Four interim committees continue to meet in Topeka this summer and into fall on a variety of subjects. The Special Joint Committees on Transportation, Judiciary, Utilities, and Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC). I am a member of the KTEC committee. These committees will meet for 2-8 days depending on the subject matter to be reviewed.
Number one item we all look to work hard to bring jobs to Kansas and making this a business friendly state. Reducing taxes, burdensome laws and regulations and increasing opportunities for new business and expansion of existing businesses is our main goal.
We need to remember that the small businessman and entrepreneur usually rise out of the ashes following a crisis. These men and women see an opportunity and work to fulfill a need. Investors will not come if we continue to make it painful and unprofitable to start or expand a business. We will work to remove state imposed obstacles to welcome continued investment in our state.
Despite the worsening budget situation, state and local government employment has actually grown. Over the past year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Kansas added 1,100 local and state government jobs, while the state’s private sector lost 30,300 jobs. In these challenging economic times, families and businesses are required to live within their means. It hardly appears government in Kansas is doing the same.
The temporary closing of our North Unit, the Honor Camp has generated quite a bit of discussion around the lake and state. We are hopeful the closing is indeed temporary and when the economy improves the North Unit is at the top of the list for re-opening. Our interim solution of bussing the inmates from the Winfield facility was scheduled to start on July 20th. The bus is being borrowed from USD 490 and the Butler County Commissioners have agreed to purchase a permanent replacement soon. Thank-you.
The Secretary of Corrections, Roger Werholz is interested in looking for a temporary use of the current facility and has received some inquiries from several public and private organizations. We are looking for a creative way to utilize a facility and not let it just sit and deteriorate,
Possible uses discussed with the KDWP and KDOC include fair grounds, church retreats, rodeo, Boy and Girl Scout activities, group meetings and possible use by law enforcement from surrounding areas.
We are in a time within this state and country where we find out what is really important and what activities we wish to continue to support. Just last week I met with various groups and discussed the problems associated with the loss of KDOC Inmate workers.
The many functions associated with setting up for Prairie Port, Mud Volleyball, parades, Veteran reunions etc. takes many volunteers to replace our usual available inmate workforce. I suspect we will see many activities shorten or eliminate their activities for lack of labor help. The question is; what will you do? It is our hope that our very talented volunteer members take up the slack and replace the inmates labor on special projects.
There have been discussions about the city, county and the various business and professional groups joining financial resources to bring back the inmates and re-open the honor camp. I think this is a great idea, but one that may not be sustainable with an annual cost of over $1.5 million or so. If anyone has other ideas let us hear them.
Last October, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved a pilot project to allow floatline fishing at eight reservoirs beginning this summer. Anglers will be allowed to use float lines only during daylight hours from July 15 through September 15 at eight Kansas reservoirs: Hillsdale, Council Grove, Tuttle Creek, Kanopolis, John Redmond, Toronto, Wilson, and Pomona.
KDWP staff recommended the addition of this fishing method to provide more angling opportunities on reservoirs with untapped channel catfish populations. Floatline fishing, sometimes called “jug fishing” allows Kansas anglers to use no more than eight floatlines with no more than two hooks attached to each line.
A floatline permit ($2.50) will be required, enabling department staff to survey floatline anglers during this three-year pilot program. A valid Kansas fishing license is also required, unless exempted by law. Anglers are allowed to set eight floatlines or eight setlines but not both. In addition to floatlines an angler may fish with two poles.
If you think “jug-fishing” is too sedate you will be glad to know that Flathead Catfish Hand Fishing season is still possible. Now in its third year the Kansas Handfishing season runs from June 15 to Aug. 31, I am sure adventurous river anglers are looking forward to the opportunity to take flathead catfish using this unconventional method.
Although such anglers may be few, the season offers a special opportunity for outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen looking for a challenge. Only flathead catfish may be taken (throw-back the turtles and snakes too); legal handfishing hours are sunrise to sunset.
In addition only two locations are open, the Arkansas River from the John Mack Bridge on Broadway Street in Wichita downstream to the Kansas Oklahoma Border and the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.
A special $27.50 permit is required in addition to a regular fishing license. Handfishermen may not use hooks, snorkeling or scuba gear, or any manmade device or possess any fishing gear except a stringer. The stringer may not be used until the fish are caught by hand and are at or above the surface of the water. In addition, no man-made object that attracts fish, such as a barrel, box, bathtub, or any other object may be used. www.Kdwp.state.ks.us:90/news/license-permits.
I consider it an honor and privilege to be your Representative in Topeka and I want to know what you think. Thanks, John
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