Jana’s Campaign is pleased to announce that the Hays, Kansas based national education and prevention organization has received a $10,000 grant from Human Investment, the foundation of The Jensen Project of Dallas, Texas.
“We are so grateful for the support we receive from The Jensen Project. The mission of The Jensen Project and Jana’s Campaign are directly associated through primary prevention efforts. We are proud and excited to build a partnership with The Jensen Project to reduce gender and relationship violence,” stated Kaiti Dinges, interim executive director of Jana’s Campaign.
Through the mission of Jana’s Campaign, we are dedicated to helping middle and high schools, and youth organizations reduce gender and relationship violence by promoting healthy relationship behaviors to ultimately create a culture of strong respect among adolescents. We utilize prevention programs, including curricular and co-curricular activities, to raise awareness of the underlying causes by highlighting the ‘red flags’ of dating relationships.
Janet Jensen
The Jensen Project is a social awareness initiative committed to encouraging empathy in young children by providing them with the tools and resources needed to teach them compassion in various areas of their lives.
Janet Jensen, founder and CEO of The Jensen Project and Human Investment, recognizes the urgency of reaching children as early as possible and ensuring the next generation of students are prepared to handle a changing culture.
To learn more about The Jensen Project’s efforts, visit www.thejensenproject.com.
Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence prevention organization with the single mission of reducing gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
WICHITA —A Kansas man was sentenced Friday for the shooting death of another man in December of 2017 in Wichita.
Mork photo Sedgwick Co.
District Judge Jeffrey Syrios sentenced Jeremiah Mork, 23, Wichita, to 322 months on convictions of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of aggravated battery, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
The judge added 17 months because Mork violated his parole on an earlier case, resulting in a total sentence of 339 months.
On December 9, 2017, Randy Gibson, 45 of Wichita, was moving his belongings from a home in the 2200 block of S. Parkridge in Wichita when Mork shot him.
An autopsy showed Mr. Gibson had 15 bullet wounds. Mork also fired at and wounded two men who were helping Mr. Gibson move. A jury convicted Mork on June 12.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly appointed Amy Elliott and reappointed Barry Bedene to the Kansas Board of Mortuary Arts.
“Barry and Amy are dedicated individuals, and we are fortunate to have them on our mortuary board,” Kelly said. “I know they will work hard to ensure safe and ethical practices among our state’s licensed embalmers.”
Barry Bedene, Arma, is a licensed embalmer and funeral director, and the owner of Bedene Funeral Home. He is a past president of District Three of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association; a member of the National Funeral Directors Association; served as a board member of the Crawford County Fire District Number Two for more than 20 years; served as a city council member in Arma for four years; and has served on several other boards and commissions. Bedene also served as a member of the Mortuary Arts Board for many years.
Amy Elliott, Lenexa, currently works as a lawyer in her firm, the Law Office of Amy E. Elliott. Previously, she worked as a legal assistant for the law firm Cohen, McNeile & Pappas, P.C. Elliott received a juris doctor, a bachelor’s degree in English and an associate degree in paralegal studies, all from Washburn University.
The board ensures that licensees who work in the practice of embalming perform their services in a manner that provides maximum protection of the health, safety and welfare of Kansans.
Three members of the board must hold an embalmer’s license issued by the state board of mortuary arts, must have five consecutive years of experience in the practice of embalming and must be currently engaged in the practice of embalming in Kansas. The other two members must be a representative of the general public and without an embalming license.
The governor’s appointments to the mortuary arts board are not subject to Senate confirmation.
GREAT BEND – The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chtd.(ABBB) was recently recognized as one of the top 200 accounting firms in the U.S. by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA).
Ranking in the top 200 consecutively for five years, the firm rose nine spots from 174 in 2018 to 165 this year. In 2019, firms ranked
between 101 and 200 range in size from $19.2 million to $39 million in revenue.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as one of North America’s top 200 accounting firms again this year. Our dedicated focus to the agriculture, construction, manufacturing, retail, restaurant, and oil & gas industries has been instrumental to our continued growth,” said
Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of ABBB.
“Thank you to our clients and the entire ABBB team for your dedication to the profession and our firm.”
Founded in 1987, INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) is published by The Platt Group (TPG). The Platt Group publishes the award-winning IPA newsletter every month and the annual IPA National Benchmarking Report. The Platt Group also surveys and publishes annual reports for the accounting profession in Human Resources, Firm Administration and Information Technology.
Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered provides a wide range of traditional and non-traditional CPA and consulting services to clients throughout Kansas, including agriculture organizations, construction companies, feed yards, financial institutions, governmental and not-for-profit organizations, manufacturers, medical practices, oil and gas companies, professional service firms, real estate companies and small businesses. Founded in 1945, today the firm maintains 13 office locations throughout the state. For more information about Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, please visit www.abbb.com.
Location of Friday’s Reno County quakes -USGS image
RENO COUNTY —Two additional small earthquakes shook Reno County following the four quakes Friday morning.
A quake just after 8p.m. measured a magnitude 3.0 and was centered approximately one mile west of South Hutchinson, according to the USGS.
Just before 5 a.m. Saturday, a magnitude 2.8 quake centered 2 miles west of South Hutch.
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RENO COUNTY — A small earthquake shook south-central Kansas Friday morning. The quake just before 8a.m. measured a magnitude 4.2 and was centered approximately 2 miles west of South Hutchinson, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Residents in the area also reported small aftershocks a short time later. The USGS says two aftershocks were centered approximately 7 miles west of South Hutchinson and measured a magnitude 3.1 and 2.6. A third aftershock measured 2.7 and was centered closer to the original quake, approximately 2 miles west of South Hutchinson.
There were reports of some minor damage including at the Reno County Courthouse. County Administrator Gary Meagher says it appears to be mainly cosmetic, but are checking to make sure there isn’t any structural damage.
Bottles fell off shelves at Egbert Liquor in Hutchinson
The Reno County Courthouse had cracks in the walls. This was taken outside the District Court Clerks Office
Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar talks of the some of the damage.
“We have had any reports of any major structural damage,” said Weishaar. “Dillons at 5th and Adams had closed because they had a lot of items knocked off their shelves.
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center also has some minor damage and Egbert Liquor at 5th and Monroe also has bottles of liquor broken during the quake knocking them off the shelf.
Although we’ve had earthquakes before, this one was unusual. “This was weird, at least since I’ve been here, this is the biggest one we’ve had,” said Weishaar. “The aftershocks that came with this were fairly big compared to normal.
Many residents reported pictures coming off their wall and other issues with their homes. Businesses are also assessing damage.
TOPEKA — One of the United States’ largest and oldest private prison companies will house up to 600 Kansas inmates in a facility in Eloy, Arizona.
Formerly known as the Corrections Corporation of America, CoreCivic owns and operates 129 prisons, immigration detention centers and other facilities in more than 20 states, including the Leavenworth Detention Center.
Core Civic’s revenues total more than $1 billion a year, but the company has been subject to several federal and state government audits and state investigations. Here’s a look at a few of those controversies.
Staffing issues
In 2012, a group of inmates at the Idaho Correctional Center sued CoreCivic, arguing the company intentionally understaffed the prison and allowed a prison gang to attack them. A federal jury ruled the company wasn’t adequately staffed, but did not owe the inmates damages. Two years later, the state took over the facility, citing that lawsuit and others against CoreCivic.
In Tennessee, a 2017 audit of the state’s Department of Correction found three CoreCivic prisons kept incomplete or false staff records or did not hire enough people to manage inmates or comply with the state’s contract. Tennessee inmates had sued CoreCivic earlier that year, alleging that the lack of staff resulted in inadequate medical care for diabetics.
The same year in Kansas, the federal government audited CoreCivic’s maximum security prison in Leavenworth — the same prison where the company allegedly violated attorney-client privilege by secretly taping conversations between inmates and their lawyers. The audit found the prison struggled to hire enough guards. At one point, the vacancy rate was 23 percent. Despite this, CoreCivic transferred guards from Leavenworth to another prison in Louisiana.
Violence and sexual abuse
A Tennessee man reported being raped and sexually harassed by his cellmate at a CoreCivic prison in 2018. In a lawsuit, he alleged that even though he reported the harassment several times, the guards did nothing, a violation of prison policy and the U.S. Constitution. A CoreCivic representative told a Nashville TV station that only one report was made, which the prison investigated but couldn’t substantiate.
Also in Tennessee, a recent report found CoreCivic prisons had higher rates of homicide than those run by the state.
In 2009, Hawaii removed 168 women from a CoreCivic-run Kentucky prison after reports of guards sexually assaulting inmates. The incident was one reason Kentucky stopped using private prisons entirely in 2013. However, citing concerns about inmate crowding, the state signed another CoreCivic contract in 2017.
Cancelled contracts
Amid growing opposition to private prisons, several cities and states have declined to renew their contracts with CoreCivic in recent years.
In 2013, Mississippi ended its contract for the Wilkinson Correctional Facility after reports showed the prison was the most violent in the state.
Denver voted to let its agreements with CoreCivic expire this summer, although the city council recently extended the contracts while it figures out what to do with the people living in halfway houses run by the company.
Other places like Tuscon, Arizona and Nevada have banned or ended contracts with private prisons entirely, citing concerns about safety and prisoners’ rights.
Treatment of detained immigrants
CoreCivic also has come under fire for running detention centers for federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Fourteen people detained at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona died between 2003 and 2015, five due to suicide. At the time, it was the highest number of suicides at any detention center in the country. Many people at Eloy complained that medical staff didn’t treat them and told them to drink water for ailments.
Last year, migrants detained at La Palma Correctional Center, also located in Eloy, went on hunger strike, saying they were abused and harassed by guards, given only one meal a day and had limited access to showers and bathrooms.
In July, Yasmin Juarez sued CoreCivic, arguing the company neglected to provide medical treatment for her daughter when the two were detained in the South Texas Family Residential Center. The lawsuit alleges 1-year-old Mariee Juarez had a high fever and was coughing and vomiting shortly after being admitted to the facility, but staff didn’t provide proper medical treatment. The girl was admitted to the emergency room one day after leaving the facility and died six weeks after she was released.
CoreCivic response
In emailed statements, CoreCivic spokeswoman Amanda Gilchrist told the Kansas News Service that it will offer Kansas inmates services that are just as good or better than what they’d receive at state-run prisons.
Tennessee-based private prison company CoreCivic has been subject to many lawsuits and investigations over its 30-year history. NOMIN UJIYEDIIN / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
“CoreCivic cares deeply about every person in our care,” she said. “We work hard to ensure those in our facilities are treated respectfully and humanely.”
The employee vacancy rate at Saguaro Correctional Center, where Kansas inmates will be sent, is 3%. Hawaii also has a contract to send inmates to Saguaro, and Gilchrist pointed to recent audits from the Hawaii Department of Public Safety that show the facility to be compliant with all of the state’s requirements.
“All of our correctional facilities are monitored very closely by our government partners,” Gilchrist said. “Each and every one is required to undergo regular review and audit processes to ensure contract compliance and appropriate standard of care for all inmates.”
In an email, Gov. Laura Kelly said Kansas has a legal obligation to provide safe conditions for prisoners and prison employees.
“It’s a constitutional right, not an option,” she said. “My administration takes this very seriously.”
She emphasized the contract with CoreCivic will allow a Kansas state employee on site to monitor conditions and report back. Other Kansas officials are also allowed to visit and inspect Saguaro at any time.
“The decision to send some of our inmates to a private prison wasn’t made lightly,” Kelly said. “I share a number of concerns that have been raised by anti-private prison advocates.”
The Kansas Department of Corrections declined to comment.
Nomin Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas News Service. Follow her on Twitter @NominUJ or email nomin (at) kcur (dot) org.
“This is a very important opportunity for Ellis County to continue to grow its workforce.”
That was the initial thoughts from Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., following a stop in Hays Wednesday to tour Hess Services north of Hays.
Moran was joined on the tour by members of the Ellis County Commission, Hays City Commission, Fort Hays State University and Midwest Energy as the county looks to build support and spread awareness of the importance of the Northwest Business Corridor.
“I know a lot about Hays. I know a lot about Ellis County. This is home,” Moran said. “What I saw here today was not anything I knew about and nothing that I really expected.”
Hess Services is in its 30th year of operations and provides oil field and industrial equipment. They design and fabricate a variety of oil field equipment including storage tanks, pressure vessels and well servicing rigs, and drilling rigs.
They provide equipment for operators across most of the U.S., from the Bakken Oil Field in the Dakotas to Texas and California.
“Here’s somebody who capitalized on the oil and gas markets around the country and created hundreds of jobs in Ellis County, and it’s hometown boys who are doing it” Moran said.
“It is a great development and it’s what we need in every community and we need more of here, is people who have an idea. It’s called the American Dream — we have an idea and we take it to market and help other people pursue the American Dream,” he added.
With 400 employees, Hess Services is the largest business on the proposed Northwest Business Corridor, which also includes Midwest Energy’s Goodman Energy Center.
Last month, Ellis County submitted the grant application for a U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD grant for $8.7 million.
The grant money would help pay for improvements to 230th Avenue between Interstate 70 and Feedlot Road and Feedlot Rd. from 230th to U.S. 183. The total cost of the project is approximately $10.78 million.
Moran said the Hess’s did not ask a lot of the federal government but that the infrastructure needs to be improved in that area.
“So that there is a safer way to get to work,” he said. “(There is) lots of truck traffic on these roads and lots of other businesses are here and are coming here if we can get the investment in infrastructure.”
During the tour, Moran asked if there was a concern that Ellis County could receive two BUILD grants within two years. The city of Hays received a $6 million grant just last year to make improvement to Vine Street
County officials pointed out the money the city received and the $8.7 million Ellis County applied for combined still would not equal some of the costs of the other projects that have applied for the grant.
Ellis County Commission Dustin Roths said they really look at the two projects as one, completing the loop, or bypass, around Hays.
Moran said he has already has talked with members of the DOT about the importance of the project.
“We’ll work to get the Department of Transportation to understand that even better,” Moran said. “We’ll be back to the department of transportation advocating on behalf of this project.”
Warren H. GfellerGovernor Laura Kelly appointed Emerick Cross, Lauren Queal Sill, and Warren Gfeller to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission.
“The conservation of our wildlife and natural resources is critical for the future of our state,” Kelly said. “Emerick, Lauren, and Warren are passionate about conservation, and I know they will work hard to ensure that Kansans have the opportunity to utilize and admire our natural resources. We are lucky to have them on the team.”
The commission works to conserve and enhance Kansas’ wildlife and provide the public with opportunities for the use and appreciation of the state’s natural resources. The governor appoints all seven members of the commission, one from each fish and wildlife administration region.
Warren Gfeller, Russell, is currently manager and owner of Stranger Valley Land Co. LLC. Previously, he was the president, CEO, and a director of Ferrellgas, Inc. Gfeller received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kansas State university, and is currently a member of several public and private boards and foundations. He is an Oakley native.
Emerick Cross, Kansas City, currently serves as the director and commission liaison for the unified government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, County Administrator’s Office. Previously, he served as the director of the Transportation and Parking Control Departments for Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. Cross received a master’s degrees in public administration, a master’s degree in business administration essentials, and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, all from the University of Kansas. He also holds an associate degree in pre-law from Kansas City, Kansas community College.
Lauren Queal Sill, Hutchinson, currently serves as a physical therapist for USD 308, AccucareTX, and Angels Home Health Care Agency. She holds a master’s degree in leadership from Denver Seminary, a master’s degree in physical therapy from Wichita State University, a master’s degree in athletic training/exercise science from Western Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Wichita State University.
The governor’s appointments to the wildlife and parks commission are not subject to Senate confirmation.
Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in July. This was down from 3.4 percent in June and unchanged from 3.3 percent in July 2018.
“July marks the second consecutive month the unemployment rate declined in Kansas, falling to 3.3 percent,” said Secretary Delía García. “The unemployment rate is one of the most familiar labor statistics and represents the percentage of our labor force that is available and interested in finding a job.”
The unemployment rate in Ellis County rose from 2.4 percent in June to 2.8 percent in July, while Trego County experienced more than a full percentage point increase — from 2.4 percent to 3.5 percent.
Nearly every northwest Kansas county showed an increase in jobless claims, with the exception of Rooks County, which fell slightly but remains the area county with the highest unemployment rate at 4.3 percent.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 2,500 from June. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 3,700 from the previous month.
“Preliminary estimates for July show Kansas added 2,500 jobs over the month. Additionally, job estimates for June were revised upward by 2,100 jobs,” said Senior Labor Economist, Tyler Tenbrink. “Looking back over the last 12 months, Kansas has posted a notable increase of 14,200 jobs.”
Since July 2018, Kansas gained 14,200 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 14,000 private sector jobs.
Updates on managing many Kansas crops will be highlighted
Kansas State University’s Agricultural Research Center in Hays will provide updated management strategies for numerous Kansas crops when it hosts the annual fall field day on Wednesday, August 21.
There is no cost to attend the event, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The research center is located at 1232 240th Avenue in Hays.
The schedule includes a series of field tours beginning at 9 a.m., including:
Pearl millet hybrid performance
Grain sorghum hybrid performance
Occasional tillage in wheat-sorghum-fallow rotations
Integrated weed management in soybeans
Pre- and post-herbicide options for weed management in grain sorghum
Imidazolinone-tolerant grain sorghum: A new technology for weed control.
The afternoon includes a look at insect management in soybeans; and a presentation on alternative crops for western Kansas, including field peas and industrial hemp.
Organizers say that pesticide applicators and certified crop consultants can earn up to four hours of continuing education credits by attending this year’s field day.
Interested persons are encouraged to pre-register by calling 785-625-3425. More information, including a list of speakers for this year’s field day, is available online at www.hays.k-state.edu.
Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.
By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
When on the move, it is always important to find the right pathway. Today we’ll learn about an organization which is helping local communities find the right pathways – in this case, toward healthier living.
During the past two weeks, we’ve learned about K-State Research and Extension’s Culture of Health initiative and local examples of initiatives to support healthy living.
Last week we learned about a food basket program in Leoti. That program was supported by a larger initiative which goes back more than 10 years.
In 2007, Wichita County launched a coalition with a great purpose and a great acronym. The name was Wichita County AIM Coalition. The AIM stands for Add more fruits and vegetables, Increase physical activity, and Minimize screen time. Those are excellent goals toward which to, um, take aim.
The AIM Coalition, including K-State Research and Extension Wichita County, has been very active. They helped start the Healthy Check Challenge, began a 5K fun walk and run, purchased equipment at the fitness center, provided healthy snacks for events, supported walking trail kiosks and exercise stations, provided swimming lesson scholarships, encouraged participation in Walk Kansas, and more.
In recent years, the AIM Coalition accessed a program launched by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. That program is called Pathways to a Healthy Kansas. Virginia Barnes is the director of Blue Health Initiatives for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
According to the Pathways website, this is the largest community grant program ever funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The Pathways program is to provide community coalitions with the tools and resources needed to remove barriers and engage their communities in ways that enable healthy eating and tobacco-free, active living to become a way of life.
The grant funding for each community included a coordination grant of $100,000, with the opportunity to apply for non-competitive implementation and achievements grants amounting to an additional $400,000.
The first round of grants was made in 2016 and included the Wichita County AIM Coalition and seven others. An additional eight coalitions were awarded grants in the second round of funding in 2017.
These grants literally span the state, from Chanute in the southeast to St. Francis in the northwest. They are supporting lots of grassroots efforts to encourage healthy living. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas also offers an online community toolbox of announcements, success stories, and helpful resources.
One example of a success story is the produce basket program in Leoti, as we featured last week. “One of the best things about this program – besides promoting healthy eating and promoting the local grocery store – is that it is proving to be replicable,” said Blue Health Director Virginia Barnes.
For example: Another Pathways grant recipient, Rawlins County, chose to implement the produce basket program at Jamboree Foods in Atwood. In its first week, 95 produce baskets were ordered and the program has grown from there.
“We are proud to partner with Jamboree Foods to provide this great opportunity for our residents,” said Emily Green of K-State Research and Extension – Rawlins County. Atwood is a rural community of 1,194 people. Now, that’s rural.
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is committed to the health of all Kansans,” Virginia Barnes said. “We know that access to healthy fruits and vegetables is one important way to help people live healthy lives and reduce their risk of developing a preventable condition such as diabetes or heart disease. We are thrilled to be able to support communities as they find new ways to improve the health of their residents and strengthen food access in their communities through programs such as Simply Produce,” she said.
When on the move, it is important to be on the right pathway. We commend the Wichita County AIM Coalition, Emily Green, Virginia Barnes of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and all those who are making a difference by encouraging healthy behaviors in their communities. Committed individuals, local coalitions, and supportive philanthropy can help keep us on a healthy path.
This year’s event addresses the timely and relevant topic of climate change and will look at how the current model of annual agriculture negatively contributes to the emission of greenhouse gasses. We seek to answer through our research and educational efforts, how we effect positive change to a perennial landscape.
Other presenters include: Eliza Gilkyson, twice Grammy-nominated musician; Ana Porzecanski, director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History; Carolyn Finney, storyteller and author; Amory Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute; and Francesca Cotrufo, associate head of the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University.
The Festival offers a unique opportunity to interact with some of the world’s most compelling authors, thinkers, artists, and advocates focused on agriculture, food, the environment, science, sustainability, and social and environmental justice.
The Institute’s science staff provides research plot tours and an in-depth update on current plant breeding efforts, ecology work, and partnerships.
There will be food trucks, live music, a Friday night barn dance, sunrise yoga, and more. Come to the event that The New York Times called an “intellectual hootenanny” and what has become a remarkable can’t-miss event on the prairie.
Jana’s Campaign is pleased to announce that the Hays, Kansas based national education and prevention organization has received a $10,000 grant from Human Investment, the foundation of The Jensen Project of Dallas, Texas.
Saturday
