MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has now identified positive cases of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in 20 counties in Kansas. KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. Nearly 90 premises have tested positive for VSV in Allen, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Coffey, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Labette, Lyon, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Sedgwick, Sumner, Wilson and Woodson counties. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread.

All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses and cattle have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. More than 90 premises are currently under quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms in the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises. Over 90 premises have been released from quarantine.

“The VSV outbreak is still spreading, and all owners of horses, cattle, and other livestock must continue to take action to protect their animals,” said Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner. “You can help slow the spread of this virus by taking aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection and by keeping your animals separate from other animals which may be infected. Meanwhile, you should monitor for symptoms of VSV, and call your veterinarian if you see anything of concern.”

What is VSV:

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms. VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away.

Disease prevention:

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

VSV in the U.S.:

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

More information:

Information about VSV can be found by contacting the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601 or on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, with info about:

• Documents describing symptoms of VSV
• Recommendations for fly control practices
• Guidelines for shows and fairs
• Informational webinars about VSV
• Current state and national situation reports

Governor Laura Kelly’s Office announces conclusion of internal and independent investigations conducted at the Kansas Highway Patrol

TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Highway Patrol announced Majors Scott Harrington and Josh Kellerman are no longer employed at the agency. The staff changes are part of Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones’ efforts to make the Kansas Highway Patrol as effective as possible in achieving the agency’s mission.

“Since my appointment last year, I have prioritized building a culture and a structure within our agency that will help our troopers best serve the people of Kansas,” Colonel Jones said. “I’m confident that the Kansas Highway Patrol will continue to grow stronger as an organization and improve our ability to carry out our mission.”

As a result of Governor Kelly’s and Colonel Jones’s commitment to a successful and transparent Kansas Highway Patrol, the Governor also released summaries of an internal and an independent investigation into complaints against Colonel Jones. The first investigation was conducted by the Department of Administration. The firm of Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith, LLP was then retained to conduct a thorough and independent investigation, to ensure a review of the complaints that was separate from the Kelly Administration.

The investigation conducted by the Department of Administration provided an assessment, rather than a judgement of the accusations. The independent investigation, which was concluded this week, found the complaints of sexual harassment against Colonel Jones were unsubstantiated.

“My administration has a responsibility to make sure the agency and leadership are living up to the values that Kansans expect,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Kansas Highway Patrol is our state’s premiere law enforcement agency, and they have a responsibility to meet the standard that comes with this position. While my confidence in the men and women who make up our force of troopers has never wavered, there is no question that there were cultural issues and a lack of accountability that go back years. I believed when I appointed him, that Colonel Jones was the right man for the job and my belief has been reaffirmed.  He has my full support.”

Three primary complaints regarding Colonel Jones were raised and investigated. In order to protect the identities and privacy of the complainants in the investigation, who are valued employees still serving at the Kansas Highway Patrol, the investigations have been summarized below.

1. Complaints of sexual harassment in the form of unwanted/unwelcome physical contact and verbal comments.
   1. These complaints were raised by three KHP employees and generally alleged that Colonel Jones greeted the employees by slapping their backs, shaking their hands, patting their shoulders, hugging, standing close to the employee, and sometimes making awkward comments that were not of a sexual nature.
   2. Investigators interviewed the complainants, other witnesses, and Colonel Jones. The employees did not allege that the physical contact or comments were of a sexual nature. Colonel Jones was interviewed and indicated that he did not know the physical nature of the greetings made the employees uncomfortable and would avoid such contact in the future.
   3. The investigation exonerates Col. Jones with respect to the complaints of sexual harassment/discrimination.

1. Complaints of misuse of a state aircraft.
   1. Another complaint alleged that Colonel Jones misused a state aircraft for his family to travel on vacation.
   2. Investigators interviewed witnesses, obtained flight logs, and interviewed Colonel Jones.
   3. The investigation determined that Colonel Jones has used a state aircraft only twice. In Spring 2019 he flew to Pratt for a funeral of a law enforcement officer in Greensburg and flew back to Wichita for a graduation ceremony. This was state business and an appropriate use of the aircraft. Colonel Jones also used a state aircraft in July 2019 to return early from a vacation in Eagle, Colorado, so that he could attend a Governor’s Cabinet meeting. The vacation had been scheduled and paid for long before Colonel Jones was appointed KHP Superintendent, and the Governor’s Cabinet meeting was mandatory for all Cabinet members. Colonel Jones left his vacation several days early to return to work and none of his family accompanied him on the flight. This was also an appropriate use of the aircraft for state business.

1. Complaint of gender discrimination.
   1. Another complaint involved a KHP employee arising from a number of unrelated administrative actions. The employee did not initially feel any of the actions were motivated by gender discrimination. The employee raised the issue to Human Resources after another employee suggested an action may have been the result of gender bias.
   2. The investigators interviewed the employee, Colonel Jones, and other witnesses.
   3. The investigation determined Colonel Jones’ administrative actions and decisions were not motivated by gender discrimination but were instead consistent with various KHP policy and accountability priorities.

Governor Laura Kelly and Department of Commerce Launch New Kansas Certified Sites Program

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Department of Commerce’s launch of the new Kansas Certified Sites program, a critical tool that will help accelerate economic development efforts throughout the state.

The new program will let developers know when the state has deemed a potential site ideal for investment and development. Kansas Certified Site designations are appealing to investors and site selectors because the certification:

• provides important background information on a site’s availability, utilities, site access, environmental records and site development costs;
• encourages faster site selection decisions; and
• can help undeveloped “greenfield,” or expansion projects get started.

“The Kansas Certified Sites program will be a helpful tool in recruiting and expanding businesses, as we continue growing our state’s economy and working to safely keep Kansas open for business,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

“Businesses need certainty and predictability when they’re making investment decisions, and that’s exactly what the Kansas Certified Site designation provides,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Once certified, contractors looking to build and companies looking for a location know that a site is shovel ready. That’s a huge advantage for businesses and communities in this highly competitive marketplace.”

The Kansas Certified Site designation is valid for three years, unless the property is sold or leased within that time. To obtain the designation, communities must undergo a stringent review process that demonstrates they have addressed a defined set of prerequisites, including:

• Ownership information
• Property information
• Environmental and cultural information
• Access information
• Community information

Successful recipients of the Kansas Certified Site designation receive many benefits, including marketing and investment attraction support. The Kansas Certified Site program will be incorporated into a variety of marketing campaigns and strategies that attract investors, which may also include:

• A profile on the Kansas Department of Commerce website
• Visibility on Kansas Department of Commerce social media channels

In addition, the Department of Commerce has entered into a contract with LocationOne, a respected sites and buildings database service, which will allow all communities in Kansas to post their sites and buildings to a national website to be viewed by developers across the U.S.

Communities are encouraged to certify available sites, as this will ensure the sites’ inclusion in Commerce Business Recruitment responses to prospective client RFPs. Certification of a site will ensure that it is seen by national and international businesses and developers.

Applications for the Kansas Certified Sites program are accepted year-round. To learn more about the program, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/certifiedsites. To express interest in the program, or for more information, please contact:

Program Manager

Susan NeuPoth Cadoret

[email protected]

785-296-7198

Governor Kelly Announces the Transfer of Direct Aid Funds to Kansas Counties

$400 Million from the CARES Act – Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF)

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Office of Recovery’s disbursement of CARES Act funds to Kansas counties.

As part of her administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Kelly is directing resources to county officials and local administrators to cover COVID-19 expenses for communities across Kansas.

“We are putting these funds directly into the hands of our county governments and offering them the flexibility to direct the money in ways that are specific to their community needs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our economy open and prioritizing the health and safety of Kansans is our goal, and these funds will relieve some of the burden Kansans are facing.”

Governor Kelly’s SPARK Taskforce and Office of Recovery have been assessing statewide needs for the second and third rounds of CRF investments.

Following the guidance of the U.S. Treasury to deliver funds fairly, timely, and effectually, $400 million of the State’s CRF allocation was distributed to local governments yesterday.

County governments can use the funds for reimbursement of the unbudgeted costs of expenditures incurred due to COVID-19. Additionally, county governments will be able to spend the remaining amount of their allotment by submitting a direct aid plan to the Office of Recovery by August 15, 2020. The direct aid plan allows counties to prepare for any possible increase in COVID-19 cases in the future.

The Office of Recovery has provided county officials with webinars, templates, and other resources to assist them in their direct aid plan preparations. Counties that do not submit direct aid plans will be required to return funds to the State.

“The SPARK Taskforce continues to address the needs of the people of Kansas,” Office of Recovery Executive Director Cheryl Harrison-Lee said. “Their expertise is invaluable as the Office of Recovery readies itself for the arduous task of administering and supporting this undertaking.”

The SPARK Taskforce will meet next week to hear SPARK Agency Work Group proposals for the statewide investment of Round II CRF dollars. The SPARK Steering Committee will convene on Monday, July 20, at 1:00 p.m. to review proposals. The SPARK Executive Committee will convene on Wednesday, July 22, at 11:00 a.m. to approve items for the State Finance Council’s review and final passage.

More information about the SPARK Taskforce and the tools provided to counties can be found at covid.ks.gov/spark-recovery-office/.

KDADS Completes Statewide Nursing Facility Surveys Ahead of Federal Deadline;
Positioned for additional federal CARES Act funding*

TOPEKA –  Secretary Laura Howard announced today the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has completed focused infection control surveys (FICS) in all federally certified nursing facilities in the state as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) more than two weeks ahead of the deadline set by the federal agency.

On March 4, 2020, CMS suspended non-emergency surveys of nursing facilities and redirected states to conduct FICS, immediate jeopardy complaints and allegations of abuse and neglect. That directive was followed June 1, 2020 by the release of CMS document QSO-20-31-All that requires states to complete 100% of FICS by July 31, 2020 to maintain full FY 2021 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocations. KDADS reached the July 31 mandate more than 2 weeks ahead of the deadline, ensuring the state will continue to receive its complete share of CARES funds to protect these vulnerable populations.

Since the March 4 directive was received from CMS, 57 full-time KDADS surveyors with support from contractor Healthcare Management Solutions, have completed surveys in all of the state’s 326 certified, licensed facilities. QSO-20-29-NH All outlines specific enforcement actions for infection control citations facilities are subject to based on inspection results. To date, surveyors have:

• Completed 326 FICS
• Completed 90 Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) complaint investigations
• Written 26 IJ citations
• Written 39 infection control citations at D, E and F Level (citations at these levels could lead to financial penalty or require follow-up action(s) from the nursing facility; Health Inspection Score: Weights for Different Types of Deficiencies)
• Written 16 IJ level infection control citations (citations at these levels could lead to financial penalty or require follow-up action(s) from the nursing facility; Health Inspection Score: Weights for Different Types of Deficiencies)
• Zero facilities not in compliance with QSO-20-31-ALL

“Since the pandemic started, KDADS surveyors have been on the frontlines conducting in-person inspections and investigations and have been essential to our successful compliance with federal directives that address the safety of Kansans in nursing facilities and the staff who care for them,” Secretary Howard said. “Reaching the 100% requirement early is a reflection of the hard work of our dedicated team of surveyors.”

To help track COVID-19 and its impact on nursing facilities across the state and to inform the public, KDADS has developed an online resource page that contains detailed information including FICS completed and infection control citations issued, reopening guidance, facilities reporting COVID-19 cases by county, and Kansas-facility specific data from CMS. Visit https://kdads.ks.gov/covid-19/adult-care-home-covid-19-data.

*States that have not completed 100% of their FICS by July 31, 2020 will be required to submit a corrective action plan to CMS outlining a strategy for completion within 30 days. If, after the 30-day period, states have not achieved 100% compliance, CARES Act FY2021 allocation may be reduced up to10%. Subsequent 30-day extensions could result in additional reductions to 5%. These funds will be redistributed to states that completed 100% of their FICS by July 31.

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

Editorial Boards Across Kansas Agree Governor Laura Kelly’s School Delay Order is Right Decision

Kansas City Star, Wichita Eagle, Hutchinson News editorial boards voice support

Reopening of Kansas schools delayed as Gov. Laura Kelly imposes COVID-19 common sense

The Kansas City Star

July 15, 2020

Key Quote: “Parents, students and teachers should breathe a sigh of relief, albeit 6 feet apart, after Gov. Laura Kelly Wednesday sagely delayed the reopening of Kansas schools until after Labor Day. Throwing school doors open a month or less from now seemed highly improbable, and certainly reckless during the state’s current spike in coronavirus cases.”

Read the full story here.

…

We all want Kansas kids back in school – but this pandemic has other plans

The Wichita Eagle

July 16, 2020

Key Quote: “Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to delay the start of school recognizes that simple fact: As local coronavirus cases continue to surge and Wichita-area hospitals warn that they’re nearing capacity with COVID-19 patients, we can’t just pretend everything’s OK. The governor’s plan to keep schools closed through Labor Day would allow districts to hone plans and communicate them to employees and families.”

Read the full story here.

…

Editorial: If you want schools open, follow guidelines

The Hutchinson News

July 16, 2020

Key Quote: “Gov. Laura Kelly has stepped up yet again to do what’s right for Kansas. In deciding to delay the opening of state schools by three weeks, Kelly made clear what other politicians are reluctant to say. The pandemic isn’t over. It’s not even declining. In Kansas, and in many other states, it is actually gathering strength.”

Read the full store here.

The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2020 Public Library CARES Grant

The Kansas Libraries CARES grant application is now open. The Cares grant is open from now until July 31, 2020. Funding for this grant comes to the State Library from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  This non-competitive grant is open to Kansas public libraries. Application and guidelines can be found at https://kslib.info/1451/LSTA-CARES-Covid-19.

The purpose of the funding will be to help libraries address efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. The application is relatively simple and the list of approved purchases is long and expansive.  The State Library wants to make this process as easy possible. Libraries will be allowed to include purchases from April 21, 2020 through September 30, 2020.

Please note, this application has an abbreviated grant timeline.

The application submission deadline will be Friday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m. CST.

Timeline:

• July 31, 2020: Application Deadline
• August 2020: Funding Dispersed
• September 30, 2020: Libraries should make every effort to expend the full amount awarded and according to grant guidelines by this date.
• October 31, 2020: Libraries must submit documentation of purchase and complete a brief report via a form provided by the State Library of Kansas.

This grant opportunity for public libraries is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services federal CARES Act.

For more information, visit the State Library of Kansas website:

https://kslib.info/1451/LSTA-CARES-Covid-19

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Executive Order Delaying School Openings Until After Labor Day

Will also issue order enforcing health guidelines, mitigation strategies in schools

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that on Monday, she will sign an executive order to delay opening schools until after the Labor Day holiday.

“I can’t in good conscience open schools when cases in our state are at an all-time high and continuing to rapidly rise,” Governor Kelly said. “Every action I have taken throughout this pandemic has been done to keep Kansans healthy, keep our state open for business and get our kids back in school.”

The Governor made this decision in consultation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Education, which continue to monitor health metrics and disease spread in the state.

On Monday, a record coronavirus spike pushed Kansas past 20,000 total cases. ICU capacity in some of the state’s hospitals are under threat, and nearly 300 Kansans have died.

The Governor will also issue an executive order requiring schools to mandate commonsense mitigation strategies outlined in the Kansas Board of Education’s fall plan for schools. Under the order, masks, social distancing, proper hygiene, and daily temperature checks will be enforced regardless of the Kansas school district.

“The additional three weeks before opening schools will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer,” Governor Kelly said. “The Kansas State Board of Education and I are united in prioritizing the health of our students and faculty, and ensuring we provide a world-class education for our students.”

Further details will be announced next week after the order is released.

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has announced that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has now been confirmed in 10 counties in Kansas. KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. More than 60 premises have tested positive for VSV in Butler, Chase, Cowley, Greenwood, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread.

All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. Nearly 50 premises are currently under quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms on the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises. Over 70 premises have been released from quarantine.

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

“As this VSV outbreak continues, we ask all owners of horses and other livestock to monitor your animals for symptoms of VSV, and be in communication with your veterinarian if you see anything of concern,” Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner said. “You can help slow the spread of this virus by taking aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection and by keeping your horses separate from other horses which may be infected.”

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms.

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

Information about VSV can be found on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, including:

• Documents describing symptoms of VSV
• Recommendations for fly control practices
• Guidelines for shows and fairs
• Materials from a webinar with K-State Research and Extension in Butler County
• Current state and national situation reports

VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. For questions about VSV in Kansas, please contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.