Category Archives: Kansas

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries of the Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man and Martinique. The countries of Argentina, Colombia, Kuwait, Mongolia, Namibia, Seychelles and Tunisia have been removed. These changes are effective today, July 29.

  • Traveled on or after July 29 to Botswana, Cuba, Gibraltar, Isle of Man or Martinique.
  • Traveled on or after July 15 to British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Fiji, Jersey or The United Kingdom.
  • Traveled between July 15 and July 29 to Tunisia.
  • Traveled between July 1 – July 29 to Namibia.
  • Traveled between June 17 – July 29 to Kuwait or Mongolia.
  • Traveled between June 3 – July 29 to
  • Traveled between May 6 – July 29 to Seychelles.
  • Traveled between April 22 – July 29 to Argentina.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Rental, utility assistance available when eviction moratorium expires

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Statewide program granting Kansas tenants, landlords $3 million per week
TOPEKA, Kan.— Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), the state’s housing finance agency, has provided $21,670,326.79 in emergency rental and utility assistance to 4,054 Kansas households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID pandemic. The funds, made available through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)program, were allocated to the state through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously issued a temporary nationwide halt in residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. That moratorium is set to expire on July 31, 2021. Kansans who may be facing eviction due to financial hardship incurred as a result of the COVID pandemic are encouraged to apply for KERA assistance.
“It’s so gratifying to know our team is getting these funds out the door and into our communities where they are so desperately needed,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We recognize that the need is vast, and we look forward to providing this crucial assistance to Kansas tenants, landlords, and service providers as the program continues.”
KERA funds helped Gary Evert and his wife Sheryl, a couple in their 70s, remain in their Olathe home. “To anyone else out there who has applied for KERA I would say, ‘Don’t get discouraged. We’re all nervous, but when a customer service representative can calm you down and give you a sense of hope, it’s quite comforting,’” Evert said.
The KERA program previously served Kansans across the state except Wichita residents, who were served by the city’s rental assistance program. Recognizing the importance of serving tenants and landlords in our state’s most populous city, Wichita residents are now eligible to apply for the KERA program, though duplication of benefits is prohibited.
To be eligible to receive KERA assistance, tenants must rent their homes and must have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples of hardship may include qualifying for unemployment benefits, experiencing a reduction of household income, or incurring significant costs due to the pandemic. Additionally, the tenant’s household’s income may not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.
Nyrica Hall of Topeka was facing eviction when she applied for KERA assistance. Her request resulted in funding for rental and utility assistance, as well as a $600 lump sum payment to cover internet service. “When the customer service manager called me back to say my application had been approved, I cried,” Hall said.
KERA applicants must provide the following documentation:
  • Past-due utility bill or overdue rent or eviction notice from April 2020 to the present
  • Signed lease identifying the residential unit and the rental payment amount
  • 2020 Federal Income Tax Return as filed with the IRS (if tenant hasn’t filed 2020 federal income taxes, their W-2 wage statement and all IRS 1099 forms are acceptable)
  • Proof of identification, including a current state-issued photo ID, court filing notice, or mail from a federal, state, county, or city agency displaying the rental unit address
Approved KERA applicants are eligible to receive a maximum of 12 months of rental and utility assistance, in addition to reasonable fees and security deposits. Qualified applicants are also eligible to receive a lump sum of $600 in credit to their internet providers to cover past-due or future internet costs, at a rate of $50 per month for 12 months. Tenants may apply for three months of prospective assistance at a time. Program guidelines require tenants and landlords to apply jointly, with payments made directly to the landlord or service provider.
The KERA program builds on KHRC’s success administering the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program, a statewide rental assistance initiative funded by the federal CARES Act in 2020. In the roughly 60 days that program was in statewide operation, KHRC processed 10,138 applications for more than $25.8 million in requested funding, ultimately serving 27,200 Kansans with $17,007,614 in rental assistance.
To learn more, to locate a community partner to assist with the application process, and to apply, visit kshousingcorp.org/emergency-rental-assistance.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is 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 (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
COVID-19, Government, Kansas

CDC’s Updated Mask Guidance

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Statement Addressing the Updated CDC Guidance

TOPEKA – The following can be attributed to Governor Laura Kelly regarding the CDC’s updated mask guidance: 

“While we are still reviewing the new guidance and what it means for Kansas, this administration has consistently followed the recommendations from the experts at the CDC – and we don’t intend to stop. Right now Kansas is at a crossroads. The new Delta variant has caused COVID-19 to surge in our communities and some of our hospitals are moving towards capacity. The bad news is that parts of our state fall into the “hot spot” category for new cases, the good news is we have a vaccine to protect us from the virus that is safe, effective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, and free. I strongly urge every Kansan who isn’t vaccinated to get one right away. That is the best way to stop the spread of COVID in our state. For those who are vaccinated, I ask that you speak with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones who are unvaccinated and encourage them to get vaccinated to protect themselves and our state.”

Area News, Government, Kansas

KCC Investigates High Gas Prices During February 2021

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KCC approves AG’s request to join winter weather gas cost dockets

TOPEKA – This morning the Kansas Corporation Commission approved Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s request to participate in three dockets investigating unusually high natural gas prices during the February winter weather event and how gas utilities plan to recoup the charges. The three dockets involve costs incurred by Kansas Gas Service, Atmos Energy and Black Hills Energy and their respective customer payment plan proposals.

“While our jurisdictional responsibilities are distinct, the KCC and Attorney General have a good track record of working together on behalf of Kansas customers. I welcome the AG’s participation in these proceedings to support its ongoing investigations,” said Commission Chair Andrew French.

On February 15, the Commission instructed all jurisdictional utilities to do everything necessary to ensure continued service to Kansas customers. The costs were deferred and each utility was required to file a proposal for recouping those charges, which must be approved by the Commission.

Around the same time, the Attorney General’s office announced an investigation to determine whether the unprecedented gas prices violated state consumer protection laws. That investigation continues.

On July 19, the Attorney General’s office filed a petition to intervene in the KCC cases citing the authority to enforce the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and protect consumers from suppliers who commit deceptive practices.

As an intervenor in the KCC cases, the Attorney General will have access to all documents filed, have the ability to file testimony, question witnesses and participate in any scheduled proceedings.

Area News, Government, Kansas

Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in August

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Monday, Aug. 2, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a resurfacing project on U.S. 69 and U.S. 69B in Crawford County. Project activity includes a mill and overlay on U.S. 69 between U.S. 400 and K-47, excluding the section within the Pittsburg city limits. U.S. 69B is being resurfaced through the communities of Franklin and Arma.

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Work will start on U.S. 69B and then proceed south on U.S. 69 from the K-47 junction. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less.

Weather permitting, the project should be finished by early September.   KDOT awarded the construction contract of $2.3 million to Heckert Construction, Pittsburg. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Construction Engineer Kyler Farmer, (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.

 

Elections, Government, Kansas

Caryn Tyson Launches Campaign For State Treasurer

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Caryn Tyson

(Topeka) – As a leading conservative, Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson officially launched her campaign for State Treasurer with supporters from across the state at Ravenwood Lodge, Topeka. Tyson, who currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, told the audience, as State Treasurer she will lead the fight to keep government accountable.

“As a legislator, I work diligently to represent you and my record proves it.  Kansas needs a State Treasurer that will fight for your liberties by providing transparency and a watchdog on state spending and investments; We need a State Treasurer that will put Kansas First – that is exactly what I am going to do. From defending our Constitution, including the First and Second Amendment Rights, I don’t just talk the talk, I have and will continue to walk the walk.  I am the conservative leader who can deliver results as Kansas State Treasurer.  You can count on me to work for you,” stated Tyson.

Tyson works diligently for smaller, smarter government and to stop wasteful spending. Even before her time in the legislator her attention for detail and ability to get the job done in the field of Information Technology earned her awards for achievement and teamwork, including for her work on space shuttle support for NASA.

Representative Highland, inductee to the United States Army Officer Candidate School, said in supporting Tyson for State Treasurer, “I’ve worked with Caryn for going on 10 years.  I both respect and trust Caryn.  She never gives up.  She’ll fight.  One thing I like about Caryn is she respects the people she serves and she works for them, not for herself.”

“Caryn is actually trying to fight for you and put more money in your pocket.  And she truly believes in less government and I do too.  She’s one of those kind of people who doesn’t care who gets the pat on the back, just as long as the truck gets loaded and you save money.  She knows how to fight and true a conservative that will fight for you.” State Representative Ken Corbet.

Caryn Tyson has math and computer science degrees from Kansas State and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from KU. Caryn Tyson has a long career as a manager and lead in high level Information Technology, including financial systems. She is currently serving as a citizen legislator being elected for a third term in the Kansas Senate, after serving a term in the Kansas House.

Caryn and her husband, Tim – both fifth generation Kansans – own and operate Tyson Ranch in Linn County, established in 1871.

 

 
Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

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

Active Advisories

Warning

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County (new)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 7/22)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (upgraded 7/22)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County (new)

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (downgraded 7/22)

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

 

Advisories Lifted 7/22/21

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County

Geary State Fishing Lake, Geary County

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

Linn Valley Lake, Linn County

River Pond below Tuttle Reservoir, Riley County

 

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.

 

Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright 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.

                                            

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Government, Kansas

Half-Staff Flags For KS Representative Ron Howard

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Kansas Representative Ron Howard

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities effective immediately until the day of interment, in honor of Kansas Representative Ron Howard. Howard, Wichita, has represented Kansas House District 98 since 2019.

“My thoughts are with Rep. Ron Howard’s wife, Terri, and all of his friends and family during this difficult time,” Governor Kelly said. “A former Boeing worker and lawn care service owner, Rep. Howard shared a proud, hardworking background with many in his South Wichita and Haysville district. Despite facing difficult health challenges, Rep. Howard’s perseverance demonstrated his strong dedication to those he served.”

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

Notice of the day of interment will be sent at a later date.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Redistricting Process

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Kansas Commissions Urge Transparency, Constituent Engagement in Redistricting Process

TOPEKA – The Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns today sent a joint letter to the Kansas Redistricting Committee outlining steps it should take to ensure constituent participation, transparency, and accessibility during the redistricting process.

“It is crucial that the redistricting process is as transparent as possible and that as many people have the opportunity to be involved in the decisions that will impact who their voice in the legislature is for potentially the next decade,” the letter says. “Yet, there remain several steps this committee should take to ensure constituent participation.”

Suggested steps outlined in the letter include:

  • Holding hearings in an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant space;
  • Providing both sign language and Spanish language interpreters, and notifying the public of the availability of such services;
  • Ensuring several meetings be held during the evening and on the weekends to accommodate working schedules;
  • And including maps and/or statements submitted by Communities of Interest.

“These steps are not egregious in their scope and should be considered to ensure Kansans have confidence in the procedures that will shape our collective future,” the letter says.

Government, Kansas

Supports and Training For Employing People with Disabilities Announced

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Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully

Introducing a new program from KDHE & Working Healthy

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces the launch of a new employment program for individuals with disabilities. Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully (STEPS) provides employment and independent living supports, enabling them to increase their income while gradually decreasing their reliance on Social Security and other public benefits.

STEPS is a pilot program that launched July 1 and is facilitated by a Community Services Coordinator who helps participants prepare for employment, increase independence, receive/maintain health care coverage, and provide on-going supports to help maintain employment. STEPS services are provided by community agencies with the experience to successfully support people with disabilities to reach and maintain their employment goals. The program is scheduled to run through 2023 and if successful, it may be extended.

The eligibility requirements for STEPS are as follows:

  • Must be a KanCare beneficiary aged 16 to 65, and
  • Must qualify under one of the following criteria:
    • Individuals who receive SSI or SSDI and have one or more qualifying behavioral health diagnoses;
    • Individuals who receive SSI and are waitlisted for the Physical Disability (PD) or Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD) home and community-based services waiver; or
    • Individuals who are current on the Brain Injury (BI), Physical Disability (PD), or Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD) home and community-based services waiver who wish to leave their waiver to participate in STEPS.

To enroll or if you have questions, please contact the STEPS Program Manager. Those community providers who may also be interested in participating or learning more are also asked to contact the STEPS Program Manager.

More information about STEPS can be found on kancare.ks.gov/consumers/working-healthy/steps.

Government, Kansas

Gov. Kelly’s Weekly Newsletter

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WEEK OF July 12, 2021

job report

Governor Laura Kelly Announces $4 Million to Benefit 26 Kansas Nonprofit Organizations

csp

READ THE PRESS RELEASE 

“The Community Service Tax Credit program is an excellent tool we can use to support our state’s nonprofits and strengthen the essential services they provide to their communities. My administration will continue pursuing innovative initiatives like CSP to improve Kansans’ access to quality education, healthcare, childcare, and housing to make Kansas the best state in the nation for families and businesses to call home.”

Press:

Governor Laura Kelly Creates Bipartisan Cybersecurity Task Force to Protect Kansas’ Digital Infrastructure

cyber

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services, and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety. Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”

Press:

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect Public Safety and Reform Kansas’ Criminal Justice System

bill

READ ABOUT SB 60

“Senate Bill 60 will improve public safety for all Kansans and protect our law enforcement officers from dangerous car chases. I was proud to stand with advocates today and sign this commonsense legislation.”

Press:

Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Second Round of Recommendations

crej

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

READ THE REPORT

“This Commission has again developed a thoughtful and well-researched report, full of recommendations that the state and local governments can take up and implement both short-term and long-term. My administration remains committed to advancing equity and justice for all Kansans. By working together to pursue these policies, we can improve the health of all Kansas communities.”

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Kansas Youth Connection Seeking Members

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Kansas Youth Connect (KYC)  is NOW accepting applications for new members. Its mission is to support the connection of empowered youth in Kansas to create positive change today, tomorrow, and beyond.

The role of a KYC member is to be a voice for those not represented within KYC and to collaborate with other youth across Kansas to make positive change.

Apply now by clicking this link: Kanas Youth Connect Application

 

If  not 100% sure about KYC and have questions:

[email protected]