Throwback Thursday

In this week's Throwback Thursday, we look back at a car without an air conditioner and many other features of modern automobiles.  Our archives didn't list a date for this picture, but we do know it was in Smith County.  What year do you think this was?

Kansas Export Forum

KDOT has partnered with the Kansas Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to host the Kansas Export Forum in late August. The forum will bring together public and private sector speakers and attendees to identify transportation challenges faced by small- and medium-sized businesses and to discuss ways to streamline supply chains and stimulate international trade. 
 

Aug. 27, 2014
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ball Conference Center
21350 W. 153rd St.
Olathe, KS 66061

Discussion topics will include transportation infrastructure, regulatory streamlining and other strategies that help support and encourage exports. The program will include breakout sessions on liquids, food and agricultural products and manufacturing, and is scheduled to conclude with a tour of the BNSF Intermodal and Smart Warehousing facilities in Edgerton. A full agenda can be found at KansasCommerce.com/ExportForum.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Poster Contest

 This is 2013 regional poster winner drawn by Blair Haley from Arkansas City.

All Kansas kids ages 5 to 13 are encouraged to enter artwork in the 13^th annual poster contest for Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day - a nationwide effort to increase roadway safety and reduce traffic fatalities.

 
Three statewide winners will receive family packages at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City and also $50 gift cards from Dillon’s of Kansas. 

A total of 18 regional winners in the six regions and age groups (ages 5-7, ages 8-10 and ages 11-13) will each receive a bicycle and a helmet donated by Safe Kids Kansas.

  

All entries must be postmarked by Friday, Sept. 19, and should be mailed to: AAA Kansas, Public Affairs, 3545 SW 6^th Street, Topeka, KS, 66606. On the back of the 8 ½ by 11-inch paper entry must be the child’s full name; age at time of entry; mailing address; county; a parent’s name; and contact phone number. Numerous transportation safety organizations in Kansas sponsor the contest.

 
For more information, click here.

Motoring Monday: Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary & Education Center

There are lots of great zoos and animal parks across Kansas. However, one place in particular focuses primarily on one furry family of animals – large cats.

The Cedar Cover Feline Sanctuary & Education Center works to care for large cats while educating the public on behavior, habitats and danger of extinction. The center has been open since August 2000 and is located just east of Louisburg on K-68, about 20 miles south of Kansas City.

The center has numerous felines including leopards, cougars, lions, bobcats and tigers as well as a couple wolves and coati (members of the raccoon family).

Tours are available on the weekends to see and learn more about the animals. For more information, check out the website here.

Don't miss out on a Road Safety Party

KDOT will be hosting Road Safety parties across the state.  These fun-filled events will feature music and games about the importance of buckling up.  While the games are primarily toward ages 4-10, these parties can be enjoyed by the entire family.  

The first party will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday at the Shawnee County Fair.  Below are the dates and locations for all the Road Safety parties.  Don't miss out.


1.    Shawnee County Fair – July 27, 10-11:30 a.m.  
2.    Leavenworth County Fair – July 29, 7-8:30 p.m.
3.    Dodge City Days – Aug. 3, start time between 4-5 p.m.  
4.    Harvey County Fair – Aug. 4, 7-8:30 p.m.  
5.    Wyandotte Balloon Fest – Aug. 9, 5:30-7:00 p.m. 

Throwback Thursday

Here is a look at a KDOT employee mowing along I-35 near Ottawa in 1967.  With construction and mowing seasons underway, please slow down when you're traveling through work zones and help keep our workers and yourself safe.

Wednesday's Words

“Tragedies involving children have a profound effect on everyone involved. What is most tragic is that the majority of these deaths could have been prevented,” said Lt Amy Ayers of the Kansas Highway Patrol.  “A child dies from heatstroke nearly every 10 days from being left in a hot vehicle. As outside temperatures rise, the risks of children dying from being left alone inside a hot vehicle also rises.  We remind parents and caregivers to Look Before You Lock.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 1998-2013 606 children died due to heatstroke, representing 61 percent of total non-crash fatalities in this age group.

 Of the 606 deaths: 

• 52% were forgotten in the vehicle. 
• 29% gained access by themselves and became trapped 
• 18% were left intentionally 
• 1% were unknown cases   

For tips about how to keep your child safe in the summer heat, click here.