Month: January 2019
Now that Kan. state employees get parental leave, advocates eye private sector
By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN
Kansas News Service
Around 20,000 state employees in Kansas now qualify for paid parental leave.
Baby steps, say groups that advocate for families and women. They’re celebrating, but they really want Kansas to join the six states and Washington D.C. that make private-sector companies give paid leave, too.
The Women’s Foundation and Kansas Action for Children want paid family leave that Kansans can use for everything from bonding with babies to taking an elderly mom or dad to a doctor’s appointment.
“Even a few weeks’ flexibility,” lobbyist Adrienne Olejnik says, can help parents in line for coveted slots at infant daycares. “It can then allow parents greater choice in where they end up putting their infant.”
Her organization, Kansas Action, is revving up for a concerted push in the Statehouse in 2020. This year, staff will crisscross the state, talking to families and businesses in search of a sweet-spot proposal that could win broad support.
Critics will likely fight back.
In an email, Kansas Chamber spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag said the group’s members “oppose any efforts to put Kansas employers at a disadvantage by placing costly mandates which go above and beyond what is required by federal law.”
“Government should not,” she added, “set personnel policies for (the) private sector.”
Here’s what Kansas does now, and what other states are doing:
On his way out the door, then-Gov. Jeff Colyer — quietly, some would argue — signed off on parental leave for more than 17,000 executive branch jobs. Up to six weeks of full pay. The judiciary followed suit.
Expect word from public universities as early as next month on whether they’ll jump on the bandwagon. That would more than double the number of public employees in Kansas with access to paid leave.
Colyer’s move puts Kansas in the company of six states with similar rules: Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri and Virginia. Arkansas and Ohio offer their state employees a more limited version. That’s according to the Women’s Foundation, which lobbied for Kansas to come on board.
Six states and D.C. have extended paid leave to the private sector:
- Rhode Island requires four weeks.
- California and New Jersey, six weeks.
- New York and D.C., eight weeks.
- Washington and Massachusetts, 12 weeks.
Of course, there’s fine print. Not everyone qualifies, and the amount of reimbursable pay varies.
Nationally, most jobs come with unpaid family leave, though many families say they can’t afford to use it. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 15 percent of private-sector jobs come with a paid version.
Advocates of paid leave like to point out that the United States is the only industrialized country without a law requiring it. The Obama-era Department of Labor argued it could boost economic activity by $500 billion a year because more women would get jobs.
Free-market researchers differ.
The Cato Institute warns workers could end up with lower wages, employers might lean toward hiring men, and families could redistribute more household work onto women. Women, employers might assume, are more likely to use the paid leave.
Cato also suggests far more companies may already offer paid parental leave than the federal government realizes.
No word yet from newly minted Gov. Laura Kelly on whether she would support a law on private-sector paid leave. Nor from the heads of the Kansas House and Senate.
But the Legislature could extend paid parental leave during this legislative session to its year-round employees (of which there are fewer than 100).
“This is important to us,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman said at a recent legislative meeting on the logistics. “We’re ready to take action when all of our i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.”
Recording of the legislative discussion (starting at 9 minutes 40 seconds).
Celia Llopis-Jepsen is a reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can reach her on Twitter @Celia_LJ.
Mayor signs proclamation for Hays School Choice Week
CITY OF HAYS
To all Citizens of the City of Hays, Greetings:
WHEREAS, all children in Hay should have access to the highest-quality education possible; and
WHEREAS, Hays recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in Hays to be successful adults; and
WHEREAS, quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of Hays; and
WHEREAS, Hays is home to a multitude of high-quality public and nonpublic schools from which parents can choose for their children, in addition to families who educate their children in the home; and
WHEREAS, educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community; and
WHEREAS, Hays has many high-quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children; and
WHEREAS, School Choice Week is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES MEIER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF HAYS, KANSAS, do hereby recognize January 20-26, 2019 as Hays School Choice Week and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the City of Hays this 10th day of January, 2019.
James Meier, Mayor
Sunny, warmer Sunday
TodayMostly sunny, with a high near 45. Wind chill values as low as 4 early. South southwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon.
Tonight
Areas of fog after 9pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 22. East wind 8 to 14 mph.
M.L.King Day
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday Night
A slight chance of rain before 1am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 1am and 2am, then a slight chance of snow after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Blustery, with a southeast wind 9 to 14 mph becoming north northwest 17 to 22 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday
A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly between 7am and noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 24 to 33 mph, with gusts as high as 48 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Blustery.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 42.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 34.
Megalodon shark exhibit splashing down at Sternberg Feb. 2
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The newest traveling exhibit to come to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History will feature the biggest shark to ever swim in the oceans.
“Megalodon: The largest shark that ever lived” will have a walk-in replica of the massive shark that stretched to 60 feet and weighed an estimated 72 tons.
The exhibit is set to open to the public on Saturday, Feb. 2. The museum will have a members-only opening from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1. The traveling exhibit is set to be at the Sternberg through Labor Day.
Megalodon are believed to have lived 23 million to 2.6 million years ago. Despite myths and legends perpetuated by movies like last summer’s “Meg,” the megalodon is long extinct.
As with modern sharks, megalodon bodies were primarily comprised of cartilage. All that remains of these giants today is their teeth, which could grow to seven inches. Megalodon were on the scene after the inland sea that covered Kansas vanished. However, fossil teeth can still be found in the Carolinas.
Portions of the exhibit will allow people to look and touch megalodon teeth as well as view the progression of the shark’s jaw size as they grew from 30 feet to their full 60 feet.
Scientists believe megalodon preyed upon whales. Tooth marks have been found in fossilized whale bones.
Scientists are divided about the relationship between megalodon and modern sharks. Some scientists believe the megalodon are related to modern great white sharks and makos. However, others believe the megalodon evolved into another shark species that is also now extinct.
Visitors to the exhibit will also learn about modern sharks, their habitats and prey.
Darrah Steffen, Sternberg public relations assistant, said she thinks Americans’ fascination with sharks is born out of fear. However, she said it is important to dispel myths and create awareness to protect modern sharks in the wild.
“I think it is important to bring awareness even if we are in the middle of the United States,” she said. “Because you don’t want people to fear [sharks] if they ever come in contact with them.”
Rachel Unruh, marketing intern, noted sharks are not the mindless killing machines as they have been portrayed. Sharks are calculated hunters and humans are not their typical prey.
“It is fear to fascination,” she said of the exhibit.
The exhibit was created by the University of Florida.
KDWPT welcomes new leader
KDWPT
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has named Brad Loveless to be Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). His appointment was effective January 14, 2019.
Loveless is familiar to many Kansans and to KDWPT staff as a leader in conservation and environmental programs. He comes to the department from a 34-year career with Westar Energy where he was most recently the senior director of environmental conservation and sustainability. Prior to that position, he was director of biology and conservation programs and earlier held environmental management positions at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation. He is perhaps most well-known as one of the leaders of Westar’s Green Team, an active volunteer group of employees and retirees that has been helping with habitat improvement, environmental access and education, and enhancement of sensitive species for 30 years.
“During my career, I have had the pleasure of working closely with KDWPT staff on many occasions,” Loveless said. “They are dedicated and hard-working, and I look forward to helping them manage the state’s natural resources and promote all the wonderful outdoor and travel experiences that Kansas offers.”
In 2013, Loveless was awarded the Kansas State Forester’s Award for Community Forestry. In 2009, he was recognized by the Kansas Wildlife Federation as Wildlife Conservationist of the Year and by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education as their Strickler Award winner for Environmental Education. He is an avid hunter, angler and beekeeper.
TMP boys finish runner-up at MCL tournament
WaKeeney – For the second straight year the TMP Monarchs and the Phillipsburg Panthers faced off in the Mid-Continent League Tournament Championship game and for the second straight year Phillipsburg was able to pick up the victory.
After the Monarchs took an early 4-3 lead Phillipsburg answered with a 16-2 run to build a 19-6 lead after the first quarter, a lead they would never relinquish on their way to a 60-46 win Saturday in WaKeeney.
Bill Meagher postgame interview
Leading 19-6 after one the Panthers turned the 16-2 run into a 23-4 run and led TMP 26-8 with 6:40 to play in the second quarter.
Phillipsburg pushed their lead to 15 on two separate occasions in the second quarter, the final time at 30-15. The Panthers led 41-25 at the break.
TMP cut the deficit to 10 at 47-37 on a Jack Johnson field goal with 1:35 to play in the third quarter but they would get no closer as they fall 60-46.
Jared Mayers was one-of-two players to score in double-figures with 16. Jackson Schulte chipped in 13.
Phillipsburg’s Trey Sides finished with a game-high 22. Austin Miller added 16.
Game highlights
TMP drops to 8-5 on the season while the Panthers improved to 10-2.
TMP will host Abilene on Friday.
Hays girls win championship in Colby
A dominate defense in the first half against Colby in the championship game of the Orange & Black Classic propelled Hays to a 24-4 halftime lead. The game was tied at two apiece two minutes in when Hays scored the next five points to end the first quarter 7-2. Colby cut a seven point Hays lead down to five at 9-4 at the 6:00 mark of the second quarter, but the Eagles wouldn’t score for the remainder of the quarter.
Hays went on a 15-0 run over the next six minutes which included four three pointers by four different players. The Indians shot right on their season average of 37% in the first half while Colby made just 2 of 20 shots in the first half and none of their nine three point makes.
Highlights
Hays was never threatened in the second half leading by at least 18 the entire second half. During the fourth quarter the Indians pushed the lead up to 30 on their way to a 50-19 victory.
Jaycee Dale led the Indians with 12 points. Tasiah Nunnery recorded her second double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Nunnery was also given the Off The Bench Award for the tournament.
Coach Alex Hutchins was awarded the Tom Bowen Coach’s Award. Kallie Leiker was named to the All-Academic team. Savannah Schneider and Brooke Denning each made the All-Tournament team.
Coach Alex Hutchins
Hays improves to 7-3 and will host Salina Central on Friday. Colby falls to 8-4. The 19 points allowed by Hays was a tournament championship record.
Kansas armed robbery suspect captured
SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an armed robbery and have a suspect in custody.
Just before 10:30 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a robbery-in-progress call at the Dog-N-Shake, 8800 W. Maple in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.
Upon arrival, a 38-year-old employee said a suspect later identified as Clarence Wilson, 26, Wichita, entered the business, pointed a handgun at him and demanded money. Wilson took money from the business and fled on foot.
Officers began circulating the area and with the help of witnesses, Wilson was seen getting into a vehicle in the 200 block of south Robin Street.
Officers took Wilson into custody without incident and booked him into jail on one count of aggravated robbery. They also recovered money and a handgun.
Late rally pushes Washburn past Fort Hays State
TOPEKA, Kan. – Marcus Cooper scored 19 of his team-high 22 points in the second half, Brady Werth added 20 but a late run by Washburn lifted the Ichabods to an 80-73 win over Fort Hays State Saturday afternoon at Lee Arena.
The loss snaps the Tigers (12-5, 6-2 MIAA) four-game win streak while Washburn (13-3, 6-1 MIAA) wins for the sixth time in seven games and has now won seven of their last eight at home over the Tigers.
Mark Johnson Postgame Interview
Game Highlights
The Tigers trailed by 12 with 16 minutes to play then went on a 27-9 run to go up seven with with 7:25 to play. They were still up seven with 5:10 to play but get outscored 20-6 the rest of the way.
Nyjee Wright came off the bench to score 11 for the Tigers.
David Salach scored a career-high 24 for Washburn. Javion Blake added 19. Both did the majority of the scoring in the Ichabods final push.
TMP girls place 3rd at MCL tournament
WaKeeney – Adell Riedel hit two of her game-high five three pointers in the second half, the Lady Monarchs had two score in double-figures and they collected 14 steals as a team as TMP downed Smith Center 45-39 to claim third place at the MCL tournament in WaKeeney Saturday.
The Monarchs opened the game on a 12-2 run highlighted by back-to-back Riedel three-pointers but it was a lead that they were unable to maintain as the game went down to the wire.
Down 10 Smith Center answered with a 16-3 run to end the first quarter and begin the second quarter to take an 18-15 lead early.
TMP retook the lead in the second quarter out scoring Smith Center 9-3, with seven points coming from the free throw line, to end the first-half to build a 24-21 lead at the break.
Smith Center out scored the Monarchs 10-2 to begin the third quarter and led 31-30 after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 33, Emily Schippers scored just her second field goal of the game to put the Monarchs up 35-33. Riedel hit her fifth three of the game on the next possession to put the Monarchs up 38-33 and they would never trail again on their way to the 45-39 win.
Adell Riedel finished with a season-high 19 points and Jillian Lowe finished with 11 on 9-of-12 free three attempts.
Game highlights
The Monarchs improve to 8-4 with the win while Smith Center falls to 6-5.
TMP will return to action on Jan. 25 against Abilene.
Update: KHP identifies KDOT snow plow driver in fatal rollover
JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas Department of Transportation employee died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Saturday in Johnson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Freightliner truck driven by Stephen N Windler, 25, Paola, was southbound on U.S. 69 Highway in the outside lane just south of 207th Street.
My heart is breaking for the family of this dedicated employee. Our KDOT personnel work very hard, at all hours, in dangerous conditions to make our roads safe for their fellow Kansans. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire KDOT family. https://t.co/DpjUn65d6s
— Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) January 19, 2019
The vehicle traveled to the right traversing the shoulder, traveled into the grass, rotated counter-clockwise and became broadside as it started to tip.
The truck overturned, emptied its salt load, ejected the driver and rolled on top of the driver.
Windler was pronounced dead at the scene and he was transported to Frontier Forensics, according to the KHP.
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JOHNSON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal crash in Johnson County that took the life of a Kansas Department of Transportation snow plow driver just after 6a.m. Saturday on southbound U.S. 69 south of 207th Street in Johnson County.
On their twitter account, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz said, “our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and the co-workers of our driver. KDOT is one big family, and we know there are many people impacted by this.”
No other vehicles were involved in the crash. The KHP has not released the driver’s name.
Hays score a season high in points finishing fourth in Colby
Hays High started the game on a 12-0 run and never trailed Heritage Christian Saturday afternoon finishing in fourth place at the Orange & Black Classic in Colby. The Indians led by 12 on five different occasions in the first quarter including a 27-15 lead at the end of the first frame.
The Indians lead swelled to 36-20 on a Cade Swayne three point play early in the second quarter before the Crusaders pulled the game back to single digits on a 7-0 run. Hays held the lead at 14 points for the next two minutes and settled for a 11 point lead at halftime 43-32.
Highlights
Christian Heritage, from Del City, Oklahoma, opened the second half scoring six straight points and pulled within five at 43-38. The Indians missed a three on the following possession but Dalyn Schwarz stuck an offensive rebound back in which ignited a 9-0 run that included another Schwarz basket and then back to back TJ Nunnery scores for a 52-38 advantage. Following four points from the Crusaders, The Indians scored ten straight points all from players off the bench to grab their first 20 point lead at 62-42.
The Indians would never be threatened rest of the way winning 83-53. Hays shot a season high 52% form the field and season high 44% from three making a season high 12 three pointers. The hot shooting continued at the free throw line as Hays made 19 of 21 attempts.
Coach Rick Keltner
Hays improves to 6-4 on the season. TJ Nunnery scored a career high 16. Tradgon McCrae matched the 16 points in the scoring column. Carson Kiefer scored his first every double figure varsity game at 10 points. Overall seven players scored eight or more points in the game. Christian Heritage record falls to 10-8.
The Indians return home on Friday to play Salina Central.