TOPEKA– Kansas Governor Sam Brownback Thursday announced the appointment of Ryan W. Rosauer of Junction City as a District Judge for the Kansas 8th District Court. Rosauer fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David R. Platt.

“I am pleased to appoint Ryan Rosauer to the 8th District,” said Governor Brownback. “His wealth of experience in both military service and private practice qualify him to serve well the people of Kansas.”

Rosauer currently practices law with Weary Davis, L.C., and is also senior defense counsel with the 22nd Legal Operations Detachment of the U.S. Army Reserve. He is a graduate of Creighton University, and received his law degree from the University of Iowa Law School.

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 8th District Court includes Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties.

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM

PRATT–For some waterfowl hunters, seasons seem to come and go all too fast. It may feel like hunters and their canine companions have just warmed up when the regular seasons close. However, hunters looking to enjoy a few more weeks afield hunting geese can participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order from Feb. 16-April 30, 2015. During this special season set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hunters may take an unlimited amount of snow and Ross’ geese.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established this special season in 1999 in an effort to increase the harvest of light geese, a population that has increased more than 300 percent since the mid-1970s. These historic numbers of geese have denuded portions of their fragile tundra breeding habitat in the arctic, which may take decades to recover. This impacts other bird species that nest there, including semi-palmated sandpipers and red-necked phalaropes.

To increase hunter success, the conservation order authorizes hunting methods not allowed during the regular seasons, including the use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

For more information on this season, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click on “Hunting/When to Hunt/Migratory Birds.”

Kansas Securities Commissioner

TOPEKA–Kansas high school seniors have the opportunity to win up to $2500 in scholarship money to help cover the cost of tuition at a Kansas school of higher education by entering the Kansas Financial Scholars Essay Scholarship Contest. The contest is jointly sponsored by the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner (KSC) and the Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC). A total of five scholarships, ranging from $500 to the top $2500 prize, will be awarded to Kansas high school seniors.

In a three to four page essay, students are asked to profile an individual whose personal financial habits impacted the lives of others, and apply the wisdom or a lesson from that person’s life to their own future financial plans.

“Investing in the financial education of our college-aged citizens is central to our mission of equipping Kansans to grow and protect their assets,” said Securities Commissioner Josh Ney. “Through this scholarship program, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of financial prudence to the individual lives of Kansans and the future of our state.”

“We are pleased to support financial education programs that help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound financial decisions for their future. These scholarships give students the opportunity to earn money for higher education by sharing what they have learned through participation in these programs,” said Bank Commissioner Deryl Schuster.

Participation in one of the three financial literacy programs sponsored by both agencies (EverFi, the Stock Market Game or Life$marts) is a prerequisite to entering the contest. Teachers, parents or students may contact the KSC to sign up today for one of the free prerequisite programs by calling 800-232-9580 to speak with Shannon Stone, the Director of Investor Education for the KSC.

Essays will be accepted from Feb. 16, 2015 through April 1, 2015. To learn more about participating in the Financial Scholars Essay Scholarship Contest, visit www.ksc.ks.gov, www.osbckansas.org, or send an email to [email protected].

KS Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

TOPEKA–A number of bills are being considered by Kansas legislators which affect hunting, the outdoors and tourism in the state. Below is a list of the bills activity as of Tue. Feb. 17.

2015 Bills

SB46 — This bill would require domesticated deer that enter a premises alive or leave a premises alive or dead for any purpose, other than for direct movement to a licensed or registered slaughter facility in Kansas, have official identification, as prescribed by rules and regulations of the animal health commissioner. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

SB50 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 79-1439, which deals with property tax valuation classification of bed and breakfast properties. The proposed amendment would allow outbuildings or adjacent properties to be included as long as the total number of bedrooms does not exceed five. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation.

SB97 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-1301 which regulates contact with dangerous animals. The amendment would allow clouded leopards and certain dangerous animals weighing 25 pounds or less full physical contact with members of the public and incidental contact with the public for animals weighing 40 pounds or less.This bill passed out of committee and is on Senate General Orders.

SB112 — This bill amends K.S.A 32-1049, relating to violations of wildlife, parks and tourism laws to clarify that county attorneys can file charges without a written citation. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and has a hearing scheduled for Feb. 19, 2015, 10:30 a.m., RM 346S.

SB113 — This bill amends K.S.A. 32-1001, relating to KDWPT licenses, permits, stamps, specifying that only physical licenses, permits or stamps shall be surrendered under judges’ orders of forfeiture or suspension. This amendment is proposed to prepare for the advent of electronic licensing. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and has a hearing scheduled for Feb. 19, 2015, 10:30 a.m., RM 346S.

SB120 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-833, relating to land purchases by KDWPT, to exempt lands purchased with Natural Resource Damage Restoration Funds from required legislative approval. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and had a hearing on Feb. 11, 2015. It is scheduled for Final Action on Feb. 19, 2015, 8:30 a.m. RM 159-S

SB132 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-1301 to add nonhuman primates and wolves, excluding hybrids, to the list of “dangerous regulated animals.” The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

SB134 — This bill would amend statutes concerning noxious weeds and would allow the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, with recommendations from the state advisory committee, to declare any species of weed a noxious weed. It would also allow county commissions, with approval of the Secretary, to designate noxious weeds to be controlled within the county. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and has a hearing scheduled for Feb. 10, 2015, 8:30 a.m., RM 159-S.

SB169 — This is the Senate companion bill to HB2116, which would designate the channel catfish as the official fish of the state of Kansas. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

SB190 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-1139 to allow a person to operate a sailboat of a length 20 feet or less without completing a boater education course if that person is enrolled in an instructor-led class. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation and has a hearing scheduled for February 18, 2015, 8:30 a.m., RM 546-S.

HB2029 — This is the companion bill of SB46 regarding identification of domesticated deer. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and had a hearing on Jan. 27. The bill was place on Final Action on Feb. 10, 2015.

HB2116 — This bill would designate the channel catfish as the official fish of the state of Kansas. The department supports this bill. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

HB2117 — This will would require anyone born on or after January 1, 1995 to complete an approved boater safety education course before operating a motorboat or sailboat on Kansas waters. The current law only requires boater safety education of boaters younger than 21. The department supports this bill. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and has a hearing scheduled for February 17, 2015, 3:30 p.m., RM 112-N.

HB2168 — This is the House companion bill for SB50, which would allow outbuildings or adjacent properties to be classified as a bed and breakfast for tax valuation purposes. This bill was referred to the House Committee on Taxation and had a hearing on Feb. 12, 2015.

HB2341 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 2014 concerning wildlife; relating to seizure of wildlife; disposal, and would require the department to return seized antlers, antler sheds and horns of illegally taken wildlife to landowners or tenants on whose property the antlers, antler sheds or horns were taken. The provisions of the amendment would be applied retroactively as they relate to antlers seized by the department after Jan. 1, 2005. This bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

House Concurrent Resolution No. 5008 — This resolution would amend the state constitution to guarantee Kansas residents the right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife. If approved by two-thirds of the Senate and House, the proposed amendment would be voted on in a November general election.

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA–Maintenance will cause a disruption in services offered by the Kansas Department of Transportation between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The Office of Information Technology Services will be performing equipment upgrades that will impact internet services to the website for T-WORKS.

This will only impact services for the website http://kdotapp.ksdot.org/TWorks/.

It is expected that the T-WORKS website services will be out Saturday morning and back to full functioning capability Saturday afternoon.

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA–Whether you want to drive across the state, find the closest airport, discover new places of interest or check out a state lake, the new 2015-2016 Kansas Official State Transportation Map published by the Kansas Department of Transportation has it all.

City and county indexes are above the map as well as a distance map that allows motorists to pick the best route to their destination. Visitor resources, helpful phone numbers and websites as well as list of all state recreation areas are also provided.

On the back of the map are inset maps of Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka and 13 other cities.

There is information on how to get road condition information and highlights of Kansas driving laws.

“The state map offers so much more than just directions – it’s a great source of information for those traveling or just want to learn more about Kansas,” said Secretary of Transportation Mike King. “It’s always good to have a state map handy.”

Maps will be available at various travel information centers, attractions and other locations across the state. They can also be requested on the KDOT website at http://www.ksdot.org/maps.asp.

Kansas Department for Children and Families

TOPEKA–Kansas Department for Children and Families Phyllis Gilmore Secretary has announced a new initiative to address community issues, such as poverty, substance abuse and absent fathers. To launch the effort at the Kansas State Capitol Building, Topeka, Secretary Gilmore and Governor Sam Brownback met with the leader of the initiative, Robert L. Woodson, Sr., to discuss a year-long pilot project to help vulnerable Kansas communities. The project is called the “Kansas Community Leadership Initiative.”

“I’m excited to see this nationally-recognized, successful initiative come to Kansas,” Governor Brownback said. “Government doesn’t have the answers, our citizens know the problems plaguing their communities; and I look forward to working with Mr. Woodson to help our towns and neighborhoods address those social issues at a grassroots level.”

Woodson is president of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE), a national non-profit headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a 33-year history of helping cities and neighborhoods address the problems of their communities. The Center does this by helping communities identify those effective neighborhood leaders who can bring positive change to troubled neighborhoods. CNE provides training, technical assistance and support to those leaders of community and faith-based organizations, ensuring that all sectors of a given city are represented in plans for social and economic revitalization.

DCF has granted CNE funds to launch a 12-month pilot project in Kansas. Select leaders will be invited to participate in a community assessment process aimed at identifying solutions to critical community issues facing Kansas children and families. Issue-specific plans will be developed for increasing neighborhood and community involvement in initiatives to improve residents’ well-being. During the second and third phase of the project, CNE will provide leadership training for community and faith-based organizations in an effort to leverage resources needed to facilitate change at the grassroots level across the state. KCLI will include 240 leaders from 17 different communities in Kansas.

In addition to meeting with the Governor, Woodson and his team,  also met with community, corporate and family foundations and community and faith-based leaders to begin the planning process in this statewide community development effort. The team members include Charles Perry, head of  CNE’s project management, training development, operational management, strategic planning and program evaluation; and Terence Mathis, vice president and chief operating officer of CNE.

“I’m pleased by the energy, enthusiasm and commitment to this project,” Woodson said. “Communities have the power to turn things around. I’m excited to lead this process so that children and families are no longer living in poverty and in crisis. I’ve seen first-hand how this model can work. And I know it will be successful here in Kansas.”

Woodson, a former civil rights activist, founded CNE in 1981. The Center has provided training and technical assistance to more than 2,000 leaders of community and faith-based organizations, and financial literacy training to more than 22,000 community residents.

A founding principle of CNE is that those suffering the problem must be involved in the creation and implementation of the solution, and CNE projects have led to major advancements for residents of low-income neighborhoods in cities such as Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., and Milwaukee. CNE has a major focus on reducing youth violence, and its community-based Violence-Free Zone initiative is successfully reducing violence and making classrooms safe for education in selected public schools in Baltimore, Chicago, Hartford, Milwaukee and Washington, D,C,. For more information on CNE, visit www.cneonline.org.

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

TOPEKA–The following is an update of bills under consideration in the Kansas legislature that would affect hunting, outdoor recreation and tourism in the state.

2015 Bills

SB46 — This bill would require domesticated deer that enter a premises alive or leave a premises alive or dead for any purpose, other than for direct movement to a licensed or registered slaughter facility in Kansas, have official identification, as prescribed by rules and regulations of the animal health commissioner. The bill passed out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

SB50 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 79-1439, which deals with property tax valuation classification of bed and breakfast properties. The proposed amendment would allow outbuildings or adjacent properties to be included as long as the total number of bedrooms does not exceed five. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation.

SB97 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-1301 which regulates contact with dangerous animals. The amendment would allow clouded leopards and certain dangerous animals weighing 25 pounds or less full physical contact with members of the public and incidental contact with the public for animals weighing 40 pounds or less.This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and had a hearing scheduled on Feb. 4.

SB112 — This bill amends K.S.A 32-1049, relating to violations of wildlife, parks and tourism laws to clarify that county attorneys can file charges without a written citation. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

SB113 — This bill amends K.S.A. 32-1001, relating to KDWPT licenses, permits, stamps, specifying that only physical licenses, permits or stamps shall be surrendered under judges’ orders of forfeiture or suspension. This amendment is proposed to prepare for the advent of electronic licensing. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

SB120 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-833, relating to land purchases by KDWPT, to exempt lands purchased with Natural Resource Damage Restoration Funds from required legislative approval. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and has a hearing scheduled for Feb. 11, 2015, 8:30 a.m., RM 159-S.

SB132 — This bill would amend K.S.A. 32-1301 to add nonhuman primates and wolves, excluding hybrids, to the list of “dangerous regulated animals.” The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

SB134 — This bill would amend statutes concerning noxious weeds and would allow the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, with recommendations from the state advisory committee, to declare any species of weed a noxious weed. It would also allow county commissions, with approval of the Secretary, to designate noxious weeds to be controlled within the county. This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and has a hearing scheduled for Feb. 10, 2015, 8:30 a.m., RM 159-S.

SB169 — This is the Senate companion bill to HB2116, which would designate the channel catfish as the official fish of the state of Kansas. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources.

HB2029 — This is the companion bill of SB46 regarding identification of domesticated deer. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and had a hearing on Jan. 27. The bill was place on Final Action on Feb. 10, 2015.

HB2116 — This bill would designate the channel catfish as the official fish of the state of Kansas. The department supports this bill. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

HB2117 — This will would require anyone born on or after January 1, 1995 to complete an approved boater safety education course before operating a motorboat or sailboat on Kansas waters. The current law only requires boater safety education of boaters younger than 21. The department supports this bill. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

HB2168 — This is the House companion bill for SB50, which would allow outbuildings or adjacent properties to be classified as a bed and breakfast for tax valuation purposes. This bill was referred to the House Committee on Taxation and has a hearing scheduled for Feb. 12, 2015, 3:30 p.m., RM 582-N.

House Concurrent Resolution No. 5008 — This resolution would amend the state constitution to guarantee Kansas residents the right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife. If approved by two-thirds of the Senate and House, the proposed amendment would be voted on in a November general election.

TOPEKA–Kansas Insurance Department personnel continue to monitor and assess the impact of the online data breach of Anthem, Inc., the second-largest health insurance company in the United States.

Ken Selzer, Commissioner of Insurance, said Friday in a news release that some Kansans’ personal information may have been compromised as part of the overall cyberattack on Anthem, which exposed approximately 80 million records.

“Anthem has yet to disclose the number of Kansans who might be affected,” Commissioner Selzer said, “but those people who have insurance through Anthem should contact the company.”

Commissioner Selzer has been informed that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City are working closely with Anthem to identify any potential information breaches of their members. Any impacted members will be notified in writing.

Anthem and the two local Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations are independent companies; however, all are licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Kansans who think they might be affected by the security breach should call Anthem at 1-877-263-7995 or go to www.anthemfacts.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas also has a special question-and-answer section on their website, http://www.bcbsks.com/CustomerService/Members/news/2015-02-05_anthem-data-breach-faqs.htm .

“Cybersecurity is something everyone needs to practice,” Commissioner Selzer said. “We need to be vigilant in making sure our personal information is kept secure. Kansas consumers should always be aware of activity on their banking and financial accounts and let their institutions know if something appears suspicious.”

Kansas Department for Children and Families

TOPEKA–Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Phyllis Gilmore is pleased to announce that KVC Health Systems, one of the State’s two foster care contractors, has been awarded a $516,600 federal grant to put tablets in the hands of foster families in eastern Kansas and Kansas City.

This technology will allow children in foster care to have a direct link to behavioral healthcare services such as therapy and ongoing education videos.

“Foster parents provide a tremendous service to children in need of care,” Secretary Gilmore said. “This is one more tool that will help them provide the best foster care possible. We are grateful to KVC for utilizing this technology.”

KVC’s MyLink program is a robust, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing program that uses iPads to give children in foster care increased access to therapeutic and crisis intervention services. The tablets also deliver State-required training to foster parents. The tablets are restricted in use and can only be used for the intended purposes.

The grant funding will connect 850 foster families in the Midwest to needed resources. The program was launched last year, with 160 foster families receiving the technology in West Virginia and Kentucky. KVC provides services to families in Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia and Kentucky.

The new United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants total $516,600, which will be combined with $170,606 in KVC matching funds, for a total program expansion of $687,206. KVC Kansas will receive $355,100 of that amount to increase access for nearly 3,000 children in foster care via telemedicine annually and 550 foster homes via distance learning, all within the 30 Kansas counties served by KVC.

“This KVC MyLink expansion will not only change everyday life for thousands of children and families; it also has the potential to change the trajectory of some young people’s lives forever,” B. Wayne Sims said, President and CEO of KVC Health Systems.

“Children who have experienced physical or sexual abuse or neglect and who live in rural, underserved regions need support. This USDA-funded expansion is so critical because it gives each child a direct, immediate link to his or her highly-trained, caring KVC therapist. It might be that access in a moment of crisis that saves a life or makes a life-long difference. The technology will also provide foster parents with new training on how to handle family challenges. KVC Health Systems is proud of its innovative approach to foster care, and we see this partnership with DCF and the USDA as an important part of raising the bar in child welfare.”

For more information about the grant funding and technology program, contact KVC Director of Communications Jenny Kutz at 913-322-4994, or by email at [email protected].

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

MANHATTAN–Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey announced Friday Susan Metzger and Josh Roe have been hired to fill the positions as assistant secretaries for the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA).

“We are excited to have Susan and Josh accept these roles on the executive team,” said McClaskey. “They each bring innovation and expertise that will be extremely valuable when working through challenges. Their work ethic, dedication to serving Kansans and desire to move our agency forward is evident. I look forward to working closely with them as we serve our farm and ranch families and agribusinesses and Kansas consumers,” she said.

Metzger, a native of Virginia, most recently has served as the Chief of Planning and Policy at the Kansas Water Office (KWO). She has held that role since 2003. Prior to joining the KWO, she served as the manager of the environmental section of a land development and engineering firm in Chantilly, Virginia. She has a B.S. in Biological Sciences/Botany from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia and a M.S. in Biological Sciences from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

Roe, a native of Republic County, Kansas, has most recently served as the staff economist for KDA. He joined the agency in 2013. From 2005-13, he worked in KSU’s Department of Agricultural Economics. His research and Extension activities included water quality and quantity, agricultural finance, farm management and bio fuels. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from K-State and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Iowa State.

The two positions being filled were most recently held by Erik Wisner and Jake Worcester.

Wisner has accepted a position as executive director of the Kansas Real Estate Commission in Topeka. His last day will be February 13.

Worcester has been named as the President/CEO for the Kansas 4-H Foundation, and will be working with a staff in Manhattan to support this outstanding youth organization. His last day in the office will be March 4.

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT–Previously a youth-only contest, the annual Wild About Kansas photo contest, hosted by Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine, now offers an adult category, opening the contest to photographers age 19 and older. Submissions are being accepted now through Oct. 23, 2015.

“Kansas is a state filled with a plethora of diverse and awe-inspiring natural resources and this contest is just one more way we can continue to appreciate and enjoy them,” said associate editor, Nadia Marji. “With the addition of an adult category for 2015, I’m confident we’re going to see Kansas from an array of unexpected and inspiring perspectives.”

Participants can submit photos in three categories: wildlife, outdoor recreation or landscapes. There is no fee to enter, and the contest is open to both residents and nonresidents.

Photographers can submit up to three photos. Photos must be taken within the state of Kansas and must be the entrant’s original work.

Each photo will be judged on creativity, composition, subject matter, lighting, and the overall sharpness. First, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in each category, as well as one honorable mention per category. Winners will be featured in the 2016 Kansas Wildlife & Parks January/February photo issue.

Entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2015. An entry form must be submitted for each participant. Photo format should be JPEG or TIFF and file size should be not less than 1mb and not more than 5mb.

For more information and entry forms, visit ksoutdoors.com/services, or contact Marji at [email protected].

TOPEKA–Kansas First Lady Mary Brownback has announced the start of the Kansas Book Festival Writing Contest. The contest runs through April 30, 2015. Winners will be contacted by July 31 and announced at the 2015 Kansas Book Festival on September 12 at the Kansas State Capitol. The contest is open to students in grades 3-12 in the state of Kansas.

“Each year, the level of talent that we see entering our writing contest grows,” said the First Lady. “It is our hope that this writing contest will help spark a love for reading and writing among children across the state and inspire them to use writing as a creative outlet.”

The theme for this year’s contest is “Changing one of Kansas’ State Symbols.” Students should select one of Kansas’ many symbols (bird, tree, song, etc.) that they would like to change. What would they change it to and why would it make a better symbol than the one we currently have? There will be a first and second place winner in each grade level division, per congressional district. Divisions consist of the following: grades 3-5, grades 6-8, grades 9-12.

For more information about this contest or the Kansas Book Festival, scheduled for September 12, visit kansasbookfestival.com.