KBI

TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is pleased to announce that the Kansas Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has identified the underlying factors which contributed to the accumulation of unsubmitted sexual assault kits throughout the state of Kansas.

In 2014, the KBI initiated the Kansas Sexual Assault Kit Initiative and formed a statewide multidisciplinary working group tasked with evaluating the financial, legal, and systematic barriers to sexual assault kit testing. Since then, the group – which includes members of law enforcement, prosecutors, laboratory professionals, medical professionals, and victim advocates from across the state – worked to identify factors that contributed to the accumulation of over 2,220 unsubmitted sexual assault kits in Kansas.

With the group’s input, the KBI developed recommendations intended to prevent future accumulation of sexual assault evidence.

“We had many partners who came together to pinpoint the diverse factors contributing to this accumulation,” said KBI Director Kirk Thompson. “This collaboration sets the stage for effective implementation of the findings and recommendations identified.”

The initiative is directed by KBI Executive Officer Katie Whisman, who co-authored a publication describing the working group’s efforts and findings. The publication, which can serve as a model for other states across the country, cites a lack of training, a lack of resources, a lack of policy, and a lack of societal awareness as factors contributing to the accumulation. Additionally, it identifies specific recommendations that Kansas stakeholders can utilize when developing standards and policies in an effort to create a sustainable and effective response to sexual assaults.

The publication was approved by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), who awarded the KBI a National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) federal grant in 2016. The grant is helping the KBI reduce the number of unsubmitted sexual assault kits across the state, arrest and prosecute violent offenders, and support victims.

The findings and recommendations will be shared with agencies in Kansas who have a role in responding to sexual assault, in an effort to prevent another accumulation of kits. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to prevent victimization by identifying more perpetrators of sexual assault, including serial offenders, while gaining justice for more victims and increasing public safety.

WICHITA – A Kansas hunting guide pleaded guilty and was sentenced Tuesday for routinely violating state and federal hunting laws while taking clients on $300-a-day hunting trips, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Jerad Stroot, 26, Colwich, Kan., an employee of Eagle Head Outfitters, LLC, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacy Act. In his plea, Stroot said his work included transporting hunters and their equipment to the field, directing hunters when to shoot, retrieving birds killed by hunters and keeping track of the number of birds killed by hunters and daily bag limits.

Stroot admitted:

• Placing corn, wheat and soybeans around ponds as bait for waterfowl.
• Helping hunters to exceed their daily bag limits by offering to say he shot some of the birds they shot.
• Failing to tag, process and transport birds as required by state and federal law.

Stroot was sentenced to five years on probation during which he may not hunt, trap or guide and a $5,000 fine

Co-defendant Josh Hedges, 35, Grenola, Kan., owner of Eagle Head Outfitters, is set for a change of plea hearing July 31.

Beall commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster for their work on the case.

DCF

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is strengthening its efforts to combat welfare benefits fraud by offering an online submission form to report suspected incidents of fraud. The online form was made available to the public this week.

The DCF Anti-fraud Unit works to aggressively investigate, detect, prevent and prosecute welfare recipient fraud in all public assistance programs administered by DCF, including cash assistance, food assistance, child care assistance and utility assistance.

The fraud referral submission form is housed on the DCF website, and it’s expected that this new online tool will contribute to the increased detection and prevention of benefits theft. The detection, deterrence and prevention of welfare fraud saves taxpayer dollars that would otherwise be wrongfully received by individuals who are not entitled to receive assistance.

“Offering the public multiple, convenient ways to report fraud will encourage Kansans to share that information for investigation,” Secretary Gilmore said. “These are scarce public resources, and our job is to ensure the integrity of the program, so these safety net services are available for those who truly qualify to receive them.”

In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2014, the Anti-fraud Unit obtained more than 316 fraud judgments in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program. These DCF fraud findings resulted in more than $1.3 million dollars being returned to the State. Additionally, in the same fiscal year, more than 79 fraud judgments were confirmed in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program as well, totaling more than $200,000 in fraud findings.

In Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2014, Kansas ranked second in the nation in the number of SNAP judgments obtained. Then again in FFY 2015, Kansas ranked third nationwide in the number of SNAP judgments. FFY 2016 and FFY 2017 rankings are not currently available.

DCF’s Anti-fraud Unit consists of four human service consultants, 11 regional attorneys and 16 special investigators.

“I am proud of the work the Anti-fraud Unit has done and am appreciative that we are continuing to strengthen their efforts,” Secretary Gilmore said. “The work they do is so important because taxpayers deserve to know their hard-earned money is benefiting families in need, not criminals.”

Those who suspect benefits fraud are encouraged to fill out the “Fraud Report Form” online at www.dcf.ks.gov. You can also call 800-432-3913.

KDA

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program (NOCCSP), allowing farms, ranches and businesses which produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products to be reimbursed for eligible expenses.

The NOCCSP allows state agencies to provide reimbursement to certified organic operators for up to 75 percent of the operation’s total allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 per certification scope in the areas of crops, livestock, wild crops and handling (i.e., processing). The current period of qualification for organic operations seeking reimbursements is from Oct. 1, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2017, and applications will be accepted through December 15, 2017.

The application for the cost share funding, as well as other information about the program, is available on the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/organiccostshare. Reimbursements will be on a first-come, first-served basis, based on receipt of the completed application packet, until available funding is exhausted.

Beginning in fiscal year 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture has transferred the authority to administer USDA’s two Organic Certification Cost Share Programs from the Agriculture Marketing Service to the Farm Service Agency. FSA awards the NOCCSP funds to eligible state agencies that serve as administering entities who work directly with organic operations to reimburse organic certification costs.

KDA is committed to serving all Kansas farmers and encouraging economic growth of the agriculture industry, which is the state’s largest economic driver.

Questions regarding cost share funds for organic certification may be directed to KDA economist Kellen Liebsch at [email protected] or 785-564-6726. Additional information can be found at the USDA National Organic Program website at www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/occsp/.

KDA

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s agricultural advocacy, marketing and outreach team is seeking talented Kansans to serve on the Marketing Advisory Board. The mission of the KDA marketing program team is to serve all Kansans through innovative programming and deliver solutions designed to create an environment that facilitates growth and expansion in agriculture while increasing pride in and awareness of the state’s largest industry — agriculture.

The Marketing Advisory Board will advise the program team on a variety of topics through the following sub-committees: From the Land of Kansas, international agricultural development, agricultural business development, agricultural workforce development and agricultural education.

If you are interested in applying to serve as a Marketing Advisory Board member, please submit a resume, statement of interest/cover letter and tax clearance confirmation PDF via email to Kerry Wefald, Director of Marketing at [email protected]. For more details about the board and about the application process, go to agriculture.ks.gov/marketing-advisory-board. All questions can be directed to Kerry Wefald at [email protected] or via phone at 785-564-6758.

Applications are due by Fri., August 4, 2017.

KSC

TOPEKA – Kansas Securities Interim Commissioner John Wine has announced the opening of the 2017 investor education grant cycle. The deadline for applications to be received by the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner (KSC) is August 15, 2017.

The Securities Commissioner’s Office develops and implements financial literacy and investor education initiatives to inform the public about investing in securities and the prevention of securities fraud. As part of this mission, the KSC regularly collaborates with organizations interested in expanding investor and financial education in the state. Applicants are encouraged to apply for grant funds for purposes relating to investor education or financial literacy.

“We appreciate and support the efforts of community and state-wide partners in providing education to Kansans on personal finance,” said John Wine, Interim Commissioner of the Securities Commissioner’s Office. “Grants will be awarded based on several factors, including project applicability to informing Kansans about investing and securities fraud, proposed outcome measures, and creativity and ingenuity of the proposals, among other measures.”

To learn more about the grant process, visit www.ksc.ks.gov/grants or contact Shannon Santschi, Director of Investor Education, at [email protected] or 785-296-1055.

KDWPT

PRATT – Resident hunters and hunters purchasing deer permits available over the counter can obtain their 2017 permits beginning August 1. Deer permits available over the counter for the 2017 season include:

Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer permits – valid for one white-tailed deer buck, doe or fawn – may be used statewide in any season, using equipment legal for that season.

$42.50 General Residents

$22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant

$87.50 Nonresident Tenant

$12.50 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Archery Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits – valid for one white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn – may be used statewide with archery equipment only during archery season.

$42.50 General Residents

$22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant

$87.50 Nonresident Tenant

$12.50 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Resident Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer permits – valid for one white-tailed or mule deer buck, doe or fawn – may be used either in the East Zone (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) OR the West Zone (1, 2, 17, 18) during the early muzzleloader season and the regular firearm season. Hunters may use muzzleloading equipment only with this permit.

$42.50 General Residents

$22.50 Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant

$87.50 Nonresident Tenant

$12.50 Resident Youth (15 and Younger)

Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permits – valid any white-tailed or mule deer only on land owned or operated by the landowner or tenant during muzzleloader, archery, and firearm seasons using equipment legal for that season – are $22.50. These permits may only be obtained by individuals who qualify as resident landowners or tenants, including family members living with the landowner or tenant.

Resident Antlerless White-tailed Deer permits – valid for any white-tailed deer without a visible antler protruding from the skull – are available to any hunter who has first purchased a resident deer permit that allows the taking of an antlered deer, unless the antlerless permit is purchased on or after Dec. 30.

$22.50 General Residents

$10.00 Resident Youth (15 and younger)

Hunters may obtain up to five Antlerless White-tailed Deer permits; the first is valid in Deer Management Units 1 thru 17 and 19, including lands managed by the Department. Additional Antlerless White-tailed Deer permits are valid in units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10A, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 19, on private land with landowner permission, Walk-In-Hunting Areas, and Glen Elder, Kanopolis, Lovewell, Norton, Webster and Wilson Wildlife Areas and Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.

No Antlerless White-tailed Deer permits are valid in Unit 18, and Either-Species Antlerless-Only permits are not available for 2017.

For more information, visit ksoutdoors.com or call 620-672-5911.

KDADS

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Behavioral Health Commission has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to continue its work with homeless individuals experiencing mental illness. The grant is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), under the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Kansas,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “Our agency is committed to the development of effective ways to address homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse, and this program allows us to do that at the grass-roots level.”

SAMHSA has designated Kansas as a Cooperative Agreements to Benefit Homeless Individuals (CABHI) state. The purpose of the CABHI-Kansas program is to strengthen state infrastructure and treatment systems to provide coordinated treatment, recovery support and permanent supported housing to individuals who experience chronic homelessness and to veterans who experience homelessness/chronic homelessness with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.

CABHI-Kansas is taking a “Housing First” approach to connecting homeless individuals with permanent housing without preconditions such as sobriety, substance use treatment or other participation requirements. Earlier this year, the program conducted Housing First training for community health centers as well as mental health and substance treatment centers in conjunction with the University of Kansas. The Housing First model is used by all the CABHI-KS team. It is an alternative to the traditional approach in which homeless individuals are required to first participate in and complete short-term residential and treatment programs before obtaining permanent housing.

The CABHI-Kansas teams utilize evidence-based practices to provide the best services and outcomes for the clients they serve. The model also incorporates a rapid job search that is available for any individual who is looking for a job, regardless of their work history or treatment status. It is the mission of the employment teams to connect individuals with behavioral health needs to steady employment that can assist them in their path to recovery.

“Our CABHI Kansas teams in year one served more than 300 individuals in three counties, Shawnee, Wyandotte, and Sedgwick,” said Korrie Snell, CABHI Coordinator for KDADS. “Working with substance abuse providers Heartland RADAC and the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas (SACK), CABHI-Kansas has linked 135 chronically homeless individuals to permanent supported housing.”

Additionally, more than 50 individuals have obtained employment through the CABHI Individual Placement and Support (IPS) supported employment program.

KDADS Housing, Employment, and Benefits Program Manager Melissa Bogart-Starkey said, “This grant allows CABHI-Kansas teams to continue to provide services for chronically homeless individuals in need. We see positive outcomes every day.”

OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs, and Related Agencies – today joined U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, in introducing broad, bipartisan legislation that seeks to improve veterans’ education benefits and enhances the post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

“The G.I. Bill, which was drafted by Kansan Harry W. Colmery in 1944, has made a significant difference in the lives of millions of American veterans who have earned this benefit through their service and sacrifice,” said Sen. Moran. “This bipartisan legislation will build upon the post-9/11 G.I. Bill, making certain that our nation’s heroes are able to utilize this benefit for years to come. As they transition from service, our veterans deserve to have the support and opportunities offered by the G.I. Bill so that they can continue their contributions to our country long after completing their service.”

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 will further invest in the proven educational success of our veterans and help propel them toward becoming our nation’s civic, business and public leaders.

“We have worked closely with our partners in the veterans community and with our colleagues in the U.S. House to ensure this legislation makes the necessary changes to improve the G.I. Bill and helps veterans succeed in their desired career field,” said Sen. Isakson. “I am proud to introduce this important legislation with Senator Tester after the House introduced its companion legislation last week. We urge our Senate colleagues to join us in supporting these improvements to the G.I. Bill to help further our investment in the futures of our veterans.”

“The G.I. Bill has provided generations of veterans with access to higher education after they have bravely served our country,” said Sen. Tester. “It’s been a pleasure working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well as veterans and advocates, to craft bipartisan legislation that will break down barriers to and strengthen education benefits for servicemembers, Guardsmen and Reservists. I look forward to working with Senator Isakson and our colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to ensure veterans have every shot at success.”

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 makes much-needed updates for reservists, Purple Heart recipients, veterans who face school closures while enrolled and surviving family members. The legislation also provides increased resources and authority for educational assistance to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, computer programming and career technical training.

Most significantly, this bill recognizes our country’s need for an agile and adaptable workforce and that American workers need to be lifelong learners. For that purpose, this bill eliminates the arbitrary 15-year period within which a veteran is required to use their G.I. Bill so they can use their benefits at any time in their professional career.

Additionally, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017:

· Provides G.I. Bill eligibility for reservists mobilized under selected reserve orders for preplanned missions in support of the combatant commands or in response to a major disaster or emergency;
· Provides G.I. Bill eligibility for reservists undergoing medical care;
· Provides full G.I. Bill benefits for Purple Heart recipients regardless of length of service;
· Extends Yellow Ribbon Program benefits to Fry scholarship recipients; and
· Increases G.I. Bill payments by $2,300 per year for veterans with less than 12 months of active service.

The legislation is named in honor of Harry Walter Colmery, a Kansan Army Air Service veteran and former national commander of the American Legion who drafted the original G.I. Bill in 1944 to improve the transition for World War II veterans back to civilian life.

The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 is also co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., Susan Collins, R-Maine, John Cornyn, R-Texas, Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Steve Daines, R-Mont., Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., Al Franken, D-Minn., Dean Heller, R-Nev., Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., and Tim Walz, D-Minn., chairman and ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, on July 13.

KDR

TOPEKA— Kansans who have a tax bill in delinquent status now have a new option to pay their past due tax debt quickly and simply online.

The Kansas Department of Revenue recently launched a web portal that allows taxpayers to use a credit card or electronic fund transfer to pay their bill. The portal can be accessed 24/7 at https://debtpay.kdor.ks.gov/iia.

Previously, taxpayers had to pay by credit card over the phone, or send in a check to pay their bill. Now, the web portal allows them to set up a payment plan that is always accessible. The web portal conveniently supports popular PC web browsers as well as mobile devices.

“This project is a part of our larger agency wide focus on making government services easier for Kansans to access,” said Revenue Secretary Sam Williams. “The people we serve now have better accessibility to pay at their convenience and set up a payment plan that works realistically for their finances.”

The portal takes payments for both individual and business tax debts. The system has been live since July 14. Hundreds of customers have already used the portal to pay off debts and establish payment plans.

To use the portal, taxpayers should reference information found on the collection notice they received in the mail. Individuals will use their social security number, while businesses will use their Federal Employer Identification Number to login. The case number found on the notice and the zip code from the address of the notice are also required.

The new portal is only for use by taxpayers who owe back taxes. Taxpayers who are not in delinquent status can Webfile via a different portal on the KDOR website, https://www.ksrevenue.org/iiwebfile.html.

KDOR’s Taxpayer Assistance Center is also available to help customers through walk up (120 SE 10th Street Topeka, Kan) or call in (785-296-6121) service.

KDWPT

Follow the sun to northeast Kansas on Monday, August 21, for the celestial event of a lifetime. When the skies go eerily dark that afternoon, communities across the far corner of the state offer some of the best solar eclipse viewing anywhere.

It’s been 100 years since the last total solar eclipse was visible from Kansas and the next one won’t come here until 2045. That’s why the towns of Atchison, Troy, Hiawatha, Marysville and others are making big plans to host eclipse watch parties for capacity crowds.

“This hasn’t happened in Kansas since 1918,” says Adrienne Korson, Doniphan County economic development director. “We’ve had astronomers tell us it’s like winning the lottery to be on the eclipse’s central line of totality!”

The August 21 phenomenon will darken skies all the way from Oregon to South Carolina, along a stretch of land about 70 miles wide. The closer to the center line of that path, the longer the total eclipse lasts. The longest duration anywhere in the U.S. is 2 minutes, 40 seconds: Kansas clocks in with 2 minutes, 38 seconds of near total darkness in Doniphan County.

“When the maximum viewing time in the nation is 2 minutes, 40 seconds, and we have 2 minutes, 38 seconds here, that’s pretty intense and a great opportunity for Kansans to view this rare event,” Korson adds.

The path slices from the Marysville area in Marshall County across the corner of the state to Leavenworth County. The Kansas City, Kansas, area gets a glimpse, too, but the best view lies north.

In the farthest northeast tip, the Doniphan County seat of Troy kicks off its “Eclipse in the Heartland” party on Sunday, August 20, with music, street vendors and a beer garden on the courthouse square and an evening 5K Eclipse Run. On Monday, eclipse day, Troy offers four designated viewing sites: the courthouse square, high school football field, city baseball field and the 4-H fairgrounds. Shuttles run from parking areas to the sites.

Korson advises visitors to arrive early because of the anticipated crowds. The partial eclipse begins in the Troy area at 11:40 a.m. and the total eclipse at 1:05 p.m.

Also in Doniphan County, the towns of Highland and Elwood host viewing areas and activities of their own.

Just south, Atchison celebrates the epic event with the Eclipse Aire Fest at Amelia Earhart Airport. Earhart’s hometown plans bi-plane rides, live music, food vendors and the display of “Muriel,” a historic 1935 Lockheed Electra L-10E airplane identical to the model flown by Earhart during her attempted world flight.

Atchison’s 2 minutes, 19 seconds of totality begin at 1:06 p.m. Witness the spectacle at two designated areas: Amelia Earhart Airport and Benedictine College’s Wilcox Stadium. Benedictine College also hosts talks by astronomers from the Vatican and a Celestial Concert by the college’s music department.

The town of Hiawatha in Brown County observes its impressive 2 minutes, 34 seconds of darkness with Brown County Blackout festivities, including live music, a beer garden, food vendors and children’s activities at the Fisher Community Center viewing site.

Farthest west, the town of Marysville gets its party started Sunday with the Squirrel Jam music festival, a free movie, ice cream social, glow run and glow yoga. On Monday, crowds gather at the official viewing site, the Lakeview Sports Complex, for the sunless 1 minute, 11 seconds.

Other communities in the path welcome visitors to simply come view the show. In Sabetha, for instance, watch from the bleachers and wide-open spaces of the 6th Street Ballpark. And near Kansas City, join the Total Eclipse in the Parks gatherings at Antioch Park in Merriam, Heritage Park in Olathe and Theatre in the Park in Shawnee.

Organizers of the northeast Kansas watch parties recommend bringing chairs, sunscreen and bottled water, and arriving early. Most importantly, make sure to have proper eye protection. Most sites will have special eclipse-viewing glasses for sale while supplies last, or people can purchase them ahead of time to be safe.

During the total eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and earth, blocking all direct sunlight and turning day to night for a few minutes. Observers outside the path see a partial eclipse when the moon covers part of the sun’s disk.

“Don’t miss this remarkable natural phenomenon,” urges Chris Sorensen, Kansas State University physics professor and amateur astronomer. “Given its rarity and extreme beauty, this total eclipse and its eerie type of twilight will truly be an awe-inspiring event.”

KDA

MANHATTAN — Join agriculture leaders from across the state at the second annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, at the Manhattan Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn. Growth in agriculture has a direct impact on statewide economic growth: agriculture accounts for 43 percent of the state’s economy, and is valued at more than $64 billion.

“We know that to grow the Kansas economy, we need to grow agriculture, and we can do that by increasing opportunities for the farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback. “Last year’s summit was instrumental in developing a statewide strategy for agricultural growth, and this year that collaborative effort will continue to expand.”

The first Ag Growth Summit, in August 2016, was attended by nearly 400 stakeholders in agriculture representing a variety of agricultural interests from across the state. Feedback from discussions at the 2016 Summit resulted in the development of sector-specific desired growth outcomes for 19 sectors of agriculture, ranging from beef and wheat to specialty livestock and unmanned aerial systems. The 2017 Summit will build upon those growth outcomes, and attendees will work with other agriculture leaders to identify actions that can be taken to achieve the outcomes within each sector. Sessions at the Summit will again focus on the specific agricultural sectors, as well as on industry-wide topics that affect all sectors.

This year’s Summit will also include an evening social event on Wednesday, Aug. 23, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Stanley Stout Center on the north side of the K-State campus. The Ag Growth Summit will take place on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Manhattan Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. including a complimentary lunch.

Participation in the Summit and the social is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Please register by August 10 to guarantee lunch at the Summit and/or dinner at the social event. A block of rooms is available at the Hilton Garden Inn; call 785-532-9116 by July 24 to reserve a room.

More information about the Summit, including a link to the registration site, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/summit. If you have questions about the Summit, call KDA at 785-564-6700 or email [email protected].

OFFICE OF THE GOV.

TOPEKA – Kansas First Lady Mary Brownback has announced the 7th annual Kansas Book Festival will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, September 9, at the Kansas State Capitol. The festival will feature current authors and books and is focused on enforcing the importance of reading.

“Our mission is to promote literacy and encourage a life-long love of reading. The festival is one of the key ways that we are able to live out our mission,” Brownback said. “We have a great lineup assembled of locally and nationally known authors and illustrators that everyone will enjoy. And as always, there is something for everyone.”

Last year’s event drew an estimated 2,000 people at last year’s event. Headlining this year’s event will be children’s author Andrea Davis Pinkney (A Poem for Peter). Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of numerous books for children and young adults, including picture books, novels, works of historical fiction and nonfiction. Among her list of accolades are multiple Coretta Scott King awards and American Library Association Notable Book citations.

Thirty authors are set to speak, including Candice Millard (Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, A Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill), Tom Clavin (Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and the Wickedest Town in the American West) and Joshilyn Jackson (Almost Sisters and The Opposite of Everyone). Along with author presentations, there will also be additional authors featured as vendors, book sales and signings, entertainment, live music, appearances by storybook characters Clifford and Curious George and activities for children of all ages. This event is free and open to the public.

For more details concerning the Kansas Book Festival and a full list of slated authors please visit www.kansasbookfestival.com or www.facebook.com/KansasBookFestival.