Latest news with #JasonHartman
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Critical federal funds' missing for rural communities, wildfire relief in Kansas
TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Kansas Forest Service (KFS) reports that crucial federal dollars that it uses to help rural farmers by fighting wildfires and invasive pests are missing this year. State Forester Jason Hartman said in a press release on July 15 that expected disbursements of federal dollars through the U.S. Forest Service's (FS) State, Private and Tribal Forestry (SPTF) programs have yet to arrive. He said the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is holding back the current year's SPTF funds that were appropriated by Congress in early 2025. The KFS previously put out a call for help in May ahead of approval on this year's controversial federal budget due to the cuts it would make to the service's ability to help farmers combat wildfires and resist layoffs. The FS told state forestry agencies nationwide on June 28 to prepare for the possibility of no funding in Federal Fiscal Year 2025. Man sentenced for raping, killing Topeka five-year-old girl in 2023 'In a normal year, States would have agreements in place by now for the suite of state capacity programs we together deliver for forest landowners, communities, and firefighters.' KFS Jason Hartman press release excerpt Hartman listed off numerous ways the loss of federal dollars would negatively impact the Sunflower State in the days ahead. Some of the chief losses include the following: Rural fire departments More than 50 training courses per year that provide training to more than 1,500 rural firefighters. Federal excess property including trucks, generators and hand-tools. 30 public education events. Direct assistance with more than 4,000 wildfires each year. Kansas landowners Nearly 200 technical assistance consultations. Plans for the creation of more than 40 windbreaks. More than 60 forest management practice plans. Hundreds of forestry cost-share program contracts. Rural communities Support for more than 90 Tree City USA locations. Dozens of educational workshops. Hundreds of technical assistance visits. 20 rural community canopy inventories. 'This is a true giant': Man breaks Kansas blue catfish record with 121-pound Missouri River monster Hartman also said the funding losses will prevent the KFS from providing resources necessary to track, detect, identify and monitor invasive pests that threaten Kansas' wooded areas. He said it isn't known why the OMB has yet to disperse the appropriated funds from Congress but the continued delay is harming the Sunflower State. 'Despite being designated for urgent use, these funds remain inaccessible. For them to truly benefit Kansas communities, the Kansas Forest Service must receive them with enough lead time to prepare and execute grant agreements before OMB's August 15th deadline. Without timely action from OMB, these resources risk going unused, despite their clear intent and need.' KFS Jason Hartman press release excerpt For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Port Shepstone Country Club to host Lions family fun day
Port Shepstone Lions have put together a few exciting community events at the Port Shepstone Country Club on Sunday, June 29. Join them for a fantastic day filled with fun, fitness and festivities. There will be live music by Idols 2009 winner, Jason Hartman. The day will consist of: * A fun run/walk (5km). Register between 07:00 and 07:45. Start time at 08:00. Entry Fee: R20. All ages welcome. Bring your friends, family, and running shoes. * Ross Memorial Bowls Day at 08:45. Entry: R450 per team. Great prizes, good vibes, and a whole lot of fun on the greens. There will be two minutes of silence and tribute to Murray and Julie Ross by Kevin Lancaster. * Monthly Market Day between 10:00 and 15:00. Explore local crafts, tasty treats, and unique finds. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Counting down to the Highland Gathering
THERE are only two weeks remaining before the highly anticipated Highland Gathering touches down at Hutchison Park on May 3 and brings with it the distinctive sounds of bagpipes. While children can watch in wonder at magic, juggling and unicycling shows, brought by Big Top Entertainment, adrenaline junkies can enjoy combat coaching during the Tai Chi display. Also read: Cheerful Amanzimtoti man turns 90 Beer and music aficionados will relish their worlds colliding at the beer tents, where local musicians including Jason Hartman, Matt Gardiner, Beats Working, Wahwah Baby and Chewing the Hornet will be playing at the Highlands Tavern tent near the civic gate. On the rugby field, Piper's Bar enjoys sounds of Fire in the Jukebox, DJ Fester and Jason Andrew. Every rand raised during the Highland Gathering is funneled towards initiatives that uplift and support those in need in Amanzimtoti, directly benefitting the community. Anyone can be a sponsor and as little as R5 for a chair to larger contributions covering the cost of big tents are valued. Sponsorship opportunities are open to everyone, be it a local business, a corporate entity or a passionate individual – your support is vital in giving back to the community. Tickets for adults are R60, pensioners and learners pay R40 and entrance is free for six years and younger. Parking tickets are R30. For more information on how to purchase tickets, sponsor the event, updates or for an opportunity to win entry tickets, visit the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti – Home of the Highlands Gathering Facebook page, contact 072 767 7833 or email info@ For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!