Governor Laura Kelly Directs DCF to Continue Emergency Food Assistance for Kansans

~Emergency allotments began last spring due to COVID-19 pandemic~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today directed the Kansas Department for Children and Families to continue emergency food assistance (SNAP) benefits to current program households. The emergency allotment increases a household’s monthly benefit to the maximum allowed for the size of family.

“While Kansas continues its steady return to normal, the pandemic caused challenges for families – and many still need support,” Governor Kelly said. “Extending emergency SNAP benefits is part of our commitment to protecting Kansas children and families during the pandemic and beyond, and ensuring our kids have reliable access to quality, healthy foods.”  

Under Governor Kelly’s direction, DCF Secretary Laura Howard issued a Declaration of Continuing Benefits due to COVID-19 — under K.S.A. 39-708c, et seq. — which directs the agency to continue taking all necessary actions to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the State of Kansas.

DCF estimates the extension will bring an additional $14.5 million in benefits per month to Kansas.

“I appreciate our federal partners for continuing this valuable support for vulnerable Kansans,” Secretary Howard said. “These emergency benefits will help ensure Kansas families have access to healthy groceries as we continue to recover from this pandemic.”

The continuance of the emergency allotment is effective through December 31, 2021, or upon the termination of the federal declaration of a Public Health Emergency, whichever occurs sooner.

No application is necessary to receive the emergency food assistance funds. The distribution will continue to follow the standard alphabetical schedule.

Those that don’t currently receive food assistance but are interested in applying can visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov.

Keep your holiday celebrations safe from fire and firework-related injuries

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of the State Fire Marshal and Safe Kids Kansas would, again, like to remind Kansans of the importance of safety this Independence Day. Make sure your gatherings are safe for everyone by following public health guidance regarding COVID-19 and following safety recommendations for fireworks and outdoor grills.

In 2020, there were a total of 180 injuries caused by fireworks in Kansas.  This is an increase from 2019. The person igniting the firework was most likely to be injured and hands were the most common body part to be injured.  Over half of injuries occurred from fireworks happened on the 4th of July and most persons received burns. The majority of injuries occurred to those between the ages of 25 and 34; but there was also an increase in injuries to those between the ages of 45 and 54. The highest number of injuries were caused by mortars or artillery fireworks. Data was collected through voluntary reporting from Kansas hospitals and administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

“Remember that fireworks are explosives and should be handled with care,” said Cherie Sage, Director of Safe Kids Kansas, said. “Children should not light fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass. We encourage parents to let their little ones use glow sticks instead of sparklers and leave the rest to grownups.”

Grilling is another favorite part of many 4^th of July gatherings. Make sure grills are used outdoors only, away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.  Keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended. Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.

“We want everyone to have a fun and safe celebration on Independence Day,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said.  “Taking a few simple precautions if you’re lighting off fireworks or grilling can ensure that your family and friends are safe and injury free this fourth of July. If possible, go to a public fireworks display, and let the trained professionals handle the risks.”

Other tips include:

• Have adults supervise around grills and fireworks
• Designate a child-free safety zone around grills and areas where fireworks are being ignited
• Have a water supply near grills and fireworks
• Have a first-aid kit on hand, and make sure its contents are updated and ready to use
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors
• Light only one firework at a time
• Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Never attempt to make your own fireworks
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Dispose of used fireworks carefully, as they may reignite

Bottle rockets and M80s are illegal in Kansas and extremely dangerous. The use or sale of these banned fireworks is considered a crime under Kansas law. It is also illegal in Kansas to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, and at gas stations or any place liquid gas – including propane – is stored.

Always refer to the local ordinances as to whether fireworks are allowed in your area as well as what types.  Some cities or counties have restricted dates/times or types of fireworks that may be sold or discharged.

In addition, out of respect for veterans when it comes to the individual discharge of fireworks, please keep in mind the noise and stress (PTSD) your activities may cause near VA facilities.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit www.firemarshal.ks.gov/216/Fireworks-Safety or SafeKidsKansas.org.

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County (new)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

Watch

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County (new)

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Marion County Lake, Marion County (downgraded 6/24)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (downgraded 6/24)

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County (new)

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
• Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
• Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
• Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
• Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

• Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture food safety and lodging program will host an online public forum on Monday, July 12, at 3:00 p.m. to share proposed updates to the Kansas Food Code.

The Kansas Food Code establishes food safety regulations that govern food establishments. Amendments to the Kansas Food Code will ultimately require the formal regulation adoption process, but KDA is providing this opportunity for interested citizens to hear a summary of the proposed updates and to provide feedback prior to the start of the formal process. The proposed changes to the Kansas Food Code include amendments to regulations that directly impact food safety as well as some clarification of language and updates to some food safety parameters. Some of the changes are proposed in order to reflect changes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s model food code, including adoption of the FDA model food code requirement to employ a certified food protection manager.

Interested parties can preview the proposed updates on the KDA website ahead of the forum. To participate in the forum, individuals will need to register so they can receive the Zoom link. At registration, participants can indicate whether they want to provide oral or written comments regarding the proposed updates. Oral comments will be limited to 2 minutes per commenter and will be heard at the end of the public forum. Written comments can be shared on the webinar registration form or via a form on the KDA website.

Registration and draft versions of the proposed changes can be found at: www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw.

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WHAT:          Public Forum regarding proposed changes to Kansas Food Code

WHEN:          Monday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Via online webinar; register at www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw

WHO:            Any interested members of the public

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KDA to Host Forum on Proposed Food Code Updates.pdf

Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds

MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr. in Manhattan, regarding the issuance of a permanent statewide quarantine of weed species that have been designated noxious by federal regulation. The proposed quarantine would replace KDA’s existing Federal Noxious Weed Quarantine, which is expiring, and would prohibit all movement of items regulated pursuant to the quarantine into or within the state of Kansas.

All interested persons may attend the hearing in person or appear by counsel and will have the opportunity to express comments orally, in writing, or both. A copy of the proposed quarantine may be accessed on KDA’s website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Written comments and requests for information concerning the proposed quarantine can be shared on that website, or sent to Jeff Vogel, KDA plant protection and weed control program manager, at [email protected] or 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, KS  66502.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodations in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the quarantine in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].

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WHAT:          Public hearing on proposed permanent quarantine

WHEN:         10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021

WHERE:       Kansas Department of Agriculture

1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan, Kansas

Hearing for Proposed Permanent Quarantine of Federal Noxious Weeds.pdf

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 6/17)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (new)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Lake, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (new)

Watch

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County (new)

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
• Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
• Water contact should be avoided.
• Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
• Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
• If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
• Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
• Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
• Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
• Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
• Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

• Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today proclaimed June 19, 2021, as Juneteenth Day in Kansas.

“Today’s proclamation – and the spirit of Juneteenth – serve as a reminder that, while we have come a long way in our efforts to promote equity and justice, there is work left to do,” Governor Kelly said. “As we celebrate the end of slavery in the United States and learn more about our nation’s history, Juneteenth is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to making Kansas a better place for all to call home.”

The proclamation states that the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved peoples living in the Confederacy, was enacted and took effect on January 1, 1863. It was not until over two years later, on June 19, 1865, that the news of this freedom finally reached enslaved people living in Galveston, Texas. This prompted the now freed people to celebrate, coining the day Emancipation Day, Jubilee, or Juneteenth.

Governor Kelly was joined today by Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration and Chief Information Technology Officer; Stacey Knoell, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission; and Norma Avery, President of the Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration Corporation as she signed the proclamation.

Please find the proclamation here.