The Kansas Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1
TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Tuesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.
With energy costs expected to rise this winter, the protections offered by the Cold Weather Rule could be more critical than ever in keeping individuals and families safe and connected. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Midwest households heating with natural gas could see their bills increase by 33%. Those using electric heat could pay 8% more. If the weather is colder than expected, those numbers could be higher.
While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer’s service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.
The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.
Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.
The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric, natural gas, and water utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.
Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.
Program still accepting applications for mortgage, property tax, and utility assistance
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that six months after its launch, the KansasHomeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) has distributed $24.8 million in mortgage, property tax, and utility aid to 2,321 Kansas homeowners.
“Housing is vital to a strong workforce and a resilient economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This program is providing much-needed relief for Kansans, and my administration will continue supporting homeowners by cutting property taxes and expanding affordable housing.”
The Kelly Administration granted the funding for the temporary relief initiative distributed by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to help Kansas homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardship avoid foreclosure and catch up on their mortgages and property taxes. The program assists with mortgage payments, property taxes and charges, utility and internet fees, and more.
“Housing stability is essential for strong families, healthy communities, and a thriving economy,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).“This assistance keeps families safely housed and preserves the dream of homeownership for Kansans facing hardship.”
Currently, 2,321 KHAF applications have been granted assistance, and additional funds remain to assist homeowners. Kansans who have fallen behind on their mortgage and/or property tax payments are encouraged to apply now.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
jjjjjjjj• You own your home in Kansas and are at least 30 days past due on mortgage or jjjjjjjjjjjjproperty taxes.
jjjjjjjj• The property (a single-family home, one-to-four-unit dwelling, condo, townhome, or jjjjjjjjjjjjmanufactured home) is your primary residence.
jjjjjjjj• Your household has experienced financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.
Kansans requesting KHAF assistance are encouraged to apply online. If approved, funds are paid directly to the service provider(s), who apply them to the homeowner’s account(s).
More than 200 mortgage loan servicers partner with the KHAF program as participating lenders. The program will remain open until program funds are fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is processed in a timely manner.
Applicants in need of assistance may call 1-855-307-KHAF(5423) from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
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The KHAF program is administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency, administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
KDWP to Receive $4.3 Million in Grants to Conserve At-risk Wildlife
Kansas City, Kan. – In an announcement made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Oct. 19, 2022, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will receive a portion of more than $66.7 million in matching grants to be distributed across 16 states and Guam in support of imperiled species. The grant dollars are made possible by the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund – grants that contribute millions annually to support implementing state and territorial programs that conserve and recover federally listed and at-risk species on non-federal lands.
“This grant funding makes it possible for us to conserve nearly 1,600 acres of critical wetland habitat that will not only benefit species most at risk, but many other species that depend on wetlands for food, shelter and respite during migration,” said KDWP Secretary Brad Loveless. “We know we can’t conserve imperiled species without first conserving their habitat, so this is a great ‘next step’ towards paving the way for these projects, as well as future efforts to conserve critical habitat across our great state.”
Authorized by Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act and partly funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $4,306,820 from the CESCF will be distributed to Kansas to support habitat conservation.
Of the more than $4.3 million in grant funding slated for the Sunflower State, $3,994,790 will be dedicated to wetland habitat conservation in support of Whooping Cranes and Eastern Black Rails, with the remaining $312,030 supporting Kansas’ Aquatic Safe Harbor Agreement.
“Thanks to decades-long partnerships like the one we have with Ducks Unlimited, we’ve been able to restore, renovate, and protect critical habitat for a variety of native species,” said KDWP Assistant Secretary Stuart Schrag. “Now, being the recipient of this federal Recovery Land grant for the first time ever only elevates what KDWP and Ducks Unlimited can do together to positively impact critical landscapes and the wildlife that depend on them.”
Ducks Unlimited – a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl – played an active role in KDWP’s grant application process, recognizing the vital importance of stopover habitat for the federally-endangered Whooping Crane, as well as nesting and brood rearing habitat for the federally-threatened Eastern Black Rail.
“The partnership between KDWP, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to secure these funds is a prime example of how collaboration can greatly benefit imperiled species,” said Matt Hough, Manager of Conservation Programs in Kansas for Ducks Unlimited. “Working together toward the common goal of conserving wildlife are what these relationships are all about, because when we protect wetlands and associated habitats, both wildlife and people benefit.”
To learn more about threatened and endangered species in Kansas – including the recovery plans KDWP has in place to guide research and management of listed species – click HERE.
To learn more about the CESCF grant program, click HERE.
TOPEKA – Influenza season is here in Kansas. While activity remains low, influenza cases have already been seen in Kansas.
The flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving the vaccine before influenza activity begins in your community, ideally by the end of October.
“Early indications say the flu may hit a little harder this year, so it’s very important to start thinking about getting the vaccine,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, State Health Officer at KDHE. “The good news is you don’t need two separate appointments; you can get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same time!”
KDHE monitors flu activity, including the percentage of emergency department visits and deaths attributable to influenza. During the 2021-2022 flu season, influenza was a contributing or direct cause of death in 44 deaths. Pneumonia, which often develops with influenza infections, was a contributing or direct cause of death in 1,200 deaths. Severe influenza infection and symptoms may be avoided with vaccination.
“The influenza vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age or older. Being vaccinated against influenza is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications, including babies and young children, pregnant women, older persons and people with certain chronic conditions,” said Duwve.
Kansans can start getting their vaccine from their health care provider, at local pharmacies, health departments and some medical clinics.
Getting vaccinated also protects people around you. Getting vaccinated is important for persons caring for young children, adults over 65, and those caring for persons with certain medical conditions. Most people who get the flu recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people can develop complications like pneumonia which could lead to hospitalization and be life-threatening.
Find a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov. For the latest on Kansas influenza news, visit kdhe.ks.gov/flu.
ORLANDO, FLA. – Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz was awarded the 2022 George S. Bartlett Award given jointly by the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association for her outstanding leadership and extensive service in transportation.
Through AASHTO, Lorenz is currently leading a national effort to develop a united vision for state DOTs to deliver community centered transportation. The vision will provide state DOTs a range of strategies they can deploy to make transportation work better for people and communities in their states.
“Transportation is about people, those we serve, and those we work with to better deliver improvements in our communities, said Secretary Lorenz. “I’m honored to receive this award from organizations and colleagues I greatly admire because of our shared vision to make transportation safer and work better for all Americans.”
Lorenz has been actively involved in TRB for more than 15 years on numerous committees as well as the Chair of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project Panel on Administration of Highway and Transportation Agencies. She is Immediate Past President of AASHTO’s Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials, which serves 10 states in the Midwest. In addition, Lorenz serves on AASHTO’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors as well as chair of AASHTO’s Council on Aviation.
In 2019, Lorenz was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to lead KDOT. This is her second tour of duty at the agency as she served as the Director of Public Affairs from 2003 to 2011.
Previously, Lorenz directed national engineering firms’ strategic consulting and public engagement services for transportation projects at the local, regional and national levels.
Lorenz received the award on Oct. 22 at the AASHTO 2022 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
The general election will be November 8, but those who wish to, may vote earlier.
Early voting will begin Wednesday, October 26th and will be open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and will end on Monday, November 7th at noon.
People may vote at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. in the commission room.
“We provide early voting to allow everyone the opportunity to vote, which is why we started offering Saturday voting,” said Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk. “We had a good turnout in the primary for early voting and a lot of positive comments regarding Saturday voting. We will continue to offer Saturday voting as an option if people continue to utilize it.”
Ashley Shelton. Submitted photo.
In addition to selecting candidates, there will be two questions on this ballot, one about the election of sheriffs and one about Kansas legislative oversight.
Taken from the ballot:
County Sheriff Question
This amendment would preserve the right of citizens of each county that elected a county sheriff to continue electing the county sheriff. The amendment would also provide that a county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office pursuant to either a recall election or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.
A yes vote for this proposition would preserve the right of citizens of each county, to continue electing the county sheriff via popular vote. The amendment would also direct that a county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office pursuant to either a recall election or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.
A no vote against this proposition would not make any changes to the constitution and would retain current law concerning the election of a sheriff and the procedures for involuntary removal of a sheriff from office.
The amendment states:
County and township officers.(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), each county shall elect a sheriff for a term of four years by a majority of the qualified electors of the county voting thereon at the time of voting designated for such office pursuant to law in effect on January 11, 2022, and every four years thereafter. (b) The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to a county that abolished the office of sheriff prior to January 11, 2022. Such county may restore the office of sheriff as provided by law and such restoration shall be irrevocable. A county that restores the office of sheriff shall elect a sheriff by a majority of the qualified electors of the county voting thereon for a term of four years. Such sheriff shall have such qualifications and duties as provided by law. The time of voting for the office of sheriff may be provided for by the legislature pursuant to section 18 of article 2 of this constitution. (c) The filling of vacancies and the qualifications and duties of the office of sheriff shall be as provided by law. (d)The legislature shall provide for suchothercounty and township officers as may be necessary. § 5. Removal of officers.(a) Except as provided in subsection (b),all county and township officers may be removed from office, in such manner and for such cause, as shall be prescribed by law. (b) A county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office by recall election pursuant to section 3 of article 4 of this constitution or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“A yes vote would require counties to maintain a sheriff as an elected official,”
The Question of Legislative Oversight
The purpose of this amendment is to provide the legislature with oversight of state executive branch agencies and officials by providing the legislature authority to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations.
A yes voteforthis proposition would allow the legislature to establish procedures to revoke or suspend rules and regulations that are adopted by state executive branch agencies and officials that have the force and effect of law.
A no voteagainstthis proposition would allow state executive branch agencies and officials to continue adopting rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law without any opportunity for the legislature to directly revoke or suspend such rules and regulations.
Legislative oversight of administrative rules and regulations.
Whenever the legislature by law has authorized any officer or agency within the executive branch of government to adopt rules and regulations that have the force and effect of law, the legislature may provide by law for the revocation or suspension of any such rule and regulation, or any portion thereof, upon a vote of a majority of the members then elected or appointed and qualified in each house.
From Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks,
“This will basically allow the legislature to overturn regulations created by agencies, environmental agency for example,” Meeks said. “It would take away some of the governor’s administrative powers.”
Justin Meeks, Bourbon County Counselor. Submitted photo.
Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility
TOPEKA, Kansas. – Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro was placed on escape status at approximately 9:00 p.m. after it was reported that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Renfro, a 39-year-old white male, was reported missing when the resident could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.
Renfro is serving a 30-month sentence for a 2020 Violation of an extended protection order conviction in Allen County. Renfro has four prior convictions dating back to 2001.
Renfro is 6 feet 1 inches tall, 175 pounds with Hazel eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his torso, neck, hands, arms and legs.
Anyone with information on Stroede can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867. Serving only males, the facility maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit.
The week of Oct. 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start a resurfacing project on K-3 between K-31 and U.S. 54 (see map).
Project activity includes a mill and inlay with rock edge wedge. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Weather permitting, the road work will be finished in one month.
KDOT awarded Pearson Construction, LLC, of Wichita the project contract of $2 million. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Area Engineer Troy Howard at (620) 901-6557 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.
The plan addresses water issues facing stakeholders throughout the state
The Kansas Water Office (KWO) released the finalized 2022 Kansas Water Plan (KWP) this week. This is the first comprehensive water plan for the state of Kansas to be released since 2009 and provides a roadmap for navigating the vast array of water issues throughout the state.
The water plan provides an outline for management, conservation and development of the state’s water resources. To do so, it names five guiding principles – conserve and extend the High Plains Aquifer; secure, protect and restore our Kansas reservoirs; improve the state’s water quality; reduce our vulnerability to extreme events; and increase awareness of Kansas water resources.
The KWP is created by the Kansas Water Office with input from partner agencies and Regional Advisory Committees (RACs). The draft is offered for public comment before being reviewed, finalized and approved by the Kansas Water Authority.
The finalization of the plan leads into the implementation phase, where the Kansas Water Office will work with other state agencies and Regional Advisory Committees across the state to address the principles outlined in the KWP. Implementation is supported by the State Water Plan Fund, a statutory mechanism created to pay for the projects and programs identified in the KWP. This year, two statutory transfers into the fund were fully provided for the first time since 2008.
“The drought conditions throughout the state drive home the importance of having a comprehensive plan,” said KWO Director Connie Owen. “Water is the most valuable resources we have, and we must manage it strategically to ensure a safe and secure supply now and for the future.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2023-2026 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 http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.
Along with the project listing is Administrative Modification #1 for updates to the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Programs narrative section and for the creation of Appendix D for the inclusion of RAISE grant awards that are not administered by KDOT with no involvement, oversight or stewardship of funds provided by KDOT.
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Nov 2. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.
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).
OVERLAND PARK – Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz today announced the release of an online interactive tool to enable Kansas counties to analyze county-owned roads and bridges and help determine priorities to meet the future needs of local road systems.
Referred to as “KLIP,” the Kansas Local Infrastructure Planning Tool leverages counties’ existing road and bridge data and provides insights on local infrastructure conditions through an interactive viewer. County officials will be better able to prioritize and plan investments, including for critical connections among agricultural, rural and urban communities across Kansas.
Secretary Lorenz announced the release of the KLIP Tool at the 47th Annual Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) Conference. The online tool was developed by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Local Projects in coordination with the KAC and the Kansas County Highway Association (KCHA).
“The timing for this new tool is perfect,” said Secretary Lorenz. “While our county roads and bridges are aging and construction and maintenance costs are rising, we also have great opportunities. KDOT is fully funded for the first time in more than a decade and there are significant federal funding opportunities available to local governments.”
Secretary Lorenz said the KLIP tool enables counties to test a range of spending and funding scenarios to determine priorities and meet the needs of local road systems in the future.
“I’m very proud of the collaboration that went into developing this tool,” she said.
The KLIP Tool maps all bridges in the county, as well as a providing a historic look at investments in road and bridge maintenance and construction for each county. Using information based on such factors as number of bridges, miles of roadway or per capita, the user can use KLIP to project future funding needs. Plans can be based on user inputs of costs for various activities, mill levy increases, inflation rates and possible changes to the size of the transportation system in that county.
The KLIP Tool was developed with input from a Project Advisory Committee that included representation from KDOT, KAC, Saline County and Stafford County. Pilot versions of the program were tested by staff at Atchison, Crawford and Montgomery counties.
Governor Laura Kelly Named “Common Ground Champion” for Bipartisan Leadership
Nonpartisan Scorecard Ranks Kelly Highest in Kansas,
Second-Highest Governor in US
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has been named a “Common Ground Champion” for her bipartisan leadership and commitment to working across the aisle to deliver results for Kansans. This recognition comes from the Common Ground Committee (CGC), a nonpartisan organization devoted to improving public discourse in politics, as part of their Common Ground Scorecard of elected officials. She is the highest-ranking elected official in Kansas and the second highest-ranking governor in the country.
In her first term, Governor Kelly signed 286 bipartisan bills into law.
“I have worked with Kansans of all political stripes to balance the budget, fully fund our schools, build a record-breaking economy, axe taxes, and invest in our law enforcement and infrastructure,” said Governor Kelly. “I am proud that my record reflects my commitment to working across the aisle to find common-sense solutions, and I thank the Common Ground Committee for this recognition.”
The scorecard assesses the degree to which elected officials and candidates for office seek points of agreement on social and political issues through listening and productive conversation. Governor Kelly has affirmed the “Common Ground Attributes,” which include listening first, staying respectful, and seeking progress.
“Americans are divided over the direction of the country and how to solve many issues we currently face. To make progress, leaders must be committed to working across the aisle and finding solutions that address all our citizens’ concerns,” said Erik Olsen, co-founder of CGC. “But while they are divided on issues, Americans agree that they want to see their representatives work together and solve problems. We hope that more lawmakers follow Gov. Kelly’s lead and make a commitment to finding common ground.”
Governor Kelly’s score of 80 out of 100 is 51 points higher than the national average score of 29 and 48 points higher than the Kansas average score of 32.
Click here For more information on the Common Ground Scorecard and Governor Kelly’s score.
For more information about the Common Ground Committee, contact Jim Luetkemeyer at [email protected].
