TOPEKA–Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Kari Bruffett on Thursday outlined the agency’s plans to revamp its behavioral health prevention efforts in order to provide more integrated care while strengthening behavioral health education and outreach.

”We know that behavioral health difficulties do not occur in a vacuum. They interact,” Secretary Bruffett said at a meeting of behavioral health advocates from across the state. ”Half of the individuals who enter our state hospitals for mental health treatment also have substance use difficulties. Those who struggle with problem gambling have higher rates of suicide than the rest of the population. To be successful, our approach needs to be more fully integrated.”

”We have made a decision to approach our prevention efforts comprehensively rather than in a piecemeal fashion as has been the case in the past,” the Secretary said.

In February, the agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) asking all of its current partners and other interested parties for ideas on how to create an integrated prevention and education system that works for all Kansans. RFI responses were due Tuesday, and after these are analyzed, the agency plans to issue one or more Requests for Proposal (RFI) to provide the newly revamped menu of services. The agency expects to award contracts for these services by June 30, 2015.

“Kansas is part of a nationwide effort. KDADS is following SAMHSA/HHS’ guidance in creating this integrated system, and we have invited our current partners to work with us on this project,” Secretary Bruffett said. “Data at both the state and national level underscore that now is the time to comprehensively address prevention efforts across the spectrum of behavioral health.”

”KDADS intends to integrate and innovate behavioral health prevention with outcome-based programs. We are doing this to eliminate duplicative efforts, reduce administrative costs and better leverage available resources,” the Secretary said. ”Focusing on our state’s needs, our intention is to provide better services to more people, and we welcome your participation in this effort.”

“As I am sure you are aware, some federal funding in the form of block grants has had restrictions attached to it in the past. We believe our restructuring will allow us to provide more efficient services,” the Secretary said.

In her remarks to advocates, Secretary Bruffett also outlined her agency’s diversion efforts.

MANHATTAN–The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is currently monitoring a control zone in Southeast Kansas, including areas of Cherokee and Crawford counties, after a confirmed case of the H5N2 strain of Avian Influenza was found in Jasper County, Missouri near Asbury.

Avian Influenza is a contagious, rapidly spreading viral disease affecting birds. Outbreaks of a strain of avian influenza have occurred in Missouri, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington and Idaho and are not considered to be a threat to public health or the food supply.

Dr. Bill Brown, State Animal Health Commissioner, confirmed that a response team from KDA’s Division of Animal Health and from USDA has been dispatched to the area to conduct surveillance activities. “It is important to know where backyard flocks of poultry exist. We have also been in contact with commercial poultry farmers in the region.” Avian Influenza exists naturally in many wild birds and can be transmitted by contact with infected animals or ingestion of infected food or water.

“We are dedicated to providing the necessary assistance and precautions to avoid any possible spreading of the disease,” Brown said. Symptoms in poultry include coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress, decreased egg production and sudden death.

Though extremely rare, humans can contract Avian Influenza.

It is thought that infection results from contact with contaminated poultry or surfaces. Symptoms range from flu-like symptoms to eye infections, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress. If you have symptoms and believe that you have come into contact with infected animals or consumed infected meat, contact your health care provider immediately.

If you suspect your flock has contracted the disease, quarantine the affected animals immediately. Also, be sure to restrict traffic on and off your farm and thoroughly disinfect any material leaving the farm such as tires, equipment and clothing. No effective treatment for the disease has been found. Infected animals must be humanely destroyed and disposed of properly to prevent the disease from spreading.

Although vaccines are available, they are not commonly used because no vaccine covers all 15 strains of the disease. For additional information, contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Prevention is the best way to combat Avian Influenza. Keep wild birds away from your home or farm, and stay informed about the health of neighboring animals.

For more information check www.agriculture.ks.gov/avianinfluenza.

KANSAS CITY–A Leavenworth man pleaded guilty Wednesday to fraudulently collecting more than $46,000 in government benefits, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said in a news release.

Michael James Munsterman, 42, Leavenworth, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds. In his plea, he admitted he received Supplemental Security Income, food stamps and Medicaid even though he did not qualify for those benefits. In April 2011 he applied for SSI benefits claiming that he had a drug-induced heart condition that prevented him from working. He did not reveal to the government that he owned and operated a heating and cooling company and received substantial income from the business while he was receiving benefits. He also admitted that he concealed from the federal government his financial resources that far exceeded the eligibility criteria of the aforementioned needs-based programs.

He fraudulently received a total of approximately $46,367 in government funds.

Sentencing is set for June 16, 2015. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Munsterman must also pay restitution to the victim-agencies.

Grissom commended the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford for their work on the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – Three people were indicted Wednesday on federal charges of kidnapping and killing a Junction City woman, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. Grissom said his office is prosecuting the case jointly with the Geary County Attorney in federal court.

The body of Amanda Clemons, 24, of Junction City, was found in February 2014 in Geary County, Kan.

Charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death are:

Larry L. Anderson, 26, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.

Marryssa M. Middleton, 23, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.

Drexel A. Woody, 24, who is being held in the Geary County Jail.

The indictment alleges that on Feb. 7, 2014, the defendants kidnapped the victim and held her on the Fort Riley military installation. While they were holding her they killed her.

If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison without parole. The Junction City Police Department, the Grandview Plaza Police Department, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office, the Riley County Police Department, the Fort Riley Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi and Geary County Attorney Steven Opat are prosecuting.

LENEXA–Pittsburg has been chosen to receive funding from EPA’s Brownfields Grant Program to conduct area-wide planning in support of community redevelopment efforts aimed at the revitalization of properties that may be contaminated by hazardous substances or pollutants, EPA officials announced today.

The two grants in EPA Region 7 – $200,000 to Dubuque, Iowa, and $196,400 to Pittsburg – are among a total of approximately $4 million in new area-wide planning grants that EPA will provide to help strengthen the economies of 20 communities in 16 states across the country.

EPA’s Brownfields Program empowers states, communities and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields. A brownfield is defined as real property, the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

EPA’s Brownfields Area-Wide Planning (AWP) Program helps communities respond to local challenges, particularly where multiple brownfield sites are in close proximity, connected by infrastructure, and limit the environmental and social prosperity of their surroundings. AWP grants help communities perform the research needed to develop area-wide plans and strategies for brownfields assessment, cleanup and reuse.

The City of Pittsburg will use its $196,400 AWP grant to work with the community and other stakeholders to develop an area-wide plan and implementation strategy for the 350-acre Mid-City Renaissance area, located near the city’s newly revitalized downtown.

The site was home to several zinc smelters dating from the late 1800s, a clay pipe manufacturing plant, and an industrial site that generated hazardous materials. The area is ideally located for many redevelopment options, which could include retail businesses, restaurants, housing, and transportation choices such as expanded biking and hiking trails.

Kansas Department of Agriculture

TOPEKA–Today, reflecting the continued spirit of cooperation, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska, along with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, have reached an agreement that will ensure more certainty to the basin’s water users in both Nebraska and Kansas. The agreement, signed through the Republican River Compact Administration (RRCA), was achieved through collaborative negotiations that began in January 2015 and will provide timely access to water for the 2015 irrigation season.

The agreement provides additional flexibility for Nebraska to achieve its Compact obligations while ensuring Kansas water users’ interests are also protected. The additional flexibility allowed the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to open Nebraska reservoirs and water user’s rights that were initially limited in 2015. Opening the Nebraska water rights allowed the Bureau of Reclamation to agree to modify certain contract provisions for its irrigation districts, ensuring the availability of the water that was pumped from Nebraska augmentation projects for RRCA compliance.

Additionally, the agreement allows for the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to ensure no additional regulatory water supply reductions for Nebraska surface water irrigation user’s water supplies for the 2015 irrigation season.

Current RRCA Chairman Jim Schneider, Acting Director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, said, “This is a significant step forward for the states and our water users. Our collaborative work and this agreement further demonstrate the benefits of the recent cooperation that the states have been able to achieve. I am optimistic that the states and Bureau of Reclamation can work toward ensuring these types of arrangements can be in place each year so that both Nebraska and Kansas water users will secure the benefits of having more certainty in their water supplies.”

Kansas Commissioner David Barfield said, “Today’s agreement continues to move us forward toward a longer-term solution benefiting the basin’s water users. I appreciate not only Nebraska’s continued willingness to work through these issues, but also the Bureau of Reclamation and its irrigation districts for their part in reaching today’s agreement.”

Colorado Commissioner Dick Wolfe said, “These recent agreements are emblematic of the new cooperation among the states and the federal government. I hope it continues to be a model for cooperation and successful settlement of the remaining issues within the basin.”

At the Nov. 19, 2014, meeting in Manhattan, Kansas, the states reached an agreement that provided Nebraska with 100% credit for water delivered from augmentation projects to Harlan County Lake prior to June 1, 2015, and dedicated that water to be used exclusively by Kansas irrigators.

The RRCA is comprised of one member each from the States of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska. The purpose of the RRCA is to administer the Republican River Compact. This Compact allocates the waters of the Republican River among the three states. The next RRCA meeting is scheduled for August to be hosted in Lincoln, Nebraska.

TOPEKA–Agriculture is the topic of the first in a series of discussions about the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by public and private interest groups in Kansas. The working sessions will culminate at the Kansas UAS Summit in Wichita this fall.

The agriculture discussion is scheduled for 2 p.m. March 11 at the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) headquarters, 1320 Research Park Drive in Manhattan. Subsequent meetings will be hosted by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division at various locations around the state.

“We continue to field inquiries about the use of UAS, or drones, in production agriculture,” said Billy Brown, Agribusiness Development Coordinator for KDA. “Research efforts by KDA recognize that inherent obstacles exist, regulatory and otherwise, that are preventing further beneficial use of UAS in agricultural production systems,” he said.

The discussion will focus on four areas:

• What are specific applications of UAS in production agriculture?
• What barriers exist preventing the use of UAS in production agriculture (technology, privacy, etc.)?
• What will the proposed Federal Aviation Administration regulations and policies allow and prohibit?
• In what ways can the state of Kansas assist in eliminating these barriers?
This meeting will focus solely on the use of UAS in the agriculture sector. Subsequent meetings, which will be scheduled later for spring and summer, will focus on:
• Emergency management and law enforcement, Hutchinson.
• Research and survey, Salina.
• Small business interests, Wichita
• UAS policies and regulations, Topeka.

“The full integration of unmanned aerial systems is expected to make Kansas a leading state for total economic impact and jobs,” said Jesse R. Romo, Director of Aviation at KDOT. “It’s prudent for us to be on the leading edge of this budding industry, to understand the needs of industry, and to try and figure out how we safely and efficiently get from here to there.”

The public is invited to listen to all the discussions provided by the roundtable participant invitees.
For the March 11 agriculture discussion, a conference call code is listed below for those who are unable to attend but wish to listen. For more information about the agriculture round table, contact Billy Brown, KDA Agribusiness Development Coordinator, by email at [email protected] or phone (785-564-6752).

Conference Call Dial-in Number: (866) 620-7326
Conference Code: 9530108754

KS Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT–The 2014 trapping season is coming to a close, and just as one season closes, another season will open. Beavers and otters may still be trapped through March 31, but the trapping season for other furbearers ended Feb. 15.

On March 1, the running season, an eight-month period where hound owners and their dogs can practice their furbearer-chasing skills, opens and will run through Nov. 1. During this time, licensed furharvesters and their dogs can chase – but not take – bobcats, opossums, raccoons, red fox and gray fox.

Hunters can run furbearers 24 hours daily during the running season. Because no furbearer may be legally killed or taken during running season, it is illegal for runners to possess any firearms or weapons while pursuing furbearers, however certain exceptions apply.

Trappers pursuing beavers and otters through the end of trapping season are reminded that otters must be tagged within seven days of the close of the trapping season. The lower canine teeth shall also be surrendered to KDWPT at that time.

For details on current furbearer regulations and the upcoming running season, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting/Hunting-Regulations/Furbearers.”

TOPEKA – Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation on February 25th to designate March as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Kansas. Stakeholders who promote awareness of the services and programs available to problem gamblers Kansas participated in the ceremony.

Stakeholder groups involved in statewide problem gambling services include the Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling, the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance and community task forces in the gambling zones surrounding state-owned casinos in Dodge City, Mulvane and Kansas City.

The Southwest Kansas, Northeast Kansas, and South Central Kansas Problem Gambling Task Forces are comprised of diverse community advocates who implement community prevention programs, disseminate information, offer education programs and promote problem gambling treatment services in their areas.

Task force volunteers represent multiple sectors of their communities, including behavioral health prevention and treatment professionals, educators, public safety officials, representatives of the gaming industry, civic and youth organizations, business, government and faith-based organizations. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), which administers the Kansas Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund, invites members of the communities to get involved with these regional prevention efforts to continue strengthening their capabilities and resources.

KDADS is sponsoring a comprehensive statewide media campaign to bring awareness of problem gambling to Kansas residents. The campaign theme, “Know Your Limits,” heads an approach using broadcast and print media, billboards, online advertising and various other forms of public outreach and social media.

Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting thousands of Kansans of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds and can have a significant societal and economic cost for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing this harm to both individuals and society as a whole.

If any Kansan is concerned that gambling is causing a problem in their lives, they are encouraged to call 800-522-4700. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by trained counselors ready to offer help. They can also go to www.ksgamblinghelp.com for more information. Treatment for problem gamblers and concerned others is paid using casino revenues with no out-of-pocket cost.

KS Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT–Winter weather may not be synonymous with fishing for most people, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offers anglers winter trout fishing opportunities that make putting up with the cold worth it.

Trout are stocked in select waters during the trout season, which is open through April 15. Anglers can try their luck at trout fishing in Type 1 waters, which require all anglers to possess a $12.50 trout permit, and in Type 2 waters, which require only those fishing for or possessing trout to purchase the permit. The $12.50 permit is valid for the calendar year and can be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online at ksoutdoors.com.

Trout fishing opportunities are available at the following lakes:

TYPE 1 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED OF ALL ANGLERS

Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin
Dodge City Lake Charles
Ft. Scott Gun Park Lake
Glen Elder State Park (SP) Pond
Kanopolis Seep Stream
KDOT East Lake in Wichita
Lake Henry in Clinton SP
Mined Land WA Unit #30
Pratt Centennial Pond
Walnut River Area in El Dorado SP
Willow Lake at Tuttle Creek SP
Webster Stilling Basin
Sandsage Bison Range and WA Sandpits (Periodically Dry)
Vic’s Lake and Slough Creek in Sedgwick County Park
Topeka Auburndale Park
Garnett Crystal Lake
TYPE 2 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED ONLY FOR TROUT ANGLERS

Sherman County Smoky Gardens Lake
Solomon River between Webster Reservoir and Rooks County #2 Road
Ft. Riley Cameron Springs
Lake Shawnee – Topeka
Salina Lakewood Lake
Moon Lake on Fort Riley
Scott State Fishing Lake
Scott State Park Pond
Hutchinson Dillon Nature Center Pond
Atchison City Lake # 1
Belleville City Lake (Rocky Pond)
Holton-Elkhorn Lake
Syracuse Sam’s Pond
Cimarron Grasslands Pits
Colby Villa High Lake
Great Bend Stone Lake
Herington – Father Padilla Pond
TROUT Permit required year-round

Cherokee County – Mined Land Wildlife Area No. 30
*Because trout survive through the summer here, a trout permit is required year-round for anglers utilizing the lake.

Residents 16-74 years old, and all non-residents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license. The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted. Anglers 15 and younger may fish without a trout permit, but are limited to two trout per day, or they may purchase a permit and take five trout per day. Possession limit for trout is 15.

For information on trout stocking schedules, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Special Fishing Programs for You / Trout Fishing Program.”

KS Department of Revenue

TOPEKA–Kansas-based motor carriers with an apportioned or intra-state commercial tags have until Sunday, March 1, 2015.

Although tags for the vehicles expired Dec. 31, 2014, there is a two-month grace period for the registrations to be renewed.

Eight Kansas county treasurers offer renewals for apportioned tags – also called IRP. Those are Haskell, Greeley, Lane, Stafford, Wilson, Anderson, Marshall and Smith counties.

Eighty-four Kansas county treasurer’s offices offer intra-state commercial registration services. A full list of the offices offering renewals is on truckingks.org.

Renewal services for both intra-state and apportioned tags are also available in Topeka at the Motor Carrier Services office on 29th and Topeka Boulevard or at the Docking State Office Building in the Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Those renewing their intra-state registration must bring copies of their 2014 cab cards, current proof of insurance for the registration being renews and prove that the heavy vehicles use tax has been paid for vehicles registered at 55,000 pounds.

For more information, including a list of counties offering intra-state commercial registration services, visit the Commercial Motor Vehicles Resources section of www.truckingks.org.

LENEXA–Sprint Corporation, headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., has received a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2015 Climate Leadership Award for Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management – Goal Achievement.

The Climate Leadership Award recipients demonstrate how innovative actions to combat climate change lead to smart business decisions. Sixteen organizations and one individual representing a wide array of industries from finance and manufacturing to retail and technology were honored for their climate change and environmental work.

“I am proud to recognize our Climate Leadership Award winners for their actions to reduce the harmful carbon pollution that’s fueling climate change,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Our winners are demonstrating that a healthy environment and a strong economy go hand in hand. These organizations are providing the leadership, commitment, and solutions needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet head on the challenge of a changing climate.”

Sprint Corporation offers wireless and wireline communications services for nearly 56 million customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., approximately 80 percent of Sprint’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from the operation of its networks. Other sources include office buildings, data centers, and retail stores.

Sprint is being recognized by EPA for the following specific accomplishments:
Sprint set and exceeded its absolute GHG reduction goal of 20 percent from 2007 to 2017, achieving absolute reduction in GHG emissions of 29 percent in 2013. Sprint’s initial GHG reduction goal was 12 percent in 2008 under the EPA’s former Climate Leaders program, which the company subsequently increased to 15 percent in 2010 before setting its current goal – all with 2007 as the baseline.

The corporation achieved its GHG emission reductions by redesigning its networks to reduce electricity consumption. Its IT department has decreased its electricity use by 28 percent while increasing the number of new data centers. Sprint also implemented Building Automation Systems (BAS) to monitor heating and cooling activities which resulted in lowered electricity costs, reduced HVAC and lighting maintenance costs, and increased worker productivity (comfortable work environment).

In 2014, Sprint received two Climate Leadership Awards in the Organizational Leadership and Supply Chain Leadership categories.

This year’s awards were presented at the 2015 Climate Leadership Conference in Arlington, Va.

EPA’s Center for Corporate Climate Leadership establishes norms of climate leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to identify and achieve cost-effective GHG emission reductions, while helping more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center provides technical tools, guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Commerce will continue to accept nominations for the 2015 Business Appreciation Month awards until March 20. The awards recognize successful Kansas companies that create jobs, support their local communities and enhance the quality of life in Kansas.

Regional finalists are recognized in June during the Team Kansas awards banquet, with the top nominee receiving the Governor’s Award of Excellence, the highest award given to a business by the state. The 2014 winner was Galaxy Technologies of Winfield.

Nominations are accepted from chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, small business development centers, organizations and individuals. Companies may also nominate themselves.

Nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m., Friday, March 20. Regional winners will be selected in the manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit sectors. Regional winners will then give presentations about their companies and community involvement to a panel of judges. The recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence will be announced at the Team Kansas awards ceremony. Late nominations cannot be accepted.

Award qualifications include:
· Business expansion in Kansas.
· Successful employee retention and recruitment practices.
· Employee training/educational programs.
· Capital investment in Kansas.
· Support of local activities including school activities, community events, economic development and leadership programs.

To submit an online nomination, visit KansasCommerce.com/BAM. For more information, contact Sarah Heinen at (785) 296-3805 or [email protected].