KDWPT

PRATT – “Bobwhites on the Brink,” a five-part film series by the syndicated television conservation news magazine, This American Land, examines the reasons for the nationwide decline of the bobwhite quail and the efforts being made to reverse the trend on the American landscape.

In the fourth segment (#604) of the series, viewers are brought to Kansas in large part due to the success of the state’s Conservation Reserve Program in providing species habitat. The segment explores how agricultural operations in the U.S. have morphed from small field/multi-farm set-ups, to giant corporate expanses of row crop acreage, and how Kansas is leading the country in demonstrating how bobwhite habitat can be successfully integrated on working lands.

Some Kansans may have viewed the series on Smoky Hills Public Television and on the Kansas Topeka Washburn University PBS stations late last year, but for those who missed it, there’s still time to tune in. “Bobwhites on the Brink” will air on KTWU Channel 11, Topeka, Sundays at 3:30 p.m., beginning January 15. However, the last two shows of the series (#604 and #605) will air at 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on February 5 in a 1-hour block. The series will also be available online on the This American Land website, www.thisamericanland.org/Episodes/season-six; on NBCI’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/BringBackBobwhites; and on the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds/Bobwhite-Quail.

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI), in partnership with select states, worked over a period of several months to help develop the story. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism worked directly with NBCI to demonstrate how the expansion of mechanized clean-farming techniques in row crop agriculture have effected bobwhite quail, among other grassland birds and wildlife species.

In addition to Kansas, film crews visited South Carolina, Texas, and Kentucky to document how a decline in active forest management and the conversion of livestock grazing operations from native grasses to exotic fescue across millions of acres, combined with changes in row-crop agriculture, have decimated habitat range-wide for bobwhites and related wildlife over time.

By SAMANTHA KENNER
Eisenhower Presidential Library

ABILENE – The Eisenhower Presidential Library is collaborating with the Kansas Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 21-1 to raise awareness around the staggering number of veterans who commit suicide everyday. The allies are joining forces on “Operation Veterans Suicide Outreach” as part of their War on Suicide. Outreach events are scheduled on Jan. 22, April 22, July 22, Sept. 22, Oct. 22, and Dec. 22 at varying locations.

The first event will kick off at the Eisenhower Presidential Library at 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, in the Library building courtyard. Each event will feature guest speakers, and the CVMA will lead the group of participants in conducting 23 pushups. The 23 pushups are done to signify the number of veterans lost each day to suicide plus one for America. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome, but not required, to participate in the pushups.

Local CVMA Chapter 21-1 Commander Patrick Lynch will announce the adopting of Eisenhower as the local chapter name in honor of General and President Dwight Eisenhower. “It seems only fitting we name our chapter after the most influential leader from this great state of Kansas. We could not be more honored,” said Lynch.

“The well-being of his troops was always of the utmost concern for General Eisenhower. He would be proud of this effort in trying to improve the welfare of our nation’s veterans,” staid Tim Rives, Eisenhower Presidential Library Acting Director.

Additional allies supporting this outreach include the Chapman American Legion Riders Post 240 and Abilene Ike’s Place Bar and Grill. The event details for the remainder of the year can be found on the Operation Veterans Suicide Outreach Facebook page @23pushups.

 

EPA

Kansas City – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as National Radon Action Month. During the observance, it is the agency’s goal for people throughout the country to recognize that radon is a health hazard with a simple solution. People should use January as the time to “Test, Fix, Save a Life.”

You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America, and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon.

Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building – homes, offices, and schools – and result in a high indoor radon levels. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

You should test for radon. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools. Testing is inexpensive and easy – it should only take a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for radon.

You can fix a radon problem. Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99 percent. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

New homes can be built with radon-resistant features. Radon-resistant construction techniques can be effective in preventing radon entry. When installed properly and completely, these simple and inexpensive techniques can help reduce indoor radon levels in homes. Every new home should be tested after occupancy, even if it was built radon-resistant.

EPA offers a great deal of information on our radon page: http://www.epa.gov/radon

For information about radon programs in the four EPA Region 7 states, visit these websites:

Iowa Department of Public Health: http://idph.iowa.gov/radon
Kansas Department of Health and Environment: http://www.kdheks.gov/radiation/radon.htm
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services: http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/radon/
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/radon_index.aspx

 

TOPEKA–The Kansas Health Institute has prepared an issue brief entitled 2017 Kansas Legislative Preview, which provides an overview of health policy issues that are likely to receive attention during the 2017 Kansas legislative session.

Since the 2016 election, the political makeup of the Legislature has shifted, as has Congress and the White House.

Health policy bills were at the forefront of many legislative discussions last session, and some of those issues are expected to re-emerge. The brief also looks at new issues that may be considered and provides an overview of the state’s fiscal year 2017 budget, which will likely occupy much of the legislature’s time this session.

The session starts Mon., Jan. 9, in Topeka.

TOPEKA — Kansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues and more by calling 1-800-432-3924. Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential. Lines are open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents.

In addition to calling the hotline, residents can also text questions to (785) 256-0733 (standard text message rates may apply), email, or instant message at kslib.info/ask, or visit the State Library. The State Library is located on the third floor, north wing of the Kansas Capitol Building. The library’s hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

KDCF

TOPEKA — Thousands of individuals across the state benefit from formal and informal mentoring relationships. Wednesday, in Topeka, Governor Sam Brownback recognized the tremendous impact mentoring programs have on Kansans in need, including welfare benefits recipients, inmates in Kansas jails and prisons and children in the state’s public school system.

Governor Brownback signed a proclamation to designate January as Mentoring Month. During the ceremony officials from the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) discussed the success of their respective mentoring programs.

“I’ve started mentoring a young man [through HOPE Mentoring],” Governor Brownback said. “Here’s someone who has had quite a bit of difficulty, who’s been in prison a time or two, but is really working to change his life around. I’m just so encouraged by this.”

DCF’s HOPE (Hope, Opportunity and Prosperity for Everyone) Mentoring program offers mentors to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) clients and Independent Living youth who have aged out of the foster care system. Since June 2016, 288 TANF/IL clients have expressed interest or been successfully matched with a mentor.

The HOPE Mentoring program is changing the lives of both mentors and mentees. One Career Navigator stated that of the four people she recently referred to the program, three now have jobs that pay living wages. In addition, one mentor was able to help a mentee struggling to obtain a driver’s license break down barriers to apply for one. Thanks to his new license, the mentee was able to obtain a job that pays more than $22 per hour.

“The HOPE Mentoring program continues to grow as more of our clients seek additional opportunities to achieve self-reliance,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “We are excited to hear the success stories from people who have furthered their education, found steady employment and improved their quality of life.”

The HOPE Mentoring program is closely modeled after Mentoring4Success, a mentoring program developed by KDOC that matches inmates, both adults and juveniles, with mentors. This positive relationship helps inmates prepare to reintegrate into society, and gives them the best chance of staying out of the corrections system. Since July 2011, the program has made 7,522 adult matches. Since July 2014, Juvenile Services has made 252 matches.

The Kansas Mentors program, established in 2006 and housed at KSDE, currently partners with over 175 mentoring programs across the state. The organization is committed to providing every young Kansas access to a caring and quality mentor through recruitment, awareness, and training efforts. There are approximately 20,000 youth on waiting lists needing a mentor in Kansas, and research shows that mentoring has long-term benefits on youth by increasing their chances of high school graduation and college attendance and decreasing the likelihood of substance abuse and other risky behaviors.

For more information on HOPE Mentoring, please visit http://www.hopementoring.dcf.ks.gov. For more information on Mentoring4Success, visit https://www.doc.ks.gov/help-out/mentoring. For more information on Kansas Mentors, visit www.KansasMentors.org.

KDHE

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) are issuing revised fish consumption advisories for 2017. The advisories identify types of fish or other aquatic animals that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are also provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits as well as the risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.

Definitions:
Bottom-feeding fish: buffalos, carp, carpsuckers, catfishes (except flathead catfish), sturgeons, and suckers.
Predatory fish: black basses, crappies, drum, flathead catfish, perches, sunfish, white bass, wiper, striper, walleye, saugeye, and sauger.
Shellfish: mussels, clams, and crayfish.
General Population: Men and women 18 years of age or older.
Sensitive Populations: Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing and children age 17 or younger.
Meal size (before cooking):
Adults and Children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces

Statewide Advisories

Kansas recommends the following consumption restrictions because of mercury in fish:
1. Sensitive Populations should restrict consumption of all types of locally caught fish, from waters or species of fish not specifically covered by an advisory to one meal per week because of mercury.
2. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass (black basses):
A. Sensitive Populations should restrict consumption of these species to one meal per month because of mercury.
B. General Public should restrict consumption of these species to one meal per week because of mercury.

Waterbody specific advisories for all consumers

Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:
The Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties); bottom-feeding fish because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
The Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County); shellfish because of lead and cadmium.
Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish because of lead and cadmium.
Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County); bottom-feeding fish because of PCBs.
The Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish because of PCBs.
Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish because of the pesticides dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane, and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to one meal per month from the following location because of PCBs:
1. The Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

General advice for eating locally caught fish in Kansas
1. Sensitive populations should consider restricting their total mercury intake for both supermarket fish and locally caught species. Concerned parents and other persons may wish to consult with a physician about eating fish and mercury exposure.
2. Mercury exposure can be reduced by limiting the consumption of large predatory fish. Larger/older fish of all types are more likely to have higher concentrations of mercury.
3. Avoid the consumption of fish parts other than fillets, especially when eating bottom-feeding fish. Fatty internal organs tend to accumulate higher levels of fat-soluble contaminants such as chlordane and PCBs than fillets.
4. Consumers can reduce their ingestion of fat-soluble contaminants such as chlordane and PCBs by trimming fat from fillets, and cooking in a manner in which fat drips away from the fillet.
5. Avoid subsistence level (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) fishing activities in large rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas and wastewater outfalls. Fish in these areas are more likely to contain traces of chemical contaminants.
6. In waterbodies where watches or warnings related to harmful algae blooms have been applied, fish should be consumed in moderation and care taken to only consume skinless fillets. Avoid cutting into internal organs and rinse fillets with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.

Internet resources from KDHE, KDWPT, EPA, FDA, and the American Heart Association
To view the advisories online and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program please visit our website at: http://www.kdheks.gov/befs/fish_tissue_monitoring.htm

For information about harmful algal blooms, including current watches and warnings, visit this KDHE website: http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm

For information about fishing in Kansas including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and fishing forecasts please visit the KDWPT fishing website: http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing

For general information about mercury in fish, national advisories, and advisories in other states please visit this EPA website: http://www2.epa.gov/choose-fish-and-shellfish-wisely

For information about sensitive populations and mercury in fish please visit this FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers/ucm110591.htm

For information regarding personal care products and pharmaceuticals in fish please visit this EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/fish-tech/pilot-study-pharmaceuticals-and-personal-care-products-fish-tissue

For information about the health benefits vs. the risks of including fish in your diet please visit this American Heart Association website: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Fish-101_UCM_305986_Article.jsp

For technical information regarding the EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits please visit: http://www2.epa.gov/fish-tech

By ANDY MARSO

After four years of filling out four different sets of paperwork to join Kansas Medicaid, or KanCare, health care providers will soon only have to fill out one.

State officials announced that they are standardizing the credentialing process for the three private insurance companies that administer KanCare, as well as the state’s own provider forms.

The move comes after a raft of providers told a legislative oversight committee last month that the current process is tedious and duplicative.

“We have listened to providers’ comments and the direction we received from the KanCare oversight committee and are making the system more user-friendly for the providers,” said Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer.

Sen. Laura Kelly, the top Democrat on the oversight committee, said the credentialing process could have been streamlined earlier, but the Republican-led committee didn’t have the political will to demand it of the Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration and the KanCare companies.

She said the committee served as “more of a cheerleader” for KanCare until members saw Democrats and moderate Republicans make election-year gains on discontent with Brownback.

“I don’t think we performed as an oversight committee the first few years since we were in place,” Kelly said. “I think that has just come, quite honestly, since the primary when I think a lot of folks got the message that this is important and we want it to work right.”

Andy Marso is a reporter for KCUR’s Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio and KMUW covering health, education and politics in Kansas. You can reach him on Twitter @andymarso
————

KDADS

TOPEKA — Lt. Governor Dr. Jeff Colyer has announced an agreement between the KanCare managed care organizations (MCOs) and the state to standardize the credentialing process for KanCare providers.

“We have listened to providers’ comments and the direction we received from the KanCare oversight committee, and are making the system more user-friendly for the providers,” Dr. Colyer said. “We are going to see a simpler, more efficient, cost-effective process with a central enrollment point for providers. It’s good for providers, good for the MCOs and ultimately good for Kansans. We are again leading the way in Medicaid reform.”

Currently each KanCare MCO and KMAP (the Kansas Medical Assistance Program which tracks providers) use similar application forms, but enroll and credential providers differently. Providers have to supply the same pieces of information multiple times in order to sign on with each MCO and be entered into KMAP. Additionally, without a central enrollment point, KDHE has no effective way to monitor the KanCare provider network.

“Kansas’ strategy is to simplify the steps providers must go through to become credentialed and enrolled, and make it less cumbersome,” KDHE Secretary Dr. Susan Mosier said. “The agreement Dr. Colyer announced will relieve KanCare providers of a redundant administrative burden.”

The state’s plan to revamp and standardize its credentialing process includes:

· KDHE and the department’s Division of Health Care Finance (DHCF) created a workgroup comprised of state staff and provider groups such as the Kansas Hospital Association and Kansas Medical Society. Members of those organizations participated in planning sessions, reviewed credentialing forms and provided feedback on the on the way the online portal functions. This workgroup successfully standardized the Disclosure of Ownership (DOO) form and is working to standardize the additional application forms.

· Providers will be able to post credentialing and enrollment information in one location, eliminating the need to supply information multiple times. The providers upload their documents and the MCOs are able to view those documents as needed. The new credentialing process will include standardized forms posted to KDHE’s Provider Enrollment portal or to the national CAQH repository (whichever the provider prefers).

· Providers will be able to enroll through one central portal in KDHE’s new Kansas Modular Medicaid Management Information System (KMMS). All providers are to enroll through this portal, which will fulfill the Federal Managed Care Regulations requirement.

· The process will be streamlined through the use of automated workflows. Providers will be able to direct the path of their application to one or more MCOs at the time of application.

· KDHE/DHCF is working with its fiscal agent, HPE, on these provider enrollment changes, as we implement Kansas’ new KMMS.

The new process will be in place by January 1, 2018.

OFFICE OF THE GOV.

TOPEKA–Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has announced he has accepted the invitation of Speaker-elect of the Kansas House of Representatives Ron Ryckman (R-Olathe) to deliver his 2017 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature at 5:00 p.m. Tue., Jan. 10, 2017 in the Hall of Representatives.

In accordance with Section 5 of Article 1 of the Kansas Constitution, the Governor provides to the Legislature information on the condition of the State.

The State of the State address will be live-streamed on www.governor.ks.gov.

This will be the 135th State of the State address.

The Kansas legislature convenes Mon., Jan. 9.

KDWPT

PRATT – Seeing a wild bald eagle is always a thrill and thanks to conservation efforts, our nation’s symbol is more common than ever. However, if you want to optimize your viewing opportunities and learn more about eagles and other birds of prey, plan to attend Eagle Day at Milford Reservoir on Jan. 14, 2017. This is the best time of year to see bald eagles in Kansas, when large numbers of these amazing birds congregate around lakes and wetlands.

Eagle Day will feature a series of educational programs at the Milford Nature Center: “Raptors” at 9:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; “Owls” at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; “Nesting Eagles In Kansas” at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and “Birds Of Prey” at 3:15 p.m. Live eagle programs will be conducted at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Starbird Classroom. The Kids’ Tent will have activities and crafts for youngsters, and all visitors will be treated to hot chocolate and popcorn courtesy of the Milford Friends.

Bus tours to view wild eagles will leave the nature center every half-hour, beginning at 9 a.m. and continue through 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend any of the programs and the bus tours are free, as well, thanks to B&B Busing. Entrance to Milford State Park is also free on January 14, so Daily Vehicle permits are not required. For more information, contact the Milford Nature Center, (785) 238-5323 or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Milford Office, (785) 238-5714.

Other eagle day events will occur at various locations during the month of January, including the Kaw Valley Eagle Days at Lawrence Free State High School, Jan. 21, 2017. Go to www.kawvalleyeaglesday.com for more information. And be on the lookout for notices of other eagle day events at lakes near you.

KDWPT

PRATT – Few outdoor activities are as enjoyable as camping, and Kansas state parks take out the guesswork of the best places to go! From deluxe cabins that are as affordable as they are fun, to campsites with hookups that make unwinding and unplugging a breeze, Kansas state parks have it all. Beginning in 2017, park goers can enjoy staying at any of Kansas’ 26 state parks at the following rates:

Daily Camping Permit – $9.00, plus utilities

14-day Camping Permit – $112.50

Annual Camping Permit – $202.50 (if purchased before April 1)

Annual Camping Permit ­– $252.50 (if purchased on April 1 or after)

*NEW THIS YEAR: Unconventional Vehicle Permit (golf carts and UTVs) ­– $52.50

A $5 Daily Vehicle Permit is required for all park visitors and a $3 processing fee is assessed for all overnight stays. Planning on an extended trip, or visiting more than one Kansas state park next year? Purchase a $25.00 Annual Vehicle Permit and enter as many Kansas state parks as often as you like under just one permit. Kansas motor vehicle owners can purchase an annual Kansas State Parks Passport at a discounted rate of $15.50 during their yearly vehicle registration. Simply ask for the Kansas State Park Passport at any motor vehicle registration office, or select the Park Passport check box online.

To plan your next camping adventure, visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks, contact the nearest KDWPT office, or consult the 2016 Kansas State Parks Guide.

DCF

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Phyllis Gilmore is pleased to announce 40,176 new employments have been reported since January 2011, among cash assistance clients. Their average hourly wage is more than $10 per hour.

“We offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of clients, to help them move from welfare to work,” Secretary Gilmore said. “We know that these jobs won’t necessarily remove all dependency on benefits, but employment is the most effective way to achieve self-reliance. With the help of our employment services, they are identifying their skills and paving a path to success.”

Earlier this month, Kansas was recognized by the federal Office of the Administration of Children and Families as one of only 12 states in the country to meet the federal work participation rate for both overall and two-parent families receiving cash assistance. The participation rate measures how many adults are actively working toward preparing and searching for work. These activities include short-term vocational training, job searching and readiness training, high school or GED education and employment.

 

As of November, there were 5,222 open Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cases in Kansas. This represents an 8.6 percent decrease from this time last year, and a 70.7 percent reduction since 2011.

In 2015, Governor Sam Brownback signed into law the most comprehensive welfare reforms in the nation, known as the Kansas HOPE Act. Additional reforms were enacted this year to strengthen existing measures. Among other changes, the HOPE Act codified common-sense work requirements and established fraud penalties.

“We are confident that through our services and the hard work and dedication of low-income Kansans, we can break the cycle of poverty so that future generations never need to have contact with our agency,” Secretary Gilmore said.

For additional statistics related to TANF, please visit the DCF website.

KHP

The Kansas Highway Patrol has released preliminary data from its 2016 Christmas weekend holiday activity.

The reporting period for the holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 23 through 11:59 p.m. Mon., Dec. 26.

During that time frame, the Patrol worked one fatal crash in Stafford County, which was not alcohol-related.

There were no fatalities during the 2015 reporting period.

Information on the table compares 2016 data to 2015 data. The 2015 reporting period was from 6 p.m. Thu., Dec. 24 through 11:59 p.m. Sun., Dec. 27.