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KDOT crews prepared for winter storm

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A blizzard warning is in effect beginning late tonight for northwest Kansas and the Kansas Department of Transportation road crews are prepared for the storm.

Road crews have been assigned to cover areas targeted to be hit by the severe storm expected by late tonight or tomorrow. Heavy snow accumulations and blizzard conditions are expected all day tomorrow, with conditions diminishing on Saturday.

“We are ready for the storm,” said Joe Finley, KDOT Northwest District Maintenance Engineer. “We have prepared our trucks and road supplies and road crews are scheduled for around the clock. Due to the predicted rain first, crews will not be pre-treating roads.”

The National Weather Service expects the storm to be severe, with widespread blizzard conditions creating dangerous if not impossible travel conditions along I-70 and in the northwest region of the State on Friday and Saturday. Winds gusting to 50 mph are expected to produce white-out conditions. A winter storm watch is also in effect for Norton, Sheridan, Graham and Gove counties from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, with severe weather expected in this area also. Heavy rain is expected in east central, north central and northeast Kansas on Friday, changing to sleet and snow by late Friday or early Saturday, with accumulating snow possible from Friday night to Saturday night and ending by Sunday morning.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is advising motorists who must travel to monitor weather and road conditions before traveling by taking advantage of KDOT’s free traveler information services:

· Visit KanDrive, www.kandrive.org, KDOT’s traveler information gateway for Kansas and surrounding states, to get enhanced camera views. Camera snapshots of the roadway are updated every few minutes from closed-circuit cameras installed along I-70 and other highways. Live motion camera views have been added for many cameras along I-70 between Goodland and west of Topeka.

In addition to the camera tour, KanDrive provides: an interactive map of Kansas roads, work zones and other events impacting traffic and surface-related road conditions; roadside message sign views; and links to related helpful transportation resources, such as neighboring states’ travel information, Kansas Turnpike information, Kansas Byways and more.

RSS feeds and Geo RSS feeds are also available for roadwork activities and weather conditions by selecting the links in the lower left corner on the 511 map page (http://511.ksdot.org). You may also subscribe to the feeds that are automatically downloaded to your computer.

Links are also provided to metro traffic information websites for Kansas City (KC Scout) and Wichita (WICHway), the new website for Wichita metro traffic information.

· The 511 Mobile site at http://511mm.ksdot.org now provides map, camera and electronic message sign views, road conditions, work zone and event information and links to weather. All content is provided by six regions across the state and three metropolitan areas (Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita).

The site is accessible from multiple devices, including iPhones, Droids and Windows mobile devices, Version 6.0 and higher. Any devices not compatible with the new application will be able to access text information only for road conditions and work zones.

· 511 Phone - From any phone anytime, travelers may call 5-1-1 from anywhere in Kansas or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368) from anywhere in the U.S. to get route-specific road conditions, work zone information, including detours and closed roads, and travel-related weather information and emergency advisories to plan their trips or for updates as they travel.

KDOT also reminds those who must travel in these conditions to take extra precautions, including making sure to have a fully charged cell phone, a filled tank of fuel and a survival kit in your vehicle.

A basic survival kit can be a life-saver in the event of a mechanical breakdown or if you are stranded during a winter storm. The kit should contain a blanket or sleeping bag; nonperishable food; water; flashlight and extra batteries; matches or a lighter; candles; warm coat, gloves, hat or cap and insulated footwear; and a small first aid kit. Other supplies should include a snow shovel; ice scraper/snow brush; sand or traction mats; flares/reflectors; jumper cables; a good spare tire, lug wrench and jack.

Learn more about how to prepare for safe winter travel by visiting this link on KDOT’s website or on Facebook.

“It’s also important that travelers prepare for safe winter driving by remembering safe winter driving skills such as reducing their speed for conditions and allowing extra time to travel,” Finley said. “Turn off your cruise control, allow extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, and don’t follow snow removal equipment too closely. Accelerate and brake gently to reduce the chance of losing control of your vehicle.”

Drivers should use basic safe driving habits at any time of the year – buckling up and safely securing children in safety seats, driving alert and sober, operating your vehicle at a safe and legal speed, and avoiding driver distractions such as talking or texting on your cell phone.

Trading Card Club to be held at the Library

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Dodge City Public Library presents a Trading Card Club for all ages. On Saturday, February 11 all those who collect and trade various types of trading cards are invited to Dodge City Public Library from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to trade cards with other interested individuals. These can be sports cards, game cards or any other type of collectible cards. Bring your cards and see what others have to trade that you might be interested in. Someone may have the card you are looking to add to your collection. Dodge City Public Library is merely the host of this event and in no way endorses, enforces, or is responsible for any trade or transaction that may take place at this event. For more information contact Michael at 225-0248 at the library which is located at 1001 North 2^nd Avenue in Dodge City.

Huelskamp: CBO Numbers Present Poor Outlook for America

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

(WASHINGTON) – Freshman Congressman Tim Huelskamp of Kansas, a member of the Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its annual Budget and Economic Outlook. Not only did CBO project a $1.1 trillion deficit for FY12 – the fourth year of trillion-dollar deficits – but also anticipated slow economic growth. Attributing the slowdown in part to higher tax rates (as a result of the expiration of the Bush-Obama tax cuts), CBO predicts real GDP will grow by 2 percent this year and by 1.1 percent next year. Congressman Huelskamp has introduced the “American Freedom and Opportunity Act” to extend the Bush-Obama tax cuts. Also in its analysis, CBO also predicts that unemployment will stay above 8 percent this year and next, averaging 9.1 percent in 2013.

“Today’s CBO numbers present a poor outlook for America, and the fault belongs to no one but Washington. Four years of trillion-dollar deficits and a $15-trillion-and-growing debt burden are having their toll not just on Washington’s fiscal well-being, but also on the entire economy.”

“In his 2009 State of the Union Address, President Obama pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term. Not only will the President fall short of that goal, but he will be double where he promised the American people where we would be. It’s not a surprise that President Obama cannot meet his pledge. After all, it is his spending sprees, his stimulus, and his health care law that are bankrupting Washington and sending our economy into shambles. Pointing fingers will not work anymore. It’s his economy and his bureaucracy.”

“This economic recovery is anemic at best. We may have emerged from the formal definition of a recession, but just barely. Unfortunately, the conditions are not exactly ripe for growth, which is reflected in CBO’s downward revision of its economic growth estimates. Yet, the Obama Administration policies of overspending, overtaxing and overregulating has created this anti-business climate of uncertainty.”

“While the President’s stimulus was supposed to jump start the economy and keep unemployment from going above 8 percent, America has known nothing except unemployment rates higher than 8 percent since it became law. Now, CBO expects unemployment to stay above that rate both this year and next. Despite the mountains of evidence showing that stimulus spending does not work, President Obama had the audacity to come before the House in September and ask for Stimulus Part Two. He made similar requests in his State of the Union just last week.”

With the expiration of the Bush-Obama tax cuts looming at the end of 2012, the “American Freedom and Opportunity Act” will extend permanently the Bush-Obama tax cuts, repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and eliminate the death tax. In addition, this legislation will prohibit all of the ObamaCare tax increases from taking effect at the beginning of next year. Finally, it will prevent another increase of the tobacco tax.

President Obama extended the 2001 and 2003 bipartisan tax cuts in December 2010, at which time he deemed the extension “a substantial victory for middle class families.” Eighty-five percent of those cuts went to families earning less than $250,000.

Specifically, Congressman Huelskamp’s legislation will permanently implement:

- Income tax brackets of 10, 25, 28, 33, and 35 percent (as opposed to 15, 28, 31, 36, and 39.6 percent, as scheduled)

- Capital gains tax rate of 15 percent (and a 10 percent rate for those in the 10 and 15 percent rates)

- A child tax credit of $1,000

- The American Opportunity Tax Credit: A deduction for post-secondary educational expenses

Listen to 96.3 The Marshal For the Dodge City Red Demons

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Listen to 96.3 The Marshal for complete coverage of the girls tournament from Newton with the voice of the Demons Mark Zillman.

Click here to listen to the game

Congressman Huelskamp Hosts Dodge City Agriculture Roundtable

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

(DODGE CITY, KAN.) – Congressman Tim Huelskamp hosted a roundtable with Kansas Agricultural leaders and industry stakeholders on Friday morning at his Dodge City district office. Congressman Huelskamp, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, hosted the meeting to solicit the input of Kansans on the next farm bill. The Agriculture Committee is expected to begin writing the farm bill this year (2012).

“I wish everyone on the Agriculture Committee – make that everyone in Washington – would have the opportunity to hear what I heard today about how overregulation is killing agriculture,” Congressman Huelskamp said. “Our farmers and ranchers – as well as the energy community – have had enough of the red tape from Washington. Whether it is actual regulation or the mere threat of it, our producers need some regulatory relief and certainty."

“Though there is much to dislike about how Washington treats agriculture, there is a lot of optimism about the future for the farming and ranching industry in America,” Congressman Huelskamp continued. “Our fields have the ability to feed the world – and the more than nine-in-ten consumers who live outside of the U.S. Washington simply needs to let them by expanding trade partnerships across the globe. We had tremendous victories with the Colombia, Korea, and Panama trade agreements; it’s now time to add to the list.”

Quotations from Participants:

Gary Harshberger, Conestoga Energy: "Overregulation of American energy and agriculture is a threat not only to those industries, but to the entire American economy. Something has to be done about the excessive rules and regulations coming out of Washington. If things continue the way they are now, energy is going to become increasingly unaffordable for American families."

Lee Reeve, Lee Reeve Cattle Company: "Agriculture is a vital component of the American economy, and it must be allowed to flourish - free of Washington's control. While we are excited about the new trade opportunities with places like Colombia, Korea, and Panama, there are still more places Kansas producers would like to be able to sell their goods. It is my hope that Congress and the President will be able to advance additional agreements with other nations anxious to buy our safe and affordable products."

Congressman Huelskamp has introduced the “Freeing Agriculture to Reap More Act” (FARM Act) to address overregulation in agriculture. He introduced his legislation last fall when it was believed that the Super Committee would write the next farm bill – inclusive of $23 billion in reductions – as part of its recommended cuts. The Super Committee failed, and now the Agriculture Committee will have the opportunity to write the farm bill itself. Congressman Huelskamp will advocate the inclusion of regulatory relief, especially the measures included in the FARM Act.

6 Cases of Measles Identified in Finney County

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Those who are ill are asked to stay home except to see healthcare provider

TOPEKA, Kan. – In a measles outbreak that began this month in Garden City, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Finney County Health Department have identified six cases to date. KDHE urges people who are ill or exhibiting measles-like symptoms to stay at home unless they are seeking medical attention.

On Jan. 10, KDHE was notified of two cases of measles. Both cases were within the same family household and had recent international travel. The onset date of rash was Jan. 3 and Jan. 5. The two initial cases were seen by the emergency department before being admitted to the hospital. Four additional cases – two within the same family household and two outside the family household – have subsequently occurred. To date, all cases have been epidemiologically linked by documented contact.

Finney County Health Department and KDHE are working to identify contacts among the general public and health care personnel. With an average incubation period of 10 to 14 days, secondary cases are now appearing outside the initial family.

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It causes fever, runny nose, tiredness, cough and a blotchy rash all over the body. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is so contagious that any person who is exposed to it and is not immune will probably get the disease. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears.

“If you are ill with fever, stay home except to see a healthcare provider. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead so appropriate measures can be taken to protect other patients and staff. In some cases, measles can result in secondary illnesses, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and encephalitis,” said Robert Moser, M.D., KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer.

Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine – the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years – are routinely recommended for all children. Though the second dose of MMR may be given earlier in some circumstances, KDHE is not recommending any changes to the routine schedule at this time. All persons born during or after 1957 should have documentation of at least one MMR or other evidence of immunity. Certain groups of adults may be at increased risk for exposure to measles. Adults attending colleges or other post high school educational institutions, working in medical facilities, or traveling internationally should be assessed to ensure they are properly immunized.

The KDHE EPI Hotline is available for those with questions about potential disease outbreaks at 877-427-7317.

Discussion if Key Issues in the 2012 Legislative Session to be held at Dodge City Public Library

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The state legislative session has begun and many important issues will be decided this year. To learn more about them, attend a panel presentation on these key issues on Tuesday, January 31 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Dodge City Public Library. The program will originate at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and brought to Dodge City live by videoconferencing. Panel members include Senate President Steve Morris, Senate Assistant Minority Leader Laura Kelly, House Health & Human Services Chair Brenda Landwehr, House Democratic Leader Paul Davis, Journalist Martin Hawver, and KU Political Science Professor Mike Lynch.

Panel members will be discussing a number of issues including redistricting, 2012 election, social services issues, supporting the arts, and education. Questions will be allowed as time permits. The program is being presented by KU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. So be informed by attending this informational session. For more information call the library at 225-0248 or on the web at www.dcpl.info. Dodge City Public Library is located at 1001 North 2^nd Avenue in Dodge City.

Current Weather

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

WeatherReports.com

Lee Richardson Zoo to Celebrate 85th Birthday

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

2012 marks the 85^th birthday of the Lee Richardson Zoo! In honor of this special occasion, the Zoo will host a celebration for each season, starting with a special Kansas Day theme on January 27^th, 2012.

Come help the zoo celebrate 85 years on Friday, January 27^th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Keeper chats with our zoo staff will give you a great opportunity to visit with those who know our animals best, and to watch as some of our amazing Kansas animals receive enrichment from their caretakers. Enrichment items like toys, food treats, new scents, or browse stimulate mental and physical activity in our animals and varies their routine, making them more active and fun to observe.

In addition to keeper talks and animal enrichment, test your bird identification skills in a fun challenge at the duck pond, get up close and personal with two special Kansas state animals in the Finnup Center for Conservation Education, and enjoy a cup of delicious hot chocolate courtesy of Patrick Dugan’s Coffee House!

School is out that day so be sure to bring your families and join us for this fun, free event! Remember the zoo is free to vehicles (through February) so you can’t beat the family entertainment value!

In case of inclement weather, activities will take place in the Finnup Center.

Main Street Dodge City Launches New Website

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

A new website, mainstreetdodgecity.com, was launched is late December promoting downtown Dodge City and the Main Street Dodge City revitalization program. The new Web site serves as a portal to all happenings downtown, including information on upcoming events, downtown incentive programs, available properties and much more. “As the downtown revitalization process begins to gain momentum, it became important to maintain constant communication with the community and all of our stakeholders. This website will allow us to do exactly that,” said Main Street Director Chelsey Fisher.

The website prominently displays buttons on the homepage for downtown’s three primary target audiences, including community members and visitors, businesses, and Main Street members and supporters. The site also includes a map and directory of downtown businesses. Other assets, such as the Historic Walking Tour, the Main Street Strategic Guide, and Historic Design Guidelines are highlighted as well. The site tells the story of the Main Street program, its contributors, ongoing projects and programs and the businesses and organizations that are involved in the revitalization process.

For more information on the downtown revitalization program or how to get involved, contact Chelsey Fisher, Director, Main Street Dodge City at (620) 227-9501 or cfisher@dodgedev.org.