Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Teens Challenge: Create Video On Road Safety

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Safe Kids Kansas Announces new Take it from a Teen Video Challenge

Kansas teens will have an opportunity to win $100 and help spread awareness about road safety

TOPEKA – Safe Kids Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and program sponsor State Farm announce an opportunity for Kansas high schoolers to share their knowledge on safe driving and passenger practices. The Take It from a Teen video challenge is a unique way to hear from teenagers on how to reach teens with important road safety information that can prevent injuries and save lives. Each winning applicant/team will receive $100.

“The video challenge will be a great way for high schoolers in Kansas to use their creativity while spreading a positive message that could help save lives,” said Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas State Director. “We look forward to seeing what interesting, fun and humorous videos Kansas teens can create!”

Students can create a 45-60 second video that answers one of the following questions:

  • How would you tell your friends to slow down while driving?
  • How would you tell your friends to buckle up?
  • How would you tell your friends not to text and drive?
  • How would you tell your friends not to drive under the influence?
  • How would you tell your friends not to drive with too many teens and not enough seatbelts in the vehicle?

Videos must be submitted to Safe Kids Kansas via email by Friday, January 20, 2023. Submissions must include age, address and the county of the participant. The videos will be judged based on the relevancy of the content, creativity, adherence to the time limit and contest rules. Six winners will be chosen and notified by email, and presentation of the check will be worked out Winning videos be shared on Safe Kids social media in the coming weeks.

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About Safe Kids Kansas

Safe Kids Kansas is a non-profit coalition of partners and local coalitions across the state dedicated to prevention of unintentional childhood injuries. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment serves as lead agency of the coalition. Safe Kids Kansas is part of Safe Kids Worldwide network. For more information, visit safekidskansas.org or follow @safekidskansas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Government, Kansas

Tax Collections Up in Kansas

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Kansas Collects $642.3 Million in
Total Tax Collections for November

~~Collections Continue to Outpace Fiscal Year 2022 with 5.4% Growth~~

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue today announced that total tax collections for November were $642.3 million, which is $15.4 million, or 2.5%, more than last November. Total tax receipts for Fiscal Year 2023 continue to outpace Fiscal Year 2022, with year-over-year growth at 5.4%.

Total tax collections for November were 5.3% below the estimate, which was recently raised at November’s meeting of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group to align with consistently strong revenues. The estimate for November and the remainder of FY 2023 was raised by $773.0 million.

Individual income tax collections were below the estimate for the month by 6.7%, or $21.1 million, with $292.4 million collected.  Those receipts were 1.2% greater than in November 2021. Corporate income tax collections were $78,313, or 0.6%, below the estimate, with $13.2 million collected. That is $482,253 less than last November.

Corporate income tax collections for the first five months of FY 2023 are 7.0% higher than FY 2022 over the same period. FY 2022 was a record year for corporate income tax receipts.

Combined sales and compensating use tax collections at $304.9 million were $8.7 million, or 2.8%, below the estimate but $19.5 million, or 6.8%, more than November 2021, reflecting sustained growth in that revenue source.

“As for major tax sources, it is encouraging to see wage withholding tax payments, which is the principal component of individual income tax receipts, remaining stable and combined sales and compensating use tax receipts showing 6.8% growth over November 2021,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.

Click here to view the November 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.

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Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

KDOT: Owl Creek and Paint Creek Bridges to Be Replaced in Bourbon County

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KDOT announces approved November bids
The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Nov. 16, 2022, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

District One — Northeast

Jefferson ‑ 24‑44 KA‑5105‑01 ‑ U.S. 24, from approximately 1,056 feet east of the K‑237/U.S. 24 junction east to approximately 211 feet west of Elm Street in the city of Perry, includes the replacement of bridge #009 over the Delaware River located 4.26 miles east of K‑237, grading, bridge and surfacing, 5.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $12,613,929.42.

Leavenworth ‑ 24‑52 KA‑6564‑01 ‑ U.S. 24/4th Street and U.S. 24/Star Drive in Tonganoxie, ADA curb, ramps and signals, Gunter Construction Company, Kansas City, Kansas, $215,155.00.

District Four — Southeast

Bourbon ‑ 39‑6 KA‑3908‑01 ‑ K‑39, bridge #044 over Owl Creek located 2.14 miles east of the east K‑3 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,992,442.43.

Bourbon ‑ 3‑6 KA‑3909‑01 ‑ K‑3, bridge #024 over Paint Creek located 1.58 miles north of the Crawford County line, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $1,824,955.40.

Cherokee ‑ 69‑11 KA‑6708‑01 ‑ U.S. 69, from the Oklahoma/Kansas state line north to the south city limits of Columbus, and from the north city limits of Columbus north to the K‑7/U.S. 160/U.S. 69 junction, milling and overlay, 12.0 miles, Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. And Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $3,282,750.10.

Crawford ‑ 47‑19 KA‑6624‑01 ‑ K‑47, from the Neosho/Crawford county line east to the west city limits of Girard, recycle and overlay, 12.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,520,005.77.

Franklin ‑ 59‑30 KA‑6579‑01 ‑ U.S. 59, from the north I‑35/U.S. 59 junction north to the Franklin/Douglas county line, overlay, 7.8 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $15,177,572.95.

Greenwood ‑ 400‑37 KA‑6594‑01 ‑ U.S. 400, from the east K‑99/U.S. 400 junction east to the Greenwood/Wilson county line, overlay, 15.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $12,927,592.19.

Neosho ‑ 47‑67 KA‑6623‑01 ‑ K‑47, from the west city limits of St. Paul east to the Neosho/Crawford county line, recycle and overlay, 5.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,765,476.74.

Neosho ‑ 47‑67 KA‑6707‑01 ‑ K‑47, beginning at the U.S. 169/K‑47 junction east to the north U.S. 59/K‑47 junction, overlay, 11.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,863,827.07.

District Five — South Central

Harper ‑ 39 C‑5005‑01 – Bridge over Rush Creek, located 3.8 miles west and 3.0 miles north of Anthony, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, L & M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $929,127.75.

Harvey ‑ 40 C‑5136‑01 ‑ 28 intersections located throughout the county, signing, 2.0 miles, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $29,144.20.

Harvey ‑ 50‑40 KA‑1827‑05 ‑ U.S. 50, from 5 miles east of the U.S. 50/RS‑305 junction (at the east end of existing passing lanes) east 0.8 mile, grading and surfacing, 0.8 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,954,995.79.

Reno ‑ 50‑78 KA‑6719‑01 ‑ U.S. 50, bridge #007 located 6.7 miles west of K‑14, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. & Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $123,305.40.

Sedgwick ‑ 235‑87 KA‑3232‑02 ‑ I‑235, I‑135, K‑254 and K‑96 interchange (Gold Project) in northeast Wichita, grading, bridge and surfacing, 6.1 miles, Bergkamp King, A Joint Venture, LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $140,775,519.17.

 

 

The following bids were approved from the Oct. 19, 2022, letting.

Douglas ‑ 23 TE‑0472‑02 – From Elm Street to the historic Santa Fe Depot on High Street, within the Midland Railway right of way in Baldwin City, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.5 mile, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $699,036.25.

Chase ‑ 9 U‑2403‑01 – Strong City Safe Routes to Schools Priority 1 Improvements, primarily on 5th Street and near Chase County Elementary School, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.8 mile, Prado Construction LLC, Valley Center, Kansas, $790,626.08.

Butler ‑ 8 N‑0692‑01 ‑ 159th Street, from U.S. 54/400 east to Central Avenue in Andover, grading and surfacing, 1.0 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $5,511,222.11.

Morton ‑ 65 C‑5124‑01 ‑ Intersections of RS-1000 with RS-1488 and with RS-482, intersection improvement, 1.0 mile, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $61,154.00.

Wabaunsee ‑ 99 C‑5112‑01 ‑ Bridge over Maple Hill, located 1.0 mile east and 0.2 mile north of Maple Hill, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, A M Cohron & Son Inc., Atlantic, Iowa, $1,807,094.15.

Marion ‑ 57 C‑5069‑01 – 190th Street and Nighthawk Road intersection, intersection improvement, 1.0 mile, Bruce Davis Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $333,977.10.

Allen ‑ 1 C‑5001‑01 ‑ Bridge over stream, located 1.0 mile south and 2.0 miles east of Carlyle, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, J & J Contractors Inc., Iola, Kansas, $235,798.30.

Montgomery ‑ 63 C‑5082‑01 ‑ Bridge over Illinois Creek, located 2.0 miles north and 0.1 mile west of Havana, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, B & B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $988,276.50.

Anderson ‑ 59‑2 KA‑5422‑01 ‑ U.S. 59, from W 4th Avenue to K‑31/W Park Road in Garnett, pavement reconstruction, 0.5 mile, Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,554,874.55

Reno ‑ 78 C‑5116‑01 ‑ Bridge over Cow Creek, located 0.5 mile west and 2.0 miles north of Willow Brook, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc. & Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $970,188.30.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Food, Government, Kansas

Farmers: Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Accepting Producers

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Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications from Producers

For Immediate Release:
November 15, 2022

Media please contact:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications from producers to participate in the Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. The Kansas LFPA Program will strengthen the state’s local food system by providing expanded wholesale market access to Kansas’ food producers and increasing access to locally sourced food in rural and urban counties impacted by food insecurity.

KDA was awarded a $2,500,000 cooperative agreement under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Funds will be used to purchase and distribute Kansas grown and processed foods to underserved communities and families across Kansas through the state’s existing distribution network of food banks.

Kansas producers are encouraged to apply to participate in the Kansas LFPA Program in order to sell their products to the food banks serving the state. Products eligible for sale under the program include produce, dairy, meat, eggs, honey, and processed foods. Products must be grown or processed local to Kansas to be eligible for sale under the program.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on February 15, 2023. 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. Helping expand market access and making local food available to underserved communities helps to achieve this vision.

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Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications from Producers.pdf
Government, Kansas

Managing Water Use in Drought Years

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Multi-Year Flex Accounts Can Help Manage Water Use in Drought Years

For Immediate Release:
November 14, 2022

Media please contact:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]

MANHATTAN, Kansas — As the drought continues to intensify across Kansas, many farmers have struggled to keep their crops alive amid the scarce water supply. The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources encourages water right owners to be alert to their water use for 2022 and consider applying for a multi-year flex account (MYFA) if they believe they may exceed their annual water use allocation for this year.

Rather than operating on an annual basis with the quantity of water defined by the water right, a MYFA temporarily replaces the water right with a 5-year quantity to be used as needed in response to growing season conditions. This option has been available to water users since 2012, providing flexibility by allowing the water right holder to exceed their annual authorized quantity in any year but restricts total pumping over the 5-year period.

To sign up for a MYFA that will include the 2022 pumping season, water right owners should contact or go to their regional KDA-DWR field office before the end of the year. An application must be filed on or before December 31 of the first year of the MYFA term for which the application is being made.

A MYFA is just one of the tools that farmers can use in their efforts to best manage their water. In addition to the flexibility provided by the MYFA option, farmers are also encouraged to consider water conservation practices such as drought-tolerant crop varieties, cropping patterns, water conservation areas, and irrigation technologies such as soil moisture probes, mobile drip irrigation systems, remote monitoring systems and more. By implementing the water conservation tools available, producers can work together to extend the long-term viability of the Ogallala aquifer which supplies water to the western third of the state.

KDA-DWR oversees water appropriation, including annual water use affiliated with water rights. For more information about the benefits of a MYFA and how to apply, go to www.agriculture.ks.gov/MYFA or call your regional field office or the main KDA-DWR office at 785-564-6640.

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Multi-Year Flex Accounts Can Help Manage Water Use in Drought Years.pdf
COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Free COVID-19 Tests Reordering Available for All Kansas Households

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital and Project Access to Covid Tests (Project ACT), is providing a second round of free at-home COVID-19 tests to households in all Kansas communities. All Kansas households can now visit AccessCovidTests.org to place an order for an additional five at-home COVID-19 test kits. Amazon will deliver the test kits directly to your house.

Testing before holiday gatherings is one way to prevent spreading COVID-19 to family and friends. Frequent testing is especially important for those with more exposure outside the home, such as kids in school or people who spend time in a group setting. By visiting AccessCovidTests.org, Kansans will be able enter their zip code to order free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits.

Kansans who need more support in ordering can call 866-534-3463 (866-KDHEINF).

If you need additional testing, please visit KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing site in your community.

Government, Kansas

Kansas 2022 Holiday Gift Boxes Now Selling

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — Holiday gift boxes are now available to order for the 2022 holiday season from the From the Land of Kansas state trademark program at the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Each gift box contains an assortment of products grown, raised or produced in Kansas, with two size options available: the Konza Box and the Ad Astra Box. From the Land of Kansas gift boxes allow for ease of purchase for family, friends or clients and add a personal, customized note for the holiday season.

The Konza Box includes sand plum jelly from Bruce’s Bullseye Farms, pepper meat sticks from R Family Farms, allergy-friendly snack bites from Safely Delicious, garden veggie dip from Twisted Pepper Co., sunflower oil from Wright Enterprises, Snaxsun lightly salted wheat snacks from Wheatland Foods, and a chocolate bar from The Sweet Granada.

The Ad Astra Box includes white popcorn kernels from Free Day Popcorn, Merry Berry jam from Grandma Hoerner’s, sweet and tangy mustard from Grannie’s Homemade Mustard, medium garden salsa from Holmes Made Salsa, sugar cookie mix from Queen Marie Gluten Free, chai concentrate mix from Signet Coffee Roasters, lavender mint lip balm from Sweet Streams Lavender, sunflower oil form Wright Enterprises, meat sticks from Yoder Meats and a chocolate bar from The Sweet Granada.

Gift boxes can be purchased online at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com/holidaybox and can be shipped anywhere in the United States. For orders larger than 10, call 785-564-6755 or email [email protected] to ensure holiday delivery. December 9 is the last day to order for guaranteed delivery before Christmas.

“Our holiday gift boxes are the perfect gift for anyone who loves Kansas. It’s a way to give back to Kansas ag businesses while making gift shopping simple and personalized,” said Sammy Gleason, From the Land of Kansas marketing manager. “We appreciate all our customers who come back each year to support our amazing producers and look forward to new customers ordering for the first time.”

The From the Land of Kansas trademark program at KDA is designed to promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. For more information about the holiday gift boxes or about the trademark program, visit fromthelandofkansas.com or contact From the Land of Kansas marketing manager Sammy Gleason at 785-564-6755.

Government, Kansas

New Communities Asked to Join Kansas Main Street Program

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Kansas Main Street Program Seeking New Communities, Hosting Application Workshop

TOPEKA – The Kansas Main Street program announced today it is seeking new communities to join the program in 2023. On Monday, November 14, at 10 a.m., the program will host a virtual application workshop for communities interested in the program.

“My administration rebuilt economic development tools like the Kansas Main Street Program, and it has since been a crucial part of preserving and growing Kansas downtowns,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage more Kansas communities to join this program and strengthen their economy.”

Kansas Main Street provides technical assistance and support for communities working to revitalize their downtown area by focusing on four points — economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.

Communities wishing to submit applications will be required first to attend the virtual application workshop, which will explain the Main Street Approach and the process for successfully completing the application.

Applications for the Kansas Main Street program will open on December 5 and close on February 3, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in February, with new communities announced in March.

“Since Governor Kelly brought the Kansas Main Street program back in 2019, ten communities have been added, bringing the total number of designated communities to 35,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These Kansas communities once again have the resources and tools they need to enhance the quality of life and breathe new life into their communities and historic commercial districts.”

Benefits of earning designation as a Kansas Main Street community include:

  • Comprehensive technical assistance from the state and national programs to further economic development downtown.
  • Training in strategic planning, program capacity-building, and organizational management for the Main Street organization.
  • Individualized training for Main Street managers, boards, and other Main Street participants.
  • Attendance to statewide quarterly training and professional development opportunities for participant communities.
  • Access to design services to help downtown property owners undertake effective rehabilitation, restoration, adaptive reuse, and infill projects, as well as reimagining public spaces within the district.
  • Access to business assistance such as recruitment and retention, succession planning, business plan development, and entrepreneurial development.
  • Membership in the Main Street America network.

“The Main Street Approach has been around nationally since the 1980s and is a proven economic development tool, especially for small, rural communities,” said Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell. “Opening up the program to more communities in Kansas is a positive step forward for our state.”

Registration for the November 14 application workshop is required, which can be completed here.

For more information on the Kansas Main Street program, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/main-street/ or contact Director Scott Sewell at (785) 296-7288 or [email protected].

Government, Kansas

Ignoring vehicle recalls can be risky: Check To Protect

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TOPEKA – More than 50 million vehicles on the nation’s roadways have unrepaired, open recalls that can lead to costly damages and put occupants at a safety risk. The Kansas Department of Transportation is joining the National Safety Council (NSC) in encouraging vehicle owners to use the Check To Protect program, which allows free repairs through an authorized dealer.

“What you don’t know can hurt you,” said Gary Herman, KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager, Bureau of Transportation Safety. “All car owners should regularly check for safety recalls, especially going into winter in Kansas. Failing vehicle parts can lead to life threatening injuries.”

The NSC warns vehicle owners to not assume recall notices will be sent by mail. Owners of older, used or vehicles not regularly seen for routine maintenance can be difficult to track down.

Checking a recall status should be part of routine vehicle maintenance and done at least twice a year. A vehicle license plate or the vehicle identification number (VIN) is required. VIN numbers are on the driver’s side dashboard or on vehicle registration/insurance documents. Then go to the Check To Protect website, https://checktoprotect.org. Anyone with a recall will be prompted to schedule a free repair at a dealer.

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Government, Kansas

KDOT Staffing Shortages May Impact Snow/Ice Removal This Winter

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Continued KDOT staffing shortages could impact

highway snow, ice removal efforts
The Kansas Department of Transportation is committed to keeping the highways cleared when inclement weather impacts the state, but staffing shortages continue to affect the agency with not enough snowplow operators in many areas. These ongoing shortages could affect KDOT’s ability to clear snow and ice from highways in a timely manner.

“We want motorists to know ahead of time – it’s not a matter of if the highways will be cleared this winter, but when,” said Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “KDOT crews will be proactive by shifting crews and pretreating surfaces whenever possible but having fewer employees could cause delays in removing snow and ice from all the affected roadways.”

The agency is about 24% short of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed in offices across the state. However, all KDOT field offices have made preparations in September and October to be ready for winter – employees participated in regional meetings with several days of hands-on snowfighter training exercises. Salt, sand and other materials are fully stocked, and pre-maintenance work on snowplows and other equipment is complete.

“Our maintenance crews always do their best to serve the public as they work 12-hour shifts in their efforts to clear the highways,” said Secretary Lorenz. “But motorists can help by checking on road conditions and weather forecasts in advance and possibly delaying travel plans. It’s important to plan ahead, stay informed and travel safe.”

Before traveling, check www.KanDrive.org, KDOT’s road condition website – it is updated 24/7 for highway conditions, short-term closures and general traffic alerts, and provides camera views to see current road conditions in that area. KanDrive now has a new App available for download on iOS and Android phones with a hands-free/eye-free feature to announce upcoming traffic events while traveling. The Kansas 511 phone system also has been updated and provides reports on a specific route, in a city or between two cities.

The agency also will deploy all employees who have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to plow snow and hire seasonal employees. KDOT will assist selected applicants in obtaining a CDL upon hiring, which includes providing training. For people interested in working at KDOT, go to the state’s employment website at http://jobs.ks.gov/

Government, Kansas

Governor: Input on Wildfire Prevention is Needed

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Governor Laura Kelly Seeks Public Input on Wildfire Prevention and Response

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly called on Kansans to share their thoughts on how the State of Kansas can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires. The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force, established by Governor Kelly this past July, is seeking public input as it takes a comprehensive look at mitigating wildfire threats, reviews how local and state officials respond to such emergencies, and considers how to better support communities impacted by wildfires.

“Wildfires take a devastating toll on Kansas families and businesses, which is why we want to hear directly from the people most impacted by these disasters,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “If you have thoughts on how our state can prevent or better prepare for future disasters, please let the Wildfire Task Force know. Together, we will continue working to protect our first responders, our farmers and ranchers, and our communities.”

The Governor’s Wildfire Task Force was founded in the wake of Kansas experiencing several large-scale wildfires. Over the last five years, the Kansas State Fire Marshal has received reports of an average of 6,000-plus wildland fires each year. Since 2016, the state has experienced three large wildfires that burned over 800,000 acres.

The Task Force is led by Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam and includes bipartisan representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and organizations. The group has met several times since its creation.

“Reducing the fuel load to mitigate the risk of large-scale wildfires is a high priority; it will involve many partners and may look not look the same across the state, as different regions have different needs and challenges,” Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam, Chair of the Task Force, said. “We have been engaged in extended discussions about the critical impact of wildland fires and look forward to input from the public on these issues.”

Public input can be submitted on the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s website: www.agriculture.ks.gov/WildfireTaskForce. Submissions can be made through the end of November.