Governor Updates Drought Declarations in Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Team examines continued drought conditions as summer temps climb.

Topeka – While there have been some recent rains, drought conditions for many areas of Kansas continue to worsen.  Today Governor Jeff Colyer updated the Drought Declaration for Kansas counties with Executive Order 18-16 (attached).  The update includes all 105 counties either in an emergency, warning or watch status. This order places nearly half of Kansas counties in an emergency drought status.

“Kansans need to know no matter where you live in the state, the drought is not over,” said Governor Jeff Colyer.  “I’ve heard many concerns from producers and have seen the conditions first hand. We appreciate our federal partners at the Natural Resources Conservation Service as well as the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts— when we asked them to identify additional sources of assistance they responded quickly to help producers address these extreme drought conditions.”

The updated drought declaration has 50 counties in emergency status, 27 in warning status while 28 counties are in watch status. This action was recommended by Tracy Streeter, Director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

“With reported livestock water shortages, low flows at some of our reservoirs and monthly outlooks favoring persistent drought we know it’s imperative to monitor conditions closely,” said Tracy Streeter. “Some areas of Kansas are behind more than 15 inches in moisture for the year and outlooks favor above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation in July.”

Counties in the emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes due to the KWO Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kansas Department of Wildlife (KDWPT). They also become eligible for water in some Federal reservoirs.

Individuals and communities need to contact KWO for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. They will, in turn, be referred to the appropriate office to obtain the necessary permit to withdraw the water.

This Executive Order and any authorized upgrade shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order or superseded by a subsequent Executive Order revising the drought stage status of the affected counties. Effective immediately:

• Declare a Drought Emergency, Warning or Drought Watch for the counties identified below;
• Authorize and direct all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch or warning level-drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the effects the drought has on Kansans.

For more detailed information about current conditions, see the Kansas Climate Summary and Drought Report on the Kansas Water Office website at www.kwo.ks.gov.

County Drought Stage Declarations:

Drought Emergency: Barber, Barton, Butler, Chase, Clark, Clay, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Dickinson, Edwards, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Geary, Grant, Gray, Greenwood, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Lincoln, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Meade, Morris, Morton, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pottawatomie,  Pratt, Reno, Rice, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, Seward, Shawnee, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Wabaunsee

Drought Warning: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Brown, Chautauqua, Doniphan, Douglas, Elk, Ellis, Franklin, Greeley, Jackson, Jefferson, Lane, Leavenworth, Montgomery, Nemaha, Neosho, Ness, Rush, Russell, Scott, Trego, Wallace, Wichita, Wilson, Woodson

Drought Watch: Bourbon, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Cloud, Crawford, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Jewell, Johnson, Labette, Linn, Logan, Marshall, Miami, Mitchell, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, Rawlins, Republic, Rooks, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Washington, Wyandotte

Note to Editor:  The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

# # #

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.

Kansas Prevention Collaborative Conference Slated for September

A Conference to Connect Kansas Communities

TOPEKA – The Kansas Prevention Collaborative (KPC), an initiative of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), has scheduled a conference for September 19 and 20, 2018, marking the first behavioral health prevention conference in Kansas in many years. The conference will take place at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Topeka.

The purpose of the conference is to empower prevention coalitions to redouble their efforts in the community. The theme, Connecting Communities, echoes what has long been the work of coalitions: bringing community members together to work toward a common goal.

“This conference is one of the ways we are working to strengthen our prevention efforts statewide and to empower communities to prevent avoidable tragedies and lives derailed by substance abuse,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “I encourage everyone interested in behavioral health and prevention education to participate in this event.”

The KPC Conference provides educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends, to build skills and knowledge of ways to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse, and to advocate for best practices. Registration begins July 1. Early bird registration (before August 1) is available for $100. After August 1, registration will be $125. For more information, visit kansaspreventioncollaborative.org.

Andrew Brown, KDADS Prevention Program Manager, invites everyone to attend.

“This conference reflects the values of the Kansas Prevention Collaborative in that it will be an opportunity for community leaders and organizers to learn from one another, meet experts in the prevention field, and enable

them to connect with other prevention coalitions doing similar work,” Brown said. “At KDADS, we believe that collaboration across communities is vital to preventing tragedies such as deaths of despair, and to improving the lives of Kansans for future generations.”

KPC is a group of eight organizations funded by KDADS working to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. This conference is part of KPC’s strategy to ensure that Kansans get the tools they need.

Chad Childs, a Prevention Project Coordinator at Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute, one of KPC’s partners, is enthusiastic about the implications of a Kansas-specific prevention conference.

“The planning committee is comprised of Kansans who value suicide and substance abuse prevention work, so this conference has been designed to be educational and practical for priorities in Kansas communities. Attendees will leave with tools for overcoming obstacles facing their community and for making connections throughout the state. The goal is to make sure they know they’re not alone and there are resources to help them along the way,” said Childs.

The KPC is excited to provide this learning opportunity to communities across Kansas. For more information on the conference and the work of the KPC, please visit kansaspreventioncollaborative.org.

Please contact the KPC at [email protected] with questions.

About KDADS:

The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services was created on July 1, 2012 by Governor Sam Brownback’s executive reorganization order that merged the former Department on Aging with the Disability and Behavioral Health Services Division from the former Department for Social and Rehabilitation Services and elements of the Health Occupations Credentialing Division at the Kansas Department of Health and the Environment. The agency administers services to older adults; administers behavioral health, addiction and prevention programs; manages the four state hospitals; administers the state’s home- and community-based services waiver programs under KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program; and directs health occupations credentialing. For interviews or media inquiries, please contact Angela de Rocha, Director of Communications, at [email protected].

About the Kansas Prevention Collaborative:

The Kansas Prevention Collaborative was created in 2015 to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention efforts. A partnership of several different states, educational, and provider agencies, the KPC’s goal is to expand prevention efforts to be more inclusive of mental health promotion, suicide prevention, and problem gambling education and awareness, as well as to increase the availability of resources to adequately fund local-level prevention and promotion strategic plans. For interviews, media inquiries, or more information, please contact the Kansas Prevention Collaborative at [email protected].

Newly-created position to bridge gaps in health care services

TOPEKA –  Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Jeff Andersen is pleased to welcome Kolloh Nimley to serve as the agency’s KanCare Liaison. She will work closely with the KDHE divisions of Public Health and Health Care Finance to identify gaps in health care services. She will also collaborate with contractors, stakeholders, policymakers, legislators and the general public to improve healthcare outcomes.

“Our Public Health and Medicaid programs serve the same populations, so it is important that we focus on comprehensive services that promote Kansans’ well-being,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “I am pleased that we now have a designated individual who will look for data-driven solutions to assist KanCare consumers.”

Monday, July 2 was Nimley’s first day on the job. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Dakota, a master’s in political science from the University of Oklahoma and is a doctoral candidate in healthcare administration at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. She has more than 19 years of experience in policy work, addressing public health, global health and health care policy in the United Kingdom, State of Minnesota and the International Medical Graduates program with the State of Minnesota, similar to Kansas’ J-1 Visa Waiver program.

Nimley will, among other duties, work with KanCare Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in reviewing data related to KanCare recipients to identify gaps in coverage where an existing program may provide a benefit to consumers. She will work in the Office of the Secretary, in Topeka.

“We are pleased that Kolloh has joined KDHE,” said Secretary Andersen. “Her extensive education and experience will be an asset in building bridges and connectivity between the Kansas Medicaid program and public health offerings—contributing to our efforts to take a more holistic approach to the healthcare of Kansans.”

KDHE’s Division of Public Health includes the following bureaus: Community Health Systems, Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics, Family Health, Health Promotion, Oral Health and the Center for Performance Management.

KDHE’s Division of Health Care Finance includes KanCare, Electronic Health Records, Medicaid Program Integrity, the State Employee Health Plan, Office of Inspector General, Projections and Informatics, and Health Information Technology and the Health Information Exchange.

The KanCare Liaison is different from the KanCare Ombudsman position, which is designed to assist KanCare consumers directly with case-specific concerns.

Caryn Tyson Honored By Kansas Farm Bureau’s Endorsement of Her Candidacy

(PARKER, KS) – Caryn Tyson, a Kansas State Senator running for the Kansas 2^nd Congressional District, released the following statement today regarding her endorsement from the Kansas Farm Bureau.

“Agriculture is an essential part of the Kansas economy and it is an essential part of my life. My husband, Tim, and I are fifth generation Kansans who own a ranch in Linn County. I’m proud to be a rancher, proud to be a Kansan, and proud to be endorsed by the Kansas Farm Bureau. I’m truly honored by their support and look forward to being a champion for Kansas’ farmers and ranchers in Congress,” Tyson said.

Caryn Tyson has degrees in mathematics and computer science from Kansas State and a master’s degree in engineering management from KU. After graduating she began working in the Information Technology industry and continued working in this field for more than 25 years. Caryn’s work included space shuttle support for NASA where she received awards for achievement and teamwork.

Caryn and her husband, Tim – both fifth-generation Kansans – own and operate Tyson Ranch in Linn County, established in 1871 by Tim’s great-great-grandfather.

Governor Colyer Orders Flags to Be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Victims of Capital Gazette Shooting

Topeka – The White House, this morning issued a directive to lower flags to half-staff.

Following the directive of President Donald Trump, in accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sundown July 3, 2018 as a mark of respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on June 28, 2018 at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I pray for the families and loved ones of this terrible tragedy.  The news media perform an important duty in our society and should never have to fear losing their lives in the course of that duty,” said Governor Jeff Colyer.

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

TOPEKA—Fiscal year-end tax receipts came in $1.21 billion above last year, and $317.81 million over fiscal year predictions, according to the latest revenue report released Monday.

Year-end tax receipts were bolstered by a more than 20 percent increase in June collections, with $133.02 million over last year, which was $143.79 million more than expected for the month.

“With tax receipts coming in above expectations every month during the last year, there’s optimism that this trend will continue,” Secretary Sam Williams said. “The increase in sales tax collections indicate more retail spending precipitated by wage gains from the federal tax cuts passed into law six months ago.”

Fiscal year retail sales tax collections took in $55.82 million more than last year. For the month, sales tax collections came in $6.98 million more than last June, which was $10.76 million more than expectations for the month.

Individual income tax continues to demonstrate strong performance above expectations, with fiscal year collections at $229.42 million more than predicted for the year, and $1.07 billion above last year. Individual income tax collections for the month came in $114.03 million more than last June’s receipts.

Triple-digit temperatures present health concerns for vulnerable populations

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) advises people to use caution during the extreme heat that is anticipated to last for several days.

“The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention,” said KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Greg Lakin. “Staying cool and making simple changes in fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.”

According to the National Weather Service, heath indices are forecasted to be from 100 to 109 degrees in many parts of Kansas through Saturday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.

People who face the highest risk of heat-related illness include infants and young children up to four years of age, adults over age 65, people who have chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease or obesity), those taking certain medications and people who work or exercise in extreme heat.

The CDC has some tips for preventing heat-related illness, including:

Stay Cool: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a good way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.

Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint.

Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.

Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting heat stroke or dying.

Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks—these cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.

Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.

Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.

For more information on dealing with extreme summer hear, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat

EUREKA EMERGENCY RESPONSE UPDATE

The State Emergency Operations Center continues to coordinate response to Eureka after an E-3 tornado struck the city on June 26. Recovery operations will cease from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. to ensure the safety of those working in the area.  Security will remain on-site overnight.

Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the adjutant general, and Kansas Department of Transportation’s Secretary Richard Carlson and Deputy Secretary Bryon Harden traveled to Eureka earlier today to tour the damage. They were joined this evening by Governor Dr. Jeff Colyer and visited with local authorities on the response and recovery efforts.

Volunteers will begin citywide cleanup in all areas on Thursday, June 28 at 7 a.m. Volunteers should check in at the Matt Samuels Community Building before starting cleanup.

Westar Energy is reporting 2,800 customers still without power and they are actively working to restore power to all customers.  Westar reports that in storms, sometimes the hardware that houses the electric meter and the wires that feed electricity into a home or business can become detached. This is the square metal box and connecting pole on the side of the house or building. If the hardware is damaged, Westar cannot reconnect the service line between the house and the power grid because it’s not safe. The homeowner is responsible for hiring an electrician to make these repairs before power can be restored to the residence.

The American Red Cross shelter remains open at the Methodist Church, 521 N. Main Street, and is also serving as a cooling station for residents.  The Red Cross and Operation BBQ are providing mobile canteen operations on site.  The American Red Cross is also providing cooling tents for volunteers on-site.

The Kansas Task Force provided search and rescue capabilities overnight and demobilized at 11 a.m. on June 27.

Mutual aid has been provided by Butler, Coffey and Lyon Counties.

Butler County Community Emergency Response Team will be coordinating a Volunteer Reception Center.

Verizon Wireless has deployed their COLT (Cell On Light Trucks) which will be operational on Thursday.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management deployed the following assets to Eureka:

–       GIS Response Vehicle

–       Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Support Team

–       Advance Incident Management Team (IMT), followed by a full Incident Management Team

–       KDEM Response Liaison and Regional Coordinator to support incident command and county emergency management

–       Communications on Wheels

–       Resource Accountability Tracking Team

–       Public Assistance Support for damage assessment and debris management

The SEOC will scale back activation overnight to a staff duty officer and will resume full activation at 7 a.m. Thursday morning.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNDERWAY IN EUREKA

Search and rescue efforts continue in Eureka and local officials are conducting damage assessments following tornado damage last evening.

Westar crews have arrived in Eureka and will be cutting power while working towards restoration.  They are working diligently to restore power.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed Highway 54 from mile marker 287 to mile marker 266 and will be manning the detour.

Two KDEM Public Assistance representatives and one Kansas Department of Health and Environment representative arrived in Eureka to start debris damage assessment.

Search and Rescue teams are on-site and are assisting local authorities.

The American Red Cross is asking anyone affected by the tornado to register at their Safe and Well website at https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.  The Safe and Well website can also be used to check on family members in the affected area.

A tornado struck the community of Eureka in Greenwood County at approximately 7:31 p.m., June 26.  Search and rescue efforts are underway and local officials are conducting damage assessments.

Gov. Jeff Colyer declared a State of Disaster Emergency proclamation at 8:33 p.m. Greenwood County declared a state of local disaster. The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka was activated to coordinate the response of state agencies. Personnel from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management are in contact with Greenwood County emergency management officials to respond to requests for assistance.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter for displaced residents at the Methodist Church, 521 N. Main Street in Eureka.

The Kansas Highway Patrol was on the scene and providing security and manning roadblocks.

Last night there were are approximately 5,700 Westar Energy customers that are without power.

State agencies that are represented in the State Emergency Operations Center include the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, the Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Fire Marshal and Department of Children and Family Services

.The Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM), a division of The Adjutant General’s Department, is asking all concerned citizens wishing to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in Eureka to please stay home until asked.