Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Future Of Water In Kansas Nov. 13-14

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Governor’s Water Conference Deadline Fast Approaching

The Conference Agenda Has Been Posted on the Kansas Water Office Website

 

The Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas will be Tuesday, November 13 and Wednesday, November 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas. Registration price increases after November 1.

 

This is the seventh year for the conference and building off last year’s success, there will be keynotes in the morning on Day 1 including Tom Kula, Executive Director of North Texas Municipal Water District, Tim Hardman, World Wildlife Fund and breakout sessions in the afternoon.

 

The conference topics include:

  • Reservoir Management to Meet Growing Demands
  • Market Forces That Influence Conservation and Management Practices
  • Infrastructure for the Future
  • Water Technology Farms and Ogallala Aquifer Impacts
  • Kansas Water Vision Implementation
  • Why Does Navigation Matter to Kansas

 

The fourth Water Legacy Award will be presented at the conference Tuesday morning and ‘Be the Vision’ nominees will be recognized as well.

 

To view the brochure for a current list of speakers and panelists visit: www.kwo.ks.gov

 

Day two will build on the water policy, funding and vision implementation discussions from the previous day with technical presentation talks and posters. Graduate and undergraduate students will also present their research.

 

Anyone who has an interest in our state’s water resources, legislators, water managers, state, federal, city and county officials as well as scientists, organizations and agricultural producers are all welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

Registration is available online at www.kwo.ks.gov. The deadline for regular pricing is November 1! Conference details, brochure, speakers, sponsors and hotel information can be found online as well.

 

The Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas is hosted by the KWO, K-State /Kansas Water Resource Institute. Major sponsors for the event include Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock.

 

If accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please notify the KWO, (785) 296-3185, at least five working days prior to the meeting.

Government, Kansas

Latest Kansas Revenue Report

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Fiscal year tax collections exceed previous year by $183.49 million

 

 

TOPEKA—Fiscal year tax collections have exceeded previous year’s totals by $183.49 million according to data from the latest revenue report released Thursday.

 

Fiscal year 2019 tax collections so far total $2.20 billion, exceeding estimates by $105.60 million.

 

October tax collections were up $10.71 million, or 2.14 percent over last year. October’s tax collections exceeded expectations for the month by $6.99 million.

 

Individual income tax collections in October totaled $242.29 million which is $12.88 million or 5.61 percent above the same time last year. October sales tax collections fell short of last October’s collections by $3.88 million.

 

Government, Kansas

Mobile Driver’s License Renewals Launch

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Governor Colyer highlights the successful launch of KanLicense, mobile driver’s license renewals

 

TOPEKA—Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. on Wednesday congratulated the Department of Revenue and its partners on the extraordinarily smooth rollout of two new interfaces to serve Kansas driver’s license and ID holders.

 

Kansas is now the first and only state in the country to offer driver’s license renewals through a mobile application. Mobile renewals join other already existing services like vehicle registration renewal and vital statistics on the iKan application available for iOS and Android.

 

“My vision for Kansas is to make as many services accessible through phones and computers and this is a huge addition. Most everyone has to renew their license and now many of them can do it without ever stepping foot in an office,” Governor Colyer said. “Congratulations to KDOR and its partner PayIt on getting this fantastic service out the door and ready for use.”

 

The availability of mobile renewals was made possible by the launch of a different system, KanLicense, the new secure interface used by driver’s license examiners to issue licenses and IDs.

 

“This launch was incredibly smooth with minimal interruption to service for Kansans,” Governor Colyer said. “The modernized system now in place empowers faster customer service, plus ease of use for examiners—two critically important factors for a better experience for Kansas drivers at the office.”

 

Web access to iKan services like mobile renewal, vehicle registration and more is at ikan.ks.gov.

 

This week, the hours of operation for most driver’s license offices statewide changed to 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, which brings the addition of a full day of service every week.

Government, Kansas

Flags At Half-Staff For Shooting Victims

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Governor Jeff Colyer Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff for Victims of Pennsylvania Shooting

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset, October 31, 2018, as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

 

“We express our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy,” said Governor Colyer. “This was a terrible act of violence perpetrated against innocent victims with every right to peaceably observe their religious beliefs. We grieve for those suffering as a result of this crime, and pray they will find peace and comfort in the days ahead.”

To receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors.

Kansas

Cold Weather Rule to take effect November 1

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TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

“The Kansas Corporation Commission encourages Kansans who are past-due on their utility bills and at risk for disconnection to prepare now for the colder weather by contacting their utility company to make the necessary payment arrangements,” said Commission Chair Shari Feist Albrecht.

The Cold Weather Rule was first enacted by the Commission in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold. Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting a customer’s service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees over the next 24 hours.

Utility companies are also required to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish utility service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements under the Rule. However, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact the gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction. More information about the Cold Weather Rule may be found at http://kcc.ks.gov/consumer-information/cold-weather-rule. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.

 

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Government, Kansas

Water Technology Farms

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Water Technology Farm Interest for 2019 Growing Season

Initial Notice of Interest for Water Technology Farm Needed by December 1

 

Water Technology Farms are an action item of the Long-Term Vision for the Future of Water Supply in Kansas to help address Kansas water issues. The program began three years ago with three farms and currently there are 10 farms on more than 30 fields.

The Kansas Water Office plans to add a limited number of new technology farms and is currently accepting initial notice of interest for the 2019 growing season. The deadline for initial interest is December 1.

 

These three-year pilot public-private partnerships demonstrate irrigation technology, research and management techniques. They have been valuable in expanding the conversation and education of producers and decision makers on water conservation in areas overlying the depleting Ogallala Aquifer and water quality protection in the Equus Beds Aquifer region.

 

Water Technology Farms are eligible statewide. Farms in a Water Conservation Area or a Local Enhanced Management Area as well as other documented conservation programs will be prioritized for consideration. Access to land as well as data records are required as part of this effort.

 

Those interested or wanting more information, please contact Armando Zarco at [email protected] or 620-276-2901. To learn about the existing farms, visit www.kwo.ks.gov

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Advanced Voting Has Begun

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The vote here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.

Advanced voting is happening now through noon on November 5 on the first floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse, then on the November 6, registered votes vote in designated polling places. If you have any questions please call the County Clerk’s Office at 620-223-3800.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Adam Lusker

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This is part of a series introducing the candidates in the November 6 election

State Representative, 2nd District (vote for one)

Adam J. Lusker Sr. 452 S. 210th St. Frontenac 66763 Democratic

Kenneth Collins 102 E. 1st Street Mulberry 66756 Republican

Adam Lusker

Name: Adam J. Lusker Sr.

Age: 46

Position running for: 2nd District Kansas State Representative

Residence: Frontenac, KS

Occupation: Mason

Community involvement:

Member of the following: American Legion Post 43, Frontenac Rotary, Frontenac Unified Methodist Church, Sacred Heart Church, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge 187, Mirza Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite, Former Member of Frontenac Education Foundation and USD 249 School Board, 25-year business owner

Party affiliation: Democrat

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

  1. Maintaining a consistent revenue source, to ensure our budget is balanced and meets the needs of our community.

Give your views on the sales tax.

  1. Sales taxes are regressive taxes. Higher sales taxes affect people’s buying power in a negative way, especially our lower and fixed-income citizens. Therefore, food sales tax impacts these same folks adversely. Our sales tax also puts border counties like ours at a disadvantage economically in regard to retail sales, food, mercantile, equipment, etc, with our neighboring state. I think we should work to reduce food sales tax, as well as sales tax in general as other sources of revenue, are realized.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana.

  1. I do not believe Kansas is ready for legalizing marijuana. Several states are still continuing to deal with legal marijuana. We were a test site for a very costly tax plan; I think we should let other states be the petri dish on this experiment.

Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid.

  1. We should continue to find ways to reduce health care costs, increase access to medicine and promote wellness in our state. Regardless of anyone’s opinion of the Affordable Care Act, it is law and Kansas has to take advantage of all we can to keep our hospitals open. Kansas taxpayers have sent over $3 billion of our money to other states to expand Medicaid. The numbers show that expanding Medicaid would have a positive impact on our healthcare systems and our communities.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood.

  1. I have a pro-life voting record and will continue. I think we should continue to invest in adoption and education to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing The Candidates: Jake LaTurner

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This is part of a series featuring candidates for the November 6 election.

State Treasurer (vote for one)

Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican

Name: Jake LaTurner

Age: 30

Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer

Place of residence: Topeka, Kansas

Current occupation: Kansas State Treasurer

Community involvement: Various church and community-related activities.

Party affiliation: Republican

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it:

Having served as State Treasurer for the last year and a half, I am proud to say that we improved the services offered to all Kansans while saving the taxpayer’s money.

I have taken the time to analyze agency operations, allowing us to find innovative solutions, efficiencies, and streamline processes.

For example, this last fiscal year we set a record for the most unclaimed property returned to Kansans’ in a single year by more than 12%. We have put over $37 million back into the pockets of Kansans.

Our Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Accounts were ranked Top 5 in the nation by Forbes.

We also launched the ABLE savings program for individuals living with a disability and enhanced it with legislation.

Additionally, we launched a brand new, user and mobile friendly website that improves the claims process and allows for direct deposit.

All of these things have been accomplished while decreasing the square footage of the office and reducing the budget.

I list these things because not only am I running for State Treasurer, but I have a proven record of success in the office. If elected to a full-year term, I will continue to look for ways of providing a better service at the best possible cost.

Give your views on food sales-tax:

Prior to becoming State Treasurer, I was honored to represent Fort Scott in the Kanas Senate. While in the legislature, I repeatedly voted to remove and/or reduce the sales tax on food.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

While in the legislature, I voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid:

Access to quality healthcare is a critical issue to Kansans, especially in our rural areas. Costs continue to increase and many Kansans are struggling to pay their bills. This is something families across our state grapple with daily, specifically, my heart goes out to the Ft. Scott community as they cope with their recent decrease in healthcare access. I believe we can find Kansas based solutions that increase access and affordability.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I am pro-life and have a 100% pro-life voting record with Kansans for Life. My wife Suzanne and I are proud members of the pro-life generation because we believe women and their unborn children deserve better than abortion.

The vast majority of Kansans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars going to subsidize abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. My voting record on this issue is clear.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Trevor Jacob

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This is part of a series featuring candidates in the Nov. 6 election.

State Representatives, 4th District (vote for one)

Lawrence Forbach 305 Dement Street Mound City 66056 Democratic

Trevor Jacobs 1927 Locust Rd Fort Scott 66701 Republican

Name: Trevor Jacobs

Age: 42

Candidate for the position of 4th District Kansas House of Representatives

Place of residence: Fort Scott Ks

Current occupation: BNSF Railway

Community involvement:

Preach on KMDO 1600 AM, KOMB 103.9 FM, Sunday mornings, for the radio broadcast Jesus Saves Ministries, preach at Linn County, Mound City Jail, Fort Scott Country Place, Fort Scott Guest Home Estates, Fort Scott Medical Lodge, and have a Bible outreach program, with Jesus Saves Ministries.

Party affiliation: Republican

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

To stand for our God-given rights of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I stand to protect our constitutional freedoms. To stand for true American and Kansas traditional values that have made this nation and state great. I stand for the life of the preborn and the protection of the elderly. I stand unashamedly for Biblical morality. I stand for our God-given right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property from government intrusion.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

I oppose sales tax on food. I voted every time to abolish the sales tax on food. This issue had been introduced and debated multiple times, in the Kansas House Chamber and was voted down everytime by the liberal fringes of both parties. If it wasn’t for partisan politics this issue would have already been resolved.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I oppose legalizing marijuana.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

This is a very important topic and issue and when considering the future of our healthcare system, the state has put itself in obligation to provide a safety net of healthcare to the elderly, disabled, and the poor. This program is taxpayer funded. It is extremely important to maintain the mindset that there must be serious checks and balances and a degree of accountability with the healthcare programs. Healthcare is not about the quantity of recipients on a particular plan, but of the quality of healthcare that the recipients are receiving.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I oppose the murder of children in the womb and I strongly believe it is contrary to the traditional values of the Founding Fathers and documents of this nation. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” God has formed and created every person for a purpose and a plan.

As for Planned Parenthood, I believe they do not deserve any taxpayer money…given the chance, I would vote to defund Planned Parenthood.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Conference Next Month

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Registration is Open and Agenda Continues to Build

 

Registration is open and speakers continue to be confirmed for the seventh annual Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas. This two-day event will be Tuesday, November 13 and Wednesday, November 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas.

 

The conference topics include:

  • Reservoir Management to Meet Growing Demands
  • Market Forces That Influence Conservation and Management Practices
  • Infrastructure for the Future
  • Water Technology Farms and Ogallala Aquifer Impacts
  • Kansas Water Vision Implementation
  • Why Does Navigation in Kansas Matter

 

To view the brochure for a current list of speakers and panelists visit: www.kwo.ks.gov

 

Some day one speakers include: Tom Kula, Executive Director of North Texas Municipal Water District; Amy Larson, President of National Water Ways Conference; Jim Macy, Director of Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality; Mark Lambert, Associate Director of Quantified Ventures.

 

Day two will build on the water policy, funding and vision implementation discussions from the previous day with technical presentation posters and talks. Graduate and undergraduate students will also present their research. Student proposals are due October 22 and more information can be found on the website.

 

“We encourage anyone to attend who has an interest in our state’s water resources. Legislators, water managers, state, federal, city and county officials as well as scientists, organizations and agricultural producers are all welcome,” said Tracy Streeter Kansas Water Office Director. “Kansas must continue to prioritize our commitment to creating a future that provides safe and reliable sources of water to households, cities, industries, producers, and the list goes on. Dedication to our water resources is critical and necessary for each and every one of us.”

 

Registration is available online at www.kwo.ks.gov. The deadline is November 1! Conference details, brochure, speakers, sponsors and hotel information can be found online as well.

 

The Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas is hosted by the KWO, K-State /Kansas Water Resource Institute. Major sponsors for the event include Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock.

 

If accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please notify the KWO, (785) 296-3185, at least five working days prior to the meeting.

 

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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.