TOPEKA – The state’s July, 2016, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.1 percent. This was up from 3.8 percent in June and unchanged from July 2015.

In northwest Kansas, Ellis County unemployment was at 3.8 percent in July, an increase of 0.4 percent over the year.

Just two counties in the region, Smith and Gove, saw decreased unemployment over the year. Smith County was down 0.8 percent while Gove County’s unemployment rate was down 0.2 percent.

The biggest unemployment increase in northwest Kansas was in Graham County at 0.9 percent with neighboring Rooks County following closely at 0.8 percent.

The preliminary seasonally adjusted job estimates from the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate Kansas nonfarm jobs decreased by 5,600 from June. Since last month, Kansas private sector jobs decreased by 4,600. The largest private sector over the month job decrease was in Professional and Business Services.

Over the year, Kansas lost 4,500 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs. Kansas lost 2,900 private sector jobs since July 2015.

Kansas not seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs decreased by 2,600, a 0.2 percent decrease since July 2015. Kansas lost 700 private sector jobs since last year, or 0.1 percent. The state lost 26,000 total not seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs over the month, due to typical July losses in government. Since June, private sector jobs decreased by 5,900, or 0.5 percent.

“The Kansas portion of the Kansas City metro area gained jobs over the month, however those gains were not large enough to keep the statewide area from reporting a loss in jobs from June,” said Tyler Tenbrink, Senior Labor Economist, Kansas Department of Labor.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics revised seasonally adjusted preliminary total nonfarm job estimates for June down by 2,100 jobs, from 1,403,400 to 1,401,300. Seasonally adjusted private sector jobs were revised down by 200 jobs, from 1,145,400 to 1,145,200.

Seasonally adjusted estimates for July show that the state’s labor force declined by 7,206 to 1,490,217. Of those in the labor force, 1,429,857 Kansans were employed and 60,360 were unemployed. This month’s net change in the labor force was attributable to 10,868 fewer Kansans counted as employed and 3,662 more unemployed.

Over the year, the labor force decreased by 7,023 persons, with a decrease of 5,917 in employment and a decrease of 1,106 in unemployment.

The labor force participation rate was 67.1 percent, down from 67.5 percent in June and down from 67.8 percent last July.

For more information on the unemployment insurance program including tax and claims data please refer to the KDOL Unemployment Insurance Weekly Review.

The August 2016 Labor Report will be released on Friday, September 16 .

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT – The Osborne County Pheasants Forever Chapter and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism  invite hunters ages 10 to 16 to participate in an opening-weekend dove hunt at Glen Elder Wildlife Area on Saturday, Sept. 3. This hunt is open to youth with limited dove hunting experience, and those who have not hunted before will be given preference to participate. All hunters must be strong enough to handle their guns in a safe manner. After the hunt is finished, participants can enjoy a free lunch. Hunters must preregister by calling the Glen Elder Area Office at (785) 545-3345. Deadline to sign up is August 30. Spots are limited, so hunters are encouraged to register early.

Plenty of shooting action is expected as the birds flock to a managed crop field on the wildlife area reserved exclusively for this youth hunting event. Hunters will meet before sunrise on the morning of the hunt at the Glen Elder Wildlife Area shop in Cawker City to organize and pair up with adult mentors before heading to the field.

Some shotguns can be provided upon request, and 12 and 20 gauge shotgun shells will be provided for all youth hunters. All dove hunters must use non-toxic (steel) shot. Hunters 16 and older must have a hunting license and HIP stamp prior to hunting.

For more information, or if you would like to assist with this event, please contact Chris Lecuyer at (785) 545-3345 or John Cockerham at (785) 346-6527.

Eagle Radio broadcasters in Hays were recently honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB).

On-air personalities Scott Boomer and Mike Koerner won first place in the DJ Personality Aircheck category for the KAYS Eagle Morning Show.

Boomer and Koerner can be heard mornings on 1400 KAYS and on KAYS FM 94.3.

Gerard Wellbrock and Dustin Armbruster were also awarded for their coverage of Fort Hays State University football on Tiger Radio Mix 103 (KJLS).

The duo earned second place in the Sports Play-By-Play category.

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation announced it is indefinitely delaying right-ofway acquisitions for previously planned modernization projects along K-383 in Norton and Phillips Counties.

The projects to widen and reconstruct the road from the U.S. 36 junction in Norton County to the U.S. 183 junction in Phillips County were originally scheduled for construction in 2018 and 2019.

In April, KDOT announced the projects were among 25 that would be delayed as a state budget measure. Consultations with local stakeholders led KDOT to indefinitely suspend right-of-way purchases and planning activities until there is more certainty with the state budget issues and the abandonment of the rail line from Almena to Orleans, Neb. by the Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway.

KDOT anticipates completing a mill and overlay project on K-383 in Phillips County from the Phillips/Norton County line to the U.S. 183 junction in 2017 to help extend the life of the existing pavement. Details about that project will be released at a later date.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Health and Environment samples publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Lakes under a Warning are not closed. Marinas, lakeside businesses and park camping facilities are open for business. If swim beaches are closed, it will be specifically noted. Drinking water and showers at parks are safe and not affected by algae blooms. Boating and fishing are safe on lakes under a Warning, but contact with the water should be avoided. It is safe to eat fish caught during a harmful blue-green algae outbreak, as long as the fish is rinsed with clean water; only the fillet portion is consumed and all other parts are discarded. Hands should also be washed with clean water after handling fish taken from an affected lake.  Zoned lakes may have portions fully open for all recreation even if other portions are under a Warning.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. 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.

Public Health Warning: High levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected. A Public Health Warning indicates that activities like boating and fishing may be safe; however, direct contact with water (i.e., wading, skiing and swimming) is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.

Kansas public waters currently under a Warning status:

ATCHISON COUNTY PARK LAKE, Atchison County
CENTRAL PARK LAKE, Shawnee County
LAKE AFTON, Sedgwick County
MILFORD RESERVOIR (Zones A and C), Clay, Dickinson and Geary Counties
OVERBROOK CITY LAKE, Osage County
SOUTH LAKE (Overland Park), Johnson County

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

• Lake water is not good 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 can be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts
• 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

KDHE will update these statements as conditions warrant.

Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:

---

 

Cancun Mexican Grill 1011 Elm, Hays – Aug.12

An inspection following a complaint found seven violations.

• On two separate occasions, food workers did not change their gloves at the proper time.
• No handwashing signs posted at the hand sink in the men’s or women’s toilet room.
• No hand soap at the hand sink in the kitchen.
• A food service worker cleaned the drain section out from the prep room hand sink with his glove on. Then he touched a ready to eat tomato with his gloved hands
• A strainer of cooked chicken was sitting on the top of the hand sink.
• Raw beef and Raw chicken stored above ready to eat salsa in the walk-in cooler.
• A food service worker was in the walk-in cooler moved pans of raw beef and chicken. When he returned to his work station he handled a ready to eat avocado with his soiled gloved hands.

---

 

Culligan 2735 Augusta, Hays – Aug. 10

A routine inspection found no violations.

---

 

Gambino’ 2102 Vine, Hays – Aug. 10

An inspection following a complaint found no violations.

---

 

Lomatos 130 W. Ninth, Hays – Aug. 10

A routine inspection found no violations.

---

 

 

PAWNEE COUNTY – Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a Friday morning fire at a home in Larned.

Fire crews were called just after 1 a.m. to report of the blaze in the 100 Block of East 16th Street, according to Fire Chief Randy Bird.

The east side of the 3-bedroom one-bath house suffered extensive damage and is considered a total loss.

The home was listed for sale and in the midst of a construction remodel, according to Bird.

There were no occupants in the home and no injuries reported.

The home was listed for sale at approximately $40,000.

The Hays Police Department responded to 8 animal calls and 13 traffic stops Wed., Aug. 17, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Intoxicated Subject–800 block Ash St, Hays; 1:21 AM
Suicidal Subject–900 block Elm St, Hays; 2:07 AM
Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)–100 block W 3rd St, Hays; 2:09 AM
Water Use Violation–2200 block Vine St, Hays; 2:17 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–100 block E 24th St, Hays; 7:32 AM
MV Accident-City Street/Alley–300 block E 16th St, Hays; 8/16 9 PM; 8/17 7:30 AM
Animal At Large–600 block E 11th St, Hays; 8:48 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 12:16 PM
Abandoned Vehicle–Hays; 1:03 PM
Disturbance – General–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 1:20 PM; 1:37 PM
Suspicious Person–100 block E 12th St, Hays; 1:43 PM
Found/Lost Property–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 1:36 PM
MV Accident-Private Property–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 4:28 PM
Mental Health Call–2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 4:52 PM
Drug Offenses–100 block E 7th St, Hays; 5:01 PM
Theft of Vehicle–1500 block E 40 Hwy, Hays; 5:22 PM
Unlawful Use of Weapon–2100 block Vine St, Hays; 7:29 PM; 8:44 PM
Driving While Suspended/Revoked–1900 block Vine St, Hays; 7:51 PM
Criminal Trespass–2200 block Felten Dr, Hays; 7:10 PM; 7:25 PM
Disturbance – General–3600 block Hall St, Hays; 10:16 PM
Juvenile Complaint–1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 11:39 PM
Miscellaneous Investigation–6th St and Park St, Hays; 11:49 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 5 animal calls and 26 traffic stops Thu., Aug. 18, 2016, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Shoplifting–4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5 AM; 5:50 AM
Animal At Large–36th and Hall St, Hays; 8:23 AM
Found/Lost Property–100 block W 12th St, Hays; 8:37 AM
Animal At Large–2300 block Allen St, Hays; 9:08 AM
Water Use Violation–200 block W 37th St, Hays; 10:40 AM; 10:47 PM
Suspicious Activity–1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 10:55 AM
Animal At Large–3300 block Hillcrest Dr, Hays; 12:08 PM
Animal Cruelty/Neglect–500 block W 27th St, Hays; 1:45 PM
Pursuit/Chase–2700 block Plaza Ave, Hays; 2:33 PM
MV Accident-Hit and Run–1600 block Main St, Hays; 3:47 PM
MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run–1700 block Vine St, Hays; 3:47 PM
Civil Dispute–200 block W 5th St, Hays; 4:01 PM
Stalking–100 block E 24th St, Hays; 5:19 PM
Civil Transport–1300 block Kansas Highway 264, Larned; 6:15 PM
Domestic Disturbance–1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 9:56 PM
Mental Health Call–1900 block Whittier Rd, Hays; 10:19 PM
Contempt of Court/Fail to Pay–300 block W 8th St, Hays; 11:07 PM
Disturbance – Noise–500 block Ash St, Hays; 11:22 PM
Minor in Possession of CMB/LIQ–400 block of W 6th St, Hays; 11:37 PM
Minor in Possession of CMB/LIQ–400 block of W 7th St, Hays; 11:51 PM