(AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says he’s open to a moratorium in the tax-credit battle for businesses with Missouri.
Kansas and Missouri each has offered millions of dollars of specially tailored tax breaks to lure businesses from one side of the state line to another in the Kansas City area.
Brownback said Saturday he discussed a moratorium a year ago with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. But Brownback says Missouri’s entitlement tax credits for job creation didn’t give Nixon the flexibility for a moratorium.
Brownback says he favors broad-based tax cuts. He signed measures cutting Kansas income taxes. Nixon vetoed legislation that would have cut Missouri’s income taxes, citing concerns about the effect on education and state services.
Brownback was a speaker at Saturday’s Conservative Political Action Conference in suburban St. Louis.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) urge waterfowl hunters who use dogs to be vigilant for the presence of harmful blue-green algae. Dogs that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algae bloom (HAB) or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
Blue-green algae are really a type of bacteria called “cyanobacteria,” which occurs naturally in all of our waters. Under the right conditions, the algae can rapidly increase (bloom) and produce toxins. HABs typically begin in May and can occur through October or later. They generally coincide with longer days and warm water temperatures and often flourish in nutrient-laden waters. However, dead algae can wash up on shorelines and in marshy areas and persist for long periods – posing a risk to dogs that eat or drink the algae or ingest it while licking their fur. A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away.
Dogs are usually exposed to the toxins by drinking the HAB-affected water. However, they may still be exposed if they walk on, roll in or eat decaying algae along the shore or retrieve a bird with algae on its feathers.
The signs of illness in dogs usually occur within 30 minutes of exposure and include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, convulsions, difficulty breathing and general weakness.
If your dog has ingested algae, or has any of these signs after exposure, contact your veterinarian immediately as HAB poisoning can quickly lead to death.
People may also become ill after contact with a HAB. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water.
KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for cyanobacteria when the agency is alerted to a potential HAB. When a HAB is present, KDHE, in cooperation with KDWPT and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions. KDHE does not sample private bodies of water such as farm ponds or livestock watering tanks.
Fort Hays State University used 63 kills to dispel Northwest Missouri State University, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.
FHSU (1-9, 1-4 MIAA) picked up its first win of the season by hitting .208 as a team, including five individual Tigers hitting above .200. The Bearcats (6-7, 2-2 MIAA) hit just .157, and had a .033 hitting percentage in the final set.
Tayor Mares’ 18 kills led the team and hit .394, while Mallory Flagor had 14 kills. Three other Tigers (Jenna Ulrich, Sara Hewson and Haley Corkill) had at least seven kills.
Using a two-setter lineup, FHSU’s Libby Ary and Raegan Vanderplas combined for 49 of the Tigers’ 56 assists. Ary led the team with 31, while Vanderplas had 18.
Defensively, Ulrich returned to her All-MIAA form, totaling 9 block assists in the contest. Mares added five block assists as well.
In the back row, Makenzie Weinmen dug out a season-best 28 attacks, including eight in the first and fourth sets. Hewson had 13 digs for the Tigers.
Though they led 4-0 in the first set, the Tigers would fall behind by as many as four (10-6) until tying it, 15-15. From there, both squads would trade points until 18-all, when a two-point rally put NWMSU up, 20-18. After an FHSU timeout, the Tigers would answer back to take a 21-20 lead, setting the stage for a close finish.
NWMSU continued took one-point leads, but FHSU would side out to re-tie the match until 27-27. Then, a service ace by Vanderplas gave FHSU a set-point opportunity. The Bearcats would not go away, however, as an FHSU attack error tied the match again. FHSU, though, used a Bearcat attack error and a kill by Samantha Ledy to take the game, 30-28.
FHSU would lead 2-0 in the second set, but again fall behind, 9-5. The Tigers, though, showed resilience and broke off on a 6-0 run to grab an 11-9 lead. With the score at 12-11, FHSU pulled out of reach, going on a 6-1 run that included two kills by Mares to lead, 18-12. NWMSU would regain composure and cut the lead to four (21-17), but the Tigers would not relinquish the lead, taking the set 25-20 on Flagor’s fourth kill of the second frame.
Out of intermission, FHSU would again lead (1-0) in the third game, but trail by as many as three until a quick four-point burst for FHSU forced a Bearcat timeout. Though the Tigers still trailed, 11-10, at that point, they would eventually tie it up, 13-13. Later in the set, down 20-17, FHSU again fought back, taking a 22-21 advantage on a Corkill attack that found the floor. FHSU would lose the set, however, 25-23.
The Tigers never trailed in the fourth set, tearing off a 5-1 run early in the final game to lead, 10-6. After two quick points for the Bearcats, the Tigers put together a 10-2 run (20-10), including a spurt of five unanswered points. Though NWMSU sparked a short rally and cut the lead to five (21-16), an ace by Keanu Bradley on match point (25-17) gave FHSU its first victory of the season.
FHSU will compete on Monday, Sept. 30, in a doubleheader with McPherson College. The first match is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by another at 7 p.m.
After District Attorney Keith Schroeder declined to file any charges, “sexual in nature,” against a 21-year-old Hutchinson man, his attorney Friday asked that there
Courtesy Kansas Dept. of Corrections
be a mental evaluation done on her client.
Attorney Alice Osburn says she believes a mental exam is warranted for Tyler Ford and that was granted by Judge Joe McCarville Friday.
Ford was initially arrested for inappropriately touched a 10-year-old and two 9-year-old girls. District Attorney Keith Schroeder had told us earlier that there is insufficient evidence to support that the touching was sexual in nature or that it was meant for sexual pleasure. He says one child was touched maybe on her back and another on the ankle.
Ford is still charged with aggravated burglary for breaking into the home in the 200 block of South Monroe. The state alleges that this was done with the intent to commit theft or felony or sexual battery. This sentencing range for this charge is 31-to-136 months depending on his past criminal history. Apparently the burglary and touching of the girls happened when the kids were in bed.
The girls’ father chased Ford from the home and police later found him walking in the area of Avenue A & Monroe. They also allegedly found his cell-phone in the child’s room. He was unknown to the family, but apparently lives within a block of their home. This all occurring on Sunday, September 15.
Bond in the case is 20-thousand dollars and the case is on hold pending the outcome of that evaluation.
2:30 p.m. (AP) — A 32-year-Kansas inmate who walked away from his work site in Overland Park has turned himself in.
A spokesman for Lansing Correctional Facility says Zackary Conger was reported absent from Laser Apparel LLC around 4 p.m. Friday.
The minimum custody inmate turned himself in at the Lenexa Police Department around 9:45 a.m. Saturday, and he was returned to Lansing.
Conger is serving a 78-month sentence for burglary, forgery and theft in Butler and Sedgwick counties.
Saturday 10: 20 a.m. The search for Conger continues. He was last seen on Friday afternoon.
6: 34 p.m. Friday Law enforcement authorities are looking for an inmate who did not return from a work release job site in Overland Park. Thirty-two year old Zackary Conger is described at 6’1″, 211 pounds, with blonde hair. Authorities say he typically wears a white shirt and blue jeans.
Over the past ten years, Conger has been convicted on a variety of burglary and theft, criminal damage to property and other charges.
Stay tuned to Eagle Radio and Check Hays Post for more information as it becomes available.
Coming off a draw with the No. 6 team in the nation, No. 21 Fort Hays State University picked up a 3-0 conference win over Harding on Saturday in Searcy, Ark.
Diego Cabral powered the Tigers (6-1-1, 2-0-1) with two second-half goals on the day.
FHSU took 22 shots in the match, out-dueling Harding (2-1-2, 1-0-0 MIAA), who managed just 12.
Jacob Rangel continued his hot play on offense, scoring his second goal in as many games, while Joe Albright had an assist.
In goal, Kent Freund earned his second start of the season, shutting out the Bison and recording three saves.
The Tigers took a 1-0 lead into half, as Rangel’s shot in the 39th minute found the net. Albright crossed a ball into the right channel, finding Rangel, who put it through near the far post.
During the second frame, FHSU would launch 11 shots, and put the game out of reach. After a Harding foul in the 85th minute, Cabral lined up for a free kick from 25 yards out and drilled the shot.
Soon after, at 87:06, Cabral would score again, launching another free kick from 25 yards out, hitting the near post and deflecting into the goal.
FHSU is at the mid-point of a four-game road trip, finishing with MIAA matches against Lindenwood (Oct. 3) and Southwest Baptist (Oct. 5) next weekend.
New York’s The Broadway Boys promise an evening of classic songs “reinvented with high-voiced harmony, melisma, and energy” for the Encore Series’ 250th performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, in Fort Hays State University’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Fusing broadway and popular music, the Broadway Boys hope to introduce audiences outside the traditional theatre community to a new kind of music. They perform across the country, promising an evening full of musical talent and entertainment.
The Encore Series was created in 1981 to provide FHSU and the regional community with the unique opportunity to attend world-renowned performances throughout the year. Performances range from traditional broadway shows, jazz, comedies, dancing, plays and everything in between.
The Broadway Boys is part of the Encore Series season ticket prices. Tickets just for The Broadway Boys are now available.
Even with all the talk from Capitol Hill to Main Street about Obamacare, many people don’t know what they have to do to comply with the law’s requirement that
Starting Oct. 1, Obamacare marketplaces will allow any American — even those with pre-existing conditions — to compare and enroll in quality health insurance plans, most of which are projected to be as affordable as plans available today in large part only to healthy Americans or to those covered by an employer. Illustration by John Lee / johnleedraws.com
almost everyone have insurance beginning in 2014.
For those who are uninsured, the key to satisfying that requirement could be the new online health insurance marketplaces, which are set to open Oct. 1 for shopping. Policies will go into effect Jan. 1. Seven million Americans are expected to find coverage there.
More than 500,000 Kansans would have some reason to consider using the health insurance exchange to obtain coverage — such as those with a pre-existing condition — according to the Kansas Health Institute. Here are 15 basic things you need to know about the marketplaces:
1
The insurance marketplaces are open to nearly everyone, but If you have insurance through work, Medicare or Medicaid, it’s likely you won’t need to shop for coverage there. They are really for people who are uninsured or folks who buy individual policies now.
2
Many people will qualify for subsidies to make coverage more affordable there. These subsidies — tax credits to help pay your premiums – will be available to people with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. That’s about $46,000 for one person or $94,000 for a family of four. And there are cost-sharing subsidies to reduce deductibles and copayments, depending on your income.
3
Immigrants who are in this country illegally are barred from buying on the exchanges.
4
You can enroll until March 31, 2014, though you’ll generally need to sign up by Dec. 15 of this year, to be covered as of Jan. 1. You can find your state’s marketplace at healthcare.gov.
5
Through the marketplace, you can compare health plans in your area. The prices are based on where you live, your family size, the type of plan you select, your age and whether you smoke. All the plans have to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to have a basic benefits package, but the amount you have to pay in premiums, co-pays and deductibles will vary among plans.
6
When you apply for coverage on the exchange, you will find out if you’re eligible for subsidies to help pay for premiums. Or, if you have a low income, you can also learn if you are eligible for Medicaid coverage.
7
Your income — not your assets, such as your house, stocks or retirement accounts – will count toward determining whether you can get tax credits. When you buy your plan, you estimate your income for next year, and your tax credit is based on that estimate. The next year, your tax returns will be checked by the IRS and compared against your estimate.
8
If you qualify for a tax credit to pay your premiums, you can choose to either have the credit sent directly to the insurer or pay the whole premium up front and claim the credit on your taxes. If you qualify for cost-sharing subsidies, that subsidy will be sent directly to the insurer, and you won’t have to pay as much out of pocket.
9
If your income increases during the year, notify the exchange promptly so that you can avoid having to pay back the credits. On the other hand, if your income goes down, you could be eligible for a bigger subsidy. Either way it’s important to notify the exchange if your income changes.
10
Each plan covers 10 “essential health benefits,” which include prescription drugs, emergency and hospital care, doctor visits, maternity and mental health services, rehabilitation and lab services, among others. In addition, recommended preventive services, such as mammograms, must be covered without any out-of-pocket costs to you.
11
You won’t have to pay more for insurance if you have a medical condition and that condition will be covered when your policy begins. But older people can be charged more than younger people and smokers could face a surcharge.
12
The prices for the marketplace plans are likely to be similar to those sold privately. If your broker offers you a plan that is also available on the exchange, you may be eligible for subsidies.
13
Your insurer generally can’t drop you, as long as you keep up with your insurance premiums and don’t lie on your application. Generally, people will be able to enroll in or change plans once a year during the annual open enrollment period. This first year, open enrollment on the exchanges will run for six months, from Oct. 1 through March of next year. But in subsequent years the time period will be shorter, running from October 15 to December 7.
14
There are certain circumstances when you would be able to change plans or add or drop someone from coverage outside the regular annual enrollment period. This could happen if you lose your job, for example, or get married, divorced or have a child.
15
The number of plans that you can choose from is likely to vary widely. In some states, only a couple of insurers have announced plans to offer policies though the marketplace, while in others there may be a dozen or more. Even within a state, there will be differences in the number of plans available in different areas. You can expect that insurers will offer a variety of types of plans, including familiar models like PPOs and HMOs.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, sponsored a Senate resolution promoting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, recognized each year in September. The resolution was introduced by Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), and unanimously passed the Senate last night. It supports the goals and efforts of National Suicide Prevention Month and encourages Americans to learn more about suicide’s warning signs in order to help prevent suicide and promote mental health.
“This month is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote discussion of the vital issue of suicide prevention among our military force and veterans,” Sen. Moran said. “We should do everything in our power to support individuals who are at risk and suffering. As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am committed to working to reverse the alarming statistic that 22 veterans commit suicide each day in our country. We must make certain veterans struggling from the ails of war have the help they deserve.”
THE FACTS:
· Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34.
· In total, it is estimated that close to six million Americans have lost a loved one to suicide.
· Servicemembers and veterans of our military are uniquely vulnerable. In 2012 alone, approximately 349 members of the United States Military (active duty, Guard, and Reserve) committed suicide, which is more than the total number of servicemembers who died in combat operations. This number does not include the more than 6,000 veterans who committed suicide in 2012.
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached for free, confidential support at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Military and Veterans Crisis Line can be reached for free, confidential support at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
On Friday, Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01) joined Mike Adams on the national talk show AgriTalk to discuss the latest developments on the Farm Bill.
Congressman Huelskamp released this statement following the interview:
“I always enjoy talking to Mike. The Farm Bill is closer to being completed than it has been in a long time. As a farmer, I understand what a farm bill means to farmers and ranchers. However, the Farm in the Farm Bill only makes up about 20% of the spending.”
Huelskamp continued: “Food Stamp spending has exploded, especially over the last five years. I believe that we need to implement common sense reforms to the food stamp portion of the farm bill, and not just cut on the backs of farmers and ranchers. With the passage of a food stamp bill through the House, which included many of my proposed reforms, I am hopeful that there will be a Farm Bill that passes through both the House and the Senate. I look forward to continuing the fight for Kansas farmers and ranchers, and common sense Food Stamp reform.”
With each passing day there’s more interest in the Grain Belt Express Clean Line transmission project. This is the proposed direct current (DC) electric transmission line that would run from near Spearville north and east across the state to the Kansas-Missouri border.
Thousands of farmers and ranchers who live and work along the proposed route of this project may need to alter their practices if the line is built across their property.
Like other Kansans, farmers and ranchers understand the importance of developing our state’s wind resources. They also realize that in order to maximize the potential for wind development, transmission lines are necessary to move power to population centers across the state and the nation.
If Grain Belt is successful in building this transmission line, nearly 1,000 more wind towers could go online in southwestern Kansas. This could result in an economic boom for a part of the state that is reeling from extended drought and the impact of the declining Ogallala Aquifer on the grain and feedlot industries.
Utilities building transmission lines in Kansas should look at options that minimize the impact on landowners and create positive long-term relationships between agriculture and industry.
Compensation should be paid annually and based on the fair market value of the property impacted by transmission line easements or restrictions, says Mike Irvin, Kansas Farm Bureau legislative counsel. If lines impact farm or ranching operations or requires alteration of facilities, those expenses should be included in any compensation package.
“Sitings should be located along section of property lines,” Irvin says. “Landowners may be able to maximize the potential of their land and minimize logistical inconvenience – even if a line is built on their property.”
Developers must restore damage to grasslands and compensate for crop damage resulting from activity associated with the building, maintenance and operation of the line.
“Transmission line easements often try to shift or place liability for any unintended or inadvertent damage to structures to the landowner,” Irvin says. “The KCC should require developers to assume and mange that risk.”
Transmission lines have the potential to interfere with modern agricultural technologies that is expensive and provides necessary, valuable data to farmers and ranchers about their production practices.
“We strongly suggest that before the KCC approves any transmission line routes in Kansas, that studies be conducted to show potential impacts and efforts be made by developers to minimize interference to landowners, their property and operations.”
Are there other unknown and possible unintended consequences?
Consider the following: there has been no discussion of the impact or location of generator lead lines that will connect wind towers with the conversion station. There are no restrictions to prevent other power generation companies from accessing the line or to prevent power produced outside of Kansas from connecting with the project.
All Kansas citizens, landowners and businesses deserve a thorough examination of these issues before final approval is given. The Kansas Corporation Commission will conduct an evidentiary hearing, open to the public, concerning the proposed Clean Line project.
The hearing is slated for 9 a.m., Oct. 8-10 in the first floor hearing room at the Kansas Corporation Commission Topeka office, 1500 S.W. Arrowhead Road.
(AP) — The highest court for the U.S. armed forces has agreed to hear the appeal of a Kansas airman convicted of assault for exposing multiple sex partners to HIV at swinger parties in Wichita.
The attorney for David Gutierrez said Friday the case will set the standard across the military as to what evidence is necessary to prove someone can cause “grievous bodily harm” after testing positive for HIV.
The court in an order Tuesday also agreed to decide whether the airman committed adultery since his wife also joined in the sex parties.
Gutierrez was a sergeant serving at McConnell Air Force base when he was sentenced in 2011 to eight years in prison and stripped of his rank. He was convicted of aggravated assault among other charges.
(AP) — Conservative Republicans who control state government in Kansas have been clear from the beginning that they view the federal
Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger
overhaul of health care as wrong-headed.
But with the rollout of a new online health insurance marketplace, some advocates for the uninsured wonder whether Kansans have enough information about changes wrought by the 2010 federal law.
Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger scheduled 11 town hall meetings this month to inform consumers. But she was forced to scrap plans for a $10 million campaign with television and billboard advertising because Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration returned the federal grant that would have made it possible.
The online marketplace in Kansas is being run by the federal government because GOP officials wanted to steer clear of the overhaul championed by Democratic President Barack Obama.
