TOPEKA–Taxpayers who owe personal or business back taxes accrued before December 2013 have an upcoming opportunity to erase their debt with Kansas.

The state is offering a tax amnesty program where the state will waive penalties and interest assessed by the state for unpaid taxes if the tax debt for an approved application is paid in full between Sept. 1 and Oct. 15, 2015.

“The amnesty program allows taxpayers who have delinquent taxes to erase their debt without the added cost of the penalties and interest that might have been assessed,” said Revenue Secretary Nick Jordan.

The amnesty applies to:

· Income tax (individual, corporate and fiduciary)
· Privilege tax
· Estate tax
· Withholding and estimated tax
· Sales tax (state and local)
· Compensating Use tax (state and local)
· Liquor enforcement tax
· Liquor drink tax
· Cigarette and tobacco products tax
· Mineral severance tax
The program applies to penalties and interest on tax debt accrued for tax periods ending on or before Dec. 31, 2013 and does not apply to matters that are in appeal.

Eligibility information and answers to frequently asked questions are available at www.ksrevenue.org/taxamnesty.html. An application form for the tax amnesty program will be available online at the end of August.

Office of the Governor

TOPEKA– Governor Sam Brownback has ordered a full review of security measures at all Kansas National Guard facilities and installations across the state. Immediately after the July 16 shootings in Tennessee, the Governor asked Kansas Adjutant General Lee Tafanelli to identify any additional actions that might be needed to ensure the safety of our National Guard members.

“The safety of our men and women in uniform, their families and the communities in which they live and work is of paramount importance,” said Governor Brownback. “We will implement security enhancements throughout this ongoing review and assessment as they are identified, including arming additional guardsmen, over and above those security personnel who already carry weapons.”

The review is in line with the constant and on-going assessment of force protection measures that occur on both a routine and event-driven basis. The Governor also stressed the importance of the active training that brings together the National Guard and local law enforcement as well as any needed improvements to communications capabilities.

“I will continue to work directly with the Adjutant General and law enforcement across the state to make sure we are doing everything possible to confront any potential threats and protect those who serve,” said Governor Brownback. “Any actions taken will balance the importance of security while still providing needed public access to facilities.

All Kansas National Guard facilities have been under a heightened force protection level since May.

Kansas Dept. of Revenue

TOPEKA–Kansas vehicle customers will be able to renew their tags online on the last day of the month without worry of a ticket for expired car registration.

Starting July 1, 2015, drivers who have renewed online at KSWebTags.org will have a 10 day grace period from the day their tags expire to receive the new decal in the mail.

Customers will be able to print and carry the online renewal paid receipt in their vehicle until the decal arrives or save the confirmation receipt on their mobile device. Either will serve as proof to law enforcement that the customer has renewed their registration and are waiting for the decal to arrive.

The grace period will not apply to those who renewed by mail. It also does not apply to those who do not complete their registration before their tags expire, which occurs on the last day of each month.

The Division of Vehicles proposed the change to address concerns from county treasurers about long lines that consistently form in offices statewide at the end of each month.

“People who wait until the last days of the month currently must go into an office and stand in line to receive their decal before the end of the month or risk getting a ticket before their new decal arrives after renewing online,” said Director of Vehicles Lisa Kaspar. “This will allow customers to renew online instead of in person right up until the last day of the month.”

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT–If you want an office with a view, enjoy the outdoors and like working with both wildlife and people, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) may have an opening for you. KDWPT invites qualified applicants to test for entry-level game warden positions in the Law Enforcement Division. Successful applicants will enter a pool of eligible persons who may receive offers to become a Natural Resource Officer I, commonly known as a Game Warden. There are six to ten vacancies to be filled.

The deadline for submission of applications is July 24th, 2015. The testing event will be held August 22nd, 2015 at the Crisis City Complex southwest of Salina, Kansas.

Interested applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours of Natural Resources coursework. The preferred degrees include Fisheries, Wildlife, Conservation Ecology/Management/Biology, Biology with field coursework emphasis, Environmental Ecology, Wildlife Range Management, Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management. Coursework in the following or similar courses is preferred: ornithology, ichthyology, mammalogy, entomology, limnology, fisheries/wildlife management, parasitology, population biology, wildlife and fisheries related ecology courses, conservation related coursework that covers wildlife and fisheries related topics, range ecology and management, and those courses that are closely related to the above listings.

Degrees and courses that are not preferred include animal science, geology, geography, pre-medical, pre-dental or pre-veterinary, microbiology, human biology and park and resource management.

Kansas game wardens are responsible for enforcing wildlife laws and regulations, patrolling the waters of Kansas, investigating hunting and boating accidents and conducting boat safety inspections and BUI checks. Wardens also promote outdoor safety by conducting hunting and boating safety programs and teaching hunter education and boating safety courses. As certified law enforcement officers, Game wardens also assist other law enforcement agencies with search and rescue operations, fugitive searches, illegal drug investigations and more.

For complete information and application requirements, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Jobs then click on “Current KDWPT Employment Opportunities – Permanent Positions.” Applicants can email their application information to [email protected].

Questions regarding the Natural Resource Officer I hiring process can be directed to the KDWPT Human Resources Section at the Pratt Operations Office, (620) 672-5911, or by email at [email protected], or contact Captain Marvin Jensen at the KDWPT Region 3 Office, 1001 McArtor Road, Dodge City, Kansas 67801, (620) 227-8609 (office), (620) 966-0073 (cell), or at [email protected].

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA–The 82nd Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Federal Duck Stamp, is now on sale. Waterfowl hunters, birders, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and stamp collectors can obtain the $25 stamp online, at select post offices, and wherever hunting licenses are sold. For all buying options, visit www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp/buy-duck-stamp.php.

Previous purchasers of the stamp will notice a price increase of $10 from last year. This is the first price increase the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has implemented in 24 years, and also the longest single period without an increase in the program’s history. The increased price of the duck stamp will allow the Service to devote more funds to conserving wetland habitat that benefits birds and many other species.

Ninety-eight percent of the proceeds from duck stamp sales go to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which supports wetland acquisition and conservation easements for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since the program’s inception, sales of the stamp have raised more than $800 million to protect more than 6 million acres of habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The 2015-2016 Federal Duck Stamp features a pair of ruddy ducks painted by wildlife artist Jennifer Miller of Olean, N.Y. She is the third female artist in the program’s history to have her work featured on the stamp.

To learn more, visit www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php.

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT–The weather is good, the fish are cooperating, and you’re reeling in fish as fast as you can. Before you know it, a hook gets snagged and you have to break the line. There’s no trashcan nearby and you’re on a roll. You leave the line on the ground with the intention of throwing it away later ­– we’ve all been there. But the reality is, that line will mostly likely end up staying right where you left it.

Too often, line, plastic lures, and other trash are left behind by well-intentioned anglers. A small piece of a plastic worm here and a little bit of line there, hardly seem like cause for concern, but when every angler leaves a little bit of trash behind, a big mess can be the end result.

Today’s monofilament fishing line can last many years after an angler has left it behind. Not only is it an eyesore, but fishing line can have deadly consequences for fish, turtles, birds and other wildlife.

Here are some tricks and tips for leaving a public fishing spot better than you found it:

-Always carry a folded-up trash bag in your tackle box. It can serve as a poncho and gear protector during the rainy season, and as a trash container for empty cups and other food items when it’s time to clean up.

-Allot space in your tackle box for broken lures or lures in need of repair. At the end of every trip, empty it out at the nearest trash can, or take them home to repair on a Sunday afternoon.

-Keep a coffee can in your vehicle to collect old line. By cutting open a small slit in the plastic cover, you can stuff in old line. Also, always clean up the line of others you come across. (The good karma may pay off during your next fishing trip!)

-Consolidate hooks and lures where you can. When looking through your gear prior to a trip, consider placing similar lures together, especially if you only have one or two left. This will cut down on the number of bags or containers that need to be thrown away when out fishing.

Kansas has some great public fishing opportunities, and we owe it to the land and our fellow anglers to keep it that way. When fishing public waters, leave it better than you found it.

Kansas Department of Commerce

TOPEKA–The film offices of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska are joining forces along with Kansas City, Mo., to better promote and market the region for film producers searching for locations to shoot movies.

The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (CAIC) has informally partnered with the Missouri Film Office, Produce Iowa State Office of Media Production, the Nebraska Film Office and the Kansas City Film+Media Office to collaborate on ways to market the region and make it more enticing for the film industry.

“In the absence of tax credits for films or other formal financial incentives that we can use, the partnership is a way for these states to come together to make larger-scale film projects possible in this region,” said CAIC Executive Director Peter Jasso. “This is a great way for all these states and Kansas City to work together to promote the region to the film industry.”

The partnership has already assisted with the production of one film, American Honey, starring Shia LaBeouf and McCaul Lombardi, that is slated for release in 2016. The feature film was produced by award winning British director and writer Andrea Arnold and was filmed in the four-state area, including some scenes in Mission Hills.

All four states and Kansas City worked closely with the location manager for the film to scout out and provide information on places to film.

“It’s unusual to work in so many states in a short amount of time,” said Mark Jarrett, location manager for American Honey. “The Midwest is beautiful and has many varied looks. This area is totally under-seen in film and television, thus we’re hoping it will provide a unique, visual backdrop for our project. Our shoot wouldn’t have been possible in the manner we wanted to film without the support, creativity and around the clock help of these states.”

The partnership’s goal is to highlight the common assets of the Midwest area, strengthen the positive and timely delivery of location and other film services, and enhance the economic impact of each state.

For more information on the commission, contact:
Nebraska Film Office – Laurie Richards, [email protected]
Kansas City Film + Media Office – Steph Scupham, [email protected]
Produce Iowa-State Office of Media Production – Liz Gilman, [email protected]
Missouri Film Office – Andrea Sporcic Klund, [email protected]
Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission – Peter Jasso, [email protected]

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT–A summertime tradition in Kansas is underway as lakes and ponds around the state are teeming with an outdoor delicacy unlike any other. The 2015 Kansas bullfrog hunting season, also referred to as “frogging,” began July 1 and runs through Oct. 31, 2015. During this time, anglers can attempt to catch these four-legged amphibians with several different techniques.

Bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow, and a line must attach bow to arrow, and the arrow must have a barbed head. If you’re really up for a challenge, bullfrogs can also be taken by hand. The best method is to walk quietly through the water at night and shine a bright light along the bank until a pair of glowing eyes appear. Temporarily blinded by the light, frogs can be approached and grabbed or netted.

The daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. Unless exempt by law, froggers must have a valid fishing license to take, catch, or kill bullfrogs.

Considered a delicacy, frog legs have a taste and texture that resembles a cross between shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. The legs are then fried to a golden brown and served up hot.

For more information on bullfrog season, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Fishing Regulations / Bullfrogs” or consult the2015 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary.

Have at it and have a hoppin’ good time!

Kansas Department of Commerce

Cereal Ingredients Inc. announced in a news release Friday that it will expand its manufacturing operations in Leavenworth. The company plans to add at least 32 new jobs and invest $12 million in a major expansion of its facilities at the Gary Carlson Business Park.

The Leavenworth County Development Corporation (LCDC), the Leavenworth County Port Authority (LCPA), the city of Leavenworth and the Kansas Department of Commerce worked with Cereal Ingredients in 2004 to locate its manufacturing facility in Leavenworth. The company has since grown to 104 jobs and is operating two 40,000 square foot buildings in the park. Current payroll at the Leavenworth facilities is more than $6 million per year.

“We are extremely pleased with the cooperation and partnership of the Port Authority, LCDC and the city since we moved here,” said Bob Hatch, chairman and CEO of Cereal Ingredients. “It is a very nurturing environment as evidenced by our continued growth and commitment to the community.”

The new expansion will add 81,000 square feet of warehousing, maintenance and production space to the company’s complex in the park.

“It’s great to see Cereal Ingredients achieve success and expand its presence in Leavenworth,” Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George said. “Food processing is a rapidly growing industry in our state, and Cereal Ingredients’ investment and expansion will contribute to the sector’s continued development.”

Cereal Ingredients is a privately held, employee-owned specialty ingredients manufacturer dedicated to the development, production and support of unique cereal-related products. The company produces food particulates that add flavor, texture and color to baked goods and ready-to-eat cereals, as well as pre-blended mixes to create added flavor and swirl effects in bread products.

Cereal Ingredients holds multiple worldwide product and process patents, exporting its products to 19 countries. The company was named the Kansas Exporter of the Year in 2009.

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee for Consumer Protection and Data Security, today responded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announcement that more than 21 million Americans inside and outside the federal government had their personal information stolen as part of a second massive OPM data breach.

This figure is in addition to the 4.2 million individuals who were impacted by the OPM data breach made public in June. The personal information that was compromised includes Social Security numbers, military records, veterans’ status, security clearance forms, fingerprint data, residency and educational history, employment history, information about immediate family and other personal and business acquaintances, health insurance, criminal and financial history, address, birth date, age, gender and race.

“We finally heard some refreshing honesty this week about the true scope of the OPM data breach when FBI Director Comey testified before the Senate, ‘it is a huge deal,’ Moran said in a news release.

“Underscoring his statement is today’s revelation that 22 million Americans had their sensitive personal information stolen in a second OPM data breach – five times more than the administration and OPM have led us to believe. As the number of impacted Americans continues to rise, the OPM Director’s statement that she does not ‘believe anyone [at OPM] is personally responsible’ is even more difficult to stomach.

“The fact is all the warning signs were there. OPM was aware of the persistent issues – including three data breaches in 2014 that should have served as stark warnings that the personal data of millions of federal employees was being targeted by hackers. Yet, there is little evidence that any action was taken by OPM. This lack of response has put federal workers, the American people, and – most importantly – our national security at risk. It is far past time for OPM and the Administration to provide full information to Congress and the American people, and for those responsible to be held accountable,” Moran said.

TOPEKA–The Kansas Highway Patrol has released preliminary data from its Independence Day weekend holiday activity.

The reporting period for the holiday weekend ran from 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2015, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015.

During that time, the Patrol worked two fatal crashes, neither of which was alcohol-related. One person died in each crash–in Washington county and in Harvey county.

Information in the table is compared to the 2014 Independence Day holiday activity. The 2014 reporting period was the same amount of time as the 2015 period. For 2014, data was collected from 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2014, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2014.

ACTIVITY				2015	2014
Total Non-Alcohol Related Fatal Crashes				2	1
Total Non-Alcohol Related Fatalities				2	1
DUI Related Fatal Crashes				0	0
DUI Related Fatalities				0	0
DUI Arrests				14	27
Speed Citations				685	969
Speed Warnings				412	610
Adult Seatbelt Citations				101	231
Teen Seatbelt Citations				6	9
Child Restraint Citations				17	30
Motorists Assisted				1,081	1,294

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

TOPEKA–Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today announced the appointment of Deborah Hernandez Mitchell of Wichita as a District Judge for the Kansas 18th District Court. Mitchell fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph Bribiesca.

“I am pleased to appoint Deborah Hernandez Mitchell to the 18th District,” said Governor Brownback. “Her experience both in private practice and as a prosecutor make her well-suited to serve the people of Sedgwick County.

Mitchell is currently in private practice with Woodard, Hernandez, Roth & Day, LLC, and previously served as a prosecutor with the Office of the District Attorney in Sedgwick County. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where she received her undergraduate, masters, and law degrees.

The state’s 105 counties are organized into 31 Judicial Districts. The district courts serve as the trial courts for the state, overseeing all civil and criminal cases. The 18th District Court includes Sedgwick County.

Kansas Water Office

TOPEKA–The Kansas Water Office is accepting applications from those who would like to participate as a member of one of the 14 Regional Advisory Committees (RAC) which will be established by the Kansas Water Authority.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply soon as the deadline for the Regional Advisory Committees (RAC) is Friday, July 10.

For almost 30 years, citizen advisors have been a vital voice for water resource issues in Kansas. These committees will play a key role in advising the Kansas Water Authority on the implementation of the Kansas Water Plan and soon to be completed Vision for the Future of Water Supply in Kansas. Prior to the Kansas Water Vision, water planning was based on 12 basins. To better reflect the diverse water resources of our state, there was a transition from 12 basins to 14 regions. The committee selection process will ensure all of the water users and interests within the region are represented.

Interested persons can find the short application form at the following link:
http://www.kwo.org/about_us/RAC/Application_RAC_060915.pdf .

Kansans can have a definite impact on the future of water resources through RAC membership. For further information visit www.kwo.org or call: (785) 296-3185 or 1-888-526-9283.