Kansas Health Institute
As of February 22, 2015, 96,197 Kansans have enrolled in health insurance coverage through the Kansas marketplace since open enrollment began on November 15, 2014.
The Kansas Health Institute (KHI) has prepared new maps showing the number of Kansans, by zip code, who have selected a plan or were automatically re-enrolled for the 2015 coverage year.
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
STOCKTON–If you know a child who would enjoy participating in a jam-packed day of outdoor exploration and instruction, consider taking them to the OK Kids Day event at Webster State Park on May 2.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., youth ages 4 to 12 are invited to participate in a variety of activities including: a fishing clinic, Laser Shot shooting simulator, skins and skulls presentation, K-9 demonstration, nature craft project, first aid kit making, bird migration game, and more. There is no cost to attend and all supplies and equipment, including lunch, will be provided.
To make the day even more memorable, youth who participate in eight or more of the OK Kids Day events will have their names entered into a drawing for a chance to win a lifetime hunting, fishing, or furharvesting license of their choice, as well as other prizes.
For more information on this event, contact Jana Slansky at (785) 425-6775.
Kansas Sampler Foundation
The 26th annual Kansas Sampler Festival will be held May 2-3 in Wamego’s City Park. More than 150 Kansas communities will showcase what there is to see, do, hear, taste, learn and buy in the state.
Towns from Atchison to Ulysses will offer day trip suggestions and promote their tourism attractions. Exhibitors in large tents show what to see in particular counties or regions. For example, in the Dickinson County tent you can learn about the Kansas Auto Racing Museum in Chapman and also see a sheep shearing demonstration by Hope’s Abeldt Family Sheep Farm. Outside of the tents you’ll find Hedrick’s Exotic Animal Farm of Nickerson as well as the pack goats and Mammoth donkeys of Council Grove’s Paradise Ranch.
More than 50 Kansas entrepreneurs and artists will be selling everything from glass-bottle milk to handcrafted metal art in three big tents. The public can view the works of a dozen Kansas photographers and enjoy workshops throughout the weekend.
The Native Stone Scenic Byway will be conducting a class on how to build a dry stacked stone fence during the festival on the festival grounds. People can sign up to help build this permanent fence at Wabaunsee.com.
Native American dancer and educator, Dennis Rodgers of Topeka, will perform a new program, “Native Country” with Jami Amber Lynne of Basehor. Historic performers will do portrayals on well-known people like Amelia Earhart and Doc Holliday but also about a wagon train school teacher and a Dust Bowl farmer.
Marci Penner will pepper the crowd with Kansas questions at The Stump each day at 10:30 a.m., 12, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.
Bierocks, schnitzel sandwiches, bison hot dogs, fruit kabobs, homemade ice cream, Swedish baked goods, smokehouse salads and Scottish sausage are just a few Kansas specialty items served by 22 food vendors.
Festival overseer WenDee LaPlant of the Kansas Sampler Foundation said, “Local festival director Michelle Crisler and her team in Wamego went over the top last year in planning the successful event and are eager to welcome everyone again to Wamego, the smallest community to ever host the state’s largest traveling festival. Wamego City Park, known for its unique Dutch Windmill and beautifully landscaped tulip beds, will provide a beautiful backdrop for visitors and exhibitors alike.”
A project of the Inman-based Kansas Sampler Foundation, the festival is a kick-off for the tourism season. LaPlant said, “The annual event is like a living brochure of all things Kansas has to offer.”
Festival hours are Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission fee is $5 for adults and $3 for children 7-12. For more information go to kansassamplerfestival.com or call (785) 456-9776.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Manhattan–Maintaining the rich heritage of agricultural stewardship in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Agriculture has teamed up with DriftWatch, an online mapping tool, to protect the state’s specialty crops.
Inadvertent pesticide drift has been a major concern for specialty and organic crops. KDA recognizes this concern and has researched solutions to deal with pesticide drift of the past decade. Registering with DriftWatch merges the gap of communication between pesticide applicators and sensitive crop growers, lessening the risk of pesticide drift in our state.
Equipped with a dynamic and interfaced map, DriftWatch technology clearly shows pesticide applicators the locations of crops that have been registered through the site. With knowledge of nearby specialty crops, applicators can make more informed spraying decisions.
Applicators can also register the area of their business and receive automatic e-mail updates when sensitive crops have been added to their spray areas.
“Raising awareness of specialty crop locations can reduce the potential for pesticide drift, which can be extremely harmful for some sensitive crops. DriftWatch is one service that provides a benefit to both specialty crop growers and pesticide applicators,” Logan Brown, DriftWatch data steward for the Kansas Department of Agriculture said. “We strongly encourage everyone in the specialty crop and pesticide application industry to sign up for this technology.”
KDA takes pride in working with industry partners to protect the interests of Kansas and the agriculture industry. Working with DriftWatch is a great benefit to the agriculture industry, specifically specialty crops.
There are currently 5,800 acres of Kansas crops registered on DriftWatch. Over 1,600 of these acres are dedicated to cotton and 542 are grapes. The more acreage registered in the system, the more value the program will provide.
Signing up for this site is a simple two-step process. After initial registration has been completed, a confirmation link will be sent to the user’s email. Verifying the link in the email completes the registration. There are no fees associated with the service.
Ensuring a safe food supply, protecting natural resources, promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health and providing consumer protection to the best of its abilities is a mission priority for KDA.
To register with DriftWatch, visit: https://ks.driftwatch.org/map.
For more information on Driftwatch and pesticide application, please visit KDA Pesticide and Fertilizer Program’s web page, www.agriculture.ks.gov/driftwatch.
Kansas Department for Children and Families
On Thursday, April 16, Governor Sam Brownback signed into law the Kansas HOPE Act. The legislation received overwhelming support by Kansas lawmakers. The same is true among Kansas residents.
This week, Kansas City, Mo.-based company Remington Research Group released survey results pertaining to the Kansas HOPE Act. The survey showed among other results:
· 64 percent of respondents support the Kansas HOPE Act.
· 66 percent of respondents believe we should do even more to limit how welfare benefits are spent.
“The survey demonstrates something we already know—the majority of people support welfare to work policies that are designed to help individuals become self-sufficient,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said in a news release. “We have helped thousands of Kansans get back to work, and we look forward to helping many more in the future.”
The survey was conducted April 20-21, with a margin of error of +/- 3 percent, with a 95 percent level of confidence. This was an independent survey paid for by the Remington Research Group.
For more about the survey, visit http://www.remingtonresearchgroup.com/pdf/150421_KS_WELFARE_SURVEY.pdf.
Kansas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, announced Tuesday in a news release that two supervisors at the University of Kansas Medical Center were honored with a “My Boss is a Patriot” awards in recognition of extraordinary support of an employee serving in the United States Navy Reserve.
According to Walt Frederick, Kansas ESGR State Chair, “the Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.
Cmdr. Laura Mussulman, who serves with the United States Navy Reserve, nominated her supervisors, Dr. Edward Ellerbeck and Dr. Theresa Shireman, for being highly supportive of the Navy Reserve.
Dr. Ellerbeck is the Chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health and Dr. Shireman is the Director of the Master of Science in Clinical Research Department.
Ellerbeck echoed the feelings of all attending the award presentation that they appreciate the military skills that Cmdr. Mussulman brings to the department and they “can’t wait for her to come home and work at the Medical Center.” Mussulman has been working at the University of Kansas Medical Center for many years and is a “valued employee.”
Doctors Ellerbeck and Shireman accepted the Patriot Award from Diane Boeger, Area Chair for the Kansas ESGR Committee.
For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
TOPEKA–Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Phyllis Gilmore were joined by dozens of children in Topeka, to highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The event at the State Capitol Building involved the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign to call attention to child abuse prevention.
“Child abuse is preventable, but it takes everyone to do their part,” Governor Brownback said. “We have an obligation to Kansas children to keep them safe.”
Governor Brownback signed a proclamation on March 27, designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kansas.
The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign is an effort to change the way our nation thinks about prevention and how we can deliver on our commitment to Kansas children. The pinwheel serves as an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve.
“When a child is abused, it can have long-term consequences. We see generational transfer of the values or absence thereof that allow abuse to occur,” Attorney General Schmidt said.
During the last decade, Kansas has seen a 48 percent increase in the number of reports alleging child abuse or neglect.
“While that demonstrates that child abuse is still a serious issue in our communities, it also demonstrates that we as a state are doing a better job raising awareness and protecting children from further abuse,” Secretary Gilmore said.
Suspected child abuse and neglect can be reported by calling the Kansas Protection Center at 1-800-922-5330.
Kansas Sampler Foundation has been contacted by a New York City television production company looking for the right local restaurant or food product.
“Send the information to those who fit this description in your community. If you think you fit the description to the letter, or know someone that does, send your information directly to casting director Jessica Jorgensen, and copy me at [email protected],” said Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation in a news release.
The request follows.
“My name is Jessica Jorgensen, and I’m a Casting Director for Leftfield Entertainment.
We’re a full-scale production company that creates a number of programs (Pawn Stars, Tiny House Nation, American Restoration, etc.) for a variety of networks including The History Channel, Discovery, A&E and National Geographic, to name a few.
“I am casting a new series for a major food network. The series is very similar in style to “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” except it’s all about locally made and packaged food products.
“We are coming to Kansas and looking to spotlight the state’s most talented and inventive mom-and-pop food producers on an episode of the show. Whether it’s bacon jam, locally made and bottled smoked apple BBQ sauce, or “hot” honey, we are looking for proud food producers who would love to show off their products and show our hosts how they are made.
“The ideal candidates have Big personalities and know they make the best sauces, jams, condiments, candies, etc in their town. We’d love to hear about the hidden food gems in the area–that are off the beaten path. The more unique or unusual the product the better. We’d love to discover the best kept secret roadside food stands or small country stores that package their own wonderful foods! The unexpected place that packages an amazing food item would be a great find for us.
“If you can recommend any mom-and-pop businesses with delicious packaged food products in your area it would be amazing! Any food items that are specific to the region would be wonderful. We are not doing alcohol at this time.”
For more information contact:
Jessica Jorgensen
Casting Director – Leftfield Pictures
460 34th Street / 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Office: (347) 827-0834
Email: [email protected]
Kansas Department of Wildlife Tourism and Parks
PRATT–You’re mowing your lawn when you notice something moving in the grass. You stop the mower and peer over to find it’s a nest of young rabbits, and the mother is nowhere in sight. Fear sets in that they may not make it through the night and you begin to devise a plan to “rescue” them. It’s a mistake that many well-intentioned people make, and unfortunately, it usually results in the premature death of the wildlife being “saved.”
The notion that a young animal found in the wild will die if not given care is wrong. In most cases, the mother is typically feeding nearby, keeping a distant eye on her offspring.
Not only are most young found in the wild not abandoned, picking them up is against the law.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have regulations against such activity that can result in a fine up to $1,000 or more. In addition to legal repercussions, wild animals can pose a number of health risks, including diseases such as distemper, rabies, Lyme disease, roundworms, tapeworms, mites, and tularemia.
Additionally, if a “rescued” animal were to bite someone, it must be put to death and tested for diseases.
Even if they don’t bite, the young usually fail to survive in captivity because most people are not equipped to handle wild animals, especially as they mature. On the off chance the animal does survive in captivity, it typically loses instincts that allow it to survive in the wild.
It is important to remember that although young wildlife may be cute, they belong in the wild. Wild animals cannot legally be inoculated by veterinarians, and few people really know how to care for them.
If you should see a young animal in the wild this spring or summer, observe at a distance and consider yourself lucky. But remember, just because they appear alone, that doesn’t mean they are abandoned.
If you really want to help, leave young in the wild where they were born and belong.
If you find an injured animal, a list of licensed rehabilitators can be found at ksoutdoors.com, by clicking “Services/Rehabilitation.
Kansas Department of Commerce
Kansas exports totaled $12 billion in 2014 and saw significant gains in aviation and other key manufacturing sectors. In 2013, the state’s export total of $12.46 billion was the largest number posted since the Great Recession. While exports declined by 3.7 percent in 2014, the $12 billion total is the third highest annual export value in Kansas history.
Kansas manufacturers experienced an exceptional year for exports in 2014. Exports of aircraft and parts grew by $255 million (14 percent), while vehicles and parts grew by $122 million (39 percent) and electric machinery exports increased by $76 million (nine percent).
“Kansas exports topped $12 billion for only the third time in our state’s history,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “Our state experienced strong export growth in manufacturing and bioscience areas. The increase in aviation exports is particularly encouraging. After years of decline following the Great Recession, the general aviation market is improving, and Kansas’ great manufacturers are capitalizing on emerging opportunities.”
Significant gains in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals were offset by decreases in the value of agricultural exports. Oil seeds, cereals, raw hides, skins and leather, and food industry residues experienced the largest declines.
Kansas exporters outpaced their competition in neighboring states. In the five-state region that includes Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, the average export value was $9.74 billion, which is $2.26 billion less than the Sunflower State.
Canada continues to be Kansas’ largest export market, accounting for $2.53 billion and 21 percent of total exports. Mexico passed China as Kansas’ second largest export market. Exports to Mexico grew by more than $250 million in 2014, an increase of 16.34 percent from the previous year.
The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors has worked to increase Kansas exports through a statewide comprehensive plan, and the Kansas Department of Commerce has partnered with Kansas Global Trade Services to work with companies throughout the state to promote exporting.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Celebrating science and advancements in biotechnology, Governor Sam Brownback has declared the week of April 13 as Biotechnology Awareness Week in Kansas.
Producing some of the nation’s finest crops, Kansas farmers work diligently to provide consumers with a safe, nutritious and sustainably produced product, while serving as conscientious stewards of land and water. With the responsibility to feed a growing population expected to top 9 billion by 2050, farmers in Kansas and around the country are utilizing biotechnology to grow and cultivate crops more efficiently.
Many farmers in Kansas voluntarily plant and produce genetically engineered (GE) crops. The utilization of GE crops can reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides used, as well as provide virus resistance, improve flavor, add nutritional benefits and develop better drought resistance and crop performance.
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey noted the importance of biotechnology to Kansas farms and ranches. “The mission of the Kansas Department of Agriculture includes the responsibility to help ensure a safe food supply, protect our natural resources and provide consumer protection to the best of our ability. Genetically engineered crops play a role in achieving that goal, allowing farmers to be good stewards of the land while producing safe and wholesome crops that are in demand around the globe.”
On average, it takes 13 years and $130 million to develop and test a GE crop before it is released into production. After intense examination, years and dollars later, these crops are approved for both consumer and environmental safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other credible sources have found GE crops to be as nutritious and safe as traditionally bred crops. There have been no scientifically-proven cases of biotechnology adversely impacting food safety or human health.
With the proclaiming of Biotechnology Awareness week in Kansas, the scientific technology behind these crops is supported and celebrated. Advancements in the technology of agriculture help reduce hunger worldwide, lessen our environmental footprint, protect crops from devastating diseases and produce greater yields with less water foretell a promising future for agriculture and for consumers around the globe.
Kansas Farm Food Connection, a coalition of agriculture groups, is hosting a panel discussion on the use of biotechnology at 6 p.m., Friday, April 17 at the River Market Event Place in Kansas City. The event, GMOs; Now we’re talking, will provide consumers the opportunity to interact with experts, food professionals and Kansas farmers to ask questions about the use of this technology on Kansas farms.
For more information about the event or to register, go to http://www.raisingkansas.org/gmo. For more additional resources on biotechnology and GE crops, visit: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=AGRICULTURE&contentid=BiotechnologyFAQs.xml.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced that he is accepting applications for nominations to the United States Service Academies.
The academies include the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Those selected will enter the 
academies in June 2016.
Selections are based on SAT or ACT test scores, class rank, grade point average, school records, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, motivation, recommendations and interview evaluations. Applicants must meet the individual admission requirements of each academy in order to receive Sen. Moran’s nomination: applicants must be legal residents of the state of Kansas, at least 17 years of age but not past their 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year of admission, citizens of the United States, unmarried, not pregnant and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
The application deadline is Sept. 4, 2015.
Applicants will be required to interview with Sen. Moran’s Service Academy Selection Board on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. Academies will make the final decision on who will receive an appointment of admission in early 2016.
Interested applicants can request application materials on Sen. Moran’s website at moran.senate.gov under the “Services” menu, or by calling Sen. Moran’s Olathe office at (913) 393-0711. Additional information is also available online at moran.senate.gov.
Kansas Corporation Committee
Governor Sam Brownback issued a proclamation declaring the month of April as “Safe Digging Month” in Kansas. The proclamation, in concurrence with National Safe Digging Month, reminds Kansans to call 811 before starting any outdoor digging projects.
“The Kansas Corporation Commission joins Governor Brownback in strongly encouraging individuals and companies to call 811 before they begin digging,” said Chair Shari Feist Albrecht. “By locating and marking underground lines homeowners and companies are making the important decision to keep their communities safe and connected to their underground utility system. Enjoy the upcoming weather, but know what’s below.”
The Kansas Corporation Commission, Kansas One-Call, the Kansas Pipeline Association and the Common Ground Alliance are encouraging excavators and homeowners to call 811 before they begin digging projects to prevent injuries, property damage, and inconvenient outages. A utility line is damaged by digging once every eight minutes nationwide, and one-third of those incidents are caused by failure of the professional excavator or homeowner to call 811 before digging.
When dialing 811, callers are connected to Kansas One-Call, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Calls are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Requests can also be entered at www.kansasonecall.com.
Excavators and homeowners are required to make a request at least two working days in advance of beginning a digging project. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or spray paint. Once lines have been accurately marked, digging can begin.
Striking a single line can result in injury, repair costs, fines, and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, requires a call to 811. The depth of utility lines varies, and there may be multiple lines in a common area. Some utility lines are buried only a few inches below the surface, making them easy to strike during shallow digging projects. Installing a mailbox, landscaping, putting in a fence, and building a deck are all examples of digging projects that necessitate a call to 811 before starting.
Learn more about 811 and Safe Digging Month by visiting: www.call811.com. More information about Kansas One-Call is available at: www.kansasonecall.com.
