By TISA MASON FHSU President

Even before classes officially begin, our campus is already alive with energy. You can hear the laughter of our international students during orientation on the Quad. You can feel the determination of our Tiger football players as they power through practice in the sweltering Kansas summer heat. By this weekend, most of our on-campus students will be moved in, and on Monday, we’ll turn the page together and begin the 2025–2026 academic year — another exciting chapter in the proud history of Fort Hays State University.

Among the students returning to our residence halls is Dominic “Dom” Hernandez, a high school senior from Hays who is enrolled in our Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) — FHSU’s premier early college program. While KAMS is known for its unmatched academic rigor, students like Dom also take full advantage of the opportunities our university offers outside the classroom. KAMS students serve in student government, lead in campus organizations, engage in community service, and even take part in cutting-edge research.

Dom’s story is deeply rooted in the values of family, hard work, and education. His father, Manuel Hernandez, grew up in Mexico City, the son of parents who sacrificed greatly so their children could have a better life. Manuel’s mother worked as a cook in the Spanish Embassy, and his father left elementary school to work in construction. Manuel followed his mother’s culinary path, eventually becoming a professional chef.

Dom’s mother, Erin Schamber, grew up in the tiny rural town of Damar (population 107), in a safe and supportive community where everybody knew everybody. Her father’s Peace Corps service inspired her love for travel and other cultures. After building a life in Colorado, Erin and Manuel moved to Hays so Manuel could join the team at Gella’s Restaurant. They thought it would simply be a good place to raise their family. What they didn’t know then was that FHSU would become central to their story.

Manuel is now head chef with Union Catering, delivering between 2,000 and 3,000 meals daily and providing customized catering solutions for a wide range of campus events. Erin earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology here at FHSU and went on to launch a rewarding career advocating for youth in the Ellis County juvenile justice system. Both parents have embraced our campus and community, attending events like the Hays Symphony and sending their children to STEM summer camps.

About two years ago, Dom came home from school and told his parents about the KAMS program. “I just wasn’t feeling challenged enough in high school,” Dom said. “My dad taught me and my siblings to always be looking for ways to excel and ways to take advantage of the opportunities we are lucky enough to find.” Dom saw KAMS as an opportunity to embrace his dad’s advice.

During his first year in KAMS, Dom conducted research on advanced insulating materials, journeyed to Ireland to participate in archaeological fieldwork, and attended a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association leadership conference in Washington, D.C. Each state sent students to the conference, and Dom was selected by his peers to represent all of his fellow Kansans as a member of the Youth Leadership Council.

Like the majority of FHSU students, Dom also works part-time. He serves as a barista at the Breathe Coffee shop in downtown Hays, and thinks this experience, well beyond the boundaries of campus, has been especially rewarding.

“Breathe is more than a coffee shop in the sense that it's also an outlet for people to find a community and an environment that is understanding. There are a lot of customers that I've become very close with. They’ve helped me with a lot of things, and I think I've helped them as well,” Dom said.

Patrick McGinnis, the owner of Breathe, believes Dom contributed greatly to the warm and welcoming culture of the coffee shop.

“Dominic understands that through excellence even in the small things, you can make a difference in people’s lives,” McGinnes said. “He is authentic. He cares for everyone and is tirelessly dedicated to becoming the best version of himself.”

The Hernandez family’s presence on campus is already strong this fall. Manuel’s culinary team started serving meals on August 13. Dom’s older brother Leonardo, a sophomore physics major and member of the Tiger Cheer squad, is practicing for our first home football game. And Dom is serving as one of my VIP Student Ambassadors, helping us connect with visitors and share the spirit of FHSU.

The Hernandez family reminds us about the connections we cultivate and the hearts we touch. When Dom’s family arrived in Hays, they never anticipated that Fort Hays State University would weave itself into the fabric of their lives. Yet, today, they are enriching our community in ways that inspire and strengthen us all.

Here’s to another year filled with opportunity, discovery, and the heart of a Tiger that beats powerfully within us all.

Dr. Tisa Mason is the president of Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755163137190.jpeg" alt="Manuel Hernandez, Dom Hernandez and Erin Schamber. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Manuel Hernandez, Dom Hernandez and Erin Schamber. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentEven before classes officially begin, our campus is already alive with energy. You can hear the laughter of our international students during orientation on the Quad. You can feel the determination of our Tiger football players as they power through practice in the sweltering Kansas summer heat. By this weekend, most of our on-campus students will be moved in, and on Monday, we’ll turn the page together and begin the 2025–2026 academic year — another exciting chapter in the proud history of Fort Hays State University.Among the students returning to our residence halls is Dominic “Dom” Hernandez, a high school senior from Hays who is enrolled in our Kansas Academy of Math and Science (KAMS) — FHSU’s premier early college program. While KAMS is known for its unmatched academic rigor, students like Dom also take full advantage of the opportunities our university offers outside the classroom. KAMS students serve in student government, lead in campus organizations, engage in community service, and even take part in cutting-edge research.Dom’s story is deeply rooted in the values of family, hard work, and education. His father, Manuel Hernandez, grew up in Mexico City, the son of parents who sacrificed greatly so their children could have a better life. Manuel’s mother worked as a cook in the Spanish Embassy, and his father left elementary school to work in construction. Manuel followed his mother’s culinary path, eventually becoming a professional chef.Dom’s mother, Erin Schamber, grew up in the tiny rural town of Damar (population 107), in a safe and supportive community where everybody knew everybody. Her father’s Peace Corps service inspired her love for travel and other cultures. After building a life in Colorado, Erin and Manuel moved to Hays so Manuel could join the team at Gella’s Restaurant. They thought it would simply be a good place to raise their family. What they didn’t know then was that FHSU would become central to their story.Manuel is now head chef with Union Catering, delivering between 2,000 and 3,000 meals daily and providing customized catering solutions for a wide range of campus events. Erin earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology here at FHSU and went on to launch a rewarding career advocating for youth in the Ellis County juvenile justice system. Both parents have embraced our campus and community, attending events like the Hays Symphony and sending their children to STEM summer camps.About two years ago, Dom came home from school and told his parents about the KAMS program. “I just wasn’t feeling challenged enough in high school,” Dom said. “My dad taught me and my siblings to always be looking for ways to excel and ways to take advantage of the opportunities we are lucky enough to find.” Dom saw KAMS as an opportunity to embrace his dad’s advice.During his first year in KAMS, Dom conducted research on advanced insulating materials, journeyed to Ireland to participate in archaeological fieldwork, and attended a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association leadership conference in Washington, D.C. Each state sent students to the conference, and Dom was selected by his peers to represent all of his fellow Kansans as a member of the Youth Leadership Council.Like the majority of FHSU students, Dom also works part-time. He serves as a barista at the Breathe Coffee shop in downtown Hays, and thinks this experience, well beyond the boundaries of campus, has been especially rewarding.“Breathe is more than a coffee shop in the sense that it's also an outlet for people to find a community and an environment that is understanding. There are a lot of customers that I've become very close with. They’ve helped me with a lot of things, and I think I've helped them as well,” Dom said.Patrick McGinnis, the owner of Breathe, believes Dom contributed greatly to the warm and welcoming culture of the coffee shop.“Dominic understands that through excellence even in the small things, you can make a difference in people’s lives,” McGinnes said. “He is authentic. He cares for everyone and is tirelessly dedicated to becoming the best version of himself.”The Hernandez family’s presence on campus is already strong this fall. Manuel’s culinary team started serving meals on August 13. Dom’s older brother Leonardo, a sophomore physics major and member of the Tiger Cheer squad, is practicing for our first home football game. And Dom is serving as one of my VIP Student Ambassadors, helping us connect with visitors and share the spirit of FHSU.The Hernandez family reminds us about the connections we cultivate and the hearts we touch. When Dom’s family arrived in Hays, they never anticipated that Fort Hays State University would weave itself into the fabric of their lives. Yet, today, they are enriching our community in ways that inspire and strengthen us all.Here’s to another year filled with opportunity, discovery, and the heart of a Tiger that beats powerfully within us all.Dr. Tisa Mason is the president of Fort Hays State University.&nbsp;

Heart of a Tiger: The Hernandez family is back on campus

Over the years, we’ve sat in a front row seat as Mother Nature pummeled western Kansans with hail, wind, snow, or rain. 

The most frightening experience was watching weather radar from Dubois, Wyoming as the 2017 hail storm descended on WaKeeney, making it look like a war zone. By phone, we encouraged Mom as she huddled in her bathtub while baseball size hail slammed into her roof, windows, and brick siding. 

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, we missed suffering a similar barrage on I-70 in Gove County only because we stopped at Cabela’s in Sidney.

After cruising with our terrier pup in a cart through our favorite outdoor store, we resumed our homeward journey and turned south at Julesburg. At Wray, we observed thunderheads building over western Kansas. 

Radio 102.5 out of Goodland monitored these storms while I watched the radar. Though it was only 2 p.m. Mountain Time, some storms lit the internet in red, pink, and purple shades. The weatherman reported half-dollar size hail and 60 mph winds in southern Sherman and Wallace counties. He warned of danger in Sheridan and Gove counties where 60 mph winds would forcefully drive 2-inch hail.

As I watched the radar, the hot pink and purple oval between Hoxie and Grinnell didn’t move. Alarming hues lingered in the same spot for an hour, confirmed by the weatherman. When the storm did inch south, it dawdled. By then, we’d reached Burlington. Storms to the south and east rapped a crazy what to do, what to do rhythm in our brains. Surely that storm at Grinnell would proceed south of I-70 by the time we reached Colby.

As we proceeded home, skies produced spine-tingling drama.

 Rising, roiling thunderheads, hail clouds, and curtains of rain held my attention as my husband steered WaKeeney-bound while listening to doom-filled weather reports. Near Colby, the weatherman announced hail and wind damage had closed eastbound I-70 at Exit 76 in Oakley. I requested a potty break in case damage required an extended closure.

Leaving Colby under sunny, calm conditions, we reached the west edge of Oakley where fine weather continued and traffic moved unimpeded.

 It wasn’t 'til a few miles down the road we spied stalled vehicles with shattered windshields parked on the shoulders awaiting tow-trucks. While most impaired autos and trucks pulled safely to the shoulder, one ended up near the fence-line across the ditch. At that point, we saw Mother Nature had annihilated recently thriving crops on either side of I-70.

All I could think of as we drove past one destroyed field after another was how those folks in Grinnell now faced another clean-up and rebuild so soon after their recent tornado. I’m sure many required another new roof, siding, window, and/or vehicle repair. Who knows how many miles of crop destruction exist.

While I’m grateful our trip to Cabela’s delayed us enough to miss that storm, the future holds no guarantees. After all, we live in a town where wind-driven hail totaled nearly every roof and car parked outside in 2017 in a storm like this one. 

Western Kansans may live in paradise, but it turns on them occasionally. Destroyed vehicles and crops reminded us of that directly after it occurred on August 3rd.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754666657020.jpeg" alt="Aug. 3, 2025. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Aug. 3, 2025. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINOver the years, we’ve sat in a front row seat as Mother Nature pummeled western Kansans with hail, wind, snow, or rain. The most frightening experience was watching weather radar from Dubois, Wyoming as the 2017 hail storm descended on WaKeeney, making it look like a war zone. By phone, we encouraged Mom as she huddled in her bathtub while baseball size hail slammed into her roof, windows, and brick siding. On Sunday, August 3, 2025, we missed suffering a similar barrage on I-70 in Gove County only because we stopped at Cabela’s in Sidney.After cruising with our terrier pup in a cart through our favorite outdoor store, we resumed our homeward journey and turned south at Julesburg. At Wray, we observed thunderheads building over western Kansas. Radio 102.5 out of Goodland monitored these storms while I watched the radar. Though it was only 2 p.m. Mountain Time, some storms lit the internet in red, pink, and purple shades. The weatherman reported half-dollar size hail and 60 mph winds in southern Sherman and Wallace counties. He warned of danger in Sheridan and Gove counties where 60 mph winds would forcefully drive 2-inch hail.As I watched the radar, the hot pink and purple oval between Hoxie and Grinnell didn’t move. Alarming hues lingered in the same spot for an hour, confirmed by the weatherman. When the storm did inch south, it dawdled. By then, we’d reached Burlington. Storms to the south and east rapped a crazy what to do, what to do rhythm in our brains. Surely that storm at Grinnell would proceed south of I-70 by the time we reached Colby.As we proceeded home, skies produced spine-tingling drama.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754666776892.jpeg" alt="Aug. 3, 2025. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Aug. 3, 2025. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure> Rising, roiling thunderheads, hail clouds, and curtains of rain held my attention as my husband steered WaKeeney-bound while listening to doom-filled weather reports. Near Colby, the weatherman announced hail and wind damage had closed eastbound I-70 at Exit 76 in Oakley. I requested a potty break in case damage required an extended closure.Leaving Colby under sunny, calm conditions, we reached the west edge of Oakley where fine weather continued and traffic moved unimpeded. It wasn’t 'til a few miles down the road we spied stalled vehicles with shattered windshields parked on the shoulders awaiting tow-trucks. While most impaired autos and trucks pulled safely to the shoulder, one ended up near the fence-line across the ditch. At that point, we saw Mother Nature had annihilated recently thriving crops on either side of I-70.All I could think of as we drove past one destroyed field after another was how those folks in Grinnell now faced another clean-up and rebuild so soon after their recent tornado. I’m sure many required another new roof, siding, window, and/or vehicle repair. Who knows how many miles of crop destruction exist.While I’m grateful our trip to Cabela’s delayed us enough to miss that storm, the future holds no guarantees. After all, we live in a town where wind-driven hail totaled nearly every roof and car parked outside in 2017 in a storm like this one. Western Kansans may live in paradise, but it turns on them occasionally. Destroyed vehicles and crops reminded us of that directly after it occurred on August 3rd.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: No promises in paradise

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The Bricks in downtown Hays has a new executive director. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June and Ben Dome, operations director.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751574667181.jpeg" alt="Lee Ann June. Photo courtesy of The Bricks in Downtown Hays" />
 <figcaption>Lee Ann June. Photo courtesy of The Bricks in Downtown Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: New executive director of The Bricks Lee Ann June" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=hct6t-19261f1-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Bricks in downtown Hays has a new executive director. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Lee Ann June and Ben Dome, operations director.

🎙Post Podcast: New executive director of The Bricks Lee Ann June

By <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sam-foglesong/">SAM FOGLESONG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/06/this-might-not-be-your-first-rodeo-but-it-was-mine-far-out-in-western-kansas/?emci=adba5576-7372-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=2478e2b6-a372-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Last month I attended patriotic night at the Ellis County Fair. I turned up just after 6:30 p.m. and ordered two stale hot dogs. The main event wouldn’t start until 8 p.m. so I ate them while watching sheep showmanship from a nearby picnic table.

After eating and wandering through the petting zoo, I made my way to the main arena, where the setting sun cast a warm glow on the bleachers and surrounding scenery. In the distance, a single pumpjack labored up and down on a small grassy hill. It was an picturesque setting for my first rodeo.

The night began with a prayer and the introduction of the rodeo queens. In his prayer, the announcer gave thanks for, among other things: being an American, owning a gun and the freedom to enjoy the rodeo.

Next, the rodeo queens, one of whom was as young as 10 years old, galloping around the arena’s perimeter on horseback with the flags of the rodeo’s corporate sponsors rippling in the wind behind them. State Farm Insurance, Ashley Home Furniture and Midwest Energy were among the company names I recognized.

Flying the flags of large corporations and an insurance company struck me as antithetical to the daring and rugged independence that I associated with the cowboy culture of the West.

With this one observation, I began to wonder about the dissonance between our romanticized idea of the cowboy and the Wild West and the rodeo I had come to see. Were we paying homage to something that was long gone or engaging in the fantasy that it still existed?

I contemplated as I looked around at my fellow audience members and took in the first event, steer wrestling or “bulldogging” as it is also called. In this event, a cowboy on horseback chases down a young steer, dismounts at speed, grabs the creature by the neck and wrestles it to the ground. I admired the sportsmanship and athleticism on display, while silently chuckling at the idea that we were playing with our food.

The end of the event brought a short interlude, during which audience members streamed toward the concession stand. They returning minutes later arms laden with beer, hot dogs and cheeseburgers wrapped in tin foil.

Indulgence in snack and drink is by no means unique to American sporting events, but it made me think. The opening prayer at the rodeo was a prayer of gratitude; gratitude for freedom, yes, but also for the freedom to indulge. The freedom to indulge in gun ownership and events like the rodeo.

This orgy of snacking and drinking combined with the corporate sponsors and glaring stadium lights seemed so at odds with the image of a lone cowboy, recently supped on a bowl of beans, climbing into his bedroll beneath a starry sky.

The more I thought about it, the more ironic it seemed. The indulgence, the excess, the corporate sponsors, all represented the very things that killed the Wild West.

The desire for more — more land, more beef, more money — pushed small ranches increasingly into the hands of large corporate farms.

Most of the prairie and grasslands that once bore witness to great cattle drives, outlaws and gunslingers has been dissected and bought up. Today, 98% of land in Kansas in privately owned. Cattle now crowd behind steel gates; their movements governed more by boardroom agricultural elites than by the rains and changing seasons.

As I watched the rodeo, I felt that I was witnessing a spiritually neutered version of the American cowboy. The roping skills and horsemanship were still there, but the spiritual independence of the cowboy roaming across the plains had been stripped away by the business interests that now sponsored its commemoration.

If I had been witnessing a conscious commemoration of the now-expired life of the cowboy and the West, I would have been content with my rodeo experience. But instead, I felt that the audience was indulging in a double truth: enjoying the fruits of the system that killed the cowboy while pretending that the spirit and terrain of his existence lingered.

In the end I have mixed emotions. On the one hand, the idea of American West shouldn’t be reduced to my romantic imagination. It was a brutal time of disease, genocide and hardship. But the spiritually barren landscape of corporate farming and parceled land offers poor consolation.

I find it hard to fault people for seeking pleasure and solace in their cultural heritage. I enjoyed seeing the smiling faces and the pleasure people clearly derived from the rodeo.

The spirit of the Wild West is not likely to be resurrected, especially when the economic forces preventing its resurrection are so robust. But what I hope for is an acknowledgment of where we stand in relation to the ideal and the forces that killed it. Doing that brings us far closer to the spirit of the cowboy than engaging in the fantasy that it still exists.

Sam Foglesong is a scholar of African Studies and a writer who lives in Hays.&nbsp;

Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754493755371.jpeg" alt="Columnist Sam Foglesong wonders about the dissonance between our romanticized idea of the cowboy and the Ellis County rodeo he came to see in Hays. Getty Images" />
 <figcaption>Columnist Sam Foglesong wonders about the dissonance between our romanticized idea of the cowboy and the Ellis County rodeo he came to see in Hays. Getty Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sam-foglesong/">SAM FOGLESONG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/06/this-might-not-be-your-first-rodeo-but-it-was-mine-far-out-in-western-kansas/?emci=adba5576-7372-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=2478e2b6-a372-f011-8dc9-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>Last month I attended patriotic night at the Ellis County Fair. I turned up just after 6:30 p.m. and ordered two stale hot dogs. The main event wouldn’t start until 8 p.m. so I ate them while watching sheep showmanship from a nearby picnic table.After eating and wandering through the petting zoo, I made my way to the main arena, where the setting sun cast a warm glow on the bleachers and surrounding scenery. In the distance, a single pumpjack labored up and down on a small grassy hill. It was an picturesque setting for my first rodeo.The night began with a prayer and the introduction of the rodeo queens. In his prayer, the announcer gave thanks for, among other things: being an American, owning a gun and the freedom to enjoy the rodeo.Next, the rodeo queens, one of whom was as young as 10 years old, galloping around the arena’s perimeter on horseback with the flags of the rodeo’s corporate sponsors rippling in the wind behind them. State Farm Insurance, Ashley Home Furniture and Midwest Energy were among the company names I recognized.Flying the flags of large corporations and an insurance company struck me as antithetical to the daring and rugged independence that I associated with the cowboy culture of the West.With this one observation, I began to wonder about the dissonance between our romanticized idea of the cowboy and the Wild West and the rodeo I had come to see. Were we paying homage to something that was long gone or engaging in the fantasy that it still existed?I worried that we might be doing both.I contemplated as I looked around at my fellow audience members and took in the first event, steer wrestling or “bulldogging” as it is also called. In this event, a cowboy on horseback chases down a young steer, dismounts at speed, grabs the creature by the neck and wrestles it to the ground. I admired the sportsmanship and athleticism on display, while silently chuckling at the idea that we were playing with our food.The end of the event brought a short interlude, during which audience members streamed toward the concession stand. They returning minutes later arms laden with beer, hot dogs and cheeseburgers wrapped in tin foil.Indulgence in snack and drink is by no means unique to American sporting events, but it made me think. The opening prayer at the rodeo was a prayer of gratitude; gratitude for freedom, yes, but also for the freedom to indulge. The freedom to indulge in gun ownership and events like the rodeo.This orgy of snacking and drinking combined with the corporate sponsors and glaring stadium lights seemed so at odds with the image of a lone cowboy, recently supped on a bowl of beans, climbing into his bedroll beneath a starry sky.The more I thought about it, the more ironic it seemed. The indulgence, the excess, the corporate sponsors, all represented the very things that killed the Wild West.The desire for more — more land, more beef, more money — pushed small ranches increasingly into the hands of large corporate farms.Most of the prairie and grasslands that once bore witness to great cattle drives, outlaws and gunslingers has been dissected and bought up. Today, 98% of land in Kansas in privately owned. Cattle now crowd behind steel gates; their movements governed more by boardroom agricultural elites than by the rains and changing seasons.As I watched the rodeo, I felt that I was witnessing a spiritually neutered version of the American cowboy. The roping skills and horsemanship were still there, but the spiritual independence of the cowboy roaming across the plains had been stripped away by the business interests that now sponsored its commemoration.If I had been witnessing a conscious commemoration of the now-expired life of the cowboy and the West, I would have been content with my rodeo experience. But instead, I felt that the audience was indulging in a double truth: enjoying the fruits of the system that killed the cowboy while pretending that the spirit and terrain of his existence lingered.In the end I have mixed emotions. On the one hand, the idea of American West shouldn’t be reduced to my romantic imagination. It was a brutal time of disease, genocide and hardship. But the spiritually barren landscape of corporate farming and parceled land offers poor consolation.I find it hard to fault people for seeking pleasure and solace in their cultural heritage. I enjoyed seeing the smiling faces and the pleasure people clearly derived from the rodeo.The spirit of the Wild West is not likely to be resurrected, especially when the economic forces preventing its resurrection are so robust. But what I hope for is an acknowledgment of where we stand in relation to the ideal and the forces that killed it. Doing that brings us far closer to the spirit of the cowboy than engaging in the fantasy that it still exists.Sam Foglesong is a scholar of African Studies and a writer who lives in Hays.&nbsp;Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

OPINION: This might not be your first rodeo. But it was mine, far out in western Kansas

As a kid growing up in the farm country of central Ohio, my summer income came from the same source as all other farm boys near and far; baling hay! 

I know I’m aging myself here, but we’re talking pre-round bale days; we’re talking wagon load after wagon load of at least 100 square bales apiece, loaded on wagons pulled behind the baler, taken to the barn, unloaded onto an elevator and stacked into the loft. 

The farm boys in our neighborhood were the usual ornery, free-spirited lot, but we all knew how to work hard, and come hayin’ time each year we became a necessary commodity to most local farmers. 

Such was the case with Chester Campbell. “Chet” as he was known, lived across the road from me, and for reasons unknown, didn’t seem to care much for us neighborhood boys. I think the feelings were mutual, but like I said, once his hay was down, his opinion of us changed dramatically.

Ohio has groundhogs like Kansas has coyotes; wherever there is ground there are groundhogs. 

Groundhogs, best known as woodchucks, look like overgrown prairie dogs, short stumpy tail and all, and can easily grow to weigh ten pounds or more. They have two sharp incisor teeth in the front of their mouth, much like a beaver, and eat all types of green plant life. They dig their burrows in fence rows and woodlots where they can easily sneak out into fields of young growing crops and wreak havoc. Like mini-combines they choose a row of tender young soybean plants, straddle the row and eat every plant off to the ground for several feet.

We had a dog named “Silly” who was a groundhog slayin’ machine. Silly knew just how and where to grab them, and would shake them till their teeth rattled. One day we heard a huge ruckus coming from the cornfield by the house. Upon investigation, it was Silly who had caught a groundhog, probably sneaking through the cornfield on its way back to the safety of its den. When the fight was over, Silly was victorious as usual, the groundhog was dead and a patch of corn the size of a pickup was flattened from the fray.

Now old man Campbell also had a dog, sort of a cross between a beagle and a basset, named Wimpy. As I remember Wimpy was a good old dog, just not the “sharpest knife in the drawer,” if you know what I mean. 

One particular day, about this time of the year, Campbell’s hay was ready to bale, and, as usual, three of us neighbor boys suddenly became handier to him than sliced bread! The hay field was bordered by a creek on one side and by woods on one end, and those borders were riddled with woodchuck dens.

Empty wagons were pulled behind the baler, and when one was loaded, we stopped long enough to unhook the loaded one, hook up to the empty behind us and go again. 

In the middle of one such exchange, we heard the most awful wailing, screeching and thrashing imaginable coming from the nearby field edge. The three of us ran to investigate and found Wimpy in the weeds with a big groundhog fastened securely to the end of his snout! Around and around they went, the woodchuck showing no intentions of letting go.

 We all knew better than to try and interrupt the festivities barehanded, so we scrambled to find something to end the brawl and save Wimpy’s snout. The back of all the hay wagons had metal “pockets” welded to them into which wooden racks could be inserted to provide something solid to stack the back row of hay bales against.&nbsp;

One wagon happened to have just single 2x4’s in those pockets, so someone grabbed one and ran back to the brawl. After taking careful aim amidst the ball of thrashing fur, a well placed wallop across the groundhog's back dropped it to the ground and sent it diving for its burrow minus Wimpy, who raced shrieking toward the house. So ended Wimpy's close encounter with the woodchuck, and I sincerely doubt he ever saw one that close again.

Although I’ve not heard of groundhogs in my neck of the woods, they are in eastern Kansas and will probably someday make their way here much like the armadillos have. Each time I go to Hutchinson I marvel at the prairie dog “city” there around the mall, and I think to myself that if our commercial food supply is ever cut off and I want something different than fish or venison, I’ll simply head to the mall with a pellet gun and fill my freezer; I’m sure prairie dog tastes just like chicken...

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754301004577.jpeg" alt="Woodchuck. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Woodchuck. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILANDAs a kid growing up in the farm country of central Ohio, my summer income came from the same source as all other farm boys near and far; baling hay! I know I’m aging myself here, but we’re talking pre-round bale days; we’re talking wagon load after wagon load of at least 100 square bales apiece, loaded on wagons pulled behind the baler, taken to the barn, unloaded onto an elevator and stacked into the loft. The farm boys in our neighborhood were the usual ornery, free-spirited lot, but we all knew how to work hard, and come hayin’ time each year we became a necessary commodity to most local farmers. Such was the case with Chester Campbell. “Chet” as he was known, lived across the road from me, and for reasons unknown, didn’t seem to care much for us neighborhood boys. I think the feelings were mutual, but like I said, once his hay was down, his opinion of us changed dramatically.Ohio has groundhogs like Kansas has coyotes; wherever there is ground there are groundhogs. Groundhogs, best known as woodchucks, look like overgrown prairie dogs, short stumpy tail and all, and can easily grow to weigh ten pounds or more. They have two sharp incisor teeth in the front of their mouth, much like a beaver, and eat all types of green plant life. They dig their burrows in fence rows and woodlots where they can easily sneak out into fields of young growing crops and wreak havoc. Like mini-combines they choose a row of tender young soybean plants, straddle the row and eat every plant off to the ground for several feet.We had a dog named “Silly” who was a groundhog slayin’ machine. Silly knew just how and where to grab them, and would shake them till their teeth rattled. One day we heard a huge ruckus coming from the cornfield by the house. Upon investigation, it was Silly who had caught a groundhog, probably sneaking through the cornfield on its way back to the safety of its den. When the fight was over, Silly was victorious as usual, the groundhog was dead and a patch of corn the size of a pickup was flattened from the fray.Now old man Campbell also had a dog, sort of a cross between a beagle and a basset, named Wimpy. As I remember Wimpy was a good old dog, just not the “sharpest knife in the drawer,” if you know what I mean. One particular day, about this time of the year, Campbell’s hay was ready to bale, and, as usual, three of us neighbor boys suddenly became handier to him than sliced bread! The hay field was bordered by a creek on one side and by woods on one end, and those borders were riddled with woodchuck dens.Empty wagons were pulled behind the baler, and when one was loaded, we stopped long enough to unhook the loaded one, hook up to the empty behind us and go again. In the middle of one such exchange, we heard the most awful wailing, screeching and thrashing imaginable coming from the nearby field edge. The three of us ran to investigate and found Wimpy in the weeds with a big groundhog fastened securely to the end of his snout! Around and around they went, the woodchuck showing no intentions of letting go. We all knew better than to try and interrupt the festivities barehanded, so we scrambled to find something to end the brawl and save Wimpy’s snout. The back of all the hay wagons had metal “pockets” welded to them into which wooden racks could be inserted to provide something solid to stack the back row of hay bales against.&nbsp;One wagon happened to have just single 2x4’s in those pockets, so someone grabbed one and ran back to the brawl. After taking careful aim amidst the ball of thrashing fur, a well placed wallop across the groundhog's back dropped it to the ground and sent it diving for its burrow minus Wimpy, who raced shrieking toward the house. So ended Wimpy's close encounter with the woodchuck, and I sincerely doubt he ever saw one that close again.Although I’ve not heard of groundhogs in my neck of the woods, they are in eastern Kansas and will probably someday make their way here much like the armadillos have. Each time I go to Hutchinson I marvel at the prairie dog “city” there around the mall, and I think to myself that if our commercial food supply is ever cut off and I want something different than fish or venison, I’ll simply head to the mall with a pellet gun and fill my freezer; I’m sure prairie dog tastes just like chicken...Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Outdoor Kansas: Wimpy and the woodchuck

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas&nbsp;

Can Republicans score some Congressional seats by gerrymandering maps in Texas and other states?&nbsp; If Kansas’ experience is any guide, the answer is, it’s complicated.

&nbsp;In 2002, the Kansas Legislature targeted the KC-area Third District, then represented by Democrat Dennis Moore.&nbsp; They adjusted for population growth in the district by splitting heavily-Democratic Lawrence along Iowa Street, moving west Lawrence into the Second District, represented by Republican Jim Ryan. 

It was Ryan, not Moore whose career was ended by this map.&nbsp; Ryan held on in 2004, but in 2006, the district flipped for Democrat Nancy Boyda, ending Ryan’s long political career.&nbsp; Boyda served only one term, being defeated by Lynn Jenkins in 2008, but for two years, deep-red Kansas was represented by two Democrats in the U.S. House.&nbsp; In the Third–the original target– Moore’s re-election margins remained comfortable until he retired.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once again, there was only one Kansas Congressional District held by a Democrat, the Third District centered on Johnson County. The Legislature passed a new map which appeared to greatly diminish Rep. Sharice Davids’ chances of re-election.&nbsp; 

Known as “Ad Astra 2,” the final map split heavily-Democratic Wyandotte County in two, removing the northern portion into the Second District.&nbsp; The map then added all of Miami, Franklin, and Anderson counties to the Third District.

 The loss of urban votes and addition of rural ones appears intended to remove Davids’ partisan advantage in the Third, but despite facing a serious, well-financed opponent in a new district, Davids still won re-election in the newly-redrawn district by the same ten point advantage that she had one in the old one.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When a population is moved, it creates a “domino effect” changing other districts.&nbsp; 

Adding northern Wyandotte County into a district that already contained Lawrence and Topeka would make that district Democratic. Not taking any chances and perhaps responding to what happened after 2002, this time Kansas legislators gerrymandered Lawrence into the “Big First” district, which is heavily rural and extends to Colorado. Viewed on a map, a “hook” reaches east from the rest of the First, ultimately plunging south to “scoop” Lawrence out of Douglas County.&nbsp; This makes an ungainly district and puts the voters of Lawrence into a district where they are out of place. 

To the east, it makes an oddly-shaped Second District,&nbsp; in which the northern part is connected to the rest by a narrow corridor that consists only of eastern Douglas County. 

There were numerous court challenges, but ultimately the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that in most cases, the courts do not have jurisdiction over redistricting. (Disclosure: I served as an expert witness for the plaintiffs challenging the map in one of these cases).&nbsp;

The situation is even more complicated in Texas.&nbsp; Most of the Democratic districts the Texas Legislature seeks to eliminate are “majority minority” (majority non-white) districts, which have special protection due to the Voting Rights Act. These protections have been upheld recently by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In addition, after the 2030 Census, Kansas may lose a district, while Texas stands to gain.

Gerrymandered district maps get complicated, and have unintended consequences.&nbsp; Just ask the Kansas Legislature.

A map of Kansas’ current Congressional districts can be viewed here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://1350kman.com/2022/01/kansas-house-approves-congressional-district-maps-which-would-split-flint-hills-douglas-county/">Kansas House approves congressional district maps which would split Flint Hills, Douglas County</a>

&nbsp; Michael A. Smith&nbsp;is a&nbsp;professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751494323778.jpeg" alt="Michael A. Smith&nbsp;is a&nbsp;professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo&nbsp; &nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michael A. Smith&nbsp;is a&nbsp;professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo&nbsp; &nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas&nbsp;Can Republicans score some Congressional seats by gerrymandering maps in Texas and other states?&nbsp; If Kansas’ experience is any guide, the answer is, it’s complicated.&nbsp;In 2002, the Kansas Legislature targeted the KC-area Third District, then represented by Democrat Dennis Moore.&nbsp; They adjusted for population growth in the district by splitting heavily-Democratic Lawrence along Iowa Street, moving west Lawrence into the Second District, represented by Republican Jim Ryan. It was Ryan, not Moore whose career was ended by this map.&nbsp; Ryan held on in 2004, but in 2006, the district flipped for Democrat Nancy Boyda, ending Ryan’s long political career.&nbsp; Boyda served only one term, being defeated by Lynn Jenkins in 2008, but for two years, deep-red Kansas was represented by two Democrats in the U.S. House.&nbsp; In the Third–the original target– Moore’s re-election margins remained comfortable until he retired.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fast-forward to&nbsp; 2022.&nbsp; Once again, there was only one Kansas Congressional District held by a Democrat, the Third District centered on Johnson County. The Legislature passed a new map which appeared to greatly diminish Rep. Sharice Davids’ chances of re-election.&nbsp; Known as “Ad Astra 2,” the final map split heavily-Democratic Wyandotte County in two, removing the northern portion into the Second District.&nbsp; The map then added all of Miami, Franklin, and Anderson counties to the Third District. The loss of urban votes and addition of rural ones appears intended to remove Davids’ partisan advantage in the Third, but despite facing a serious, well-financed opponent in a new district, Davids still won re-election in the newly-redrawn district by the same ten point advantage that she had one in the old one.&nbsp;&nbsp;When a population is moved, it creates a “domino effect” changing other districts.&nbsp; Adding northern Wyandotte County into a district that already contained Lawrence and Topeka would make that district Democratic. Not taking any chances and perhaps responding to what happened after 2002, this time Kansas legislators gerrymandered Lawrence into the “Big First” district, which is heavily rural and extends to Colorado. Viewed on a map, a “hook” reaches east from the rest of the First, ultimately plunging south to “scoop” Lawrence out of Douglas County.&nbsp; This makes an ungainly district and puts the voters of Lawrence into a district where they are out of place. To the east, it makes an oddly-shaped Second District,&nbsp; in which the northern part is connected to the rest by a narrow corridor that consists only of eastern Douglas County. There were numerous court challenges, but ultimately the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that in most cases, the courts do not have jurisdiction over redistricting. (Disclosure: I served as an expert witness for the plaintiffs challenging the map in one of these cases).&nbsp;The situation is even more complicated in Texas.&nbsp; Most of the Democratic districts the Texas Legislature seeks to eliminate are “majority minority” (majority non-white) districts, which have special protection due to the Voting Rights Act. These protections have been upheld recently by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, after the 2030 Census, Kansas may lose a district, while Texas stands to gain.Gerrymandered district maps get complicated, and have unintended consequences.&nbsp; Just ask the Kansas Legislature.A map of Kansas’ current Congressional districts can be viewed here:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://1350kman.com/2022/01/kansas-house-approves-congressional-district-maps-which-would-split-flint-hills-douglas-county/">Kansas House approves congressional district maps which would split Flint Hills, Douglas County</a>&nbsp; Michael A. Smith&nbsp;is a&nbsp;professor of political science and chair of social sciences at Emporia State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Redistricting for partisan advantage? Kansas is a cautionary tale

Will the new Hays High School open in time for the first day of school on Aug. 20?

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Dustin Armbruster talks with Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal about the new USD&nbsp;489 building.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Will the new Hays High School open in time for the first day of classes?" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=zubxj-192ad00-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Will the new Hays High School open in time for the first day of school on Aug. 20?On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Dustin Armbruster talks with Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal about the new USD&nbsp;489 building.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Will Hays High School open in time for the first day of classes?

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman with teacher Morgan Berkgren about the national winners of the KidWind Challenge from schools in Oakley.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="843" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J5dqPRJ94ug" title="Forward Ever Morgan Berkgren" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman with teacher Morgan Berkgren about the national winners of the KidWind Challenge from schools in Oakley.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: National KidWind Challenge winners from Oakley

It is time for judicial reform in Kansas. 

Here is what is happening: Gov. Laura Kelly just chose her appointee for the state Supreme Court. Her choice was limited to a recommended three from a panel of mostly attorneys, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission. Never heard of this commission? Have no idea who sits on it? You are not alone.

The truth is that these advisers are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americansforprosperity.org/takebackthebench/">unelected political insiders</a>&nbsp;who meet behind closed doors. Often they are left-leaning trial attorneys. As a result, the commission usually selects nominees that are beholden to a certain party line, ideology, or to litigators themselves.

Kansas is the only state in the whole country that gives unelected attorneys majority control over judicial picks — and it is not working for us.

The state Supreme Court is the highest court in Kansas. Its decisions set binding legal precedent lower courts must follow. Trusting so few, unaccountable people to choose justices virtually guarantees that special interests will be the only voices that will be listened to by the state Supreme Court.

Justices’ decisions have ramifications for residents, families, businesses, schools, the entire economy, and more. With such an enormous reach into our daily lives, Kansans should expect more transparency in the process — especially since our state Supreme Court is one of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/#:~:text=Track%20record,largely%20the%20same%2C%20he%20said.">most</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/#:~:text=Track%20record,largely%20the%20same%2C%20he%20said.">overturned</a>&nbsp;in the country.

The fact that our justices frequently misinterpret the law creates continuous uncertainty for state lawmakers, businesses, and citizens. The court often gets it wrong because the process for picking justices is wrong. The entire system must be reformed to put more power into the hand of the people.

In August 2026, voters will have the chance to do just that by voting for a ballot initiative, Question 1, that would amend the state constitution to allow direct elections of state Supreme Court justices.

Currently 22 states, from Texas to Pennsylvania and Oregon to Alabama, allow voters to choose who sits on the state Supreme Court. Another 18 states have judicial nominations similar to the federal model, where elected officials control the nomination of Supreme Court judges and voters, in turn, can hold those elected officials accountable for their choices.

It is time Kansas join the majority. It is time that we, not an unelected panel of special interest lawyers, get to decide who sits on the state Supreme Court.

Some opponents of Question 1 will point out Kansans are able to vote whether a justice&nbsp;stays&nbsp;on the court. That is true. After a justice's first full year in office, he or she must stand for a retention vote. If the justice earns a majority of the vote, they get to remain in office for another&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/Supreme-Court#:~:text=Kansas%20Supreme%20Court&amp;text=After%20a%20justice's%20first%20full,a%20term%20of%20six%20years.">six years</a>.

But just because this claim is true, does not make the system sound.

Retention votes are an insufficient check on unaccountable judges. In fact, since&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2014/b2013_14/committees/misc/ctte_h_jud_1_20130122_02_other.pdf">99%</a>&nbsp;of judges are retained, these votes are a little like a dictator claiming they held “free elections.” In systems like that, voters do not really have a voice.

That is true in Kansas today as well. At no point do we have an opportunity to have a say in who the judge is. Giving us that voice is the only true reform that will remove special interests from our selection system.

It is time that Kansas stops bypassing the will of the people. It is time the governor stops giving power to select lawyers, and it is time we stop letting political insiders influence our state Supreme Court.

In August 2026, vote “yes” on Question 1.

State Representative Barb Wasinger (R-Hays) District 111

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>It is time for judicial reform in Kansas. Here is what is happening: Gov. Laura Kelly just chose her appointee for the state Supreme Court. Her choice was limited to a recommended three from a panel of mostly attorneys, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission. Never heard of this commission? Have no idea who sits on it? You are not alone.The truth is that these advisers are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americansforprosperity.org/takebackthebench/">unelected political insiders</a>&nbsp;who meet behind closed doors. Often they are left-leaning trial attorneys. As a result, the commission usually selects nominees that are beholden to a certain party line, ideology, or to litigators themselves. Kansas is the only state in the whole country that gives unelected attorneys majority control over judicial picks — and it is not working for us.The state Supreme Court is the highest court in Kansas. Its decisions set binding legal precedent lower courts must follow. Trusting so few, unaccountable people to choose justices virtually guarantees that special interests will be the only voices that will be listened to by the state Supreme Court.Justices’ decisions have ramifications for residents, families, businesses, schools, the entire economy, and more. With such an enormous reach into our daily lives, Kansans should expect more transparency in the process — especially since our state Supreme Court is one of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/#:~:text=Track%20record,largely%20the%20same%2C%20he%20said.">most</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/#:~:text=Track%20record,largely%20the%20same%2C%20he%20said.">overturned</a>&nbsp;in the country. The fact that our justices frequently misinterpret the law creates continuous uncertainty for state lawmakers, businesses, and citizens. The court often gets it wrong because the process for picking justices is wrong. The entire system must be reformed to put more power into the hand of the people.In August 2026, voters will have the chance to do just that by voting for a ballot initiative, Question 1, that would amend the state constitution to allow direct elections of state Supreme Court justices.Currently 22 states, from Texas to Pennsylvania and Oregon to Alabama, allow voters to choose who sits on the state Supreme Court. Another 18 states have judicial nominations similar to the federal model, where elected officials control the nomination of Supreme Court judges and voters, in turn, can hold those elected officials accountable for their choices.It is time Kansas join the majority. It is time that we, not an unelected panel of special interest lawyers, get to decide who sits on the state Supreme Court.Some opponents of Question 1 will point out Kansans are able to vote whether a justice&nbsp;stays&nbsp;on the court. That is true. After a justice's first full year in office, he or she must stand for a retention vote. If the justice earns a majority of the vote, they get to remain in office for another&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/Supreme-Court#:~:text=Kansas%20Supreme%20Court&amp;text=After%20a%20justice's%20first%20full,a%20term%20of%20six%20years.">six years</a>.But just because this claim is true, does not make the system sound.Retention votes are an insufficient check on unaccountable judges. In fact, since&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2014/b2013_14/committees/misc/ctte_h_jud_1_20130122_02_other.pdf">99%</a>&nbsp;of judges are retained, these votes are a little like a dictator claiming they held “free elections.” In systems like that, voters do not really have a voice. That is true in Kansas today as well. At no point do we have an opportunity to have a say in who the judge is. Giving us that voice is the only true reform that will remove special interests from our selection system.It is time that Kansas stops bypassing the will of the people. It is time the governor stops giving power to select lawyers, and it is time we stop letting political insiders influence our state Supreme Court.In August 2026, vote “yes” on Question 1.State Representative Barb Wasinger (R-Hays) District 111

LETTER: It’s time for direct elections for the state Supreme Court

Killdeer performing vociferous speed walk--shuffle step--pause actions or broken wing charades add interest to any waterside visit. Who knew two adult killdeer repeating "skree skree skree"s followed by "kill dee" calls as they searched for high protein insects would turn our front lawn into my favorite summer birding site? Add four uncoordinated juveniles to multiply the fun!

This bird’s onomatopoetic "kill-dee" cry makes it obvious why folks commonly call them killdeer. 

Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus’s scientific name for them is more apt—Charadrius vociferus. These noisy birds mastered the art of charade with their clever broken wing imitation designed to lure threats away from nests and young. How crazy something the size of a robin and weighing only ounces can be so loudly dramatic!

At first contact, I thought our pair of lawn picnickers shared the fate of a Colorado chipmunk that wound up in our yard a couple years ago—lost. 

 Research explains killdeer often exist as non-shore shorebirds. Sure, some live near water, but others support themselves and their young, relying on short grass lawns, pastures, prairies, driveways, parking lots and golf courses to provide sustenance. 

Apparently, south WaKeeney meets their home sweet home requirements.

A big parking lot bordered by airport runways bordered by pastures makes up the truck stop. East of Highway 283, six well-trimmed yards tempt these creatures to cross two lanes of scorching asphalt to nourish themselves with succulent insects and other invertebrates. 

Think Killdeer Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.

After satisfying dietary needs, these attractive birds focus on nesting. Once again, their 15-acre killdeer range provides essentials so the pair can scrape a ground nest from dirt and rock. This one-time ancient seabed turned farm field turned truck stop plus bonus neighborhood offers dirt and limestone pebbles to convert into an incubator/nursery for four to six buff or beige eggs the pair produces and hopefully hatches.

We haven’t spied their nest, but it exists because this week, two adult killdeer safely led four feathered young across the highway to hunt insects in our neighborhood. We missed the fluffball/toothpick leg stage, but these tweens charm us. Seeing adult killdeer run-walk-shuffle-pause to grab a meal captured our interest. Watching gawky fledglings seek food produces pure comedy.

One did a classic vaudeville face plant one morning when it dove for breakfast. A sibling rolled beak over tail-end while matching wits with an escaping insect. During these antics, the parents gobbled necessary calories while scanning for predators.

Though we haven’t personally triggered a dramatic broken wing charade, cars entering the drive have. The most threatened adult flashes that orange Stranger Danger rump toward the front fender and skews one wing so it appears broken. Often, the performer adds a limp to convince that mechanical behemoth they’re seriously injured easy prey. Once the car passes, a miraculously healed killdeer resumes eating.

We researched this crew to see how much longer we’ll enjoy their company. One source noted young killdeer fly at 25 days. Based on size and feather development, migration day creeps ever closer. Our free entertainment ends soon.

We best gander often to enjoy killdeer watching while these non-shore shore birds dine and perform in our yard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753890324981.jpeg" alt="Killdeer. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Killdeer. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN Killdeer performing vociferous speed walk--shuffle step--pause actions or broken wing charades add interest to any waterside visit. Who knew two adult killdeer repeating "skree skree skree"s followed by "kill dee" calls as they searched for high protein insects would turn our front lawn into my favorite summer birding site? Add four uncoordinated juveniles to multiply the fun!This bird’s onomatopoetic "kill-dee" cry makes it obvious why folks commonly call them killdeer. Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus’s scientific name for them is more apt—Charadrius vociferus. These noisy birds mastered the art of charade with their clever broken wing imitation designed to lure threats away from nests and young. How crazy something the size of a robin and weighing only ounces can be so loudly dramatic!At first contact, I thought our pair of lawn picnickers shared the fate of a Colorado chipmunk that wound up in our yard a couple years ago—lost. Nope, not lost. Research explains killdeer often exist as non-shore shorebirds. Sure, some live near water, but others support themselves and their young, relying on short grass lawns, pastures, prairies, driveways, parking lots and golf courses to provide sustenance. Apparently, south WaKeeney meets their home sweet home requirements.A big parking lot bordered by airport runways bordered by pastures makes up the truck stop. East of Highway 283, six well-trimmed yards tempt these creatures to cross two lanes of scorching asphalt to nourish themselves with succulent insects and other invertebrates. Think Killdeer Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.After satisfying dietary needs, these attractive birds focus on nesting. Once again, their 15-acre killdeer range provides essentials so the pair can scrape a ground nest from dirt and rock. This one-time ancient seabed turned farm field turned truck stop plus bonus neighborhood offers dirt and limestone pebbles to convert into an incubator/nursery for four to six buff or beige eggs the pair produces and hopefully hatches.We haven’t spied their nest, but it exists because this week, two adult killdeer safely led four feathered young across the highway to hunt insects in our neighborhood. We missed the fluffball/toothpick leg stage, but these tweens charm us. Seeing adult killdeer run-walk-shuffle-pause to grab a meal captured our interest. Watching gawky fledglings seek food produces pure comedy.One did a classic vaudeville face plant one morning when it dove for breakfast. A sibling rolled beak over tail-end while matching wits with an escaping insect. During these antics, the parents gobbled necessary calories while scanning for predators.Though we haven’t personally triggered a dramatic broken wing charade, cars entering the drive have. The most threatened adult flashes that orange Stranger Danger rump toward the front fender and skews one wing so it appears broken. Often, the performer adds a limp to convince that mechanical behemoth they’re seriously injured easy prey. Once the car passes, a miraculously healed killdeer resumes eating.We researched this crew to see how much longer we’ll enjoy their company. One source noted young killdeer fly at 25 days. Based on size and feather development, migration day creeps ever closer. Our free entertainment ends soon.We best gander often to enjoy killdeer watching while these non-shore shore birds dine and perform in our yard.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Shorebirds grazing town lawns

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

As we continue to recognize August as National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to share more articles focused on breastfeeding and highlight some of the key topics and challenges commonly discussed in the field of lactation.

 From access to lactation support to the social and cultural perceptions of breastfeeding, there’s a wide range of important conversations happening. By exploring these issues, we hope to raise awareness, provide support, and empower families in their infant feeding journeys.

In today’s modern parenting culture, breastfeeding beyond infancy often sparks debate—drawing praise, curiosity, and criticism in equal measure. 

Known as full-term breastfeeding or natural-term breastfeeding, this practice refers to nursing a child beyond the first year of life, often continuing until the child weans naturally, sometimes at age three, four, or even older. 

While it may seem unconventional in some societies, anthropology and biology tell a different story—one that suggests full-term breastfeeding is deeply rooted in human history and may offer real benefits worth reconsidering.

Anthropologists studying primate behavior and traditional human societies offer valuable insights into what constitutes a "biologically normal" duration of breastfeeding. By comparing nursing habits of closely related primates and examining skeletal development and immune markers in human infants, experts have estimated that the natural weaning age for humans may fall anywhere between 2.5 and 7 years of age.

Katherine Dettwyler, a biological anthropologist known for her research on breastfeeding, has famously argued that full-term breastfeeding is the evolutionary norm for humans. In her studies of various cultures around the world, breastfeeding into toddlerhood and beyond is not only common but expected. It’s only in more industrialized nations—particularly the U.S.—that early weaning has become the norm, largely due to social pressures, marketing of formula, and a lack of public breastfeeding support.

Benefits of Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy

From a health perspective, the benefits of breastfeeding do not expire at 12 months. Breast milk continues to provide vital nutrients, antibodies, and immune support for as long as a child nurses. In fact, research shows that the composition of breast milk changes over time to meet the evolving needs of a growing child.

Breastfeeding beyond infancy also offers emotional and psychological benefits. It provides comfort, security, and a continued attachment between parent and child. Having a primary attachment figure is essential for social emotional development. For toddlers and preschoolers, nursing can be a source of calm during emotional stress, illness, or developmental transitions.

Additionally, mothers who breastfeed for longer durations benefit from reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These protective effects are dose specific which means the protective effect increases the longer a woman breastfeeds.

Despite its natural roots and health advantages, full-term breastfeeding is often misunderstood in Western society. Mothers who choose to breastfeed older children may face ridicule or concern, even though major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics support breastfeeding for two years or more, as long as it is mutually desired.

Much of the stigma arises from cultural discomfort with bodies and boundaries of the breast. But when viewed through an anthropological lens, full-term breastfeeding is not an act of indulgence or eccentricity—it is a return to a biologically and historically normal practice.

Choosing to breastfeed past infancy is deeply personal. But for parents exploring their options, full-term breastfeeding deserves serious consideration. Its roots in human evolution, documented health benefits, and emotional support for both child and mother make it a powerful, if often misunderstood, parenting choice. 

If you are looking for support for breastfeeding please reach out to the local La Leche League Group. La Leche League of the Western Plains offers a variety of services to support your breastfeeding journey.

Find them on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064626344476">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064626344476</a>

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754415776630.png" alt="Full-term breast feeding. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Full-term breast feeding. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictAs we continue to recognize August as National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to share more articles focused on breastfeeding and highlight some of the key topics and challenges commonly discussed in the field of lactation. From access to lactation support to the social and cultural perceptions of breastfeeding, there’s a wide range of important conversations happening. By exploring these issues, we hope to raise awareness, provide support, and empower families in their infant feeding journeys.In today’s modern parenting culture, breastfeeding beyond infancy often sparks debate—drawing praise, curiosity, and criticism in equal measure. Known as full-term breastfeeding or natural-term breastfeeding, this practice refers to nursing a child beyond the first year of life, often continuing until the child weans naturally, sometimes at age three, four, or even older. While it may seem unconventional in some societies, anthropology and biology tell a different story—one that suggests full-term breastfeeding is deeply rooted in human history and may offer real benefits worth reconsidering.What Anthropology RevealsAnthropologists studying primate behavior and traditional human societies offer valuable insights into what constitutes a "biologically normal" duration of breastfeeding. By comparing nursing habits of closely related primates and examining skeletal development and immune markers in human infants, experts have estimated that the natural weaning age for humans may fall anywhere between 2.5 and 7 years of age.Katherine Dettwyler, a biological anthropologist known for her research on breastfeeding, has famously argued that full-term breastfeeding is the evolutionary norm for humans. In her studies of various cultures around the world, breastfeeding into toddlerhood and beyond is not only common but expected. It’s only in more industrialized nations—particularly the U.S.—that early weaning has become the norm, largely due to social pressures, marketing of formula, and a lack of public breastfeeding support.Benefits of Breastfeeding Beyond InfancyFrom a health perspective, the benefits of breastfeeding do not expire at 12 months. Breast milk continues to provide vital nutrients, antibodies, and immune support for as long as a child nurses. In fact, research shows that the composition of breast milk changes over time to meet the evolving needs of a growing child.Breastfeeding beyond infancy also offers emotional and psychological benefits. It provides comfort, security, and a continued attachment between parent and child. Having a primary attachment figure is essential for social emotional development. For toddlers and preschoolers, nursing can be a source of calm during emotional stress, illness, or developmental transitions.Additionally, mothers who breastfeed for longer durations benefit from reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These protective effects are dose specific which means the protective effect increases the longer a woman breastfeeds.Challenging Social StigmaDespite its natural roots and health advantages, full-term breastfeeding is often misunderstood in Western society. Mothers who choose to breastfeed older children may face ridicule or concern, even though major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics support breastfeeding for two years or more, as long as it is mutually desired.Much of the stigma arises from cultural discomfort with bodies and boundaries of the breast. But when viewed through an anthropological lens, full-term breastfeeding is not an act of indulgence or eccentricity—it is a return to a biologically and historically normal practice.Why Consider It?Choosing to breastfeed past infancy is deeply personal. But for parents exploring their options, full-term breastfeeding deserves serious consideration. Its roots in human evolution, documented health benefits, and emotional support for both child and mother make it a powerful, if often misunderstood, parenting choice. If you are looking for support for breastfeeding please reach out to the local La Leche League Group. La Leche League of the Western Plains offers a variety of services to support your breastfeeding journey. Find them on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064626344476">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064626344476</a>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

KOERNER: Full-term breastfeeding: An ancient practice worth reconsidering

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Summers are often a time of busyness with sports, different schedules, county fair, and maybe a little vacation time!

When our kids were small, transitioning back from long days of farm life to the much more structured pace of school was often a challenge. While they certainly had early mornings and a multitude of responsibilities for the farm, it was much different getting up and ready for the school bus every day.

I usually tried to start a few weeks ahead of time with slowly adjusting bedtime schedules. As an off-the-farm working mom, it was often stressful and I regularly worried that I had everything prepared!

Things that helped us were a white-board calendar the size of the freezer door. Each family member had their own color of dry erase marker and it made schedules a little more manageable. We also kept a grocery list on the refrigerator door and every family member was expected to add items they needed for every day or wanted for lunches.

Speaking of lunches, we had one pretty picky eater and our plan was that the kids had to check the next day’s lunch menu and had to eat at least three items on the menu including the main dish or they had to pack their lunch! Yes, I checked their lunch to make sure it wasn’t just cookies and chips! They usually did a pretty good job of packing a mostly balanced meal that they would actually eat.

I was never very good about laying out clothes the night before – I can’t manage that for myself as an adult! While I do appreciate that this habit can definitely make mornings smoother, I am still a work in progress. 

Keeping up on laundry was always a challenge, especially with farm dirt and working full-time, so we tried to have a schedule of washing a load every day. It sure helped when the kids were old enough to help which meant 7 or 8 was helping to fold and definitely putting their own things away. By 10 or 12, they helped with hanging things up or putting them in the dryer.

Both kids are good cooks and those skills started at an early age. Knowing the basics of food preparation allowed them to get ingredients together or begin thawing meat for a meal by the time they were in middle school.

All of those things didn’t guarantee smooth evenings especially with homework. Their normal homework station was in the kitchen so we could talk about assignments and their day while I made dinner. It was a good way to practice conversation and have a small window into their fun, frustrations, and feelings. 

These days, I miss those moments but our daughter often calls on her way home from work in Kansas City and we still chat while I start dinner!

None of these ideas are rocket science but I hope you will look for ways to connect with your kids in the car or in the kitchen.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District in Ellis and Barton counties. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District in Ellis and Barton counties. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictSummers are often a time of busyness with sports, different schedules, county fair, and maybe a little vacation time!When our kids were small, transitioning back from long days of farm life to the much more structured pace of school was often a challenge. While they certainly had early mornings and a multitude of responsibilities for the farm, it was much different getting up and ready for the school bus every day.I usually tried to start a few weeks ahead of time with slowly adjusting bedtime schedules. As an off-the-farm working mom, it was often stressful and I regularly worried that I had everything prepared!Things that helped us were a white-board calendar the size of the freezer door. Each family member had their own color of dry erase marker and it made schedules a little more manageable. We also kept a grocery list on the refrigerator door and every family member was expected to add items they needed for every day or wanted for lunches.Speaking of lunches, we had one pretty picky eater and our plan was that the kids had to check the next day’s lunch menu and had to eat at least three items on the menu including the main dish or they had to pack their lunch! Yes, I checked their lunch to make sure it wasn’t just cookies and chips! They usually did a pretty good job of packing a mostly balanced meal that they would actually eat.I was never very good about laying out clothes the night before – I can’t manage that for myself as an adult! While I do appreciate that this habit can definitely make mornings smoother, I am still a work in progress. Keeping up on laundry was always a challenge, especially with farm dirt and working full-time, so we tried to have a schedule of washing a load every day. It sure helped when the kids were old enough to help which meant 7 or 8 was helping to fold and definitely putting their own things away. By 10 or 12, they helped with hanging things up or putting them in the dryer.Both kids are good cooks and those skills started at an early age. Knowing the basics of food preparation allowed them to get ingredients together or begin thawing meat for a meal by the time they were in middle school.All of those things didn’t guarantee smooth evenings especially with homework. Their normal homework station was in the kitchen so we could talk about assignments and their day while I made dinner. It was a good way to practice conversation and have a small window into their fun, frustrations, and feelings. These days, I miss those moments but our daughter often calls on her way home from work in Kansas City and we still chat while I start dinner!None of these ideas are rocket science but I hope you will look for ways to connect with your kids in the car or in the kitchen.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Back to school after summer busyness

I remember several years ago clamoring up over the dike of one pond in the McPherson Valley Wetlands to be greeted by what looked like something from an exotic Chinese water garden. I’ve always called them water lilies, but the public lands manager for the Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks who manages the McPherson Valley Wetlands system tells me their proper name is American Lotus, and says they are in fact native to Kansas.

 That reminded me of PePe Le Pew the skunk from cartoons of my generation. PePe fancied himself a ladies’ man, and his famous pickup line was “Ah, my little lotus flower.”

The year I first discovered them was a wet year, and they filled the shallow waters in the corners of the pond like a mat of immense green leaves dotted with bold, pale, yellowish-white flowers the size of cereal bowls. Most of the time these plants are shown with their enormous leaves floating on the water, but here where the water was shallow, they actually rise above the water’s surface. 

Most of the leaves on these plants were about a foot wide, give or take, and the flowers that were fully opened measured 6 inches across. Leaves on older American Lotus plants can reach 24 inches in diameter. An interesting phenomenon is that American Lotus leaves never get wet; water forms a droplet on them and just runs off.

Each flower has a bright, yellow, round center resembling a little double-layer cake. When the flower dies, that center swells into a seed pod 3 or 4 inches wide resembling a wasp nest with several individual seed compartments that each contain a single marble-sized seed. As it further dries the seed pod droops toward the water and the seeds eventually spill out and lay on the bottom of the pond. The seeds can lay dormant in the mud for several years before germinating, which occurs when the hard outer shell softens. 

The plants grow from tuberous roots called rhizomes which can become up to 50 feet long and can have dozens of plants growing from them. American Lotus plants will grow in the still water of any pond, lake or stream that is shallower than 3 feet.

Waterfowl and other wildlife will eat the seeds and tubers if they can get to them. Native Americans peeled and cooked the tubers to eat as vegetables or dried and stored them for winter food. They ate the seeds in soups and other dishes or roasted them like chestnuts. 

Many Great Plains tribes attributed mystic powers to the American Lotus plants. A poultice made from the pulp of the root was thought to relieve the pain of inflammatory ailments such as arthritis, and a mash made from the blossoms and leaves was said to have anti-fungal properties. Although little sound research exists concerning the medicinal properties of the American Lotus, a close cousin, the Indian or Sacred Lotus which is native to Asia and Australia, has been used medicinally for generations. It is known to relieve asthma, inflammation, headache and fatigue, and is said to promote good digestion.

When I first visited Kansas over 30 years ago, I either bought or was given a decorative seed pod of some sort that was brown and hard with numerous round compartments in it, each containing a round hard seed of some sort. I was told they were called “lake nuts.” That decorative object has long since disappeared, but at the time I remember no one seemed to know what the heck it really was. Guess what; after writing this column I now know it was an American Lotus seed pod! I never cease to be amazed at the wildlife and plants which flourish here in Kansas that common sense tells me shouldn’t be&nbsp;here in our prairie state at all.

Of the American Lotus someone has said, “Whenever you doubt your self-worth, remember the lotus flower. Even though it plunges to life beneath the mud, it does not allow the dirt that surrounds it to affect its growth or beauty.” Boy howdy, can we use a heapin’ portion of that today!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753713267441.jpeg" alt="American Lotus. Photo by Joe Boggs, Ohio State University Extension" />
 <figcaption>American Lotus. Photo by Joe Boggs, Ohio State University Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILANDI remember several years ago clamoring up over the dike of one pond in the McPherson Valley Wetlands to be greeted by what looked like something from an exotic Chinese water garden. I’ve always called them water lilies, but the public lands manager for the Kansas Dept of Wildlife and Parks who manages the McPherson Valley Wetlands system tells me their proper name is American Lotus, and says they are in fact native to Kansas. That reminded me of PePe Le Pew the skunk from cartoons of my generation. PePe fancied himself a ladies’ man, and his famous pickup line was “Ah, my little lotus flower.”The year I first discovered them was a wet year, and they filled the shallow waters in the corners of the pond like a mat of immense green leaves dotted with bold, pale, yellowish-white flowers the size of cereal bowls. Most of the time these plants are shown with their enormous leaves floating on the water, but here where the water was shallow, they actually rise above the water’s surface. Most of the leaves on these plants were about a foot wide, give or take, and the flowers that were fully opened measured 6 inches across. Leaves on older American Lotus plants can reach 24 inches in diameter. An interesting phenomenon is that American Lotus leaves never get wet; water forms a droplet on them and just runs off.Each flower has a bright, yellow, round center resembling a little double-layer cake. When the flower dies, that center swells into a seed pod 3 or 4 inches wide resembling a wasp nest with several individual seed compartments that each contain a single marble-sized seed. As it further dries the seed pod droops toward the water and the seeds eventually spill out and lay on the bottom of the pond. The seeds can lay dormant in the mud for several years before germinating, which occurs when the hard outer shell softens. The plants grow from tuberous roots called rhizomes which can become up to 50 feet long and can have dozens of plants growing from them. American Lotus plants will grow in the still water of any pond, lake or stream that is shallower than 3 feet.Waterfowl and other wildlife will eat the seeds and tubers if they can get to them. Native Americans peeled and cooked the tubers to eat as vegetables or dried and stored them for winter food. They ate the seeds in soups and other dishes or roasted them like chestnuts. Many Great Plains tribes attributed mystic powers to the American Lotus plants. A poultice made from the pulp of the root was thought to relieve the pain of inflammatory ailments such as arthritis, and a mash made from the blossoms and leaves was said to have anti-fungal properties. Although little sound research exists concerning the medicinal properties of the American Lotus, a close cousin, the Indian or Sacred Lotus which is native to Asia and Australia, has been used medicinally for generations. It is known to relieve asthma, inflammation, headache and fatigue, and is said to promote good digestion.When I first visited Kansas over 30 years ago, I either bought or was given a decorative seed pod of some sort that was brown and hard with numerous round compartments in it, each containing a round hard seed of some sort. I was told they were called “lake nuts.” That decorative object has long since disappeared, but at the time I remember no one seemed to know what the heck it really was. Guess what; after writing this column I now know it was an American Lotus seed pod! I never cease to be amazed at the wildlife and plants which flourish here in Kansas that common sense tells me shouldn’t be&nbsp;here in our prairie state at all.Of the American Lotus someone has said, “Whenever you doubt your self-worth, remember the lotus flower. Even though it plunges to life beneath the mud, it does not allow the dirt that surrounds it to affect its growth or beauty.” Boy howdy, can we use a heapin’ portion of that today! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Ah, my little lotus flower!

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

It may be mid-summer, but veteran gardeners know it’s time to start planning the fall vegetable garden.&nbsp;

“Fall gardens may face additional pressures of pests and heat, but the flavor that comes from these late season crops are often better (than summer crops),” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.&nbsp;She notes that gardeners should count the number of days to harvest, as well as the crops’ tolerance to frost, before deciding when to plant fall crops.

 Crops may be seeded directly, or transplanted into the garden.&nbsp;“Growing transplants is a good choice when the temperature is too warm for starting seeds in the ground, assuming you have grow lights and space available for starting them indoors,” Domenghini said.

&nbsp;She provides some tips for successful fall crops:

&nbsp;· When seeding crops directly into the garden, plant slightly deeper than recommended in the spring to take advantage of the cooler soil temperatures and moisture available

· Water more frequently to prevent the seeds from drying out.

&nbsp;· Overhead watering often causes soil to crust, making it more difficult for young, tender plants to emerge. Prevent this by applying a light sprinkling of vermiculite or compost over the row after seeding, or use a soak hose or drip irrigation right next to the row to allow water to slowly seep into the ground.&nbsp;

Domenghini also suggests a timeline for planting fall crops:

Mid-July Plant potatoes if you can find seed stock or have saved seed potatoes. Do not use freshly dug potatoes as they have built-in dormancy that will prevent growth. Also, grocery store potatoes are often treated, so they don’t sprout.&nbsp;Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can be started from seed at this time. Choose a protected place where the soil can be kept moist and rabbits will not bother them. This will not be where they will grow the entire season; these crops will be transplanted in August.

Late July Seed beets, carrots and beans.

Late July to early August Seed spinach and long-season maturing lettuce. Leaf lettuce will be seeded later.&nbsp;

Second week of August Transplant cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower to their final location.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictIt may be mid-summer, but veteran gardeners know it’s time to start planning the fall vegetable garden.&nbsp;“Fall gardens may face additional pressures of pests and heat, but the flavor that comes from these late season crops are often better (than summer crops),” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.&nbsp;She notes that gardeners should count the number of days to harvest, as well as the crops’ tolerance to frost, before deciding when to plant fall crops. Crops may be seeded directly, or transplanted into the garden.&nbsp;“Growing transplants is a good choice when the temperature is too warm for starting seeds in the ground, assuming you have grow lights and space available for starting them indoors,” Domenghini said.&nbsp;She provides some tips for successful fall crops:&nbsp;· When seeding crops directly into the garden, plant slightly deeper than recommended in the spring to take advantage of the cooler soil temperatures and moisture available· Water more frequently to prevent the seeds from drying out.&nbsp;· Overhead watering often causes soil to crust, making it more difficult for young, tender plants to emerge. Prevent this by applying a light sprinkling of vermiculite or compost over the row after seeding, or use a soak hose or drip irrigation right next to the row to allow water to slowly seep into the ground.&nbsp;Domenghini also suggests a timeline for planting fall crops:Mid-July Plant potatoes if you can find seed stock or have saved seed potatoes. Do not use freshly dug potatoes as they have built-in dormancy that will prevent growth. Also, grocery store potatoes are often treated, so they don’t sprout.&nbsp;Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can be started from seed at this time. Choose a protected place where the soil can be kept moist and rabbits will not bother them. This will not be where they will grow the entire season; these crops will be transplanted in August.Late July Seed beets, carrots and beans.Late July to early August Seed spinach and long-season maturing lettuce. Leaf lettuce will be seeded later.&nbsp;Second week of August Transplant cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower to their final location.Mid to late August Seed radishes and leaf lettuce. There is no need to fertilize these crops before planting. Side-dress two weeks after transplanting, or four weeks after sowing seed, by applying two tablespoons of a 16-0-0 or one tablespoon of 27-3-3, 30-3-4 fertilizer (or something similar) per plant.&nbsp;More information about fall gardening is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/kansas-garden-guide_S51">available in the Kansas Garden Guide</a>, available online from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

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