A trio of road construction projects in Rawlins and Decatur counties is expected to begin over the next few weeks.

All three are Kansas Department of Transportation projects.

The
 first project will start the week of May 24 on K-117 in Rawlins County.
 Work will consist of a 1-inch mill and 2-inch overlay on approximately 
12 miles, starting at the U.S. 36 junction and ending at the Nebraska 
state line. 

<a>Upon completion on K-117, crews will begin resurfacing U.S. 83 followed by U.S. 36 in Decatur County. </a>The
 U.S. 83 portion will cover 8 miles from near County Road 9S north to 
the U.S 36 junction. The U.S. 36 portion will span approximately 11 
miles, starting at the Rawlins County line and ending near the U.S 83 
junction.

Traffic
 through these projects will be directed through the work zones by 
flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours. Minor delays, not 
exceeding 15 minutes, can be expected.

KDOT expects work on the K-117 project to end in mid-June and the U.S 83/36 projects by the end of July, weather permitting.

Venture
 Corp. is the primary contractor for the projects with combined contract
 costs totaling approximately $4.4 million.&nbsp;

KDOTA trio of road construction projects in Rawlins and Decatur counties is expected to begin over the next few weeks.All three are Kansas Department of Transportation projects.The
 first project will start the week of May 24 on K-117 in Rawlins County.
 Work will consist of a 1-inch mill and 2-inch overlay on approximately 
12 miles, starting at the U.S. 36 junction and ending at the Nebraska 
state line. <a>Upon completion on K-117, crews will begin resurfacing U.S. 83 followed by U.S. 36 in Decatur County. </a>The
 U.S. 83 portion will cover 8 miles from near County Road 9S north to 
the U.S 36 junction. The U.S. 36 portion will span approximately 11 
miles, starting at the Rawlins County line and ending near the U.S 83 
junction.Traffic
 through these projects will be directed through the work zones by 
flaggers and a pilot car during daylight hours. Minor delays, not 
exceeding 15 minutes, can be expected.KDOT expects work on the K-117 project to end in mid-June and the U.S 83/36 projects by the end of July, weather permitting.Venture
 Corp. is the primary contractor for the projects with combined contract
 costs totaling approximately $4.4 million.&nbsp;

Road construction projects slated in Rawlins, Decatur counties

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Subaru Forrester driven by Alex D. Carroll, 34, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 183 exit. 

The vehicle struck a deer that ran onto the roadway from the south ditch.

EMS transported a passenger Joanna W. Carroll, 37, Colorado Springs, to Hays Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

ELLIS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Monday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Subaru Forrester driven by Alex D. Carroll, 34, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of the U.S. 183 exit. The vehicle struck a deer that ran onto the roadway from the south ditch.EMS transported a passenger Joanna W. Carroll, 37, Colorado Springs, to Hays Medical Center. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after car strikes deer on I-70

WALLACE COUNTY—Three Kansas teens were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Monday in Wallace County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Jeep SUV driven by Cade M. Johnson, 15, Sharon Springs, was westbound on Gooseberry Road just east of Kansas 27.

The vehicle traveled into the north ditch and rolled into a field coming to rest on its top.

EMS transported Johnson and passengers Landon L. Johnson, 18 and 13-year-old Payton Johnson both of Sharon Springs to the Greeley County Hospital. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

WALLACE COUNTY—Three Kansas teens were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Monday in Wallace County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Jeep SUV driven by Cade M. Johnson, 15, Sharon Springs, was westbound on Gooseberry Road just east of Kansas 27.The vehicle traveled into the north ditch and rolled into a field coming to rest on its top.EMS transported Johnson and passengers Landon L. Johnson, 18 and 13-year-old Payton Johnson both of Sharon Springs to the Greeley County Hospital. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

3 Kansas teens hospitalized after Jeep rolls into field

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A home northwest of Hays suffered significant damage when it
was struck by lightning early Monday morning.

Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers said crews were called
to 380th and Fairground Road just after 7:30 a.m. for the report of
a fire.

When crews arrived on scene, they did not find any smoke but
the home had suffered a direct lightning strike.

Myers said lightning hit the chimney and caused a hole in
the roof. The electric current that traveled through the house blew light
plate, vent covers and cable covers off throughout the house, according to
Myers.

Crews were able to help the homeowner get tarps in place to
help avoid any further water intrusion. 

Western Electric Cooperative was on scene and helped turn
off power to the farm until an electrician was able to arrive.

Myers said crews were on scene until 9:15 a.m.

The Ellis County Fire Department, Hays and Ellis city fire
departments, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and Ellis County EMS responded to the scene.

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA home northwest of Hays suffered significant damage when it
was struck by lightning early Monday morning.Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers said crews were called
to 380th and Fairground Road just after 7:30 a.m. for the report of
a fire.When crews arrived on scene, they did not find any smoke but
the home had suffered a direct lightning strike.Myers said lightning hit the chimney and caused a hole in
the roof. The electric current that traveled through the house blew light
plate, vent covers and cable covers off throughout the house, according to
Myers.Crews were able to help the homeowner get tarps in place to
help avoid any further water intrusion. Western Electric Cooperative was on scene and helped turn
off power to the farm until an electrician was able to arrive.Myers said crews were on scene until 9:15 a.m.The Ellis County Fire Department, Hays and Ellis city fire
departments, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and Ellis County EMS responded to the scene.

Lightning causes damage to Ellis County home

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for a large portion of northwest Kansas until 9 p.m. Monday.

According to Trego County Emergency Management Director Kathleen Fabrizius, storms are expected to develop around Tribune and move north-northeast before moving eastward.&nbsp;

Large hail — possibly baseball-sized — is possible, along with heavy rain and possible flash flooding. The NWS also said wind gusts could reach 70 mph.

While Ellis County is not included in the tornado watch, there is a slight risk of severe, with the greatest likelihood between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.

There is a chance of continued thunderstorms through the week before skies are expected to clear Friday.

Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621883766300.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for a large portion of northwest Kansas until 9 p.m. Monday.According to Trego County Emergency Management Director Kathleen Fabrizius, storms are expected to develop around Tribune and move north-northeast before moving eastward.&nbsp;Large hail — possibly baseball-sized — is possible, along with heavy rain and possible flash flooding. The NWS also said wind gusts could reach 70 mph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621883946110.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While Ellis County is not included in the tornado watch, there is a slight risk of severe, with the greatest likelihood between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.There is a chance of continued thunderstorms through the week before skies are expected to clear Friday.Check Hays Post and tune into your Eagle Radio of Hays stations for the latest on severe weather.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621884190287.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Tornado watch: NW Kan. storm could bring large hail, heavy rain

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, one active and two recovering.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,750 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621876034398.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases in Ellis County had been identified since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.As of Monday, the University of Kansas Health System reported three COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, one active and two recovering.Since reporting began, there have been 3,750 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 72 coronavirus-related deaths.

KDHE: No new virus cases on Ellis Co. since Friday

2020 Kansas Farm Management Association data released&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Early concerns for a tough year on Kansas farms linked to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 were ultimately alleviated by strong crop yields, dramatically improved grain prices and COVID-19-related government payments, according to the Kansas Farm Management Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Net farm income for KFMA members climbed to $167,894 last year, up from $108,960 the previous year and the five-year average of $98,282. The data reflected a string of consecutive years of increasing gains since 2015 when income plummeted to $6,744, its lowest average in 30 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In what he termed as “the wild ride of 2020,” KFMA director Kevin Herbel said early expectations were for a sharp drop in income due to market and supply chain disruptions, temporary livestock processing closures, dry weather in some areas, increased feed costs and other factors. However, the year turned out better than anticipated, due in large part to pandemic-related relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Government payments linked to coronavirus pandemic relief and traditional program payments (Agricultural Risk Coverage, or ARC, and Price Loss Coverage, or PLC), plus livestock and conservation payments averaged $113,078, which was 67% of net farm income, Herbel said. Without those payments, 2020 net farm income would have averaged $54,816 per farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Not all Kansas farms are KFMA members, but the data serve as a barometer of sorts for how farms are faring on an annual basis. The 2020 KFMA Executive Summary is available&nbsp;<a href="https://agmanager.info/kfma/whole-farm-analysis/kfma-executive-summary/2020-executive-summary">online</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the annual summary, farmers who irrigated 20% to 60% of their crops fared best at $211,058, with those who irrigated more than 60% averaging $205,567. Dryland net farm income averaged $176,047.&nbsp;

Net income for diversified farms that raise crops and have beef cattle backgrounding operations averaged $173,443. For crop producers who also background and finish their own cattle, net farm income averaged $203,546.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Average net income for dairy cattle operations was $188,279, well above the $66,647 average in 2019.

Those operations listing cowherd as their only source of income averaged $61,932, up from $51,986 a year earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The summary also indicated that in 2020:&nbsp;

“While there is optimism and positive expectations as we look forward in 2021, there is still much uncertainty and volatility,” Herbel said. “It is important for farm managers to assess their individual financial position, to know their numbers and use their numbers, in order to better understand the environment in which they are making decisions.”&nbsp;

An Agriculture Today radio interview with Herbel and KFMA agricultural economists from around the state on the topic is&nbsp;<a href="https://agtodayksu.libsyn.com/in-depth-discussion-of-the-2020-kansas-net-farm-income-report-xeriscaping-webinar-preview">available online</a>. For more detail, including information on different areas of the state, check the&nbsp;<a href="https://agmanager.info/kfma/whole-farm-analysis/kfma-executive-summary/2020-executive-summary">2020 KFMA Executive Summary online</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>2020 Kansas Farm Management Association data released&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research &amp; ExtensionMANHATTAN – Early concerns for a tough year on Kansas farms linked to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 were ultimately alleviated by strong crop yields, dramatically improved grain prices and COVID-19-related government payments, according to the Kansas Farm Management Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;Net farm income for KFMA members climbed to $167,894 last year, up from $108,960 the previous year and the five-year average of $98,282. The data reflected a string of consecutive years of increasing gains since 2015 when income plummeted to $6,744, its lowest average in 30 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;In what he termed as “the wild ride of 2020,” KFMA director Kevin Herbel said early expectations were for a sharp drop in income due to market and supply chain disruptions, temporary livestock processing closures, dry weather in some areas, increased feed costs and other factors. However, the year turned out better than anticipated, due in large part to pandemic-related relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;Government payments linked to coronavirus pandemic relief and traditional program payments (Agricultural Risk Coverage, or ARC, and Price Loss Coverage, or PLC), plus livestock and conservation payments averaged $113,078, which was 67% of net farm income, Herbel said. Without those payments, 2020 net farm income would have averaged $54,816 per farm.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not all Kansas farms are KFMA members, but the data serve as a barometer of sorts for how farms are faring on an annual basis. The 2020 KFMA Executive Summary is available&nbsp;<a href="https://agmanager.info/kfma/whole-farm-analysis/kfma-executive-summary/2020-executive-summary">online</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the annual summary, farmers who irrigated 20% to 60% of their crops fared best at $211,058, with those who irrigated more than 60% averaging $205,567. Dryland net farm income averaged $176,047.&nbsp; Net income for diversified farms that raise crops and have beef cattle backgrounding operations averaged $173,443. For crop producers who also background and finish their own cattle, net farm income averaged $203,546.&nbsp;&nbsp;Average net income for dairy cattle operations was $188,279, well above the $66,647 average in 2019. Those operations listing cowherd as their only source of income averaged $61,932, up from $51,986 a year earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;The summary also indicated that in 2020:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Net worth for the average KFMA farm, from the beginning to the end of 2020, rose by $135,811.&nbsp;</li><li>Total debt per farm decreased 3.15%, the largest annual decrease in debt since the early 1970’s.&nbsp;</li><li>The gross value of crop production increased to $414.30 per acre, the highest level since 2013, while crop production costs increased 2.2%.&nbsp;</li><li>Machinery and equipment investment increased; however, machinery costs were level at $91.51 per acre with a decrease in fuel expense offsetting increased depreciation expense&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>The value of livestock produced by the average KFMA farm increased 17.6%. However, more than 26% of this total value came from COVID-19-related government payments. Without those payments, the value of livestock production would have decreased 13.8%.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“While there is optimism and positive expectations as we look forward in 2021, there is still much uncertainty and volatility,” Herbel said. “It is important for farm managers to assess their individual financial position, to know their numbers and use their numbers, in order to better understand the environment in which they are making decisions.”&nbsp;An Agriculture Today radio interview with Herbel and KFMA agricultural economists from around the state on the topic is&nbsp;<a href="https://agtodayksu.libsyn.com/in-depth-discussion-of-the-2020-kansas-net-farm-income-report-xeriscaping-webinar-preview">available online</a>. For more detail, including information on different areas of the state, check the&nbsp;<a href="https://agmanager.info/kfma/whole-farm-analysis/kfma-executive-summary/2020-executive-summary">2020 KFMA Executive Summary online</a>.&nbsp;

Kan. farm income climbed in 2020, boosted by grain prices, subsidies

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Casey Herman of Hays has filed for a seat in the 2021 Hays USD 489 school board election.

Herman, a parent of a USD 489 student, spoke to the USD 489 school board on Monday about his concerns about continued requirements for students and staff to wear masks.

Board members and district officials have made no indication they plan to continue to require masks in the fall. School has released for the summer.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bbff85e1-b0dd-4d7d-9533-57b1515aac3e">As of April 26, the school district eased mask requirements, but did not eliminate them.&nbsp;</a>

Students were allowed to remove their masks if they chose while they were seated in class.

Students were still required to wear masks: • On district transportation during regular transportation routes and during transportation for activities. • When entering school buildings. • When in congested hallways or confined areas. • When standing in food lines.

"I am here today to demand this board votes to remove the masks for students and staff," Herman said on May 17. "I believe this board is completely out of touch with the community.

"Have you been outside? No one is wearing a mask."

He said USD 489 is the only place where kids are wearing a mask. He said his daughter told him half of the students were not wearing their masks at school and in the hallways.&nbsp;

"Why is this board so afraid?" he said. "All I have seen is fear from you and what the media tells you to be afraid of.&nbsp;

"As I mentioned, you are out of touch, so I don't care how you vote, but the community needs to know how you stand on this issue. We have an election coming, and the community needs to know who listens to the community and those who think they can tell you the medical decisions to make for your child."

Herman said he thought the board would keep masks indefinitely. He also complained he attended the last school board meeting at which several staff members were not wearing their masks.

He also complained that masks were required of students and parents at the recent Hays Middle School strings concert.&nbsp;

"Does this board care about the community at all? No, we are not your comrades. Leave your politics at home. The community is sick of politics at school.

"I am running for this school board. I filed months ago, because I believe this school board doesn't care about what the community thinks, and I am not alone. There are more regular people like me, who will find the time we don't have to ensure the community's parents are well represented with the kids put first and politics never."

He noted other school districts in the area eliminated mask requirements.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3afdc760-04d7-4080-a8d4-6f9eea72c39e">Tom Wasinger has also filed for the election.&nbsp;</a>

Three at-large seats will be up for election this year. Those include the seats held by Mike Walker, Lance Bickle and Nuchelle Chance. None of those board members have filed for re-election.

Chance was appointed to finish the term vacated by Sophia Rose Young, who moved out of the district.

The deadline to file for election is noon June 1. The primary will be Aug. 3, and the general election will be Nov. 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621610637018.jpeg" alt="Casey Herman speaks before the Hays USD 489 school board May 17." />
 <figcaption>Casey Herman speaks before the Hays USD 489 school board May 17.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostCasey Herman of Hays has filed for a seat in the 2021 Hays USD 489 school board election.Herman, a parent of a USD 489 student, spoke to the USD 489 school board on Monday about his concerns about continued requirements for students and staff to wear masks.Board members and district officials have made no indication they plan to continue to require masks in the fall. School has released for the summer.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bbff85e1-b0dd-4d7d-9533-57b1515aac3e">As of April 26, the school district eased mask requirements, but did not eliminate them.&nbsp;</a>Students were allowed to remove their masks if they chose while they were seated in class.Students were still required to wear masks: • On district transportation during regular transportation routes and during transportation for activities. • When entering school buildings. • When in congested hallways or confined areas. • When standing in food lines."I am here today to demand this board votes to remove the masks for students and staff," Herman said on May 17. "I believe this board is completely out of touch with the community."Have you been outside? No one is wearing a mask."He said USD 489 is the only place where kids are wearing a mask. He said his daughter told him half of the students were not wearing their masks at school and in the hallways.&nbsp;"Why is this board so afraid?" he said. "All I have seen is fear from you and what the media tells you to be afraid of.&nbsp;"As I mentioned, you are out of touch, so I don't care how you vote, but the community needs to know how you stand on this issue. We have an election coming, and the community needs to know who listens to the community and those who think they can tell you the medical decisions to make for your child."Herman said he thought the board would keep masks indefinitely. He also complained he attended the last school board meeting at which several staff members were not wearing their masks.He also complained that masks were required of students and parents at the recent Hays Middle School strings concert.&nbsp;"Does this board care about the community at all? No, we are not your comrades. Leave your politics at home. The community is sick of politics at school."I am running for this school board. I filed months ago, because I believe this school board doesn't care about what the community thinks, and I am not alone. There are more regular people like me, who will find the time we don't have to ensure the community's parents are well represented with the kids put first and politics never."He noted other school districts in the area eliminated mask requirements.&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3afdc760-04d7-4080-a8d4-6f9eea72c39e">Tom Wasinger has also filed for the election.&nbsp;</a>Three at-large seats will be up for election this year. Those include the seats held by Mike Walker, Lance Bickle and Nuchelle Chance. None of those board members have filed for re-election.Chance was appointed to finish the term vacated by Sophia Rose Young, who moved out of the district.The deadline to file for election is noon June 1. The primary will be Aug. 3, and the general election will be Nov. 2.

Hays USD 489 BOE candidate wants masks requirements ended

In an effort to bring project-based activities to area youth, K-State Research and Extension has launched the Kansas Clover Classroom, providing a resource for parents and youth leaders to present fun science lessons to area children.

“It’s something we’re really excited about,” said Susan
Schlichting, 4-H Youth Development agent with the Cottonwood Extension
District. “We have been locked down for the last year of life and we put our
energies toward creating some new resources that kids and families can download
for free from the Kansas 4-H website to help them learn some new things in our
4-H traditional way of hands of learning.”

<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/cloverclassroom.html">The first set of eight project challenges is currently
available now</a>&nbsp;on the Kansas 4-H website.

The challenges are laid out on 8-by-11 pages that outline the hands-on activities including resources and hints about the individual projects.

“Things like geology, photography, bread baking, gardening,
building a pollinator garden are some of the things already in the classroom,” Schlichting said.

Ultimately, they hope to have 30 projects available,
reflecting 4-H project areas.

“It’s a great tool that you can have access to anytime day or night and explore those project areas,” Schlichting said.

Each project contains everything needed for the individual
challenges, including links to further information.

And the challenges are also designed to use materials commonly
found in the home.

“The online resources and virtual 4-H meeting zooms have enhanced my ability to provide them with bigger city options and help me with resources on things I am not an expert in," said Christina Frick, who has three children involved with the Pawnee County 4-H.

"I think all these resources are great," she said. (It lets children) "use their imagination and creativity to explore.”&nbsp;

Frick also said the program has encouraged her children to be active while learning.

"The kids love to go explore the pastures," she said. "We have done metal detecting in our pastures and they always are on the lookout for drop antlers in the pasture and trees.  The day that photo (above) was taken they went exploring and brought back many treasures. ... Many 4-H projects relate to each other so when we do a project it applies to many other projects."&nbsp;

While the classroom is online and can be completed with parents in the home, Schlichting said there are also opportunities
to use the challenges in a group setting or for others that want to have an engaging experience with a child.

“Maybe grandma wants to teach their grandchild how to bake
bread,” Schlichting said. “Here is a great little tool to help them get started
and some hints on how to approach that with their grandchild.”

She said the projects could also be used in a school
setting, or among 4-H clubs.

“It could be done as a group effort,” Schlichting said. “But
it could also be an individual child.”

The programs are designed to work for students at a variety of ages and educational levels.

“Some of them are set up differently; some of them are very
focused on beginner level,” Schlichting said. 

Others she said include more advanced concepts.

“There are things like the bread-making challenge actually
has three different levels of challenge within one project challenge sheet,”
Schlichting said.

“Each one of them has a little bit different twist,” she
said. “You will want to explore them and see what fits well for you.”

The Clover Classroom was developed as a collaborative effort with extension agents across the state.

With the Extension being a part of
Kansas State University, Schlichting said everything is based on research and relays science-based activities in a fun and engaging way.

“It may not seem like science, but there is science behind
everything we are doing,” Schlichting said. 

“There are a lot of different avenues you can pursue with
this, and we think it is a really fun resource and hope that families will take
advantage of it this summer,” she said.

The projects can be downloaded for free at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/cloverclassroom.html">kansas4-h.org/resources/cloverclassroom.html</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621540240598.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Christina Frick, Pawnee County 4-H." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Christina Frick, Pawnee County 4-H.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Kansas Clover Classroom provides free educational opportunities" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9zk7b-104242c-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostIn an effort to bring project-based activities to area youth, K-State Research and Extension has launched the Kansas Clover Classroom, providing a resource for parents and youth leaders to present fun science lessons to area children.“It’s something we’re really excited about,” said Susan
Schlichting, 4-H Youth Development agent with the Cottonwood Extension
District. “We have been locked down for the last year of life and we put our
energies toward creating some new resources that kids and families can download
for free from the Kansas 4-H website to help them learn some new things in our
4-H traditional way of hands of learning.”<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/cloverclassroom.html">The first set of eight project challenges is currently
available now</a>&nbsp;on the Kansas 4-H website.The challenges are laid out on 8-by-11 pages that outline the hands-on activities including resources and hints about the individual projects.“Things like geology, photography, bread baking, gardening,
building a pollinator garden are some of the things already in the classroom,” Schlichting said.Ultimately, they hope to have 30 projects available,
reflecting 4-H project areas.“It’s a great tool that you can have access to anytime day or night and explore those project areas,” Schlichting said.Each project contains everything needed for the individual
challenges, including links to further information.And the challenges are also designed to use materials commonly
found in the home.“The online resources and virtual 4-H meeting zooms have enhanced my ability to provide them with bigger city options and help me with resources on things I am not an expert in," said Christina Frick, who has three children involved with the Pawnee County 4-H."I think all these resources are great," she said. (It lets children) "use their imagination and creativity to explore.”&nbsp;Frick also said the program has encouraged her children to be active while learning."The kids love to go explore the pastures," she said. "We have done metal detecting in our pastures and they always are on the lookout for drop antlers in the pasture and trees. The day that photo (above) was taken they went exploring and brought back many treasures. ... Many 4-H projects relate to each other so when we do a project it applies to many other projects."&nbsp;While the classroom is online and can be completed with parents in the home, Schlichting said there are also opportunities
to use the challenges in a group setting or for others that want to have an engaging experience with a child.“Maybe grandma wants to teach their grandchild how to bake
bread,” Schlichting said. “Here is a great little tool to help them get started
and some hints on how to approach that with their grandchild.”She said the projects could also be used in a school
setting, or among 4-H clubs.“It could be done as a group effort,” Schlichting said. “But
it could also be an individual child.”The programs are designed to work for students at a variety of ages and educational levels.“Some of them are set up differently; some of them are very
focused on beginner level,” Schlichting said. Others she said include more advanced concepts.“There are things like the bread-making challenge actually
has three different levels of challenge within one project challenge sheet,”
Schlichting said.“Each one of them has a little bit different twist,” she
said. “You will want to explore them and see what fits well for you.”The Clover Classroom was developed as a collaborative effort with extension agents across the state.With the Extension being a part of
Kansas State University, Schlichting said everything is based on research and relays science-based activities in a fun and engaging way.“It may not seem like science, but there is science behind
everything we are doing,” Schlichting said. “There are a lot of different avenues you can pursue with
this, and we think it is a really fun resource and hope that families will take
advantage of it this summer,” she said.The projects can be downloaded for free at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/cloverclassroom.html">kansas4-h.org/resources/cloverclassroom.html</a>

Kansas Clover Classroom provides hands-on learning opportunities

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, serving northwest Kansas, is hosting two ceremonies to honor survivors of abuse.

“Options has chosen the symbols of the iris and the garden to bring hope and healing to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,”&nbsp;Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said.

The events are a sharing of a caring thought, a story of solidarity or a prayer of hope and healing written on the back of a paper iris. There is no cost to the event. It is meant as a way for the community to connect with those who are on a journey to heal.

The irises may be picked up at 2716 Plaza Ave., Hays, or may be submitted on the web page at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a>.

The share, care, prayer cards will be displayed as a paper garden at each event.

There will be a short ceremony and then an opportunity to walk among the paper garden to read the thoughts shared for the benefit of survivors.

The Hays event will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at 215 W. 13th&nbsp;St., which is the vacant lot to the east of St. Joseph church.

The Colby event will be 4 p.m. Wednesday at 1480 W.&nbsp; Fourth&nbsp;St. on the lawn of the Colby Options office.

“A gardener will plant where there are no signs of life. And yet, the gardener knows that in the spring, there will be life, color and joy bursting from their plantings.” Hecker said.

“Survivors of domestic and sexual violence are the gardeners of their own lives. They use the tools available to them and tend their personal gardens in the darkest times, hoping for a bright harvest of healing. That is why Options has chosen the symbols of the iris and the garden to bring hope to survivors.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621626097130.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOptions Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, serving northwest Kansas, is hosting two ceremonies to honor survivors of abuse.“Options has chosen the symbols of the iris and the garden to bring hope and healing to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,”&nbsp;Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said.The events are a sharing of a caring thought, a story of solidarity or a prayer of hope and healing written on the back of a paper iris. There is no cost to the event. It is meant as a way for the community to connect with those who are on a journey to heal.The irises may be picked up at 2716 Plaza Ave., Hays, or may be submitted on the web page at <a href="http://help4abuse.org">help4abuse.org</a>.The share, care, prayer cards will be displayed as a paper garden at each event.There will be a short ceremony and then an opportunity to walk among the paper garden to read the thoughts shared for the benefit of survivors.The Hays event will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at 215 W. 13th&nbsp;St., which is the vacant lot to the east of St. Joseph church.The Colby event will be 4 p.m. Wednesday at 1480 W.&nbsp; Fourth&nbsp;St. on the lawn of the Colby Options office.“A gardener will plant where there are no signs of life. And yet, the gardener knows that in the spring, there will be life, color and joy bursting from their plantings.” Hecker said.“Survivors of domestic and sexual violence are the gardeners of their own lives. They use the tools available to them and tend their personal gardens in the darkest times, hoping for a bright harvest of healing. That is why Options has chosen the symbols of the iris and the garden to bring hope to survivors.”

Options garden to honor domestic, sexual violence survivors

Three-day weather outlook

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about summer events.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays preparing for summer events" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4vgr3-1042548-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Grow Hays executive director Doug Williams shares information about summer events.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Grow Hays preparing for summer events

The Hays Arts Council Summer Art Classes will return soon,
offering area youth various options to explore visual and performance
arts.

“We have a wonderful, rich schedule this summer,” said Hays
Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder.

The classes are scheduled throughout June and July, for a
variety of ages.

&nbsp;“We have a couple of
things that go down as low as 5,” Meder said. 

This year, various visual arts classes will be available
including, sculpture, drawing, painting, fashion and printmaking.

“We tried to find a way to make something fit for everyone,”
Meder said.

Many of the classes run for multiple days. Still, for those
parents who may not have the ability to drop and pick up students for an entire week of classes, Meder said a course emerges students in various art-related activities in one four-hour-long session. 

“We knew that there are parents who work outside the home,
for whom it can be really difficult to run their kids back and forth,” Meder
said. “It’s basically from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., so it’s a four-hour period where
you drop your kid off at 1 p.m., you don’t have to pick them up till 5 p.m. We
even provide a little small afternoon snack, and they will get a variety of art
and art experiences with two different teachers.”

Several of the courses will again be taught by Crystal
Hammerschmidt, including the printmaking course.

“Crystal just does the most wonderful creative things,”
Meder said. “You are working with shaving cream and gelatin prints and Styrofoam.
It’s just delightful.”

An annual favorite, the Call of the Wild session, will again
return, where students will have the opportunity to examine animals from the
Sternberg Museum, then work on art projects inspired by the animals.

“It’s great fun,” Meder said. “We have been doing that one
for years. Mitch Sommers is a former art teacher that taught in Liberal for
many years but continues as a volunteer at Sternberg Museum, so he has access
to some critters. Snakes and turtles have always gone over very well. And this
year, we are adding rats and mice and frog and fish.”

This year, acting classes will also be offered for students
ages 8 to 15.

"Acting and the theater continue to be popular for the
young people in our community. They really, really love it,” Meder said.

“We really try to mix it up and make sure that we have got
things that appeal on a broad variety of interests and tastes in what they are
doing,” she said.

<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">For more information,
including the registration form, visit the Hays Arts Council website,
haysartscouncil.org.</a>

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council summer classes return" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bfxna-10425e7-pb&from=pb6admin&download=1&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3&btn-skin=3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThe Hays Arts Council Summer Art Classes will return soon,
offering area youth various options to explore visual and performance
arts.“We have a wonderful, rich schedule this summer,” said Hays
Arts Council Executive Director Brenda Meder.The classes are scheduled throughout June and July, for a
variety of ages.&nbsp;“We have a couple of
things that go down as low as 5,” Meder said. This year, various visual arts classes will be available
including, sculpture, drawing, painting, fashion and printmaking.“We tried to find a way to make something fit for everyone,”
Meder said.Many of the classes run for multiple days. Still, for those
parents who may not have the ability to drop and pick up students for an entire week of classes, Meder said a course emerges students in various art-related activities in one four-hour-long session. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621625981132.jpeg" alt="Photo by Cristina Janney" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Cristina Janney</figcaption>
 </figure>“We knew that there are parents who work outside the home,
for whom it can be really difficult to run their kids back and forth,” Meder
said. “It’s basically from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., so it’s a four-hour period where
you drop your kid off at 1 p.m., you don’t have to pick them up till 5 p.m. We
even provide a little small afternoon snack, and they will get a variety of art
and art experiences with two different teachers.”Several of the courses will again be taught by Crystal
Hammerschmidt, including the printmaking course.“Crystal just does the most wonderful creative things,”
Meder said. “You are working with shaving cream and gelatin prints and Styrofoam.
It’s just delightful.”An annual favorite, the Call of the Wild session, will again
return, where students will have the opportunity to examine animals from the
Sternberg Museum, then work on art projects inspired by the animals.“It’s great fun,” Meder said. “We have been doing that one
for years. Mitch Sommers is a former art teacher that taught in Liberal for
many years but continues as a volunteer at Sternberg Museum, so he has access
to some critters. Snakes and turtles have always gone over very well. And this
year, we are adding rats and mice and frog and fish.”This year, acting classes will also be offered for students
ages 8 to 15."Acting and the theater continue to be popular for the
young people in our community. They really, really love it,” Meder said.“We really try to mix it up and make sure that we have got
things that appeal on a broad variety of interests and tastes in what they are
doing,” she said.<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">For more information,
including the registration form, visit the Hays Arts Council website,
haysartscouncil.org.</a>

Hays Arts Council summer art classes return


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann along with both U.S. Senators introduced legislation to stop an executive order from the Biden administration that they are concerned could infringe on private property rights in the name of fighting climate change.

"The executive order signed in January was very vague," Mann said. "It referred to ongoing reports. That raised some alarms. The report actually came out week before last and basically, the report still doesn't have a lot of details. The concern would be that the government would make steps toward involuntary conservation."

The so-called 30x30 plan would require federal control of much more land than is currently that way in Kansas.

"Kansas is in an interesting spot, because 98% of our land is not currently in conservation, only 2% is," Mann said. "Other states, much more of their land is already in conservation. We introduced legislation that effectively would block the executive order altogether."

This issue has been incredibly emotional for Kansans.

"This goal of 30% of American lands being in conservation by 2030 should not be the goal and is not the direction that we should go," Mann said. "As a result of this, Kansans are rightly concerned about the potential land grab that could occur. What ought to occur is the executive order to be done away with."

As part of the One Planet Summit in January, at least 50 countries committed to protecting 30 percent of the planet, including land and sea, over the next decade. The U.S. did not participate, as it took place prior to Biden's inauguration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann along with both U.S. Senators introduced legislation to stop an executive order from the Biden administration that they are concerned could infringe on private property rights in the name of fighting climate change."The executive order signed in January was very vague," Mann said. "It referred to ongoing reports. That raised some alarms. The report actually came out week before last and basically, the report still doesn't have a lot of details. The concern would be that the government would make steps toward involuntary conservation."The so-called 30x30 plan would require federal control of much more land than is currently that way in Kansas."Kansas is in an interesting spot, because 98% of our land is not currently in conservation, only 2% is," Mann said. "Other states, much more of their land is already in conservation. We introduced legislation that effectively would block the executive order altogether."This issue has been incredibly emotional for Kansans."This goal of 30% of American lands being in conservation by 2030 should not be the goal and is not the direction that we should go," Mann said. "As a result of this, Kansans are rightly concerned about the potential land grab that could occur. What ought to occur is the executive order to be done away with."As part of the One Planet Summit in January, at least 50 countries committed to protecting 30 percent of the planet, including land and sea, over the next decade. The U.S. did not participate, as it took place prior to Biden's inauguration.

Mann introduces legislation to roll back 30 by 30 order

Even in today’s bitterly divided politics, certain trends still get bipartisan support. A case in point is&nbsp; “2+2” college education.&nbsp; Advocates believe that most students should enter the university having already completed the first two years at high school or community college, speeding the path to graduation and work.&nbsp; The trend is already well underway.

President Biden referenced the approach in his recent national address, proposing to make community college free.&nbsp; Here in Kansas, the Board of Regents is made up of appointees by both Republican and Democratic governors.&nbsp; For years, the Regents have enthusiastically embraced this move with little, if any dissent. It not only makes college education available to more people, it also boosts the percentage of the population with college degrees, filling needs in our increasingly service-based economy.

I have done my part, and then some. I co-chair the political science task force of the Regents’ Transfer and Articulation Council (TAAC), where we hash out shared outcomes for general education courses to facilitate smooth (and mandated) transfer between all schools in the system.&nbsp; At Emporia State, I have led or co-led the creation of two graduate certificate programs, certifying high-school teachers to teach “dual enrollment” courses for college credit.&nbsp; I reassure entering transfer students that ESU will take their credits and then follow up.&nbsp; I have also been teaching some courses online for a decade, and I helped create several all-online degree programs.

Still, I have my doubts, and so do many of my colleagues.

Two such colleagues have sons starting school here this fall. They will be roommates.&nbsp; This is because even though they live in town, both professors insisted that their kids live on campus so as to have the full, immersive college experience.&nbsp; They will also be going all four years here.&nbsp; I realize that not everyone can afford this or has the time, but for those who are able, this is a good call.

College is so much more than coursework and transfer credits.&nbsp; It is late-night talking sessions at the coffeehouse, poetry readings at the bookstore, and live music.&nbsp; It is lifelong friendships and stumbling upon a book or lecture that looks interesting.&nbsp; It is taking a class just because.&nbsp; Apple founder Steve Jobs never graduated from Reed College (also my alma mater), but he found the time he spent attending classes there to be transformative, for example crediting his calligraphy course for inspiring Apple’s creative, high-resolution fonts that transformed the user’s computing experience.

Sadly, the technology Jobs helped develop is now part of the problem.&nbsp; Lost in their screens, many of our community college transfers come to ESU without having made a single new, in-person friendship since high school.&nbsp; Too many would drive to school, park, attend class, then drive home.&nbsp; This is commuting, not college.&nbsp; At home, those from less-than-functional families easily get sucked into family drama, further distracting them from building their futures.&nbsp;

High school students and their parents tell me harrowing stories about loads of homework, bringing stress, sleep deprivation, and a sacrifice of the life-changing extracurricular activities like sports, drama, and debate which shaped the high school and college experiences for so many of us.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Two plus two is here to stay.&nbsp; Yet as the pandemic wanes, we must bring back the biggest benefits of college — the face-to-face friendships, the creativity and exploration, the opportunity to discover oneself.&nbsp; Community colleges need to make these experiences available too, and four-year college should not become a rare privilege.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576785940426.png" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Even in today’s bitterly divided politics, certain trends still get bipartisan support. A case in point is&nbsp; “2+2” college education.&nbsp; Advocates believe that most students should enter the university having already completed the first two years at high school or community college, speeding the path to graduation and work.&nbsp; The trend is already well underway.President Biden referenced the approach in his recent national address, proposing to make community college free.&nbsp; Here in Kansas, the Board of Regents is made up of appointees by both Republican and Democratic governors.&nbsp; For years, the Regents have enthusiastically embraced this move with little, if any dissent. It not only makes college education available to more people, it also boosts the percentage of the population with college degrees, filling needs in our increasingly service-based economy.I have done my part, and then some. I co-chair the political science task force of the Regents’ Transfer and Articulation Council (TAAC), where we hash out shared outcomes for general education courses to facilitate smooth (and mandated) transfer between all schools in the system.&nbsp; At Emporia State, I have led or co-led the creation of two graduate certificate programs, certifying high-school teachers to teach “dual enrollment” courses for college credit.&nbsp; I reassure entering transfer students that ESU will take their credits and then follow up.&nbsp; I have also been teaching some courses online for a decade, and I helped create several all-online degree programs.Still, I have my doubts, and so do many of my colleagues.Two such colleagues have sons starting school here this fall. They will be roommates.&nbsp; This is because even though they live in town, both professors insisted that their kids live on campus so as to have the full, immersive college experience.&nbsp; They will also be going all four years here.&nbsp; I realize that not everyone can afford this or has the time, but for those who are able, this is a good call.College is so much more than coursework and transfer credits.&nbsp; It is late-night talking sessions at the coffeehouse, poetry readings at the bookstore, and live music.&nbsp; It is lifelong friendships and stumbling upon a book or lecture that looks interesting.&nbsp; It is taking a class just because.&nbsp; Apple founder Steve Jobs never graduated from Reed College (also my alma mater), but he found the time he spent attending classes there to be transformative, for example crediting his calligraphy course for inspiring Apple’s creative, high-resolution fonts that transformed the user’s computing experience.Sadly, the technology Jobs helped develop is now part of the problem.&nbsp; Lost in their screens, many of our community college transfers come to ESU without having made a single new, in-person friendship since high school.&nbsp; Too many would drive to school, park, attend class, then drive home.&nbsp; This is commuting, not college.&nbsp; At home, those from less-than-functional families easily get sucked into family drama, further distracting them from building their futures.&nbsp;High school students and their parents tell me harrowing stories about loads of homework, bringing stress, sleep deprivation, and a sacrifice of the life-changing extracurricular activities like sports, drama, and debate which shaped the high school and college experiences for so many of us.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two plus two is here to stay.&nbsp; Yet as the pandemic wanes, we must bring back the biggest benefits of college — the face-to-face friendships, the creativity and exploration, the opportunity to discover oneself.&nbsp; Community colleges need to make these experiences available too, and four-year college should not become a rare privilege.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Commuting is not the same as college

The
 Hays Masons hosted a dinner on May 17 to award scholarships to 
five students attending higher education institutions in Kansas. Ethan 
Schelegl of Ness City, and Nathan Cooper of Hays, attending technical 
programs, were each awarded $500. Paul Erwin, of Topeka, Kassandra 
Zimmer, of Hays, attending Fort Hays State University as undergraduates, and Brandon 
Pfisenmaier of Ottawa, attending FHSU's graduate school, were each 
awarded $1000. 

To be eligible for these Kansas Masonic 
Foundation scholarships, students must be Kansas residents accepted by, 
or presently enrolled in one of the identified universities or 
technical/community colleges. This scholarship program awards $250,000 
each year to students who demonstrate that they can and will continue to
 make a positive impact on their community. Since the beginning of the 
program, $8.5 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded by 
lodges across the state.  

"We certainly hope that each of
 these students continues to apply for these opportunities, and that we 
can continue to help them throughout the entirety of their education. 
There were about 20 applications made by students in our area last year,
 which is a tremendous increase over years past, and though we weren't 
able to help everyone, we want all eligible students to apply," said 
lodge member Chris Neeley.  

The application period opens
 Dec. 1 and ends March 15. The application can be found on the <a href="https://kansasmasonic.foundation/program/scholarships/">KMF 
website.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621529348380.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe
 Hays Masons hosted a dinner on May 17 to award scholarships to 
five students attending higher education institutions in Kansas. Ethan 
Schelegl of Ness City, and Nathan Cooper of Hays, attending technical 
programs, were each awarded $500. Paul Erwin, of Topeka, Kassandra 
Zimmer, of Hays, attending Fort Hays State University as undergraduates, and Brandon 
Pfisenmaier of Ottawa, attending FHSU's graduate school, were each 
awarded $1000. To be eligible for these Kansas Masonic 
Foundation scholarships, students must be Kansas residents accepted by, 
or presently enrolled in one of the identified universities or 
technical/community colleges. This scholarship program awards $250,000 
each year to students who demonstrate that they can and will continue to
 make a positive impact on their community. Since the beginning of the 
program, $8.5 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded by 
lodges across the state. "We certainly hope that each of
 these students continues to apply for these opportunities, and that we 
can continue to help them throughout the entirety of their education. 
There were about 20 applications made by students in our area last year,
 which is a tremendous increase over years past, and though we weren't 
able to help everyone, we want all eligible students to apply," said 
lodge member Chris Neeley. The application period opens
 Dec. 1 and ends March 15. The application can be found on the <a href="https://kansasmasonic.foundation/program/scholarships/">KMF 
website.</a>

Hays Masonic Lodge awards scholarships to NW Kan. 

Outside today, the Baltimore orioles are slurping my grape jelly so fast I may have to get a part-time job to keep them supplied. Our local House Wrens are checking out an old teapot Joyce hung from the deck roof, but evidently haven’t yet decide to relocate there. And the Gilliland kitchen smells like the scrumptious batch of new tomato soup we spent the day manufacturing, following my mom’s recipe Joyce has tweaked over the years. Nothing satisfies on cold winter days quite like a bowl of steaming homemade tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. &nbsp;

Every outdoorsman I know grows a few tomato plants each year, even if they have to sneak them in with the snapdragons or hide them amongst the hibiscus. After all, nothing goes better with a freshly grilled venison burger than a juicy slice of fresh tomato. Though my thumb is only mildly green, I have become pretty successful at growing dandy tomatoes and I’m always experimenting with something new, so here are a few tips I find to work well for me most years.

Tomatoes today come in literally dozens of varieties, sizes and shapes. I find it prudent to know a little about the varieties I choose and what they are best used for, and I like to get plants that are resistant to most common tomato ailments. Tomato plants come in 2 different types, determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants are bred to grow only about 3 feet tall, to set and ripen their fruit all at once and then they are basically done. Indeterminate plants will keep growing and producing fruit the entire season, (so they’ll need to be well staked and supported) and as long as they are kept alive and healthy through the hot summer, they will begin setting and ripening fruit again when temperatures cool off.&nbsp; So if you want to take advantage of cooler weather to keep the tomatoes coming again in fall, you’ll need indeterminate plants.

Tomato plants will not set fruit from their blossoms when daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees and nighttime temps exceed 75 to 80, so I plant early to get a start on production before the hot summer arrives like we know it will. I usually plant in early to mid April and surround my plants with structures called Walls of Water. They are round flexible plastic tubes with numerous small compartments that you fill with water. When erected, they form a pyramid about 18’’ tall around and over the plant, open at the top, and the water absorbs heat and sunlight to basically create a tiny greenhouse for each plant. Simply remove them when temperatures stabilize.&nbsp;

When actually setting my plants in the ground, I go a little above-and-beyond also. I dig a hole about the width and depth of a one gallon milk jug. In the hole I put a shovel full of fresh compost or good composted manure. Then I add one-quarter cup of Epson salts, which adds magnesium, and sulfur to help grow good sturdy healthy plants. Throw in a small amount of the dirt dug from the hole and mix it up a little with your hands. Set the plant in the hole at least 6 inches deep, pruning off bottom branches if necessary to allow that. This gets the roots down deep immediately to begin feeding and helps the plant develop deep roots sooner to make for a sturdy plant. Water with Miracle Grow tomato fertilizer or sprinkle a little of the dry crystals in the hole with the Epson salt. An overabundance of nitrogen will cause the plant to grow like gangbusters, but tomato fertilizer is low in nitrogen and high in Phosphate and Potash which the plant needs to produce blossoms and to set fruit. As the season progresses, if your vines are growing well but have few blossoms, feed them with fertilizer high in both Phosphate and Potash. If the vines don’t seem to be growing, feed them a little nitrogen. Tomatoes also grow well using slow-release fertilizer merely sprinkled around the plant, allowing water to wash it in.

I like to water each individual tomato plant at its base which puts the water where it needs to be rather than all over the garden or all over the plant’s foliage. To help accomplish this, I get empty one-gallon cans from the local nursing home kitchen, cut both ends from them and place them around each plant, pushing them a couple inches into the ground. To water, I’d simply put a couple inches of water into each can once a week. That’s fine and puts the water at the base of the plant, but on top of the ground, still requiring it to soak down to the roots. &nbsp;

Well there you have a few tips I use to grow tomatoes each year. We eat some fresh during the season, but most of our tomatoes are frozen as we get them and used to make the homemade soup. I imagine lots of you readers also have “tomato tips” you have developed over the years, and if you’d like to share them, send them to me and if I get enough, I’ll make an entire column out of them. Yet another way to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Outside today, the Baltimore orioles are slurping my grape jelly so fast I may have to get a part-time job to keep them supplied. Our local House Wrens are checking out an old teapot Joyce hung from the deck roof, but evidently haven’t yet decide to relocate there. And the Gilliland kitchen smells like the scrumptious batch of new tomato soup we spent the day manufacturing, following my mom’s recipe Joyce has tweaked over the years. Nothing satisfies on cold winter days quite like a bowl of steaming homemade tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. &nbsp;Every outdoorsman I know grows a few tomato plants each year, even if they have to sneak them in with the snapdragons or hide them amongst the hibiscus. After all, nothing goes better with a freshly grilled venison burger than a juicy slice of fresh tomato. Though my thumb is only mildly green, I have become pretty successful at growing dandy tomatoes and I’m always experimenting with something new, so here are a few tips I find to work well for me most years.Tomatoes today come in literally dozens of varieties, sizes and shapes. I find it prudent to know a little about the varieties I choose and what they are best used for, and I like to get plants that are resistant to most common tomato ailments. Tomato plants come in 2 different types, determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants are bred to grow only about 3 feet tall, to set and ripen their fruit all at once and then they are basically done. Indeterminate plants will keep growing and producing fruit the entire season, (so they’ll need to be well staked and supported) and as long as they are kept alive and healthy through the hot summer, they will begin setting and ripening fruit again when temperatures cool off.&nbsp; So if you want to take advantage of cooler weather to keep the tomatoes coming again in fall, you’ll need indeterminate plants.Tomato plants will not set fruit from their blossoms when daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees and nighttime temps exceed 75 to 80, so I plant early to get a start on production before the hot summer arrives like we know it will. I usually plant in early to mid April and surround my plants with structures called Walls of Water. They are round flexible plastic tubes with numerous small compartments that you fill with water. When erected, they form a pyramid about 18’’ tall around and over the plant, open at the top, and the water absorbs heat and sunlight to basically create a tiny greenhouse for each plant. Simply remove them when temperatures stabilize.&nbsp;When actually setting my plants in the ground, I go a little above-and-beyond also. I dig a hole about the width and depth of a one gallon milk jug. In the hole I put a shovel full of fresh compost or good composted manure. Then I add one-quarter cup of Epson salts, which adds magnesium, and sulfur to help grow good sturdy healthy plants. Throw in a small amount of the dirt dug from the hole and mix it up a little with your hands. Set the plant in the hole at least 6 inches deep, pruning off bottom branches if necessary to allow that. This gets the roots down deep immediately to begin feeding and helps the plant develop deep roots sooner to make for a sturdy plant. Water with Miracle Grow tomato fertilizer or sprinkle a little of the dry crystals in the hole with the Epson salt. An overabundance of nitrogen will cause the plant to grow like gangbusters, but tomato fertilizer is low in nitrogen and high in Phosphate and Potash which the plant needs to produce blossoms and to set fruit. As the season progresses, if your vines are growing well but have few blossoms, feed them with fertilizer high in both Phosphate and Potash. If the vines don’t seem to be growing, feed them a little nitrogen. Tomatoes also grow well using slow-release fertilizer merely sprinkled around the plant, allowing water to wash it in.I like to water each individual tomato plant at its base which puts the water where it needs to be rather than all over the garden or all over the plant’s foliage. To help accomplish this, I get empty one-gallon cans from the local nursing home kitchen, cut both ends from them and place them around each plant, pushing them a couple inches into the ground. To water, I’d simply put a couple inches of water into each can once a week. That’s fine and puts the water at the base of the plant, but on top of the ground, still requiring it to soak down to the roots. &nbsp;Well there you have a few tips I use to grow tomatoes each year. We eat some fresh during the season, but most of our tomatoes are frozen as we get them and used to make the homemade soup. I imagine lots of you readers also have “tomato tips” you have developed over the years, and if you’d like to share them, send them to me and if I get enough, I’ll make an entire column out of them. Yet another way to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Tried and true tomato tips

By RICHARD T. FOLTIN Freedom Forum Fellow for religious freedom

Even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eases mask and distancing recommendations for people who are fully vaccinated, there remains an urgent need to increase the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated to stem further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Policymakers, business owners and schools are wrestling with whether and to what extent to mandate proof of vaccination to access services such as schooling and public transportation, as well as large gatherings like concerts and sporting events.

New Jersey’s Rutgers University, for example, has already announced that returning students will have to demonstrate that they have been vaccinated, with many other colleges and universities across the nation considering whether to move in that direction.

People resist vaccines for all kinds of reasons, from health concerns to lack of information or belief in conspiracy theories. One less common, but legally important, reason is religious belief.

Whatever path Rutgers and other universities may stake out, they are likely to follow the existing practices of most states, which provide religious exemptions to students attending public schools where vaccines are otherwise required.

Evangelicals and Vaccination: While 95% of evangelical Christian leaders have told the National Association of Evangelicals they would be open to getting a COVID-19 vaccine, more than a third of white evangelicals overall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-skepticism-white-evangelicals-us-32898166bbb673ad87842af24c8daefb" target="_blank">say they’d be unlikely to do so</a>. Religious objections were one reason cited by some respondents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unlike private universities, public universities such as Rutgers are subject not only to general civil rights laws but also to the First Amendment’s prohibition on governmental abridgement of the free exercise of religion (the Free Exercise Clause).

Private Employers and Religious Exemptions: An employer may generally require that employees obtain vaccinations as part of legitimate health and safety requirements that are job-related and necessary to do business. To be sure, federal civil rights law requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation of an employee’s religious practice, such as a religious objection to vaccination, but employers are relieved of this obligation if the accommodation would impose an undue burden. The courts have by and large been inclined (albeit not uniformly) to consider an employee’s refusal to be vaccinated an undue burden; the question arises, however, whether the Supreme Court’s shifting perspective on religious exemptions in other contexts (as discussed in this article) will make it more likely that an employee will be entitled to such an exemption with respect to a required vaccination.

Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1990 decision in Employment Division v. Smith, it appears that there is no constitutional requirement for the government, including the public schools that it operates, to provide religious exemptions when mandating vaccines to receive a public service, as long as the mandate applies to everyone.

In 21 states and at the federal level, additional religious freedom laws do make it possible to ask for exceptions to generally applicable government requirements. But it has long been thought that, even under this more protective standard, during a public health emergency, the urgent governmental interest in stemming a pandemic can make it harder to claim a religious exemption from vaccine requirements.

We are, however, on shifting terrain in this area. For better or for worse, recent cases suggest that the courts are moving toward expanded leeway for religious exemption claims when it comes to government mandates — even in the context of a public health emergency.

In February 2021, in the case of South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Newsom, contrary to its reasoning in a similar case the prior year, a majority of the Supreme Court voted to stop California from enforcing its blanket ban on indoor religious ceremonies. In so doing, the court proved newly willing, over a strenuous dissent by the minority, to second guess public health judgments by local authorities, at least in terms of weighing public health against religious freedom concerns.

Where does that leave us on vaccinations? To date, there has not been any serious challenge to the ability of governments to offer religious exemptions, but neither has there been any clear-cut obligation of the government to recognize a free exercise exemption in the public health context. However, given the turnaround on the houses of worship cases, we may see a similar reluctance to enforce a vaccination mandate over religious objections.

Faith Leaders Guide Communities: Some religious leaders are sharing faith-supported reasons to get vaccinated, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/divine-intervention-pastors-tapped-help-get-skeptical-churchgoers-vaccinated-n1264646" target="_blank">Christians and the Vaccine project</a>. Islamic scholars advise that vaccinations can be considered halal, or permissible, and getting vaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-12/ramadan-and-vaccines-what-muslims-in-southern-california-need-to-know" target="_blank">doesn’t break Muslims’ Ramadan fasts</a>. Some Orthodox Jewish communities have organized vaccine drives and many participated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/covid-19-story-tip-study-of-orthodox-jews-may-help-guide-covid-19-prevention-in-culturally-bonded-groups" target="_blank">study on safe gathering practices.</a>

One thing seems certain. The law can only do so much in responding to the forces that have given rise to vaccine resistance. The more important work is likely to be done in the realm of education, persuasion and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/04/09/religious-communities-can-play-a-huge-role-in-fighting-the-pandemic-but-not-by-gathering-for-services/" target="_blank">messages of societal responsibility</a>&nbsp;from leaders of diverse faith and political backgrounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; You can reach Richard Foltin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rfoltin@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">rfoltin@freedomforum.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621703269041.jpeg" alt="Richard Foltin. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum" />
 <figcaption>Richard Foltin. Photo courtesy Freedom Forum</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICHARD T. FOLTIN Freedom Forum Fellow for religious freedom Even as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eases mask and distancing recommendations for people who are fully vaccinated, there remains an urgent need to increase the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated to stem further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Policymakers, business owners and schools are wrestling with whether and to what extent to mandate proof of vaccination to access services such as schooling and public transportation, as well as large gatherings like concerts and sporting events.New Jersey’s Rutgers University, for example, has already announced that returning students will have to demonstrate that they have been vaccinated, with many other colleges and universities across the nation considering whether to move in that direction.People resist vaccines for all kinds of reasons, from health concerns to lack of information or belief in conspiracy theories. One less common, but legally important, reason is religious belief.Whatever path Rutgers and other universities may stake out, they are likely to follow the existing practices of most states, which provide religious exemptions to students attending public schools where vaccines are otherwise required.Evangelicals and Vaccination: While 95% of evangelical Christian leaders have told the National Association of Evangelicals they would be open to getting a COVID-19 vaccine, more than a third of white evangelicals overall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-skepticism-white-evangelicals-us-32898166bbb673ad87842af24c8daefb" target="_blank">say they’d be unlikely to do so</a>. Religious objections were one reason cited by some respondents.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike private universities, public universities such as Rutgers are subject not only to general civil rights laws but also to the First Amendment’s prohibition on governmental abridgement of the free exercise of religion (the Free Exercise Clause).Private Employers and Religious Exemptions: An employer may generally require that employees obtain vaccinations as part of legitimate health and safety requirements that are job-related and necessary to do business. To be sure, federal civil rights law requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation of an employee’s religious practice, such as a religious objection to vaccination, but employers are relieved of this obligation if the accommodation would impose an undue burden. The courts have by and large been inclined (albeit not uniformly) to consider an employee’s refusal to be vaccinated an undue burden; the question arises, however, whether the Supreme Court’s shifting perspective on religious exemptions in other contexts (as discussed in this article) will make it more likely that an employee will be entitled to such an exemption with respect to a required vaccination.Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1990 decision in Employment Division v. Smith, it appears that there is no constitutional requirement for the government, including the public schools that it operates, to provide religious exemptions when mandating vaccines to receive a public service, as long as the mandate applies to everyone.In 21 states and at the federal level, additional religious freedom laws do make it possible to ask for exceptions to generally applicable government requirements. But it has long been thought that, even under this more protective standard, during a public health emergency, the urgent governmental interest in stemming a pandemic can make it harder to claim a religious exemption from vaccine requirements.We are, however, on shifting terrain in this area. For better or for worse, recent cases suggest that the courts are moving toward expanded leeway for religious exemption claims when it comes to government mandates — even in the context of a public health emergency.In February 2021, in the case of South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Newsom, contrary to its reasoning in a similar case the prior year, a majority of the Supreme Court voted to stop California from enforcing its blanket ban on indoor religious ceremonies. In so doing, the court proved newly willing, over a strenuous dissent by the minority, to second guess public health judgments by local authorities, at least in terms of weighing public health against religious freedom concerns.Where does that leave us on vaccinations? To date, there has not been any serious challenge to the ability of governments to offer religious exemptions, but neither has there been any clear-cut obligation of the government to recognize a free exercise exemption in the public health context. However, given the turnaround on the houses of worship cases, we may see a similar reluctance to enforce a vaccination mandate over religious objections.Faith Leaders Guide Communities: Some religious leaders are sharing faith-supported reasons to get vaccinated, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/divine-intervention-pastors-tapped-help-get-skeptical-churchgoers-vaccinated-n1264646" target="_blank">Christians and the Vaccine project</a>. Islamic scholars advise that vaccinations can be considered halal, or permissible, and getting vaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-04-12/ramadan-and-vaccines-what-muslims-in-southern-california-need-to-know" target="_blank">doesn’t break Muslims’ Ramadan fasts</a>. Some Orthodox Jewish communities have organized vaccine drives and many participated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/covid-19-story-tip-study-of-orthodox-jews-may-help-guide-covid-19-prevention-in-culturally-bonded-groups" target="_blank">study on safe gathering practices.</a>One thing seems certain. The law can only do so much in responding to the forces that have given rise to vaccine resistance. The more important work is likely to be done in the realm of education, persuasion and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/04/09/religious-communities-can-play-a-huge-role-in-fighting-the-pandemic-but-not-by-gathering-for-services/" target="_blank">messages of societal responsibility</a>&nbsp;from leaders of diverse faith and political backgrounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can reach Richard Foltin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rfoltin@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">rfoltin@freedomforum.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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