KDWPT

PRATT – An icon of the Kansas prairie, the greater prairie chicken, will soon be the subject of an aerial survey conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) every three years. From sunrise until approximately two-and-a-half hours after sunrise, KDWPT biologists will work with a contracted aerial service company to operate three helicopters throughout the state’s greater prairie chicken range, including the eastern Smoky Hills, Flint Hills, Glaciated Plains, Northern High Plains, Osage Cuestas and Chautauqua Hills regions  (northcentral and eastern half of the state). Surveys will take place during the greater prairie chicken lekking period when the birds are displaying on leks, or booming grounds, around March 15 to May 15.

Data collected from the aerial surveys will be used in conjunction with data from KDWPT’s annual ground surveys to further document population trends and better determine the species’ response to current management efforts.

For more information on the greater prairie chicken, including a map of the species’ range in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds/Greater-Prairie-Chicken.

KHI

TOPEKA – this issue brief updates previous Kansas Health Institute estimates of new KanCare enrollment if Medicaid were expanded. It also provides a profile of how work requirements might apply to the potential expansion population.

Key points from the brief include:

• Expanding Medicaid would add an estimated 145,000 new beneficiaries, including about 95,000 adults age 19−64 and nearly 50,000 children, to the KanCare program.
• The estimated total would include approximately 75,000 currently uninsured adults and children. The other 70,000 new enrollees would be projected to switch to Medicaid from another form of insurance.
• About two-thirds of projected newly enrolled adults were employed at some point the previous year.
• A little more than a quarter of projected newly enrolled adults worked at least 30 hours per week year-round.

Read it here: KanCare Expansion and Work Requirements, March 2018

The Kansas Health Institute (KHI) delivers objective information, conducts credible research, and supports civil dialogue enabling policy leaders to make informed health policy decisions that enhance their effectiveness as champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

KDA

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Funds for the program are awarded to the agency by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA–AMS). The funds are in turn granted to projects and organizations that promote the competitiveness of specialty crops by achieving defined performance measures.

The purpose of the specialty crop program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture.”

Each state that applies to participate in the SCBGP is reviewed and approved by USDA–AMS and will receive an estimated base amount plus an amount based on the value of specialty crop cash receipts and the acreage of specialty crop production in the state. In 2018 it is expected that Kansas will receive approximately $348,850.

Applications from Kansas organizations and projects will be evaluated by a team of external reviewers. The team will rate proposals on their ability to successfully promote specialty crops in Kansas and make a positive impact on the Kansas economy. Those recommendations will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, who will make the final awards.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2018. For more information, or to download the 2018 application, go to www.agriculture.ks.gov/specialtycrop.

This grant opportunity supports the development of partnerships and resources that will grow the Kansas specialty crop industry, which is the growth objective for that sector within the Kansas agricultural growth strategy project. For more information about the Kansas Ag Growth project or about specialty crops in Kansas, go to www.agriculture.ks.gov/GrowAg.

KDWPT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The temperature may still be cool outside, but it is a perfect time of year to start getting prepared for the boating season. Boating safety advocates are urging boaters to enroll in a boating education course prior to the main boating season. Spring Aboard – Take a Boating Education Course campaign is a nationally coordinated effort during the week of March 18-24, 2018 to increase the awareness of taking a boating education course.

“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water,” said Tom Guess, president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and lead organization for Spring Aboard. “If a boater has taken a boating safety education course the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater for them as well as their passengers. There’s no reason to head out on the water without knowing what you’re doing, and spring is the perfect time to take a course before the summer boating season begins.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of the accidents where the level of operator education was known, 77% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat operator had never received boating education instruction.

With today’s wide variety of courses available, there’s a course for every boater schedule. Boaters have multiple options from classroom courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available anytime day or night.

Education course providers and offerings will vary between states, so check with your local course provider or state boating agency to find out what courses are accepted in your area. Forty-nine (49) states and U.S. territories require proof of completion of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels. For a summary of our states’ regulations and available courses, visit:

Kansas – https://ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Boating-Education
Missouri – https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/WaterPatrol/BoatingLaws_Education/boaterEduLawFAQ.html
Nebraska – https://outdoornebraska.gov/boatereducation/
Iowa – https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Boating/Boater-Education

Many providers are offering discounts or other incentives to anyone that takes a boating education course during the week of March 18-24, 2018. BOATsmart! (boatsmartexam.com) is offering discounts on their boating safety courses and BOATERexam.com and Boat-Ed.com are offering 50% off the price of their courses for the entire week.

The annual Spring Aboard campaign is led by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and produced under a grant administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, and it is supported by state, federal, and nonprofit partners. It is open to participation by all states, territories, boating education organizations, instructors, and course providers.

For more information, visit www.springaboard.org .

 

OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) visited with entrepreneurs, technology and policy leaders at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas, where he discussed a variety of issues critical to our nation’s innovators, including barriers to starting a business.

“Finding effective and efficient ways for the public and private sectors to work together to advance American innovation should be one of our top priorities, free of partisan politics,” said Sen. Moran.

“I was proud to showcase Kansas’ innovation and success at SXSW again this year, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of Kansas entrepreneurs to advance their ability to bring their ideas to market, create jobs and improve American economic competitiveness.”

Sen. Moran participated in a Capital Factory panel entitled, “Supporting Startups to Fuel American Competitiveness,” with Kansans Jason Wiens from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Jason Tatge from Farmobile.

During the panel discussion, Sen. Moran highlighted provisions in his bipartisan Startup Act legislation that would improve entrepreneurs’ abilities to commercialize technology resulting from federal research and development funds. This bill would modernize the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Innovation Strategies program to bolster capital opportunities to get businesses up and off the ground.

Sen. Moran reiterated his priority to make certain broadband deployment is included in any infrastructure package so that Kansas entrepreneurs in rural areas may compete in the global economy.

Sen. Moran also participated in a panel discussion hosted by Dell Technologies, “Making Government Better with Better Technology,” where he discussed entrepreneurship and technology issues that impact businesses’ abilities to grow and the federal government’s authorities to tap into these types of innovations. Sen. Moran highlighted his bipartisan MGT Act – signed into law last December as part of the NDAA for FY2018 – which reforms the way federal agencies purchase IT systems in an effort to eliminate cybersecurity vulnerabilities while saving taxpayer dollars.

Additionally, Sen. Moran spoke with the Case Foundation’s Vice President of Social Innovation Sarah Koch live on Facebook about ways to reduce barriers when starting new businesses.

KDWPT

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is currently accepting applications for the first step in applying to become a Kansas Game Warden – testing and assessment. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications and pass the testing and assessment will then become part of a pool of eligible candidates who may receive an offer of employment as a Natural Resource Officer I. Deadline to apply is Friday, March 16, 2018.

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

-Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Applicants receiving a bachelor’s degree by June 1, 2018 will be considered.

-Possess a valid driver’s license

-Pass a background check, truth verification examination, background investigation, and drug screen

-Be a credible witness in court

To apply for the upcoming testing and assessment, applicants must first register with the State of Kansas by completing the personal information registration form at www.da.ks.gov/ps/aaa/recruitment/. A State of Kansas Applicant ID Number will then be provided.

Next, applicants must submit an application packet containing each of the following items:

1) Letter of interest (include your State of Kansas Applicant ID Number)

2) Detailed resume, including a valid e-mail address

3) College transcript(s) (unofficial copies are acceptable as long as the degree is conferred)

4) KDWPT employment application, which can be found at ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Jobs

5) Authorization to release information form found at ksoutdoors.com/KDWPTInfo/Jobs (This must be witnessed and signed by a KDWPT employee or signed in front of and notarized by a notary public.

6) Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate located at www.ksrevenue.org/taxclearance.html (A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual’s account is compliant with all primary Kansas tax laws.)

Application packets should be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to Human Resources, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124. Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected to participate in the initial testing and assessment.

KDWPT reserves the right to conduct a background check on all qualified applicants.

For more information, contact the KDWPT Law Enforcement Division at (620) 672-5911.

KDC

TOPEKA – While Kansans are pulling together their W-2s and other documents to prepare their 2017 annual tax returns, the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) would like to remind Kansans they may direct all or part of their state income tax refund to support the arts. Individuals who will receive a refund will have an “Arts Checkoff” option to donate a portion of the refund to the KCAIC. The Kansas Department of Revenue will send the designated amount of the refund to the KCAIC.

“Funds received through the Arts Checkoff help support artists and organizations across Kansas that are using the arts to grow the economy and better their communities,” said KCAIC Director Peter Jasso. “Directing a portion of their state income tax refund to the KCAIC is a convenient way for Kansans to help support the arts in our state.”

All funds that the KCAIC receives through the “Arts Checkoff” will directly fund arts programming in Kansas. The KCAIC offers several programs that support artists and organizations in communities across the state. Programs include the Strategic Investment Program, the Arts Integration Program, New Dance and New Play Labs and the Tallgrass Artist Residency.

For more information about grant recipients and programs, please visit KansasCommerce.com/CAIC.

KDA 

MANHATTAN — From the Land of Kansas, the state’s agriculture trademark program within the Kansas Department of Agriculture, celebrated its 40^th anniversary in January, and rolled out a new membership structure to make more benefits available to members. The trademark program works to promote and support the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses that grow, raise, process or manufacture products in Kansas.

The new membership structure offers a la carte options for members to choose from, in place of investing in a membership level with prescribed benefits. This allows members to invest in the benefit options that will most help them succeed. Highlights of the new a la carte options include the following:

• Opportunities with Chef Alli, From the Land of Kansas brand ambassador, including Facebook Live events and TV segments on WIBW
• Online marketing options such as special event e-blasts, and social media promotions and strategy development
• Assistance with design of logos, invoices, etc.
• Opportunities to sell and sample product in pop-up stores at events
• Benefits offered through partnerships with Kansas Value Added Food Lab and Meats Program and with the Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement
• Tradeshow Assistance Program

Details on each of these benefits, as well as a complete list of the membership benefit options, can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/benefits. The changes to the trademark program help KDA work toward its mission to help make Kansas businesses more successful, grow rural communities and expand markets for Kansas agricultural products. For more information about the new structure, contact Janelle Dobbins, From the Land of Kansas marketing manager, at 785-564-6759 or [email protected].

To learn more about From the Land of Kansas, or to find local Kansas food, products or services, visit FromtheLandofKansas.com. Products from members can be found in many stores across the state by looking for the From the Land of Kansas logo or at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com. Follow the program on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

KDWPT

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) was recently recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) for the department’s management of public lands. Recognition came in the form of a national land stewardship award, which was accepted by Keith Sexson, KDWPT Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Boating, during the 42nd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show.

“From their staff to their habitat and wildlife conservation projects, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is leading the way in collaborative endeavors,” said Becky Humphries, NWTF CEO. “We are proud to partner with such a dedicated agency to put boots on the ground to ‘Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.’”

NWTF determined this year’s award winners based on how their work strengthens the organization’s new “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.” initiative. KDWPT was selected for the Land Stewardship award because of the department’s efforts to provide quality habitat and hunting experiences, despite the challenges of being a state that is almost entirely privately-owned.

“The work that our Public Lands staff and Wildlife staff are doing to make opportunities possible for our hunters in this state is just really impressive,” said Sexson. “And we’re happy to partner with organizations like NWTF because we know we can’t do it alone.”

To learn more about the work of NWTF in Kansas, visit www.nwtf.org/about/state/kansas.

For details on public land hunting opportunities in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Where-to-Hunt.

OSFM

CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS, CHANGE YOUR SMOKE ALARM BATTERIES

TOPEKA — Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 2 a.m., and as communities prepare to “spring forward” one hour, the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal (OSFM) urges residents to practice fire safety by testing their smoke alarms and changing the batteries. Alkaline batteries should be replaced at least once a year, and a good rule of thumb is to change the batteries when you change your clocks.

Kansas Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen stresses the importance of replacing outdated smoke alarms with newer models featuring 10-year sealed lithium batteries. The manufacturer date can be found on the back of the smoke alarm.

“Ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home is the single most important step you can take to increase your family’s safety from a home fire,” Jorgensen said. “Purchasing and installing smoke alarms with batteries that don’t need to be changed annually is one of the most affordable ways to protect your family.”

The OSFM, through its “Get Alarmed, Kansas,” program, is working with fire departments across the state to deliver and install free smoke alarms, which also include Carbon Monoxide detection. For more information on “Get Alarmed, Kansas,” visit, www.firemarshal.ks.gov.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

To protect your home, follow these smoke alarm safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including in the basement.
• If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• For smoke alarms without the long-life lithium batteries, be sure to replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery. Date each unit when they are installed and replace them after ten years – or sooner if they do not successfully pass the test by sounding the alarm when the test button is pressed.

In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, it is a good idea to practice a family escape plan:

• Plan and practice two escape routes out of every room in your house.
• Designate an outside meeting place.
• In case of fire, call 9-1-1 once you are safely outside your home.
• Once outside, stay outside and don’t return for anything – not even a pet.

DCF

TOPEKA – The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH), in partnership with the Kansas State School for the Deaf and the Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture, hosted Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day at the Capitol today, Topeka. The event drew more than 50 deaf and hard of hearing students from across Kansas to the State Capitol Building, and offered presentations from community partners, more than 10 informational booths and gave students a chance to meet with their local legislators. Interpreters were on hand throughout the day to assist with conversation.

“The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day at the Capitol is all about awareness. It gives the deaf community an opportunity to see the booths and it is encouraging folks statewide to come and learn what resources are available to them,” KCDHH Executive Director Robert Cooper said. “It also allows for service providers to learn about partners that are available, so that relationships can be built and programs can be strengthened.”

KCDHH is a part of the Rehabilitation Services (RS) division of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The mission of KCDHH is to advocate for and facilitate equal access to quality, coordinated and comprehensive services that enhance the life of Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing. They do this through information and referral, advocacy and public education. KCDHH also works with agencies and organizations throughout Kansas to ensure availability and coordination of services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including communication access. KCDHH maintains the state’s registry of qualified sign language interpreters in order to track interpreters’ credentials, areas of expertise and geographic areas of practice.

For more information on the KCDHH, visit www.dcf.ks.gov/services/RS.

KDADS

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling is dedicating the month of March to helping people “Have the Conversation” about problem gambling. Approximately two million (one percent) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for pathological gambling, another four to six million (two to three percent) would be considered problem gamblers. Yet gambling remains a hidden addiction for many.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. The grassroots campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders – public health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling operators – who work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.

Across Kansas, groups including four state-funded regional task forces and a statewide coalition hold events, mount media campaigns, promote Gambling Disorder Screening Day on March 13 and conduct outreach to people who can make a difference ensuring that problem gambling services are promoted and the public is educated regarding problem gambling.

As March Madness reaches a crescendo with an estimated $10 billion in bets placed on NCAA basketball championship games, calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline spike an average of 30 percent during this month.

To get help for a gambling problem for you or a loved one, Kansas residents can call the Kansas problem gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or can visit ksgamblinghelp.com for more information. The call is free and confidential. No out-of-pocket cost treatment is available for problem gamblers and concerned others with revenues collected from state owned casinos. The program is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

KFL

WICHITA – The National Right to Life Convention will be held in Overland Park, Kansas, this year.

Pro-life young people have a great opportunity to showcase and hone their skills with the NRLC Video Contest.

This contest is not only wonderful for engaging the pro-life youth in your communities, but also great for introducing them to more involvement in the movement. When they participate in the contest, it’s an important part of injecting the pro-life message into public discourse using their talents and skill.

The contest is open to all video-makers ages 15-25. The videos must be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes in length. The deadline to enter is May 31, 2018.

Online submission form and full contest rules (as well as all previous winning submissions) can be found at www.nrlconvention.com/video-contest.

Click here for a flyer about the event.