“As Kansas continues its economic recovery, we expect the normal ups and downs of month-to-month revenue collections. But because the structural problems within the budget have been addressed, these monthly fluctuations are manageable without additional cuts. The road to recovery will have its bumps, but we’re still heading in the right direction.”

For more information
contact Ron Keefover,
Education-Information Officer

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission today nominated three persons to fill a vacancy on the Court of Appeals that was created by the April death of Judge Jerry G. Elliott, Lawrence.

Nominated were Overland Park Municipal Court Presiding Judge Karen Arnold-Burger; G. Gordon Atcheson, an Overland Park attorney in private practice; and Shawnee County District Judge David E. Bruns. Gov. Mark Parkinson will have 60 days in which to select one of the three.

Eighteen judges and attorneys submitted applications for the vacancy. The Nominating Commission conducted interviews Thursday and today and submitted the names to the governor earlier this afternoon.

Judge Arnold-Burger has been Presiding Judge for the City of Overland Park Municipal Court since 1996, and a judge of that court since 1991. Upon being admitted to practice in 1981, she served as a labor relations attorney for a year with Shell Oil Co., Houston, TX, and then was appointed Assistant City Attorney in Overland Park in 1982, where she rose to First Assistant City Attorney in 1989 before leaving that office to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Kansas City, KS. She served as Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1989 until her appointment as municipal judge in 1991.

She completed both her undergraduate and law school degrees with honors from the University of Kansas.

Atcheson began his law practice in the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office in 1981 upon completion of law school at the University of Kansas in May of that year. Before that, he received a BA degree with honors from the University of Michigan.

He joined the law firm of Hall, Turner & Pike in Wichita after leaving the district attorney’s office in 1983. He remained with that firm until 1987 when he joined the firm of Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman. In 1989, he left that firm and began a private practice with the firm of Blake & Uhlig, where he remained until February 2005, when he founded the firm of The Atcheson Law Office, Westwood, where he currently practices.

Judge Bruns has been a Shawnee County District Court judge since 1999, and before that was in private practice with the Topeka firm of Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer since 1984, when he was graduated from the Washburn University School of Law. He is a 1981 graduate of the University of Kansas with a BS in Secondary Education, with distinction.

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is chaired by lawyer Anne E. Burke of Overland Park. Others on the Commission include: First Congressional District, Kerry E. McQueen of Liberal (lawyer member) and Dr. Janet A. Juhnke of Salina (lay member); Second Congressional District, Patricia E. Riley of Topeka (lawyer member) and Dale E. Cushinberry (lay member); Third Congressional District, Matthew D. Keenan of Leawood (lawyer member) and Katherine DeBruce of Shawnee Mission (lay member); and Fourth Congressional District, Jay F. Fowler of Wichita (lawyer member) and Paul F. Babich of Wichita (lay member).

The forum will be conducted at the Great Plains Joint Training Center at the Kansas Regional Training Institute, 2850 Scanlan Ave., Bldg. 365, in Salina. The forum is designed to facilitate public and private sectors working together during disaster response within the state.

Previous forums have provided training and education, and facilitated interaction between private businesses, the emergency management community, and state and federal government. The forum addresses the disaster response process and how the parties can assist each other. The key benefit to attendees is the interaction, discussion and mutual understanding gained through participation.

“The knowledge and experience provided by the state’s business and industry professionals is critical in disaster response and recovery,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “During the two previous forums, we have found their insights extremely valuable in helping plan response efforts.”

This year’s forum will include a half-day tour and exercise at Crisis City, a multiuse, joint training facility at the Great Plains Joint Training Center. The main session on May 27 includes panel presentations and discussions on private businesses that have survived a disaster. Other topics related to disaster planning include public information, logistics and threats to the state’s oil and gas industry.

To register or for more information, call Randy Mettner, (785) 274-1564; email randy.mettner@tag.ks.gov

The TOPS program provides troopers an opportunity to ride with professional semi truck drivers. The troopers onboard the large trucks have a front seat view to witness, document, and report violations to other troopers on patrol in the immediate area. The Patrol's Air Support Unit is being utilized in support of this year's TOPS deployments. Through the FMCSA grant-funded TOPS program, troopers enforce state laws and federal regulations in and around large trucks, as well as educate the motoring public of the dangers that exist around semis.

"The TOPS program, travelling the state in its fourth year, has helped educate the public on the extra space and time CMVs require," Colonel Terry Maple, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said. "The goal of TOPS is to help save the lives of, and prevent injuries to, Kansans."

The trucks, trailers, and drivers that the Patrol uses for the program are donated by the industry. The companies partner with the Patrol for a week in a specific region of the state to make these resources available. In the Topeka area this past week, the partnering company was a Kansas Motor Carriers Association (KMCA)-member company, who donated a driver for the Patrol's use.

"KMCA-member companies have helped support the TOPS program each of its four years. We value their partnership, and thank them for the time and resources they have provided us," Maple said.

In 2008, large trucks were involved in 5.6 percent of all traffic crashes and 14.9 percent of all fatal crashes in Kansas. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, there were 52 fatal collisions involving large trucks. The driver of the large truck had at least one contributing factor in 12 (or 25 percent) of these crashes. There were 3,702 crashes in 2008 involving heavy trucks, which equates to one crash every 2.37 hours. In those 3,702 crashes, 63 people were killed and another 1,146 were injured. This demonstrates the need to promote awareness about the safe operation of all vehicles around large trucks.

As with all law enforcement agencies, the Kansas Highway Patrol is committed to serving the public, increasing productivity, and promoting safety for all motorists. To help achieve these goals, the Patrol would like drivers to remember these safety tips while sharing the road with large trucks.

* Stay out of trucks' blind spots. Although every truck has side mirrors, the driver still has blind spots - areas directly behind and on both sides of the truck where the driver cannot see cars. Look at the truck; if you can't see the driver's side view mirrors, you are in a blind spot and the driver can't see you. If your car is beside a large truck, either drive on past or back off. If you are passing, drive your car on the left side where the blind spot is smaller.
* Never follow a large truck too closely. Stay behind large trucks by at least one car length for every 10 miles per hour of speed. Providing extra distance allows you to see in front of the truck. If there is congested traffic or a crash ahead of you, you will see it in time to stop or safely steer your car away from the danger.
* Use extra caution when passing a large truck. After you pass a large truck, do not pull your car back into its traffic lane until you see its headlights in your rearview mirror. Leaving this extra distance gives the truck driver time to slow down or stop if something is happening on the highway ahead.
* Always remember that a loaded tractor-trailer or semi truck needs as much as 100 yards - the length of a football field - to come to a complete stop. No matter how crowded the highway, make sure to maintain this safe distance. If the truck driver ignores this margin of safety and follows your car too closely, do not take a chance. Move your car into another traffic lane.
* Always use your turn signal when changing lanes. Drivers around you need to know what you are doing so they can maintain a safe driving distance.
* Always use seatbelts and child safety seats when appropriate. This is your best defense against injury and death should you become involved in a motor vehicle crash.

The purpose for the checkpoint is to remove impaired drivers from the roads, and to deter drivers from operating a vehicle if they are impaired. Any driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be given field sobriety tests.

Motorists shouldn't expect any major delays as they go through the checkpoint. As always, the Patrol encourages the use of designated sober drivers, and for everyone in the vehicle to buckle their seatbelts.

"This year, the Kansas Legislature approved a primary seatbelt law, which will take effect upon the Governor's signing and it's publishing in the Kansas Register. The Click It or Ticket campaign is a great time to get into the habit of always fastening your seat belt, and making sure your children are buckled, and/or secured in their car seats," Colonel Terry Maple, Superintendent of the Patrol said. "So many Kansas families have lost a loved one in a traffic crash. Many of these deaths could have been prevented, if the driver or passenger had been properly restrained."

The program is targeted at reducing the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes. Troopers will be aggressively enforcing seatbelt, child restraint (including seatbelts and child passenger safety seats), speed, and impaired driving violations. The Memorial Day holiday falls during the Click It or Ticket campaign, and with additional travelers on the road, it's imperative to follow Kansas traffic laws. A Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant provided by KDOT will allow extra officers to patrol the roads and streets in the state.

"The Kansas Department of Transportation is dedicated to traffic safety in Kansas. Once again, they have provided a STEP grant, which will allow officers throughout the state additional time to spend enforcing violations which often contribute to crashes. We thank KDOT for their support and for their concern with traffic safety in Kansas," Maple said.

Nearly 70-percent of people killed in traffic crashes in Kansas in 2008 were not properly restrained. It's important to use safety belts and child restraints, as they are your best protection should you be involved in a crash.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Kansas Highway Patrol's Trucks on Patrol for Safety (TOPS) program is helping to educate motorists on the dangers and added safety precautions that must be taken when sharing the road with large trucks and commercial motor vehicles. Following a week-long deployment in the Topeka and northeast Kansas area, there will be a news conference in Topeka on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. The conference will be held at the KDOT lot at 101 SW Gage Boulevard, in Topeka. The lot is located on Gage, just north of I-70.

The Patrol is partnering with commercial vehicle companies and drivers to enforce safety violations occurring around large trucks. Troopers will board the large trucks and relay information regarding observed violations to other troopers in KHP patrol units who will then enforce the crash-causing violations observed from the large trucks. The Patrol's Air Support Unit is also being utilized during the deployments to assist in detecting violations. Pilots and observers on board the aircraft will relay information on violations to ground units for appropriate enforcement action.

At the media conference, the truck will be on display, in addition to other photo opportunities with Kansas Highway Patrol troopers. Interviews to discuss the success of the program will also be available. Statistics collected from enforcement action during the program will be released at that time, as well.

The Kansas Highway Patrol has set a goal to reduce the number of fatality, injury, and property damage crashes in the state. The TOPS program, grant-funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, was implemented with this goal in mind.

Office hours for the motor carrier services will be 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. KDOR and Crawford County believe this will be a winning combination for motor carriers.

The first regional office was opened in Haskell County on November 4, 2009.

Motor carriers are required to register their vehicles that travel in more than one jurisdiction with the KDOR’s Motor Carrier Services Bureau in Topeka. By adding the regional offices motor carriers will not have to travel to Topeka to make changes to their current IRP account.

The International Registration Plan is an agreement providing for registration reciprocity among all contiguous 48 states, District of Columbia and Canada. IRPs are a method of registering fleet vehicles that travel in two or more member jurisdictions. Any driver participating in the plan must register their vehicle in their home base or jurisdiction.

The plan was initially developed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and is recommended for adoption by all jurisdictions.

Kansas became a member of the IRP July, 1980.

All known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, and personal property assets belonging to the owner were seized and the business was sealed closed. Seized assets will be sold at public auction to pay toward delinquent tax.

Warrant execution occurs when all other collection attempts, including multiple letters, telephone calls, letters of impending legal action, tax liens filed with the District Court of domicile to secure the debt, previous bank levies and on-site till taps are executed to bring the taxpayer into compliance have been exhausted. After several unsuccessful collection attempts, or lack of response from the taxpayer, the Department is forced to take aggressive warrant execution action of seizing assets, which in this instance resulted in the business being closed.

The KDOR's standard practice is to continually encourage delinquent taxpayers, who are not lawfully filing or paying taxes (sales, income etc.), to voluntarily enter into a repayment agreement. When multiple collection attempts fail, the Department is forced to protect the interests of the State and employ civil actions aimed at encouraging the taxpayers to comply, such as a bank levy, a till tap, or ultimately seizure of assets.

Tax Warrants Executed:
Sales Tax
Case # 07ST86 $ 58,300.98; Case # 08ST60 $ 71,270.33;
Case # 10ST10 $ 10,149.00; Case # 10ST30 $ 28,199.44;
Case # 10ST33 $ 15,230.09
Withholding Tax
Case # 07ST87 $ 2,579.80; Case # 10ST32 $ 1,606.90
Case # 0ST31 $ 4,176.65
Total Debt: $100,876.85

Monday, May 24, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Baxter Springs Community Center
1101 East Avenue
Baxter Springs, KS

At the public hearing customers will have the opportunity to ask questions and make statements in support or opposition to the proposal. Members of the public unable to attend the public hearing are encouraged to submit comments to the KCC through June 15, 2010. Comments should reference Docket No: 10-EPDE-497-TAR and be emailed to: public.affairs@kcc.ks.gov, made over the phone at: 1-800-662-0027 or mailed to:

Kansas Corporation Commission
Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604-4027

Empire filed an application with the KCC on January 29, 2010 proposing to offer a variety of energy-efficiency programs for residential, commercial, and industrial sales customers and to recover the costs associated with the operation of these programs.

Empire's application included programs to reduce customers' use of energy and to control the use electricity during high demand periods, and include:

* Residential High Efficiency Central Air Conditioner Program
* Commercial and Industrial Rebate Program
* Low-Income Weatherization Program
* Building Operator Certification Program
* Interruptible Program

Empire estimates that it will cost $157,945 the first year to offer these programs. In order to recover these costs, customers would be charged an extra $.00058 per kilowatt hour (kWh). For the average residential customer using 1,000 kWh a month, their bill would increase by 58 cents.

A complete copy of Empire's application and supporting testimony is available at: http://kcc.ks.gov/docket/cal.cgi?docket=10-EPDE-497-TAR. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled to begin June 17th and the KCC must issue an order by September 27th.

Kansas Gas Service filed an application with the KCC on December 18, 2009 proposing to offer a variety of energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial sales customers and to recover the costs associated with the operation of these programs.

In addition to becoming an Efficiency Kansas partner with the State Energy Office, Kansas Gas Service proposed programs to reduce customers' use of natural gas through the installation of high efficiency materials, appliances, and equipment.

Kansas Gas Service also requested the establishment of a decoupling mechanism. Decoupling breaks the link between the amount of gas sold to customers and the level of revenues the company collects. Under decoupling, Kansas Gas Service would receive a specified level of revenue, regardless of how much natural gas consumers use. If decoupling had been in place last year, Kansas Gas Service estimated the residential surcharge would have been 38 cents per month for a total of $2.64 million.

Citing the wide discrepancy in the positions of the parties involved in this case, Kansas Gas Service withdrew its application on May 13, 2010.

A complete copy of Kansas Gas Service's application and supporting testimony, intervenor testimony, KCC Staff testimony and other case related documents are available at: http://kcc.ks.gov/docket/cal.cgi?docket=10-KGSG-421-TAR.

At the public hearing customers will have the opportunity to ask questions and make statements in support or opposition to the proposal. Members of the public unable to attend the public hearing are encouraged to submit comments to the KCC through May 28, 2010. Comments should reference Docket No: 10-KGSG-421-TAR and be emailed to: public.affairs@kcc.ks.gov, made over the phone at: 1-800-662-0027 or mailed to:

Kansas Corporation Commission
Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604-4027

Kansas Gas Service filed an application with the KCC on December 18, 2009 proposing to offer a variety of energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial sales customers and to recover the costs associated with the operation of these programs.

In addition to becoming an Efficiency Kansas partner with the State Energy Office, Kansas Gas Services proposed programs to reduce customers' use of natural gas through the installation of high efficiency materials, appliances, and equipment.

Kansas Gas Service estimates it will cost $2.1 million per year for five years, totaling $10.5 million, to offer these programs. In order to recover these costs, an energy conservation surcharge of approximately 32 cents per month would appear on all residential and commercial sales customers' bills.

In addition, Kansas Gas Service also requested the establishment of a decoupling mechanism. Decoupling breaks the link between the amount of gas sold to customers and the level of revenues the company collects. Under decoupling, Kansas Gas Service would receive a specified level of revenue, regardless of how much natural gas consumers use. Had decoupling been in place last year, Kansas Gas Service estimates the residential surcharge would have been 38 cents per month for a total of $2.64 million.

A complete copy of Kansas Gas Service's application and supporting testimony is available at: http://kcc.ks.gov/docket/cal.cgi?docket=10-KGSG-421-TAR. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled to begin June 2nd and the KCC must issue an order by August 16th.

Only after several unsuccessful attempts does the Department take this type of aggressive warrant execution action of seizing assets, which in this instance resulted in the business being closed.

The KDOR's standard practice is to continually encourage delinquent taxpayers, who are not lawfully filing or paying taxes (Individual Income Tax), to voluntarily enter into a repayment agreement.

Tax Warrants:
Case#07TW1052 Johnson County, Tax Periods, 2001-2003
Total delinquent individual income taxes: $11,553.34

Warrant execution occurs when all other collection attempts, including multiple letters, telephone calls, letters of impending legal action, tax liens filed with the District Court of domicile to secure the debt, previous bank levies and on-site till taps are executed to bring the taxpayer into compliance have been compliance exhausted.

All known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, and personal property assets, including personal property belonging to the owners were seized and the business was sealed closed. Seized assets will be sold at public auction to pay toward delinquent taxes.

Anyone concerned about their cars or other equipment there for repair can contact Mike Browne at 785-296-6124 to make arrangements to retrieve their property.

Only after several unsuccessful attempts does the Department take this type of aggressive warrant execution action of seizing assets, which in this instance resulted in the business being closed.

The KDOR's standard practice is to continually encourage delinquent taxpayers, who are not lawfully filing or paying taxes (sales, withholding, etc.), to voluntarily enter into a repayment agreements. When multiple collection attempts fail the Department is forced to protect the interests of the State and employ civil actions aimed at encouraging the taxpayers to comply, such as a bank levy, a till tap, or ultimately seizure of assets.

Tax Warrants Executed:

* Sales Tax:
o Case#09ST0411 - periods 3Q/08,4Q/08- tax delinquent: $7,573.04
o Case#2010ST150 - periods 1Q/09,2Q/09- tax delinquent:$4,348.64
* Withholding Tax:
o Case#2010ST149 - periods 12/08,1/09-9/09- tax delinquent:$1,319.09

Total Sales and Withholding delinquent taxes: $13,240.77

Warrant execution occurs when all other collection attempts, including multiple letters, telephone calls, letters of impending legal action, tax liens filed with the District Court of domicile to secure the debt, previous bank levies and on-site till taps are executed to bring the taxpayer into compliance have been compliance exhausted.

Prideaux joined the Kansas Highway Patrol as a Radio Telephone Operator I at the Salina Dispatch Center in June 1975. In 1978, Prideaux was promoted to Trooper and was assigned road patrol duties in Salina. Prideaux became a Pilot I in 1983 and was assigned to the Patrol's aircraft unit in Hays. In 1987, he was promoted to Pilot II, remaining in Hays. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1991 and became the assistant troop commander of the aircraft unit and Capitol Police in Topeka. In 1994, Prideaux became the assistant troop commander of the Governor's Security Detail, and he became commander of Governor's Security a year later. Prideaux was promoted to Captain in 1998 and was commander of the Patrol's fleet and aircraft programs. In 2006, Prideaux was promoted to Major, serving as the Patrol's Special Services Commander which oversees the Kansas Turnpike, Capitol Police, Emergency Operations, Homeland Security, Aircraft Operations and Executive Transportation, and Fleet Management. He has remained Major of Special Services until his retirement. In 1982, Prideaux was awarded a National Certificate of Merit and a Superintendent's Award for his life-saving efforts.

Prior to joining the Kansas Highway Patrol, Prideaux served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1974, last holding the rank of Submarine Radioman, Third Class. Prideaux is a 1970 graduate of Girard High School, Girard, Kan., and has since earned an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Barton County Community College.

The Patrol wishes Tony the best in his retirement!

Colonel Terry Maple, Superintendent of the Patrol, said the letter came after County Attorney Mitchell's office had reviewed reports from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Salina Police Department, and the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

Maple said that due to the serious nature of the incident, the Patrol requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation into the matter. As a standard practice, the Patrol is also conducting an internal administrative review of the matter. The trooper was on paid administrative leave during the investigation. Upon receipt of Mitchell's letter, Maple said the trooper was returned to full duty.

A preliminary hearing on the matter was held in Saline County District Court yesterday. Dinneen was bound over for trial on charges of Robbery, two counts of Kidnapping, Criminal Threat, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Domestic Battery, two counts of Fleeing and Eluding, and multiple traffic infractions.

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission will convene May 27-28 to conduct interviews, after which the list will be narrowed to three names that will be submitted to the Governor, who will make the appointment.

Those applying include: Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, Overland Park; G. Gordon Atcheson, also of Overland Park; James A.D. Bartle, Lawrence; Terri L. Bezek, Topeka; Judge David E. Bruns, Topeka; Jeffery L. Carmichael, Valley Center; Henry R. Cox, Shawnee; Sharon L. Dickgrafe, Wichita; Jim D. Garner, Lawrence; T. Richard Harmon, Topeka; Randall L. Hodgkinson, Topeka; Deborah L. Hughes, Lawrence; Laura L. Ice, Wichita; Bruce W. Kent, Manhattan; Kip A. Kubin, Leawood; Judge Guy R. Steier, Clyde; Teresa L. Watson, Topeka, and Michael P. Whalen, Wichita.

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission is chaired by lawyer Anne E. Burke of Overland Park. Others on the Commission include: First Congressional District, Kerry E. McQueen of Liberal (lawyer member) and Dr. Janet A. Juhnke of Salina (lay member); Second Congressional District, Patricia E. Riley of Topeka (lawyer member) and Dale E. Cushinberry (lay member); Third Congressional District, Matthew D. Keenan of Leawood (lawyer member) and Katherine DeBruce of Shawnee Mission (lay member); and Fourth Congressional District, Jay F. Fowler of Wichita (lawyer member) and Paul F. Babich of Wichita (lay member).

Members of the public are encouraged to comment on the qualifications of any of the applicants by writing to Anne E. Burke, c/o Carol G. Green, Clerk of the Appellate Courts, 301 S.W. 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas. All written comments will be distributed to the full Commission for their review.

The event will run from 12 to 6 p.m. in the VIP parking lot near Gate C at Heartland Park, 7530 S. Topeka Blvd., Topeka. Admission is free.

“It’s nice to be appreciated,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, “and the people at Heartland Park are always generous in their support of the Kansas National Guard.”

Equipment on display will include an M2A2 OSD Bradley Fighting Vehicle used by infantry troops, M1A1 Abrams tank, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, Q-37 radar, Heavy Equipment and P23 fire truck. The 35th Infantry Division Band will be providing music beginning at 1 p.m.

The day will conclude with the Briggsauto.com Super Saturday Night Dirt Track Showdown starting at 7 p.m. Admission to the race is $10 for adults; tickets for children 12 and under are $5.

The third annual Kansas National Guard Museum Poker Run will run in conjunction with the event. It will depart from the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, 6700 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka. Registration is from 8 to 10 a.m. with a pancake feed during that time. Riders will depart the museum at 10 a.m. and return at 4:30 p.m. Entry fee for the ride is $25. All proceeds benefit the Museum of the Kansas National Guard. For information on the Poker Run call (785) 224-0236.

The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. in the Kansas National Guard Armory, 200 S. Iowa St., Lawrence; the doors will open at 7:30 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend.

The soldiers are from Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Company A of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Kansas City, Kan. The commander is Capt. Darren Koberlein.

“These soldiers have done a fantastic job and we’re glad to welcome them home,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general.

The official party will include Governor Mark Parkinson, Bunting; Brig. Gen. John Davoren, assistant adjutant general – Army and commander of the Kansas Army National Guard; Col. Lee Tafanelli, commander of 69th Troop Command; State Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Haworth; Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan, command sergeant major of the Kansas Army National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly, command sergeant major of 69th Troop Command; and Chaplain (Col.) Don Davidson.

The soldiers deployed in August 2009 to Kosovo, where they were attached to the 231st Brigade Support Battalion, North Dakota National Guard, as the Quick Reaction Force for Task Force Defender, KFOR 12, Multinational Task Force East.

All known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, and personal property assets belonging to the owner were seized and the business was sealed closed. Seized assets will be sold at public auction to pay toward delinquent taxes.

KDOR will leave at the location anything they can identify that belongs to customers. However, anyone concerned about their cars or other equipment there for repair can contact Jason Crider at 785-296-6124 to make arrangements to retrieve their property.

Warrant execution occurs when all other collection attempts, including multiple letters, telephone calls, letters of impending legal action, tax liens filed with the District Court of domicile to secure the debt, previous bank levies and on-site till taps are executed to bring the taxpayer into compliance have been exhausted. After several unsuccessful collection attempts, or lack of response from the taxpayer, the Department is forced to take aggressive warrant execution action of seizing assets, which in this instance resulted in the business being closed.

Tax Warrants Executed:

* Sales Tax:
o Sales Tax Case #10TW00790 - $1,175.22
o Sales Tax Case #09TW03036 - $17,635.49
o Sales Tax Case #08TW01120 - $6,075.91

Total Delinquent Tax: $28,119.84

The KDOR's standard practice is to continually encourage delinquent taxpayers, who are not lawfully filing or paying taxes (sales, income etc.), to voluntarily enter into a repayment agreement. When multiple collection attempts fail, the Department is forced to protect the interests of the State and employ civil actions aimed at encouraging the taxpayers to comply.

All known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, and personal property assets belonging to the owner were seized. Seized assets will be sold at public auction to pay toward delinquent tax.

The KDOR's standard practice is to continually encourage delinquent taxpayers, who are not lawfully filing or paying taxes (sales, income etc.), to voluntarily enter into a repayment agreement. When multiple collection attempts fail, the Department is forced to protect the interests of the State and employ civil actions aimed at encouraging the taxpayer to comply.

Tax Warrants Executed:

* Sales Tax Case #09TW01254 - $34,923.40
* Sales Tax Case #10TW00792 - $6,154.58
* Delinquent Sales tax debt - $41,077.98

* Consumers Compensating Use #10TW00791 - $721.97
* Delinquent Consumers Compensating Use - $721.97

Total Delinquent Debt: $41,799.95

Warrant execution occurs when all other collection attempts, including multiple letters, telephone calls, letters of impending legal action, tax liens filed with the District Court of domicile to secure the debt, previous bank levies and on-site till taps are executed to bring the taxpayer into compliance have been exhausted. After several unsuccessful collection attempts, or lack of response from the taxpayer, the Department is forced to take aggressive warrant execution action of seizing assets.

Col. John J. Hernandez

Col. John J. Hernandez is the Commander, 184th Intelligence Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The 1,300 members of the 184th operate a diverse set of missions focusing on Intelligence operations, Network and Information operations, full-spectrum Command and Control, and Precision-Guided Munitions Logistics. The Wing also fields a full complement of support functions including civil engineering, security forces, medical, and services units. The 184th Intelligence Wing operates as key node in the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System, providing deployed combat forces near-real time processing, exploitation, and dissemination of reconnaissance aircraft sensor data. Additionally, the Wing is responsible for the operation and security of the entire Air National Guard network cyber-domain. These missions greatly enhance the U.S. Air Force’s capability to provide Actionable Intelligence and Information Dominance for combat forces around the globe.

A graduate of the University of Kansas, Hernandez was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1985. Following training as an aircraft maintenance officer, he subsequently transferred to the U. S. Navy. After completing Naval Flight Officer training in Pensacola, Fla., he served with the Pacific Fleet electronic warfare community. In 1995, he joined the 184th Bomb Wing, Kansas Air National Guard. A Navigator and Air Intelligence Officer, he held qualifications in the B-1B, EA-6B, ERA-3B, and F-4N aircraft. Hernandez has served in a variety of positions with the Wing including 127th Bomb Squadron Flight Commander, 161st Intelligence Squadron Commander, and 184th Intelligence Group Commander.
He is married with three children.

A formal change of command ceremony will take place Monday, April 26, at 2 p.m. in Room 115, Nickell Armory, 2722 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, Kan. Flora will be honored for his service during a farewell ceremony immediately after the change of command.

“It will take an officer with considerable experience and wisdom to replace General Flora,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, “and I have every confidence that we’ve picked the right officer in Colonel Link. His knowledge and insight will prove extremely valuable to shaping and carrying out the command strategy of the Kansas Air National Guard.”

“Ed Flora has done a tremendous job for the Kansas National Guard and has had a remarkable military career,” said Bunting. “We all wish him the best in his retirement.”

Link’s most recent assignment was as commander of the Maintenance Group, 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard. Link was responsible for directing all aircraft and equipment maintenance support for 12 KC-135R aircraft, as well as the quality and quantity of training for over 300 airmen, ensuring they are prepared to perform the wing's mission to provide worldwide in-flight refueling for military aircraft of the United States and its allies as directed by the Department of Defense and to support Global Reach/Global Power for America.

Link, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., graduated from Clarkson College of Technology, Potsdam, N.Y., earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. He attended Officer Training School and was commissioned in the United States Air Force June 6, 1980.
Link has served in many capacities during his career, including standardization and evaluation, tactics officer, safety officer, strike operations, chief scheduling, flight commander, operations officer, bomb squadron commander, air refueling squadron commander and operations group commander.

Link deployed as from March to June 2005 as commander, 385th Air Expeditionary Group, based at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. From November 2006 to May 2007, Link deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, serving as the deputy director of the Air Component Coordination Element, Strategic Operations Center, Headquarters Multi-National Force, Iraq.

Link is a command pilot with over 5,400 hours of flight time. His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal with five oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one device, Iraq Campaign Ribbon with one device, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 "M" device, hour glass device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), Air Force Training Ribbon, Kansas National Guard State Emergency Duty Service Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Service Medal with one device and Kansas National Guard Achievement Ribbon.

"Senate Bill 382 will help strengthen the Kansas Housing Loan Deposit Program. This cooperative effort by Kansas City area Homebuilders, Kansas Realtors, Kansas Bankers, Heartland Community Bankers, Community Bankers, and the Kansas Homebuilders Associations will help create good paying jobs and accelerate construction. These jobs are vital to the recovery of the Kansas economy."

The Kansas Housing Loan Deposit Program was created in 2008 and is administered by the State Treasurer's Office. For more information about the Housing Loan Program please visit http://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/prodweb/housing_loan.php.

The decision to close the offices was made as part of ongoing efforts to provide services and supports to Kansans in need through the most efficient and cost effective means. The Wamego and Abilene locations were chosen for closure due to small caseload sizes, close proximity to other SRS offices, and the increased ability to provide services outside of the traditional office setting.

“We are really focusing on the idea of universal access – of being able to serve our customers in non traditional ways. In many instances, customers can contact their caseworkers online or by phone to apply for or manage services,” said SRS Secretary Don Jordan. “The physical location of an office does not hinder our ability to provide services.”

Persons currently served in Wamego and Abilene will not experience any service disruptions.

Current customers served by the Wamego office located at 902 W Fifth Street will be served by caseworkers in the Manhattan SRS Office after April 30, unless they choose to receive services from another SRS office. General information and applications are available at Three Rivers, Inc, 504 Miller Dr in Wamego.

Current customers served by the Abilene office located at 505 NW Third Street will be served by caseworkers in the Junction City SRS Office after April 30, unless they choose to receive services from another SRS office. General information and applications are available at the Dickinson County Health Department at 1001 W Brady and at Heartland Programs/HeadStart at 505 NW 3rd St, Suite #2 in Abilene.

In addition, SRS services can be accessed at srskansas.org or by calling toll free 1-888-369-4777.

All target restaurants report that after the caller says a health inspector will visit soon, the caller then tells the restaurant that they will receive an automated phone call providing a five-digit number that must be given to the inspector. The inspector does not visit, but the restaurant receives a third call from the original caller asking for the five-digit number. When the restaurant provides the number, the caller can use it to bypass the Craiglist verification controls that were put in place to prevent spam and online scams.

“All Kansans need to be wary of calls similar to this,” Six said. “Never provide information, even a PIN number you are provided, to a caller you do not know. They may be attempting to steal your identity. We're advising anyone who gets a similar call to notify local law enforcement."

So far, the Department of Agriculture has received reports of these calls from restaurants in Wyandotte, Douglas, Leavenworth and Saline counties. This scam may extend beyond the restaurant industry and all Kansans should be on alert.

"To our knowledge, none of these restaurants has been visited by someone claiming to be one of our inspectors," Svaty said. "However, to keep these businesses safe, we're reminding operators that our inspectors have proof of identity and we never ask for confirmation numbers."

The Attorney General’s Office receives complaints of similar scams often. To report a scam, visit www.ksag.org or call 1(800) 432-2310.

The initial Judicial Branch Surcharge was effective July 1, 2009. The surcharge was established to help alleviate the $15.9 million which had been cut from the Judicial Branch's Fiscal Year 2010 maintenance budget. As authorized by 2009 Senate Bill 66, the Kansas Supreme Court at the time authorized and imposed an emergency surcharge of $10, which was added to court costs in all cases. That brought the total court costs to $86 as of July 1, 2009.

The emergency surcharge was extended and increased by the Supreme Court this legislative session. An additional $7.50 was added to the $86 court costs, to bring the total to $93.50, effective on, and after April 20. If you receive a traffic citation in Kansas, you will be responsible for the violation fine, plus the $93.50 in court fees.

The only exceptions to the court costs could be both Sedgwick and Johnson County Court costs, which could be higher if they charge an additional fee for their law libraries.

In other court-related news, many Kansas courts have now incorporated an online way to pay citations. On the web site www.citepayusa.com, you select your state, and what court the ticket was issued from. You then either enter the citation or case number, and your date of birth. Not all Kansas counties will be using this system, and some are not yet online, but a majority of the county courts in Kansas are now able to receive online payments via Cite Pay USA.

The critical role played by public safety telecommunications professionals across the nation, and within the KHP, is oftentimes underappreciated and underestimated. When a member of the public or an officer needs help during an emergency, dispatchers become their lifeline, ensuring that the appropriate assistance is contacted and en route to whatever the situation might be.

The work dispatchers perform, and the skill in which it is delivered, clearly benefits and enhances the safety of officers and the public. They remain faceless and nameless to those who depend upon their expertise, and it is appropriate that they are recognized every April for all they do.

Most of the KHP's telecommunications professionals are centrally housed in Salina, with a few assigned to Topeka. They collectively serve nearly 600 troopers, motor carrier inspectors, Capitol Police officers, and motorist assistance technicians throughout the Patrol's seven field troops, and the Capitol Complex. Currently, there are nearly 70 men and women assigned dispatch duties within the agency.

APCO is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. APCO serves the professional needs of its 16,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards; addressing professional issues; and providing education, products, and services for people who manage, operate, maintain, and supply the communications systems used by police, fire, and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world. For more information about APCO and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, visit www.apcointl.org.

Some tips for calling in an emergency:

* Stay Calm. Take a deep breath try not to get excited. It's important that the dispatcher can understand what it is you are saying, so speak clearly and calmly.
* Know the Location. Whether you are on the highway, or at a residence, you need to know where you are. At a residence, get the address. On the highway, pay attention to mile markers and roads you're near. If you're calling from a cell phone, not all dispatch centers have the technology to track your location. It will save a great deal of time if you know the actual location of the emergency.
* If the dispatcher requests you pause for a moment, do so. They also have to take care of radio traffic, and other emergency services. They could be in the process of dispatching an officer to your emergency, and they need to be able to hear and understand that officer.
* If you reach a recording, listen to what it says. If the recording says your call cannot be completed, hang up and try again. If the recording says all call-takers are busy, wait! When the next call-taker or dispatcher is available to take the call, it will transfer you.
* Let the call-taker guide the conversation. They are typing the information officers need into a computer. It's important you are patient so they get all of the information needed and so it is accurate.
* Follow all directions. In some cases, the call-taker will give you directions. Listen carefully, follow each step exactly, and ask for clarification if you don't understand.
* Keep your eyes open. You may be asked to describe victims, suspects, vehicles, or other parts of the scene. It's important you mention if a lane of traffic is blocked, or if there is debris in the roadway.
* Do not hang up the call until directed to do so by the call-taker.

Date: March 17, 2010
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Secretary of Aging invites comments on Older Americans Act

In 2011 Congress will consider reauthorization and amendments to the Older Americans Act (OAA). Kansans will have an opportunity to express their ideas and comments on the program with Martin Kennedy, Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging, at a pair of events next week.

* On Monday, March 22, he will hold a discussion at the Sedgwick County Public Works, 1144 S. Seneca, Wichita, at 1 p.m. in the basement conference room.
* On Thursday, March 25, he will hold a similar meeting at 1 p.m. at the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, 2910 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

Participants who cannot attend in person may participate via teleconference during either of the meetings by calling toll-free 1-866-620-7326 and entering participant code 9873155453. Those numbers are valid for both days.

First passed in 1965, the Older Americans Act helps fund in-home and community services, elder rights, disease prevention and health promotion, caregiver support and nutrition programs.

“For 45 years, these programs have contributed to improving the lives of seniors, their family caregivers and persons with disabilities,” Kennedy said. “With reauthorization coming up, we need to hear how the Act can best continue to achieve that in the 21st century world.”

Comments or suggestions also can be submitted directly through the AoA website at:
http://survey.muohio.edu/snaponline/siam/surveylanding/interviewer.asp?sid=513ECB0D34DD0EA8A28CA139CDED4D1257594D8E57A0

Justice Elliott, 74, passed away on April 5^th, prompting Governor Parkinson to order flags at half-staff on April 6^th. Services for Justice Elliott will be held at 1:00 p.m., April 9^th, at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave. in Topeka.

“Social workers undertake one of the hardest, and sometimes, one of the most dangerous jobs for our state. They take on this challenge because, ultimately, they want to help Kansans,” said Parkinson. “Unfortunately, it took the tragedy of Teri Zenner’s death to remind us about the importance of protecting the livelihood of our social workers. However, I am pleased to sign this legislation so they can continue the important work they are doing for Kansans with a better sense of safety and security.”

“I believe it is not in the best interest of Kansas, or the project stakeholders, to put this decision off any longer,” said Parkinson. “The State of Kansas needs a clear understanding of its finances, including Chisholm Creek’s $25 million application fee which is already being counted in this year’s budget. It is in everyone’s best interests to move forward with this proposal in a timely manner and to avoid further delays.”

“Keeping our communities safe is one of my utmost priorities as governor; therefore, I am glad to sign this legislation that helps keep Kansans informed about people living in their neighborhoods,” said Parkinson. “Sex offenders commit some of the most heinous acts in our society to many times the most vulnerable. It is critical that these offenders remain registered for the rest of their life in order to better protect Kansas families, and I appreciate the swift work of the legislature in getting this bill passed.”

“Judge Elliott was a devoted public servant to our judicial system and to the State of Kansas,” said Parkinson. “We are eternally grateful for his past 23 years on the Court of Appeals and send our condolences to his family and colleagues.”

“Justice Abbott was a lifelong Kansan who served our state’s judicial system honorably for over a quarter of a century,” said Parkinson. “We take this time to pay tribute to his steadfast commitment to justice and the law as our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.”

To plan and prepare for future passenger rail service in Kansas, Governor Mark Parkinson has signed legislation enacting the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact and establishing the passenger rail service program in Kansas.

“Passenger rail service in Kansas would create economic opportunities for the future, but the planning must begin now,” said Parkinson. “A strong public infrastructure system helps attract businesses and jobs to our state, and a high speed rail service is another piece in furthering our economic recovery. I am pleased to sign these two bills that will set the gears in motion for increased avenues of transportation in Kansas and the entire Midwest.”

Governor Mark Parkinson has signed legislation to protect Kansans’ unemployment benefits and ease the financial burden on businesses as the state works its way through the national recession.

“This legislation is critical to Kansans during these difficult economic times. Our Unemployment Trust Fund offers a lifeline to those who are struggling to find work and depend on benefits to provide for their families,” said Parkinson. “With this bill, businesses will receive the necessary relief in providing to the fund, while Kansans needing assistance will be able to maintain their benefits. I appreciate the great work of Labor Secretary Garner and the bipartisan effort of the legislature for helping find a compromise that helps employers and unemployed Kansans.”

• “Organic tobacco does NOT mean safer cigarettes” (Cigarette advertisements)
• “Organic tobacco does NOT mean safer tobacco” (Roll-your-own or pouch tobacco advertisements)

Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company signed the agreement after the States asserted that the company may have misled consumers in advertising its “organic” or “100% organic” Natural American Spirit cigarettes or roll-your-own tobacco and pouches, leading consumers to believe these products were less harmful than other tobacco products.  Currently, no competent or reliable scientific evidence supports this conclusion. Such claims may also violate Santa Fe Natural Tobacco’s obligation under the Master Settlement Agreement.

“Entering into this agreement ensures that Kansas consumers are not led to believe that organic tobacco is no less harmful than any other tobacco product,” Six said.

As of April 1, 2010, all Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company ads must adhere to these requirements.  Additionally, the company was to contact all tobacco retailers selling these products and instruct them to dispose of old advertisements that without the disclosures after receiving updated materials.

Organic tobacco is certified under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.  To receive organic certification, tobacco farmers must adhere to a strict, labor-intensive growing regimen.  Certified organic tobacco is grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers prohibited by the program.

Kansas is one of 39 states that reached agreement with Valero Retail Holdings Inc., and Valero Marketing and Supply Company, based in San Antonio, TX.  The District of Columbia and 31 states, in addition to Kansas, signed on to the agreement with Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company.

April 2, 2010 -- The attorney general’s office has completed its legal review of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  Based on that extensive analysis, I do not believe that Kansas can successfully challenge the law.  Our review did not reveal any constitutional defects, and thus it would not be legally or fiscally responsible to pursue this litigation.

There can be no question that the new federal law is the subject of vigorous policy debate across the country; however, my decision is based strictly on the law, not politics.  From the beginning of my tenure as attorney general, my priority has been to remove politics from the office and act as an independent attorney general. I will continue to make decisions based on the law, not in response to political pressure.   

Legal precedent demonstrates that throughout our nation’s history, the U.S. Supreme Court has been reluctant to overturn legislative acts unless a clear and direct constitutional violation is shown.  Article I, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution expressly gives Congress the power to legislate on matters affecting interstate commerce. The Supremacy Clause makes these laws supreme, regardless of any state laws or state constitutional provisions to the contrary.  No serious argument may be advanced that the healthcare industry and all those who participate in it – including doctors, nurses, patients and insurers – are not part of interstate commerce.

Arguments have been advanced that the law’s requirement that all individuals purchase health insurance is unconstitutional.  Under current U. S. Supreme Court precedent such an argument is highly unlikely to succeed.  Further, the only legal case addressing the constitutionality of mandatory health care insurance involved the law that required all Massachusetts residents to purchase health insurance.  Constitutional challenges were brought to the Massachusetts health care plan and rejected in court.  Fountas v. Commissioner of the Department of Revenue, 2010 Mass. App. Unpub. Lexis 223 (March 5, 2010).

The argument that the Act’s expansion of eligibility for Medicaid violates states’ rights by forcing Kansas to spend additional money to insure more Kansans is a policy argument, not a constitutional argument.  Medicaid is a joint federal-state program which Kansas participates in voluntarily and where Kansas funds the program with approximately 60% federal dollars.  The U.S. Supreme Court for nearly a century has repeatedly reaffirmed the power of Congress to impose requirements on the states as a condition of the receipt of federal funds.   Medicaid is a classic example of the kind of federal spending programs the Supreme Court has consistently upheld.

The Kansas Attorney General’s office is doing more with fewer and fewer state general fund dollars.  In these challenging economic times, financial fraud directed at seniors is increasing and our lawyers are working to stop it.  My office has launched new initiatives cracking down on Medicaid fraud, returning record amounts of money to our state.  Our lawyers are working to protect Kansas’ natural resources and spending more and more time on a complex and expensive lawsuit against the States of Colorado and Nebraska to protect Kansas’ water rights in the Republican River Basin. 

I do not believe it is in the best interest of Kansas to divert resources from these vital legal matters to pursue a lawsuit driven by political differences and policy debates, a lawsuit that I believe has little to no chance of success and will squander scarce resources in a time of severe budget shortfalls.  Additionally, Kansas has no separate legal interest apart from the states that have filed the lawsuit and any decision by the U.S. Supreme Court will apply equally to our state.

March 25, 2010 -- April has been declared Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Attorney General Six and the Kansas State Child Death Review Board would like to remind Kansans of the importance of protecting children. 

Child abuse is a complex problem that stems from a variety of factors, including stress, poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness.  It often arises when emotions are running high and are poorly controlled. Frustrated caregivers, often lacking effective parenting skills, combine unrealistic expectations for children’s behavior with a lack of appreciation for their vulnerability.  Caregivers should be mindful of a child’s capability and susceptibility.

Family, friends, and acquaintances should be familiar with signs of child abuse:

• Unusual, excessive or patterned injuries; or injuries that are inadequately explained.
• A child who is excessively sad and/or cries a lot.
• A child who fights with classmates, acts out, destroys things or is violent towards a pet or sibling.
• Listless behavior, trouble sleeping or nightmares.
• Fear of a parent or other adult.
• A child who avoids going home after school, as if afraid of something.

Additionally, infants or toddlers who are severely or violently shaken can experience serious injury or death from abusive head trauma (AHT).  Signs that a baby may be a victim of AHT include:

• Extreme irritability or lethargy
• Decreased appetite, poor feeding or persistent vomiting for no apparent reason
• No smiling or vocalization
• Poor sucking or swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Head appears larger than usual or soft-spot on head appears to be bulging
• Inability to lift head
• Inability of eyes to focus or track movement or unequal size of pupils

Signs that might indicate abuse is occurring in a home include parents/caregivers who isolate themselves from other parents, do not take part in school activities, or have a drinking or drug abuse problem.  These caregivers often avoid, or seem anxious, talking about the child's injuries.

It is important to use common sense in assessing whether a child is being abused.  Normal, active children get bruises and bumps from everyday play. These bruises are most often over bony areas such as the knees, elbows, and shins.  However, a child with injuries on other parts of the body, such as the stomach, cheeks, ears, buttocks, mouth, or thighs raises concern for abuse. Black eyes, human bite marks, and circular burns the size of a cigarette, seldom come from everyday play.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please telephone the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330. Every call is taken seriously and every effort will be made to protect your identity. Telephone lines are staffed 24 hrs a day.  In the event of an emergency contact your local law enforcement or call 911.

By becoming an alert and knowledgeable citizen, you can help to lower the child abuse rates in Kansas.

The SCDRB is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency board that examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths of all Kansas children (birth through 17 years-of-age) and children who are not Kansas residents, but who die in the state. The goals of the SCDRB are to describe the trends and patterns of child deaths in Kansas, to develop prevention strategies, and to improve sources of data and communication among agencies.  The Board works toward lowering child deaths in Kansas through research, education, and legislation. 

For additional information, visit the SCDRB website at http://www.ksag.org/page/child-safety , or contact Angela Nordhus, Executive Director, at (785) 296-7970.

"We're encouraging Kansans to take extra safety precautions and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately," Six said.

In an effort to prevent crime, the Kansas Attorney General, the Riley County and Lawrence police departments are encouraging all residents to be vigilant in their efforts to exercise personal safety and report any unusual activity. When universities are not in session, apartments and other student housing areas are often targeted by criminals.  For those who do not travel during the break, it is important they pay close attention to the activities surrounding their homes.

Last year, law enforcement announced a connection between 13 sexual assaults occurring during breaks from school in Lawrence and Manhattan. The last connected crime occurred in December 2008.

Law enforcement agencies are working to proactively identify criminal offenders and educate the public on how to avoid being victimized. Through coordination, law enforcement hopes to reduce the opportunity for criminal activity during this Spring Break.

To report crimes in progress call 911. For non-emergency assistance in Manhattan call (785) 537-2112 and in Lawrence call (785) 832-7509. Rewards may also be available through CrimeStoppers by calling (785) 539-7777 in Manhattan and (785) 843-TIPS in Lawrence.

Batterer Intervention Program certification began in 2009 as an effort to increase the number of intervention programs who meet best practice standards when working with domestic violence offenders. 

“Developing effective batterer intervention programs across the state is a critical step toward improving our statewide response to domestic violence” Six said. 

Staff from the Attorney General’s Victim Services Division, Batterer Intervention Unit completed an in-depth process including evaluation and site visits to evaluate program compliance.  Certification will be awarded for a two year period, during which the program will be subject to additional monitoring by the Attorney General’s Office.

For contact information for these programs or additional information about statewide efforts on batterer intervention please visit www.ksag.org.