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Category Archives: Kansas
Southeast Kansas High Risk for West Nile Virus Infections
High Risk of West Nile Virus Activity in Four Kansas Regions
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for north central, south central, northeast and southeast Kansas. Northwest and southwest Kansas are at moderate risk for WNV infections.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States. It is most often spread to people through mosquito bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain or brain tissue and, in some cases, death. There are no vaccines or medications to treat WNV. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.
“As more Kansans head outdoors this summer, it is important to know your risk and take action to prevent mosquito bites to protect you and your family against West Nile virus”, said Dr. Joan Duwve, State Health Officer. KDHE recommends the following prevention measures:
- Visit the KDHE WNV website weekly to learn about the current WNV risk level; https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1519/
West-Nile-Virus-Risk-Level- Surveillance- - When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- The elderly or those with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitoes are most active.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
- Horses can also be infected with WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horses to protect them against WNV.
Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall; so far there have not been any reported cases of WNV in Kansas in 2022.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/
Mental Health Lifeline Begins Tomorrow
Governor Laura Kelly Celebrates the Launch of the 9-8-8 Mental Health Lifeline in Kansas:
Here’s What They’re Saying
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed Senate Bill 19, bipartisan legislation that launches 9-8-8 as the official 24/7 three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Beginning Saturday, July 16, Kansans and all Americans can call 9-8-8 during mental health and substance abuse emergencies.
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Here’s what they’re saying:
“We know we need to make it easier for Kansans to get the kind of help they need, whether they need mental health care resources, or the community needed to live with and overcome harmful substance use disorders. Just like with 9-1-1, Kansans who need someone to talk to about a mental health challenge or a substance use disorder will be able to get connected to important public resources through 9-8-8.”
– Sen. Carolyn McGinn, Chair of Senate Ways & Means Human Services Subcommittee and Vice Chair of the 2021 Special Committee on Kansas Mental Health Modernization and Reform
“9-8-8 will be a blessing for so many, it could mean the difference between life and death. 9-8-8 will provide hope and save lives.”
– Rep. Barbara Ballard, Ranking Minority Member of the House Social Services Budget Committee and Member of the 2021 Special Committee on Kansas Mental Health Modernization and Reform
“This new 9-8-8 number is an important resource to the people of Kansas whether you or a loved one use it or not. I am pleased to have worked across the aisle to ensure that we sent a bipartisan bill to the Governor’s desk that avoided any increase in cell phone fees or taxes. Health care—including mental health care and substance use treatment—is a public good that all Kansans should have access to regardless of ability to pay.”
– Rep. Annie Kuether, Ranking Minority on the House Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications
“KSPHQ is proud of our 50-year history providing suicide prevention and crisis services to the people of Kansas. The 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline is a necessary innovation which will immediately connect Kansans from many backgrounds with evidence-based and lifesaving services”
– Monica Kurz, Vice President for External Programming, Kansas Suicide Prevention Headquarters
“Kansas is joining states and territories across the nation in transition to the easy-to-remember, 3-digit number for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This is a top priority for me and our entire leadership here at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).”
-Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., the HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA
Press:
Drive carefully – Operation Safe Driver Week is underway in Kansas
TOPEKA – Drivers on the nation’s highways may find themselves under the watchful eye of law enforcement a little more than usual this week. Operation Safe Driver Week is being observed July 10-16. The goal of the yearly observance, started by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), is to reduce the number of crashes involving commercial trucks through education, traffic enforcement strategies and interactions with law enforcement. However, any driver, regardless of whether they are driving a big rig or a passenger vehicle will be cited if dangerous driving such as speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, improper lane change, drunk or drugged driving is observed.
Special investigators with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), which regulates motor carriers in the state, are teaming up with Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Investigators to conduct inspections at weigh stations located in Olathe (both North and Southbound), Wabaunsee, Belleville, Kanorado, Liberal and South Haven. At the weigh stations, they will also be talking to motor carriers about the need to focus on improving their driving routines when sharing the road with others.
“Unfortunately yesterday, Kansas had its 31st tragic fatal crash involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when a pick-up ran into the back of a turning CMV on US-160 in Stanton County. Last year there were a total of 52 fatal crashes involving CMV’s in Kansas, at this rate that number will be exceeded this year. Many of these crashes were the result of unsafe driving and poor decisions. That is the purpose of these initiatives, to educate everyone to be safe when traveling on the highways, whether they are in a commercial or personal vehicle. We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely.” said Gary Davenport, KCC Deputy Director of Transportation.
The KCC offers some safety best practices for drivers to keep in mind when sharing the road with large trucks this summer.
- Give them space and maintain a safe following distance.
- Pass with care and don’t cut them off.
- Stay out of the blind spots – if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
- Signal your intentions.
- Focus on driving, not your phone.
- Don’t drive fatigued.
All Registered Kansas Voters Will Be Allowed to Vote on Abortion Regulation
Today, July 12, is the last day to register to vote or change party affiliation.
This year a constitutional amendment known as “Value Them Both” will be on the ballot during the Kansas primary election on August 2, 2022.
This year, the constitutional amendment will be on ALL ballots.
“There is a nonpartisan ballot that will be for everyone other than Democrat of Republican voters, with only the amendment question, so that everyone that is registered will have the opportunity to vote in the 2022 Primary election,” Bourbon County Clerk Ashley Shelton said.
Below is the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that will be voted on in the August primary election, according to https://sos.ks.gov/elections/constitutional-amendment.html
Value Them Both Amendment will be on theState of Kansas Official Primary Election Ballot.
On August 2, 2022 the following question will be on the ballot for all registered voters.
Regulation of abortion.
Because Kansans value both women
and children, the constitution of the
state of Kansas does not require
government funding of abortion
and does not create or secure a
right to abortion. To the extent
permitted by the constitution of the
United States, the people, through
their elected state representatives
and state senators, may pass laws
regarding abortion, including, but
not limited to, laws that account
for circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
circumstances of necessity to save
the life of the mother.
Because Kansans value both women
and children, the constitution of the
state of Kansas does not require
government funding of abortion
and does not create or secure a
right to abortion. To the extent
permitted by the constitution of the
United States, the people, through
their elected state representatives
and state senators, may pass laws
regarding abortion, including, but
not limited to, laws that account
for circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
circumstances of necessity to save
the life of the mother.
Vote:
O Yes
O
O Yes
O
Explanatory statement.
The Value Them Both Amendment
would affirm there is no Kansas
constitutional right to abortion or
to require the government funding
of abortion, and would reserve
to the people of Kansas, through
their elected state legislators,
the right to pass laws to regulate
abortion, including, but not limited
to, in circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
when necessary to save the life of
the mother.A vote for the Value Them Both
Amendment would affirm there
is no Kansas constitutional right
to abortion or to require the
government funding of abortion,
and would reserve to the people of
Kansas, through their elected state
legislators, the right to pass laws to
regulate abortion.
would affirm there is no Kansas
constitutional right to abortion or
to require the government funding
of abortion, and would reserve
to the people of Kansas, through
their elected state legislators,
the right to pass laws to regulate
abortion, including, but not limited
to, in circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
when necessary to save the life of
the mother.A vote for the Value Them Both
Amendment would affirm there
is no Kansas constitutional right
to abortion or to require the
government funding of abortion,
and would reserve to the people of
Kansas, through their elected state
legislators, the right to pass laws to
regulate abortion.
A vote against the Value Them
Both Amendment would make no
changes to the constitution of the
state of Kansas, and could restrict
the people, through their elected
state legislators, from regulating
abortion by leaving in place
the recently recognized right to
abortion.
Kansas residents can check their voter registration status or register to vote through: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView
Candidates for the 2022 Primary, from
KS Launches Mental Health Lifeline
Governor Laura Kelly Celebrates the Launch of the 9-8-8 Mental Health Lifeline in Kansas
~~Starting July 16 Kansans Can Call 9-8-8 During Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Emergencies~~
WICHITA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed Senate Bill 19, bipartisan legislation that launches 9-8-8 as the official 24/7 three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Beginning Saturday, July 16, Kansans and all Americans can call 9-8-8 during mental health and substance abuse emergencies. Governor Kelly joined Sedgwick County Commissioners, legislators, and local advocates for the celebration at the Sedgwick County Courthouse.
“With 9-8-8, we are on the path to reversing our country’s mental health crisis and getting Kansans the help they need,” Governor Kelly said. “Just as every American knows to call 9-1-1 in times of emergency, every American – and every Kansan – will soon know to call 9-8-8 when they or a loved one is facing a mental health or substance abuse crisis.”
Governor Kelly announced in January of this year that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) received the Lifeline’s 9-8-8 State Planning Grant through the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health to develop plans to build the infrastructure for and grow access to the Lifeline’s new three-digit 9-8-8 number. Governor Kelly signed SB 19 in June so that going forward, each July 1 $10 million in state general funds will be appropriated to fund 9-8-8 with no access fee for Kansans.
The new “9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline” will connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and offer a broader range of services for people experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use crisis. Callers will be connected to resources in their local community and to in-person crisis services where available. Kansans who dial 9-8-8 will be routed to a local crisis specialist trained to address unique concerns and needs, which may include assessment, stabilization, referral, and follow-up.
“Kansas is the 14th state to fund 9-8-8 through legislation and we are excited for the national launch of 9-8-8,” KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andrew Brown said. “KDADS has been working throughout the Kelly Administration to increase the infrastructure in Kansas for suicide prevention and crisis intervention in preparation for 9-8-8. This will be the first of several milestones that will help Kansans experiencing a crisis get improved access to the help they need during a crisis.”
KDADS partnered with the Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, Johnson County Mental Health, COMCARE of Sedgwick County, HealthSource Information Solutions, and TBD Solutions LLC, to develop clear roadmaps to address coordination, capacity, funding, and communications surrounding the launch of 9-8-8 and collaborated with state leadership, suicide prevention experts, people with lived experience, and others to create a 9-8-8 implementation plan and support the Lifeline’s operational, clinical, and performance standards that allow access to care.
Individuals will still be able to access the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) after the July 16 implementation of 9-8-8. The current Lifeline and 9-8-8 will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via call, text, or chat. All phone service providers are required to connect callers who dial 9-8-8 to the Lifeline.
UPDATE: K-31 road work delayed
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has delayed plans to close K-31 west of Fulton to replace two crossroad pipes. The road work, which was scheduled to take place this Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13, has been postponed until a later date. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Ks Dept of Agriculture Seeks Nominations for Ag Heroes
MANHATTAN, Kansas — Do you know someone in your community who has made an outstanding contribution to agriculture this year? Nominate them to be recognized as one of the 2022 Kansas Ag Heroes at this summer’s Ag Growth Summit!
Each year, the Kansas Department of Agriculture honors remarkable Kansans and share the stories of their outstanding service from across the Kansas agriculture community. Kansas Ag Heroes was established as a way to recognize those in the agriculture industry who went above and beyond to serve others and better their community.
KDA encourages you to nominate any individual, family, or business in Kansas agriculture which you feel provided a notable contribution to the agriculture industry or their community as a whole this year. Nominations will be accepted through August 12. The nomination instructions can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/
KDA leadership will review each nomination and will recognize a select number of agriculture heroes during the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan on August 18.
For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].
Bourbon County K-39 bridge replacement project starts next Monday
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start work Monday, July 11, on a project to replace a bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County. The bridge spans Flat Rock Creek and is approximately 3 miles east of the Neosho-Bourbon county line.
K-39 traffic will be placed on a state route detour around the work zone. Eastbound traffic will detour north on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54, then east to K-3 and south to K-39. Westbound K-39 traffic should follow the same route in the opposite direction. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.
KDOT awarded the $722,897 construction contract to Killough Construction Inc., Ottawa, Kansas. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the end of November. Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (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.
KDOT to replace crossroad pipes on K-31 in Bourbon County
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close a section of K-31 in Bourbon County to replace crossroad pipes on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12-13. The work will take place between reference points 128-133, from the east junction with K-7 east to the community of Fulton.
The closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. each day. Traffic should use alternate routes. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
KS: Rainy Day Fund is $1 Billion
Governor Laura Kelly Continues Fiscal Responsibility with Nearly $1 Billion
Rainy Day Fund
~~Fiscal Year 2022 is First Time in Over Two Decades
Kansas Hasn’t Gone into Debt~~
TOPEKA – Highlighting her record-setting levels of fiscal responsibility, Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has closed out Fiscal Year 2022 (“FY22”) with a Rainy Day Fund balance of $969.0 million and without having to take out a certificate of indebtedness. FY22 marks the first year since Fiscal Year 1999 that the Kansas State Finance Council did not have to vote to take out a short-term loan to cover the state’s day-to-day expenses.
At the start of the Kelly Administration, there were no savings in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, and Kansas ranked last compared to other states when it came to saving for its future. Earlier this year, Governor Kelly signed a budget that made a historic $500 million deposit in the Fund and an Omnibus bill that had another $250 million deposit. Before the fiscal year closed, $219.0 million more was transferred from the State General Fund. The last deposit was made because FY22 revenues continued to beat estimates, leaving the state with higher than anticipated levels of cash.
“When I first came into office, Kansas had no savings, and in fact, was going into debt every year. My Administration worked to put Kansas on a consistent path of fiscal stability and economic growth,” said Governor Kelly. “That work has paid off. This past fiscal year, we were able to save for the future in record numbers, fully fund K-12 education, make historic investments in law enforcement and higher education, and axe taxes – all without going into debt.”
Kansas’ Rainy Day Fund was created in 2017 when the Kansas Legislature ended the failed Brownback-era tax experiment that gutted state budgets and downgraded the state’s credit rating. The previous all-time high balance in the Fund was $81.9 million.
KS Tax Collections Surpass Estimate
Governor Laura Kelly Announces that Kansas Ends Fiscal Year 2022 with Total Tax Collections Surpassing Estimate by $438.1 Million
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas’ June total tax receipts were $918.8 million. Those collections are $20.2 million, or 2.2%, over the estimate and $64.4 million, or 7.5%, over June 2021 total tax receipts.
“In June, we brought in more money than was estimated – re-enforcing that our state’s economy is continuing its forward momentum,” said Governor Kelly. “Our efforts to be the most fiscally responsible and pro-business Administration in Kansas history has helped our state become a hub for economic growth.”
Individual income tax collections were $40.3 million, or 9.9%, below the estimate. But for a one-time significant refund paid in June, such receipts would actually have exceeded the estimate by 6.7% for the month. June corporate income tax receipts, which are comprised primarily of estimated tax payments, continue their upward trend. Corporate income tax collections were $148.1 million, or 48.1%, over the estimate and 33.2% over June 2021.
“The higher-than-expected corporate estimated payments send a strong signal that corporations anticipate greater profits in 2022,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts at $303.6 million were 10.6% over the combined receipts for such taxes for June 2021. Inflation may have positively impacted such receipts, but overall consistent consumer spending also has continued during the months of May and June.
When June’s positive numbers are taken into account, Kansas will end FY 2022 with total tax revenues of $9.8 billion which exceeds the FY 2022 revised estimate by $438.1 million.
The complete June 2022 Revenue Report can be found here.