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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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.

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.

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.

WEEK OF July 12, 2021

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:

• Nearly 30 Kansas nonprofits awarded Community Service Tax Credits
  WIBW
• Kelly announces $4 million to benefit 26 Kansas nonprofits
  KFDI

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

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:

• Gov. has plan for protecting state’s digital infrastructure
  Hays Post

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

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:

• From sex crimes to traffic violations; What to know about Kansas’ sweeping crime law
  FOX 4
• Kelly signs SB 60
  KSNF 

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

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

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County (upgraded 7/15)

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County (upgraded 7/15)

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County (downgraded 7/15)

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County

Geary State Fishing Lake, Geary County (new)

Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

South Lake, Johnson County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County (new)

Linn Valley Lake, Linn County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

River Pond below Tuttle Reservoir, Riley County (new)

 

 

Advisories Lifted 7/15/21

Atchison County State Fishing Lake, Atchison 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.

                                           

 

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