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Category Archives: Kansas
Safety Tips For Halloween
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TOPEKA – With just a few safety steps, you can prevent children from going bump in the night to ensure a happy Halloween. Injuries can be scary, but the good news is they are preventable. Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Poison Center and the Kansas State Fire Marshal remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.
Child pedestrian injuries are more likely on Halloween than on any other night of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as more children will be on the streets and sidewalks. Kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.
Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Children younger than age 12 should not cross streets on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager. If your children are mature enough to be out without supervision, make sure they keep to familiar areas that are well-lit, stick to a pre-planned route and trick-or-treat in groups. Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency but pay attention to your surroundings and don’t be distracted by texting or talking on the phone.
“On Halloween night, it’s important to see and be seen,” Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas, said. “Carry a flashlight and have your trick-or-treaters wear reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags.”
Remind children to be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers. Also, be aware that kids are in a candy-seeking mode, so keep medicine locked up and away and keep the Poison Help number programmed into your phone: 1-800-222-1222.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery-powered candles or lights. Remember to ensure your family has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, both inside and outside of every sleeping area.
“Our goal is to keep every trick-or-treater safe this Halloween,” Mark Engholm, Kansas Fire Marshal, said. “Use battery-powered candles, watch for trip hazards and remind kids to stay alert and visible while out collecting treats.”
With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure everyone has a fun and safe holiday:
Costume Safety
- Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
- Prevent trips and falls by choosing a costume that is the right size and choose non-toxic face paint and makeup instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Make trick-or-treaters visible to drivers with reflective tape or stickers and carry glow sticks and flashlights to help see and be seen. Remind kids not to chew or bite glow sticks, as the liquid inside can irritate their mouths and eyes.
Decorate Safely
- Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, including candles, light bulbs and heaters.
- Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and decorations.
- Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.
- If you are attending parties or haunted houses, look for the exits in case of an emergency.
- If using dry ice, wear gloves or use tongs when handling it, and do not put it in cups where it could be swallowed and cause severe burns.
Walk Safely
- Stick to sidewalks or paths. Do not walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be hazards you can’t see.
- If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Only cross the street at corners and crosswalks – not between parked cars – and make eye contact and wave at drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and put away phones and other potential distractions.
Drive Safely
- Slow down and be alert in residential neighborhoods, especially when turning at intersections or entering and exiting driveways and alleys. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
- Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit safekids.org.
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About Safe Kids Kansas Safe Kids Kansas is a non-profit coalition of statewide partners working to prevent childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability in children. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as the Lead Agency for the coalition.
Visit us at safekidskansas.org, Facebook and Instagram.
About the Kansas State Fire Marshal
The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kansas from the hazards of fire, explosion and hazardous materials. KSFM’s aims to reduce the deaths, injuries, and property losses of Kansans through inspection, enforcement, regulation, investigation, hazardous material incident mitigation and public education.
Visit us at firemarshal.ks.gov, on Facebook or X/Twitter.
About the Kansas Poison Center The Kansas Poison Center at The University of Kansas Health System serves the entire state of Kansas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are free, fast and confidential. Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
KDOT seeking comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov/about/publications-
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes November 6. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-2252.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 785-296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
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KS Department of Agriculture Crop and Livestock Research Grant Opportunity
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program. Funds for the program are appropriated to the agency by the Kansas Legislature from the State Water Plan Fund.
The grant funds are in turn awarded to projects and organizations based on their alignment with the State Water Plan and their potential impact on the Kansas agriculture industry. Areas of particular interest include improving the performance and marketability of drought-tolerant crops; improving the ability of farmers to reduce input requirements, increase effectiveness, and reduce nutrient runoff; and agriculture innovations that reduce water use, improve water quality, or improve drought resilience.
This is a competitive, reimbursement-based grant program. Applications will be evaluated by a technical review committee. The recommendations of the committee will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final award determination.
Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2025. For more information, please download and carefully read the FY26 Request for Applications document from the KDA website: agriculture.ks.gov/grants.
The funding appropriation for the FY26 Crop & Livestock Research Program is $450,000. Applicants may request up to $100,000 per project, and projects can be up to two years in duration.
The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for ag sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.
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Medicare Beneficiaries Can Enroll: 2025 Open Enrollment Period Launched October 15th
TOPEKA – With over 571,000 Kansas residents depending on Medicare for health coverage, now is the critical time to act. The annual Medicare Fall Open Enrollment period is underway, running from October 15th through December 7th. This is your once-a-year chance to review and make changes to your benefits that will take effect on January 1st of the following year.
“Medicare coverage and costs can vary widely, so KDADS wants to make sure people understand how important it is to compare their current coverage with other options each year during the open enrollment period,” KDADS Medicare Grants Coordinator Janet Boskill said. “We encourage Kansans to review their healthcare coverage options carefully to ensure they have the best plan to meet their needs and avoid being locked into their current plan for another year if it doesn’t meet those needs.”
By shopping available plans and comparing costs, beneficiaries may be able to find a Medicare health or drug plan with better coverage or a lower premium in 2026. Help is out there:
- The Medicare Plan Finder is an online tool for comparing pricing for Original Medicare, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies.
- 1-800-MEDICARE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help in English, Spanish, and more than 200 additional languages.
- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas is a free program that offers Kansans unbiased assistance with questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. SHICK has counselors throughout the state to educate and assist the public in making informed decisions for each situation. This counseling service is free at l-800-860-5260.
Medicare Open Enrollment is a time for those enrolled in Medicare to review and adjust their coverage. During this period, participants can:
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
- Enroll, drop, or switch prescription drug plans (Part D).
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). (This can also be done during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1st through March 31st.)
Beneficiaries can only make changes during this annual window unless they qualify for a special enrollment period due to certain life events, such as moving or losing other insurance coverage.
Suppose you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and don’t want to change your coverage for 2026. In that case, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment, assuming your current plan will still be available in 2026. If your plan is discontinued and isn’t eligible for renewal, you will receive a nonrenewal notice from your carrier before open enrollment.
Each year, there’s a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1st through March 31st. Suppose you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to change your health plan. This is a time when you can review your coverage, switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage, or go back to your original Medicare. If needed, join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Changes to be aware of for 2026 include:
- Medicare Advantage
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $9.54 in 2025 to $10.11 in 2026.
- There are 87 Medicare Advantage plans available in Kansas for 2026, an increase from 80 in 2025.
- 95.2% of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- $0 is the lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan.
- 95.92% of people with Medicare will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium.
- Medicare Part D
- In 2026, 12 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans will be available. All individuals with Medicare have access to a Medicare prescription drug plan.
- 66.26% of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2025.
- 17.49% of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan get ‘Extra Help.’
- $0 is the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan. $147 is the highest monthly premium.
Total Medicare Part D premiums will also remain stable. In 2026, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, people with Medicare prescription drug coverage will benefit from a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap on their annual prescription drug costs, further making prescription drugs more affordable for seniors and people with disabilities. Because of the Inflation Reduction Act, people with Medicare coverage already see improved benefits, including a $35 cost-sharing limit on a month’s supply of each covered insulin product and recommended adult vaccines under Medicare Part D at no cost. The $35 cost-sharing limit on insulin does not include combination insulin products. People with Medicare prescription drug coverage who fall into the catastrophic phase of the prescription drug benefit will not have to pay anything out of pocket for covered Medicare prescription drugs.
Additionally, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which will be offered by all Part D plans starting in 2025, will allow people with Medicare Part D coverage the option to spread the costs of their prescription drugs over the calendar year. Learn more about the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan and how it may help people with Medicare. Additionally, the Medicare prescription payment plan, first introduced in 2025, will continue to be offered by all Part D plans in 2026. This will allow people with Medicare Part D coverage the ability to spread the costs of their prescription drugs evenly over the course of the calendar year.
The Low-Income Subsidy Program, called ‘Extra Help,’ is a Medicare program that helps qualifying individuals pay Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. According to estimates, enrollees can save nearly $300 annually on average. Millions of seniors and people with disabilities can benefit from this program but aren’t enrolled. Individuals who enroll in MSPs automatically qualify for help affording prescription drugs through the “Extra Help’ program.
State-by-state fact Sheets are available at 2026-ma-part-d-landscape-
If you have questions about Medicare Open Enrollment and would like help navigating through the complexities of it, please call our SHICK hotline at 1-800-860-5260 to speak with a free, unbiased, confidential counselor in your area today!
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Ks by Recognized National Association of State Chief Information Officers
Kansas Department of Labor Receives
NASCIO 2025 State Information Technology Recognition Award
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) announced Thursday that KDOL has received the 2025 State Information Technology (IT) Recognition Award from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) in the category of Digital Experience: Agency/Program Solutions. This award, selected by peer states in the organization, celebrates KDOL’s innovative approach to overhauling the state’s aging unemployment benefits system and improving digital services for Kansas workers and employers.
“The improvements that have been made to Kansas’ Unemployment Insurance system not only protect taxpayer dollars, but also simplify the process of applying for benefits while increasing security against fraud and safeguarding the system for years to come,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the hard work of Secretary Amber Shultz and her team at the Kansas Department of Labor, our state is now at the forefront of modernization.”
The NASCIO State IT Recognition Awards honor transformative IT projects that exemplify best practices, deliver measurable outcomes, and provide lasting impact. KDOL’s recognition highlights Kansas’ leadership in advancing government technology to meet the evolving needs of the public.
“This award is a testament to our team’s commitment to serving Kansans with integrity, innovation, and efficiency,” said Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz. “We set out to make our services more accessible and responsive, and I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to modernize the experience for every user who relies on us.”
KDOL’s award-winning initiative focused on transforming the user experience through a modernized digital platform, and enabling faster, more secure, and more accessible interactions for Kansans seeking unemployment benefits, workforce services, and employer-related resources. A user-centered design and streamlined processes have significantly reduced wait times, improved accessibility, and enhanced transparency.
KDOL’s digital transformation initiative continues to evolve, with ongoing enhancements planned to further improve service delivery, accessibility, and user satisfaction.
For more information about the NASCIO State IT Recognition Awards, visit www.nascio.org.
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KS Supreme Court New Rule: Remote Proceedings Allowed
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Work Continues Thursday, Oct. 16, on Kansas Rural Health Program Proposal
Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance meeting will be livestreamed
TOPEKA – The Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA) will hold its second of three meetings on Oct. 16, as the 14 Governor-appointed alliance members support the application for the Kansas’ Rural Health Transformation Program.
The passage of H.R. 1 included $50 billion for the Rural Health Transformation Program. KRHIA is working with Kansas’ application development team as it prepares its plan for RHTP funding. The application must be submitted by Nov. 5. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will announce funding awards by Dec. 31.
The goal of the application is to support Kansas’ rural health systems, communities and patients in a holistic manner by improving access and outcomes through workforce development, education, systems change and technology.
The KRHIA held its first meeting on Oct. 9. The virtual meeting was livestreamed on YouTube and was available to view on the KDHE Rural Health Program webpage. The accessible recording will be available soon on the Kansas Rural Health Program webpage. The Oct. 16 event will be available for viewing the same way.
The final meeting will be held Oct. 20 and will also be available to view via livestream.
WHAT: Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance meeting
WHEN: 2-4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16
WHERE: KDHE YouTube page and the KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program webpage
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KDHE and KSU Host Youth Poster Concert on Rabies Prevention
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KVDL) at Kansas State University in collaboration with Bavarian Nordic and the One Health Commission Bat Rabies Education Team (BRET) are hosting a poster contest to educate children about rabies prevention in Kansas.
Kansas students from kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to participate. Winning submissions will receive a donation to their school as well as a personal prize. Submissions are due Jan. 30, 2026. More information can be found on the KVDL website.
This contest aims to raise awareness about rabies, the impacts it can have on ecosystems and how to prevent rabies transmission. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that can be transmitted to people by infected mammals. Wildlife such as bats, which are the origin of most human rabies cases in the United States, still play an integral role in the Kansas ecosystem through pollination and eating crop-destroying insects.
Not all wild animals have rabies, but recognizing the potential for wildlife rabies reservoirs to transmit rabies to humans and pets is crucial for rabies transmission prevention.
By following the theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” the posters submitted for this contest should highlight how individuals and communities can work together to prevent rabies.
For more information on rabies in Kansas, visit the KDHE rabies webpage.
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Kansas Deer Poaching Case Closes
Kansas Game Wardens Close Investigation into 2023 Trophy Deer Poaching Case
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) today announced the successful closure of a wildlife poaching case involving the illegal harvest of a trophy deer in Kansas. The investigation, led by KDWP Game Wardens, concluded with a guilty plea from a Tennessee man who admitted to unlawfully taking the deer.
While investigating an unrelated poaching case in early 2024, Kansas Game Wardens learned that a trophy deer had been killed in Miami County, Kansas before being later tagged in Missouri.
Following this discovery, Game Wardens obtained a warrant for the suspect’s phone records, which confirmed his presence in Kansas during the timeframe of the photo. In late summer 2024, Kansas Game Wardens traveled to the Nashville area, where they seized the deer and later received a phone confession from the individual, who admitted to killing the deer in Kansas with a rifle and without a valid permit.
The suspect was prosecuted in Miami County, Kansas, and recently pled guilty to charges related to the illegal take. He was fined $5,000 and must also pay $3,960.50 in restitution and $108 in court costs.
KDWP’s Special Investigations Unit led the case, with support from the Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The successful resolution underscores the department’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting wildlife crimes, including complex cases that may span multiple jurisdictions and take years to conclude.
“Kansas Game Wardens are dedicated to protecting our state’s wildlife resources,” said Colonel Greg Kyser. “Most hunters respect the law and play a vital role in conservation. Unfortunately, bad actors undermine that trust and make it harder for everyone. This case demonstrates the persistence and professionalism of our officers, who work tirelessly to hold violators accountable and uphold the integrity of our hunting laws.”
KDWP enforces state and federal fish and wildlife regulations, boating laws, and public land rules across both private and public lands. Game Wardens also support emergency response efforts and collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Through education and outreach, KDWP promotes safe, ethical outdoor recreation and works to preserve Kansas’s natural heritage for future generations.
For more information about KDWP’s law enforcement and wildlife protection efforts, visit ksoutdoors.gov/Law-Enforcement
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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
Motorists encouraged to be on the lookout for deer
Vehicle-deer crashes can happen any day of the year on Kansas roadways. Across the state, 39% of all single-vehicle crashes in 2024 involved a collision with a deer. The Kansas Department of Transportation reports five people were killed and 674 people were injured in collisions with deer in 2024.
These crashes greatly increase from now until the end of the year because of deer breeding season, with November typically the peak time.
This is why KDOT, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, AAA Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority are joining to raise awareness and help decrease deer-vehicle crashes.
“Serious crashes are more likely to occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer, as this can lead to loss of vehicle control, departure from the roadway or collisions with oncoming traffic,” said KHP Lieutenant Chad Crittenden. “It is often safer to brake firmly and stay in your lane.”
Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas, said that in addition to the inconvenience of your vehicle damage, the cost of repairs may put a serious dent in your wallet, especially if you don’t have comprehensive auto insurance coverage.
“AAA insurance statistics show the average claim in Kansas for an animal strike in 2024 was $8,430 – up 103% in just five years,” Steward said. “This is largely due to advanced vehicle technology such as cameras and sensors, driving up the cost of repairs.”
Anyone involved in a collision with a deer or other animal resulting in personal injury or property damage totaling $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the incident to the nearest law enforcement agency.
KDWP prioritizes reducing deer-vehicle collisions in managing the Kansas deer population. However, motorists should be prepared for a higher risk of collisions in the fall, said Levi Jaster, KDWP Big Game Program Coordinator.
“Even in areas with fewer deer, seasonal habitat changes and mating can bring deer onto roads at any time of day or night,” Jaster said. “Drivers should be especially cautious at dawn and dusk and stay attentive in areas with good deer habitat. Slowing down and remaining alert are the best ways to avoid a collision.”
Roadway safety officials suggest drivers:
- Be watchful at dawn and dusk – deer are more active and they seldom travel alone.
- Be alert and reduce speeds near wooded areas and near water sources.
- Vehicle-deer collisions can happen on any rural or urban roadway – the signs show areas where high numbers have occurred in the past.
- Do not swerve, this can cause motorists to veer into oncoming traffic, run off the road, hit objects or overturn.
- Use bright headlights when there is no oncoming traffic – the deer’s eyes often reflect.
- If possible, move the vehicle to the roadway’s shoulder after a collision and call law enforcement – KHP dispatch at *47, turnpike users at *KTA or local law enforcement at 911.
- Put the vehicle’s hazard lights on and keep your seat belt fastened.
- Contact your insurance company to report damage.
Increase roadway safety this fall and throughout the year by staying alert, obeying posted laws and eliminating distractions while driving. Always wear a seat belt and use appropriate child safety seats, every trip, every time.
NOTE: Click this link, Deer/Vehicle Stats, to view the statewide vehicle-deer statistics for the past five years followed by county stats for 2024.
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Kansas Department of Labor to host the 75th Annual Industrial Safety and Health Conference
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor will host the 75th annual Industrial Safety and Health Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, Kansas.
“Decades of Safety, the theme of this year’s conference, represents a milestone marking 75 years of commitment to the well-being of workers across various industries and a beacon of innovation and progress in our state,” said Amber Shultz, Secretary of Labor. “We gather with a shared commitment to advance safety and health in our workplaces, communities and beyond. Safety is not just a regulation, but a shared responsibility carried by all of us.”
The four-day event begins with a two-day conference featuring the latest in regulations, changes in laws and upcoming rules. The conference, hosted by the Division of Industrial Safety and Health, is tailored for professionals working in high-risk environments where safety is critical to operations. Additionally, the conference offers multiple continuing education classes and features highly anticipated vendors that display the latest in safety and health equipment and technology.
Event Details:
- Dates: October 14–17, 2025
- Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan, Kansas
For more information about the seminar agenda, please visit dol.ks.gov/ishconference