Kansas to return unclaimed property to unemployed persons

The Kansas treasurer and labor department are working together to get unclaimed property to residents who have applied for unemployment benefits.

According to an announcement today, information from the Kansas Department of Labor is cross-referenced with the Kansas unclaimed property database.

The state treasurer’s office now will identify and reach out to unemployed claimants who might have unclaimed property, according to the announcement.

Cross-matching began May 17 and $932,978 has been identified as potentially belonging to Kansas residents who have filed for unemployment benefits, according to the spokesman for the treasurer’s office. Efforts are underway to return the unclaimed property to the owners.

“We are grateful for the partnership with KDOL to help us in our efforts to get money back into the pockets of the hardworking Kansans who earned it,” State Treasurer Lynn Rogers said in a news release. “This money doesn’t belong to the state, it belongs to Kansans, and we understand that every penny counts, especially to those who may already be struggling to make ends meet.”

“KDOL is excited to partner with Treasurer Rogers and his team on this program,” Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz said. “Working together to identify and notify individuals applying for unemployment that they may have unclaimed property is another opportunity to better serve Kansans who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Kansas State Treasurer’s Office is sending out claim packets to individuals identified through the cross-referencing process. Those who receive this form will need to follow the instructions on the form and return it to the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office in order to claim their assets, according to the spokesman.

Unclaimed property can be any financial asset that has not been claimed by its owner or has not had any owner-generated activity for a specific period of time. Unclaimed property is not real estate.

Claiming unclaimed property through the office of Kansas State Treasurer is easy, safe, and free, according to the spokesman. Any website requesting credit card information or offering to find property for a fee is not the official website of the state treasurer.

For more information on the unclaimed property program and to search online, go to KansasCash.ks.gov.

KCKCC women advance on two goals in final 14 minutes

KCKCC freshman Katharina Oelschlaeger, who had the clinching goal in the Blue Devils’ 3-1 win over Dodge City, beat the Conquistadores’ Fernanda Olivas in early action in the playoff opener Tuesday. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC sports information

Kansas City Kansas Community College’s magic soccer ride kept right on rolling Tuesday.

Despite a 1-0 deficit and a 1½-hour rain and lightning delay, the Lady Blue Devils rallied with two goals in the final 14 minutes of the second half for a 3-1 win over Dodge City and a berth in the Region VI Division I semifinals.

KCKCC (12-1-1) will take on Barton County (11-3-1) Saturday at the Stryker Soccer Complex in Wichita. It will be the second meeting of the two teams, the Blue Devils winning 3-2 at Barton Sept. 24.

Game time has not been announced but it is expected KCKCC and Barton will collide at noon with Hutchinson (8-3-3) meeting Butler County (6-8) at 2 p.m. in Saturday’s other semifinal. The finals will be played Sunday and all contests are scheduled to be streamed on the KJCCC or NJCAA websites.

“This might be the first day we’ve had the entire starting 11 in good health since the middle of the season,” KCKCC coach Shawn Uhlenhake said. “The group may get anxious at times but its put us in the best situation going into the playoffs.”

While almost the entire first half was played in Dodge City territory, it was the Blue Devils who trailed 1-0 when the Conquistadors’ Gabby Staley beat KCKCC goalkeeper Susie Lopez to a misplaced kick for an open net goal with 6:15 remaining in the first half. It was only the 10th goal given up all season, the fewest in the Jayhawk Conference.

However, the Blue Devils quickly responded, Maddy Broeker scoring from in front of the goal on a pass from Melissa Siegel with 2:45 left in the half.

“The score just before halftime was very important,” Uhlenhake said. “We were playing well and had some really good opportunities but our shots were right at the goalie or just off. I wasn’t concerned, it was just a matter of when we scored although in the playoffs you never know.”

Jaidlyn Yingling broke the 1-1 tie with 13:23 left in the game. Getting assists from Broeker and Paige Liston, Yingling poked home the go-ahead goal in a scramble in front of the goal.

Less than three minutes later, Katharina Oelschlaeger added an insurance goal on an assist from Kennia Acuna Soto with 10:56 left.

Unofficially, KCKCC got off 31 shots to just six for Dodge City.

“Our midfielders (Kayley Pedersen, Accuna Soto, Oelschlaeger) took control of the game, winning all the goal kicks and punts,” Uhlenhake said. “And in doing that, it allowed our forwards to run in. When we do that, we’re a hard team to beat.”

Jaidyn Yingling, whose goal with 13:23 remaining broke a 1-1 tie, sent a shot past Dodge City’s Sophia Martinez in KCKCC’s 3-1 opening round playoff win Tuesday. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)
There were smiles and grins all around after KCKCC’s 3-1 win over Dodge City Tuesday that advanced the Blue Devils into the semifinals of the Region VI Division I playoffs in Wichita Saturday. (KCKCC photo by Alan Hoskins)