Category Archives: Kansas

After School Reading Programs Matter Resolved at KDCF

Statement from the Department for Children and Families and Hysell & Wagner, LLC

 

Today, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Hysell & Wagner, LLC, announced that they have entered into an agreement under which each party agrees that all issues with the 2014-15 draft audit are resolved.

In August of 2019, the Kansas Reading Roadmap grant to Hysell & Wagner, LLC was cancelled as allowed under the grant.

During announcement of the cancellation, certain preliminary findings from 2014-15 draft audit were shared.

After both parties conducted due diligence, DCF and Hysell & Wagner, LLC now agree that none of the audit issues warrant further action.

Hysell & Wagner, LLC appreciates the Agency’s efforts to resolve these matters and its decision to continue funding after-school reading programs directly with Kansas school districts.

DCF thanks Hysell & Wagner, LLC for its years of work helping Kansas children.

Neither party will have additional comment on the matter.

 

March 22, 2020 Public Update COVID-19

Situation Overview
• This document is updated every afternoon and available on www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
• KDHE has created a toolkit of Kansas-specific guidance to help local public health departments engage with their community partners on COVID-19 planning. It can be found on the KDHE website: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. New information is added daily.

For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results
Updated 3/22/20 at 10 a.m.

Total Positive Cases
64
Private Labs
34
Kansas Health and Environmental Lab
30
Deaths (included in above numbers)
Johnson and Wyandotte
2
Out-of-State Resident Positive Cases
(not counted in Kansas numbers)
2

Positive Case Information
County Number

Butler County
3
Linn County
1
Cherokee County
1
Mitchell County
1
Douglas County
4
Morris County
2
Franklin
1
Reno County
1
Jackson County
1
Riley County
1
Johnson County
28
Sedgwick
2
Leavenworth County
4
Wyandotte
14
* Ford and Miami Counties reported positive cases in out-of-state residents. Numbers included in cases home states. 2

Accessing Healthy, Safe Child Care

Guidance for Supporting Families in Accessing Healthy and Safe Child Care During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is recommending continuity of operations for licensed child care facilities at this time (centers, preschools, day care homes and school age programs). Child care facilities may accept new enrollees in accordance with the terms of their license. However, depending on the unique and changing situations of each community, local public health officers may implement more restrictive guidance and provisions for child care facilities, up to and including closure within their authority and jurisdiction.

 

Child care providers should direct all questions to their local child care surveyor. Surveyors will coordinate efforts and communication with local public health officials to provide guidance based on the rapidly changing situation at the community level.

 

“We know this is a stressful time, and especially for families who rely on child care and those whose work circumstances are changing,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “There are a number of child care resources available to help you meet the needs of your family. We’re all in this together and will help families access the support they need.”

 

KDHE continues to accept and process applications for new child care facilities. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed provider are encouraged to contact their local licensing surveyor. Visit the KDHE Child Care Licensing website and click on Local County Contacts to find the surveyor in your area.

 

 

“Child care professionals provide a critical service in our state,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “They allow parents who are our doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters and more to respond to this pandemic. Child care facilities have very strict regulations regarding the number of children in the facility as well as health and safety guidelines that must continue to be met.”

 

For FAQs and guidance regarding child care operations during the pandemic, please visit the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center website.

 

 

Options for families in need of child care

 

Many working families are facing challenges related to accessing healthy and safe child care during this time. We encourage everyone to assist with supporting families and communities as they work to develop creative solutions to meet the needs of working families.

 

Child Care Aware of Kansas provides assistance to families searching for licensed child care. They can be reached toll free at 877.678.2548.

KDHE has an online information system that serves as a tool to support families in making informed child care choices and can be used to review compliance history of a current licensed provider. The online tool is an important step to verifying that a facility is licensed and provides compliance history for parents and guardians.

Families that need flexible options or irregular care might consider having someone come into the home. Relatives, older siblings, and friends or neighbors currently not working due to COVID-19 related business closures might be available to help.

 

Other options for families that need limited care include informal care arranged between friends/neighbors on an irregular basis or someone to provide care in their own home for no more than two children for not more than 20 hours week. None of these options require a license from KDHE.

 

Governor’s Executive Orders

Governor Kelly announces executive orders to assist Kansans amid COVID-19 pandemic

 

Governor Laura Kelly announced Executive Order #20-08 and Executive Order #20-09 as part of her administration’s ongoing efforts to protect Kansans’ health and safety during the current COVID-19, or coronavirus, pandemic.

 

“Kansans elected me to serve as Governor and their health and safety is my number one priority, I am committed to leading the state forward during what are truly unprecedented times,” Governor Kelly said. “While each of these orders has a specific purpose, together they will make sure Kansas families can access needed care and supplies until we have weathered this storm.”

 

To help prepare our healthcare system for an influx of patients caused by the COVID-19 virus and to ensure that Kansans continue to have access to the healthcare they need, Kelly signed E.O. #20-08. The order temporarily expands capacity in the healthcare system by:

 

  • Allowing doctors to prescribe medication after an appropriate telemedicine consultation.
  • Authorizing out-of-state doctors to provide telemedicine services to Kansans, provided they are licensed in another state.
  • Permitting temporary emergency licenses for healthcare professionals regulated by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

 

“By allowing more doctors to practice in Kansas – and more patients to be seen remotely – we can alleviate the increasing burden on our healthcare system,” Governor Kelly said. “Expanding the use of telemedicine for nonemergency-related assessments like routine checkups and prescribing medication frees up additional time, resources and physical space in our hospitals and clinics.”

  

In addition, Kelly signed E.O. #20-09, which provides conditional and temporary relief from certain motor carrier rules and regulations to allow for quick and efficient delivery of resources needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 “Expediting the transport of resources into the state will enable us to meet the increasing demand for medical supplies, groceries – and yes, even toilet paper.” Kelly said.

 

The order specifically lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed supplies to get to Kansas or move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response efforts.

To view the executive orders, click below:

E.O. 20-08

E.O. 20-09

KS Small Business Disaster Loan

Kansas small businesses eligible for disaster loans from the Small Business Administration

 

Topeka, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved her request to make loans of up to $2 million available to small businesses disrupted by coronavirus. The disaster declaration extends to all 105 Kansas counties, making low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital available for Kansas small businesses suffering substantial economic injury.

“The COVID-19 outbreak and the uncertainty around its spread has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on Kansas businesses,” Governor Kelly said. “I’m grateful for the combined efforts of businesses, the Department of Commerce and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to quickly pull together the data that made it possible for Kansas to receive this designation and begin getting support to the small Kansas businesses that need it during this emergency situation.”

Kansas small businesses can begin applying for disaster loan assistance through the SBA at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.

“SBA’s disaster loans are a powerful tool to help our state’s small businesses weather this temporary storm,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Department of Commerce is grateful for the SBA’s quick action to make these resources available and for their commitment to keeping Kansas businesses strong.”

SBA loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills because of the disaster’s impact.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private non-profit organizations.

Businesses may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information about the Kansas response to COVID-19, please visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus.KS

March 21, 2020 Public Update COVID-19

Situation Overview
• This document is updated every afternoon and available on www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
• KDHE has created a toolkit of Kansas-specific guidance to help local public health departments engage with their community partners on COVID-19 planning. It can be found on the KDHE website: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. New information is added daily.

For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results
Updated 3/21/20 at 10 a.m.

Total Positive Cases
55
Private Labs
24
Kansas Health and Environmental Lab
31

Deaths (included in above numbers)
Johnson and Wyandotte
2

Out-of-State Resident Positive Cases
(not counted in Kansas numbers)
2
Positive Case Information
County Number

Butler County
2
Linn County
1
Cherokee County
1
Mitchell County
1
Douglas County
1
Morris County
2
Franklin
1
Reno County
1
Jackson County
1
Riley County
1
Johnson County
25
Sedgwick
1
Leavenworth County
4
Wyandotte
13
* Ford and Miami Counties reported positive cases in out-of-state residents. Numbers included in cases home states. 2

KDA Reduces Staff

Kansas Department of Agriculture Plans for Reduced Staff

MANHATTAN, Kan. —  At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will be activating its Continuity of Operations Plan to work with a limited staff beginning March 23. The headquarters in Manhattan — as well as the field offices in Garden City, Parsons, Stafford, Stockton and Topeka — will all be closed to the public until further notice.

 

The agency’s primary mission areas and essential functions will continue, with a focus on maintaining the continuity of the food supply chain, protecting public health and safety, and protecting animal health.

 

“The farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas are an integral part of the economic backbone of the state, as well as key to providing the food supply for the state and the nation,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We will continue to provide support for these critical services.”

 

Messages left at the KDA main phone line (785-564-6700) will be returned as quickly as possible. Contact information for key KDA program areas, as well as other resources and ag-related guidance documents, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

 

Vital Statistics Closed For Walk-Ins

Vital Statistics Services to Remain Open, Closed for Walk-In Service

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that its Vital Statistics Office functions will continue online and via telephone during the two-week closure of state offices beginning March 23. Walk-in service will not be available during this time.

 

Those needing vital records can visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/vital to order via online, phone or mobile app.

Corrections Plans For Services

Kansas Department of Corrections Plans for Continued Public Safety Services

TOPEKA, Kan. – At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) announced today which functions of the agency would remain open, and which would close, to help minimize additional risk of exposure to COVID-19.

 

As the KDOC is a public safety agency, most functions of the agency will remain operational throughout the two-week closure.

 

“I want to reassure the public that our commitment to the safety of this state will continue,” Jeff Zmuda, KDOC Secretary, said. “We will continue to meet the needs of those that we serve while keeping them and our staff healthy and safe.”

 

State prisons will continue operations, including most offender programming. Some staff will be working from home and some placed on paid administrative leave, as directed by Kelly.

 

Parole offices will be closed during this time, but supervision of offenders in the community will continue with staff working remotely.

 

KDOC’s Central Office will be closed to visitors during this time, but the office’s core services will continue.

 

For more information and resources related to COVID-19, including symptoms and tips for prevention, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/.

 

March 20, 2020 Public Update COVID-19 Situation Overview

Situation Overview
• This document is updated every afternoon and available on www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
• KDHE has created a toolkit of Kansas-specific guidance to help local public health departments engage with their community partners on COVID-19 planning. It can be found on the KDHE website: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. New information is added daily.

For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results

Updated 3/20/20 at 10 a.m.

Total Positive Cases
44
Private Labs
17
Kansas Health and Environmental Lab
27

Deaths (included in above numbers)
1

Out-of-State Resident Positive Cases
(not counted in Kansas numbers)
2

Positive Case Information
County Number

Butler County
2
Leavenworth County
2
Cherokee County
1
Linn County
1
Douglas County
1
Morris County
2
Franklin County
1
Sedgwick
1
Jackson County
1
Wyandotte
9
Johnson County
23
* Ford and Miami Counties reported positive cases in out-of-state residents. Numbers included in cases home states. 2

Online Mobile Services For KS Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Offers Online, Mobile Services

 

PRATT – While Kansas state parks, fishing lakes and wildlife areas will remain open to the public, effective March 23, 2020, all Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices will close for two weeks to prevent potential spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. KDWPT staff plan to resume essential business activities beginning April 6. Until then, outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas can benefit from the department’s online and mobile services, which offer nearly all of the same purchasing and reservation services available in-office, without risk.

 

Licenses and Permits

Kansas hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased electronically from kshuntfishcamp.com, at most license vendors, and through KDWPT’s mobile app – HuntFish KS.

 

State Park Reservations

All Kansas state parks remain open, and campsites, cabins and yurts can be reserved online through ReserveAmerica.com and KDWPT’s mobile app – CampIt KS.

 

Boat Registrations

All vessels powered by motor (gasoline, diesel or electric) or sail must be registered and numbered in Kansas. A registration is valid for three years from date of purchase.

  • To register a vessel for the first time, complete the “Application for Certificate of Number Kansas Boating Act Form” here, https://ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Registering-Your-Boat. Then, mail it with the $42.50 registration fee to: KDWPT Pratt Operations Office, Attn: Boat Registration, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.
  • To renew a boat registration, visit kshuntfishcamp.com and click “Boat Renewal.”

 

Nonresident Deer Draw Applications

The application period for the 2020 Kansas nonresident deer draw is April 1-24. Applications can be made online here, https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com/signinWithIdentifierAndDob.page.

 

Visit ksoutdoors.com for frequently-asked questions at this time, and other information that will make your time outdoors more enjoyable – like a day spent fishing. Anglers should check out the Fishing Forecast page to find the best places to catch the kind and size of fish they prefer. If you just want to catch fish, type “Whatever’s Biting” into the search box for a list of the top 20 lakes and reservoirs that give you the best chance to catch a fish. And district fisheries newsletters are also great sources of information for anglers. They can be found by clicking “News,” then “All Agency Newsletters.” You can even sign up to have the newsletters emailed directly to you.

Kansas State Parks, Fishing Lakes to Remain Open to the Public: Get Outside

 

 

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has developed a plan to keep Kansas’ 28 state parks, 63 state fishing lakes, and more than 100 wildlife areas open to the public during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, KDWPT’s online and mobile sales options allow Kansans to purchase the licenses, permits and reservations they need without risk of exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

 

“We’re committed to ensuring Kansas outdoors remain accessible to all, and that Kansans have safe and healthy recreation opportunities during this unprecedented crisis,” KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless said. “There’s no better place to be right now than out in nature, where social distancing is a breeze. We encourage families across the state to get outside, get fresh air, go fishing or for a hike, and enjoy our natural spaces.”

 

Beginning March 23, 2020, KDWPT will temporarily close regional and district offices for two weeks; however, state park staff will work in limited capacities to ensure Kansas’ state parks remain open to the public, and that park facilities are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Though often adjoined, KDWPT state parks are separate from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities, which will be closed. Visitors can locate an open KDWPT state park nearest them by visiting ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations.

 

Thanks to the advent of KDWPT’s mobile apps – CampIt KS and HuntFish KS – visitors can reserve campsites, purchase fishing licenses, renew boat registrations and check rules and regulations all from their mobile devices, removing the need for in-person transactions at KDWPT offices. Licenses can be printed on home desktop printers or most can be stored as PDFs within the apps on mobile devices.

 

Kansas state parks offer 10,000 campsites and hundreds of miles of trails open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Parks offer convenient access for boating and fishing, and some parks have shooting ranges. Small, family-friendly state fishing lakes are scattered across the state and provide more than 5,000 total surface acres of fishing opportunities close to home.

 

All public land regulations and license requirements remain in effect. Check with local governments for access restrictions to community lakes and USACE-operated parks.

 

For more on Kansas state parks, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com. For more information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for daily updates, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website at kdheks.gov/coronavirus.