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Category Archives: Kansas
Hwy. 54 Resurfacing Starts June 14
U.S. 54 resurfacing project starts this month
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin work on a U.S. 54 resurfacing project the week of June 14. The project starts at Allen-Bourbon county line and continues east through Bourbon County to end at Fort Scott.
Project activity includes a surface recycle and ultra-thin bonded asphalt overlay. KDOT awarded the $2.8 million construction contract to Apac-Central, Fayetteville, Ark. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone; expect delays of 15 minutes or less on days when the project is active.
The road work should be completed by late August, weather permitting. 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 urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a work zone.
Photo Contest through Kansas Department of Agriculture
KDA Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The beauty of Kansas agriculture has been celebrated throughout the state’s ag industry, and we encourage photographers to capture that beauty and share it with others through the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s annual photo contest. KDA began accepting photos on June 7, and will continue accepting entries through August 16.
This year’s KDA Photo Contest categories were selected to promote different aspects of Kansas agriculture. Kansas Weather, Celebrating Local Foods, Water in Kansas and Rural Kansas categories will showcase the many places and ways we experience agriculture across the state of Kansas — from the beauty of the Flint Hills and the western plains to the family-run local ranches and colorful farmers’ markets, and the many ways that weather and water have an impact on Kansas agriculture. And for the first time ever, we have added a Video category to showcase drone footage, harvest videos, or other short clips of under 30 seconds. As always, there will be a separate Youth category, for young photographers under age 19. Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories.
KDA serves to advocate for agriculture, the state’s largest industry and economic driver. Photos which best capture the categories will be used throughout the year as we tell the story of Kansas agriculture. After submission, KDA is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.
Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to [email protected]. Videos should be sent in .mp4 or .mov format. Entries must include a title and brief description, where and when the photo/video was taken, the photographer’s full name and age, entry category hometown and email address.
Guidelines for the KDA Photo Contest, including deadlines, categories and prizes, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/photocontest. Voting to select finalists will begin on KDA’s social media sites in late August. For more information, contact Heather Lansdowne, KDA director of communications, at [email protected] or 785-564-6706.
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PR – KDA Photo Contest Now Accepting Entries.pdfPh
SPARK Continues
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Bipartisan SPARK Executive Committee to Continue Economic Recovery Efforts
TOPEKA – As part of her efforts to build a better, more resilient economy in Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly today announced the bipartisan members of the executive committee of the second Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce.
The Taskforce, originally established in May 2020 to oversee the distribution of funds from the federal CARES Act, is charged with leading Kansas forward in continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Through the SPARK process, we have transparently and equitably allocated more than $1 billion in CARES Act funds to support businesses, keep Kansans healthy, improve access to broadband, and boost our economy,” Governor Kelly said. “I’m pleased to reignite the Taskforce this year to maintain that transparent process and show Kansans that we’re using these relief funds to make strategic investments where they are needed most.”
Similar to the CARES funding distribution process, the Kansas Office of Recovery will again be responsible for the statewide distribution of federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to Kansas through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of March 2021.
A new and expanded seven-member executive committee will oversee the funding distribution process, assisted by an advisory committee with additional members. The advisory committee recommends investments to the executive committee, and the executive committee then makes recommendations to the State Finance Council, which makes the final determination.
Appointments to the advisory committee will be announced in the following weeks.
The members of the SPARK Executive Committee are as follows:
- Lt. Governor David Toland – Chair
- Secretary of Administration DeAngela Burns-Wallace – Governor’s Public Sector Appointee
- Jon Rolph, Governor’s Private Sector Appointee
- Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman
- Senate President Ty Masterson
- Greg Orman – Speaker Ryckman’s Appointee
- Bill Pickert – President Masterson’s Appointee
“Through its combination of public and private partners, I know that the SPARK Taskforce will look past immediate COVID-19 recovery to build a better, more inclusive and resilient economy for future generations,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank these leaders for their willingness to serve.”
For more information on ARPA, visit https://covid.ks.gov/arpa/.
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae
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 Reservoir, Marion County (upgraded from watch 5/27)
Webster Reservoir, Rooks County (new)
Jerry Ivey Lake, Saline County (continued from 5/27)
Watch
Marion County Lake, Marion County (new)
Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton 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.
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Kansas Notable Books 2021
The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2021 Kansas Notable Books
TOPEKA – State Librarian Eric Norris announced the 16th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books celebrating Kansas people, places, and events. The fifteen books feature quality titles with wide public appeal, either written by a Kansan or a Kansas related topic and published in the previous calendar year.
“I am proud to present the 2021 Kansas Notable Book list. This year’s books bring to life the Kansas experience through the vivid storytelling of gifted writers, talented illustrators, essayists, and poets. The rich array of works on this year’s list will both entertain as well as educate,” State Librarian Eric Norris said. “Reading is more important than ever. I encourage every Kansan to contact their local public library and celebrate the artists and artistry of Kansas.”
The State Library first launched the Kansas Notable Books Program in 2006. Since then, more than 200 books have been recognized for their contribution to Kansas literary heritage. This year’s selection committee included representatives of public, university, and school libraries, teachers, academics, and historians. State Librarian Eric Norris selected the final list of 15 titles which includes nonfiction and fiction books that will appeal to a wide range of audiences and cover a variety of topics and issues.
Kansas Notable Books authors will be awarded their medals at the Kansas Book Festival on September 18 at Washburn University. The public is invited.
Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas which is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The Kansas Center for the Book exists to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading, and libraries.
For descriptions, downloadable bookmarks, posters, and more information about Kansas Notable Books, visit kslib.info/2021KNB, call the State Library at 785-296-3296 or email [email protected].
2021 Kansas Notable Books
All Hallows’ Shadow by Michael D. Graves (Emporia) Meadowlark Books
The Amelia Six by Kristin L. Gray (Fayetteville, AR) Paula Wiseman Books
The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia (Lyme, NH) G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Croaked! (The Misadventures of Nobbin Swill) by Lisa Harkrader (Tonganoxie) Yellow Jacket
Farmers Unite!: Planting a Protest for Fair Prices by Lindsay H. Metcalf (Concordia) Calkins Creek
Ladybird, Collected by Meg Heriford (Lawrence)
Un Mango Grows in Kansas by Huascar Medina (Topeka) Spartan Press
Mawson’s Mission: Launching Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Kansas by L. Marlene Mawson (Lawrence) University Press of Kansas
Northern Cheyenne Ledger Art by Fort Robinson Breakout Survivors by Denise Low (Lawrence) and Ramon Powers (Topeka) University of Nebraska Press
People, Pride, and Promise: The Story of the Dockum Sit-in by Prisca Barnes (Wichita), illustrated by Priscella Brown (Wichita) Storytime Village
Prairie Bachelor: The Story of a Kansas Homesteader and the Populist Movement by Lynda Beck Fenwick (Pratt) University Press of Kansas
Premeditated Myrtle: A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Lenexa) Algonquin Young Readers
Swimming Shelter: Poems by Al Ortolani (Lenexa) Spartan Press
What Sound is Morning? by Grant Snider (Wichita) Chronicle Books
World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil (Oxford MS) Milkweed Editions
The State Library of Kansas – To learn more, visit kslib.info.
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KDHE amends travel quarantine list
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include the countries of Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Several states and countries have been removed from the list, including Maine, Minnesota, all of the counties in Colorado, and the countries of Cabo Verde, Georgia, Lithuania, Netherlands and Sweden. These changes are effective today, June 3.
A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:
- Traveled on or after June 3 to Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Suriname or Trinidad and Tobago.
- Traveled on or after May 20 to the countries of Costa Rica or French Guiana.
- Traveled on or after May 6 to the countries of India, Maldives or Seychelles.
- Traveled on or after April 22 to the countries of Argentina or Bahrain.
- Traveled on or after April 8 to the country of Uruguay.
- Traveled between May 20 and June 3 to the countries of Georgia, Lithuania or the Netherlands.
- Traveled between May 20 and June 3 to Maine or the Colorado counties of Alamosa, Baca, Costilla, Dolores, Mesa, Mineral, Otero, Prowers, Rio Grande, Saguache, Sedgwick or Yuma.
- Traveled between May 6 and June 3 to the Colorado counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Conejos, Crowley, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Larimer or Pueblo.
- Traveled between May 6 and June 3 to Cabo Verde.
- Traveled between April 22 and June 3 to Minnesota or Sweden.
- 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.
Kansas Speedway to Host Race to End COVID-19 Vaccination Event
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Help Prevent Equine Disease This Summer
For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2021
For more information:
Heather Lansdowne
785-564-6706
[email protected]
MANHATTAN, Kansas — As summer approaches, the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health encourages horse owners to take proactive steps to prevent the transmission of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), an equine disease that is common in the summer months. VSV is transmitted by insect vectors, and recent years have seen an increase in cases of VSV in Kansas.
If you own horses or take care of horses, this is the time of year to be vigilant in changes to your animal care routine to prevent introduction of VSV. Consider these best practices in your horse care this summer:
- Strict fly control. VSV is primarily spread by black flies and midges. Keep pens clean, remove manure, and use appropriate fly sprays and traps. Minimize bright lights that attract insects at night.
- Regularly inspect horses for symptoms that might indicate VSV, such as blister-like lesions, fever, excessive salivation, reluctance to eat, or lameness.
- If you travel to events with horses from other properties, keep your horses separated. Don’t tie up your horse with other horses, and don’t share equipment, tools, tack or water buckets.
Kansas experienced a significant outbreak of VSV in 2020, with positive cases on over 100 premises in 26 counties. Other species including cattle can be susceptible to VSV, although it is primarily an equine disease. VSV is a reportable disease by state law; if there is a concern of a possible VSV infection or another reportable disease, call the Kansas Animal Health Commissioner at the KDA Division of Animal Health.
Putting these best practices into action now can protect horses across the state and assist the Kansas equine industry in disease prevention to help avoid an outbreak this summer. Go to www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV for more information about VSV symptoms and prevention.
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Kansas Tax Collections Up From 2020
Kansas’ Total Tax Receipts Up $604.6 Million Over Last May
TOPEKA – The month of May marked one year since Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 20-31 to safely reopen businesses across the state. Since that time, the Kansas economy has rebounding significantly – with May 2021 tax collections totaling $604.6 million, or 134.7% more than May 2020. For the month of May, the state collected $1.1 billion in total taxes; an increase of $509.4 million, or 93.7%, more than the estimate.
“Our May tax receipt numbers are good news and show that our efforts to strengthen Kansas’ economy are paying off,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “We will continue moving forward by prioritizing pro-growth policies that will support Kansas businesses and Kansas families.”
Individual income tax collections were $708.7 million. That is 154.9%, or $430.7 million, above the estimate and $492.8 million, or 228.2%, more than last May. Corporate income tax collections were $29.8 million. That is $33.2 million, or 976.8%, more than last May. Those collections are $24.8 million, or 495.6%, more than the estimate.
“Overall, the economy performed much better during the pandemic than any state had forecasted and the tax receipt trend in Kansas is comparable to that experienced in other states,” Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “Taxpayers who had meaningful positions in the stock market did extremely well during the pandemic. A significant portion of the individual income tax receipts are due to capital gains transactions.”
Retail sales tax collections were up $53.9 million, or 31.0%, over last May with $227.8 million collected. Collections were $32.8 million, or 16.8%, more than the estimate. Compensating use tax collections were $54.4 million which was $14.4 million, or 36.0%, more than estimated. That is a $16.7 million, or 44.5%, gain compared to the same month of the previous fiscal year.Ka
Victory Laps at Kansas Speedway Vaccination Event
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Raffle for Prizes
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansans will have the opportunity to enter a free raffle drawing for various prizes from the Kansas Speedway next weekend – including the chance to drive two laps around the track – at a Race to End COVID-19 event.
Participants can enter the Race to End COVID-19 by getting a free COVID-19 saliva test and/or vaccine administered by the University of Kansas Health System and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
“It is critical to our state’s continued pandemic recovery efforts that every Kansan gets vaccinated,” Governor Kelly said. “The Race to End COVID-19 is a great incentive to curb declines in vaccine demand and encourage Kansans to get tested for and vaccinated against COVID-19. I appreciate the Kansas Speedway for their partnership in making this event possible, and I encourage all unvaccinated Kansans to attend.”
The Race to End COVID-19 will be held at Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas (enter via France Family Drive, near the Sporting KC stadium across from Nebraska Furniture Mart):
- Friday, June 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, June 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Kansas Speedway is hosting the event in partnership with Wyandotte County Unified Government, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Kansas Division of Emergency Management.
All vaccine recipients will be asked to review educational material about COVID-19 vaccines and sign a consent form. After receiving the vaccine, participants will wait 15 minutes for observation for any rare allergic reactions. Those receiving the Pfizer vaccine will need to make separate arrangements for their second dose.
RAFFLE DRAWING:
Individuals that are tested and/or vaccinated will be entered into a free raffle drawing. Prizes include a set of two tickets to the Oct. 24, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Race; a set of four tickets to the Oct. 24, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Race; and gift cards for the NASCAR Racing Experience Ride Along.
VICTORY LAP DETAILS:
Track lap participants must have a valid driver’s license, car registration in their name, and proof of vehicle insurance. Track lap participants 16 to 17 years old with a valid driver’s license must have a parent or legal guardian in the vehicle to sign a minor release form. All track lap participants are required to remain in their personal vehicle at all times. Drivers and their riders will take two laps behind a track pace vehicle at highway speed. No motorcycles, tractor-trailers, recreational vehicles, etc., may be used for track rides.
Additional information can be found at: https://www.kansasspeedway.com/Vanity-Pages/Race-to-End-COVID-Laps.aspx.
Youth Suicide Prevention Art Contest
TOPEKA – The Kansas Partners in Empowering Youth for Suicide Prevention believes that every young person deserves to be safe from suicide and that the best way to reach youth in Kansas is to provide opportunities for them to reach out to their peers, thus the Youth Suicide Prevention Art Contest was created. The contest, which ended April 5, 2021, was open to Kansas youth in grades 6 through 12 and 28 youth from across the state dedicated their time and talents to developing messages to reach other youth with their submissions.
“We are pleased with the incredible quality of submissions for the contest. Every person who entered clearly put great thought and effort into their submission,” Steve Devore, President/CEO of Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ said. “We look forward to sharing them across the state to raise awareness of the possibility of hope and healing while working to provide enough support to Kansas youth so that no one ever walks alone in crisis. We anticipate all entries will resonate with youth but there were top prizes awarded for the three grade categories by youth judges.”
To view submissions to the Youth Suicide Prevention Art Contest, visit the online gallery at www.ksphq.org/artcontestgallery/.
The agencies involved in the Kansas Partners in Empowering Youth for Suicide Prevention include the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with the Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
There is something each of us can do, follow these tips to help prevent youth suicide.
If I am a teen, I can…
- Encourage friends that getting help for life’s ups and downs is okay.
- Share stories about times getting help has worked.
- Talk to my doctor during my annual well visit.
- Break the stigma by encouraging discussion of mental wellness.
- Be an example of kindness and connection to those around me.
If I am a parent, I can…
- Be willing to listen without judgement.
- Be the one to help my child seek mental and physical care when needed.
- Store my firearms and prescription/over-the-counter medications safely at home to reduce the likelihood they will be used in a suicide crisis.
If I am a school employee, I can…
- Be willing to listen without judgement.
- Download the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale screener tool and champion protocol changes for successful implementation within my school or district.
- Recognize social emotional learning initiatives that focus on building social skills especially problem-solving skills are effective upstream efforts to reduce suicide and other risky behaviors in students.
- Implement evidence-based screening for depression and suicide for the entire student body.
If I am a community member, I can…
- Be willing to listen without judgement.
- Make resources for safe storage or disposal of means for suicide available (e.g. trigger locks, prescription take back initiatives).
- Enroll in training like Mental Health First Aid or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills.
- Participate in training like (ASIST) or Question. Persuade. Refer (QPR) to be able to better identify when youth are struggling with thoughts of suicide.
- Practice good self-care; share my coping mechanisms with those around me, tell stories of seeking help and gaining recovery.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please text KANSAS to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.