Tuesday, March 19, I lead the debate on the House floor for the budget that is in House Substitute for House Bill 2273. The debate on the floor lasted nearly three hours after numerous amendments were offered.

The budget bill from the House is considerably different than the budget that was submitted by the governor. For fiscal year 2024, we reduced spending from the governor’s budget by approximately $450 million, all funds, and in fiscal year 2025, we reduced spending by $330 million from the governor’s recommendation with state general fund dollars, and an all funds decrease by $939 million.

The highlights of the budget bill are that in 2024, we will expedite the paying off of three bonds totaling $47.7 million; address the security breach that occurred last fall with the judicial branch; allocates to the University of Kansas and Wichita State University collaboration for a health science center $30 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies.

The highlights for fiscal year 2025 are increases to the Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals and physicians. The bill also stipulates that we will reduce the waiting list for the intellectually developmental disability waiver by 500 individuals and the same number for the physical disability waiver. We also included $23.4 million for Medicaid payments for our nursing care facilities.

Included in the budget are all the projects that we crafted to address economic development across the state of Kansas in fiscal year 2025. This includes $10 million for the World Cup event in Kansas City, and if the legislature approves of how the funds were utilized, another $18 million may be dispersed in 2026. An allocation of $16.9 million to northwest Kansas for retail and housing, $20 million for the Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, $6 million to address transportation needs when the Hilmar Plant is operational, and $4 million for three small communities in southwest Kansas that are losing their natural gas sources. All of these projects are funded with the remaining ARPA money or through a special revenue fund. None of these projects are funded with state general fund dollars.

The budget bill passed the House Floor, 91-32, now we begin conference committee with the Senate.

Since the budget was debated on the House Floor, the House Appropriations Committee only met on Wednesday and Thursday. During these meetings, we held informational hearings. Tuesday, we heard from the Kansas Lottery and they provided an update regarding the lottery, new lottery vending machines, casinos, and sports betting.&nbsp;

The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission gave us a briefing on the new Historical Horse Racing Machines facility that is being built in Park City.

Wednesday, we heard about the aviation initiatives from the Kansas Department of Transportation and the projects that were just announced. We also heard about the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul initiative in Wichita, Salina, and Topeka.

Tuesday, the House Federal and State Affairs committee had a hearing on House Bill 2653, a bill that provides for child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception. Wednesday, the committee had a hearing on Senate Bill 347, which abolishes the current Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission and creates a new commission with the requirement that the new commission is confirmed by the Senate.

The House Taxation Committee had a hearing on House Bill 2844 Wednesday regarding a new two-rate tax plan. This plan would also incorporate modifications to the personal standard deduction, increasing the property tax exemption and the amount taxed for social security, and the elimination of the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.

Also on Wednesday, March 20, the House Health and Human Services Committee, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on Medicaid expansion. This hearing has been requested by many.

Thursday, the Higher Education Committee heard House Bill 2464, which increases the dollar amount of state scholarships for students attending a postsecondary educational institution with financial needs.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at-troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>March 22, 2024 TopekaBudget Bill Debated In the HouseTuesday, March 19, I lead the debate on the House floor for the budget that is in House Substitute for House Bill 2273. The debate on the floor lasted nearly three hours after numerous amendments were offered.The budget bill from the House is considerably different than the budget that was submitted by the governor. For fiscal year 2024, we reduced spending from the governor’s budget by approximately $450 million, all funds, and in fiscal year 2025, we reduced spending by $330 million from the governor’s recommendation with state general fund dollars, and an all funds decrease by $939 million.The highlights of the budget bill are that in 2024, we will expedite the paying off of three bonds totaling $47.7 million; address the security breach that occurred last fall with the judicial branch; allocates to the University of Kansas and Wichita State University collaboration for a health science center $30 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies.The highlights for fiscal year 2025 are increases to the Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals and physicians. The bill also stipulates that we will reduce the waiting list for the intellectually developmental disability waiver by 500 individuals and the same number for the physical disability waiver. We also included $23.4 million for Medicaid payments for our nursing care facilities.Included in the budget are all the projects that we crafted to address economic development across the state of Kansas in fiscal year 2025. This includes $10 million for the World Cup event in Kansas City, and if the legislature approves of how the funds were utilized, another $18 million may be dispersed in 2026. An allocation of $16.9 million to northwest Kansas for retail and housing, $20 million for the Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, $6 million to address transportation needs when the Hilmar Plant is operational, and $4 million for three small communities in southwest Kansas that are losing their natural gas sources. All of these projects are funded with the remaining ARPA money or through a special revenue fund. None of these projects are funded with state general fund dollars.The budget bill passed the House Floor, 91-32, now we begin conference committee with the Senate.Appropriations CommitteeSince the budget was debated on the House Floor, the House Appropriations Committee only met on Wednesday and Thursday. During these meetings, we held informational hearings. Tuesday, we heard from the Kansas Lottery and they provided an update regarding the lottery, new lottery vending machines, casinos, and sports betting.&nbsp;The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission gave us a briefing on the new Historical Horse Racing Machines facility that is being built in Park City.Wednesday, we heard about the aviation initiatives from the Kansas Department of Transportation and the projects that were just announced. We also heard about the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul initiative in Wichita, Salina, and Topeka.Bills In House CommitteesTuesday, the House Federal and State Affairs committee had a hearing on House Bill 2653, a bill that provides for child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception. Wednesday, the committee had a hearing on Senate Bill 347, which abolishes the current Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission and creates a new commission with the requirement that the new commission is confirmed by the Senate.The House Taxation Committee had a hearing on House Bill 2844 Wednesday regarding a new two-rate tax plan. This plan would also incorporate modifications to the personal standard deduction, increasing the property tax exemption and the amount taxed for social security, and the elimination of the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.Also on Wednesday, March 20, the House Health and Human Services Committee, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on Medicaid expansion. This hearing has been requested by many.Thursday, the Higher Education Committee heard House Bill 2464, which increases the dollar amount of state scholarships for students attending a postsecondary educational institution with financial needs.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at-troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 22; budget bill debated in the House

From noon to 3 p.m. on April 8, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering the community an opportunity to witness a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. While our location may not experience totality, viewers will still be treated to a rare and spectacular sight as the moon obscures 82.5 percent of the sun.

The event is not just about the eclipse. It's a fun-filled and educational afternoon for all ages. Attendees can look forward to engaging in games, science experiments, snacks, crafts, and safe viewing opportunities. We encourage guests to bring lawn chairs and lunches to make the most of this exciting day.

Safety is paramount, and attendees will be reminded not to stare directly at the sun to avoid damage to their retinas. Thanks to the generosity of the Great Bend Noon Lions Club, 300 eclipse glasses will be available for distribution to participants on the day of the event.

Activities will include various safe viewing methods, learning sessions about moon phases, accompanied by sweet treats, discussion about animal behavior during an eclipse, and crafting sessions to make UV bead bookmarks and eclipse necklaces as keepsakes.

Sponsors and students from the Barton Community College STEM Club will assist in leading activities.

Additionally, lawn games will be set up around the picnic shelter, and eclipse-related videos will be screened in the auditorium.

For more information, contact the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at 877-243-9268.

Location: Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680886783788.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsFrom noon to 3 p.m. on April 8, the Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering the community an opportunity to witness a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. While our location may not experience totality, viewers will still be treated to a rare and spectacular sight as the moon obscures 82.5 percent of the sun.The event is not just about the eclipse. It's a fun-filled and educational afternoon for all ages. Attendees can look forward to engaging in games, science experiments, snacks, crafts, and safe viewing opportunities. We encourage guests to bring lawn chairs and lunches to make the most of this exciting day.Safety is paramount, and attendees will be reminded not to stare directly at the sun to avoid damage to their retinas. Thanks to the generosity of the Great Bend Noon Lions Club, 300 eclipse glasses will be available for distribution to participants on the day of the event.Activities will include various safe viewing methods, learning sessions about moon phases, accompanied by sweet treats, discussion about animal behavior during an eclipse, and crafting sessions to make UV bead bookmarks and eclipse necklaces as keepsakes.Sponsors and students from the Barton Community College STEM Club will assist in leading activities.Additionally, lawn games will be set up around the picnic shelter, and eclipse-related videos will be screened in the auditorium.For more information, contact the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at 877-243-9268.Event details:<ul>
 <li>Date: April 8</li><li>Time: 12-3 p.m.</li>
 </ul>Location: Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend.

Solar eclipse viewing party at Kansas Wetlands Education Center

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711142405665.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

NWS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711333676389.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County in Winter Weather Advisory Monday until 8 p.m.

NORTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Norton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Alan R.&nbsp;Schukman, 69, Long Island was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile east of the U.S. 283 junction in Norton.

&nbsp;The driver lost control of the vehicle when it hydroplaned. The SUV entered the north ditch and struck a culvert.

EMS transported Schukman to the hospital in Phillipsburg. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

NORTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Norton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Alan R.&nbsp;Schukman, 69, Long Island was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile east of the U.S. 283 junction in Norton.&nbsp;The driver lost control of the vehicle when it hydroplaned. The SUV entered the north ditch and struck a culvert.EMS transported Schukman to the hospital in Phillipsburg. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

NW Kan. man hospitalized after SUV hydroplanes

NWS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711317177291.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County in Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Erin Gibson of Hays has been an in-home child care provider for 22 years — a job she only anticipated working for a few years while her children were small.&nbsp;

Today children she cared for as toddlers are grown and married.

Parents who have children in Gibson's care are pleased she didn't leave the profession.

Mother Ashley Sheely nominated Gibson, and she was selected as the March Child Care Champion.

"Miss Erin takes care of our kids as if they were her own!" Sheely said. "My kids have been with Erin for 3.5 years now, and she has become a part of our family. The support she gives her families certainly surpasses the expectations!"

Gibson said she initially became a child care provider because she wanted to stay home with her oldest two children. She taught preschool for a few years, but when her third child came along, she returned to in-home child care.

Gibson said providing care in her own home also gave her the flexibility to spend more time with her husband, who was a police department patrol officer who worked varied hours.

"I'm in it until retirement now," Gibson, 45, said.

Gibson said the children and their families became an extended part of her family. She spends up to nine hours a day with the children in her care.

"Play covers everything," Gibson said. "There's social. There's emotional, education. Everything that they need to learn at this point in time we can get processed through play. "

The day the Hays Post visited, the children watched a video on dinosaurs and then played with dinosaur figurines.

Playing with blocks or at the toy workbench or kitchen helps the children model what they see at home, encourages imagination, and helps them develop fine and gross motor skills.

"When something clicks with them, that's my favorite part," she said.

Group play also helps children build social and emotional skills.

"We talk about how you can have big emotions, but it's how you respond to your emotions that we try to work on," she said.

Instead of giving the kids access to a large selection of toys from a giant toy box, she separates the toys into categories to help extend the kids' attention spans.

When she gets out Mr. Potato Head, all the children play Mr. Potato Head until they agree they're ready to move on to something else.

Child care has been a family affair for Gibson. Her mother was also a child care provider for about 30 years. She said she was lucky to be gifted many of her mother's toys.

She said the children like playing with some of the older toys and seem to get as much delight out of them as they would something with a screen, or that lights up.

She also said she thought the toys promote children's use of their imaginations. The kids were playing outside recently. One of the kids had recently watched "Night at the Museum," so the children were pretending to freeze during the "day" and then become animated museum figures at "night."

Some of Gibson's favorite times are holiday parties with the kids. During Christmas, Santa visits and brings pizza. The kids make mummy dogs for Halloween — hot dogs wrapped in biscuits. Green beans are witch fingers, and marshmallows are ghost poop.

"It's so funny to watch the kids," she said. "They say 'Oooo!' They know what it is because we eat it all of the time, but if you call it something different ..."

In-home child care has its challenges. Providers must follow numerous regulations, take continuing education hours annually and are subject to surprise inspections.

Yet Gibson encourages others interested in entering the profession to hang in there despite the challenges.

"I tell people what other job could I have that my co-worker comes to work in rainboots, shorts and a superhero cape," she said.&nbsp;

She said the hugs and I love yous make up for all she has to do to prepare for the state.

"The rewards outweigh anything that could bring you down," she said.

She said she loves watching the kids grow up, but eventually, she has to let them go.

"They are like family," she said. "Every time I lose one to kindergarten, it's like they take a part of my heart with them."

The parents aren't the only ones who want Gibson to keep up the good work.

"One little boy told me, 'You have to keep doing day care so that when I have kids and go to work, you can watch my kids, too, '" Gibson said.

To nominate a Child Care Champion from Ellis County,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710969361745.jpeg" alt="Erin Gibson, the children from her childcare and Santa Claus last Christmas. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Erin Gibson, the children from her childcare and Santa Claus last Christmas. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostErin Gibson of Hays has been an in-home child care provider for 22 years — a job she only anticipated working for a few years while her children were small.&nbsp;Today children she cared for as toddlers are grown and married.Parents who have children in Gibson's care are pleased she didn't leave the profession.Mother Ashley Sheely nominated Gibson, and she was selected as the March Child Care Champion."Miss Erin takes care of our kids as if they were her own!" Sheely said. "My kids have been with Erin for 3.5 years now, and she has become a part of our family. The support she gives her families certainly surpasses the expectations!"Gibson said she initially became a child care provider because she wanted to stay home with her oldest two children. She taught preschool for a few years, but when her third child came along, she returned to in-home child care.Gibson said providing care in her own home also gave her the flexibility to spend more time with her husband, who was a police department patrol officer who worked varied hours."I'm in it until retirement now," Gibson, 45, said.Gibson said the children and their families became an extended part of her family. She spends up to nine hours a day with the children in her care.Gibson operates on a play-based model."Play covers everything," Gibson said. "There's social. There's emotional, education. Everything that they need to learn at this point in time we can get processed through play. "The day the Hays Post visited, the children watched a video on dinosaurs and then played with dinosaur figurines.Playing with blocks or at the toy workbench or kitchen helps the children model what they see at home, encourages imagination, and helps them develop fine and gross motor skills."When something clicks with them, that's my favorite part," she said.Group play also helps children build social and emotional skills."We talk about how you can have big emotions, but it's how you respond to your emotions that we try to work on," she said.Instead of giving the kids access to a large selection of toys from a giant toy box, she separates the toys into categories to help extend the kids' attention spans.When she gets out Mr. Potato Head, all the children play Mr. Potato Head until they agree they're ready to move on to something else.Child care has been a family affair for Gibson. Her mother was also a child care provider for about 30 years. She said she was lucky to be gifted many of her mother's toys.She said the children like playing with some of the older toys and seem to get as much delight out of them as they would something with a screen, or that lights up.She also said she thought the toys promote children's use of their imaginations. The kids were playing outside recently. One of the kids had recently watched "Night at the Museum," so the children were pretending to freeze during the "day" and then become animated museum figures at "night."Some of Gibson's favorite times are holiday parties with the kids. During Christmas, Santa visits and brings pizza. The kids make mummy dogs for Halloween — hot dogs wrapped in biscuits. Green beans are witch fingers, and marshmallows are ghost poop."It's so funny to watch the kids," she said. "They say 'Oooo!' They know what it is because we eat it all of the time, but if you call it something different ..."In-home child care has its challenges. Providers must follow numerous regulations, take continuing education hours annually and are subject to surprise inspections.Yet Gibson encourages others interested in entering the profession to hang in there despite the challenges."I tell people what other job could I have that my co-worker comes to work in rainboots, shorts and a superhero cape," she said.&nbsp;She said the hugs and I love yous make up for all she has to do to prepare for the state."The rewards outweigh anything that could bring you down," she said.She said she loves watching the kids grow up, but eventually, she has to let them go."They are like family," she said. "Every time I lose one to kindergarten, it's like they take a part of my heart with them."The parents aren't the only ones who want Gibson to keep up the good work."One little boy told me, 'You have to keep doing day care so that when I have kids and go to work, you can watch my kids, too, '" Gibson said.To nominate a Child Care Champion from Ellis County,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">click here</a>.

Child Care Champion: Superheroes, pizza with Santa, ghost poop make the job

Bobby Darin Allynn rocks his Branson and travelling shows with passion, stories, and the music of Elvis Presley. Known as the ‘World’s Youngest Elvis Tribute Artist’ Bobby started performing as Elvis back when he was only two years old.

The young artist will perform for Western Plains Arts Association, Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. CDT, at the Colby Community College Cultural Arts Center. Admission by WPAA season ticket or $20 adults, $10 students at the door.

Throughout his childhood he regularly performed songs with his father, Keith Allynn, a familiar Neil Diamond Tribute artist to WPAA audiences, and his mother, Diana Lynn Allynn, a Karen Carpenter tribute artist.

Today Bobby Allynn has transformed his passion, movement and excitement of Elvis into a strong and captivating performance with all the amazing moves and outstanding vocals that would make Elvis proud. From the 50s-70s, he is recapturing the world of ‘The King’ in his very own show ‘Elvis My Way’.

This program is made possible through funding by generous area businesses and individuals including grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for Thomas County.

Bobby Allynn Elvis on Facebook or www.backtothe70stributes.com for pictures and further show information.

SubmittedBobby Darin Allynn rocks his Branson and travelling shows with passion, stories, and the music of Elvis Presley. Known as the ‘World’s Youngest Elvis Tribute Artist’ Bobby started performing as Elvis back when he was only two years old.The young artist will perform for Western Plains Arts Association, Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. CDT, at the Colby Community College Cultural Arts Center. Admission by WPAA season ticket or $20 adults, $10 students at the door.Throughout his childhood he regularly performed songs with his father, Keith Allynn, a familiar Neil Diamond Tribute artist to WPAA audiences, and his mother, Diana Lynn Allynn, a Karen Carpenter tribute artist.Today Bobby Allynn has transformed his passion, movement and excitement of Elvis into a strong and captivating performance with all the amazing moves and outstanding vocals that would make Elvis proud. From the 50s-70s, he is recapturing the world of ‘The King’ in his very own show ‘Elvis My Way’.This program is made possible through funding by generous area businesses and individuals including grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation for Thomas County.Bobby Allynn Elvis on Facebook or www.backtothe70stributes.com for pictures and further show information.

WPAA to host Bobby Darin Allynn

Join us at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at (Trinity Lutheran Church 2703 Fort Street, Hays, KS) for a worship service in the German Language. This service will be similar to services held by the Lutheran Russian-German immigrants who settled in Ellis, Barton, and Russell counties. The Service will be led by Rev. Delvin Strecker. Holy Communion will be offered. There will also be a time to share stories and reminisce. A light lunch will follow the service- both service and lunch open to the public. Lunch-freewill donation.

Rev. Delvin Strecker’s family emigrated to the Barton county area of Kansas from the Lutheran area along the Volga River in Russia. He grew up speaking the Volga German dialect but learned to speak High German and was a high school German teacher until he retired and went to seminary. Even though the Volga Germans who came to this area did not speak High German, the worship services were held in High German because their hymnals, catechisms and Bibles were written in High German. Komm danket dem Heiland mit freudigen Zungen!

SubmittedJoin us at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at (Trinity Lutheran Church 2703 Fort Street, Hays, KS) for a worship service in the German Language. This service will be similar to services held by the Lutheran Russian-German immigrants who settled in Ellis, Barton, and Russell counties. The Service will be led by Rev. Delvin Strecker. Holy Communion will be offered. There will also be a time to share stories and reminisce. A light lunch will follow the service- both service and lunch open to the public. Lunch-freewill donation.Rev. Delvin Strecker’s family emigrated to the Barton county area of Kansas from the Lutheran area along the Volga River in Russia. He grew up speaking the Volga German dialect but learned to speak High German and was a high school German teacher until he retired and went to seminary. Even though the Volga Germans who came to this area did not speak High German, the worship services were held in High German because their hymnals, catechisms and Bibles were written in High German. Komm danket dem Heiland mit freudigen Zungen!

German Worship Service set for April 7

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

When my wife and I went to vote last Tuesday, the polling station was nearly empty. One of the election workers told me it was the least busy election she’d ever seen, and as a political junkie, that did make me a little sad. Not sad enough to wish things had been entirely different, though.

Not that the results of the first state-wide presidential primary held in more than 30 years covered Kansas voters with glory. Overall, barely over 8% of all registered Democrats in the whole state participated, with the Republicans doing only slightly better, with not quite 11% turning out. Cleary, Kansas voters weren’t fired up by the choices available to them.

But then, no one expected them to be. President Biden and Donald Trump had already secured more than enough delegates to win their parties’ presidential nominations. So what substantive reason was there to participate, anyway? Why did my wife and I, along with thousands of others?

First, because the substantive results aren’t the whole story; sometimes, voters have symbolic goals in mind. Some Republicans wanted to run up Trump’s totals as show of support in the midst of all his legal penalties and controversies. (He received 75% of the Republican vote, which wasn’t a record.) And some Democrats cast protest votes as a way of communicating their disapproval of some of Biden’s policy choices. (About 10% of Democrats chose “None of these names”; Biden won 84%.) But second, there is also the civic value of the procedure itself.

True, the civic process of this primary election was pretty tame. Some, including Governor Laura Kelly, have talked wistfully about how they prefer the “energy and excitement” of the caucus system of selecting presidential delegates, with voters and activists and party leaders crowding into rooms at an appointed date and time, arguing and yelling, sometimes literally pulling on one another as supporters of different candidates line up and get counted.

I attended the Democratic presidential caucuses in Kansas in 2008 and 2016, and the Kansas Republican caucus in 2012, and I agree—the level of engagement on display there is appealing. But with blocks of voters shouting down their opponents, making the halls that parties rent out to handle the crush of voters who show up confusing and cacophonous, the process is alienating as well—and not good for those who are in the minority, yet still have a symbolic stand they wish to take.

In truth, caucuses emerged in the context of a more rural and spatially intact political environment; for all the direct democracy caucuses supposedly provide, in our more divided and urban social contexts, allowing for simple voting in a statewide primary makes more sense.

Except, of course, that if it comes down to just casting a ballot for a preferred candidate, you’re only going to get a large turnout if the results are expected to have an impact.

Moving the Kansas primary earlier in the election year calendar would make some difference; adding our state to the 16 others that vote on Super Tuesday, inching the country closer to an unofficial nation-wide presidential primary, might make even more.

Either way, though, I was glad for this primary, and I hope the legislature will organize it again in four years’ time. True, a straight-up primary vote isn’t an exciting, participatory democratic process, and this year was especially predictable. But giving citizens broadly the chance to democratically express themselves doesn’t have to be exciting; sometimes, it just needs to be.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687979607618.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasWhen my wife and I went to vote last Tuesday, the polling station was nearly empty. One of the election workers told me it was the least busy election she’d ever seen, and as a political junkie, that did make me a little sad. Not sad enough to wish things had been entirely different, though.Not that the results of the first state-wide presidential primary held in more than 30 years covered Kansas voters with glory. Overall, barely over 8% of all registered Democrats in the whole state participated, with the Republicans doing only slightly better, with not quite 11% turning out. Cleary, Kansas voters weren’t fired up by the choices available to them.But then, no one expected them to be. President Biden and Donald Trump had already secured more than enough delegates to win their parties’ presidential nominations. So what substantive reason was there to participate, anyway? Why did my wife and I, along with thousands of others?First, because the substantive results aren’t the whole story; sometimes, voters have symbolic goals in mind. Some Republicans wanted to run up Trump’s totals as show of support in the midst of all his legal penalties and controversies. (He received 75% of the Republican vote, which wasn’t a record.) And some Democrats cast protest votes as a way of communicating their disapproval of some of Biden’s policy choices. (About 10% of Democrats chose “None of these names”; Biden won 84%.) But second, there is also the civic value of the procedure itself.True, the civic process of this primary election was pretty tame. Some, including Governor Laura Kelly, have talked wistfully about how they prefer the “energy and excitement” of the caucus system of selecting presidential delegates, with voters and activists and party leaders crowding into rooms at an appointed date and time, arguing and yelling, sometimes literally pulling on one another as supporters of different candidates line up and get counted.I attended the Democratic presidential caucuses in Kansas in 2008 and 2016, and the Kansas Republican caucus in 2012, and I agree—the level of engagement on display there is appealing. But with blocks of voters shouting down their opponents, making the halls that parties rent out to handle the crush of voters who show up confusing and cacophonous, the process is alienating as well—and not good for those who are in the minority, yet still have a symbolic stand they wish to take.In truth, caucuses emerged in the context of a more rural and spatially intact political environment; for all the direct democracy caucuses supposedly provide, in our more divided and urban social contexts, allowing for simple voting in a statewide primary makes more sense.Except, of course, that if it comes down to just casting a ballot for a preferred candidate, you’re only going to get a large turnout if the results are expected to have an impact.Moving the Kansas primary earlier in the election year calendar would make some difference; adding our state to the 16 others that vote on Super Tuesday, inching the country closer to an unofficial nation-wide presidential primary, might make even more.Either way, though, I was glad for this primary, and I hope the legislature will organize it again in four years’ time. True, a straight-up primary vote isn’t an exciting, participatory democratic process, and this year was especially predictable. But giving citizens broadly the chance to democratically express themselves doesn’t have to be exciting; sometimes, it just needs to be.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Why even uneventful primaries are better than raucous caucuses

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711142133348.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Female NASCAR racer empowers women to follow dreams during Hays event

More than 250 students from Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) gathered at Fort Hays State University on March 20 for the organization’s annual State Career Development Conference (CDC).

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills.

The CDC was sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation and the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. Deputy Bank Commissioner Tim Kemp served as keynote speaker at the event.

At the event, students elected officers for next year, competed in areas of job preparedness, and met with about a dozen potential employers at a career expo.

“The State CDC is one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the year for JAG-K students,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “Representing your school at state is a rare opportunity, and all these students should be proud of the work and preparation it took to get there.”

The career expo was sponsored by Central Valley Ag, Goodland Tech and Kansas Gas Service. Students also met with representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 661, Kansas Air National Guard, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Highway Patrol, KANSASWORKS, and Larned State Correctional Facility.

JAG-K participants across Kansas voted for statewide officers for the next year. Elected to serve as state officers were: President Kameron Welch, Emporia High School; Vice President Noah Maldonado, Junction City&nbsp;High School; Secretary, Hannah Greenleaf,&nbsp;Kiowa County High School; Parliamentarian, Kalli Peterson,&nbsp;Eudora&nbsp;High School.

The 250-plus participants competed in events that showcase competencies attained in the JAG-K program.

High school students who placed in competition were:&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Lauren Saenger, Tanner Norns and Brayden Dorch, Minneapolis; 2nd&nbsp;Reuben Solis, Ausia Martinez and John Seamans, Junction City Innovations

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Bethany Wells, Junction City Innovations Academy; 2nd&nbsp;Jackson Waters, Junction City; 3rd&nbsp;Hannah Gideon, Russell.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Liam Slocum, Caiden Caldwell and Jonathan Leckner, Pratt; 2nd&nbsp;Jaden Exantus, James Lamar and Jae’lynn Dennard, Junction City.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Leo Hernandez, Hays; 2nd&nbsp;Kyla Sterbenz, Shawnee Heights; 3rd&nbsp;Brooke Hubbard, Augusta.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Sam Boetcher, Basehor-Linwood; 2nd&nbsp;Brooklyn Gilchrist, Kiowa County; 3rd&nbsp;Don Ingram, Hiawatha.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jonae Conover, Noah Maldonado and Alani Burks, Junction City&nbsp;; 2nd&nbsp;Greg Martinez, Mattea Kennis and Ashlynn Bradley, Holcomb.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ilyssa Maya, Concordia; 2nd&nbsp;AJ Hase, Emporia; 3rd&nbsp;Miami Holley, Topeka High.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Alyanna Hightower, Shawnee Mission West; 2nd&nbsp;Santina Dickson, Shawnee Mission North; 3rd&nbsp;Dalton Devin, Manhattan.

The top three finishers of the four different individual areas of competition (minus the t-shirt competition) and the top two finishers in the three team competitions earned the opportunity to compete at the National Career Development Conference in St. Louis in April.

High school teams were also awarded recognition based on their collective performance. The top three high school teams were Kiowa County High School (1st&nbsp;place), Junction City Innovations Academy (2nd&nbsp;place) and Junction City High School 2 (3rd&nbsp;place).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Competitions in seven categories were staged for middle school participants as well. Minneapolis Middle School placed first in the team standings, followed by Junction City Middle School and Kiowa County Middle School.

Students who placed in the middle school CDC competitions were:&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amelia Barnes, Norma Espericuetta and Aubree Gilchrist, Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ashlynn Mattox, Avary Domme and Makynzie Allen, Shawnee Heights Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Ryan Sanders, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 2nd&nbsp;Lilliana Martinez, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Sara Goheen, Minneapolis Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amiyah Sharp, Auburn Just and Berklee Hesman, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Annabelle Wahl, Natalie Jakubowski and Gabriel Laureano Mendez, Fort Riley Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Quinley Bohl, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Myles Brayton, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 3rd&nbsp;Tyler Sanders, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 4th&nbsp;Layquan Turner, Junction City Karns Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Jaylee Abell, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Cayden Buchenav, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Gabe Thompson, Junction City Karns Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Kaleigh Kurtz, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jemma Ploger, Delaney Little and Addison Minyard. Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Karina Galindo, Angel Flores and Aaliyah Rodriguez, Hutchinson Middle School.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ella Nokes, Great Bend Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ava Hammond, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Liliana Aquino, Carl Bruce Middle School (Kansas City); 4th&nbsp;Ray Schendel, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Patience Rowland, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 2nd&nbsp;Adrian Franco, Junction City Karns Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Zyrel Dela Cruz, Junction City Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.

Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had more than 900 high school graduates.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dQtJWzVuMd6kQCxXmlQxvCM1USneKtHDznuco0LH61GGEcWVYs6jOFYFVsVwifVT3e_asuFLpMR54wtRydpy-2RA6haRHQPH8LCPCkCpmDCDGX-RgL9d3tDpn3Dz92LHAhw5Ew0IGUkzbmpw0oYuUOgzi8bDs12UAGBAxD-Csi0YIkys4t8yRjzacg4WC4iomjoeFz4ggvHcb_9NsN3VEtx07B_6-VOP2JRXSYufk6SGCdmR0I5Bbk3lN1995-wqp8x1ULQnzHSH8BSvc75TiO8j_n8kV1hJmGsabLBKEHVAx8NA330W980f8yoHkwPENbyFVW9vnLYchpMfYyiMGF6Y4Rg6uQ2sttQqDlqxUYIokUqi9Md-t7o6VcCVCBqmaVXe3g-s36lYe4q6Ov7n5q6bMm38x9DU&amp;c=K5S67b7ng9hfERYrhHaIGf51BGI4uZkheV7DUAsgkLV0GJX4U8PScw==&amp;ch=BUJSnAhwkJAABTyWsbi8upbY0eyedTt2kBafRYhKhvn0FxCvInDwLQ==">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

SubmittedMore than 250 students from Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) gathered at Fort Hays State University on March 20 for the organization’s annual State Career Development Conference (CDC).JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills.The CDC was sponsored by the Taco Bell Foundation and the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner. Deputy Bank Commissioner Tim Kemp served as keynote speaker at the event.At the event, students elected officers for next year, competed in areas of job preparedness, and met with about a dozen potential employers at a career expo.“The State CDC is one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the year for JAG-K students,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp. “Representing your school at state is a rare opportunity, and all these students should be proud of the work and preparation it took to get there.”The career expo was sponsored by Central Valley Ag, Goodland Tech and Kansas Gas Service. Students also met with representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 661, Kansas Air National Guard, Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Highway Patrol, KANSASWORKS, and Larned State Correctional Facility.JAG-K participants across Kansas voted for statewide officers for the next year. Elected to serve as state officers were: President Kameron Welch, Emporia High School; Vice President Noah Maldonado, Junction City&nbsp;High School; Secretary, Hannah Greenleaf,&nbsp;Kiowa County High School; Parliamentarian, Kalli Peterson,&nbsp;Eudora&nbsp;High School.The 250-plus participants competed in events that showcase competencies attained in the JAG-K program.High school students who placed in competition were:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Lauren Saenger, Tanner Norns and Brayden Dorch, Minneapolis; 2nd&nbsp;Reuben Solis, Ausia Martinez and John Seamans, Junction City InnovationsAcademy.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Bethany Wells, Junction City Innovations Academy; 2nd&nbsp;Jackson Waters, Junction City; 3rd&nbsp;Hannah Gideon, Russell.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Liam Slocum, Caiden Caldwell and Jonathan Leckner, Pratt; 2nd&nbsp;Jaden Exantus, James Lamar and Jae’lynn Dennard, Junction City.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Leo Hernandez, Hays; 2nd&nbsp;Kyla Sterbenz, Shawnee Heights; 3rd&nbsp;Brooke Hubbard, Augusta.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Sam Boetcher, Basehor-Linwood; 2nd&nbsp;Brooklyn Gilchrist, Kiowa County; 3rd&nbsp;Don Ingram, Hiawatha.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jonae Conover, Noah Maldonado and Alani Burks, Junction City&nbsp;; 2nd&nbsp;Greg Martinez, Mattea Kennis and Ashlynn Bradley, Holcomb.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ilyssa Maya, Concordia; 2nd&nbsp;AJ Hase, Emporia; 3rd&nbsp;Miami Holley, Topeka High.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Alyanna Hightower, Shawnee Mission West; 2nd&nbsp;Santina Dickson, Shawnee Mission North; 3rd&nbsp;Dalton Devin, Manhattan.The top three finishers of the four different individual areas of competition (minus the t-shirt competition) and the top two finishers in the three team competitions earned the opportunity to compete at the National Career Development Conference in St. Louis in April.High school teams were also awarded recognition based on their collective performance. The top three high school teams were Kiowa County High School (1st&nbsp;place), Junction City Innovations Academy (2nd&nbsp;place) and Junction City High School 2 (3rd&nbsp;place).&nbsp;&nbsp;Competitions in seven categories were staged for middle school participants as well. Minneapolis Middle School placed first in the team standings, followed by Junction City Middle School and Kiowa County Middle School.Students who placed in the middle school CDC competitions were:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business Plan Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amelia Barnes, Norma Espericuetta and Aubree Gilchrist, Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ashlynn Mattox, Avary Domme and Makynzie Allen, Shawnee Heights Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Career Preparation: 1st&nbsp;Ryan Sanders, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 2nd&nbsp;Lilliana Martinez, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Sara Goheen, Minneapolis Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creative Decision Making Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Amiyah Sharp, Auburn Just and Berklee Hesman, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Annabelle Wahl, Natalie Jakubowski and Gabriel Laureano Mendez, Fort Riley Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employability Skills: 1st&nbsp;Quinley Bohl, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Myles Brayton, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission); 3rd&nbsp;Tyler Sanders, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 4th&nbsp;Layquan Turner, Junction City Karns Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Literacy: 1st&nbsp;Jaylee Abell, Minneapolis Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Cayden Buchenav, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Gabe Thompson, Junction City Karns Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Kaleigh Kurtz, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Based Learning Team Competition: 1st&nbsp;Jemma Ploger, Delaney Little and Addison Minyard. Kiowa County Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Karina Galindo, Angel Flores and Aaliyah Rodriguez, Hutchinson Middle School.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared Speaking: 1st&nbsp;Ella Nokes, Great Bend Middle School; 2nd&nbsp;Ava Hammond, Junction City Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Liliana Aquino, Carl Bruce Middle School (Kansas City); 4th&nbsp;Ray Schendel, Westridge Middle School (Shawnee Mission).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T-Shirt Design: 1st&nbsp;Patience Rowland, Anthony Middle School (Manhattan); 2nd&nbsp;Adrian Franco, Junction City Karns Middle School; 3rd&nbsp;Zyrel Dela Cruz, Junction City Middle School; 4th&nbsp;Vianney Rodriguez, Great Bend Middle School.Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had more than 900 high school graduates.The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains and Walmart.To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dQtJWzVuMd6kQCxXmlQxvCM1USneKtHDznuco0LH61GGEcWVYs6jOFYFVsVwifVT3e_asuFLpMR54wtRydpy-2RA6haRHQPH8LCPCkCpmDCDGX-RgL9d3tDpn3Dz92LHAhw5Ew0IGUkzbmpw0oYuUOgzi8bDs12UAGBAxD-Csi0YIkys4t8yRjzacg4WC4iomjoeFz4ggvHcb_9NsN3VEtx07B_6-VOP2JRXSYufk6SGCdmR0I5Bbk3lN1995-wqp8x1ULQnzHSH8BSvc75TiO8j_n8kV1hJmGsabLBKEHVAx8NA330W980f8yoHkwPENbyFVW9vnLYchpMfYyiMGF6Y4Rg6uQ2sttQqDlqxUYIokUqi9Md-t7o6VcCVCBqmaVXe3g-s36lYe4q6Ov7n5q6bMm38x9DU&amp;c=K5S67b7ng9hfERYrhHaIGf51BGI4uZkheV7DUAsgkLV0GJX4U8PScw==&amp;ch=BUJSnAhwkJAABTyWsbi8upbY0eyedTt2kBafRYhKhvn0FxCvInDwLQ==">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

JAG-K students gather in Hays for Career Development Conference, Career Expo

Most kids grow up wanting to become dinosaur-hunting paleontologists. At some point in their early teenage years, many of these budding dinosaur hunters move on to other interests. 

However, Maggie Wolf and Marjie Cone never waivered in a lifelong, shared, unquenchable curiosity about the natural world. 

Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History was there for Kansas City native Maggie and Chicago native Marjie when their friends began to move on to these other interests.

“We made regular trips to Colorado when I was a kid, and I always made my parents stop at the Sternberg Museum when we came through Hays,” Maggie said. “When I was little, I loved everything about the museum, except maybe the life-size model of a Mosasaur they keep in a dark cavernous space. I thought it might want to eat me.”

Marjie first learned about the Sternberg Museum from her mother in high school.

“I wanted to do an internship with the world-renowned Field Museum of Natural History in downtown Chicago, but didn’t submit my application materials until it was too late,” Marjie said. “Mom found the Sternberg summer camp program for me.”

The Sternberg Museum’s educational opportunities are perfect for kids like Marjie and Maggie, who are innately curious about the natural world, past and present.

Sternberg’s immensely popular summer camps program offers elementary, middle, and high school students unique opportunities to explore and learn in classroom settings and at specimen-rich remote sites across the High Plains of Kansas and beyond.

Kids who attend Sternberg summer camps also get to meet other kids their age who share the same interests and form bonds that last well beyond their time as campers.

Maggie and Marjie met in the summer of 2015 while attending Field Paleontology: Kansas high school camp. From that point forward, their camp connection quickly became a lasting friendship. 

Maggie and Marjie participated in several Sternberg Museum programs, including the Southwest Biology and Field Paleontology: Kansas camps. They were later invited to join the museum’s first international program in Ecuador.

Marjie and Maggie’s all-encompassing passion for science would guide their selection of colleges and chosen degree paths after high school. Marjie attended the University of Illinois, Urbanna-Champaign, and Maggie enrolled at Evansville University in Indiana.

Throughout their undergraduate years, the pair maintained their relationship with each other and the Sternberg Museum. An admirer of the two best friends’ extensive knowledge and experience in the field, David Levering, the museum’s camps director, invited the pair back to work as camp instructors. Over the next several years, Marjie and Maggie would advance from camp counselors to teaching assistants and on to their current roles as camp instructors.

“I call them the ‘M&amp;M’s,’” Levering said. “They’re great leaders who’re accountable, team-oriented, open-minded, and very knowledgeable.”

“I think I can confidently speak for both Marjie and myself when I say we have put a ton of our time and effort into building a community and making these programs exciting, rich with learning opportunities, and inclusive,” Maggie said.

When they are not leading a summer Sternberg camp, Marjie and Maggie work as outreach educators, Marjie in Moab, Utah, and Maggie in Denver. Both call their conservation education work the most fulfilling they have done in their lives.

Learn more about the Sternberg Museum’s summer camps and educational programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">https://sternberg.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583169835265.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsMost kids grow up wanting to become dinosaur-hunting paleontologists. At some point in their early teenage years, many of these budding dinosaur hunters move on to other interests. However, Maggie Wolf and Marjie Cone never waivered in a lifelong, shared, unquenchable curiosity about the natural world. Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History was there for Kansas City native Maggie and Chicago native Marjie when their friends began to move on to these other interests.“We made regular trips to Colorado when I was a kid, and I always made my parents stop at the Sternberg Museum when we came through Hays,” Maggie said. “When I was little, I loved everything about the museum, except maybe the life-size model of a Mosasaur they keep in a dark cavernous space. I thought it might want to eat me.”Marjie first learned about the Sternberg Museum from her mother in high school.“I wanted to do an internship with the world-renowned Field Museum of Natural History in downtown Chicago, but didn’t submit my application materials until it was too late,” Marjie said. “Mom found the Sternberg summer camp program for me.”The Sternberg Museum’s educational opportunities are perfect for kids like Marjie and Maggie, who are innately curious about the natural world, past and present.Sternberg’s immensely popular summer camps program offers elementary, middle, and high school students unique opportunities to explore and learn in classroom settings and at specimen-rich remote sites across the High Plains of Kansas and beyond.Kids who attend Sternberg summer camps also get to meet other kids their age who share the same interests and form bonds that last well beyond their time as campers.Maggie and Marjie met in the summer of 2015 while attending Field Paleontology: Kansas high school camp. From that point forward, their camp connection quickly became a lasting friendship. Maggie and Marjie participated in several Sternberg Museum programs, including the Southwest Biology and Field Paleontology: Kansas camps. They were later invited to join the museum’s first international program in Ecuador.Marjie and Maggie’s all-encompassing passion for science would guide their selection of colleges and chosen degree paths after high school. Marjie attended the University of Illinois, Urbanna-Champaign, and Maggie enrolled at Evansville University in Indiana.Throughout their undergraduate years, the pair maintained their relationship with each other and the Sternberg Museum. An admirer of the two best friends’ extensive knowledge and experience in the field, David Levering, the museum’s camps director, invited the pair back to work as camp instructors. Over the next several years, Marjie and Maggie would advance from camp counselors to teaching assistants and on to their current roles as camp instructors.“I call them the ‘M&amp;M’s,’” Levering said. “They’re great leaders who’re accountable, team-oriented, open-minded, and very knowledgeable.”“I think I can confidently speak for both Marjie and myself when I say we have put a ton of our time and effort into building a community and making these programs exciting, rich with learning opportunities, and inclusive,” Maggie said.When they are not leading a summer Sternberg camp, Marjie and Maggie work as outreach educators, Marjie in Moab, Utah, and Maggie in Denver. Both call their conservation education work the most fulfilling they have done in their lives.Learn more about the Sternberg Museum’s summer camps and educational programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">https://sternberg.fhsu.edu</a>.

Sternberg summer camps led by former Sternberg campers

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Alfalfa weevil eggs are laid inside alfalfa stems in the fall and spring. Larvae feed on terminal and upper plant leaves early in the spring. Resulting in damage occurring before the first cutting.

Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated. Since we cannot determine if eggs present were laid the previous fall or the current spring, in Kansas, scouting should start after 180 degree days have accumulated starting from January 1.

Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year. A similar trend occurred in 2023. There were reports of treatable infestations in south-central Kansas during the last week of March, and in mid-April of 2023, fields were being treated, or close to being treated, in the central, southeast, and northeast regions of the state. It is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring now in all regions of the state, says Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.

Be aware of insecticide resistance - while warmer spring temperatures allow for faster alfalfa weevil development, be aware that dramatic temperature drops can slow down alfalfa growth, making the plants unable to keep up with feeding damage. Treatment may be warranted in shorter fields between 3 and 7 inches tall when feeding is evident on the top inch of growth and 1 to 2 larvae are present. If a field is treated, it is important to verify that the expected amount of control was achieved. In 2020, populations of alfalfa weevil resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II w/Zeon Tech) were verified in northwest and southwest Kansas and Oklahoma. While this resistance has not appeared to become a widespread problem for Kansas producers, a couple of fields reported in central Kansas last year where lambda-cyhalothrin had reduced efficacy. Oklahoma continues to have resistance statewide. Numerous products are available for alfalfa weevil control in Kansas. When making management decisions, it is important to rotate modes of action as this is an effective way to prevent the development of resistance.

One update to control options to be aware of for 2024 is the reversal of the EPA’s ruling to ban chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and others). On November 2, 2023, the Eighth Circuit issued a ruling vacating EPA’s final rule and sending the issue of chlorpyrifos tolerances back to EPA for further proceedings. Following that, the EPA issued a technical correction in which 11 special uses of chlorpyriphos were allowed. Among the 11 special uses pertinent to Kansas are alfalfa, cotton, soybean, and winter wheat.

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAlfalfa weevil eggs are laid inside alfalfa stems in the fall and spring. Larvae feed on terminal and upper plant leaves early in the spring. Resulting in damage occurring before the first cutting.Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated. Since we cannot determine if eggs present were laid the previous fall or the current spring, in Kansas, scouting should start after 180 degree days have accumulated starting from January 1.Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year. A similar trend occurred in 2023. There were reports of treatable infestations in south-central Kansas during the last week of March, and in mid-April of 2023, fields were being treated, or close to being treated, in the central, southeast, and northeast regions of the state. It is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring now in all regions of the state, says Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.Be aware of insecticide resistance - while warmer spring temperatures allow for faster alfalfa weevil development, be aware that dramatic temperature drops can slow down alfalfa growth, making the plants unable to keep up with feeding damage. Treatment may be warranted in shorter fields between 3 and 7 inches tall when feeding is evident on the top inch of growth and 1 to 2 larvae are present. If a field is treated, it is important to verify that the expected amount of control was achieved. In 2020, populations of alfalfa weevil resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II w/Zeon Tech) were verified in northwest and southwest Kansas and Oklahoma. While this resistance has not appeared to become a widespread problem for Kansas producers, a couple of fields reported in central Kansas last year where lambda-cyhalothrin had reduced efficacy. Oklahoma continues to have resistance statewide. Numerous products are available for alfalfa weevil control in Kansas. When making management decisions, it is important to rotate modes of action as this is an effective way to prevent the development of resistance.One update to control options to be aware of for 2024 is the reversal of the EPA’s ruling to ban chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and others). On November 2, 2023, the Eighth Circuit issued a ruling vacating EPA’s final rule and sending the issue of chlorpyrifos tolerances back to EPA for further proceedings. Following that, the EPA issued a technical correction in which 11 special uses of chlorpyriphos were allowed. Among the 11 special uses pertinent to Kansas are alfalfa, cotton, soybean, and winter wheat.For the most up-to-date alfalfa weevil degree day accumulations, visit the Kansas Mesonet Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Calculator (https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/degreedays/). For a complete guide to alfalfa weevil management recommendations, please refer to the upcoming K-State Research &amp; Extension publication 2024 Alfalfa Insect Pest Management Guide that will be available online soon.Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomologist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.