NAMI 

TOPEKA –  A report released Monday by NAMI Kansas, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, highlights the substantial return on investment of supporting comprehensive and proactive smoking cessation for KanCare beneficiaries with behavioral health disorders in the Medicaid population.  

The report, co-authored by Professor Tami Gurley-Calvez at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, estimates the economic impact of providing smoking cessation treatment through Kansas Medicaid for a population of adults with particularly high smoking rates and expected healthcare expenditures—those with severe mental illness and/or a substance use disorder.

Due to the high health care costs that result from smoking-related illness, reducing smoking is projected to help the state economy with a net direct economic benefit of $15 million if all Kansas Medicaid participants with severe mental illness and/or a substance use disorder were able to successfully quit using tobacco. An additional $14 million in indirect economic activity results in a total economic gain of $29 million or $1.57 for every $1.00 spent.

“This study supports the legislative objectives represented by Senate Bill 316 to establish comprehensive tobacco cessation coverage for all KanCare beneficiaries,” said Rick Cagan, Executive Director of NAMI Kansas.  “We believe that the return on investment for all people in KanCare who smoke will be even greater than for the behavioral health population,” Cagan added.

The study concludes that increasing access to smoking cessation programs improves patient health and improves the state economy.  “It is more cost-effective to proactively pay for smoking cessation than to pay the cost of treating Kansans for the illnesses caused by smoking,” said Cagan.

With funding from the Kansas Health Foundation, a coalition of health care advocates have been working to develop resources, including the Tobacco Guideline for Behavioral Health, to reduce the impact of tobacco-related illnesses among the behavioral health population.

NAMI Kansas is the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, providing programs of peer support, education and advocacy in 15 communities in Kansas on behalf of individuals living with mental illness and their family members.

KDC

TOPEKA — The Tallgrass Artist Residency, a partnership between The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) and the Center for Living Education, a non-profit organization that manages the Bank Art Space in Matfield Green, is now accepting applications. Artists currently living within the ecological boundaries of the North American prairie are eligible to participate in the 2018 residency program.

The Tallgrass Artist Residency will invite eight artists to participate in two-week residency periods between May and September 2018. During individual residency periods, each artist will have a public program at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Artists will also participate in a group exhibition at the Bank Art Space and the Tallgrass Artist Symposium at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art in Manhattan, Kansas. The opening of the exhibition and the symposium is scheduled to take place on October 13, 2018.

“This residency seeks to create connection and conversation across the Great Plains by requesting that applicants currently live in a place that is ecologically considered prairie,” said Peter Jasso, Director of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. “Ideal applicants will have a strong body of work with a voice that reflects the artist’s own community, a dedication to place, and an interest in participating in a contemporary dialogue. Applicants from all backgrounds and career levels, media and practice are welcome.”

The Tallgrass Residency is headquartered at The Bank Art Space in the community of Matfield Green, Kansas. Additional regional partners in the 2018 program include Matfield Station, The Volland Store, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, and The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Strong City.

 Applications are due by February 28, with notification by the end of March.

Artists will be selected based on review of applications by a jury:
-Larry Meeker (Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission)
-Matt Regier (The Bank Art Space
-Amy Kleigman (Charlotte Street Foundation)
-Casey Whittier (Kansas City Art Institute, Tallgrass Artist Residency 2016)

Requirements

• Residency periods must occur in ten night blocks between May and September 2018
• Artists will stay at one of the partner lodging sites in Kansas, which include Matfield Station and The Volland Store
• During the residency period, each artist will give an “open studio” public program at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
• Artists will be asked to contribute some kind of documentation during their residency for promotional purposes – snapshots, a blog post, etc.
• Artists will be required to participate in a group exhibition in the Fall of 2018 at the Bank Art Space in Matfield Green.
• Artists are also required to participate in the Tallgrass Symposium at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art on October 13, 2018. (View artist talks from 2016, online)

Awards

• Artists will be provided ten nights of free lodging at one of three partner sites.
• Artists may be granted special access at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
• Each artist will receive a stipend of $300-400 for travel and material reimbursement.
• Artists will be provided lodging for up to two nights in Matfield Green during closing events on October 13, 2018.
• Reimbursements will be available for shipping artwork to and from group exhibition.

Online application: kansascaic.submittable.com

Tallgrass Artist Residency program website: tallgrassart.wordpress.com

To contact the program directly:

• Kelly Yarbrough / Residency Coordinator: [email protected]
• Derek & Katherine Hamm / Residency On-site Managers: [email protected]

KDWPT

PRATT – Hunters searching for a good turkey hunting spot this spring, especially those with a young hunter in tow, are encouraged to apply for one of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Special Hunts. Through the Special Hunts program, successful applicants can gain temporary hunting access to select department lands, including state parks, wildlife areas, and refuges; Walk-in Hunting Areas; national wildlife refuges; city and county properties; and other locations where access is restricted. Because the hunts are limited to a certain number of participants, hunters who draw can expect high-quality experiences.

Last spring, 84 Special Hunts for spring turkeys were available to 165 hunters. Of those hunts, 25 were Mentor Hunts, 29 were Open Hunts and 30 were Youth Hunts. Similar numbers can be expected for 2018, and beginning Feb. 1, hunters can view and apply for 2018 spring turkey special hunts at www.ksoutdoors.com, click “Hunting” then “Special Hunts.” Applications must be submitted before 9 a.m., March 5, 2018. There is no fee to apply, and the draw is open to residents and nonresidents.

Open Hunts are open to all persons with no age or experience restrictions. Youth Hunts are open to youth 16 and younger, who must be accompanied by adult mentors 18 or older (adults may not hunt). Mentor Hunts are open to youth and/or inexperienced (novice) hunters who are each supervised by a licensed adult mentor. Both the novice and mentor may hunt. Several hunts allow for additional hunters to accompany a permit holder.

Successful applicants will be notified by email shortly after the computer-generated drawing has occurred. Special Hunt permits only provide access, so hunters must purchase all necessary licenses, permits and have hunter education certification, unless exempt.

For information on permits, season dates, and regulations, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting,” then “Turkey Information.”

KDWPT

TOPEKA – Wednesday, game wardens in northeast Kansas, along with other Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) law enforcement officers and agency staff participated in the Second Annual Fallen Officers Memorial Blood Drive for the American Red Cross.

Members of the Washburn University Police Department also generously volunteered their time and blood.

The blood drive was held at the KDWPT Region 2 Office at 300 SW Wanamaker in Topeka. Twenty-nine volunteers were scheduled to donate.

The Game Warden Honor Guard conducted a flag ceremony honoring fallen officers to open the drive.

The fallen officers and their dates of death are:

• John H. Cox, Game Warden, December 6, 1916; Shot and killed trying to arrest a person suspected of hunting illegally
• F.W. Tierney, Game Warden, January 1925; Shot and killed by two men suspected of poaching
• Elmer L. Nonnast, Game Warden, May 8, 1974; Died of a heart attack during a foot pursuit of men suspected of poaching fish on the Arkansas River
• Luke D. Nihart, Park Ranger, June 26, 2010

The family of Luke Nihart attended the flag ceremony. Nihart, age 32 and the father of two children, died in an ATV accident at Tuttle Creek State Park while working at Country Stampede.

According to Susan Faler, Account Manager for American Red Cross Blood Services, the holidays, cold weather and widespread illness this winter have combined to greatly reduce the number of people who have volunteered to give blood. “I want to thank Captain Dan Melson, the KDWPT staff and the Washburn University Police Department for doing such a tremendous job in organizing today’s blood drive.”

“This is our way of giving life-saving help to those in need and, at the same time, honor our fellow officers who gave their lives in the line of duty,” said Captain Melson, supervising game warden for northeast Kansas who organized the event.

KCAIC

TOPEKA — To help promote Kansas-based performing artists, The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) maintains an approved Touring Roster of Kansas-based touring companies and artists. The roster enables those looking to book performers to identify acts available for bookings. The KCAIC is now accepting applications for inclusion on the roster.

“If you are an artist, becoming a Kansas Touring Performer helps you to be found by presenters and allows you to be considered for increased grant amounts in both the KCAIC AIP-Visiting Artist program and the Mid-America Arts Alliance Regional Touring Program,” said Peter Jasso, Director of the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.

In this program, the artist or artist’s management sets the fee and negotiates the booking. To be eligible for inclusion, applicants:

• Can come from any artistic discipline (including, but not limited to: music, theater, dance, visual arts, literary, comedy, graphic novels, film, podcasting, etc.).
• Should be either a Kansas-based nonprofit, individual artist, university, or unincorporated/for-profit group providing arts performances and experiences.
• Must have a history of touring and maintain a reasonable fee range.
• Are required to perform outside their community regularly.
• Must offer single performances or exhibitions as well as complementary services that may include workshops, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, arts education components, residencies, or short performances.

The fact that an artist is approved to the roster does not imply or guarantee that the artist will receive bookings in the coming year.

The deadline for consideration this round is Feb. 23, 2018. The review panel will convene in early March.

All applications must be submitted via an online form: https://kansascaic.submittable.com

Applicants will provide the following information:

• Biographical information
• Brief description of the artist’s programs
• Contact information including website
• Program fees

Support Materials may include:

• Performances/Programs: Panelists will limit their review to 3-5 minute segments. Video of a staged performance or public program offering is preferred to a video production.
• Marketing: brochure; sample program; sample news release; reviews; artist/presenter contract,
• Reviews, previous presenters, audience, and noteworthy individuals (cite source).
• Resume(s) of artists/touring manager (2 pages maximum per person)
• Letters of Recommendation (3 maximum)

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated on the following:

• Artistic Quality: The Artistic merit of the applicant and quality of services. This is the primary consideration for inclusion in the roster.
• Capability and Experience: Evidence of experience and reliability. Ability of applicant for effective implementation, management, and promotion of programs
• Impact: Ability of the applicant to impact teaching and learning in, about and through the arts and/or innovative integration of an arts discipline into a non-arts curriculum or content areas. The quality of complementary activities will be considered.
• The performance fee indicates the cost of presenting a program an average distance from the artist’s home area and includes transportation and lodging unless otherwise noted. Factors affecting the performance fee include: number and type of performances at a specific location; size and type of audience expected; actual distance traveled; block booking arrangements; and equipment required. All fees listed are negotiable and subject to change.
  KCAIC does not serve as a booking agent for artists listed, nor does a listing guarantee employment. The most successful artists use this as a tool to help promote themselves to potential booking agents. Eligible organizations may request funding from KCAIC through the AIP-Visiting Artists program to present artists on this roster to their community for an increased grant amount. Roster artists are also eligible for an increased grant amount through the Mid-America Arts Alliance Regional Touring Program.

VISITING ARTISTS GRANTS FEATURING ROSTER ARTISTS

• Visiting Artists grants featuring roster artists will be accepted and reviewed year round. Applicants can apply at any time up to 30 days prior to the start of proposed activities. These grants will be reviewed for compliance with general policies and approved by staff.
• Visiting Artist grants featuring non-roster artists must go through the panel review process held during scheduled grant rounds.
• Applications can be submitted online at https://kansascaic.submittable.com

For more on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission go to KansasCommerce.gov/caic.

KDA

MANHATTAN. ­­— The From the Land of Kansas Annual Meeting and Farmers’ Market Conference will be held March 1-2, 2018, at the Bluemont Hotel in Manhattan. The conference includes the annual meeting for members, partners and farmers’ markets. It also will feature general sessions, specialized workshops and the opportunity to network with Kansas-based businesses.

“As we celebrate 40 years of Kansas’ trademark program, we are pleased to provide this opportunity to network with other Kansas entrepreneurs in the ag industry,” said Jackie McClaskey, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. “The speakers and breakout sessions will promote continued learning and growth for the members of From the Land of Kansas.”

The keynote speaker will be Jolene Brown, farmer, author and professional speaker, whose presentation will focus on seeing your business through the eyes of a customer. Participants in the conference will also be able to hear from other experts in the agriculture, marketing and food industries. Topics which will be featured in sessions and workshops include:

• Small business marketing and funding
• Successfully coordinating, managing and sustaining a farmers’ market
• Food industry updates
• Grant writing for business

The cost to attend the event is $95 for both days or $75 for one day, and a block of rooms is available at the Bluemont Hotel through Feb. 16. To register or see the conference agenda, visit the website at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMconference. This event is sponsored by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Association of Conservation Districts; Hy-Vee; and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

From the Land of Kansas is the state’s agriculture trademark program in the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The program works to promote and support Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses that grow, raise or manufacture agriculture products or products for agriculture use. KDA is committed to its mission to help make Kansas businesses more successful, grow rural communities and expand markets for Kansas agricultural products.

For more information, 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, become a From the Land of Kansas member, or find local Kansas food, products or services, visitFromtheLandofKansas.com.

KID

TOPEKA – With cryptocurrencies continuing to attract headlines, the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner reminds Kansas investors to be cautious about investments involving cryptocurrencies.

“Investors should go beyond the headlines and hype to understand the risks associated with investments in cryptocurrencies, as well as cryptocurrency futures contracts and other financial products where these virtual currencies are linked in some way to the underlying investment,” said John Wine, Securities Commissioner.

Cryptocurrencies are a medium of exchange created and stored electronically in the blockchain, a distributed public database that keeps a permanent record of digital transactions. Current common cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin.

Unlike traditional currency, these alternatives have no physical form and typically are not backed by tangible assets. They are not insured or controlled by a central bank or other governmental authority, cannot always be exchanged for other commodities, and are subject to little or no regulation.

A survey of state and provincial securities regulators by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner is a member, shows 94 percent believe there is a “high risk of fraud” involving cryptocurrencies. Regulators also were unanimous that more regulation is needed for cryptocurrency to provide greater investor protection.

“The recent wild price fluctuations and speculation in cryptocurrency-related investments can easily tempt unsuspecting investors to rush into an investment they may not fully understand,” said Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance. “Cryptocurrencies and investments tied to them are high-risk products with an unproven track record and high price volatility.”

The securities office is a division of the Kansas Insurance Department.

Unlike an Initial Public Offering (IPO) when a company sells stocks in order to raise capital, an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) sells “tokens” in order to fund a project, usually related to the blockchain. The token likely has no value at the time of purchase. Some tokens constitute, or may be exchangeable for, a new cryptocurrency to be launched by the project, while others may give investors a discount, or early rights to a product or service proposed to be offered by the project.

Common Cryptocurrency Concerns

Some common concerns investors should consider before investing in any offering containing cryptocurrency include the following:

• Cryptocurrency is subject to minimal regulatory oversight, susceptible to cybersecurity breaches or hacks, and there may be no recourse should the cryptocurrency disappear.
• Cryptocurrency accounts are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
• The high volatility of cryptocurrency investments makes them unsuitable for most investors, especially those investing for long-term goals or retirement.
• Investors will have to rely upon the strength of their own computer security systems, as well as security systems provided by third parties, to protect purchased cryptocurrencies from theft.

Common Red Flags of Investment Fraud

Commissioner Wine also reminds investors to keep watch for these common red flags of investment fraud:

• “Guaranteed” high investment returns. There is no such thing as guaranteed investment returns, and there is no guarantee that the cryptocurrency will increase in value.
• Unsolicited offers. An unsolicited sales pitch may be part of a fraudulent investment scheme.  Cryptocurrency investment opportunities are promoted aggressively through social media.
• Sounds too good to be true. If the project sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for exaggerated claims about the project’s future success.
• Pressure to buy immediately. Take time to research an investment opportunity before handing over your money.
• Unlicensed sellers. Many fraudulent investment schemes involve unlicensed individuals or unregistered firms. The KSC can help investors research the background of those selling or advising the purchase of an investment. Call 800-232-9580 or go online at www.ksc.ks.gov.

KCC

TOPEKA – The Governor’s office is accepting applications to fill the seat in the Kansas Corporation Commission being vacated on March 15^th by Commissioner Pat Apple.  Applications can be found at the following website: https://governor.kansas.gov/serving-kansans/office-of-appointments/senate-confirmed-appointments/Applications.

All applications must be submitted before close of business February 9, 2018.

Questions can be directed to the Office of Appointments, (785)368-7097.

The Kansas Corporation Commission serves the people of Kansas by regulating the State’s energy infrastructure, oil and gas production, and commercial trucking to ensure public safety.

KCAIC

TOPEKA — The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is now accepting applications for its two main grant categories, The Strategic Investment Program and The Arts Integration Program.

The Strategic Investment Program recognizes the important role creative organizations play in building and sustaining cultural and economic vibrancy in Kansas. By funding a variety of professional and organizational development opportunities that impact cultural programming, these grants support initiatives that use the arts to enhance community vitality, revitalize neighborhoods, generate local business, create and preserve job opportunities and impact tourism.

The Arts Integration Programs support the role the arts play in all levels of education, community service, and workforce development. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, and enhance community development.

The deadline for application submission is March 30, 2018, with review dates in early-mid April 2018. The main grant period is from May 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, however, projects with an end date prior to June 30, 2018 may have a start date of Jan. 1, 2018. This will be the final round of the fiscal year.

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Strategic Investment Program grants are awarded in three categories:

• Organizational Development: This category provides funding for professional development opportunities for Kansas based arts organizations that help strengthen business practices, increase organizational viability and promote long-term sustainability.
• New and Expanded Works: This program provides funding for new or significantly expanded productions, exhibitions, programs or events by Kansas-based nonprofit arts organizations. Projects should either be an entirely new type of program for the organization designed to diversify its services or an expansion of an existing program designed to significantly enhance the quality of current offerings.
•  Equipment and Technology: This program provides funding to purchase equipment, materials, and/or technology upgrades to expand or improve an applicant’s organization.

Applicants for a grant under the Strategic Investment Program must make a compelling case as to why this particular self-identified activity or opportunity was selected, how it will have a substantial impact on their work and community, and how it will enhance the national reputation of Kansas.

Guidelines and additional information can be found here:
https://kansascommerce.gov/707/Strategic-Investment-Program

ARTS INTEGRATION PROGRAM

Arts Integration Programs are awarded in three categories:

• Visiting Artists: This category provides funding for eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting arts. Presenters may book artists in any discipline, not just in performing arts. Projects should strive to integrate an arts discipline into non-arts content areas; help interpret an exhibition, performance, or presentation; and support community development goals and objectives. Booking artists on the Kansas Touring Roster allow for a $1,000 credit for the applicant organization: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/705/KS-Roster
• Note: KCAIC will review applications for roster inclusion in early March. Please check the website at that time for an expanded list and encourage qualified artists to apply. In addition, Visiting Artists grants featuring roster artists will be accepted and reviewed year round up to 30 days prior to proposed activities.
• Integrated Arts Education: This category supports new or expanded educational programming that integrates arts learning into the non-arts curriculum and content areas to address emerging technologies, areas of skills shortages, STEM curricula, workforce readiness, and increase student performance.
• Innovative Partnerships: This category supports innovative programming between arts organizations and non-arts organizations to impact a variety of community and/or economic development goals. Arts organizations are encouraged to partner with other community entities (hospitals, prisons, etc.) to develop arts-centered programs that address community needs such as public health, transportation, tourism, unemployment, aging, corrections, etc.

Guidelines and additional information can be found at https://kansascommerce.gov/666/Arts-Integration-Program

To review the application process, as well as program and category specific policies and guidelines visit KansasCommerce.gov/CAIC. Applications can be submitted online at https://kansascaic.submittable.com .

Grants will be reviewed by peer panel and awarded at the quarterly commission meeting in April.

All grants are made possible through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and are subject to KCAIC and NEA standards and regulations.

For more on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission go to KansasCommerce.gov/caic.

Columbus, Ohio – The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the popular children’s series, Harry Moon, have announced a partnership that will help find more loving homes for children waiting in foster care.

The popular Harry Moon series is written for a middle school audience and encourages readers to become heroes in their own communities, accepting the differences of others and cultivating kind behavior. The series highlights topics like foster care, adoption and embracing those with special needs.

The series publisher, Rabbit, sends Harry Moon Book Club Catalogs to schools around the United States. The club is managed by Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO). The color catalogs contain more than 25 specially-priced Harry Moon and Honey Moon titles. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

“The partnership with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption just makes sense to us,” said Rabbit’s Thom Black. “Our books address critical social issues that tie directly to the Foundation’s mission to find loving homes for children in foster care.”

There are more than 150,000 children in North America who are in foster care waiting to be adopted. More than 20,000 children age out of care each year. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption funds adoption recruiter positions at adoption agencies across the U.S. and Canada. Those recruiters focuses on finding homes for the children who are most at risk of aging out without being adopted. This includes older children, sibling groups and children with special needs.

“We love the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption,” says Rabbit’s Thom Black. “Championing the needs of our nation’s most vulnerable children is our number one priority. We want school children all across America to take part in our relationship with the Foundation.”

The Harry Moon and Honey Moon series are distributed through Diamond Comic Distributors and Anchor Distributors

About the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption:
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated exclusively to finding permanent homes for the nearly 150,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grant making. To learn more, visit davethomasfoundation.org or call 1-800-ASK-DTFA.

About Rabbit Publishers:
Rabbit Publishers is based in Chicago, Illinois. Committed to the ideal of the wholesome child, the company encourages the intellectual and personal growth of children through literacy. Product focus is on the eight-to-twelve year old reader. Rabbit’s current line of books includes the Harry Moon Series and the Honey Moon Series. To learn more about Rabbit, visit harrymoon.com.

– SUBMITTED –

OFFICE OF U.S. ATTORNEY

WICHITA – Stephen R. McAllister was sworn in Thursday as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas.

The Honorable Clarence Thomas of the United States Supreme Court administered the oath in a private ceremony today on the University of Kansas campus.

McAllister was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He will be in charge of a staff of more than 100, including 50 attorneys, who work in offices in Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City, Kan. Tom Beall, who has served as U.S. Attorney on an interim basis since former U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom resigned in April 2016, will return to his position as First Assistant U.S. Attorney.

“I am honored to serve,” McAllister said. “I accept the duty to follow the law and to uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality and equal justice for all.”

McAllister has served as the Solicitor General of Kansas and the E.S. & Tom W. Hampton Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Kansas. He argued nine times before the Supreme Court of the United States and he has taught constitutional law and federal civil rights law at KU. He clerked for Justice Thomas as well as the Honorable Byron R. White of the United States Supreme Court, and the Honorable Richard A. Posner at the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

He received a bachelor’s degree in 1985 from the University of Kansas, and a law degree in 1988 from the University of Kansas School of Law.

KDWPT

PRATT – Nearly 99 percent of Kansas’ wildlife are designated as nongame species, or species that are not trapped, fished or hunted. While revenue from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses fund management practices that benefit all wildlife, funding aimed specifically at nongame species is needed. The Kansas Nongame Wildlife Improvement Program, also known as Chickadee Checkoff, provides individuals with the opportunity to support nongame species through tax-deductible donations. Money collected from these donations goes directly to a variety of nongame wildlife research, habitat enhancements/restorations, and educational projects.

Consider making a contribution this tax season by marking the Chickadee Checkoff box on your state income tax form (line 36 on K40 form) and designate the amount you would like to donate. There is no minimum or incremental requirement. Donations can also be made directly to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) by addressing the donation to Chickadee Checkoff c/o KDWPT 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124.

Private donations are crucial to managing these vital species since Chickadee Checkoff proceeds are matched by federal funds. Contributions have been steadily decreasing in recent years, making it imperative that Kansans mark the Chickadee Checkoff box this year.

For more information, visit www.ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/Chickadee-Checkoff.

Take an active part in managing and conserving Kansas’ diverse wildlife for future generations. Check the chickadee.