KS Insurance Dept.

TOPEKA–Earthquake insurance coverage in Kansas requires a separate policy or endorsement to your regular homeowners insurance policy, according to Ken Selzer, CPA, Commissioner of Insurance.

“Earthquake coverage is not a part of a regular homeowners, renters or condominium insurance policy,” Commissioner Selzer said. “If your insurance company offers it — and many do — coverage can be added by including an endorsement to your policy or by purchasing a separate earthquake policy.”

In either case, the Commissioner said, you will pay an extra premium. Instead of a dollar amount, the deductible for that premium will probably be a percentage of the cost of rebuilding your home. There might also be a separate deductible for the home’s contents.

“The type of home construction could also determine the insurability of the structure as well,” Commissioner Selzer said. “Wood frame homes often withstand earthquakes better than brick or stone structures, and their rates may be less costly. Single-story homes may receive better rates. And the age of the home may affect the cost.”

One other factor in the cost of the coverage could be the number of claims filed. More claims may determine whether an insurance company changes its premiums. That process is similar to how premiums for others lines of insurance are structured.

“Kansans should also remember that earthquake policies usually cover only structural and foundation damage to a home, “Commissioner Selzer said. “That is why it is important, if you are considering the coverage, that you talk over the specifics with your local agent.”

Commissioner Selzer also offered these points to consider about earthquake coverage:

• Coverage doesn’t include damage to your vehicles. That may be covered under your current automobile policy. Check with your local insurance agent or company to verify your vehicle coverage.

• The time to buy the coverage is before an earthquake. Most insurers won’t sell any new earthquake insurance for 30 to 60 days after a recent earthquake. Check with your insurance company to be sure.

• As with any household coverage, make a household inventory. Go through each room to write down and video everything. Store the inventory in a secure place at another location, such as a safe deposit box. (For a download of a Personal Home Inventory, go to www.ksinsurance.org, and on the home page hit “Finding a Publication” under the “Help With…” banner. If you have a smartphone, you can get the application for a mobile personal home inventory, MyHomeScr.APP.book, from your phone’s app store.

A survey by the Insurance Information Institute (III) shows that only 8% of homeowners in the Midwest have earthquake insurance. In Oklahoma, where earthquakes have been prevalent during the past few years, a total of 15 percent of homeowners have the coverage, according to the III.

For additional assistance, contact the Kansas Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Hotline at 800-432-2484.

KDOR

TOPEKA– Free E-File income tax preparation help will be available at sites across Kansas starting today, Monday, Jan. 25.

The assistance sites are a partnership between the Kansas Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, called VITA.

Community IRS trained and certified volunteers will be on site to help complete electronically filed Federal and State individual income tax returns and limited Kansas Homestead Claims & Property Tax Relief Claims. The program offers tax help to low- and moderate-income people, generally earning $51,000 or less, who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

The volunteer tax preparers can help with special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled for which some filers may qualify.

AARP Kansas also offers Tax-Aide through the IRS-sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly program at additional sites throughout Kansas. Those sites provide free tax help to seniors.

Items taxpayers should bring with them to have their tax returns prepared
include:
· A copy of last year’s federal and state income tax return, if they
have one
· Photo identification for the taxpayer and their spouse
· Birth dates and social security cards, or a social security letter
with the full number, for the taxpayer, spouse and any children in
the household born before Dec. 31, 2013
· Wage and earning statements such as W-2 forms from all employers,
W-2G gambling income, and 1099(R) from pension, annuity, retirement
or profit-sharing plans, IRAs, and insurance contract distributions,
interest and dividend statements from banks (form1099 INT),
unemployment insurance benefit statements received any time in 2012
(1099-G), and all other 1098 and 1099 forms
· Statements received from a mortgage company during 2013
· College expense information for college students
· Other relevant information about income and expenses such as total
amount paid for day care and the day care provider’s federal
identifying number, and any notices sent to the taxpayer by the IRS
in 2012
· Workers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINS)
should bring the ITIN card sent to them by the IRS
· Those wanting to use direct deposit for their refund should bring a
check from the account where they want the money deposited

Due to changes in the law, renters should be aware that they are no longer
eligible for a Homestead Claim. The Food Sales Tax credit is also now
non-refundable so it does not generate a refund beyond the amount of taxes
owed.

Both spouses must be present to sign the required forms if they are filing jointly and bank routing numbers and account numbers must be provided to have the refund deposited directly into a checking or savings account.

To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887. A list of AARP Kansas Tax-Aide sites is available by calling 1-888-227-7669.

MANHATTAN – The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is seeking individuals to participate in Petfood Forum Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, from March 29–April 1, 2016.

In an effort to help Kansas small businesses in the pet food and pet care market, this conference will allow the representatives to explore export opportunities, conduct market research and begin to establish a network of contacts.

KDA plans to take a group of five representatives of Kansas companies within the pet food industry. Interested individuals should complete the application forms available on the KDA website at bit.ly/KDAInternationalMarketing. Pet food related companies meeting the Small Business Administration’s definition of a small or medium-sized business are invited to apply to participate. Applications are due by January 29, 2016.

The dog and cat food sector contributes approximately $2.53 billion annually to the Kansas economy, and supports more than 1,900 jobs in Kansas. “The pet food industry is a priority area of economic growth for Kansas agriculture,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “There is great potential in opportunities available internationally and we are pleased to help small businesses in Kansas explore the export market by providing programs that encourage growth.”

Petfood Forum Asia is a premier networking and educational conference for global pet food manufacturing industry professionals held in conjunction with Victam Asia/FIAAP Asia Pacific (Feed Ingredient and Additives), one of the largest agri-feed trade shows in the world. Participants will meet with the industry’s leading suppliers of equipment and ingredients, and observe exhibitions displaying the latest technology available that is used in the manufacture and processing of feeds for animals, pets, and aquatics.

Attendance at Petfood Forum Asia is supported by a State Trade and Export Program (STEP) grant, funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which helps Kansas non-exporters get started and existing exporters to export more. Since the grant’s inception in 2012, more than 30 Kansas small businesses have participated and achieved $9.2 million in actual export sales.

For more information, contact KDA Agribusiness Development Director Lynne Hinrichsen at [email protected] or (785) 564-6757.

KDWPT

PRATT–Cardinals, sparrows, bluejays and doves might be the extent of your bird identification knowledge, and that’s okay, but wouldn’t it be neat to know what kind of bird is plucking those bugs off your bumper? Or what kind of bird is building a nest in your favorite tree out back? For birders, keeping a running tally of the species they identify is an ongoing challenge. And for Sam Schermerhorn, Wamego, who competed in the youth category of the 2015 Kansas Birding Big Year contest, that tally was 225 species observed during the year. Schermerhorn won his category, comparing respectably to the overall winner, Andrew Burnett, who observed 317 species, an outstanding total for the state.

For three years running, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has hosted a Birding Big Year contest where participants join in a friendly competition to see who can identify the most bird species in a calendar year. The competition is divided into three age categories: youth (17 and under), adult (18-64), and senior (65+), with the adult category being broken down into three skill levels.

The results for 2015 were spectacular:

ADULT DIVISION

Advanced

1st – Matt Gearheart, 288

2nd – Pete Janzen, 262

3rd – E.J. Raynor, 259

4th – Brett Sandercock, 256

5th – Carol Morgan, 231

Intermediate

1st – Andrew Burnett, 317

2nd – Sue Newland, 283

3rd – Malcom Gold, 277

4th – Nick Varvel, 275

5th – Tom Ewert, 245

Novice

1st – Don Merz, 287

2nd – Jennifer Hammett, 252

3rd – Todd Becker, 172

YOUTH DIVISION

1st – Sam Schermerhorn, 225

2nd – Ella Burnett, 194

3rd – Joshua Keating, 142

4th – Jacob Keating, 137

5th – Emma Littich, 91

SENIOR DIVISION

1st – Mick McHugh, 267

2nd – Dan Larson, 241

3rd – John Row, 208

OVERALL WINNERS

1st – Andrew Burnett (Erie) – Adult, Intermediate, 317 species

2nd – Matt Gearheart (Lenexa) – Adult, Advanced, 288 species

3rd – Don Merz (Horton) – Adult, Novice, 287 species

4th – Sue Newland (Wakarusa) – Adult, Intermediate, 283 species

5th – Malcom Gold (Overland Park) – Adult, Intermediate, 277 species

Apart from bragging rights, winners of the 2015 contest will receive prizes donated from several sponsors, including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, The Coleman Company, Acorn Naturalists of Tustin, Calif., and the KDWPT Education Section.

The winners of each category will also each receive matted and framed original ink drawings of native Kansas bird species, drawn and donated by Dr. Robert Penner of Ellinwood, as well as a signed copy of Penner’ book, Birds of Cheyenne Bottoms. Dr. Penner is the land steward and avian projects coordinator for the Nature Conservancy at Cheyenne Bottoms.

If you’re interested in participating in the 2016 competition, visit http://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Diversity/2016-Kansas-Birding-Big-Year for details.

Whether it’s time spent outdoors, or time spent with the ones you love that will get you out the front door, consider making birding an item on your to-do list this year. And take a kid with you.

KDWPT

PRATT–The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) is seeking public input on Kansas’ State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) through March 11. The action plan replaces the state’s existing Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy and is designed to identify the top priority species and habitats that need conservation efforts in the state. The plan also outlines potential conservation actions that can address the threats or issues these species and habitats face. The SWAP is necessary for Kansas to be eligible for State Wildlife Grants (SWG) and proactively conserve wildlife and habitats before they become rarer and more costly to protect.

“The SWAP is not just a conservation plan for KDWPT,” said state wildlife action plan coordinator, Megan Rohweder. “It’s a dynamic and adaptive document that can serve as a guide for other agencies, organizations, stakeholders, experts, and interested parties to ensure that Kansas’ wildlife and habitats are conserved for future generations.”

To date, KDWPT has worked with agency partners, conservation organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to review and revise the plan to include information on climate change, as well as the development of geographically explicit areas in which to address conservation, called Ecological Focus Areas. The last piece of the puzzle is public input and now is the time for those voices to be heard.

To view the SWAP revision draft online, visit http://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Kansas-SWAP. Comments can be submitted via email through March 11 using the link available on the webpage.

KDWPT

PRATT–Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism license and permit fee increases took effect Jan. 1, 2016 and with those fee changes, some new licenses are being offered. Five-year hunting, fishing and hunt/fish combination licenses are now available and offer significant savings compared to purchasing licenses individually each year. A five-year hunting or fishing license is $102.50, compared to purchasing the $27.50 annual hunting or fishing license each year for five years – $137.50. A five-year hunt/fish combination license is $182.50, compared to buying an annual combination hunt/fish license for five years – $212.50 if purchased before Feb. 1, or $237.50 if purchased after Jan. 31.

The five-year licenses offer convenience and savings; however, they do not provide the holder resident status if they should move from Kansas before the license expires. The license is valid through its expiration date, even if the holder moves to another state, but a five-year hunting license holder who becomes a nonresident is required to purchase nonresident deer and turkey permits. And therein lies the difference and perhaps confusion when comparing the five-year licenses to lifetime licenses. The holders of lifetime hunting licenses are always considered Kansas residents when purchasing turkey and big game permits, regardless of where they live.

Another new license offered this year is the early-purchase annual hunting/fishing combination license. If purchased before Feb. 1, the price is $42.50. If purchased after Jan. 31, the price is $47.50. If you purchase your hunting and fishing licenses individually, you’ll spend $55.

The license fee increases were necessary to maintain and enhance pivotal hunting and fishing programs. Deer and turkey permit prices had not increased since 1984 and general hunting and fishing license fees had remained the same since 2002. Youth and senior lifetime pass license fees were not increased.

For more information on 2016 license and permit fees, go to www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Licenses & Permits” in the top menu.

KDA

MANHATTAN–The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) encourages Kansans who use firewood to heat their homes to consider using local firewood to help prevent the spread of tree diseases and pests.

While it may seem harmless on the surface, transporting firewood can pose a threat to healthy, pest-free trees across the state of Kansas. Tree-killing insects and diseases can lurk in what appears to be harmless firewood. Even if the exterior of the firewood appears to be healthy, microscopic fungal spores or pin-head sized insect eggs could be lurking in the wood. These pests and diseases can emerge before the wood is burned and infest trees in additional locations.

KDA recommends avoiding long distance transportation of untreated firewood due to the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Thousand Cankers Disease of walnut, and Pine Wilt.

Douglas, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties all prohibit the transportation of hardwood firewood out of the contiguous boundary of their county borders to help prevent the spread of EAB. This insect disrupts the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, causing it to die. EAB and other harmful diseases, including Thousand Cankers of Walnut and Pine Wilt are of concern to homeowners and foresters. Jeff Vogel, KDA Plant Protection and Weed Control program manager, says Kansas citizens play an important role in helping to slow the movement of these pests and diseases.

“It is imperative to take initiative when moving firewood,” said Vogel. “Preventing destructive pests is important not only for the health of our trees, but also for our economy.”

The United States Forest Service estimates that from 2009 to 2019 the response to eliminating the EAB will cost as much as $10.7 billion.

KDA is committed to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses, and to protecting the state’s natural resources. To learn more about the facts and general information of firewood transportation, visit http://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/plant-protect-weed-control/firewood.

KDWPT

PRATT–It may not be spring yet, but it’s time to prep like it is. The application period for those looking to hunt turkeys in Unit 4 this spring begins Jan. 12. Spring turkey permits are sold over-the-counter or online for all but the southwest portion of Kansas, Unit 4. A limited number of permits are issued to residents only through a lottery drawing. Hunters can apply online only, or over the phone, from Jan. 12-Feb. 12 by visiting ksoutdoors.com. Hunters may apply for a Unit 4 Spring Turkey Permit or a Unit 4 Spring Turkey Permit/Game Tag Combo; however the game tag will only be valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6.

Five hundred Unit 4 permits will be made available for the 2016 spring season, with half of those permits designated as landowner/tenant permits. Kansas youth (15 and under) may purchase a spring turkey permit valid statewide over the counter or online and will not need to enter the Unit 4 draw. Unit 4 spring turkey permits are also valid in adjacent Units 1, 2, and 5.

Unit 4 Spring Turkey Application Fees:

General Application: $32.50

Landowner/Tenant Application: $20.00

General Combo Permit/Game Tag Application: $42.50

Landowner/Tenant Combo Permit/Game Tag Application: $25.00

Nonresident Tenant Application: $ 37.50

Nonresident Tenant Combo Permit/Game Tag Application: $50.00

Preference Point only: $6.50

There is a $6.50 nonrefundable application fee. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a refund check and be issued a preference point. If you do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only, you may do so online by selecting Spring Turkey Preference Point Application. Only one point may be obtained per year.

Any individual who has purchased a Spring Turkey Permit is eligible for one Second Turkey Game Tag. Game tags are valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 ONLY.

The spring turkey season will open April 1-12 for youth and hunters with disabilities, and April 4-12 for archery hunters. The regular spring season is April 13-May 31.

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

KDA

MANHATTAN–The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has extended the deadline for Kansas agribusinesses, manufacturers and producers of agricultural products to complete the Kansas Agriculture Workforce Needs Assessment Survey through January 31, 2016. The survey will help KDA identify the number and types of jobs, and specific skills required for those jobs, in agriculture, in an effort to help support growth in agriculture.

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey said finding employees who are trained and prepared for jobs is a key challenge in agriculture today.

“We need to fully understand the gap between what the employers need and what potential employees have, whether that is technical skills, workplace skills or additional certifications,” said Secretary McClaskey. “This survey will give us the necessary information to understand the gap and to further strategize with industry partners on how to address these challenges.”

McClaskey said this survey will be used as a catalyst to begin the work of creating or redirecting training programs in an effort to keep the workforce involved in agriculture locally and statewide. The survey is currently being offered online at www.tinyurl.com/kdaworkforce with the access code of GrowAg, but also can be mailed to those who request a paper version. KDA is keeping the survey open through January 31, 2016.

KDA is focused on serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the consumers/customers they serve. A current priority is growing agriculture in the state, eliminating barriers to growth, developing workforce and building marketing activities in-state, out-of-state and globally.

For more information on the survey, visit http://agriculture.ks.gov/workforce.

Office of the Governor

Topeka – Governor Sam Brownback will deliver the 134th State of the State address at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12 at the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ray Merrick (R-Stillwell.) This year, the State of the State address will be live-streamed on www.kansas.gov.

In addition to the live streaming on www.Kansas.gov, the State of the State address will be carried and live-streamed by several Kansas television and radio stations. Public television will not carry it live as in previous years.

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.

KDWPT

PRATT – New Year’s resolutions often focus on inner change, but what about making a change this coming year that involves the outside? If resolving to learn something new, find a hobby, spend more time outdoors, or become more active is on your plate for 2016, consider entering in the 2016 Kansas Birding Big Year competition.

You may not consider yourself a “birder,” but if you’ve ever watched a hummingbird sip at a feeder, took note of a flock of geese up high, or watched a robin build a nest in your front yard – you’re a birder. And if you can find a way to positively identify each species you spot this year, you just might win the competition running Jan.1-Dec. 31.

Hosted annually by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), the Big Year is an informal competition where birders compete to see who can observe the most bird species in Kansas in one calendar year. Participants can compete in one of three categories: novice, intermediate, and advanced. Winners of each category will receive prizes to be awarded January 2017.

Participants are encouraged to carry a pocket-sized notebook and pencil to record their findings. Jotting down information such as size, color, sounds, and surrounding habitat, followed by a quick thumbnail sketch of the bird can prove to be very helpful for beginners.

Participants are asked to log their findings into the online service, eBird, available through the Cornell University website, www.ebird.org. The data collected is used to aid researchers in the study of species abundance, species range, and more.

For more information on the 2016 Kansas Birding Big Year, or to register, visit ksoutdoors.com/birding-big-year, or email Mike Rader at [email protected].