TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2017 Business Appreciation Month Awards. The deadline to submit a nomination is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 24.
Business Appreciation Month serves as a statewide tribute to Kansas businesses for their contributions to our state. The awards program takes place each spring and invites individuals and organizations to nominate the proud Kansas businesses that contribute jobs and support to their local communities. Finalists are recognized at the Team Kansas Awards Ceremony in June. The top nominee will receive the Governor’s Award of Excellence.
“It is necessary and appropriate for the state to recognize businesses that are contributing so much to the economy and quality of life in our state,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Antonio Soave. “We are committed to recognizing those Kansas businesses that are the foundation of economic development in our communities. Business Appreciation Month and the Governor’s Award of Excellence are perfect ways to recognize this contribution.”
Nominated businesses will be evaluated, with regional winners in the manufacturing/distribution, service, retail, and hospital/non-profit categories. In May, the overall finalists give a presentation about their company and community involvement to the panel of judges. The recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence is then announced on June 6 at the Team Kansas Awards Ceremony. Award qualifications include:
· Business expansion in Kansas
· Successful employee retention and recruitment practices
· Employee training/educational programs
· Capital investment in Kansas
· Support of local activities including: School activities, Community events, Economic development, Leadership programs
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – Chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security Subcommittee – convened the subcommittee’s first hearing of the 115th Congress Tue., March 21, to examine the damage of scams on American consumers and the economy. The hearing also focused on state and federal law enforcement efforts to combat consumer scams, and the implementation of consumer outreach and education programs.
“With technology becoming more and more sophisticated, the complexity of scams has continued to progress,” said Sen. Moran. “From fake charity donation solicitation calls to ‘phishing’ email scams that lead to identity theft, a wide variety of scams that harm Americans continue to bypass consumer protection enforcement measures at the federal, state and local levels. Consumers need protection from those who seek to defraud them through scams, and today’s hearing helps us evaluate the best possible ways we can prevent American consumers from being scammed out of billions of dollars each year.”
Witnesses included Federal Trade Commission Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen; Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Terrell McSweeny; Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine; Abagnale & Associates Consultant Frank W. Abagnale, Jr.; and KWCH-12 Eyewitness News Reporter Mike Schwanke, Wichita.
Sen. Moran invited KWCH’s Mike Schwanke to testify and share with the committee examples of the more common scams impacting Kansas consumers. Three examples mentioned: grandparent scams, when someone calls claiming that a consumer’s grandchild is in danger and needs immediate financial assistance; IRS scams, in which consumers receive a phone call from someone claiming to represent the IRS and threatening jail time for failure to pay taxes; and most recently, a scam taking advantage of those impacted by the state’s wildfires, in which Kansans received phone calls claiming that, if they paid an application fee, they would be issued a government grant to help them recover.
Watch my latest video (above) for updates on what’s happening in the Capitol in regard to firearms legislation, school finance, and tax policy.
I want to extend a special thank you to the folks who attended my town hall meeting on Saturday and those who came to the Dickinson County Democratic Party event where I was one of the featured speakers. It was a pleasure to interact with so many Kansans and I appreciated the words of encouragement and thoughtful ideas you have for how we can continue to move our state forward.
What does it mean to be a Democrat?
I thought this sign at the Democratic Party event in Dickinson County summed it up nicely. It’s the Democratic Party, with grit and determination, that has been the leading champion for so many of the things we take for granted today. In our statewide Democratic party, we’re working to assure adequate funding of our schools and implementation of a fair and structurally balanced tax policy that funds core government services.
Our members are also committed to raising the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, bringing back the child care tax credit, and overturning voting laws that seek to keep voters from the polls. Reinstating prevailing wage, ending unfair civil asset forfeiture, and providing reasonable gun safety measures are also part of our ongoing efforts on behalf of all Kansans.
Politics doesn’t have to be polarizing. But it does demand strong voices and honoring our principles. At both the national and state level, too many have sought over the past several years to upend our democratic values in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy and their corporate interests.
Let’s continue to be the party that stands strong against unfair policies that weaken the earning power and potential of working Kansans, while working even harder to enact solutions that empower each of us to achieve our version of the American dream.
Please reach out at anytime or come by my office for a visit! [email protected] / 785-296-7630
Kansas Capitol – Room 359W
Rep. Jim Ward (D-Wichita) serves District 86 in southeast Wichita, and is the Kansas House Assistant Minority Leader.
PRATT – Before the boating season begins, you check your boat for gas, stock your cooler with ice, and chuck sunscreen in your “things to take,” bag, but have you crossed off Boating Education from your “things to do” list? Don’t wait until the weather is nice and plans with friends are made before you take a boating education course. “Spring Aboard” a class now, so you can get straight to the good times this summer.
“If we can increase the knowledge of the average boater, we can make our waterways significantly safer for recreational boaters,” said Stephanie Weatherington, NASBLA President. “The majority of recreational boaters are not on the water frequently enough, or for the length of time needed, to become an expert at operating a vessel. This is where boating education plays an important role.”
During the weeklong campaign, many course providers will be offering discounts and other incentives for those who enroll or complete a boating education course. In Kansas, a boater education course is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, and under the age of 21, wanting to operate a motorboat or sailboat without adult supervision.
Boaters can take a traditional classroom course offered by KDWPT (visit ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Boating-Education) or an approved online course. The following online course providers offer boating education courses accepted in the state of Kansas: BOATsmart!, offering discounts on their boating education courses at www.boatsmartexam.com/us; BOATERexam.com, offering 50 percent off courses March 19-25; and Boat-Ed.com, also offering a 50 percent discount.
COUNCIL GROVE – If you know a youngster who is interested in learning about turkey hunting, keep reading. This spring will mark the 17th year of the Council Grove Youth Turkey Hunt. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), in cooperation with area chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will host a workshop and special turkey hunt on Saturday, April 1, 2017.
The hunt is part of KDWPT’s Pass It On program, and wildlife area manager, Brent Konen, designed this event to provide beginning hunters with a safe and high-quality spring turkey hunting experience. The event is open to youngsters age 11-16, who should be accompanied by a parent or mentor. Spaces are limited, so hunters must register no later than March 22 by calling Konen at (620) 767-5900.
Young hunters, accompanying adults and guides will gather Friday evening, March 31, to pattern shotguns and scout hunting areas. In the predawn of Saturday morning, April 1, hunters and guides will venture to area locations on public and private land where turkeys have been located during preseason scouting efforts. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and there will be door prizes and a turkey hunting presentation. Hunters will learn why spring turkey hunting is so exciting and addicting, hearing toms gobble from the roost, witnessing birds strut and display and hopefully seeing one called to within shotgun range. If past hunts are any indicator, participants will have exciting stories of turkey encounters to tell.
Spring turkey hunting might be the perfect way to introduce a youngster to hunting. It’s safe, the weather is mild, and few hunts can match the excitement felt when a tom gobbles closer and closer.
Lodging is available in nearby Council Grove and camping is available at Council Grove Lake. Participants are encouraged to explore historic Council Grove, scenic Morris County and travel the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway while visiting the area.
TOPEKA—Undergraduate and graduate students interested in Kansas history can apply for full-time paid summer internships. The deadline for these two internships is April 15, 2017.
John Ripley
The John Ripley Internship is named for a Topeka businessman who has a deep interest in local history. The internship is 40 hours per week, for eight weeks, and provides a $2,500 stipend. Undergraduate and graduate students studying in a related field must meet at least one of the following requirements are eligible for this internship: enrolled at Washburn University; graduate of a high school in Shawnee County, Kansas; or resident of Shawnee County, Kansas. More information and an application are available at kshs.org/11406.
Marylouise Meder
The Marylouise Meder Internship, named for a life member of the Kansas Historical Society who had a long career in library science. She later teaching at Emporia State University. The internship is a graduate student with strong interests in archival studies, digital collections, and Kansas history. These internships are offered in odd years. More information and an application are available at kshs.org/17633.
Sen. Moran meets Lt. Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, Commander, Army Cyber Command; Sgt. Maj. William G. Bruns, Command Sgt. Major, Army Cyber Command; and Kansas native Capt. Robert Frost, Cyber Operations Officer, 780th Military Intelligence Brigade.
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 – was the first member of Congress to visit the U.S. Army Cyber Command Headquarters at Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County, Virginia. During his meetings on Friday, March 10, Army Cyber Command briefed Moran on our nation’s efforts combat cyber-attacks and maintain readiness.
“It was a pleasure meeting with the Commander of Army Cyber Command and the cyber warrior soldiers he leads, including two Kansans, whose critical operations and cyber missions are serving soldiers overseas,” Sen. Moran said. “Army systems and programs at Fort Belvoir protect our nation from adversaries seeking to disrupt our way of life with asymmetric warfare. I appreciate all the hard work of the young, motivated soldiers I met on Friday and found the visit extremely valuable.”
“We were honored to host Sen. Moran and his team at Army Cyber Command Headquarters on Friday where he met the young men and women that work around the clock to defend our country and our Army against adversaries in cyberspace,” said Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone, commander, U.S. Army Cyber Command.
“Our mission is complex, but our priorities here at Army Cyber are clear: operate and aggressively defend Army networks, deliver cyberspace effects against our adversaries, and develop the tools our Army will need to maintain readiness for the future fight. We were grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate these priorities to such an esteemed visitor, and send thanks to Sen. Moran and his colleagues in Congress for their support to the state-of-the-art Army Cyber Command Operations Center complex currently under construction at Ft. Gordon, Ga., a regional hub of innovation and the eventual center of gravity for the U.S. Army in Cyberspace.”
Susan Lewis is president of the Kansas Mental Health Coalition, Topeka.
KMHC
TOPEKA–More than 300 mental health advocates from across Kansas will arrive in Topeka today, Wed., March 15, to urge state lawmakers to build a stronger mental health system.
“The state’s mental health system continues to be overextended and underfunded. As a result, people with mental illness are not getting the treatment and support they need to recover, or even to weather periods of acute crisis” says Susan Crain Lewis, president of the Kansas Mental Health Coalition, organizer of the event.
“Demand for services continues to increase, and our community mental health centers are asked to serve more people with fewer resources. This poses a huge challenge given their statutory obligation to serve everyone regardless of ability to pay. Despite herculean efforts, many people who could be helped before they reach crisis cannot be seen in a timely fashion, and therefore end up in hospital emergency room hallways, jails, or worse.”
“The pressure on all parts of the system, community mental health centers, providers, hospitals, safety net medical clinics, law enforcement officers, emergency responders, advocacy and social service organizations, friends and family, and most importantly, the persons with mental illness themselves is extraordinary, unnecessary and unfair. Mental illness is highly treatable, and the only category of illness in which we deprive people of access to needed treatment until they reach ‘stage 4’- crisis. This is costly and inhumane, and unacceptable in our state.”
Advocates will gather for a rally at 10:30 a.m. on the south apron of the Capitol. Legislative District Advocates will meet with Legislators during a lunch at noon inside the Capitol. Those scheduled to speak at the rally include Secretary Tim Keck, who heads the Department for Aging and Disability Services, Representative Louis Ruiz, Co-Chair of the Mental Health Caucus, and Representative Joy Koesten, a newly elected advocate for persons with mental illness and Co-Chair of the Caucus.
Throughout the day advocates will also meet with their legislators, drawing attention to these priority issues:
Outpatient Mental Health Services: The coalition supports Mental Health 2020 and urges the Legislature to restore mental health reform grant funding for the state’s 26 Community Mental Health Centers so they can provide the important array of services required to serve Kansans with mental illness, including the specialized services important to children and families. Legislation to improve workforce training and increase the number of clinical professionals should be supported. The Legislature must restore the four percent cuts to Medicaid reimbursement and improve the overall KanCare program to improve timely eligibility approval, incentivize important community based treatment through new reimbursement codes, and reduce burdensome administrative requirements.
Inpatient Psychiatric Services – State Hospitals Crisis: The Coalition recommends the Kansas Legislature fully fund high-quality psychiatric inpatient services to meet the needs of all Kansans who require this care. The current moratorium on admissions at Osawatomie State Hospital is placing people and communities at risk. Specifically, the Legislature should: 1) Restore the 206 beds at Osawatomie State Hospital and end the moratorium on admissions, 2) Pursue re-certification as soon as possible, 3) Provide ongoing funding and support to replicate throughout the state the crisis stabilization services established recently at the former Rainbow Mental Health Facility serving Wyandotte and Johnson Counties and fund them into the future, 4) Empower the Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services to produce a long-term plan to implement the recommendations of the Adult Continuum of Care Committee, and 5) Provide for continued public/ private partnerships for local psychiatric inpatient beds to alleviate the growing demand for state psychiatric hospital beds. The Coalition does not currently support the RFP to privatize Osawatomie State Hospital because of the lack of information regarding the current proposal.
Medicaid Medication and “Step Therapy”: The Kansas Legislature should protect patient access to mental health medications in the Medicaid program by requiring transparent, effective and research-informed prior authorization policy development by the Mental Health Medication Advisory Committee and careful oversight by the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment over the implementation by managed care organizations. There should be no step therapy for mental health medications.
Expand Medicaid: The Coalition supports the expansion of KanCare, a move that would make the state’s Medicaid plan eligible to adults with an income at or below 138% of federal poverty guidelines. The federal government will pay between 90% and 95% of the costs. Kansans have difficulty accessing important behavioral health programs in many areas of the state. Expanding Medicaid is one of the best options available to close some of the gaps in our behavioral health continuum of care. Inpatient beds, transition programs, and community based crisis centers struggle to sustain services for a largely uninsured population. These programs also face a workforce shortage. The Bridge to a Healthy Kansas plan expands the number of Kansans with access to quality healthcare, and gives our state a greater share of federal funding to support the programs that provide the care.
Children and Families: The Kansas Legislature should support in its budget services for ALL children who need health, mental health, and substance use treatment. Whether it is inpatient or outpatient, Medicaid or private pay, parents must be able to access the services they need at times and locations that work for families. This is imperative in order to keep children at home and in school, which reduces the need for expensive out-of-home placements – but most importantly, keeps families together while improving the opportunity for growing up healthy. When the adults in the family are able to access housing and employment as well as health care and substance use treatment needs, children are less likely to need long term interventions.
Mental Health and Criminal Justice: The Kansas Legislature must adopt public policy that focuses on: (1) Mental health diversion programs that connect youth and adults with serious mental illness with treatment resources that keep them out of the criminal justice system, including a long-term commitment to Juvenile Justice System Reform passed in 2016; (2) Therapeutic care for offenders who are living with mental illness; and (3) Effective discharge planning to ensure that individuals with serious mental illnesses receive community-based services upon their release.
The Kansas Mental Health Coalition (KMHC) is a collaborative organization of numerous non-profit organizations, agencies and individuals representing individuals with mental illness or lived experience, families, and providers dedicated to improving the lives of Kansans with mental illness.
PRATT – Spring turkey season is about to kick off and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism knows the last thing you want to worry about is where you’ll be able to hunt this year. You don’t need to resort to begging, or even paying – KDWPT has nearly 275,000 acres open to the public for spring turkey hunting this year, and access is offered free of charge. It’s all at your fingertips in the 2017 Spring Turkey Hunting Atlas.
(Click to enlarge)
Available online now at ksoutdoors.com, and soon to be in print wherever licenses are sold, the 2017 Spring Turkey Hunting Atlas provides the locations of Walk-in Hunting Access (WIHA) areas, as well as state and federal public lands open to spring turkey hunting. Grab a paper copy for the truck, download a PDF (ksoutdoors.com) to your home computer, or download the files directly onto your Garmin GPS unit, and Android and iOS devices that can be used with Google Earth.
The 2017 spring turkey season starts with the youth/disabled season April 1-11, followed by the archery season April 3-11, and regular firearm (any legal equipment) season April 12-May 31. Spring turkey permits for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are available at ksoutdoors.com and at any license vendor, and hunters who have a spring turkey permit may also purchase a second turkey game tag. Buy the spring turkey permit combo by March 31 and save $7.50. A valid Kansas hunting license is required of all residents age 16 through 74 and all nonresidents, except persons hunting on their own land.
PRATT – The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct its March public meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in Topeka at the Capitol Plaza Hotel, Emerald Rooms I and II, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd. The afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. and recess at 5 p.m. The evening session will convene at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend both sessions and time will be set aside for public comment at the beginning of each for discussion of non-agenda items.
The afternoon session will begin with a report on the agency and state fiscal status and an update on the 2017 Kansas Legislative Session. The General Discussion portion of the meeting will include recognition of Tuttle Creek State Park’s Blue Chip Award, a Blue Cross Blue Shield parks support update, and an overview of the agency’s new consolidated licensing/reservation system.
The Workshop Session will include reviews of webless migratory bird and waterfowl season recommendations, as well as threatened and endangered species regulations. Regulations concerning hunting on Glen Elder and Marion wildlife areas and the deer season dates on Fort Riley Military Reservation will also be discussed.
The evening portion of the meeting will convene at 6:30 p.m. for the Public Hearing. Commissioners will hear proposals for, and vote on, the 2017 fall seasons for antelope, elk, turkey and deer. Deer permit allocations will be set by Secretary’s Orders.
If necessary, the commission will reconvene at the same location at 9 a.m., March 24, to complete any unfinished business. Information about the Commission, as well as the March 23 meeting agenda and briefing book, can be downloaded at ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission/Upcoming-Commission-Meetings.
Live video and audio streaming of the March 23 meeting will be available at ksoutdoors.com. If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at (620) 672-5911.
The next Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism commission meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2017, at the KDWPT Headquarters, 512 SE 25th Ave., in Pratt.
Noted speaker and author Mary B. Lucas shares her inspirational message with a group of social workers Friday in Olathe.
DCF
TOPEKA— Social workers are often one of the first lines of defense against abuse and neglect for children and vulnerable adults. Every day, these selfless women and men work diligently and efficiently to help people who cannot help themselves. The importance of their service cannot be overstated, but the physical and emotional demands of social work can take a toll on even the most dedicated social worker.
Governor Sam Brownback has designated March as Social Work Month. Friday, March 10, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), in partnership with KVC Kansas, held a conference for more than 500 social workers across the state, at KVC Kansas Headquarters, Olathe. The presentation featured noted motivational speaker and author Mary B. Lucas, who has inspired audiences worldwide to invest in themselves and make meaningful connections in all aspects of life.
“The work of social workers is so powerful and meaningful, and so linked to the connections they make with the people they work with,” Lucas said. “I’m sharing my father’s wisdom in the hopes that they will walk away inspired and think about, as they write the next chapter of their life, how they approach the relationships that are important to them.”
DCF, along with its contracted providers, employ nearly 1,000 social workers statewide. Social Work Month is a time to recognize the hard work of this challenging occupation. It’s also a time to call attention to the need to recruit and retain social workers to serve the children and families of Kansas.
“Social workers do what they do to enhance the lives of children and families,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said today to the group. “Social workers always want to be there to help those who need it the most, but in order to do that, they must give of themselves on a daily basis. We realize the toll that has on social workers, and understand that there has to be a replenishment. I hope this inspirational conference helped to replenish your spirit, and remind you of the strong support system behind you.”
DCF Social Worker Ivy McMillan, Topeka, understands the crucial role that child and adult welfare professionals play in the community, and also understands the need to support them through the ups and downs of their work.
“[The event today] was a wonderful experience.” McMillan said. “Mary made me think about how we need to work with our parents and youth and how we can mesh those relationships with the contractors. It can be difficult, because you do have frustrations throughout the day, but we need to remember that we are a unit, we’re all one.”
To become a social worker, individuals must graduate from an accredited university with at least a bachelor’s degree in social welfare. They must also pass a licensure exam and maintain the license with 40 hours of continuing education, every two years.
“We have a really strong support system at DCF,” McMillian said. “I think DCF is a great place to work. It’s a great place to begin your social work career. You get the training and job shadowing you need, and when you’re ready, you’re given your first case. Anyone going into child welfare should work at DCF.”
DCF is always looking for people who have a heart for serving vulnerable adults and children in Kansas. To learn more about becoming a social worker, and to view available positions, visit www.jobs.ks.gov.
TOPEKA — State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen and his staff remind all Kansans this Sunday, March 12, is the day to “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries.” By routinely changing the batteries in smoke detectors at the same time they adjust their clocks for daylight savings time, Kansans can safeguard the lives of their loved ones.
“Your risk of dying in a fire is greatly reduced when your home is equipped with working smoke alarms,” said Jorgensen. “Having smoke alarms with dead batteries is no different than having no smoke alarms at all. Those with smoke alarms with alkaline batteries need to change out those batteries at least once a year.”
This is also a good time to check the manufacture date of smoke alarms. All smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago should be replaced as sensors in smoke alarms diminish over time. To check the manufacture date, remove the smoke alarm from the wall or ceiling and look for the printed manufacture date on the back.
For those replacing smoke alarms, the State Fire Marshal recommends alarms with sealed, 10-year lithium batteries or, better, having all smoke alarms hard-wired and interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
Those without working smoke alarms can contact their local fire departments to ask about getting free units installed. The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Get Alarmed Kansas program, plus the American Red Cross, offer free smoke alarms to fire departments across the state to install in the homes of any resident who needs one. The Get Alarmed Kansas program even offers free alarms for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Reports submitted to the Kansas Fire Incident Reporting System highlight an ongoing issue with smoke alarms in home fires. Even in residences with smoke alarms present they often do not work. In 2015, only 18% of reported home fires had a working smoke alarm. 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.
* Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
* For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, 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 don’t successfully pass the test by sounding the alarm when the Test button is pressed.
In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, it is also 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.
The Ashland High School Bluejays are playing in the state tournament tonight as their community recovers from the largest fire in Kansas history.
OFFICE OF THE GOV.
CLARK COUNTY – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today signed Executive Order 17-01 to assist fire relief efforts throughout the state. Governor Brownback declared a state of emergency on Sun., March 5, and fires have now burned more than 626,000 acres. This ranks as the largest fire event in state history.
“Together as a state, we stand with those who lost their homes, their livestock, and their barns,” said Governor Brownback. “As fires continue to sweep across our state, Kansans are standing shoulder to shoulder with their neighbors to deliver relief and support. Even as we continue the fight to contain and defeat these fires, this executive order assists and expedites the arrival of recovery supplies as our communities begin to rebuild in the wake of these wildfires.”
Executive order 17-01 facilitates the immediate delivery of large quantities of hay, feed, fencing materials, and other relief supplies by waiving certain motor carrier regulations. The full text of the executive order can be found here.
Governor Brownback signed the executive order in the Clark County Command Center Thursday.
Eight-five percent of the county’s land mass has been burned.
While there, he visited the local Command Center, conducted a land assessment tour, and attended the Ashland High School pep rally.
Wednesday, Governor Brownback visited the Hutchinson Command Center, conducted both an aerial and land assessment tour, and visited with the Red Cross providing shelter to displaced families.
KDC
