KDWPT Provides Ice Safety Tips 

 

PRATT – Frozen lakes can be tempting spots for late-winter goose hunters, anglers with an itch to ice fish, and park-goers looking to get some fresh air, but no matter how thick the ice layer, frozen waters should always be approached with caution.

 

While no ice is 100 percent safe, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) shares these tips to ensure that outdoors enthusiasts return safely home after recreating near or on frozen waters.

 

The clearer, the better 

The appearance of the ice can give potential clues to its integrity. New, clear ice is the strongest. White ice may only be about half as strong. Warm, sunny days can melt the surface and “honeycomb” the ice, which will weaken it, as well. Also be aware that temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and even roosting geese can affect the strength and safety of ice. Never take ice strength and thickness for granted.

 

Measure for thickness 

Wait for at least 4 inches of clear, hard ice before walking on any ice-covered waterbody, and 5-7 inches of ice is necessary to support a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). It usually takes several days of calm weather with single-digit temperatures to make “safe” ice. Continually measure the ice thickness when moving farther from shore. And when in doubt, back away and remain on land.

 

Don’t go it alone 

KDWPT recommends never recreating alone, especially during winter; invite a family member or friend. Should an incident occur, chances of survival may be increased with more people present.

 

If hunting or fishing, pack safety gear 

Carry ice picks, and have a length of rope and a throwable floatation device for every member of your party. It’s also a good idea to wear ice cleats, as they make walking on smooth ice easier and much safer.

 

If fishing, keep ice holes small 

When ice fishing, it’s best to use an auger to cut holes – this is a quick and efficient method for drilling into the ice. In Kansas, holes cut in the ice of public waters may be no more than 12 inches in diameter; though, this is a good practice for private waters, as well.

 

Vehicle use 

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered ATVs, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing and only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry established by posted notice.

 

Falling into frigid water can be a deadly mistake as hypothermia can overcome a person within minutes. Follow these basic rules outlined above to ensure your wintertime outings remain safe and enjoyable.

 

For more ice safety tips, like and follow KDWPT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kdwpt, or visit ksoutdoors.com.

 

February 5, 2021

 

Vaccine Rollout Concerns

Senate Resolution (SR) 1707 calls on the Governor to change her phased rollout plan of the COVID-19 vaccines. It sends a strong message that convicted criminals should not be placed before other Kansans who need the vaccine.  It is misguided that the Governor has placed criminals such as the Carr brothers (convicted of horrific murders) at a higher priority than our parents and grandparents.  As with most legislation or resolutions, there are a couple of items that could have been left out – most notably the 10 frameable copies to the carrier of the Resolution.  The resolution passed on a bipartisan vote of 28 to 8. I voted Yes.a  A member of the minority party attempted to bring the presidential election into the debate but those efforts were thwarted because it was not germane to the resolution.

 

Energy Choice

Senate Bill (SB) 24 would create the Kansas Energy Choice Act restricting governments from blocking the use of natural gas for utilities.  In California a city government attempted to stop the use of natural gas for utilities.  Because of this, some thought it was important to make clear that will not happen in Kansas.  The bill passed 28 to 10.  I voted Yes.

 

Economic Recovery

SB 15 is another attempt to pass legislation the Governor vetoed last year.  The bill would allow the State Treasurer to administer a loan program to small businesses via local banks using unencumbered state funds.  The program would be capped at $60 million.  The bill would also reduce restrictions on credit unions allowing them to increase their membership.  Lastly, the bill would provide a tax deduction for agriculture land and real estate purchases similar to what credit unions have.  It’s an attempt to level the playing field.  The tax advantage that credit unions enjoy is a federal tax break and because we cannot change federal law, this bill was introduced.  The bill provides a state tax deduction to Kansas banks  and savings and loans that is similar to the tax break enjoyed by some credit unions on agriculture land purchases.  SB 15 passed 39 to 0.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

 

Governor Kelly announces the Federal Paycheck Protection Program Reopens Applications for Forgivable Loans

TOPEKA – With the launch of 2021 Coronavirus relief programs, Governor Kelly today announced Kansans can begin submitting applications to the 2021 Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for forgivable loans to small businesses.

“Kansas small businesses have been among those hardest hit by COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Paycheck Protection Program is integral to keeping our state on the path to recovery. This is a good step forward, but we know the need for relief is great – and I will continue to push for additional stimulus funding to support Kansas’ economic recovery.”

Led by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department, the PPP is a federally administered program providing loans to small businesses to cover payroll expenses. The SBA began accepting applications through Community Financial Institutions on January 11 and through all other financial institutions on January 19, with applications accepted through March 31.

“In the past year, the Paycheck Protection Program offered federal support to tens of thousands of Kansas small businesses, but we understand that the need is still great,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “This program exists to put federal dollars in the hands of small business owners who need them most. I would encourage Kansas small business owners to apply for this program to get more resources as our state continues to grow and recover from this enormous challenge.”

During the 2020 distribution of PPP money, 54,000 small businesses in Kansas received $5 billion in funding. The 2021 PPP aims to make the program more attractive for small businesses and target the worst impacted industries through the following changes:

• Forgiveness has been simplified for borrowers of $150 thousand or less, with self-certification option to attest funds are spent appropriately
• Hospitality businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are eligible for an increased loan total (3.5x monthly payroll)
• Eligible expenses paid for with forgiven PPP loans may now be deducted on taxes for 2020 and 2021 & employers are now eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit even after taking PPP funds (reverses earlier guidance from IRS)
• Employers no longer must deduct Economic Injury Disaster Loans from their PPP loan total (EIDL program was refunded with an additional $40B too)
• Additional categories are now eligible as non-payroll expenses (up to 40% of total loan amount), with operational expenses (including software, cloud services, accounting services, etc.), supplier costs, damage from social unrest, and worker protection expenses
• Additional groups are eligible for loans, including 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, and direct marketing organizations

Under the new program, $234 billion are available with $12 billion earmarked for businesses in low-income & minority communities, as well as $15 billion in grants dedicated to live entertainment venues. Through Community Financial Institutions, the SBA hopes to encourage greater access to PPP funds. Businesses that have not received PPP funds previously are eligible for loans up to $10 million if they have 500 or fewer employees. Businesses that received PPP funds during the first round are eligible for up to $2 million in funding if they have 300 or fewer employees.

Information on where and how to apply can be found here.

Additional Resources:

• Information on Community Financial Institutions can be found here.
• Further general information on loans can be found here.
• Further questions can be directed to the Kansas Department of Commerce here.

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff to Honor 4,101 Kansans Who Lost their Lives to COVID-19

TOPEKA – Kansas surpassed 4,000 Kansas deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state Saturday, February 6, 2021, from sunup to sundown.

“It is with great sadness that I am once again ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the Kansans who have lost their lives to COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration remains committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and vaccinating Kansans as quickly and efficiently as possible. In the meantime, I know Kansans will do their part to protect their loved ones by following the public health guidance.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Comprehensive ‘Framework for Growth’ Economic Development Strategy

~Framework for Growth is the first comprehensive economic development strategy produced by the State of Kansas in over 30 years~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today unveiled Kansas’ new, comprehensive economic development strategic plan, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. The Kansas Framework for Growth is an aggressive strategy to align our state’s strengths with emerging trends across the global economy, while guiding economic development at state and local levels into the future.

“Our economic development progress over the past two years has been significant, but an effective strategy does more than focus on the here and now – we must plan for the future and set the stage for sustained growth and prosperity,” Governor Kelly said. “The Framework for Growth is a bold plan to address current and future trends in our state, while we continue to promote job growth and new capital investment in communities of every size all across Kansas.”

The Framework for Growth was created through data analysis and with input from Kansans statewide. Business and community leaders were engaged to offer suggestions and determine priorities for the Kansas economy, and through a virtual survey and town hall meetings across the state, thousands of Kansans came together to help create the final plan.

“At the end of the day, the Framework for Growth is about keeping our kids and families in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “For too long we’ve exported our greatest asset – our educated young people – at a loss, sending them to states where they can find better economic opportunities. That’s unacceptable, and we can and must do better. The Framework for Growth provides a path forward, leveraging our assets – high-quality workers, top-notch K-12 and higher ed, excellent infrastructure and a business-friendly climate – to dramatically accelerate our rate of economic growth in this decade. Ultimately that’s how we make sure our grandchildren can grow, prosper and raise their own kids in Kansas.”

The Framework for Growth outlines specific approaches to help develop the state’s number one asset – its people. By focusing on talent and innovation, the Framework aims to build resiliency in the Kansas workforce and unlock the potential for new ideas to cultivate and develop into tomorrow’s prosperous businesses.

Some key initiatives outlined within Framework for Growth include a renewed emphasis on the following, among many others:

• Talent development and retention
• Harnessing the state’s colleges and universities for job and business creation
• Innovation as a driver of new business opportunity
• Community assets and regional approaches to economic development
• Policies to support long-term growth.

“I know from my experiences as Governor, and later as Archivist of the United States – leading the National Archives Records Administration at the federal level – there is tremendous value in looking big-picture, long range, at where we are and where we want to be,” former Kansas Governor John Carlin said. “With everyone pulling in the same direction, you can accomplish some amazing things. I have no doubt that, if the Framework for Growth is bought-into and implemented, it can do great things here in Kansas.”

“It’s time for us to build another common approach and lay out our goals to grow the state.” former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden said. “This plan does not belong to one administration; it is the Kansas plan for growth. As former Governors, John and I are proud to join with the current Governor in making the case for this shared vision for our state’s future.”

“By emphasizing innovation across our core industries as a driver of economic development, the Framework demonstrates forward-thinking vision for Kansas,” Andrew Nave, Executive Vice President of the Greater Wichita Partnership, said. “Our region fully supports the Framework and its guiding principles as the right course for Kansas.”

“Reinforcing and expanding on commitments to businesses and manufacturers as catalysts for growth – while seizing opportunities to attract and retain talent as a way to bolster the workforce – is a welcome and appropriate strategy in positioning our state’s economy for growth now and for years to come,” Mark Chalfant, CEO of Fuller Industries, said. “We’re glad to see our state taking bold action to grow and succeed well into the future.”

“I’m pleased to see the Framework’s people-first approach, which we very much embrace in rural Kansas, and the emphasis on building and strengthening our communities statewide,” Director of Greeley County Community Development Christy Hopkins said. “This plan indicates that our state understands the value of quality of life in overall economic development in places rural, urban and suburban. The Framework’s commitment to strengthening people and communities of all sizes is both refreshing and critical to our state’s future.”

“To ensure the continued strength and vitality of the Kansas economy, we need to craft policies and programs that anticipate our long-term needs,” said Blake Schreck, President and CEO of the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce and President of Team Kansas. “We need to be creative and aggressive in our economic development efforts, and I believe this Framework gives us clear direction on how we can build a dynamic economy for our state that serves us not only today, but well into the future.”

“I’m pleased to see our state implementing this creative new approach to economic development,” Joann Knight, Economic Development Director for Dodge City, said. “Workforce and housing are major priorities in Western Kansas, and I’m glad to know that the Kelly administration sees these concerns as major priorities. I look forward to the implementation of the Framework for Growth, and I know its lasting effects will be hugely positive for our city, our region and our state.”

“Making talent retention and talent growth central to the Framework is absolutely the right and necessary move,” Matt Pavarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, said. “We’ve benefitted from so many young professional minds creating new opportunities, and we understand that keeping and creating the next generation of leaders in Kansas is essential for our state’s economic future. We look forward to the focus on this economic development blueprint the Framework delivers.”

Creation of the Framework for Growth began in late 2019, but the new challenges brought about through the COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need to rethink our approach resulting in a strategic plan with the flexibility to respond to our ever-changing economic conditions.

Through the Framework for Growth, Kansas will be one of the first states in the nation to take a comprehensive look at the new normal beyond COVID-19 and develop a wholistic strategy to guide state-level economic development policy.

The full report can be seen electronically here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.