DCF

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Phyllis Gilmore was honored Monday, June 20, with the 2016 Executive of the Year Award from the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), for her leadership in helping Kansans attain self-reliance through employment. The awards ceremony was held during the FGA national conference, in Kansas City, Mo.

“Our social safety nets are designed to help those who truly can’t help themselves, and to catch those who stumble, but the goal should always be to help each individual achieve prosperity and independence,” said Tarren Bragdon, FGA CEO. “Gilmore has helped achieve this with a common-sense approach to welfare reform in Kansas. Our welfare programs do the most good when they are helping people leave dependency and enjoy a better life, and the Kansas DCF is truly a leader in helping people escape poverty.”

Since Governor Sam Brownback first took office, nearly 40,000 new employments have been reported by Kansans who were on cash assistance. After Kansas restored work requirements in the food assistance program in 2013, for able-bodied adults without dependent children, nearly 60 percent of those clients who left the program were employed within 12 months, and their incomes increased by an average of almost 130 percent during that first year. According to the latest Kids Count report released this week, 6,000 fewer children are living in poverty in Kansas, compared to the previous year’s report. The Kansas HOPE Act, enacted in 2015 and enhanced in 2016 with additional reforms, has helped low-income Kansans move from welfare dependency to self-reliance. The HOPE Act is the most comprehensive welfare reform legislation passed in the United States. And other states are following the lead of Governor Brownback.

“I thank FGA for taking the time to recognize Kansas’ efforts to empower residents to reach their potential and break the cycle of poverty,” Secretary Gilmore said. “This has truly been a joint effort that has involved the leadership of Governor Brownback, Kansas legislators, our staff and the clients who are doing the hard work to better their lives.”

Phyllis Gilmore is a former Kansas state legislator who also served as the executive director of the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB), based in Topeka, for more than 11 years. The BSRB licenses and regulates most of the mental health professionals in Kansas. She served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1994 to 2000, representing Johnson County. Her private sector experience is primarily within the areas of adoption and health care. Gilmore is a licensed specialist in clinical social work with a master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. She was appointed Secretary of DCF in February 2012.

DCF

TOPEKA – Abuse of vulnerable adults may take on numerous forms, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse, self-neglect or neglect by a caregiver and financial exploitation. Three State agencies presented a united front today, against such abuse of Kansas’ vulnerable adults.

Gathered at the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging office in Topeka, speakers from the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) preceded a presentation by Alma Heckler, Assistant Attorney General, to call attention to the issue, as well as to the State’s efforts to combat it.

Heckler provided an overview of changes in Kansas statute that toughen penalties for adult abuse.

“These changes give Kansas new tools to prosecute criminally those who would abuse some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Heckler said. “The penalties are more severe for committing what is a growing area of crime.”

Adult abuse affects individuals 18 and older who are unable to protect themselves. This includes older adults and persons with disabilities.

Governor Sam Brownback declared June Adult Abuse Awareness Month, and DCF asked its staff and the general public to wear purple Friday, June 17 in support of adult abuse prevention.

During the current fiscal year, the DCF’s Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline has received more than 13,000 calls regarding abuse and neglect of this population. The agency helps protect older adults from being taken advantage of, as well as to ensure they are taking care of themselves.

“I have worked with vulnerable adults my entire career as a social worker, in nursing homes, group homes for the mentally ill and with DCF,” said April Shine, APS Supervisor. “It is my passion to help others in need, who cannot protect themselves. There is no greater joy than to see clients reach their potential and live the life they choose.”

Deneen Dryden, Director of Prevention and Protection Services, says the agency is receiving an increasing number of reports of abuse and/or neglect among this population, primarily due to the growing elderly population in the state.

Kansans can report abuse by calling the DCF Kansas Protection Report Center at 800-922-5330.

“We have a strong and effective partnership with KDADS,” said Dryden. “DCF investigates abuse and neglect of individuals in the community. KDADS, meanwhile, oversees investigations involving long-term care facilities. Together we are combatting the problem and equipping families with the resources and knowledge they need to protect their loved ones.”

Kelli Ludlum, KDADS Assistant Secretary, said the agency is improving its credentialing and background check policies at long-term care facilities. Through a federal grant, KDADS has recently added the ability to check out-of-state records for more extensive background checks.

“This allows us to do better at stopping abuse before it starts,” Ludlum said. “Those in long-term care are dependent on others for many to all aspects of their care. We want to make sure those in that position are qualified for that responsibility.”

KDADS offers a hotline for long-term care consumers to file complaints specific to adult care homes – 1-800-842-0078.

KDWPT

PRATT – The Active Network is teaming up with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks (KDWPT) and Tourism to offer Kansas anglers a chance to win a lifetime fishing license. Anyone purchasing their fishing license online at www.ksoutdoors.com is automatically entered into the sweepstakes. If you already have your license, you can still enter the sweepstakes by filling out the online entry form and clicking on “Enter Sweepstakes.” But hurry, the Lifetime Fishing License Sweepstakes closes June 30, 2016.

You must be a Kansas resident and 18 years old or older to enter. Go to www.ksoutdoors.com and click on the “LIFETIME FISHING SWEEPSTAKES” button to learn more and enter.

Active Network is a leading global marketplace for activities and events, and contracts with KDWPT to manage and market license and permit sales.

KDC

TOPEKA–Kansas has been awarded a 2016 Silver Shovel Award by Area Development. The publication awarded 2016 Shovel Awards to a number of states across the country in their respective population categories. Kansas has received nine Silver Shovels and one Gold Shovel in the last eleven years.

“Kansas’ long history of receiving Shovel Awards is a reflection of the work of our Commerce team and how we do business within our state and outside of it,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Antonio Soave. “We always have and continue to put our passion and determination into each and every business deal, developing relationships with the companies we work with and creating a business climate that the entire state of Kansas can be proud of.”

The Annual Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities.

Area Development awards Silver Shovels based on five population categories, automotive, e-commerce, solar energy, as well as small cities projects creating in excess of 1,000 jobs. The publication said, “The states receiving this year’s Shovel Awards are being recognized for their large numbers of high-impact economic development projects, including $1 billion+ deals with thousands of new jobs.”

KDWPT

PRATT – The Law Enforcement Division of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism recognized officers and other individuals for work and services performed above and beyond the call of duty. The annual awards are presented in several categories, including Meritorious Work, Lifesaving, Natural Resource Education, Boating Safety Enforcement, Investigations, Cooperative Projects and Officer of the Year.

The Merit Award was presented to Capt. Dan Melson for his work in developing and maintaining the Game Wardens’ Facebook page and an application allowing the Law Enforcement Division to more efficiently record violations.

Game warden Jonathan Rather was awarded the Natural Resource Education Advancement Award for his work in implementing hunter education programs in the area school systems.

The Boating Officer of the Year Award was presented to game warden Jeff Clouser for his extensive work in the area of boating safety enforcement, including dealing with stranded boaters, investigating boating accidents and enforcing boating under the influence laws.

Game warden Hal Kaina received the Lifesaving Award for his efforts in two incidents where individuals were facing life-threatening circumstances. In one incident, officer Kaina rescued a hunter who had broken through the ice. In another incident, officer Kaina aided in the rescue of four individuals, including children, after their boat had sunk in the middle of the reservoir. Game warden Cody Morris was awarded the Lifesaving Award for his assistance in rescuing a family adrift on a boat with a motor that would not start.

Lt. Rick Campbell and game wardens Jesse Gehrt and Travis Schulte received Lifesaving Awards for rescues they performed on the Kansas River. In one situation Lt. Campbell and officer Gehrt rescued a man whose canoe had overturned in the river. Later in the summer, a family who were floating the Kansas River became stranded on a sandbar after getting caught in a severe thunderstorm. Officers Gehrt and Schulte, along with a local emergency medical technician, got the family, which included a 4-month-old baby, to safety.

The Richard Harrold Memorial Award for Investigations was presented to game warden Josh DeHoux for his efforts investigating big game violations in his assigned area.

The Director’s Award was presented to a large group of game wardens, department staff and a private citizen for their work in hosting the conference of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Those recognized include: Major Dan Hesket, Capt. B.J. Thurman, Lt. Eric Deneault, Lt. Dave Adams, Lt. Jeff Sutton, Lt. Mike Peterson, Lt. Scott Hanzlicek, Lt. Bob Funke, game wardens Michael McGinnis, Cody Morris, Jesse Gehrt, Tracy Cikanek, Dennis Zehr, Jim Bussone, Matt Hanvey, Jon Entwhistle, Vince Wonderlich, Scott Leamon, Jeremy Stenstrom, Ross Uhrmacher, Glenn Cannizzaro, Mike Hopper, Greg Salisbury, Landen Cleveland, Ryan Smidt, Lance Hockett, Chris Stout, Daniel Howard, Aaron Scheve, Clint Lee, Jacob Greene, Lynn Koch and Jonathan Rather; Erika Brooks and Shelby Stevens of the Education Section; Jason Deal and David Jenkins of the Public Lands Division; Tony Reitz of the Parks Division; and volunteer, Jenna Scheve.

Game warden Jesse Gehrt received the Officer of the Year Award, a joint recognition by the Law Enforcement Division and the Shikar Safari Club International. Gehrt has performed his duties above and beyond what is normally expected, and is extensively involved in all aspects of being a game warden. Apart from his daily duties, ties to his local community, and many other contributions around the state, Gehrt is also a member of the division’s Honor Guard.

KDA

MANHATTAN–From sunrise to sundown, from the heat of the summer to the cold of the winter, Kansas farmers and ranchers know there is great beauty in agriculture. Photographers are encouraged to capture that beauty and share it with others through the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s annual photo contest. KDA will began accepting photos Wed., June 1.

Photos must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1. Winners will be announced on Monday, October 3.

This year, KDA is adding new categories to promote different aspects of Kansas agriculture. Farmers and ranchers work year-round to produce food, fiber and energy. Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall categories will showcase agriculture during all times of the year. Water, a major component of Kansas agriculture, will also have its own category in the photo contest. Irrigation systems, ponds, rivers and other water sources create beauty in our Kansas infrastructure. In addition, there will be a separate Youth division, for young photographers age 19 and under.

KDA serves to advocate for the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry. Photos capturing the moments of bliss, struggle and joy in Kansas agriculture will be used to promote the state’s largest economic driver. Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall and Water as well as the Youth division.

Guidelines for the contest can be found at: agriculture.ks.gov/photocontest. After submission, the Kansas Department of Agriculture is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.

Follow KDA on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more details on the contest, including deadlines, divisions and prizes. For more information, contact KDA Director of Communications Heather Lansdowne at [email protected] or (785) 564-6706.

KDWPT

PRATT – Habitat First is a new program developed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Wildlife Division for private landowners interested in developing or enhancing wildlife habitat on their land. Under the program, district wildlife biologists will deliver the following services to interested landowners:

-Technical assistance: planning, land management support, and habitat development tools

-Financial assistance: cost-share and sign-on incentives for habitat improvements

-Equipment loans: native grass drills, tree planters, fabric machines, prescribed burn equipment, and root plows

-USDA programs: assistance with Environmental Quality Incentive Program applications benefiting wildlife, Conservation Reserve Program enrollment, and management

Standardized practices and rates make the program easy to explain and understand. Habitat management plans can be tailored to the property and to landowner preferences.

Visit ksoutdoors.com/Private-Lands, call (620) 672-5911 or contact the nearest KDWPT office to learn more.

LPKS

TOPEKA – Rob Hodgkinson, Stilwell, the State Chair of the Libertarian Party of Kansas (LPKS), filed the Libertarian’s 2016 slate of candidates with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.

“I’m very proud of the list of candidates that we filed today (June 1),” said Hodgkinson in a news release. “The Libertarian Party have assured that every Kansan will have a third option on their ballot in the general election this November.”

The Libertarian stable of 16 candidates range from local offices such as the Oxford Township Trustee to the party’s candidates for President and Vice-President, Governor Gary Johnson and Governor William Weld.

The party’s candidates for President and Vice President are their highest profile candidates. Gary Johnson is the former two-term governor of New Mexico and William Weld is the former two-term governor of Massachusetts. Demonstrating the candidates’ cross-party-line appeal, both were elected as Republicans in heavily Democrat states. Now both men have joined the Libertarian Party where their campaign’s message of fiscal responsibility and social acceptance has found a more natural political home.

It appears that the Libertarian candidate for President will be the only third party or independent candidate to appear on the general election ballot in all 50 states. Hodgkinson hopes that the high-profile nature of the party’s candidate for president will make people consider their local candidates as well. “The two party system is broken and we are all disgusted with ‘politics as usual’,” said Hodgkinson, “and I believe that this is the year that politics-as-usual changes in America. We expect that this is the year that will see mass conversions from both the Republicans and Democrats to the Libertarian Party where they will be welcome.”

The Libertarian Party of Kansas invites individuals and media to learn more about their candidates for office. All candidates and their contact information are listed below.

LPKS Confirmed Candidates List for 2016

United States Senator
Robert D. Garrard
2287 N. 300 Rd
Edgerton, KS 66021
913-956-9167
[email protected]

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 1
Kerry Burt
314 Robert St
Hutchinson, KS 67502
785-280-3507
[email protected]

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 2
James Houston Bales
4401 Adam Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66047
210-771-1463
[email protected]
Website: www.BalesForCongress.com

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 3
Steven A. Hohe
4760 Black Swan Dr
Shawnee, KS 66216
913-980-7731
[email protected]

United States House of Representatives Dist. # 4
Gorden J.Bakken
4323 E. Douglas Ave
Wichita, KS 67218
316-687-9402
[email protected]

Magistrate Judge – District 15 Position 1
A. Danielle Gardner
312 W Spencer Street
P.O. Box 1201
St Francis, KS 67756
573-470-5980
[email protected]

Kansas Senate – District 6
Jason Conley
9127 Ann Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66112
316-734-9650
[email protected]
Website: www.JasonLovesKansas.com

Kansas Senate – District 21
Michael Kerner
15515 W. 80th St
Lenexa, KS 66219
913-488-8856
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 9
Patrick McMurray
1500 W Main Apt 111
Chanute, KS 66720
614-940-30581
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 19
John Taube
8857 Broadmoor Ct Apt 3405
Overland Park, KS 66212
913-291-7912
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 38
Frederick Caleb Cristopher
3111 N 155th Terrace
Bashor, KS 66007
(913) 961-5689
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 71
Joey Frazier
722 E. Iron Ave
Salina, KS 67401
785-643-1481
[email protected]

Kansas House of Representatives – District 86
James Pruden
2918 East Morris Street
Wichita, KS 67211
316 686-0310
[email protected]

President / Vice President
Gary Johnson / William Weld
PO Box 4422
Salt Lake City, UT 84110-4422
801-303-7922
Emails:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Website: www.GaryJohnson2016.com

KDA

MANHATTAN–Kansas is one of the fastest growing dairy regions in the United States, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture is pleased to celebrate our hard-working dairy farmers during the month of June as the Governor has proclaimed it Kansas Dairy Month.

The Kansas dairy and milk production industry grew in 2015, with 143,000 dairy cows producing 3.1 billion pounds of milk valued at $537 million, and behind those numbers are more than 300 family-run dairy farms. The growth of the dairy industry in Kansas means economic gains for local communities and the state, and more safe and nutritious dairy products for families in Kansas and across the region.

Kansas dairies are becoming more progressive, as dairy farmers are making investments to enhance the milk processing industry in the state, and adding new advanced technologies like robotic milking machines. In addition, a world-class milk powder production facility is currently being constructed in the state.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s dairy program is committed to serving the dairy farmers in our state by supplying resources to help their farms and processing operations grow and thrive. The dairy inspection team helps them stay on the forefront of the dairy industry by providing information and education and by advocating for the dairy industry both locally and nationally.

“Kansas dairy farmers are an important part of the economic growth of the agriculture industry,” said Jackie McClaskey, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. “Their success is a reflection of their hard work and commitment to improving the industry through innovations in dairy farming and milk processing.”

Follow KDA on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about Kansas dairies and to celebrate Kansas Dairy Month this June. For more information about KDA’s dairy program, go to agriculture.ks.gov/dairy or dairyinkansas.com.

KHS

TOPEKA–Helping students connect the past with the present can be difficult for educators. The Kansas Historical Society’s Project Archaeology workshop offers a unique way to inspire learning and will be held Wednesday – Friday, July 27 – 29, at Brown Center, Cowley College, 215 S. 2nd Street, Arkansas City.

“I am so happy to have new materials and new ideas to supplement my classroom,” said Paula, a past workshop participant. “The more we learned, the more and more enthusiastic and passionate I became with the subject matter, the more my brain came alive with ideas, and the more excited I became with thoughts on how I could blend Project Archaeology into the other subjects I teach.”

Designed specifically for educators, the workshop focuses on the basics of scientific inquiry, using archaeological data. Kansas-specific curriculum materials are included with units on shelter, early agriculture, and migration. The curriculum is appropriate for grades three through eight. Participants will also tour sites related to the Etzanoa Archaeological Project.

The workshop is free but enrollment is limited to 25 people. Participants can earn two hours of college credit through Baker University; tuition is $65 per hour. The application deadline is July 1. The application and more information is available online at kshs.org/18959. For further questions contact Virginia Wulfkuhle, (785) 272-8681, ext. 266; or [email protected].

KDCF

With more than 6,600 children in foster care in Kansas, there is a constant need to ensure loving foster families are ready and willing to care for children in need. A large number of the youth in the State’s care have special physical, emotional and/or behavioral needs. An event earlier this month at the State Capitol Building, Topeka, highlighted stories of hope for youth in foster care and celebrated those who provide care for youth with special needs.

First Lady Mary Brownback joined the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and community partners at the Statehouse to celebrate Foster Care Month. The event included a news conference, more than a dozen booths on foster care services, a lunch provided by DCF’s foster care contractors, KVC and Saint Francis Community Services, and music from the Topeka High School jazz band.

Manhattan High School senior Peyton Peterson, who has been in foster care since he was seven, plans to hit campus at Kansas State University, his wheelchair not holding him back from big dreams.

“I plan to become a biochemist, because I want to make a difference in the world,” said Peterson. “The opportunity I have wouldn’t have been there for me without the foster care system. Foster care has helped many people I know who would have otherwise just been left.”

Topekans Derek and Stephanie Sharp have parented several youth in foster care over the past 13 years, including some with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Being a foster parent is like a bridge, because the giving goes both ways,” said Derek Sharp. “We have been able to provide things for the kids that they wouldn’t have otherwise had, but they have brought to our family amazing things too. Our biological children have grown so much from the experience, and they will be better people because of it.”

The First Lady discussed how members of the community can impact the lives of youth in foster care through the HOPE Mentoring program, which this summer will add a youth mentoring component to the recently launched program for adults who receive financial assistance.

“There is a great need in the foster care system, and there are many roles to play,” said the First Lady. “We want every child to have a loving environment to grow up in, but we also want to help every youth aging out of the system to be able to have a mentor who will help them as they transition into adulthood.”

Informational booths and tables were sponsored by stakeholder groups including: KVC, St. Francis Community Services, Children’s Alliance, DCCCA, Ember Hope, GO Project, Lifeline, Shelter, KCSL, KFAN, KFAPA, KYAC and TFI.

Foster Care Statistics:
· There are currently 6,685 children in foster care in Kansas.

· Approximately 2,750 family foster homes are licensed in Kansas.

· Approximately 350 children are available for adoption in the state.

· Approximately 94 percent of children in foster care are placed in a family-like setting.

· The average age of a child in foster care is eight.

· 57 percent of children in foster care have a case plan goal of reintegration.

· 33 percent of children in foster care are placed with a relative.

To be a foster parent you must:
· Be at least 21

· Pass background checks

· Have sufficient income

· Participate in a family assessment

· Complete training

· Obtain sponsorship

· Complete first aid training

· Be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

KDA

MANHATTAN–Kansas organic producers or farmers interested in receiving organic certification are encouraged to apply to receive cost share funds. The National Organic Certification Cost Share Program is funded by the 2014 Farm Bill and can assist Kansas farmers in paying for organic certification or recertification.

Funds from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will be distributed among Kansas organic producers. Under the state’s agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), farms and businesses that produce, process or package certified organic agricultural products are eligible to be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of their certification costs, or up to $750 per certification category, for certification between Oct. 1, 2015, and Sept. 30, 2016, as long as funds remain.

The application for the cost share funding, as well as other information about the program, is available on the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) website, 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.

KDA strives to serve all Kansas farmers and is committed to 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 Julie Roller at (785) 564-6755 or [email protected].

Information is also available from the USDA National Organic Program website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop.

KDWPT

PRATT–So, you caught a big fish; was it luck or was it skill? There’s no doubt a little luck never hurts, but good anglers make their own luck by refining their skills, paying attention to environmental conditions and being persistent. And for that, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants to recognize them when they catch trophy-class fish.

KDWPT’s Master Angler Award program provides anglers with a certificate when they catch a fish that is at or above the minimum length set for that species. All an angler needs is a tape measure and a camera. Measure the fish, snap a color photo and fill out the application, available in the 2016 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary or at www.ksoutdoors.com; click on “Fishing” then click on “Special Fishing Programs.”

Minimum lengths are listed for 33 different species of fish in the regulations summary and online. For example, to receive a Master Angler Award for a largemouth bass, the fish must measure at least 23 inches. The color photo allows species identification.

Even if you are luckier than you are good, and you catch that monster bass, send us an application and we’ll mail you a custom certificate suitable for framing. May is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish, so what are you waiting for?