TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Education Department will continue distributing millions in bus funding despite a recent audit that says the payments are barred under current state law.
The state Board of Education says it will keep paying for school districts’ bus operations under the same formula it’s been using for decades until instructed otherwise. A January independent audit of how transportation aid to districts had been distributed says the formula is based on a law repealed in 1973.
The board held a meeting Jan. 26 in response to a letter from Republican lawmakers urging board members to suspend the Education Department’s top school finance officer pending the audit. But the board voted almost unanimously to support the officer’s continued employment.
Lawmakers have introduced bills to clear up confusion on the transportation aid formula.
BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a fatal hit and run accident and are asking the public for help.
Just before 7p.m. Saturday police responded to the 4100 Block of Broadway in Great Bend. An eastbound vehicle hit a woman walking from the Parish Center and left the scene. First responders transported the woman identified on Monday as 90-year-old Rose Younger to a local hospital where she died.
Police had been looking for a pickup and driver who may have been a witness or been involved in the accident. Police reported Monday that they do not believe this woman and vehicle were involved.
Anyone who might have video surveillance in the area is encouraged to contact Great Bend Police.
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BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities in Great Bend have located a witness and the vehicle allegedly involved in weekend hit and run accident that killed a 90-year-old woman.
A vehicle hit the woman as she walked in the 4100 Block of Broadway just before 7p.m. Saturday, according to a media release from Great Bend Police.
Authorities were attempting to locate a white female approximately 35-40 years old, medium build and was seen wearing pink scrubs. She was driving a white, early model Chevy or GMC single cab long bed pickup. The base model pickup had a gray or black grill. The woman may have witnessed the crime, according to the release.
Average Kansas pump price is $2.46, as gas continues its upward climb
TOPEKA – Kansas motorists continue to experience higher prices at the gas pump. This week’s $2.46/gallon average statewide gas price is up two cents from one week ago. Over the past month, Kansas has experienced the fifth largest price increase in the nation – 17 cents. (See infographic). Despite that, Kansas currently has the 15th lowest gasoline prices in the nation, 15 cents lower than the $2.61 national average.
“Strong gasoline demand and high crude oil prices have led to higher prices at the gas pumps, and an unseasonable winter price increase trend,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “For perspective, we were at $2.16 a gallon average in Kansas a year ago, so we’re significantly higher now.”
The 10 Kansas cities regularly highlighted by AAA Kansas (see chart below), showed a mixed bag of price fluctuations this week, with four markets experiencing gas price declines, one (Lawrence) remaining the same, and five showing increases. Hays and Salina both fell two cents, while Garden City (+5 cents), Topeka (+5) and Manhattan (+4) saw the largest increases in the past week.
According to AAA Kansas, this week’s Kansas gas price extremes are:
HIGH: Kensington (Smith County) – $2.91
LOW: Waverly (Coffey County) – $2.21
National Perspective
The national gas price average has increased for the sixth consecutive week, landing today’s national average at $2.61. That is 18 cents more expensive since prices started the upward trend in late-December and 3 cents more than last Monday.
“Every motorist in the country is paying more at the pump year-over-year. At 18 cents, Utah is seeing the smallest increase and California is feeling the biggest increase at 52 cents compared to the same time last year,” said AAA Kansas’ Steward. “Strong demand coupled with steadily rising oil prices means filling up will continue to cost consumers more this month. In fact, the last time the national gas price average was this high, but under $3/gallon in February was in 2010.”
On the week, U.S. consumer gasoline demand hit 9 million b/d. In 2017, demand did not reach this mark until early March, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Great Lakes and Central States Report
On the week, gas prices are less volatile than we have seen in the Great Lakes and Central region since the start of the year. While prices increased for most states, from 1 to 6 cents, a few states saw no change (Wisconsin) or a 1-cent decrease at the pump: Illinois and Missouri.
In the region, 10 of 13 states are selling gas for $2.50 or more: Michigan ($2.67), Iowa ($2.64), North Dakota ($2.63), Illinois ($2.62), Nebraska ($2.62), Indiana ($2.60), Minnesota ($2.58), South Dakota ($2.58), Wisconsin ($2.54) and Kentucky ($2.51). Missouri ($2.38) and Ohio ($2.45) have the lowest gas price average in the region.
Gasoline inventory bumped up 875,000 bbl to push levels to 56 million bbl. The last time inventory was this high was April 2017, according to the EIA. For the first time in three weeks, regional refinery utilization rates increased to 92 percent. The week prior’s rate was the lowest since mid-November.
JACKSON COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for ID theft.
Late Friday, a sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle in the 100 block of Arizona Street in Holton, Kansas for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.
The Deputy quickly determined while on scene that the passenger of the vehicle, William Randall Manrose, 47, of Topeka had just allegedly committed a forgery at Walmart in Holton.
The investigation determined Manrose allegedly made a purchase at Walmart using someone else’s identity and used a fake driver’s license to pass a forged check.
Manrose was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for forgery, and identity theft. Manrose posted bond and was released from the Jail on Sunday.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — All employees and interns working for Kansas executive branch agencies will be required to undergo annual sexual harassment training, new Gov. Jeff Colyer announced Monday.
Colyer outlined the new policy during a Cabinet meeting and then signed an executive order during a Statehouse news conference to put it into effect. He allowed The Associated Press into the Cabinet meeting.
It is the Republican governor’s first executive order since taking office last week after replacing former GOP Gov. Sam Brownback, who resigned to serve as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
The executive branch has not had a single anti-harassment policy across all agencies.
“I just want us to make sure that the culture is respectful and very professional,” Colyer told his Cabinet. “I think that’s what all of us want.”
Colyer told reporters at the news conference that his administration will be “fierce” in enforcing the executive order but is still working on a policy for how employees are disciplined if they do not participate in the annual training.
Colyer’s order comes as the top state lawmakers are reviewing the Legislature’s anti-harassment policy, which has been in place since 1994 and hasn’t required annual training for lawmakers, their employees or interns. Legislative leaders held multiple, voluntary training sessions since December.
Top lawmakers initiated a review of the Legislature’s sexual harassment policy review after the ex-chief of staff for a former Democratic leader said publicly in October that a lawmaker once asked her for sex in 2015. She described harassment as “rampant” and said female college-student interns regularly served as after-hour designated drivers for intoxicated lawmakers in 2016.
Colyer said his executive order will require an outside, independent review when an elected official or Cabinet secretary is accused of harassment.
He said the order also will require agencies to review their anti-harassment policies at least once every three years.
Steven D. Camp, 79, passed away February 4, 2018, surrounded by family at his home.
Steve was born July 9, 1938, in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Anson W. and Eunice M. (Moore) Camp. He married Judith A. Seeler on February 15, 1958, in Leavenworth. Steve had a lifelong love of automobiles and worked selling cars, both retail and wholesale, for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching NASCAR races and tinkering in his garage. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Leavenworth.
He is survived by his wife of the home; three daughters: Tracy (Gary) Kaufman of Leawood, Kari (Charlie) Schultz of Hays, and Kandy (David) Price of Leavenworth; six grandchildren: Rachel (Cameron) Bliss, Madison Schultz, Aaron Kaufman, Mark Kaufman, Natalie Price, and Mallory Price; a sister, Eleanor (Don) Denney; a stepmother, Caroline; and many extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 7, from 6-8 p.m. at Davis Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth. Service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 8, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Leavenworth. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, the National Kidney Foundation, and St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Davis Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be left on Steve’s online guestbook at www.davisfuneralchapelinc.com.
DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a Monday morning shooting.
Just after 2a.m., police were dispatched for a report of shots fired into a vehicle occupied with three people in the area of the 1700 block of Iowa Street in Lawrence, according to Sergeant Amy Rhoads.
No injuries were reported. Police took 46-year-old Alfred D. Sanders of Lawrence into custody. He has been booked in to the Douglas County Correctional Facility on three counts of attempted 2nd degree murder.
Anyone with more information on this incident is asked to contact the Lawrence Police Department
Senator Rick Billinger Newsletter
February 5, 2018
On Wednesday January 31st, Dr. Jeff Colyer was sworn in as the 47th governor of Kansas replacing Sam Brownback. The inauguration of Colyer comes after Governor Brownback resigned from office to become the U.S. Ambassador to International Freedom in the Trump administration.
“I demand transparency and we embrace accountability,” Colyer said in his speech. “I pledge to do the right thing even when nobody is looking, and we will set a tone and insist on an environment of openness, honesty and respect and without harassment, especially in this building.”
The Senate passed SB 262 which will authorize the Capitol Preservation Committee to approve plans to place a permanent statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower on the northwest quadrant of the Kansas Capitol grounds. No public funds would be used to construct the statue and pedestal. The bill authorizes the Department of Administration to receive moneys from grants, gifts, contributions, or bequests to finance the construction of the statue and pedestal. The monument will be an exact replica of the statue created by Lawrence native, Jim Brothers, which currently resides in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
SB 263 was passed out of the Agricultural and Natural Resource Committee this week. This bill will allow the Department of Agriculture to create a program to research the use of industrial hemp. Several amendments were added. One amendment recommended Russell County to be used as a pilot in the industrial hemp program.
This week we had a hearing on a bill that will set up the frame work to form a committee to study and make recommendations for a new comprehensive ten-year transportation plan. At the present time we have 29 different individuals and/or organizations that have been recommended for this committee.
On Tuesday February 6th, SB 307, The Home-owned Amusement Ride & Agritourism Activity Bill will have a hearing. I will let everyone know how this bill progresses.
Heard in a committee this week was Real ID. Real ID is a federal law, passed by Congress in 2005 to ensure state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards meet minimum security standards. To get a Real ID before law goes into effect on October 1, 2020, you’ll need to bring certain documentation into the local driver’s license office. Anyone boarding an airplane or entering a federal facility, such as a military base, using a state issued ID or driver’s license on October 1, 2020 will be required to have a credential that is Real ID compliant. To apply for this ID, you will need a valid passport or birth certificate, Proof of social security such as a social security card, current W-2 or 1099, or current pay stub with full SSN, Proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, your vehicle registration, or your current driver’s license. All documents should be un-laminated originals. If your name is not the same on all of your documents because of adoption, marriage, divorce, or any court ordered name change, you must provide proof of the name change such as your marriage license, adoption certificate, divorce decree. The fees remain the same for Real ID: $26 if you’re renewing and $8 to replace. If your credential expires after the 2020 deadline and you want a Real ID, you can bring your documents in to the office, receive the Real ID, and only pay the $8 replacement charge. You will have the option to choose between a Real ID or a non-Real ID card. For more details and a checklist that will help make sure you bring everything you need when you visit the driver’s license station, visit ksrevenue.org/realid and you can find your local driver’s license office at https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovstations.html.
The Kroger Co. and EG Group, a privately held petrol forecourt convenience store retailer based in Blackburn, Lancashire, United Kingdom, today announced a definitive agreement for the sale of Kroger’s convenience store business unit to EG Group for $2.15 billion. The companies expect to close the transaction during the first quarter of Kroger’s fiscal year.
As part of the agreement, EG Group will establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio and continue to operate stores under their established banner names.
Kroger announced in October 2017 its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its convenience store business, including a potential sale, in conjunction with Restock Kroger.
“Our convenience store business has been a part of our company for many years. We want to thank our management team and associates for their enduring commitment to our customers, and for the contributions they have made to build our supermarket fuel business,” said Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “As part of our regular review of assets, it has become clear that our strong convenience store business unit will better meet its full potential outside of our business.”
“One of the most important considerations in our decision-making process was continued operations to ensure minimal disruption to our associates. We are very pleased the EG Group plans to establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati. EG Group is also a recognized international petrol forecourt convenience operator and they have a commercial model which clearly looks to enhance the consumer offer by working with leading retail brands customers know and trust,” said Mr. Schlotman. “This is good for our associates across the country and for our headquarter city of Cincinnati. Throughout the process we were impressed with the EG Group’s professionalism, investment commitment and more importantly their understanding of the US convenience retail market. We now look forward to working with them closely to ensure a smooth transition for associates.”
Mohsin Issa, EG Group Founder and co-CEO expressed “This is an exciting time for EG Group, the entry into the US market presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver a successful retail offer to consumers across the various states. We have had much success across Europe and we firmly believe the Kroger assets present a fantastic foundation to overlay our retail experience and know-how in the US. We are committed to investing in the Kroger network, partnering with leading retail brands and working with the exceptional management team and associates transferring across to deliver a comprehensive retail offer.”
“Our business model is simple but effective – EG Group is creating a stronger relationship between consumers and leading retail brands they want to access. In the US we aim to create a retail environment which delivers convenience, provides value and serves as a retail destination offering excellent welfare to motorists who live and work near our petrol forecourt convenience retail stores,” added Zuber Issa, EG Group Founder and co-CEO.
Kroger plans to use net proceeds from the sale to repurchase shares and to lower its net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio.
Kroger’s convenience store business operates in 18 states. It includes 66 franchise operations. The stores employ 11,000 associates and operate under the following banner names: Turkey Hill, Loaf ‘N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb and Quik Stop. Kroger’s convenience store business generated revenue of $4 billion, including selling 1.2 billion gallons of fuel, in 2016.
Kroger’s supermarket fuel centers and its Turkey Hill Dairy are not included in the sale.
Join us on Sunday, February 11 from 1-5 p.m. to celebrate Darwin Day 2018! This FREE day will cover the topic of “Everyday Evolution.” This includes the topics of:
Animal Husbandry
Genetically Modified Organisms
Deforestation
Come join the fun and learn about evolution all around you at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays, 785-628-4286.
The Kansas Senate finished a busy fourth week of session with committee meetings and bills coming forward. The Senate held floor debate on Tuesday and passed out five pieces of legislation.
JEFF COLYER INAUGURATED AS 47TH GOVERNOR OF KANSAS
On Wednesday January 31st, Jeff Colyer was sworn in as the 47th governor of Kansas replacing Sam Brownback. The inauguration of Colyer comes after Governor Brownback resigned from office to become the U.S. Ambassador to International Freedom in the Trump administration. Governor Colyer was accompanied by his wife and two of his daughters when he took the oath of office in a ceremony at the Kansas Statehouse. Governor Colyer is scheduled to address the legislature Wednesday.
Senate Floor Action
UPDATING EFFECTIVE RISK-BASED CAPITAL INSTRUCTIONS DATE – SB 267 changes the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital (RBC) instructions
MID-TERM APPOINTMENTS OF CREDIT UNION COUNCIL MEMBERS – SB 275 adjusts the provisions relating to the terms of service for members of the Credit Union Council (Council).
AUDITS OF THE KANSAS 911 ACT – SB 255 would modify the Kansas 911 Act by changing the duration between audits of the 911 system from three years to five years.
TRANSFERRING DUTIES FROM JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATOR TO DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY VALUATION – SB 261 revises the law requiring an appraisal prior to the State purchasing or disposing of any real property. The bill transfers the duty to appoint a disinterested appraiser from the Judicial Administrator to the Director of Property Valuation, the head of the Department of Revenue’s Division of Property Valuation.
AUTHORIZATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STATUE HONORING DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER – SB 262 would authorize the Capitol Preservation Committee to approve plans to place a permanent statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower on the northwest quadrant of Kansas Capitol grounds. The bill also authorizes the Department of Administration to receive moneys from grants, gifts, contributions, or bequests to finance the construction of the statue and its pedestal. All funds received would be remitted to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Statue Fund, which would be created by the bill and would be used solely for creating and constructing the statue and its pedestal or other purposes specifically indicated in the bequest. No public funds would be used to construct the statue and pedestal. The monument will be an exact replica of the statue created by Lawrence native, Jim Brothers, which currently resides in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.
Committee Action
ONLINE SALES TAX HEARING
Last week the Joint Tax Committee heard from the South Dakota Attorney General’s office on their pending lawsuit before the United States Supreme Court regarding online sales tax. South Dakota passed legislation that would require sales tax to be remitted to the state from remote sellers who do not have a physical presence within the state but have what is considered an ‘economic presence.’ This comes after a growing concern from many states that are seeing sluggish sales tax receipts due to more Americans shopping online rather than in-store. The Attorney General of South Dakota recommended that Kansas write an amicus brief in support of South Dakota’s efforts. This would have to come from the Kansas Attorney General. South Dakota expects a ruling to come from the Supreme Court this summer.
CYBERSECURITY ACT
On Thursday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on SB 342 which enacts the Kansas Cybersecurity Act. The Cybersecurity Act focuses on making data in the state more secure. Throughout the past eight years, the bill has taken various forms while the need for cybersecurity has steadily increased. The bill aims to protect Kansas from cyber-attacks, loss of sensitive information, and financial liability due to breaches of information.
BILL CALLS FOR EQUAL CUSTODY FOR DIVORCING PARENTS
On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on SB 257 which would provide divorcing parents equal amount of time with their child by default. If the parents do not have a parenting plan one would be created for them allowing each parent equal custody. If evidence shows that equal time with both parents is not in the best interest of the child the court can create a different custody arrangement.
The bill does not address child support.
MEDICAID SUSPENSION BILL HEADS TO SENATE
On Tuesday, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee sent SB 195 out of committee to the Senate. SB 195 would suspend instead of eliminate eligibility for Medicaid benefits for those in prison, jail, or mental health facilities. The bill does not require the person to reapply for their KanCare coverage therefore allowing them to immediately receive benefits when they are released from a state facility. SB 195 would not allow reimbursement while incarcerated but works to decrease the amount of time an individual must wait to receive coverage after being released. Supporters of the bill believe it will lower recidivism rates since it will provide access to continuous mental health coverage. A mental health task force had recommended the policy to legislators earlier this month.
DENTAL CARE EXPANSION
A new bill to expand dental care in Kansas will be heard in the next few weeks in both Health Committees. This legislation would allow the creation of dental therapists working under the direct supervision of licensed dentists. The dental therapists are licensed dental hygienists required to complete additional training in an accredited course of study. Once dental therapists complete the required 500 hours of training they would then be allowed to perform an additional 35 dental procedures.
Kansas Department of Labor and Revenue facts
Federal tax reform again influenced state tax receipts in January, artificially bumping collections for the month over $165 million above expectations. Receipts for the month of January totaled $746.65 million. The fiscal year total is $3.94 billion, which is $248.63 million above expectations. Sales tax collections since July 1 have averaged approximately 3 percent above the previous year during that time, which translates to about $40.43 million more in revenue. Unemployment in Kansas went down another tick to 3.4%. One year ago, the rate was 4.3% and Kansas gained 5,000 jobs in the last two months.
Visitors from Senate District #36
As always, it is so nice to see visitors from home who either come to testify on bills or to attend functions with their organizations. Wednesday, the Rooks County Leadership delegation made their annual visit to Topeka. This is their 30th year in a row to visit legislators and to meet other officials during their stay. The State Independent Telephone Association held their annual meeting and reception with Blue Valley Tele-Communications, Cunningham Telephone, Nex-Tech, Twin-Valley Telephone and Wilson Telephone visiting the Utilities committee during the day and with legislators in the evening. Rural leaders from economic development offices and members of Credit Unions across Kansas also visited with us this week for their annual events.
As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at www.kslegislature.org. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. The House meets at 11:00 a.m. and the Senate at 2:30 p.m.. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.
Thank you for the honor of serving you!
Senator Elaine Bowers
Kansas State Capitol Building
Room 223-E
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66612
Funeral Mass: Tuesday, February 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Herndon with Rev. Gnanasekar Kulandai officiating
Rosary: A rosary will be recited Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. before the funeral Mass.
Burial: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Herndon
Visitation: Monday, February 5th from 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Oberlin
Memorials: To the church or Good Samaritan Society-Decatur County, in care of the funeral home (121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin, KS 67749)
In Loving Memory
Marcella Rose Leitner was born on March 22, 1925 in Herndon, Kansas to William J. and Anna (Hutfles) Riepl. She attended grade school for seven years at St. Mary’s Parochial School in Herndon, except for one year of country school southwest of Herndon. Marcella graduated from Herndon High School with the class of 1945. Upon graduating, she attended Marymount College in Salina, Kansas where she received her certificate in accounting and business administration. With her certificate in hand, Marcella began employment at War Assets Administration and Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado.
On May 24th 1949, she married her handsome “sailor boy” Harold Gene Leitner, son of Paul and Theresia (Wendelin) Leitner at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Herndon. This union was blessed with three daughters, Patricia Tongish (Dave) of Newton, Kansas, Barbara Leitner (Wayne Darnell) of Farmington, New Mexico, and Donna Wilson (Steve) of Wichita, Kansas.
Marcella adored her five grandchildren, Ashley Houser (Britt) of Wichita, Kansas, Lesley Williams (Bryce) of Overland Park, Kansas, John Tongish of Newton, Kansas, Jarrett Tongish of Tokyo, Japan and Desiree Wilson of Kansas City, Missouri. Two great grandchildren, Knox Houser and Graham Williams, filled her life with joy and smiles.
Marcella was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandma who lived for her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Writing letters and sewing for them was a special hobby she enjoyed so much.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married; the Christian Mothers Altar Society, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW Post #368 in Herndon, a former member of the Traer Belles in Traer, Kansas, and a parishioner of the Sacred Heart Church in Oberlin, Kansas.
Marcella is survived by her youngest brother Larry Riepl of Bremerton, Washington and numerous nieces, nephews, & friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene, parents William and Anna Riepl, brother Don Riepl, and sister Lucille Barenberg.
Marcella will be interred next to her beloved husband Gene of 68 years at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Herndon, Kansas.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Education Department will continue distributing millions in bus funding despite a recent audit that says the payments are barred under current state law.
