NEW YORK — We Americans already know how fat we are. Can it get much worse?

Apparently, yes, according to an advocacy group that predicts that by 2030 more than half the people in the vast majority of states will be obese.

Kansas is predicted to go from a 30 percent rate of obesity to 62 percent.   Mississippi is expected to retain its crown as the fattest state in the nation for at least two more decades.

The new projections were released Tuesday by Trust for America’s Health with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The group’s dismal forecast goes beyond the 42 percent national obesity level that federal health officials project by 2030. The group predicts every state would have rates above 44 percent by that time, although it didn’t calculate an overall national average.

About two-thirds of Americans are overweight now. That includes those who are obese, a group that accounts for about 36 percent. Obesity rates have been holding steady in recent years. Obesity is defined as having a body-mass index of 30 or more, a measure of weight for height.

Trust for America’s Health officials said their projections are based in part on state-by-state surveys by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1999 through 2010.

By 2030, medical costs from treating obesity-related diseases are likely to increase by $48 billion, to $66 billion per year, his report said.

TOPEKA, Kan. –Secretary of Labor Karin Brownlee announced today she has appointed Michael Copeland as Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor.

Copeland will officially take over this role on October 1.

He has served as Mayor of Olathe since 2001 and previously served as president of Security Savings Bank.

TOPEKA– A restructuring of the Kansas Department of Commerce announced Thursday combines the Trade Division with the Business and Community Development Division, and also ends the Kansas Main Street program.

In addition, writes KDOC Secretary Pat George in an emailed letter, there will be consolidation of certain workforce services positions into the business development functions.  “The Department is implementing a restructuring that will allow us to be more cost efficient while still working effectively with Kansas businesses and communities,” he said.

According to George, by combining the Trade and Business and Community Development Divisions, KDOC can better integrate programs that help companies promote their products and services in international markets
with business recruitment and community development efforts.

The 2012 Main Street conference scheduled for Oct. 17-19 in Emporia will be cancelled.

George says the  goal of helping to revitalize downtown areas will use other resources available through the remaining Business and Community Development programs.

Kroger is recalling spinach sold at grocery stores in 15 states due to possible Listeria contamination.

The Kroger Fresh Selections Tender Spinach was sold in 10-ounze bags and had a “best if used by” date of Sept. 16. It has a universal product code, or UPC, of 011110916495. The grocer said Wednesday that if customers did buy the recalled product, they should return it to stores for a full refund or replacement.

No illnesses have been reported. Listeria can lead to severe illness for women who are pregnant or people who have a weakened immune system.

The Kroger Co., based in Cincinnati, said the product was sold in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. The recall involves its Kroger, Jay C, Owen’s, Pay Less, Scott’s, Food 4 Less, Dillons, Baker’s and Gerbes stores in selected states.

The California supplier, NewStar Fresh Foods, said that recall is being done out of an abundance of caution after a single package yielded a positive test result by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.