Choosing a charity: Tools for supporting veterans or active military safely

Part of the Russell Kansas Veteran's Memorial - designed by Mallory Goeke

Friday is Veteran’s Day and citizens across the country honor military and veterans at ceremonies, luncheons and parades. Some even use this time of year to send care packages to members of our military. Those who partake in this activity may have a couple of questions: How can you spot the fake charities from the real ones? And what do you send to our military serving overseas.

In this two-part blog series, we will address both of those questions. Today, we start with keeping yourself (and your wallet) safe while you choose a legitimate charity to support. According to themilitarywallet.com, there are steps to figure out how real a charity is:

Do your research: Many veterans and military charities do a great job at providing encouragement and care to our nation’s heroes. At the same time, there are some organizations that take advantage of supporters and scam them into giving money away.

Check state and federal charity lists:  If a charity is the real deal, they should be registered with the government. Simply using a search engine with the “Your State + Charity List” should help.  You can find Kansas’ charity list here: http://www.kscharitycheck.org/main.html

Charities should be listed as 501 (c ) (3) non-profit organization. There are requirements that a charity has to meet in order to be listed with the IRS.

How much is actually used for what the charity is advertising? Real charities should be transparent. They understand the value of your dollar and are upfront and honest when it comes to what their charity actually does and how your money will used. There are also third-party websites that monitor, score and compare how they spend their money versus how the money is used to fund the charity.  Listed below are a couple of charity-watch websites:

Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance.

Charity Watch.

Beware of unsolicited and overeager requests: Charities always ask for help in some way. That is to be expected. However, if the organization is trying too hard to pitch its purpose there could be a reason for that. Don’t commit to giving money over the phone, and if you are being solicited in person, it is OK to take time to research the charity before you send them your money. Ask the solicitor if they have a flyer or business card. The charity will still be thankful to your contribution a day later.

Never send cash or give out your Social Security number, birthday or other sensitive information. Bottom line: Protect yourself. Cash can’t be traced back and it can be easily lost. Giving out too much information could be used to steal your identity.

Now that you have the tools to protect yourself from scams, come back tomorrow for a list of items that our military serving overseas need.  

Kansas UAS program tests drones for bridge, tower inspections

KDOT Aviation and Bridge Inspection teams use a UAS to get a closer look at a structure.

The new Kansas Unmanned Aerial Systems program started test flights last Friday to find ways to use drones for bridge and tower inspections. 

“Our Aviation and Bridge inspection teams are doing great work in testing drones to enhance the safety of KDOT workers and improve cost efficiencies,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson. “We believe UAS may reduce the need to place our engineers in potentially dangerous situations and we intend to pursue every opportunity that makes them more efficient.”

 This is the first of several cooperative efforts KDOT is leading to employ new UAS technologies that increase public safety.

 “It’s important we keep safety and personal privacy our top priorities for this program,” said KDOT’s UAS Director Bob Brock. “KDOT inspectors working directly with UAS operators is an exciting first step that we will follow with many more flight tests to ensure we meet the stringent requirements associated with bridge inspection. 

“We also believe UAS is an industry that creates new jobs to help Kansas graduates stay in Kansas, so we are working with universities and other state agencies to investigate additional opportunities for engagement that will be announced in the coming months,” he said. 

South Lawrence Trafficway to open Wednesday

The Eastern Leg of the South Lawrence Trafficway took nearly three years to complete and will open to travelers on Wednesday.

“Wow, What a day!” Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx said at the Southwest Lawrence Trafficway ribbon-cutting on Friday. His words echoed the feelings of many who have worked or waited for this important project that completes a connection between K-10 east of Lawrence and the Kansas Turnpike on the city’s west side.

Gov. Sam Brownback, Kansas Acting Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, local officials and others were in attendance at the ribbon-cutting at the new K-10 and 23^rd Street interchange.

A Ribbon Cutting Celebration took place on Friday. The SLT will open for travelers Wednesday. 

“I don’t think I’m exaggerating to call this occasion momentous. In fact, that might be understating it,” said Secretary Carlson. “I’m sure there are a lot of you who wondered whether we would ever get to this point.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 9, after more than two decades of planning, debates and construction, the wait will be over and the east leg of the South Lawrence Trafficway will officially open for travelers.

The four-lane, six-mile freeway will provide an important connection for Douglas, Johnson, and Shawnee counties. The 6-mile, $140 million project will have many benefits, including:

• Congestion relief for travelers
• Travel time savings
• Market access expansion
• Increased safety

“We have been committed to the success of this project, which will bring major economic benefit and prosperity to the region,” said Gov. Sam Brownback. “We never lost sight of the importance of this effort not only for commuters and commerce but also for the thousands of students and residents who have improved access to the Baker Wetlands to enjoy and learn more about nature.”

Environmental benefits are also a huge part of this project. Although finishing the SLT did mean that KDOT had to use approximately 58 acres of wetlands, a mitigation package greatly expands the original wetlands.  The $16 million mitigation package created or restored 317 acres of wetlands, 37 acres of upland prairie, and 16 acres of riparian habitats.

A new educational facility, including a wetlands education and research center opened last year and is operated by Baker University.

Part of Friday's celebration included a Public Walk-Bike event along a half-mile stretch of K-10. 

Hiking and biking trails have also been added.
To view an aerial map that shows traffic flow movements at the new K-10 interchanges at 23rd Street, Haskell Avenue and U.S. 59/Iowa Street, please click on this link: K-10 SLT East Leg Traffic Flow Map

#IAMKDOT: John Gatz

This month's #IAMKDOT  feature is John Gatz.

Gatz is a Senior Engineering Technician from District 5 and has worked at KDOT for almost 15 years. He began his career as an Engineering Technician. 

Gatz would describe himself as a Father, a son, husband and a golf enthusiast.

This illustration shows Gatz inspecting the quality and construction of the rumble strips on US-400 in Eastern Pratt Co. 

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@ks.gov today to get started! 

When left alone, kids and cars are a dangerous combination

Cooler weather may be returning to the area soon and KDOT would like to remind drivers that the danger of leaving children alone in vehicles is still present.

According to the pediatrics.aappublications.org, even when the temperature outside is mild, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to deadly levels.

Hyperthermia aside, there are other risks to leaving children unattended in cars. Left alone, small children can face danger by accidentally setting the car in motion, rolling the windows up  and getting stuck or strangled, or leaving the vehicle altogether. KidsAndCars.org, an organization dedicated to keeping children safe in and around motor vehicles, has created a safety checklist for individuals driving with young children in the car:

KidsAndCars.com created a checklist for drivers who are traveling with kids. Look before you Lock.

They have also implemented a unique reminder: Place a stuffed animal in the child’s car seat when not in use. When a child is present in the car seat, move the stuffed animal to the front passenger seat. Sometimes, a visual reminder is all that is needed to keep kids safe. 

A stuffed animal in the passenger seat can be a great reminder that a child is buckled in behind you.

Recently, a 4^th grader named Sophie, created a device that connects the child’s safety belt to the car keys to help remind those who traveling with youngsters to not leave them alone in the vehicle.

Check out Sophie’s video below for more information on how you can create your own device below:

The Holiday season is upon us and distractions are everywhere. In the hustle and bustle, remember to Look before you Lock. 

Bus drivers compete in 2nd Annual Kansas Transit Roadeo

Kansas Transit Roadeo participants prepare to start an event. 

Bus drivers from across Kansas wrangled buses around obstacles during the Second Annual Kansas Transit Roadeo held Sunday, September 25 in Lawrence, Kansas.  The roadeo is a hands-on training event that highlights the skill set and camaraderie of transit drivers across the state. The drivers completed a series of obstacle courses, including backing up into tight spaces and maneuvering around tricky corners, while judges measured and observed their techniques, said Anne Lowder, training and outreach coordinator for the Kansas Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP).

A roadeo participant assists an individual in a wheelchair onto a lift during one of the events. 

“Bus driving is one of those skills that can always be improved. You can always be learning,” Lowder said.  “The transit roadeo shows off individual skills in a fun way, but it also provides the opportunity to demonstrate just how safe, knowledgeable, and customer-friendly transit drivers are when it comes to providing transportation to Kansas passengers.”

Lowder said the event also features skills such safely assisting an individual in a wheelchair onto a lift and into the bus, and pre-inspection of a bus. Part of the event includes outfitting a bus with various defects that the contestants must find.

Bob Nugent, director of Lawrence Transit, is one of the members of the Kansas Transit Roadeo Planning Committee and also a judge for the event. He noted that while the roadeo is a competition, it is lighthearted. “The event is for the employees who want to bring their families and show them what they do on a regular basis."      

This year 19 drivers from around the state competed. The 2016 Kansas Transit Roadeo winners were Michelle Brown, Topeka Metro, who took first place with a score of 698; Gabriel Valdovino, Unified Government Transit, who took 2^nd place with a score of 670; and Brenda Martinez, City of Dodge City, who took third place with a score of 664. 

A judge observes a participant during the Kansas Transit Roadeo competition. 

The event was co-sponsored by Kansas Department of Transportation, University of Kansas Transportation Center, Kansas RTAP, ETSC, ATA Bus, Waters True Value, Kansas Truck, KPTA, GTM, Assurance Partners, Philadelphia Insurance, KCATA, Lawrence Transit, MV Transportation, Inc., The Merc Co-op, Lawrence CVB, and Unified Government of Kansas City/Wyandotte County.The 2016 Kansas Transit Roadeo was a great success, and plans are already under way for the next roadeo, in 2017. 

Trick or treat safety tips

This evening, candy will flow and trick-or-treaters across the country will take to the streets to collect the sugary goodness. Here are some safety tips to ensure everyone has a frightfully good time.

Drivers:

• Turn on your headlights to improve visibility - Even in the day time.
• Watch for trick-or-treaters on curbs, streets and medians. They could be wearing darker costumes so keep your eyes peeled.
• Slow down in residential areas.  Give yourself extra time to react should a trick-or-treater dash into the road.
• Be sure to scan both sides of the street as you drive. Be prepared  to stop for trick-or-treaters.

Trick or Treaters:

 If you are young at heart and will be taking to the streets to collect some goodies, there are a few things you need to know:

• Let your parents or guardians know where you will be going. Create a route and stick to it. 
• Follow safety rules, and look both ways before crossing the streets. Don’t cross between vehicles.
• Trick or treat in a group. It can be more entertaining and safer. Younger children should be with a responsible adult or youth.
• Be bright at night - ensure that that your costume can be seen by drivers. Enhance your costumes with reflective tape or glow sticks.
• You should be able to see without difficulty. Don’t wear bulky masks or head gear. Consider using non-toxic face make up or paint.
• Carry a flashlight inside your Halloween bucket or bag so you can see where you are going. DON’T shine it into the eyes of drivers.
• Stay on sidewalks - if you must walk in the street, walk on the left side, facing traffic.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!