Climate Change in Kansas

Global warming and climate change are big topics today.  What follows are a list of information sites that pertain to Kansas and to the subject matter in general.  In the years to come this will be a much talked about topics.  We hope you find this information helpful to you, and be sure to use your local library to search further on this topic.

In Kansas:

Climate change in Kansas

http://kansas.sierraclub.org/Wind/KansasGlobalWarming.htm

Economic Impact of climate change in Kansas.

http://www.cier.umd.edu/climateadaptation/Kansas%20Economic%20Impacts%20of%20Climate%20Change.pdf

Saving energy and global warming in Salina.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/science/earth/19fossil.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

A list of scholarly article on climate change in Kansas, many of these can be downloaded as pdf files.

You can obtain others by going to your local library.

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=climate+change+kansas&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&ei=XOi0ULLaHanQ2AXqxoDICA&ved=0CDMQgQMwAA

Kansas and Climate Change by Feddema and Brunsell University of Kansas Dept. of Geography, no date

 Climate change hits home: the risks for Kansas:
http://www.climateandenergy.org/_FileLibrary/FileImage/ClimateStudyFinal.pdf   

 Lots of graphs and charts on current and future trends.

http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/conferen/kepc07/Feddema_KEPC.pdf

Here is a large list of general web site that give a wide variety of information on climate change and global warming. 
Pew Center on Global Climate Change
http://www.c2es.org/

Climate Institute

http://www.climate.org/

U.S. Global Change Research Program

http://www.globalchange.gov/

World Meterological Organization

http://www.wmo.int/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Change Page

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/index.html

PBS NOVA Frontline – What’s Up with the Weather?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/warming/

U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

http://www.ipcc.ch/

U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change

http://unfccc.int/2860.php

U.S. NOAA Climate Prediction Center

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

NASA: Destination Earth

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/earth-science/

Climate Arc (Climate Change Activist Website)

http://www.climateark.org/

Climate Change Research Library (Worldwatch Institute)

http://www.worldwatch.org/topics/energy/climate/

CO2 Science Magazine

http://www.co2science.org/

World Wildlife Fund: Climate

http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/aboutcc/

U.S. EPA Energy Star Program

http://www.energystar.gov/

U.S. Geological Survey

http://www.usgs.gov/

Union of Concerned Scientists

http://www.ucsusa.org/

Article author and contact: Tom Roth

Kansas Elections

After a sweltering summer it’s finally late October and election season is upon us. It’s also a Leap Year, which means stakes are particularly high – the state of Kansas will be voting on all of its state and US representatives, all of its state senators, as well as many judges, State Board of Education members, district attorneys, and of course President of the United States.

The Kansas Office of the Secretary of State administers elections in Kansas and they have done an excellent job at providing detailed but easily accessible election information to the Kansas public. Much of their website is geared to the concerned and curious voter and can be found here:

Kansas Office of the Secretary of State

http://www.kssos.org/main.html

As an executive level state office, the Secretary of State is nonpartisan, meaning voters who wish to find their candidates’ positions on issues need to look elsewhere.

In Kansas, voter registration is suspended 21 days before an election and resumes afterwards, meaning those who have not yet registered in Kansas will have to sit out the Nov. 6^th election and then register to be eligible to vote in future polls.

However, on the day following the general election, November 7^th, voter registration will resume. County election offices usually make official voter registration forms available at banks, schools, libraries, and government offices.  Forms are also online and can be printed, filled out, and mailed to your county election office. Faxed and electronically submitted forms are not accepted by the State of Kansas. Voter registration forms are also available in Spanish.

Modern society is mobile and many people are relatively new to their neighborhoods and may not always be clear where they go to vote. The Secretary of State directs voters to contact their County Election Officer who can then tell them where their local polling station is. Information on how to contact your County Election Officer can be found on the Secretary of State’s FAQ page:
 
KSSOS FAQ Elections       
 http://www.kssos.org/resources/resources_faq_elections.html

 Many of us consider ourselves educated about our elected representatives at the federal level, as well as concerned and opinionated about the direction of state public policy. However it is not uncommon for even concerned citizens to be unsure of who their district’s elected state officials are on an individual level until it is time to vote. If this is the case, the following link may be helpful:

KU Institute for Policy & Social Research

http://www.ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/vote/

 From this web page you can enter your county and street address to find out what your various districts are and which officials currently represent you in state government.

One issue that will be on the Kansas ballot that is infrequent is a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution, specifically Article 11, Section 1. The Kansas Legislature can propose Constitutional amendments by passing a concurrent resolution; by law it must then go to the public as a referendum to be approved or rejected. The proposed amendment, House Concurrent Resolution 5017, concerns property taxation.  Presently “watercraft” in Kansas such as boats are taxed the same as other forms of property; the amendment to be voted on is whether or not to make watercraft a separate category of taxable property. The amendment in its entirety will be printed on the ballot verbatim; fortunately it is Kansas law to have an explanatory statement in lay terms visible at the polling place when proposed Constitutional amendments are addressed.

For those who would like to learn more about the specifics of the election season calendar in Kansas, you can also find that at the Secretary of State’s website. Even if you are already prepared with your election plans, it makes for some interesting reading:

 Secretary of State 2012-2013 Election Calendar

http://www.kssos.org/elections/12elec/2012ElectionCalendar.pdf
    
Article contact: Brian Herder

Fire Prevention Week October 7-13, 2012

The Great Chicago Fire of October 8 and 9, 1871 destroyed more than 17,400 structures and claimed at least 250 lives.  In addition to the obvious effects on the city of Chicago, the fire also changed the way people saw fire safety. 

Forty years later, the Fire Marshals Association of North America suggested observing the anniversary of the Chicago Fire as a reminder to the pubic of the importance of fire prevention.  Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation in 1920, and Calvin Coolidge expanded that to Fire Prevention Week in 1925.  National Fire Prevention Week is observed during the week (Sunday to Saturday) during which October 9 falls.

The theme of National Fire Prevention Week this year is “Have 2 Ways Out.”  The emphasis is on having an escape plan that includes at least two means of escape from each room, making sure everyone in the home knows the plan, and practicing the plan at least twice a year. 

U.S. Fire Administration on Fire Escape Plans:

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/escapeplans/index.shtm

National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week Site:

http://www.fpw.org

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Fire Prevention Division site has information on fire safety for homes and businesses:

http://www.ksfm.ks.gov/prevention/

Article contact: Peter Haxton

Adult Literacy Help in Kansas

The Kansas Book Festival  is being held on September 15, 2012. In conjunction with this festival, it seems like a good time to examine literacy resources for adults here in the state of Kansas.

The literacy rate in Kansas for adults 16 years and older lacking basic prose skill was eight percent in 2003. This number includes those who could not be tested due to language barriers. This statistic is nearly 10 years old, but adult literacy issues still exists, and the resources below can be useful in finding tutoring and other information across Kansas.

 Below are links to various government, non-profit, and educational websites.  If you know someone who struggles with reading, or who has a disability, you can use these resources to find help, and as always, check your local libraries for more information:

Goodwill-KS (information at bottom of page)
http://www.goodwillks.org/programs

 Kansas State Literacy Resource Center
http://www.kansasregents.org/kansas_state_literacy_resource_center

KU Center for Research on Learning
http://www.kucrl.org/research/topic/category/adult-literacy

Literacy Kansas City
http://www.literacykc.org/index.html

 Wichita Area Technical College
http://watc.edu/admissions/ged-adult-literacy/adult-literacy-program/

Below are links to websites that includes a list of adult education centers to find help throughout the state:

http://www.kansasregents.org/adult_education_centers

Kansas and surrounding areas of other states
http://literacydirectory.org/op=exec&mode=adults&zip=&city=claflin&state=KS&radius=250&adults_services=2&SubmitButton.x=47&SubmitButton.y=19

 Article contact: Sarah Tenfelde-Dubois

Kansas Home Care Association Shares Critical Information on Health Care Options

Many Kansans are working to become aware of health care options, because of health issues they are dealing with for themselves or their family members. Among the service agencies they need to know about is the Kansas Home Care Association.

Home care is a health care option offering a broad range of medical care and support services provided in the home. Services range from simple assistance in the activities of daily living to high-tech medical procedures.

Home care is a cost-effective alternative to hospital and nursing home stays. Home care services are provided through a variety of home care providers, whether independently owned or associated with hospitals, nursing homes, or public health departments. The Kansas Home Care Association offers a directory of member agencies that will allow you to search for an agency using specific search criteria. All agencies providing medical care in the home in Kansas are licensed and surveyed by the state, and many are certified by Medicare.

The site reviews the types of Home Care that might be available,specifies the advantages of home care, gives advice on how to choose a home care agency, and shares information on how Home Care is usually paid for.
http://www.kshomecare.org/about

When actually trying to find an appropriate agency:
http://www.kshomecare.org/KansasAgencies

It is wise to move to Advanced Search, because that allows the search to be limited by both type of care and geographical location.

Many people probably make their first contact with home care through a hospital or other health care provider, but there is also an extensive set of helpful links to agencies and organizations.
http://www.kshomecare.org/helpful_links

The site also has good information for those who want to work in the fields of home care and hospice and become active in the Kansas Home Care Association.

Article contact: Shannon Roy

Synthetic Marijuana

 Search, seizure and investigations into the possession and sale of various forms of "synthetic marijuana" by law enforcement agencies in Kansas have been in the news of late giving rise to questions about synthetic marijuana.

Below are links to information on synthetic marijuana from various government websites as well as an article from a Kansas newspaper:

Synthetic pot cases increase
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2012/aug/09/synthetic-pot-cases-increase/
Lawrence Journal World article - August 9, 2012

DrugFacts: Spice (Synthetic Marijuana)
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/spice-synthetic-marijuana
(from the National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Synthetic Marijuana
http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/may-2012/synthetic-marijuana/
(from FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin)

Synthetic Drugs (a.k.a. K2, Spice, Bath Salts, etc.)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/synthetic-drugs-k2-spice-bath-salts
(from U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/Blog/synthetic_marijuana.pdf
(Easily printable pdf version)

Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/public/press12/synthetic-marijuana-faqs-for-consumers.pdf
(from New York City Health Department... pdf file)

A guide for parents and other influencers
http://www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Parents360-Synthetics-Bath-Salts-K2-Spice-Parents-Guide-FINAL-2-13-12.pdf
(pdf booklet for adult caretakers on synthetic marijuana from drugfree.org)

Article contact: Bill Sowers
(Check out recent additions to our collection)

Water Rights and Water Conservation in Kansas

With the current drought in Kansas, there is a lot of interest in water rights and the conservation of water in Kansas.  Here are some resources that should be helpful to persons interested in this topic.
The Kansas Water Office is one of the main resources for information about water law and conservation in the state.
http://www.kwo.org/

Within the Kansas Water Office, there is a specific site for the current drought. 
http://www.kwo.org/reports_publications/Drought.htm

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also has a water office which deals with various aspects of water law, regulation for construction and health issues.
http://www.kdheks.gov/water/index.html

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has an office that deals with reports on agricultural use of water in Kansas.
http://www.ksda.gov/appropriation/

Also from the Kansas Department of Agriculture
Kansas Handbook of Water Rights.
http://www.ksda.gov/appropriation/content/240

Kansas Conservation and Resources from Kansas State University
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/conservation/s&w.htm

Water Conservation Education Resources
http://www.kwo.org/projects_programs/Water_Conservation_Education.html

Water Well Inspection Manual.
http://www.kdheks.gov/waterwell/download/Well_Inspection_Training_for_Water_Wells_4-5-12_Final.pdf

Kansas Water Well Program
http://www.kdheks.gov/waterwell/index.html

The Kansas Geological Survey is also a good source for water information.
http://www.kgs.ku.edu/

Rules and Regulations of Water  Appropriation Act, 2012
http://www.ksda.gov/includes/statute_regulations/mainportal/KWAA_Rules_Regs.pdf

NOAA update of drought information
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/?n=drought

SW Kansas drought information 2012
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ddc/?n=drought

The Drought Monitor

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

Go to the Kansas State Library's catalog, to search for further information on water resources and rights in Kansas, and to search databases for further information on the 2012 drought.

Article contact: Tom Roth

State of Healthcare in Kansas

On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court released it's ruling on the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), otherwise known as the Affordable Care Act. PPACA changes how healthcare insurance is offered in the U.S.  In anticipation of this ruling, many government agencies have compiled information and resources for states and citizens to use to learn more about how the PPACA and this ruling affects state legislation and everyday lives of Americans. 

Full text of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA):
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ148/pdf/PLAW-111publ148.pdf

Summary of the PACCA:
http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/8061.pdf

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, division of Healthcare's page on PPACA:
http://www.healthcare.gov/

Kansas Department of Health and Environment's page on PPACA:
http://www.kdheks.gov/hcf/ppaca/default.htm

Kansas Insurance Commissioner's page on PPACA: http://www.ksinsurance.org/consumers/healthreform/hcr.htm

U.S. Supreme Court Opinion on PPACA:
http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/11pdf/11-393c3a2.pdf

President Obama's remarks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/06/28/remarks-president-supreme-court-ruling-affordable-care-act

Information on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling from the Kansas Legislative Research Department:
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/ksleg/KLRD/Publications/HealthReform/memo_general_orrmariani_medicaidexpansion.pdf   

National Conference of State Legislature's summary of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling:
http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/us-supreme-court-and-the-federal-health-law.aspx

State legislation and actions challenging certain health reforms, 2011-2012 :
http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/state-laws-and-actions-challenging-aca.aspx

Information from the U.S. Deparment of Health and Human Services on how the ruling affects you and your family:
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/information-for-you/index.html  
Article contact: Kim Harp

New Population Estimates

The Census Bureau released the first annual population estimates for cities since the 2010 Census on Thursday June 28.  Each year, they produce population estimates for cities, counties and county subdivisions, the states and the nation.  The Census uses administrative data from a number of sources, including vital statistics for births and deaths and IRS data for migration, to create the estimates.

Here are the five cities with more than 1,000 residents that had the fastest growth rate since April 1, 2010:

City	July 1, 2011 est.	April 1, 2010	Change	Percent change
Ogden	2,150	2,087	63	3.01%
Junction City	24,015	23,353	662	2.83%
Grandview Plaza	1,603	1,560	43	2.75%
Manhattan	53,678	52,281	1,397	2.67%
Dodge City	27,921	27,340	581	2.13%

The five cities with the largest total increase:

City	July 1, 2011 est.	April 1, 2010	Change	Percent change
Overland Park	176,185	173,372	2,813	1.62%
Wichita	384,445	382,368	2,077	0.54%
Olathe	127,907	125,872	2,035	1.62%
Manhattan	53,678	52,281	1,397	2.67%
Lawrence	88,727	87,643	1,084	1.24%

The five counties with the largest total increase:

County	July 1, 2011 est.	April 1, 2010	Change	Percent change
Johnson	552,991	544,179	8,812	1.62%
Sedgwick	501,076	498,365	2,711	0.54%
Riley	72,997	71,115	1,882	2.65%
Douglas	112,211	110,826	1,385	1.25%
Shawnee	178,941	177,934	1,007	0.57%

For each year’s estimates, the entire time series of estimates beginning April 1, 2010 is revised and updated.  Each revision is called a “vintage,” making these data vintage 2011 or V2011.  Because of the annual revision and updating, you cannot compare estimates from one vintage to another.

To dig more deeply into the data, go to:

http://www.census.gov/popest/data/index.html

If, as you read this, you wonder “what estimation method do they use, anyway?”  You can read all you want about the estimates methodology at:

http://www.census.gov/popest/methodology/index.html

The Secretary of State’s office certifies each year’s estimates for use by various State agencies and programs.  After certification, the official yearly estimates can be found at:

http://budget.ks.gov/ecodemo.htm

**Please note that these certified estimates are from that year’s vintage.  In other words, they will soon publish V2011, in a year V2012, etc.  As mentioned above, you cannot compare vintage to vintage, so you should not compare the V2012 estimate to V2011.

Article contact: Peter Haxton
(Check out recent additions to our collection)