PRATT – Non-game species – species that are not trapped, fished or hunted – make up more than 99 percent of Kansas’ wildlife. Kansans share the state with more than 4,500 different types of nongame species including birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans and mollusks and all of them need support in some way.
The Kansas Nongame Wildlife Improvement Program, also known as Chickadee Checkoff, provides individuals 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.
To make a contribution, taxpayers simply need to mark the Chickadee Checkoff box on their state income tax forms (line 36 on K40 form) and designate the amount they 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) any time throughout the year by addressing the donation to Chickadee Checkoff c/o KDWPT 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124.
Private donations are crucial in funding these vital programs 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. With the support of the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA), KDWPT hopes to see more boxes checked this tax season.
PRATT – Getting started in hunting, fishing, or just about any outdoor activity, can be intimidating for most people, but especially for women.
Ladies today are faced with societal and familial pressures that often prevent them from pursuing outdoor quests, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has a solution for that: Becoming An Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshops. BOW workshops – or rather really fun weekend rendezvous where women can take classes of their choosing – provide outdoor skills training in a fun, friendly, and laid-back atmosphere.
Interested women are encouraged to sign up for the next workshop, May 5-7 at Rock Springs 4-H Center in Junction City. With more than 25 different classes to choose from, attendees can craft the perfect outdoor weekend, tailored specifically to their interests.
Cost for the three-day workshop is $250, which includes lodging, meals and class supplies. Three $100 scholarships are available to first-time participants based on financial need.
Early registration will be open to first-time participants through February 10. If spots still remain, past participants may register thereafter. Registration closes April 25. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as spring workshops fill up fast. To register, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Education,” then “Becoming an Outdoor Woman.”
For questions, call or email Jami McCabe at (785) 845-5052 or [email protected].
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue has increased the convenience and security of the state’s free online filing system KS WebFile with a new verification system.
KS WebFile – a partnership between the department and the Kansas.gov website– allows Kansans to file their income tax and Homestead claims for free online.
Starting this year, filers will be required to confirm their identity with the filing application directly by providing personal information. In previous years, users had to obtain an access code by calling the department’s electronic services staff or using a prior year’s refund or balance due amount to link to their account.
By eliminating the access codes and the need to contact the department for that information the system will be more convenient for users to file.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) is joining the U.S. Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), as well as retaining his membership on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies in the 115th Congress.
Both roles put him in a better position to advocate for family farmers and ranchers and work to eliminate burdensome regulations that threaten the future of rural America.
“I often hear from Kansans that overregulation is the greatest threat to the economy of rural America,” said Sen. Moran. “My seat on the EPW Committee will give me the opportunity to work to roll back burdensome rules from the EPA and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that harm our farmers and ranchers, raise the cost of energy for families, and hinder economic development in rural communities. I will fight for commonsense solutions to issues facing our state.”
Sen. Moran continued, “I also look forward to continuing my focus on investing in policies that are vital to Kansas farmers and ranchers, such as agriculture research, crop insurance and efforts to increase exports as a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee. I will push to make certain our next Secretary of Agriculture understands the unique challenges facing rural communities. Additionally, through the subcommittee’s jurisdiction over the FDA budget, I will work to advance public health innovations, including development of new medicines, medical devices and food safety practices”
Kansas Farm Bureau President Richard Felts (KFB)Kansas Livestock Association President David Clawson (KLA)
“Sen. Moran’s new role on the Environment and Public Works Committee gives Kansans another strong advocate against the threats of overregulation at the EPA that hurt family farmers,” Kansas Farm Bureau President and Montgomery County farmer Richard Felts said. “Sen. Moran has always been a champion for farmers and ranchers, and we appreciate his leadership on behalf of Kansas agriculture.”
“Ranchers in Kansas and across the country will benefit from Sen. Moran’s new role on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee,” said Kansas Livestock Association President David Clawson of Englewood, Kan. “We appreciate his efforts to scrutinize existing regulations and repeal those that unnecessarily harm Kansas cattlemen and women and look forward to working with him in the future.”
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works maintains jurisdiction over a wide-variety of federal policies concerning environment, energy, wildlife, and infrastructure issues, which directly impact the day-to-day functions of our farmers, small businesses, and families in Kansas.
More specifically, the committee oversees the implementation and enforcement of federal air and water quality standards, but it must do so without unduly harming Kansans’ livelihoods as a result. Additionally, burdensome wildlife conservation regulations drastically hinder economic development in rural communities in some cases, and it is the duty of the committee to weigh the costs of such decisions. The committee also plays a critical role in addressing the national infrastructure and public works needs of a competitive American economy so that Kansas farmers and ranchers can transport their produce and livestock efficiently.
Prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Moran served for 14 years on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee including as chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. Sen. Moran continues to fight to make certain farming and ranching families have the opportunity to earn a living and pass on their agricultural heritage to the next generation of producers, all while working to eliminate wasteful spending.
Sen. Moran was appointed chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies for the 115th Congress.
PRATT – Thanks to the nearly 1,430 volunteer hunter education instructors who serve Kansas, zero hunting-related fatalities were reported in 2016 – a stark contrast to statistics from just 50 years ago when the state saw seven lives lost, two years in a row. Kansas Hunter Education instructors certified 7,692 students in 2016, bringing the total number of students certified to hunt in Kansas to just over half a million since the programs inception in 1973.
Nine nonfatal hunting-related incidents were reported in 2016, making hunting still one of the safest outdoor activities and Kansas one of the safest places to enjoy it in. While nine incidents is a certainly a low number considering the more than 5 million hunter-days spent afield each year, it doesn’t lessen the impact made on the families and communities who may have suffered as a result of these incidents.
The majority of the hunting-related incidents reported last year were the result of hunters swinging on game with a shotgun and unintentionally hitting a fellow hunter in the line of fire. According to reports, some of the hunters injured in these incidents were not wearing a conspicuous amount of hunter orange, and as a result, were not easily seen in the field.
A minimal number of tree stand incidents were also reported last year, but luckily none were fatal. As in years past, these incidents were typically the result of hunters failing to use a full body harness/fall arrest system attached to the tree.
Hunting is safe and getting safer, but everyone must do their part to keep it that way. As any Kansas Hunter Education instructor will tell you, the best piece of equipment a hunter can have afield is right between his or her ears.
Sen. Moran meets with VA Secretary nominee Dr. David Shulkin
OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) was selected Tuesday to serve as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. This selection rounds out Sen. Moran’s focus on national security and complements his membership on the Defense and State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittees.
“This chairmanship gives me the opportunity to address Department of Defense investments in infrastructure, the quality of life for military families, and also make improvements at the Department of Veterans Affairs to better serve our nation’s veterans,” Sen. Moran said. “I take seriously my role in being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and will work to make certain funding is prioritized in order to follow through on the commitments made to our military men and women before and after their service, and to support critical infrastructure at home and abroad vital to keeping Kansans and Americans safe.”
“The Aerospace Industries Association congratulates Senator Moran on being named Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies,” said AIA President and CEO David F. Melcher. “He is a staunch advocate for the aerospace and defense industry and understands not only our dedication to providing the best capability to the warfighter at the best value to the taxpayer, but also our potential to create thousands of high-skill, high-paying American jobs. We look forward to working with him to achieve our mutual goals of ensuring our national security and boosting the strength of our economy.”
National Commander of The American Legion Charles Schmidt added, “The American Legion congratulates Sen. Moran on his appointment as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. We sincerely look forward to working with Senator Moran and his Senate colleagues to help put veterans and their families first.”
“I am very exciting for Kansas and Jerry. This new role demonstrates his leadership in the U.S. Senate,” said Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, John G. Montgomery of Junction City, Kan. “His chairmanship will mean great things for Kansas.”
“Senator Moran’s chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies represents his strong commitment to those military members who serve or have served our country,” said Governor’s Military Council Executive Director Perry Wiggins. “The United States Armed Forces, service members and their families, our nation’s veterans and Kansans in particular, have an excellent advocate in Senator Jerry Moran.”
As the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, Sen. Moran will prioritize investments in programs and policies that are vital to the United States Armed Forces and veterans across the nation. Through the subcommittee’s jurisdiction over certain elements within the Department of Defense, Sen. Moran will work to ensure military installations and critical infrastructure around the globe are ready to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, as well as their families. Additionally, with jurisdiction over the Department of Veterans Affairs budget, Sen. Moran aims to improve VA programs that provide veterans with the timely, quality healthcare and benefits they have earned.
Sen. Moran has worked throughout his time in Congress to improve the quality of life for the nearly 250,000 veterans living in Kansas. He has served on both the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees and will continue this service in the 115th Congress.
Sen. Moran will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
TOPEKA –An investigation into possible wildlife violations uncovered unrelated insurance fraud evidence that led to a recent criminal conviction in Kansas.
Lawrence E. Payne, Overland Park, was sentenced Dec. 6, 2016, to serve 30 days in jail and 24 months’ probation following the discovery of 140 pairs of collectible Nike-brand shoes. The shoes were part of an insurance fraud investigation dating back to 2013. The case was brought by the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office and the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Anti-Fraud Division.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service officials found the shoes while conducting a search warrant in Payne’s home in connection with a case involving possible unregistered big cats brought into the U.S.
The insurance department’s anti-fraud division had filed probable cause court documents for the arrest of Payne following a 2013 alleged burglary of Payne’s home. The burglary supposedly occurred while he and his newlywed wife were vacationing in Colorado. Listed as stolen during that burglary were electronic equipment worth more than $25,000, and the collectible shoes.
Payne’s insurance company determined that the electronics claims were misrepresented, since the alleged business where the equipment was supposedly purchased did not exist.
The company dropped the Payne’s insurance in July 2013. However, Payne maintained that the shoes had been stolen, and he continued to pursue the case until the Wildlife Service search warrant turned up the missing shoes in his possession.
“The old adage that ‘crime doesn’t pay’ sometimes takes a bit longer than we would hope,” said Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance, “but in this case it finally paid off. Our department stayed with the allegations, and we are pleased with the outcome.”
TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Commerce has opened nominations for the 2017 Exporter of the Year Award. Each year, the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is presented to a Kansas company for exceptional international marketing success.
This award encourages the growth of the state’s international commerce by showcasing successful exporters as role models to the Kansas business community. The recipients are prime examples of how exporting is a significant catalyst for company growth and diversification.
The annual Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award proudly celebrates the successes of Kansas companies that excel in exporting and growing their communities. We encourage you to nominate a successful Kansas business for this year’s awards program.
The Governor’s Exporter of the Year receives:
An invitation to attend the Team Kansas awards banquet in the Spring, where top businesses from across the state are recognized
Statewide recognition of your business excellence
Use of the award to market your products
Membership in the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC)
Increased networking opportunities
A site visit from the Governor to honor the company’s management team and employees
Any Kansas company engaged in exporting can be nominated for the Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. Visit KansasCommerce.gov/Exporter for more information, to nominate a business or to self-nominate your own company. Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on January 27, 2017.
To nominate a company for the 2017 Kansas Exporter of the Year Award please contact:
April Chiang
Kansas Department of Commerce
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (785) 296-5473
TTY: 711
Several western Kansas companies have received the award.
KANSAS GOVERNOR’S EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARD–PAST EXPORTER OF THE YEAR WINNERS 2016 GT Manufacturing Inc. – Clay Center
2015: Vektek Inc. – Emporia
2014: Kansas Aviation of Independence – Independence
2013: Excel Industries Inc. – Hesston
2012: Pitsco Education – Pittsburg
2011: Bio-Microbics Inc. – Shawnee 2010: Osborne Industries – Osborne
2009: Cereal Ingredients Inc. – Leavenworth 2008: Salina Vortex Corporation – Salina
2007: The Bradbury Group – Moundridge 2006: Great Plains Manufacturing Inc. – Salina
2005: BG Products Inc. – Wichita
2004: Tramco Inc. – Wichita
2003: American Crane and Tractor Parts Inc. – Kansas City
2002: Butler National Corporation – Olathe
2001: Landoll Corporation – Marysville
2000: Innovative Material Systems – Olathe
1999: Cobalt Boats – Neodesha
1998: Glendo Corporation – Emporia
1997: Pioneer Balloon Company – Wichita 1996: Roto-Mix Inc. – Dodge City
1995: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. – Topeka
1994: Kreonite – Wichita
1993: Interconnect Devices Inc. – Kansas City
1992: Peabody Tectank Inc. – Parsons
1991: Didde Web Press Corporation – Emporia
1990: M-E-C Company – Neodesha
1989: Wenger Manufacturing Inc. – Sabetha
PRATT – The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) has finalized permanent conservation agreements with a private landowner to conserve 1,781 acres of high-quality lesser prairie chicken habitat in southcentral Kansas. This is the first permanent conservation easement in the mixed-grass prairie region secured as part of the Lesser Prairie Chicken Range-wide Plan.
The conserved acreage – native rangeland managed for livestock production – is occupied by lesser prairie chickens and is located within one of the highest priority conservation areas identified in the range-wide plan.
The transaction includes a conservation easement purchased by WAFWA and held by Pheasants Forever that legally restricts future development and activities that would be detrimental to the bird’s habitat. All other property rights associated with historical use of the land will be retained by the private landowner. WAFWA has also established an endowment that will provide the landowner with sufficient payments to implement a lesser prairie chicken conservation plan in perpetuity. This transaction not only permanently protects key prairie habitat, but also ensures that this property will remain a working cattle ranch.
“This conservation easement is another milestone in the successful implementation of the range-wide plan and will permanently secure important habitat that the birds need to thrive,” said Roger Wolfe, WAFWA’s lesser prairie chicken program manager. “We appreciate the collaboration with Pheasants Forever, our industry partners who are funding this effort, and the conservation-minded landowner who has made this possible.”
“It took a lot of work on the part of WAFWA, Pheasants Forever and ourselves to find a balance between the needs of the lesser prairie chicken and maintaining historical use of the land,” said Tom Hammond, manager of the property. “The result is an innovative approach that acknowledges and rewards landowners for permanently conserving large tracts of habitat, while maintaining the integrity of the land for the long-term benefit of the landowner and the species. There is high-quality habitat there now because we have managed the range properly for both grazing and wildlife. These agreements make sure that approach remains in place forever.”
The range-wide plan is a collaborative effort of WAFWA and the state wildlife agencies of Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. It was developed to ensure conservation of the lesser prairie chicken by providing a mechanism for voluntary cooperation by landowners and industry, and improving coordination between state and federal conservation agencies. Funding for WAFWA’s conservation efforts comes from voluntary mitigation payments by industry partners that are enrolled in the plan. The plan allows agriculture producers and industry to continue operations while reducing impacts to the bird and its grassland habitat.
Landowners interested in participating in one of the short-term, long-term or permanent conservation options available under the Lesser Prairie Chicken Range-wide Plan are encouraged to contact Roger Wolfe at [email protected].
WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving swiftly to propose how it will prioritize and evaluate chemicals, given that the final processes must be in place within the first year of the new law’s enactment, or before June 22, 2017.
“After 40 years, we can finally address chemicals currently in the marketplace,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Today’s action will set into motion a process to quickly evaluate chemicals and meet deadlines required under, and essential to, implementing the new law.”
When the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted in 1976, it grandfathered in thousands of unevaluated chemicals that were in commerce at the time. The old law failed to provide EPA with the tools to evaluate chemicals and to require companies to generate and provide data on chemicals they produced.
EPA is proposing three rules to help administer the new process. They are:
Inventory Rule. There are currently over 85,000 chemicals on EPA’s Inventory, and many of these are no longer actively produced. The rule will require manufacturers, including importers, to notify EPA and the public on the number of chemicals still being produced.
Prioritization Rule. This will establish how EPA will prioritize chemicals for evaluation. EPA will use a risk-based screening process and criteria to identify whether a particular chemical is either high or low priority. A chemical designated as high priority must undergo evaluation. Chemicals designated as low priority are not required to undergo evaluation.
Risk Evaluation Rule. This will establish how EPA will evaluate the risk of existing chemicals. The agency will identify steps for the risk evaluation process, including publishing the scope of the assessment. Chemical hazards and exposures will be assessed, along with characterizing and determining risks. This rule also outlines how the agency intends to seek public comment on chemical evaluations.
These three rules incorporate comments received from a series of public meetings held in August 2016.
If EPA identifies unreasonable risk in the evaluation, it is required to eliminate that risk through regulations. Under TSCA, the agency must have at least 20 ongoing risk evaluations by the end of 2019.
Comments on the proposed rules must be received 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. At that time, go to the dockets at https://www.regulations.gov/ and search for: HQ-OPPT-2016-0426 for the Inventory Rule; HQ-OPPT-2016-0636 for the Prioritization Rule; and HQ-OPPT-2016-0654 for the Risk Evaluation Rule.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Senate has approved Governor Sam Brownback’s three cabinet nominees, Tim Keck as Secretary of Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, Joe Norwood as Secretary of Kansas Department of Corrections and Richard Carlson as Secretary of Kansas Department of Transportation.
“I’m pleased the Senate confirmed these nominees, seeing in them the same experience, qualifications, and leadership I do,” Governor Brownback said. “Each of these secretaries will serve Kansas well in our shared mission of making this the best state in America to raise a family and grow a business.”
Tim Keck, Secretary of Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services
Keck has been instrumental in bringing Osawatomie State Hospital to the point of applying for federal recertification, and is addressing the chronic staff shortages at both Osawatomie State Hospital and Larned State Hospital. Previously, Keck served as Chief Counsel for the office of the Lt. Governor, and the Deputy Chief Counsel at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). As a member of the leadership team at KDHE, he worked closely with KDHE Secretary Susan Mosier on a variety of issues impacting the aging and disability communities. Keck received his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 1991.
Joe Norwood, Secretary of Kansas Department of Corrections
Norwood began his career with the Bureau of Prisons in 1984 as a correctional office at the United States Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kan., and has held increasingly responsible positions across the nation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Accounting from the University of Kansas. He completed the Harvard Senior Executive Fellows Program – Bureau’s Leadership Enhancement in August 2007.
Richard Carlson, Secretary of Kansas Department of Transportation
Carlson served in the Kansas House of Representatives for 10 years beginning in 2004, representing the 61st District of Pottawatomie County and northern Wabaunsee County. He was the Chairman of the House Taxation Committee for six years and served on the Appropriations Committee and Commerce and Labor Committee. Most recently Carlson was the legislative liaison for the Kansas Department of Revenue.
TOPEKA – During the cold winter months, heating a home can be a financial strain. In order to ensure Kansans keep warm this winter, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) will begin accepting applications for its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
“Kansas winters have the potential to bring brutally cold temperatures, snow and ice,” said DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. We want to make sure families don’t go cold due to financial concerns. Our LIEAP staff is trained and ready to begin processing applications, so families have warm homes this winter.”
LIEAP provides an annual benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating bills. Persons with disabilities, older adults and families with children are the primary groups assisted. In 2016, nearly 44,000 households received an average benefit of a little under $500.
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for direct payment of their heating bills. Income eligibility requirements are set at 130 percent of the federal poverty level. The level of benefit varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have made payments on their heating bill two out of the last three months. Those payments must be equal to or exceed $80 or the total balance due on their energy bills, whichever is less.
Applications for the program have been mailed to households that received energy assistance last year. LIEAP applications are also available at local DCF offices and through partnering agencies. They can be requested by calling 1-800-432-0043. For more information or to apply online, visit www.lieap.dcf.ks.gov.
Applications will be accepted from Jan. 17 to March 31.
PRATT – With a little advance planning, hunters and anglers can save big when buying their 2017 hunting and fishing licenses and turkey permits. If you buy your Hunting/Fishing Combo license before Feb. 1, you can save up to $10. Purchasing an Annual Hunting/Fishing Combo now will cost $42.50. After Jan. 31, the Hunting/Fishing Combo price will go up to $47.50. And buying Annual Hunting and Fishing licenses separately will cost $55.00.
Another great way to save is to purchase a five-year license. A Five-year Fishing or Five-year Hunting license is $102.50, which is a savings of $35 compared to buying five annual hunting or fishing licenses over the same period. A Five-year Hunting/Fishing Combo license is $182.50, which is a savings of $30 compared to purchasing five Early-buy Combos or $55 in savings compared to purchasing five regular combo licenses annually.
Spring turkey hunters can save by purchasing a Spring Turkey Permit Combo, which includes a Spring Turkey Permit and Spring Turkey Game tag, available only through March 31. A resident Spring Turkey Combo sells for $37.50. After March 31, you’ll spend $45 purchasing a Spring Turkey Permit and Turkey Game Tag separately.
Ensure you get the best deal by buying early. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at www.ksoutdoors.com or at any of the 600 license vendors across the state.
KDWPT
To make a contribution, taxpayers simply need to mark the Chickadee Checkoff box on their state income tax forms (line 36 on K40 form) and designate the amount they 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) any time throughout the year by addressing the donation to Chickadee Checkoff c/o KDWPT 512 SE 25th Ave, Pratt, KS 67124.
