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October, 2008
Parkinson travels to China on Economic Development Mission
The Lt. Governor spent a week in the People’s Republic of China as part of a
delegation from the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association (NLGA). The group
of public officials was invited on behalf of the People’s Friendship Organization
in an effort to increase understanding between our two countries. During Parkinson’s
trip topics such as trade and diplomatic relations were discussed while the delegation
was also able to see and experience Chinese culture and its people.
Trip photo album coming soon...
July 18, 2008
Parkinson Greets International Military Officers
The Ft. Leavenworth’s Command General
Staff College International Officer Students
visited the Capital today and were greeted by the Lieutenant Governor.
July 17, 2008
Parkinson & Military Families Celebrate Compact
Military Families presented a giant thank you card to Lt. Governor Parkinson in honor
of Kansas’ support for the Military and their families through the Interstate
Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Kansas was first state in
the country to provide enhanced resources and education support for military children
who relocate as their parents are reassigned.
Click here to
read the Governor’s Press Release regarding the compact.
June 26, 2008
League of Kansas Municipalities Host Energy Summit
Lt. Governor Parkinson gave the noon keynote over the future of energy in Kansas during
the League of Kansas Municipalities Energy Summit.
Other topics addressed included: energy efficiency, environmental issues, transmission
and energy production.
Parkinson Greets Kansas BioEnergy Firm President
PrairieFire BioEnergy Cooperative President Brad Applegarth met with the Lt. Governor.
His family was also in attendance.
June 20, 2008
Central Plains Wind Farm Groundbreaking
Parkinson offered opening remarks in Marienthal as ground was broken on the 99 megawatt
(MW) wind project, Central Plains Wind Farm. Central Plains is one of three wind farms
that Westar plans to operate that will contribute a combined 300 MW of clean energy
in Kansas.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
Lt. Governor Visits Dodge City Community College
Parkinson was greeted by faculty, staff and students as he toured Dodge
City Community College.
Parkinson Sits Down with Scott County Record
The Lt. Governor was interviewed by Rod Haxton, Publisher of the Scott
County Record. Parkinson talked about the importance to the Wind Production Tax
Credit and how its extension is a necessity for the growing wind energy sector.
June 18, 2008
Photo by Tom Dorsey,
Salina Journal
Wind Working Group Meets in Salina
Jim Turnure, from Xcel Energy in Minnesota, talks Wednesday afternoon
at the Kansas Wind Working Group meeting
at the Chamber of Commerce. Lt. Governor Parkinson
hosted a working lunch on the growth of the wind industry in Kansas.
June 6, 2008
Parkinson Greets Wichita’s Fraternal Order of Police
Brian Mock introduces the Lt. Governor at the Wichita
Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. Parkinson delivered opening remarks at
the conference where officers underwent training and analyzed case studies.
May 15, 2008
Lt. Governor Honors Kansas Auto Dealer
Dale Willey served as 2007 Chairman of the National
Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Besides being the first Kansan to lead
the NADA, Dale helped shape legislative initiatives to protect the environment, provide
energy savings and help improve the safety of all drivers. Parkinson awarded the certificate
to Dale on behalf of the Governor.
Leadership Olathe Honors Lt. Governor Parkinson
The Lt. Governor was presented with the Servant Leadership Award by Leadership Olathe,
a program of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. The Servant Leadership Award was initiated
in 2006. Its purpose is to recognize Leadership Olathe alumni who have distinguished
themselves in servant leadership in our community. This recognition is only awarded
from time-to-time when an individual has demonstrated a sustained tenure of service.
The Lt. Governor and his wife, Stacy, were in attendance to accept the award.
Parkinson Discusses Municipal Energy Issues
The Lt. Governor along with Rep. Joshua Svaty and Rep. Dennis McKinney talked about
the future of electricity in Kansas with city managers, utility managers, and municipal
employees from all around the state as part of the 79th Annual Kansas Municipal Utilities
Conference.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
May 7, 2008
Parkinson Welcomes Exhibitors to 3i
The 3i Show is held during the spring each year
to salute Industry, Implements, and Irrigation. Intended
to be a global showcase for agri-business products, the 3i Show was kicked off by the
Lt. Governor in Great Bend this year with comments about the state of Kansas agriculture.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
Leadership Topeka Hears Parkinson’s Advice
Leadership Topeka, a program of the Topeka Chamber held graduation in downtown Topeka
where the Lt. Governor talked of the important role volunteerism plays and advice to
the 36 Leadership Topeka graduates as they were presented with their certificates.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
May 6, 2008
Capitol Host To Holocaust Commemoration
Began by Governor Carlin, the purpose of the event is to educate Kansans and promote
understanding and acceptance. Lt. Governor Parkinson read a proclamation from Governor
Sebelius that underscored the theme of the event, Do Not Stand Silent [against intolerance
and bigotry in all forms].
May 4, 2008
Lt. Governor Honors Governor’s Award Recipient
Dr. Bill Wagnon has been selected as the Kansas State High School Activities Association
(KSHSAA) Governor’s Award recipient for 2008 for his outstanding contributions
to the field of secondary education in Kansas.
May 2, 2008
Parkinson Recognizes Outstanding Literacy Program
Colvin Elementary School partnered with Wichita State University for a Toyota Family
Literacy Grant. Colvin has a poverty rate of 94% and 80% non-English speaking; yet it
is one of 5 schools with poverty rates over 90% to have test score over 80% proficient.
The Family Literacy Program focuses on teaching parents how to teach their children.
The Lt. Governor congratulates Colvin and WSU on this extraordinary achievement.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Rally in Capitol
Lt. Governor Parkinson attended the Certified Long-Term
Care Ombudsman Conference. Parkinson recognized the crucial role that advocates
and volunteers play for resident rights in adult care homes. The Lt. Governor also spoke
of his experiences building and operating long-term care facilities and presented a
proclamation by the Governor to two representative volunteers.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
April 22, 2008
Parkinson and KDHE Talk Earth Day
The Lt. Governor joined Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Bremby
and Kansas environmental artist Stan Herd in celebrating Earth Day at the Topeka Expocentre.
Herd created a collage of 20,000 pieces of student artwork as part of KDHE’s “Kansas—Don’t’ Spoil
It” calendar contest. The Lt. Governor spoke on the necessity for Earth Day
to be not just a day but a call to action.
Watch KDHE’s Earth Day Kansas Art video here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
Earth Day Panel Convenes At Emporia State
Parkinson participated in an Earth Day panel along with members of the Kansas
Sierra Club, Kansas Corporation Commission
(KCC), Westar Energy, and Great
Plains Alliance for Clean Energy (GPACE). The panel was put on by the Emporia
State Environmental Club and covered issues centered on how energy impacts our environment.
Lt. Governor Tours Enertech Wind Turbine Company
Parkinson toured Kansas wind turbine manufacturer Enertech’s facility in Newton. Enertech focuses
on mid-sized turbines ideal for community, residential, and smaller wind development
projects.
Wichita State Talks Energy on Earth Day
Green Energy Options was the topic of Wichita State’s Earth Day Panel. The Lt.
Governor along with Senator Donald Betts, former WSU engineering professor in green
engineering Dr. Bill Wentz, and Director of Wichita Environmental Services Kay Johnson
served as panelists. Parkinson discussed Earth Day and energy topics broadly, and then
spoke in greater detail on current legislative energy issues, greener energy technologies
and future challenges.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
April 17, 2008
Solomon Valley Talks Wind
Parkinson was in Philipsburg to discuss wind development and community wind issues
such as leasing, transmission, and governmental policy at the Solomon Valley Wind Energy
Conference.
Hays Kiwanis Club Hosts Lt. Governor
The Lt. Governor spoke at the Hays Kiwanis Club meeting on an overview of current state
issues. Parkinson spoke about focusing on the things that Kansas does best: agriculture,
manufacturing, energy and the emerging animal health and nutrition corridor in Kansas;
and how that strategy has benefitted Kansas.
Parkinson Visits Economic Development Hub in Hays
The Lt. Governor toured and visited the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the new
Hays Chamber of Commerce office building. The Hays
Chamber is currently piloting a business mentoring program and was recently honored
as the number two rural county in the nation to live in.
Middle School Advice
Felton Middle School Students
greeted the Lt. Governor on his trip through Hays. Parkinson was introduced by
Principal Craig Pallister and recounted some of the advantages Hays offers and advice
to the youth about setting personal goals in life.
Parkinson Holds Community Reception
The Hays Public Library was the center of
a community reception held for Kansans to interact with Lt. Governor Parkinson, where
he was introduced by Melanie Miller, Library Executive Director. Parkinson discussed
issues that schools face and also covered current legislative issues.
Lt. Governor Hosted By Hay’s Finest
The Hay’s Sheriff’s Department invited Parkinson to tour their newly remodeled
facility and talk informally with local law enforcement officers
Parkinson Greets Kansas Energy Businesses
The Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association held
their mid-year meeting at Fort Hays State University. The Lt. Governor gave welcome
remarks and discussed energy issues.
April 14, 2008
Lt. Governor Serves Up Food in Goodland
The Goodland Senior Center serves 60-80 meals daily including carry out and home delivery.
The Lt. Governor was there in the morning to volunteer some time and help serve food.
Volunteer Kansas is an initiative to connect Kansans with opportunities around the state
to make a difference through volunteering. For more information about Volunteer Kansas
and how to get involved, click
here.
Parkinson Presents at Colby Wind Summit
The Lt. Governor held a session on the state of wind energy in Kansas at Colby’s
City Limit’s Convention Center. His remarks were followed by a Q&A from audience
members.
The Kansas Wind Presentation can be found on our “video
files” page, narrated by the Lt. Governor.
April 11, 2008
Concordia Gains Meridian Way Wind Farm
Just outside Concordia, a new 200MW wind
farm is underway. The Lt. Governor was on
hand for the ground breaking ceremony. The wind farm will cover 20,000 acres approximately
8 miles south of Concordia while not interfering with past and present land uses that
include cattle ranching, gravel quarrying, and farming.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
April 4, 2008
Parkinson Helps Kick Off KDHE Wellness Initiative
The Lt. Governor joined Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Rod Bremby
and other health sector representatives in launching the Capitol
City Wellness Initiative. The Lt. Governor’s remarks focused on maintaining
a healthy lifestyle and ended with all in attendance walking around the Kansas Capitol.
April 2, 2008
Parkinson Welcomes USA Wind Energy Services to Kansas
USA Wind Energy Services opened shop in Independence as a wind turbine service and
maintenance company. The Lt. Governor gave introductory remarks.
Wind Working Group Meets In Independence
The Wind Working Group (WWG), chaired by the Lt. Governor met for its second meeting
in Independence to discuss wind energy transmission lines, overcoming manufacturing
barriers and community wind power.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
April 1, 2008
Topeka League of Women Voters Host Parkinson
The League of Women Voters of Topeka-Shawnee County (LWV)
invited the Lt. Governor to speak on energy issues at their Tuesday Topics meeting.
The LWV pursues civic service, education, and advocacy and is currently conducting a
2 year study on bioenergy and renewables. The Lt. Governor’s remarks covered important
points in understanding both state, national and global energy concerns.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
Archived Road Journal - 2008, 2007
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