Welcome to the weekly update from the Office of Governor Laura Kelly.WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 2020 Governor Kelly Orders Kansas Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Kansans Who Lost their Lives to COVID-19“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of 1,007 Kansans who lost their lives to COVID-19. One of the many terrible impacts of this virus has been that families are unable to hold in-person services to mourn the passing of their loved ones. Each one of these Kansans was someone’s child, parent, or grandparent. They were part of a community. Today, I’m directing that flags be lowered to half-staff, so that we may honor and remember them.” Press: As Kansas passes 1,000 COVID-19 deaths, Gov. Kelly orders flags flown at half-staff The Wichita Eagle Gov. Kelly orders flags be flown at half-staff to honor 1,007 Kansans who have died from COVID-19 Fox 4 KC Governor Kelly orders flags to half staff to honor covid-19 deaths KSNT Governor Introduces New Unified Testing Strategy, Doubling Testing CapacityRead Full Remarks | View Presentation Graphics “We need comprehensive, accurate data that health officials can analyze to determine our most vulnerable populations or locations so that the state can respond accordingly. We need access to labs that have sufficient testing capacity. We need reliable transportation to move samples from health facilities to labs, where they can be tested for COVID-19. The Unified Testing Strategy has all of that in mind, and more.” Press: Governor: Kansas to double COVID-19 testing by year’s end KWCH Kansas approves additional $45 million for COVID testing, $20 million for small business The Kansas City Star Gov. Kelly makes announcement about Kansas’ Unified Testing Strategy KSNT Governor Laura Kelly Announces Peerless Products Expansion to Create Over 100 Jobs in Iola“Peerless is a fantastic, homegrown Kansas company with a long history in Fort Scott. I appreciate its leadership team recognizing all that Iola and the entire Southeast Kansas region has to offer, and for choosing to expand in Allen County. With our engaged team at the Kansas Department of Commerce, my administration will continue to identify new and dynamic business opportunities, build relationships, and support further economic projects in Allen County and across our state.” Press: Peerless expansion creates over 100 jobs in Iola WIBW Peerless Joins Allen County Business Community Thrive Allen County Peerless expansion in Iola to create 100+ jobs KOAM Governor Kelly Attends Turner Diagonal Interchange Grand Opening“I’m honored to celebrate the completion of the Turner Diagonal interchange, a project that represents both immediate improvements for Kansans and long-term economic growth. This new interchange will open nearly 300 acres of land for private development, and we anticipate the creation of over 2,500 jobs in the immediate area.” Press: New Turner Diagonal interchange bodes well for NorthPoint’s industrial work Kansas City Business Journal Governor Kelly Takes Significant Steps for Transparency, Announces New SPARK Taskforce Public Dashboard“My administration has always prioritized transparency and accountability when it comes to serving Kansans. That’s what good governance is about. Kansans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and this online tool makes that information easily accessible to all.” Press: Kansas Governor Kelly Announces SPARK Taskforce Public Dashboard STL News ICYMIGovernor Kelly Announces Over $2.2 million in Pell Funding for Incarcerated Citizens Governor’s Office Governor Laura Kelly Announces $224,437 in Community Development Block Grant Award for Fort Scott Governor’s Office Governor’s Office Governor Laura Kelly, Safe Kids Kansas Offer Safe Halloween Tips for Trick-or-Treaters Governor’s Office Governor Kelly and KHLAAC Remind Voters with Advance Ballots to Complete and Return Governor’s Office KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair Begins Tuesday Governor’s Office Kansas counties with mask mandates had half the rate of new infections, a study finds. New York Times Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, legislators agree to work with counties on mask mandate Kansas Reflector ICT Summit: Kelly praises adaptability of business, stresses need for more stimulus Wichita Business Journal Freddy Simon, namesake of the Wichita-based restaurant chain Freddy’s, has died at age 95 The Wichita Eagle Kansas expects record-setting turnout for general election Associated Press |