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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 JournalWind 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.
March 30, 2008
Parkinson Interviewed on Wichita Radio Station
NewsRadio 1330 KNSS out of Wichita interviewed the Lt. Governor about wind energy on
their morning talk radio show.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s
address here. Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
March 26, 2008
Lt. Governor Welcomes Riley High School Champions
After clinching the 3A women’s basketball state title, the Riley County Falcons
girls basketball team was honored at the Capitol.
Leadership Hays Class Visits Parkinson
Civic and Business leaders in and around Hays were in town for their day at the Statehouse.
To listen to the Lt. Governor’s address and Q&A click here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
Student Government Gets a Glimpse at State Government
Students involved with Sabetha High School’s student government had a chance
to see how the State governs during their trip to Topeka and visit with the Lt. Governor
along with Rep. Steve Lukert.
March 20, 2008
Parkinson Congratulates Classroom Art Contest Winners
Winners of the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Postcard Art Contest
visited the Capitol and were honored by the Lt. Governor with their families. The contest
included Kindergarten through sixth grade. You can view all the winning art at http://www.ksagclassroom.org/art_winners.htm.
Lt. Governor Marks Kansas Agriculture Day at the Statehouse
Parkinson honored Kansas Agriculture Day by recounting the strong tradition of agriculture
in Kansas that predates our statehood. Kansas produces more wheat, grain sorghum and
beef than any other state in the nation. Agriculture as an industry employs one out
of every five Kansans.
March 11, 2008
Parkinson Energizes Clean Energy Rally
The Lt. Governor took the stage on Kansas Clean Energy Day along side Governor Sebelius
to encourage advocates of clean energy in Kansas to continue to make their voices heard.
Parkinson’s message struck a galvanizing tone amongst supporters.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s address here.
Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
February 19, 2008
Former Lt. Governor Shelby Smith & Family Visits the Capitol
Shelby Smith stops by with his grandchildren. Shelby served as the 39th Lieutenant
Governor of the State of Kansas from 1975-1979. He lives in Wichita with his wife and
remains active in the community and with the legislature.
February 15, 2008
Douglas County Leadership Class Visits Topeka
The Lt. Governor spent time with civic leaders from Douglas County on their day in
the Capitol. Much of the discussion revolved around Parkinson’s work as co-Chair
of the Kansas Energy Council; however, renewable
energy along with ethanol were prominent issues during the question and answer period.
Lt. Governor Discusses Volunteerism
Westar Energy held their
10th Annual Community Partners Celebration. The program encourages current and retired
Westar employees and their spouses to volunteer in their communities. In 2007, participants
logged a record 87,543 hours. The Lt. Governor spoke about civic engagement and opportunities
for community impact through programs such as Community Partners and
Volunteer
Kansas.
February 14, 2008
Parkinson Honors Phi Theta Kappa Members
The Kansas Association of Community College Trustees (KACCT)
and the Council of Presidents (COP) sponsored this year’s All-Kansas Academic
Team Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon. The Lt. Governor spoke
about the necessity of education during his keynote address and presented a certificate
to each PTK honoree. Phi Theta Kappa is the official
honorary scholastic fraternity for America’s two-year colleges. Today PTK is the
largest honor society in American higher education with more than 2 million members.
Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is extended by invitation and is focused on the Society's
Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.
February 13, 2008
Parkinson Speaks to Kansas School Boards on Education Outlook
The Council of Superintendents invited the Lieutenant Governor to speak at their Governmental
Relations Seminar. The Lt. Governor spoke about the achievements that he and Governor
Sebelius have spearheaded, providing a billion additional dollars for K-12 education
amongst many other program enhancements.
Parkinson Hosts Special Friends
The Lieutenant Governor welcomes the Glover Family to the Capitol with Rep. Eber Phelps.
Lt. Governor Discusses Health Care
The Kansas Health Care Association & Kansas Center
for Assisted Living held their 2008 Legislative Conference Leadership Breakfast.
The Lt. Governor presented a keynote which discussed the sustainability of elder care,
including Medicare and Medicaid and his concern over escalating fiscal costs and its
impact on public health programs.
February 12, 2008
Manhattan Chamber Leadership visits with Lt. Governor
Parkinson visits with Manhattan community leaders during their trip to the Capitol.
Members of the group discussed with the Lt. Governor current events such as energy and
education concerns.
Parkinson Talks Economy with Kansas Bankers Association
The Lt. Governor joined Speaker Neufeld and Senate President Morris at the Kansas
Banker’s Association’s 2008 Harold A. Stones Public Affairs Conference.
The Lt. Governor spoke chiefly about the Governor’s policy initiatives while
also on State and Federal fiscal policy. All three state leaders fielded questions
from the congregation.
Lt. Governor Spends Time with Cowley County Leadership Class
Parkinson welcomes residents of Cowley County to the Capitol during a forum covering
current and emerging issues in Kansas.
February 11, 2008
Lt. Governor Honors Topeka Police Department
The Lt. Governor delivered remarks at the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Topeka
Police Department, marking 150 years of the department’s mission to serve
and protect the greater Topeka community.
February 7, 2008
Parkinson Greets IdentiGEN Founder
Dublin, Ireland –based IdentiGEN co-founder Dr. Patrick Cunningham speaks with
Lt. Governor on his visit. IdentiGEN recently opened its North American headquarters
in Lawrence which furthers the company’s work in authenticating the quality and
origin of meat products. The new headquarters will bring hundreds of new jobs and build
upon Kansas’ emerging leadership in the field of bioscience where Kansas already
has the nation’s largest concentration of animal health companies.
February 5, 2008
Lt. Governor Participates in 58th Annual International Pancake Day
Liberal, KS held their yearly pancake race with Olney, England and came out victorious.
The Lt. Governor was on hand to commemorate International
Pancake Day and join in the fun.
Watch Lt. Governor Parkinson’s
address here. Or click on “Video Files” in the left-hand column.
January 30, 2008
Lt. Governor Commends Youth Financial Literacy Program
The Lt. Governor greeted the Kansas Credit Union Association on
their Day at the Capitol. Kansas State Federal Credit Union’s (KSU FCU) award-winning
Save@School financial literacy program was honored at a luncheon. The Lt. Governor gave
congratulatory remarks and wished the program luck as it travels to Washington D.C.
to be recognized with the national Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award.
Save@School is a special program that joins the State Treasurer's office, KSU FCU and
schools with the common goal of educating children so that they become educated consumers
who will make responsible financial decisions in the future. Participants open savings
accounts and make deposits to their accounts on scheduled savings days at their school.
The students learn the importance of savings through hands-on experience and classroom
exercises with the guidance of an employee of KSU FCU and the curriculum provided by the
State Treasurer's office.
January 25, 2008
Parkinson Greets International Officers
41 international military officers visit the Capitol during their State Government
Day tour. The officers represent countries from around the world. During their visit,
the officers also learned about our judicial system and met with the Kansas Secretary
of State and the Adjutant General’s office.
January 24, 2008
Lieutenant Governor Speaks at City Hall Day at the Capitol
The League of Kansas Municipalities held their Annual
City Hall Day at the Capitol. The day is an effort to promote healthy and sustainable
communities across the state of Kansas. The Lt. Governor met with and spoke to the group
about how vital developing prosperity is in our cities and how Kansans can look forward
to its elected leaders confronting these challenges now and in the future. Lt. Governor
Parkinson also honored the 6 middle school winners of the “If I Were Mayor” essay
contest: Nicole Brauer, Statewide Winner; Mariza Hernandez, Northeast Regional Winner;
David Crawford, North Central Regional Winner; Shelby Gardner, Northwest Regional Winner;
Brad Stevens, Southwest Regional Winner; and Emma Barnett, South Central Regional Winner.
January 22, 2008
Lieutenant Governor Congratulates Top Kansas Teachers
Eight Kansas teachers were honored as finalists for the 2008
Kansas Teacher of the Year award with the Lt. Governor giving congratulatory remarks
to all, including 2008 Kansas Teacher of the Year Jeri Powers, a reading specialist
at USD 232 De Soto. Also present were state education officials, state legislators,
and other education advocates. The Lt. Governor gave an address concerning the challenges
we face in our education systems now as well as in the future. He also spoke
of how decisive education is for the future of Kansas and the nation.
January 18, 2008
Lt. Governor Chairs Inaugural Wind Working Group Meeting
Kansas officially kicked off its wind energy initiative with the Lt. Governor chairing
the first meeting of the Kansas Wind Working Group (WWG) in Wichita.
While the group is comprised of 33 members, almost 100 people were in attendance, a
testament to the growing interest in the group and renewable energy as both an eco-friendly
and affordable way to meet energy needs.
January 6, 2008
Parkinson Visits with Wichita JROTC Cadets
 During
their day at the Kansas Capitol, JROTC cadets from USD 259 – Wichita
School District spent time with the Lt. Governor discussing leadership roles, legislative
issues and the political process.
December 6, 2007
Lieutenant Governor Hosts Chinese Ministry of Commerce Delegation
Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson welcomed a Chinese delegation from the Henan Province,
Kansas’ sister state. The goal of the two day visit was to discuss trade development,
as well as education, cultural exchanges and dialogue in other areas of mutual interest.
The Delegation was lead by Mr. Liu Huailian, Senior Advisor of the People’s Government
of Henan Province. The visibility of Kansas continues to increase in front of
the Chinese leadership as we continue to pursue the sale of Kansas products and services
to customers in our sister state and China as a whole.
December 4, 2007
Lt. Governor Parkinson Visits Greensburg
 Lt.
Governor Parkinson and his wife Stacy traveled to Greensburg for the Greensburg
GreenTown Alternative Fueled Vehicle Handover. Roger Scholfield, CEO
of Scholfield Honda in Wichita donated a Natural Gas Powered Honda to the City
of Greensburg, a small gesture towards helping the city rebuild “green.” Parkinson
addressed attendees of the event to provide his thoughts on Greensburg’s ‘Green’ rebirth
and to encourage the residents to stay positive after the devastating May 4th tornado
that wiped out their entire Greensburg community. A natural gas fueling station
will also be donated by Kansas Gas Service, and Fahnestock Heating and Cooling will
install the fueling station.
November 13, 2007
Lieutenant Governor Parkinson Speaks at Middle School Assembly
 Lieutenant
Governor Parkinson visited Topeka Collegiate School to speak with students
about the importance of volunteering and renewable energy. He explained the state's
renewable energy plans for the future including impacts of climate change and global
warming; as well as discussed ways for students to get involved in their communities.
November 1, 2007
Lieutenant Governor Parkinson Visits NREL
 Lt.
Governor Parkinson traveled to Colorado to visit the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL). While visiting NREL’s facility in Golden, the
Lt. Governor met with researchers to learn more about renewable energy and NREL. Kerry
Masson, Director of Outreach and Public Affairs hosted the event. Others attending
included: Dr. Richard Bain, National Bioenergy Center; Cecile Warner, National Center
for Photovoltaics; Ben Kroposki, Electric Systems Center; and Dr. Stanley Bull, Vice
President, Midwest Research Institute and Executive Director, NREL. James Bosch,
Public Relations, led the tour of the Alternative Fuels User Facility and explained
new technologies being researched at NREL. After visiting the Alternative Fuels
Facility; Mike Robinson, Eric Lantz, Brian Parsons and Karin Sinclair spoke with Lt.
Governor Parkinson more specifically about wind energy and future impacts on Kansas. The
visit concluded with a tour of the National Wind Technology Center, Dynamometer Test
Facility and Industrial User Facility in Boulder.
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