TOPEKA – Prospective applicants for the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program at the Kansas Department of Commerce now may submit their intent to apply. The program was created to expand broadband access to rural and underserved communities across the state.

Over the next 10 years, the program seeks to invest $85 million toward bridging the digital divide in Kansas, with broadband modernization funding provided through swift legislative action during the 2020 session.

A maximum of $1 million per grant will go toward funding projects that provide access to high quality, reliable broadband throughout Kansas, with priority given to applications that address unserved areas, economically distressed communities, and areas of compelling need. The deadline for intent to apply has been extended to Friday, December 18, 2020, with final applications due by noon on January 7, 2021.

To submit your intent to apply, click this link.

“These grants are a critical part of my administration’s work to provide underserved Kansans with the high-speed internet they need to compete economically and to improve access to health, education, and commercial tools,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We are working quickly to ensure our communities, no matter their zip code, are adequately equipped for prosperity and growth, as Kansas continues to rebuild its foundation.”

Broadband Acceleration grants will specifically assist with projects that address priorities for unserved, economically distressed, and service areas with compelling needs.

Applicants are expected to engage community leaders and stakeholders in developing projects that are strategic, scalable, and bridge critical access gaps to support the quality of life considerations and economic viability for Kansas citizens and communities.

A grant application workshop webinar will be offered by the Office of Broadband Development on Thursday, December 17 at 12:30 p.m. for entities interested in applying for the grant.

To register for the workshop, sign up here.

This new grant program is the latest signal of the Kelly administration’s continuing efforts toward increasing connectivity across the state. Previously, Governor Kelly announced nearly $50 million in Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) funds through the SPARK grant program to underserved communities across the state, with 66 broadband projects designed to address pandemic-related health, education, and business challenges.

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Fraud Protection Updates to CARES Act Investments Portal

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today, in a continued commitment to transparency and accountability, announced updates to the online dashboard that tracks the investments funded through the Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) of the federal CARES Act. The portal has been updated to include all spending through October 31, 2020, and a newly expanded fraud protection online reporting portal.

“Kansans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and that they are protected against potential fraud,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration continues to prioritize transparency and accountability, and these resources are another way for us to make this valuable information accessible to the public.”

If Kansans suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of CARES Act funds, they can report their allegations via an online portal, which will help direct their concerns to the appropriate place. Previously, Kansans could call or email the Office of Recovery with their claims. The new portal will streamline the process and offer Kansans the opportunity to submit claims anonymously if they fear retribution.

Kansans can report fraud, waste, or abuse by visiting: https://covid.ks.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/

Additionally, the online dashboard, which launched at the end of October, has been updated to include the spending reports submitted to the Office of Recovery in mid-November. These reports include all spending through October 31, 2020. Kansans can view how and where the $1.034 billion of Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars the State received have been invested. These investments were recommended by the SPARK Taskforce and approved by State Finance Council.

“From the beginning, we’ve been committed to ensuring Kansans have visibility in how their tax dollars are being invested and confidence that they will be used as intended,” Julie Lorenz, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery, said. “I’m pleased that we can continue to make enhancements in these areas.”

The dashboard can be viewed at https://covid.ks.gov/covid-data/

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff to Honor 2,072 Kansans Who Lost their Lives to COVID-19

TOPEKA – Kansas surpassed 2,000 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 effective immediately to sundown Monday, December 14, 2020.

“For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I am ordering flags be lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the Kansans we have lost,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While COVID-19 has impacted each Kansas community differently, we all share this collective loss of our family, friends, and neighbors. We can all honor their memory by protecting each other and working together to slow the spread of this virus.”

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’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Recommendations

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her Commission on Racial Equity and Justice has released to the public their initial report on law enforcement and policing in Kansas.

In June of 2020, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 20-48, establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. The Commission was tasked with studying issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas. It began its work focusing on law enforcement and policing.

“I’m proud to see that the Commission has engaged with so many diverse communities and stakeholder groups across Kansas to compile recommendations that get to the heart of these issues,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I implore legislators and law enforcement agencies across the state to take a close look at these recommendations and see how they can create real change for the communities they serve.”

The governor appointed a diverse group of professionals from law enforcement, academia, public education, public health, local government, the justice system, and more to spearhead the Commission’s work. Over the past five months, the Commission met with dozens of stakeholders, community members, and law enforcement professionals across the state and collected input for recommendations on improving law enforcement interactions with the communities they serve.

The Commission, led by co-chairs Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Dr. Shannon Portillo, held five months of bi-weekly meetings and hosted 26 learning sessions with community members and stakeholders.

“We are thankful for the hundreds of community members, law enforcement professionals, and all those who took the time to candidly and selflessly present their ideas and expertise to help lead us to become a more equitable state,” said the co-chairs. “Through the many hours of virtual meetings, we have learned how dedicated so many fellow Kansans are to do what it takes to create a safer, more trusting, and more inclusive environment for all. Our work was given deeper meaning and value through their participation and recommendations.”

Last week, the Commission submitted to the Governor a report with more than 60 recommendations on ways that state agencies, the legislature, and local governments can take action to improve racial equity around law enforcement and policing in the state of Kansas. The recommendations address topics including law enforcement training, accountability, data collection, and behavioral health.

The Commission will convene today, Thursday, December 10, 2020, to discuss future topics of study. Commissioners will analyze racial equity and justice in the context of various systems in Kansas, such as mental health, education, housing, and economic opportunity. Per Executive Order No. 20-48, the Commission is tasked with submitting to the governor a second report by July 1, 2021, and a final comprehensive report by January 1, 2022.

Read the full report here.

See a summary of the report recommendations here.

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Intention to Appoint Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers To Become State Treasurer

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her intention to appoint Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers to become the 41^st Kansas State Treasurer when Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner vacates the position in January.

“Lynn is uniquely qualified to serve as the Kansas state treasurer,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “He has over 40 years of experience as a banker – both in urban and rural areas alike. I’m grateful for his service in my administration, and I have no doubt he will keep doing great things for the people of Kansas in his new role.”

The State Treasurer vacancy was initiated by the election of Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2^nd Congressional District in Kansas. Lieutenant Governor Rogers will be sworn in as Treasurer on January 2nd, 2021.

“It is an honor to accept the position of Kansas State Treasurer,” Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers said. “I spent my entire career in banking and bring to this position more than 40 years of experience working in all aspects of the industry. I look forward to applying all of this experience to helping protect the financial interests of Kansans.”

The State Treasurer oversees Kansas’ revenue and finances, directs the investment of state assets, and ensures government can operate safely and efficiently through proper banking, investment, and cash management.

“The outstanding Treasurer’s Office staff and I look forward to assisting with a smooth hand-off to the new treasurer and ensuring Kansans continue to receive excellent service,” State Treasurer and Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner said.

Governor Kelly will announce her appointment to Lieutenant Governor next week.

Safe Kids Kansas and the Office of the State Fire Marshal offer tips for holiday home safety

TOPEKA – The holidays are a time when many families deck the halls with lights and special decorations. But the winter holiday season also brings an increased risk of home fires and other injuries.  Safe Kids Kansas and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) remind families to take a few extra precautions and make safety a tradition when decorating for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other winter festivities.

December is the peak month for home fires, and holiday decorations contribute to this risk. Candles, live Christmas trees, lights, fireplaces and cooking should all be handled carefully. In addition, heat sources, like space heaters, can also ignite a fire.

“Prevention is the most effective way to avoid a home fire,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. “The winter months and the holiday season create many unintended fire hazards that can have devastating consequences. We want to ensure that Kansans stay safe this season by providing some easy tips to follow.”

Keep your family safe with these tips:

• Consider using flameless candles, which look like real candles but will keep children safe from burns.
• When cooking, keep your counter space free from anything that can catch fire, set a timer and check your cooking and baking regularly, and create a “kid-free zone” at least three feet around the stove.
• Inspect Christmas lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets.
• Make sure a natural/live tree is fresh and kept watered and keep tree at least three feet away from fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.
• Supervise children around fireplaces or use a fireplace screen or gate to keep children away.
• Position space heaters with care. Place them level on the floor at least three feet from anything flammable, and never leave them on unattended.
• Have furnaces inspected annually.
• Install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Create and practice your home fire escape plan and determine a safe meeting place outside.

“Despite efforts to prevent fires and burns, if you have an emergency it’s important for first responders to quickly find your location,” said Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas. “Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible from the street, on your house, mailbox or curb.”

For more holiday and winter home fire safety tips, visit: www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays.

KDA Offers Direct-to-Consumer Meat Marketing and Consumer Webinars

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Now more than ever, consumers are looking to build relationships and buy their food direct from the source. The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a series of informational webinars in early January 2021 to provide information about direct-to-consumer meat sales. “Adding direct-to-consumer sales can be an option to diversify farm income,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We are pleased to provide innovative programing and educational opportunities to help Kansas’ farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses grow and expand market options and continue to serve as economic engines in their communities.”

During the week of January 4, KDA will be offering a webinar series designed to provide more insight in the direct-to-consumer business model. This five-part webinar series will be held daily, January 4–8, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and will feature meat marketing and regulatory experts. This series is designed for those who wish to sell direct-to-consumer. In addition, KDA will host a second one-part webinar which will be focused on information for consumers and will address their questions about direct purchases of meat products. It will be held on Wednesday, January 6, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Throughout the first webinar series, Kansas Meat Marketing Basics: Putting you a Cut Above, participants will learn the basics of starting a farm to fork business, including discussions about naming your business, product selection, pricing, social media marketing, regulatory considerations and more. The series will feature presentations by Rachel Cutrer, Ranch House Designs, Inc. and B.R. Cutrer, Inc.; Danette Amstein and Myasia Burns, Midan Marketing; and Dr. Liz Boyle with Kansas State University’s value-added meats program.

At the second webinar, Clearing the Confusion: Meat Marketing Consumer Basics, participants will learn about basic meat science and meat processing and will receive recipes and resources for consumers to utilize cuts of beef. Guest speakers will include Collette Kaster, American Meat Science Association; Chad Bontrager, Yoder Meats, Bowser Meat Processing and Heartland Meat Market; and a representative from the Kansas Beef Council.

Registration is now open for both the webinar series and the consumer webinar, and there is no cost to participate. You can participate in one or more of the webinars, as the speakers and content will be different for each session. Find detailed agendas and register at: www.agriculture.ks.gov/BusinessDevelopment.

It is the mission of KDA to support all facets of agriculture, including lending support to those who wish to market and sell their products off the farm. For more information, contact KDA compliance education coordinator Dana Ladner at [email protected] 785-564-6660.

Kelly Stammer, Regional Resource Coordinator/East Region, Economic & Employment Services, Kansas Department for Children and Families is seeking what is available locally for senior citizens.

“I need to find out what is available to senior citizens as far as food banks and what accommodations are there for those with no transportation,” she said in an email to the Bourbon County Coalition.

Kelly Stammer can be reached at

620-421-4500 Ext 251 or

620-215-9729 Cell or

www.goals.ks.gov