Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (new 7/25)
Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgemen County (new 7/25)
A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.
During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage will be posted at all public access locations
Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
High Risk of West Nile Virus Activity in Three Kansas Regions
and Positive Mosquito Pools Identified
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for northwest, south central and southeast Kansas. North central, northeast, and southwest Kansas are at moderate risk for WNV infections. In addition, mosquitoes collected in Sedgwick County have tested positive for WNV and St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV).
WNV can be spread to people through mosquito bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness leading to swelling of the brain or brain tissue that can result in death. There are no vaccines or medications to treat WNV. People who have had WNV before are considered immune.
SLEV is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that spreads WNV. While most people who are infected with SLEV have no symptoms or only mild non-specific flu-like illness, some individuals can experience serious neuroinvasive illness. Symptoms often include fever, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, and altered level of consciousness. Coma, convulsions, and paralysis may also occur. SLEV has a similar incubation period as WNV, 5-15 days.
KDHE recommends knowing your risk of WNV and take action to prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself against WNV and SLEV:
When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
The elderly or those with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
Horses can also be infected with WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse to protect them against WNV.
Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Although there have been no cases of WNV reported to KDHE in 2019, there have been over 300 cases of the most severe form of WNV and 30 deaths in Kansas from 1999-2018. The last known case of SLEV in Kansas occurred in 2004.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/. More information on SLEV can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/sle/index.html .For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.
Governor Laura Kelly reappointed Carisa Lyn McMullen to the State Board of Technical Professions.
“We need qualified individuals overseeing engineering, architecture, geology, land surveying and other practices that have a far-reaching impact on our everyday lives,” Kelly said. “Carisa has been a real asset on this board with her extensive knowledge and experience.”
McMullen, Olathe, is a landscape architect and currently serves as the principal at Landworks Studio. She has worked in both municipal and private sectors. McMullen received a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Kansas State University. She has worked on numerous projects including: University of Kansas West Campus Master Plan in Lawrence, the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, The Labette Community College Pedestrian Corridor in Parsons, and the Vision Iola Community Master Plan in Iola.
The board registers and licenses engineers, architects, surveyors and landscape architects. The group works to provide maximum protection of the health, safety, and welfare of Kansans by assuring their practice of engineering, architecture, land surveying, landscape architecture and geology in the state is properly carried out.
Per K.S.A 74-7005, each member of the State Board of Technical Professions must be a resident of the state of Kansas. Each term is four years with a limit of three successive terms.
All 13 board members are appointed by the governor. Four members must be licensed engineers, two must be licensed surveyors, three must be licensed architects, one must be a licensed landscape architect, one must be a licensed geologist, and two must be from the general public.
Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dylan Evans, Sarah Green, and Kathy Brazle to the Kansas State Fair board.
“The Kansas state fair is an important part of Kansas’ story,” Kelly said. “It’s a cherished annual tradition, and Kansans deserve board members who are passionate about our history and culture. Dylan, Sarah, and Kathy encapsulate this passion.”
The board acts as the showcase of Kansas agriculture, commerce and industry, and is responsible for presenting a format of entertainment and education that appeals to people from all walks of life in Kansas.
The state fair emphasizes the importance of family, education, public and private entities, and Kansas as a whole.
Dylan Evans, Lebo, is the owner of Farmers State Bank of Aliceville and DWE Livestock. Evans received his master’s degree in food science, a bachelor’s degree in animal science and industry, and a bachelor’s degree in food science and industry, all from Kansas State University. He succeeds Steve Abrams.
Sarah Green, Wichita, currently serves as a writer, editor, and strategic consultant, working as an independent contractor. Previously, she served as Local Foods and Rural Outreach Coordinator under the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Green participated in a graduate fellowship through George Washington University in food policy. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. She succeeds Matthew Lowen.
Kathy Brazle, Chanute, is a retired school administrator. Previously a teacher in Erie, Brazle received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physical education from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Kansas. Brazle also received an administration certification from Emporia State University. She succeeds Monica Lair.
The governor’s appointments to the state fair board are not subject to Senate confirmation.
Secretary David Toland reduces fee for businesses seeking Angel Investors
Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that he has reduced the application fee for businesses seeking to participate in the Angel Investor Tax Credit program.
After reducing the application fee from $750 to $500 in February, the Kansas Department of Commerce reduced the fee further to $250, retroactive to July 1, 2019. Applications for companies seeking investment through the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) program for 2019 will be accepted through August 31.
The program offers Kansas income tax credits to qualified individuals who provide seed-capital financing for emerging Kansas businesses engaged in development, implementation and commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services.
“The Angel program exists to support small start-up businesses, so it didn’t make sense to charge an application fee that put the program out of reach to the very businesses seeking help,” Toland said. “This is a straightforward, business-friendly move that we hope will encourage more start-ups to apply and make it easier for Kansans to invest in promising new businesses.”
The KAITC Program is designed to bring together accredited “angel” investors with qualified Kansas companies seeking seed and early stage investment. The purpose of the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Act is to help facilitate:
The availability of equity investment in businesses in the early stages of commercial development.
The creation and expansion of Kansas businesses, which are job- and wealth-creating enterprises.
Applications for certification are accepted only for Kansas businesses in the seed and early stage rounds of financing.
Companies must meet the following criteria to be certified as a Qualified Kansas Business:
The business has a reasonable chance of success and potential to create measurable employment within Kansas.
In the most recent tax year of the business, annual gross revenue was less than $5 million
Businesses that are not Bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than five years; bioscience businesses must have been in operation for less than 10 years.
The business has an innovative and proprietary technology, product, or service.
The existing owners of the business have made a substantial financial and time commitment to the business.
The securities to be issued and purchased are qualified securities.
The company agrees to adequate reporting of business information to the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The ability of investors in the business to receive tax credits for cash investments in qualified securities of the business is beneficial, because funding otherwise available for the business is not available on commercially reasonable terms.
Each applicant must sign a Qualified Company Agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Certification of companies must meet mandates established by Kansas statute to allow accredited Angel Investors to receive the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit.
The Kansas Senate Oversight Committee Monday approved Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Shawnee, to serve as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and Herman Jones, Berryton, as Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, along with other appointments to state boards and agencies.
“I appreciate the Senate committee’s action in approving the appointments of Kansans who are all well qualified and committed to public service,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s truly an outstanding group, and I look forward to seeing the work they do in helping to move our state forward.”
Burns-Wallace was the Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Kansas, and also served as the assistant dean in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at Stanford University.
Before working in education, Burns-Wallace worked for the U.S. Department of State as a management officer in the foreign service in China, South Africa and Washington D.C., experience she says helped prepare her for her new role at the Department of Administration.
“Managing a foreign mission for the U.S. government is a complex set of challenges that touch on logistics, construction, budgeting, HR – these issues also line up closely to the mission of the Department of Administration,” Burns-Wallace said. “I’m excited to start working on some of these issues for the State of Kansas.”
Burns-Wallace holds a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and African American studies from Stanford University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Herman Jones began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Emporia Police Department. He then served as a state trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1982 to 1992. Later, he was an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
He returned to the Kansas Highway Patrol as the director of administration from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, he became Undersheriff of Shawnee County, and later was appointed Shawnee County Sheriff in April 2012, elected in November 2012 and re-elected in 2016.
Jones is a graduate of Emporia State University, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy, and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
“I’m honored to be Governor Kelly’s choice to serve in this important law enforcement position,” Jones said. “I’ve dedicated my career to public safety and take great pride in working with the men and women of the Kansas Highway Patrol to strengthen our agency and improve public safety across Kansas.”
Additionally, the following appointments by the governor were approved Monday by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee:
Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Gardner, Shellaine (Shelly) Kiblinger, Cherryvale, and Jonathan Rolph, Wichita; Kansas Board of Regents
Emily Hill, Lawrence, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees
Earl Lewis, Topeka, director, Kansas Water Office
Constance Owen, Overland Park, chair, Kansas Water Authority
Joni Franklin, Wichita, Jonathan Gilbert, Dodge City, and Michael Ryan, Junction City; Public Employee Relations Board
Doug Jorgensen, Topeka, State Fire Marshal
Kelly Kultala, Basehor, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
Kala Loomis, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas State Gaming Agency
Stephen Durrell, Lawrence, executive director, Kansas Lottery
Kansas Agencies Co-locate to Improve Stakeholder Experience
Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard and Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman, M.D. today announced a new partnership designed to improve efficiencies and expand the reach of both agencies.
KDHE eligibility employees will now be co-located in 17 DCF offices across the state to foster collaboration around the KanCare application process for the elderly and people with disabilities.
“I’ve always believed that our DCF offices can be an important connection point for Kansans who need services,” Howard said. “This new partnership is a first step in providing a more efficient experience for those who need assistance with the complicated KanCare application process.”
“As an agency, we are continually looking for opportunities to collaborate and improve the stakeholder experience,” Norman said. “By co-locating, we are making good use of existing state office space and extending our reach across the state.”
Elderly and disabled KanCare applications are among the most complex. For many years, processing of these applications has been privatized. The process is now brought back in to KDHE. Under the new partnership, KDHE employees will initially spend most of their time processing Home and Community Based Service applications.
They also will be available to work with DCF staff on complicated cases. Once the full transition is complete in mid-2020, it is expected that KDHE staff will be able to meet face to face with Kansans who need help navigating the KanCare application process.
“I believe this collaboration with DCF will result in positive outcomes for Kansans,” Norman said.
KDHE employees will move into the Hays and Wichita offices the week of July 22. Other offices that will have KDHE employees include:
Kansas City and Overland Park in August
Emporia, Great Bend and Newton in September
Manhattan and Pittsburg in October
Atchison, Chanute and Salina in November
Dodge City, Garden City, Hutchinson and Liberal in December
Independence in Jan. 2020
As more KDHE staff are hired, the agencies plan to expand to other DCF offices that have available space.
“I’ve heard first hand from our workers how excited they are to have KDHE staff in the same office,” Howard said. “We know is this is an important step in helping Kansans connect with services that are vital to their well-being.”
