Category Archives: Kansas

Government, History, Kansas

Sacred Rock Returned to the Kaw Nation

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Celebrates the Return of the Sacred Red Rock to the Kaw Nation


LAWRENCE—Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kaw Nation leaders, City of Lawrence officials, and Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas representatives to commemorate the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, or Sacred Red Rock, to the people of the Kaw Nation.

“The Sacred Red Rock has long been part of Kansas’ history, and I am honored to participate in its return to its rightful stewards,” Governor Kelly said. “This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring we respect and honor Indigenous peoples, cultures, and traditions.”

Several hundred thousand years ago, a glacier took the rock from an area in what is now southwestern Minnesota to the Kansas River Valley, where it became an important part the Kaw Nation’s spiritual life.

“I am delighted to see our city’s leaders collectively honor the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations by partnering in the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe Sacred Red Rock,” said Jancita Warrington, Executive Director, Kansas Native American Affairs, Office of the Governor. “Chancellor Girod, Mayor Larsen and the Lawrence City Commissioners have shown both compassion and respect for the Kaw Nation by honoring their request to return this grandfather rock to its cultural and spiritual stewards. This is a great example of a productive partnership between leaders, and I am excited to see what will transpire from this continued relationship moving forward.”

In 1929, the Sacred Red Rock was transported to Lawrence. It currently resides in Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe will now be returned to Kaw Nation land at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove.

“As an Indigenous person, I am extremely honored and humbled to be a part of this project and this historic event,” said Sydney Purcell, Co-Principal Investigator, Sacred Red Rock Project and Curator for Public Practice at Spencer Museum of Art. “I am in awe that Governor Kelly, Mayor Larson, and the Lawrence City Commission are present to support this effort. It is my hope that the relationships established throughout this project and further concretized with the ceremonious Return of the Rock event will continue long into the future, so that Kaw Nation’s presence is strengthened in the state that bears its name.”

Government, Kansas

KS Wildlife Dept. Offers Tool to Locate Fields for Dove Hunting

Leave a comment

KDWP Offering New Interactive Mapping Tool to Locate Fields for Dove Hunting

Kansas City, Kan. – Geographic information system staff at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are proud to offer hunters a new tool this year designed to make locating fields managed specifically for dove easier than ever. Each year, KDWP’s public land managers work diligently to provide quality wildlife habitat for public enjoyment – to include crops of sunflowers, milo and wheat stubble – that are sure to attract good numbers of wildlife, including dove.

To make locating these areas as seamless as possible, hunters should:

  1. Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Dove2.
  2. Click the first available link, https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1d6b4f5586bc4cc2a30cf412205a7607.
  3. Zoom in on the area they’d like to visit.
  4. Adjust layers accordingly. (Layers allow the user to filter results, based on things such as handicap accessibility or youth-mentor fields. A table-view pop-out at the bottom of the map allows users to sort by different attributes, including wildlife area.)

PRO TIP: Hunters should note the tool’s “Nearest Field Locator,” which allows users to select a point on the map and then search within a distance radius of their choosing.

The 2023 Kansas dove hunting season will run September 1 through November 29, during which time hunters may take mourning, white-winged, Eurasian collared, and ringed turtle doves. After the season closes, only Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves may be harvested.

Hunters may keep a daily bag limit of up to 15 doves total, which can be mourning and white-winged doves in any combination; There is no limit on Eurasian collared or ringed turtle doves, but any taken in addition to the mourning and white-winged dove daily bag limit must have a fully-feathered wing attached for identification while in transport. The possession limit for dove is 45.

Lastly, hunters should keep in mind that migratory doves may only be taken while in flight.

To learn more about doves in Kansas, click HERE.

To purchase 2023 Kansas hunting licenses and permits, visit GoOutdoorsKansas.com or download the Go Outdoor Kansas mobile app, HERE.

###
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook
Area News, Government, Kansas

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Horses in Kansas

Leave a comment

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of multiple confirmed cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses across the state over the past few weeks. Confirmed cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas and Pratt counties.

WNV is a preventable disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. All of the confirmed cases of WNV in Kansas were in unvaccinated horses or horses with an unknown vaccination history so were assumed to be unvaccinated. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination plan for their horses.

WNV is a virus that can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes; it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which means veterinarians are required by law to report any confirmed cases to the State Veterinarian.

For more information about West Nile virus or other animal disease issues in Kansas, go to the KDA Division of Animal Health website at agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalDiseases.

###

Government, Kansas

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Plan Announced

Leave a comment

Kansas Submits Five-Year, $451M Action Plan to Expand High-Speed Internet

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Office of Broadband Development has submitted the state’s comprehensive Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan (FYAP) to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The required action plan details how universal connection will happen in Kansas, and the planned use of the $451 million NTIA has allocated to the state.

The plan underscores Governor Kelly’s commitment to ensuring every Kansan has access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet and the skills necessary to thrive in a digitally-driven society.

“Access to reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for education, health care, economic growth, and overall quality of life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This plan moves us toward achieving universal broadband availability in Kansas, ensuring everyone from business owners to students can succeed in today’s digital age.”

Submitting the FYAP is a crucial step in securing federal funding for the state’s broadband initiatives. The plan outlines the path to making high-speed internet available to all Kansans, with a focus on unserved and underserved areas.

The BEAD FYAP consists of a comprehensive strategy that includes the Kansas Office of Broadband Development’s (KOBD) vision to provide universal access to quality broadband, with specific goals and objectives aimed at broadband coverage, adoption rates, and economic growth. This plan also identifies existing programs and assets to reduce overlap and to leverage resources.

“The BEAD FYAP outlines a strategic approach to leverage existing programs, partnerships, and resources toward the goal of universal broadband access,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By combining public and private efforts, we can maximize the impact of our investments and create a robust broadband infrastructure that supports economic growth and innovation for decades to come.”

The plan identifies challenges such as supply chain constraints, labor shortages, digital skill gaps, and how to overcome these obstacles. Presenting a projected timeline, costs and strategies to close gaps in broadband service and ways to ensure fair digital access, the FYAP aligns with state agencies and partners, including NTIA, the federal funding agency.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to draft a comprehensive plan that aligns with the NTIA’s guidelines while addressing our state’s unique challenges and opportunities,” KOBD Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “This plan is a roadmap to providing high-speed connectivity to areas that have historically been left behind and bringing affordable broadband access to every corner of Kansas.”

The plan’s alignment with NTIA guidelines, its inclusive approach, and its strategies to address challenges reflect the state’s commitment to empowering Kansans with essential connectivity.

For more information about the Five-Year Action Plan, click here.

###

Government, Kansas

Distributing Kansas Grown and Processed Foods to Underserved Communities

Leave a comment
John Root of Root’s River Valley Produce in Silver Lake unloads his produce at Harvesters in Topeka as part of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.

Kansas Receives Additional Funding for Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Kansas Department of Agriculture officials joined staff from Harvesters – The Community Food Network in Topeka on Wednesday morning to welcome deliveries of fresh produce purchased under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.

KDA has been awarded an additional $2,500,000 to further the state’s work under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program. The additional funds will be used to purchase and distribute Kansas grown and processed foods to underserved communities and families across Kansas for an additional year.

“We have been proud of the success of the LFPA Program and are pleased to be able to extend it for another growing season,” said Kansas Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kelsey Olson, who was present at Harvesters during the food deliveries on Wednesday. “Kansas-grown food is reaching communities across the state, which benefits not only those communities but also the farmers and producers.”

The purpose of the LFPA Program is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. In July 2022, KDA initially received $2,500,000 and partnered with Harvesters along with the Kansas Food Bank and Second Harvest Community Food Bank to purchase locally grown and processed produce, dairy, meat, and honey and distribute it to those in urban and rural communities facing food insecurity.

“LFPA has been a wonderful opportunity for our food banks to work with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and to partner with local producers around the state,” said Stephen Davis, President & CEO of Harvesters – The Community Food Network. “And our neighbors in need are really grateful for this fresh, nutritious Kansas-grown food to help feed their families.”

So far in 2023, the food banks have purchased local food from over 20 Kansas producers and have distributed nearly 800,000 pounds of Kansas-grown produce throughout the state in the first growing season of the program. According to Brian Walker, President & CEO of the Kansas Food Bank, local food purchased through the LFPA Program has already been distributed to 75 of the 85 counties the Kansas Food Bank serves. “These are mostly rural counties where fresh produce is limited so it’s been great for our communities.”

“We are grateful for the USDA and the Kansas Department of Agriculture for their support of this program that will help improve food security in Kansas on many levels,” said Chad Higdon, CEO of Second Harvest Community Food Bank.

For more information, please visit agriculture.ks.gov/LFPA or contact KDA grants coordinator Brittney Grother at [email protected] or 785-564-6797.

The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. To achieve this vision, the agency advocates for sectors at all levels and provides industry outreach.

###

 
Government, Kansas

Federal Funding Announced to Protect Historic Rural Properties

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces $750,000 to Protect Historic Rural Properties

~~National Park Service Awards $750,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant to the Kansas Historical Society~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $750,000 in federal funding will go toward preserving historic properties in the downtown commercial cores of Kansas’ rural communities with populations under 30,000. The Kansas Historical Society’s State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the Kansas Rural Main Street Grants, was among 13 subgrant programs in 12 states to receive the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants.

“Kansas is home to many historical and cultural sites that tell the story of our state’s and our nation’s past,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the National Park Service and the Kansas Historical Society, we can protect our rural communities for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

The National Park Service awarded nearly $9.7 million in 2023 to support the preservation of historic buildings in rural communities across America. The Paul Bruhn Historical Revitalization Grants are named for a former executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont.

Congress appropriates funding for various programs through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), including the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant. The HPF, authorized through 2023, uses revenue from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, assisting with a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars.

The Kansas State Historical Society will be scheduling a grant workshop soon. To be placed on a notification list for further details on the available subgrants, contact Katrina Ringler, Cultural Resources Division Director, by phone at 785-272-8681, ext. 217, or by email at [email protected]. More details about the subgrant program are available here.

More information about the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant can be found at go.nps.gov/revitalization.

###
Government, Kansas

Trail Cameras Prohibited on Kansas Public Lands

Leave a comment

Trail Cameras Prohibited on KDWP-managed Lands in Response to Growing Public Concerns

PRATT – Over the past several years, staff with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks have fielded an ever-increasing amount of public concerns regarding the use of trail or game cameras on public lands. Concerns cited by the public commonly included the ethics of “fair chase,” issues of theft and privacy concerns. After much deliberation – including seven public meetings held over the course of two years – Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners voted this year to prohibit trail cameras on Department lands and waters, including Walk-in Hunting Access and iWIHA properties (private lands leased by KDWP for public hunting access).

“As the number of trail cameras on the landscape increased, so did the number of reports made by constituents citing camera theft and misuse,” said Ryan Stucky, KDWP Public Lands assistant director. “There were also concerns about trail camera users disturbing wildlife with frequent visits to check on those cameras.”

As a result, Department staff and Commissioners agreed the regulation change – which is now in effect – should state that no person shall place, maintain, or use a trail or game camera on Department lands, or use any images or video from a trail or game camera including location, time, or date, for any purpose on KDWP lands and waters.

KDWP defines trail or game cameras as any remote motion-activated or infrared camera in which the shutter is activated by sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or a self-timer built into the trail or game camera.

While using images of wildlife produced by or transmitted from a satellite to aid in taking or locating wildlife on Department lands and waters is prohibited, the use of mapping systems or programs remains a legal activity.

For the full regulation, visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations and click “Department Lands and Water” then “115-08-25, Trail or game cameras and other devices.”

###
Government, Kansas

KS Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy Announced

Leave a comment

Kelly Administration Implements Forward-Thinking Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that in order to stay ahead of the progression of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, she has directed Executive Branch agencies to adopt a statewide generative AI policy. The policy, created and introduced by the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), outlines how Kansas can responsibly embrace and use the technology while also protecting the State of Kansas.

“It is essential that we be proactive in finding the best way to use any technology that can pose risks to Kansans’ data and privacy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With the adoption of this policy, Kansas serves as a model for what an enterprising, effective government can do to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.”

The policy comes as state and federal elected officials across the country grapple with the challenges of generative AI, which are computer-based tools used to automate certain tasks. With this policy, Kansas is staying ahead of the curve as many states continue to consider ways to regulate the use of generative AI.

“The full potential of generative AI has yet to be seen,” said Interim Chief Information Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer Jeff Maxon. “We have only scratched the surface in our understanding of what this technology can do. With the adoption of this policy, it allows agencies to safely explore how we can use generative AI to enhance our work and, ultimately, better serve Kansans.”

The policy serves as the primary governing document for the usage of generative AI for users or related activities by the entities. This policy applies to all business uses involving the State of Kansas, including but not limited to the development of software code, written documentation (i.e., policy, legislation, or regulations), and correspondence (such as memorandums, letters, text messages, and emails), research, the summarization and proofreading of documents, and the making of business decisions.

The policy outlines that responses created from generative AI outputs must be reviewed for accuracy, appropriateness, privacy, and security before being acted upon or disseminated. It also lays out that state information and/or Restricted Use Information (RUI) shall not be provided when interacting with generative AI.

Agencies are to ensure contractors disclose in their contracts the use of generative AI or integrations with generative AI platforms. Contractors are also prohibited from using State of Kansas RUI or other confidential data in generative AI queries or for building or training proprietary generative AI programs unless explicitly approved. Contractors utilizing generative AI to build software must demonstrate positive control over all data input into the system.

Software code generative by generative AI shall only be implemented after the entity has identified and mitigated all business and security risks related to its use. All usage of software code generated by generative AI shall be annotated.

View the full policy here.

###
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook  Twitter  Visit our Website  GovDelivery Signup
Government, Kansas

Food Assistance For Students

Leave a comment

Kansas Families to Receive Approximately $7.4M in Food Support Through Pandemic EBT Program

~~DCF to Distribute Both Child Care and Supplemental Benefits for 2023~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced, in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the continuation of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT) for the 2022-2023 school year. The program provides financial assistance to families who receive free or reduced-price school meals or who have children under the age of six and receive regular Food Assistance benefits.

“The P-EBT benefit provides temporary funding to address hunger and put healthy food on the table for Kansas children,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am thankful for our partnership with the Kansas Department of Education, which will ensure we have the data to get these benefits into the hands of families across the state.”

Beginning this week, children under the age of six in a household that received Food Assistance (also known as SNAP) in Kansas between August 2022 and May 11, 2023, have started to receive the child care P-EBT benefit. The amount of the benefit will vary depending on how many months a child received Food Assistance benefits. DCF anticipates distributing approximately $7.4 million for this program.

Additionally, DCF will be providing a supplemental P-EBT benefit for the summer months of 2023. This benefit is for school-aged children who received free or reduced-price school meals during the 2022 -23 school year.

Due to the complexity of gathering the necessary data, DCF will distribute the supplemental benefit in two phases beginning in January 2024.

The first phase includes an auto-issuance of benefits to families who are known to DCF through a direct certification process. The second phase, in February 2024, provides families an opportunity to request the supplemental benefit using an online portal. Additional information about the request process will be shared at a later date.

The supplemental benefit is $120 per child. DCF anticipates distributing $13.6 million for 2023.

“The P-EBT program has been essential for families who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Kansas DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “I am pleased that we are able to work with our partners to ensure families once again have access to high-quality food.”

Recipients can use their P-EBT funds to purchase eligible foods from approved retailers that accept Food Assistance benefits, like grocery stores and online at Aldi, Amazon, or Walmart.

Additional information can be found on the DCF website.

###

Area News, Government, Kansas

Correctional Facility Bus Involved in Traffic Accident

Leave a comment

TCF residents injured in bus accident

IOLA, Kansas. – Just before 1am, August 17, 2023, a transport bus carrying 21 Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) residents was involved in a traffic accident. Nine people, including eight residents of the TCF, were injured.

The TCF residents had just finished their 3-11 pm shift at the Russell Stover plant in Iola and were returning to Topeka. The bus turned onto Highway 169 and collided with a semi-truck.

The bus driver was seriously injured and transported to a Kansas City area hospital.

Eight residents were injured including 3 with bone fractures. All eight are expected to recover.

The 13 other residents reported no injuries and were transported back to the worksite. As a precautionary measure, they were sent to a local hospital for assessment.

KDOC continues to work with law enforcement to determine the cause of the accident.

The Topeka Correctional Facility is the only correctional facility for female adults operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections. The current population is 762 women.

###
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook  Twitter  Visit our Website  GovDelivery Signup
Exercise, Government, Kansas

New Kansas Bicycle Map now available

Leave a comment
Whether you’re looking to cycle from one county to the next or across the entire state, the new 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map has a lot to offer those planning a short trip or a long ride.

“The revised map has new features such as a focus on rail-trails, Kansas Tourism resources, and information on the recently published Kansas Active Transportation Plan,” said KDOT’s Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer. “This map provides information for cyclists of all levels of experience as well as community advocates wanting to develop and improve trails and paths in their areas.”

The 2023-25 map includes a state map showing daily traffic volumes, county roads, rest areas, bike shops, byways, state parks, bicycle routes across Kansas, and also includes:

  • Kansas Rail-Trails revised map and infographic.
  • Section on Sharing the Trail.
  • Information on Kansas Tourism Cycling resources.
  • Information on the Kansas Active Transportation Plan.
  • S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 66 information.
  • A table of state recreation areas and amenities.
  • State bicycle laws.

Maps and cards with bicycle safety tips are available free of charge on the Kansas Bicycle Map webpage – KSBicycleMap (ksdot.gov) This page also includes links to an interactive bicycle map and several city maps.

For more information or to order maps by email or phone, please email [email protected] or call (785) 296-5186.

Below: 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map cover.

Bike Map

###
Government, Kansas

Drought Mitigation Announced by KS Governor

Leave a comment

Kelly Administration Commits Additional $1M to Conservation Efforts in Response to Projections of Lower Wheat Production

~~Funds Reduce Erosion, Promote Water Conservation, and Mitigate Effects of Ongoing Drought~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that an additional $1 million has been directed to Conservation Districts across Kansas to support practices that will reduce erosion, promote water conservation, and mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought. This is in addition to the $3.5 million distributed each year for similar conservation efforts.

This additional funding comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects that the wheat harvest will be 122 million bushels short of Kansas’ 330-million-bushel average.

“The drought we have experienced has absolutely starved our wheat harvest at a time when Kansas farmers – and the world – cannot afford it,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue to make the necessary investments to protect the water resources that fuel our agriculture industry – the bedrock of our state’s economy.”

Funding is provided by the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) through an appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund. The program is administered by Conservation Districts across the state.

“The state continues to seek funding for conservation efforts that can maximize water resources and help make agricultural practices for farmers and ranchers more efficient and sustainable,” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said.

Landowners and producers with natural resource concerns on their property are encouraged to visit their local Conservation District office to discuss the possibility of receiving state financial assistance. The additional funding is available to landowners and producers interested in eligible water resource practices such as irrigation water management, nutrient management, planting cover crops, livestock water supplies, cross fencing, and abandoned well plugging.

Please contact your local conservation district office for application assistance and more information concerning state cost-share programs and other available services. A directory of Conservation Districts can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts.

In addition to helping with conservation efforts, the Department of Agriculture reminds Kansas farmers, ranchers, and their families that help is available for ag-related stress. The lower-than-expected yield can be overwhelming for mental health. Those resources can be found at KansasAgStress.org.

###