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Category Archives: Kansas
KDA Seeks Nominations for Kansas Ag Heroes
MANHATTAN, Kansas — At last summer’s Ag Growth Summit, the Kansas Department of Agriculture kicked off a new recognition program to honor outstanding Kansans: Kansas Ag Heroes. Nominations are now open for the second year of the program, and KDA anticipates new stories of 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 when it was needed most. KDA encourages Kansans 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 13. The nomination instructions can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgHeroes.
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 26.
For questions about the Kansas Agricultural Heroes Program nomination process, please contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].
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KDA Seeks Nominations for 2021 Kansas Ag Heroes.pdf
2019 Kansas Health Risk Behaviors Report Published
State Officials Release Annual Survey Results
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released the results from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).
“The overall goal of the BRFSS is to provide Kansas-specific data that are used for monitoring the leading contributors to morbidity and premature death, tracking health status and assessing trends, measuring public knowledge, attitudes and opinions, public health program planning and evaluation as well as policy development,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.
Results of the 2019 survey show the rate of obesity in Kansas is over 35 percent, and higher among those with diabetes or living with a disability. Over 27 percent of Kansans did not take part in any leisure-time physical activity. Also, more than 16 percent of Kansans smoke cigarettes, with much higher rates of smoking among those with an annual household income of $15,000 or less. Obesity and smoking are significant contributors to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Behavioral changes to reduce obesity and smoking can reduce the burden of such chronic diseases.
Additional highlights from the 2019 BRFSS data include:
- 6% have health care coverage
- 2% with a personal doctor
- 9% were ever diagnosed with depression.
- 6% consumed fruit at least once per day.
- 1% consumed vegetables at least once per day.
- 8% were diagnosed with diabetes
- 6% were diagnosed with some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus or fibromyalgia.
- 5% were diagnosed with hypertension.
- 9% were tested and diagnosed with high cholesterol.
“BRFSS gives us an in-depth look into many health behaviors,” Julie Sergeant, PhD, Bureau of Health Promotion, Director of the Kansas BRFSS program, said. “Having data to use helps us shape the efforts of many state health programs and to partner with Kansans to improve their health.”
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which is coordinated and partially funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the largest continuously conducted telephone survey in the world. It is conducted in every state, the District of Columbia, and several United States territories. Conducted in 2019-2020, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) completed its 29th BRFSS Survey to guide the state’s health activities. The survey is conducted year-round.
Answers to commonly asked questions can be found on our website www.kdheks.gov/bhp/HealthRiskStudies/ksbrf/index.htm or call toll free at 1-866-445-1429. The complete 2019 Health Risk Behaviors of Kansans Report is available for download at www.kdheks.gov/brfss/PDF/2019_Kansas_BRFSS_Report.pdf.
Kansas Cybersecurity Force Created
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Unemployment Recipients Required to Complete My Reemployment Plan
REMINDER: Kansas Department of Labor Urges Claimants to Participate in the My Reemployment Plan Program
~Claimants who do not participate in the program may be disqualified from receiving benefits under the new state law~
TOPEKA – On May 13, 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed a law that requires individuals currently receiving unemployment benefits through the Kansas Department of Labor to complete the two-step program requirement called “My Reemployment Plan” (MRP).
Claimants who do not participate in the program may be disqualified from receiving benefits under the new state law. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) encourages individuals who received notice of their participation in the program to complete the requirements immediately in order to prevent a disruption in their benefits.
Claimants were notified by KANSASWORKS on or after June 23 and have 7 days from the notification to get into compliance per the new law. KDOL will begin to deny benefits for the individuals who are out of compliance on Friday, July 16 at 12:00 pm CT. KANSASWORKS will continue to notify additional claimants as they become eligible.
The program, developed in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Labor and KANSASWORKS Workforce System, requires claimants who have received three (3) continuous weeks of unemployment to complete the following two steps:
- STEP ONE: Create or upload and submit your resume through KANSASWORKS.com
- STEP TWO: Complete and submit the Job Search Plan Form
Once a claimant fulfills the requirements of MRP, they will not have to complete them again unless notified.
Claimants will already have an account on KANSASWORKS.com. If a claimant is having trouble with their username or password, they can use the Forgot Password or Username located here.
Failure to complete all items within seven (7) days of receiving KANSASWORKS’ instructions may result in denial of unemployment insurance benefits. Should this happen, claimants will receive a disqualification email and/or letter from the Kansas Department of Labor.
Claimants who do not comply may have their benefits continued or reinstated upon completing compliance of the My Reemployment Plan’s two steps. If claimants have questions regarding the My Reemployment Plan, they should contact KANSASWORKS through the following four resources:
- CALL: 877-509-6757 to be connected to your closest Workforce Center
- LIVE CHAT: at KANSASWORKS.com
- NEAREST WORKFORCE CENTER: https://www.kansasworks.com/contact for the Workforce Center nearest you
- WEBSITE: kansascommerce.gov/mrp
Update From Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
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“Expanding and modernizing our highways will enhance accessibility and road safety to recruit new businesses and families to every Kansas community. Since day one, we’ve honored our commitment to ending the practice of using infrastructure dollars for projects they were never meant for – instead using these dollars to fix our roads, bridges, and expand broadband access. These 24 projects are further proof that good stewardship of these funds is benefitting our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.”
Press:
- Governor Kelly announces major highway projects for eastern Kansas
KSNT - Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nine Highway Improvement Projects in Western Kansas
KSCB - $129M in improvement coming to Sedgwick County’s worst bottleneck, other traffic tangles
The Wichita Eagle - Gov. Laura Kelly announces investment of $280M to expand U.S. 69 in Overland Park
KSHB
Governor Laura Kelly Expands Parental Leave Policy for State of Kansas Employees
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“Supporting working parents in our workforce is not only the right thing to do – it’s good for our economy. We’re committed to recruiting and keeping talented Kansans in our state and creating a supportive environment for our families.”
Press:
- Kansas governor expands parental leave for state employees
AP - Kansas state employees can take longer paid parental leave after new order from Kelly
The Wichita Eagle - Kansas state workers now have expanded parental leave benefits
KSHB
Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Business Recruitment Partnership to Strengthen Kansas’ Growing Economy
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“Showing developers the surplus of shovel-ready sites in Kansas is another strategic tool we can use to attract new businesses, new investments, and new jobs to our state. My administration is pleased to partner with Sunflower Electric to draw in new business investment and maintain our state’s record-breaking economic success.”
Press:
- Gov. Laura Kelly announces new business recruitment partnership with the State of Kansas
The Garden City Telegram - New partnership makes it easier for developers to find attractive building sites in Kansas
WIBW
Governor Laura Kelly Announces $4 Million in Grants to Support Kansas Small Businesses
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Blue-Green Algae Advisories Listed
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae
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
Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison County
Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County
Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County
Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County
Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County
Big Hill Lake, Labette County (upgrade 7/9)
Marion Reservoir, Marion County
Webster Reservoir, Rooks County
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County
Watch
Mission Lake Horton, Brown County
Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County
Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County (new)
Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County
South Lake, Johnson County
Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour”, Labette County (new)
Linn Valley Lake, Linn County (new)
Marion County Lake, Marion County
Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County
Overbook City Lake, Osage County
Agra City Lake, Phillips County (downgrade 7/9)
Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County
Advisories Lifted 7/9/21
Perry Zone C, Jefferson County
Pomona Reservoir, Osage 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.
Kansas Reemployment Plan
Kansas Department of Labor Urges Claimants to Participate in the My Reemployment Plan Program
~Claimants who do not participate in the program may have their benefits suspended under the new state law~
TOPEKA – On May 13, 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2196, which includes an enhanced My Reemployment Plan (MRP) program designed to help unemployed Kansans reenter the workforce.
Claimants who do not participate in the program may have their benefits suspended under the new state law. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) encourages individuals who received notice of their participation in the program to complete the requirements immediately in order to prevent a disruption in their benefits.
The program, developed in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC), KDOL and KANSASWORKS Workforce System, connects unemployment recipients with workforce service professionals in their area.
The program began June 1, 2021 and requires claimants who have received three (3) continuous weeks of unemployment to complete the following actions:
- Upload/build a resume at KANSAScom or provide work history
- Complete the online job search (including the O*Net Interest Profiler) attached to the email/included with the mailed information.
- Complete the Job Search Plan and email completed form to the Kansas Department of Commerce at [email protected]
KDC has notified a group of claimants included in MRP and will continue to notify additional claimants as they become eligible. Failure to complete all items within seven (7) days of receiving KDC’s instructions may result in denial of unemployment insurance benefits. Claimants who do not comply may have their benefits continued or reinstated upon showing compliance to KDC or good cause to KDOL.
To assist claimants who are receiving benefits the following services will be provided from KANSASWORKS, free of charge, personalized job search assistance, including:
- Creation of a personalized My Reemployment Plan that focuses on goals and accountability.
- Skills assessment to match interests and skills with occupations.
- Resume, interview and networking assistance.
- Labor market information highlighting current in-demand jobs.
Any questions regarding this program should be directed to the KANSASWORKS.com Live Chat. For additional support, contact your local Workforce Center at 877-509-6757.
Kansas Parental Leave Policy Expands
Governor Laura Kelly Expands Parental Leave Policy for State Employees
~~Encourages other employers to develop similar models to strengthen Kansas’ workforce~~
TOPEKA – As part of her ongoing commitment to supporting State of Kansas employees, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order 21-24, which expands parental leave benefits to primary caregivers, secondary caregivers, and foster parents.
“Supporting working parents in our workforce is not only the right thing to do – it’s good for our economy,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re committed to recruiting and keeping talented Kansans in our state and creating a supportive environment for our families.”
Under the new policy, primary and secondary caregivers, along with foster parents, receive the additional leave. The new policy is as follows:
- Primary caregivers receive eight weeks of leave (an increase of two weeks from the original policy);
- Secondary caregivers receive four weeks of leave (an increase of one week from the original policy);
- Foster parents are now eligible for parental leave, with primary caregivers receiving eight weeks of leave and secondary caregivers receiving four weeks of leave;
- Parental leave can now be used thirty days in advance of the birth date, adoption, or fostering of a child or children per calendar year;
- New State employees become eligible after 180 days of employment. Current employees will not be subjected to this requirement.
“Paid family leave is a win-win for both families and employers,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO, United WE. “Policies like this that expand these benefits to women and their families bolster economies, improve health and education outcomes and strengthens business through a stronger employee workforce. We applaud Governor Kelly’s action today and urge other states without paid family leave policies to consider the research-backed benefits of strong economic policies that support employees and their families.”
Effective immediately, the Kansas Department of Administration’s Office of Personnel Services will implement the new policy and provide information to State of Kansas agencies and employees.
Weekly Update From Governor Laura Kelly
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WATCH THE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
“As we all begin to travel and gather with friends and family, it’s critically important to keep our communities and loved ones safe. We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially as new strains emerge. We can all do our part to keep our communities safe by continuing to physically distance and wear masks until we are all vaccinated.”
Press:
- Push for more vaccinations continue as delta variant cases rise in Kansas
FOX 4 KC - Kansas starts COVID campaign amid fears about delta variant
WIBW - Kansas launches COVID-19 vaccine campaign
Dodge City Daily Globe - Laura Kelly: Kansas faces an ‘imminent danger’ from COVID-19 delta variant
KMBC
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Surpasses $6 Billion in New Business Dollars Invested in the State
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“This administration has prioritized rebuilding our state’s economic foundation and supporting services that make Kansas a place where families and businesses want to be – our continued success is proof those efforts are paying off. For the third year in a row, we fully funded our schools, we’ve expanded access to broadband to thousands of families and businesses, and more than 130 long-overdue road and bridge projects have been greenlit. These actions, along with the Department of Commerce’s recruitment work, have shown prospective companies why Kansas is a premier business destination. As we once again approach record-breaking business investment in 2021, my team will harness this momentum to create jobs and support businesses that choose to locate to or expand in our state.”
Press:
Governor Laura Kelly Directs DCF to Continue Emergency Food Assistance for Kansans
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“While Kansas continues its steady return to normal, the pandemic caused challenges for families – and many still need support. Extending emergency SNAP benefits is part of our commitment to protecting Kansas children and families during the pandemic and beyond, and ensuring our kids have reliable access to quality, healthy foods.”
Press:
- Gov. Laura Kelly announces expanded food stamps benefits will be able to continue in Kansas
Topeka Capital-Journal - Governor: Kansas will keep providing extra COVID food aid
The Wichita Eagle - Kansas expanding reach of COVID-19 child care, food assistance
Kansas Reflector
Governor Laura Kelly Announces $28 Million Investment, 37 New Jobs in Manhattan
“Bev-Hub’s expansion is proof that Kansas’ pipeline of talented, educated workers and pro-business environment can compete with anyone to recruit dynamic companies. We’ll continue supporting and attracting innovative, growing companies like Bev-Hub to strengthen our economy and keep Kansans and their families in our state. Congratulations to Bev-Hub on this exciting announcement.”
Press:
- Manhattan plant will bring 37 new jobs bottling cold brew coffee, teas
KSNT - ‘It’s a win for Kansas’ | Gov. Kelly tours new Manhattan Bev-Hub facility
Manhattan Mercury - Bev-Hub opens second Kansas location in Manhattan
KSNT
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Childcare Resources for Kansans and Providers
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KDHE Encourages Vaccinations and Precautions this Fourth of July Weekend
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) urges Kansans to take proactive measures this holiday weekend to protect themselves and their loved ones from the rapidly spreading Delta variant.
“As we all begin to travel and gather with friends and family, it’s critically important to keep our communities and loved ones safe,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially as new strains emerge. We can all do our part to keep our communities safe by getting vaccinated and following the CDC guidelines.”
This week, Kansas has recorded 1,211 news cases, 12 deaths and also seen an increase in the presence of the Delta variant. There are three deaths recorded in Kansas attributable to the Delta variant.
“This is a fast-spreading variant that spreads quickly in communities that have the lowest vaccination rates,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary said. “Please get vaccinated and in the interim, please take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
If Kansans are planning to attend large gatherings, here are additional recommendations from CDC:
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.
Stay at least 6 feet away from people who do not live with you.
- You are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with people who don’t live with you.
- Remember that people without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others.
- Choose safer outdoor venues if possible.
- Choose venues that limit seating and allow for social distancing and select your seat or place to stand based on your ability to stay at least 6 feet from others.
- Arrive to the event early or at off-peak times to avoid crowding and congested areas.
- Avoid using restroom facilities or concession areas at high traffic times, such as intermission, half-time, or immediately after the event.
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- As much as possible, avoid crowds and indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors.
- You are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 during outdoor activities. Look for seating options that are outside or have proper ventilation with outdoor air, such as tents that have open doors or rolled up sides.
Wear a mask.
- Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect yourself and others.
- Wear your mask over your nose and mouth, secure it under your chin, and make sure it fits snugly against the sides of your face.
- Keep a spare mask in case your mask becomes wet from moisture in your breath or from snow or rain.
If you have symptoms or were exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, get tested. Testing is available by visiting KnowbeforeyougoKS.com.
To find a vaccine near you, visit www.vaccines.gov/.
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Kansas Public Affairs Contact Info
UPDATED: Public Affairs Contact Information
Department of Administration
Contact: Samir Arif
Email:[email protected]
Phone number: (785) 813-1726
Department for Aging and Disability Services
Contact: Cara Sloan
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-0807
Department of Agriculture
Contact: Heather Lansdowne
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 564-6706
Department for Children and Families
Contact: Mike Deines
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-0537
Department of Commerce
Contact: Dena Sattler
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 581.3581
Department of Corrections
Contact: Carol Pitts
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 250-4034
Adjutant General & Kansas Division of Emergency Management
Contact: Jane Welch
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 646-0092
Department of Health and Environment
Contact: Kristi Zears
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-1317
Kansas Highway Patrol
Contact: Captain Thomas Spencer
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-6800
Kansas Historical Society
Contact: Bobbie Athon
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 272-8681, ext. 262
Department of Labor
Contact: Becky Shaffer
Email: [email protected]
Department of Revenue
Contact: Zach Fletcher
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-0671
Office of Recovery
Contact: Sarah Miller
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 250-7068
Department of Transportation
Contact: Steve Hale
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 217-5091
Kansas Water Office
Contact: Katie Ingels
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 296-3185
Department of Wildlife and Parks
Contact: Nadia Reimer
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: (785) 338-3036