By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

This summer, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History celebrates a milestone that speaks volumes about the human thirst for knowledge, experience, and community in a rapidly evolving world, with a record enrollment of 127 summer campers across all age groups from 35 different states, as well as India and China. This beacon of discovery amplifies its motto, "Excitement in Education through Exploration," as it opens new doors and trails for learning the earth and life sciences.

The array of summer programs lined up for 2024 are rich with educational diversity, with activities spanning across Kansas to the coast of North Carolina, to the San Francisco Bay! Sternberg's new collaboration with Eastern Tennessee State University and its Gray Fossil Site Museum exemplifies the power of collective wisdom and collaboration in enhancing learning experiences.

Perhaps the most remarkable chapters of this story unfold within the high school programs, where 80 young scientists are nurturing their calling. Among them, 54 will embark on a journey at the Sternberg Museum or Fort Hays State University, immersing themselves in the multifaceted world of paleontology.

The program's success and inclusion of a record number of instructors, ranging from returning camp alumni to doctoral students from the US and UK, echoes a larger narrative.

It is a tale of unwavering commitment, both to excellence in education and to the ongoing empowerment of its high school campers through post-camp support systems and opportunities that make the "Sternberg Science Camps+” a wholly unique offering in the breadth of youth summer science education programs.

The "+" symbolizes more than a mere branding strategy; it represents an enduring dedication to bolstering student outcomes long after the summer sun sets on their camping adventures. It represents the program’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with external entities with shared missions in engaging youth with the wonders of the earth and life sciences. Finally, it reflects the museum’s spirit of lifelong learning and its commitment to fostering a global community of inquisitive minds.

As the museum looks toward the horizon, one can see the reflections of its past success in the eager eyes of first-timers joining the programs and in the diligence of the educators preparing to guide these young explorers. Interest in the annual camps has soared, with programs like Field Paleontology: Kansas and the new Advanced Fossil Preparation camp filling up at unprecedented speed, demonstrating a burgeoning passion for the paleontological sciences. Field Paleontology: Kansas has proven so popular that a third session of the program has been created to accommodate the lengthy waitlist for sessions one and two!

This growth is a testament to the Sternberg Museum's relentless pursuit of what lies at the heart of education: the sheer joys of shared community and exploration. As campers traverse fossil field sites and free long-sequestered fossils from their rocky enclosures, they carry with them not

just the knowledge they've accumulated but also the priceless experience of scientific inquiry in action.

For educators and parents, the museum stands as a shining example of how to meld excitement with learning. It fosters an environment where children – and adults returning to the wonder of their childhood – can surrender to their curiosity, guided by the belief that to learn is to explore.

The story of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and its record summer camp enrollment is one of the collective triumph of its students, the program staff, and the near-singular focus of the program’s founder/director David Levering’s pursuit of creating powerful, accessible opportunities for kids regardless of their economic status. It is a story written by every hand that digs into the earth searching for fossils, by every mind that marvels at the stories those fossils tell, and by every heart that beats faster with the thrill of discovery. As the Sternberg Museum continues to reach new heights, it holds a mirror to society's enduring fascination with the natural world. It strengthens an unspoken promise: to keep the flame of excitement in education burning bright for generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentThis summer, the Sternberg Museum of Natural History celebrates a milestone that speaks volumes about the human thirst for knowledge, experience, and community in a rapidly evolving world, with a record enrollment of 127 summer campers across all age groups from 35 different states, as well as India and China. This beacon of discovery amplifies its motto, "Excitement in Education through Exploration," as it opens new doors and trails for learning the earth and life sciences.The array of summer programs lined up for 2024 are rich with educational diversity, with activities spanning across Kansas to the coast of North Carolina, to the San Francisco Bay! Sternberg's new collaboration with Eastern Tennessee State University and its Gray Fossil Site Museum exemplifies the power of collective wisdom and collaboration in enhancing learning experiences.Perhaps the most remarkable chapters of this story unfold within the high school programs, where 80 young scientists are nurturing their calling. Among them, 54 will embark on a journey at the Sternberg Museum or Fort Hays State University, immersing themselves in the multifaceted world of paleontology.The program's success and inclusion of a record number of instructors, ranging from returning camp alumni to doctoral students from the US and UK, echoes a larger narrative.It is a tale of unwavering commitment, both to excellence in education and to the ongoing empowerment of its high school campers through post-camp support systems and opportunities that make the "Sternberg Science Camps+” a wholly unique offering in the breadth of youth summer science education programs.The "+" symbolizes more than a mere branding strategy; it represents an enduring dedication to bolstering student outcomes long after the summer sun sets on their camping adventures. It represents the program’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with external entities with shared missions in engaging youth with the wonders of the earth and life sciences. Finally, it reflects the museum’s spirit of lifelong learning and its commitment to fostering a global community of inquisitive minds.As the museum looks toward the horizon, one can see the reflections of its past success in the eager eyes of first-timers joining the programs and in the diligence of the educators preparing to guide these young explorers. Interest in the annual camps has soared, with programs like Field Paleontology: Kansas and the new Advanced Fossil Preparation camp filling up at unprecedented speed, demonstrating a burgeoning passion for the paleontological sciences. Field Paleontology: Kansas has proven so popular that a third session of the program has been created to accommodate the lengthy waitlist for sessions one and two!This growth is a testament to the Sternberg Museum's relentless pursuit of what lies at the heart of education: the sheer joys of shared community and exploration. As campers traverse fossil field sites and free long-sequestered fossils from their rocky enclosures, they carry with them notjust the knowledge they've accumulated but also the priceless experience of scientific inquiry in action.For educators and parents, the museum stands as a shining example of how to meld excitement with learning. It fosters an environment where children – and adults returning to the wonder of their childhood – can surrender to their curiosity, guided by the belief that to learn is to explore.The story of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and its record summer camp enrollment is one of the collective triumph of its students, the program staff, and the near-singular focus of the program’s founder/director David Levering’s pursuit of creating powerful, accessible opportunities for kids regardless of their economic status. It is a story written by every hand that digs into the earth searching for fossils, by every mind that marvels at the stories those fossils tell, and by every heart that beats faster with the thrill of discovery. As the Sternberg Museum continues to reach new heights, it holds a mirror to society's enduring fascination with the natural world. It strengthens an unspoken promise: to keep the flame of excitement in education burning bright for generations to come.

HEART OF A TIGER: Sternberg Museum's record summer camp enrollment marks new era of science exploration

In Victorian times, people of a certain social class with
time on their hands went “calling.”&nbsp; As
either a pass into another’s home or as a token of the visit, guests left a business-size
card in a lovely dish placed on a table in the entryway.&nbsp; These ornate calling cards engraved with the
caller’s name held special significance if one bent the left top corner one way
or another meaning if a different corner were bent or torn.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While this
seems complicated in today’s more relaxed culture, I’ve found that nature introduces
calling cards of a different and less difficult-to-understand variety. While
walking hundreds of miles down country roads and paths, I’ve spied more than a
few calling cards deposited in the middle of the road to mark a local coyote’s
territory.&nbsp; These greetings, while clear
in their message, aren’t nearly as ornate or as collectible as those left by
our Victorian ancestors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For those
unfamiliar with canid behavior, passing coyotes leave scat in strategic and
clearly visible patches of road or trail. They want other coyotes, foxes,
bobcats, house cats, dogs, and humans to acknowledge their domination of the
neighborhood. In fact, their very frequent messages pronounce their dominion
over the drive, pasture, and surrounding section roads. Anything or anyone else
trespasses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While
Victorian cards present the visitor’s name in ornate script, surrounded by the
filigreed designs, coyotes leave simple communication. However, the attentive
can read volumes in these tubular epistles.

Over summer and into fall, I interpreted a list of such messages.
Wild canids tend feed opportunistically. Though they possess a lovely set of
incisors designed to shred raw flesh, they also eat fruits, berries, and
melons.&nbsp; Late spring and early summer mid-road
deposits reveal nature’s fibrous, fruity “ink.”&nbsp;
These calling cards vary little in theme.

&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some
include lines that state, “Hey, check out the mulberries.&nbsp; Who needs rabbits when berries fall from the
tree into your mouth?” Another might read, “Mulberries rule, but watch out for attack
birds.” By late summer, I might find a message along these lines, “If you
thought mulberries were good, you must try the currants. This season’s little
berries defy description—flavor and bulk make them first choice of all coyotes!”

Once berries shrivel and fall to
the ground, Yote pronouncements take on new texture and dimension.&nbsp; Rodents come back into fashion.&nbsp; The messages read, “Whoa, that was one big
bunny!” or “Packrats make great snacks.” Fall diets include plentiful rodent
fur and little round seeds I haven’t identified, hence the following motto,
“Eat a balanced diet—a little meat combined with a little grain make a coyote
sleek, sassy, and fast.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While it
may seem odd to relate a coyote’s natural bodily function to calling cards left
behind by Victorian gentlefolk, similarities exist. Relying on sight and scent
features, they intentionally drop scat in the road to serve the same purpose as
old-fashioned human calling cards. Dogs read it with their noses and quickly cover
its scent by lifting a leg. You read the announcement that you’ve invaded
another creature’s marked territory with your eyes and think, who poops in the
middle of the road? 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coyotes do
because it’s theirs, and they can. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713561612001.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINIn Victorian times, people of a certain social class with
time on their hands went “calling.”&nbsp; As
either a pass into another’s home or as a token of the visit, guests left a business-size
card in a lovely dish placed on a table in the entryway.&nbsp; These ornate calling cards engraved with the
caller’s name held special significance if one bent the left top corner one way
or another meaning if a different corner were bent or torn.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While this
seems complicated in today’s more relaxed culture, I’ve found that nature introduces
calling cards of a different and less difficult-to-understand variety. While
walking hundreds of miles down country roads and paths, I’ve spied more than a
few calling cards deposited in the middle of the road to mark a local coyote’s
territory.&nbsp; These greetings, while clear
in their message, aren’t nearly as ornate or as collectible as those left by
our Victorian ancestors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For those
unfamiliar with canid behavior, passing coyotes leave scat in strategic and
clearly visible patches of road or trail. They want other coyotes, foxes,
bobcats, house cats, dogs, and humans to acknowledge their domination of the
neighborhood. In fact, their very frequent messages pronounce their dominion
over the drive, pasture, and surrounding section roads. Anything or anyone else
trespasses.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While
Victorian cards present the visitor’s name in ornate script, surrounded by the
filigreed designs, coyotes leave simple communication. However, the attentive
can read volumes in these tubular epistles.Over summer and into fall, I interpreted a list of such messages.
Wild canids tend feed opportunistically. Though they possess a lovely set of
incisors designed to shred raw flesh, they also eat fruits, berries, and
melons.&nbsp; Late spring and early summer mid-road
deposits reveal nature’s fibrous, fruity “ink.”&nbsp;
These calling cards vary little in theme.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some
include lines that state, “Hey, check out the mulberries.&nbsp; Who needs rabbits when berries fall from the
tree into your mouth?” Another might read, “Mulberries rule, but watch out for attack
birds.” By late summer, I might find a message along these lines, “If you
thought mulberries were good, you must try the currants. This season’s little
berries defy description—flavor and bulk make them first choice of all coyotes!”Once berries shrivel and fall to
the ground, Yote pronouncements take on new texture and dimension.&nbsp; Rodents come back into fashion.&nbsp; The messages read, “Whoa, that was one big
bunny!” or “Packrats make great snacks.” Fall diets include plentiful rodent
fur and little round seeds I haven’t identified, hence the following motto,
“Eat a balanced diet—a little meat combined with a little grain make a coyote
sleek, sassy, and fast.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While it
may seem odd to relate a coyote’s natural bodily function to calling cards left
behind by Victorian gentlefolk, similarities exist. Relying on sight and scent
features, they intentionally drop scat in the road to serve the same purpose as
old-fashioned human calling cards. Dogs read it with their noses and quickly cover
its scent by lifting a leg. You read the announcement that you’ve invaded
another creature’s marked territory with your eyes and think, who poops in the
middle of the road? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Coyotes do
because it’s theirs, and they can.

MADORIN: Nature’s calling cards

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

There is a common joke in Kansas – and many parts of the country – that goes something like this: If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait a few minutes, because it will change! How many times do we start out the day with one type of weather and end the day with something completely different!

Weather in Kansas can change pretty quickly, so it’s important to know what to do in any situation in order to remain safe.

It starts with preparedness. We all should have a plan, including such things as just knowing how you get your weather alerts. You may get those from a weather radio or other sources, such as news media. And then, talk to your family.

It is a good idea for everyone to practice what they would do if faced with a real weather emergency. Parents can practice the plan with children well in advance of severe weather threats; doing so helps to ease children’s anxiety in a real emergency.

Practicing and having a plan saves lives. That is especially true in rural areas where appropriate shelter may be many miles away, a scenario many Kansans may be in.

Keep a weather safety kit that includes such items as non-perishable food, medicines, blankets, boots, extra clothes, helmets, weather radio, batteries, a charging device for phones and even a map to track the path of the storm while listening to news reports.

The best place to wait out severe weather is always the lowest, central location in the home. If you only have a first floor – and not a basement – the ideal spot is a centrally located hallway or bathroom. Stay away from windows.

If caught outside, don’t go under trees during thunderstorms and don’t try to out-run tornadoes in your car. A ditch is a safe place to go if you’re outside. Get down in the ditch; debris will typically blow over you. If you’re in a place without a ditch, get down on the ground as low as you can so you don’t have things hitting you.

· Get inside. Avoid porches and over-hangs. Stay away from windows.

· Stay off electronics that are hooked into a wall, including computer and cell phone.

· Stay out of the shower, or other water sources.

· On average, Kansas has 95 tornadoes per year. There has been as few as 17 tornadoes reported in 2020 and 190 in 2008.

· The peak time for tornadoes in Kansas is April through June, often referred to as tornado season.

· Tornadoes can occur any time of year and are solely dependent on atmospheric conditions.

· A basement or lower level of the house – away from windows -- is always the safest spot to wait out a tornado warning.

· Kansas gets approximately 600 wind damage reports annually.

· High winds – defined as those over 55 miles per hour – create problems not only by downing trees, but by making driving conditions and visibility more difficult.

· As with tornadoes, the safest place during a wind storm is inside in a central location, away from windows.

· In an average year, there are more than 1,000 reports of hail in Kansas. Severe hail is defined as 1 inch or more in diameter.

· One-inch hail can cause injury, damage to cars, and even damage house siding and roofs.

· Know your proximity to a flood plain to determine your risk, know the low-lying areas and where water runs.

· Away from home – and especially when driving – the risks due to flooding are much greater. On the road, the best advice is “turn around, don’t drown.”

· Six inches of water can move a car effectively.

· The road under the water may not be intact and could damage or disable your vehicle

More information about staying safe during many weather emergencies is available online from the National Weather Service.

More information on Kansas weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts, is available online from https://mesonet.k-state.edu/

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/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThere is a common joke in Kansas – and many parts of the country – that goes something like this: If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait a few minutes, because it will change! How many times do we start out the day with one type of weather and end the day with something completely different!Weather in Kansas can change pretty quickly, so it’s important to know what to do in any situation in order to remain safe.It starts with preparedness. We all should have a plan, including such things as just knowing how you get your weather alerts. You may get those from a weather radio or other sources, such as news media. And then, talk to your family.It is a good idea for everyone to practice what they would do if faced with a real weather emergency. Parents can practice the plan with children well in advance of severe weather threats; doing so helps to ease children’s anxiety in a real emergency.Practicing and having a plan saves lives. That is especially true in rural areas where appropriate shelter may be many miles away, a scenario many Kansans may be in.Keep a weather safety kit that includes such items as non-perishable food, medicines, blankets, boots, extra clothes, helmets, weather radio, batteries, a charging device for phones and even a map to track the path of the storm while listening to news reports.The best place to wait out severe weather is always the lowest, central location in the home. If you only have a first floor – and not a basement – the ideal spot is a centrally located hallway or bathroom. Stay away from windows.If caught outside, don’t go under trees during thunderstorms and don’t try to out-run tornadoes in your car. A ditch is a safe place to go if you’re outside. Get down in the ditch; debris will typically blow over you. If you’re in a place without a ditch, get down on the ground as low as you can so you don’t have things hitting you.For specific weather emergencies:Lightning· Get inside. Avoid porches and over-hangs. Stay away from windows.· Stay off electronics that are hooked into a wall, including computer and cell phone.· Stay out of the shower, or other water sources.Tornado· On average, Kansas has 95 tornadoes per year. There has been as few as 17 tornadoes reported in 2020 and 190 in 2008.· The peak time for tornadoes in Kansas is April through June, often referred to as tornado season.· Tornadoes can occur any time of year and are solely dependent on atmospheric conditions.· A basement or lower level of the house – away from windows -- is always the safest spot to wait out a tornado warning.High winds· Kansas gets approximately 600 wind damage reports annually.· High winds – defined as those over 55 miles per hour – create problems not only by downing trees, but by making driving conditions and visibility more difficult.· As with tornadoes, the safest place during a wind storm is inside in a central location, away from windows.Hail· In an average year, there are more than 1,000 reports of hail in Kansas. Severe hail is defined as 1 inch or more in diameter.· One-inch hail can cause injury, damage to cars, and even damage house siding and roofs.Flooding· Know your proximity to a flood plain to determine your risk, know the low-lying areas and where water runs.· Away from home – and especially when driving – the risks due to flooding are much greater. On the road, the best advice is “turn around, don’t drown.”· Six inches of water can move a car effectively.· The road under the water may not be intact and could damage or disable your vehicleMore information about staying safe during many weather emergencies is available online from the National Weather Service.More information on Kansas weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts, is available online from https://mesonet.k-state.edu/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: Severe weather

Having a polling place on campus, an area of town with a high population concentration, will be convenient for voters in that precinct, and encourage civic participation from the campus community. That is exactly the point that LOCAL voters have been trying to communicate for at least the last six years. It is also the point that the recent Hays Post article <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3a3f06a1-6b07-45c6-bf3c-8b76f4d564d7">“ACLU presents Ellis Co. Clerk petition”</a> and the county clerk herself are missing.

In this most recent effort, the students Madison Albers and Grace McCord, working with the American Democracy Project, have presented County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling and the Ellis County Commission with information about other Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) schools that support this claim.

The most recent example, Wichita State University, saw a nearly 20% increase in voter turnout after they put a polling place on their campus. Dreiling complained about comparisons to the University of Kansas in Lawrence. However, their on-campus students-to-total-population ratio is 24%, while FHSU’s is 17%.

That’s only a 6% [sic] difference and is not an unreasonable comparison. Yes, KU is a much larger school, but Lawrence is also a much larger town. The increase in voter participation at other KBOR universities with a polling place on campus means it is realistic to expect that adding a polling place to the FHSU campus would empower students to get registered locally and take a more active role in civic engagement, subsequently increasing voter turnout in that precinct.

Last year, Albers and McCord went above and beyond to find a place on campus that would meet all of Dreiling’s ever-changing requirements, secure the support of University Police (to address traffic concerns), garner bipartisan support from campus Democratic and Republican clubs, and have the Student Government on board to provide poll workers for the campus polling place.

When Dreiling further pushed back against the Memorial Union as a polling place (due to the distance to the polling location from the front entrance—even though she is legally required to provide curbside voting for those with limited mobility), these students worked to get commitments from Gross Memorial Coliseum/Cuningham Hall, including consideration of sporting event schedules and special elections, and met every demand Dreiling had made.

Despite all this, and in the middle of these discussions, Dreiling chose to move the polling place from 601 Main St. to a location 16 blocks away in the middle of other voting precincts.

It would have made more sense to move that polling place to somewhere within that precinct—such as the FHSU campus. Dreiling closed two polling places, 601 Main St. and 2900 Canal Blvd. That means she could have opened two new polling places while incurring the same cost, using the same machinery, poll workers, etc.

There was no reason to choose to only open the Messiah Lutheran Church location and discontinue talks with the American Democracy Project about a polling location on campus.

The fact that Dreiling is more willing to consider reopening the 601 Main St. location than to open a polling place on campus is difficult to comprehend.

The county clerk’s continued insistence on falling back on the failures of prior clerks to bring a polling place to campus for “good reason, [because] the feasibility is not there” proves that she has not taken seriously the work of these students, who have met her every obstacle with a solution, proving that the feasibility is there.

Ellis County deserves to have a clerk who wants as many citizens as possible to engage with this community and as many voters as possible to participate in elections.

 This petition, along with our continued willingness to encourage County Clerk Dreiling to do the right thing, shows that there is support for this polling location.

This continued response of putting barriers in place and not meeting the voters where they are is a significant failure of leadership on Dreiling’s part. When Dreiling asserts that she has not heard from any other Ellis County citizens aside from us, that is simply not true.

She, in fact, received dozens of emails from locals last year in support of our efforts. She responded to those emails and made public claims of being personally attacked [read, held accountable for her actions], so she has previously acknowledged interactions with other Ellis County voters—we are not sure why she would deny them now.

Furthermore, letters of support from various campus entities such as Student Government, Faculty Senate, Campus Community Collaborative (3C), and Staff Senate were forwarded to Dreiling. President Tisa Mason has also publicly voiced her support of Albers’ and McCord’s efforts.

If Dreiling has reached out to FHSU students about a voter registration drive on campus, she has not contacted Albers or McCord to coordinate.

 We have an opportunity to educate young voters about the importance of civic engagement and to encourage voter registration and commitment to this community. 

Students living in Hays can register to vote in Ellis County during their time in Hays. At every turn, people in Ellis County ask why we can’t get young people to stay here and start their lives.

When Dreiling herself makes statements like “whether it be students or ACTUAL residents of Ellis County,” she is telling those students that they are not part of this community, that their voices don’t matter, and that she couldn’t care less if they got involved. Why would they ever choose to stay? 

— Anna Towns and Anniston Weber, both of Hays

Having a polling place on campus, an area of town with a high population concentration, will be convenient for voters in that precinct, and encourage civic participation from the campus community. That is exactly the point that LOCAL voters have been trying to communicate for at least the last six years. It is also the point that the recent Hays Post article <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3a3f06a1-6b07-45c6-bf3c-8b76f4d564d7">“ACLU presents Ellis Co. Clerk petition”</a> and the county clerk herself are missing.In this most recent effort, the students Madison Albers and Grace McCord, working with the American Democracy Project, have presented County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling and the Ellis County Commission with information about other Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) schools that support this claim.The most recent example, Wichita State University, saw a nearly 20% increase in voter turnout after they put a polling place on their campus. Dreiling complained about comparisons to the University of Kansas in Lawrence. However, their on-campus students-to-total-population ratio is 24%, while FHSU’s is 17%.That’s only a 6% [sic] difference and is not an unreasonable comparison. Yes, KU is a much larger school, but Lawrence is also a much larger town. The increase in voter participation at other KBOR universities with a polling place on campus means it is realistic to expect that adding a polling place to the FHSU campus would empower students to get registered locally and take a more active role in civic engagement, subsequently increasing voter turnout in that precinct.Last year, Albers and McCord went above and beyond to find a place on campus that would meet all of Dreiling’s ever-changing requirements, secure the support of University Police (to address traffic concerns), garner bipartisan support from campus Democratic and Republican clubs, and have the Student Government on board to provide poll workers for the campus polling place.When Dreiling further pushed back against the Memorial Union as a polling place (due to the distance to the polling location from the front entrance—even though she is legally required to provide curbside voting for those with limited mobility), these students worked to get commitments from Gross Memorial Coliseum/Cuningham Hall, including consideration of sporting event schedules and special elections, and met every demand Dreiling had made.Despite all this, and in the middle of these discussions, Dreiling chose to move the polling place from 601 Main St. to a location 16 blocks away in the middle of other voting precincts.It would have made more sense to move that polling place to somewhere within that precinct—such as the FHSU campus. Dreiling closed two polling places, 601 Main St. and 2900 Canal Blvd. That means she could have opened two new polling places while incurring the same cost, using the same machinery, poll workers, etc.There was no reason to choose to only open the Messiah Lutheran Church location and discontinue talks with the American Democracy Project about a polling location on campus.The fact that Dreiling is more willing to consider reopening the 601 Main St. location than to open a polling place on campus is difficult to comprehend.The county clerk’s continued insistence on falling back on the failures of prior clerks to bring a polling place to campus for “good reason, [because] the feasibility is not there” proves that she has not taken seriously the work of these students, who have met her every obstacle with a solution, proving that the feasibility is there.Ellis County deserves to have a clerk who wants as many citizens as possible to engage with this community and as many voters as possible to participate in elections. This petition, along with our continued willingness to encourage County Clerk Dreiling to do the right thing, shows that there is support for this polling location.This continued response of putting barriers in place and not meeting the voters where they are is a significant failure of leadership on Dreiling’s part. When Dreiling asserts that she has not heard from any other Ellis County citizens aside from us, that is simply not true.She, in fact, received dozens of emails from locals last year in support of our efforts. She responded to those emails and made public claims of being personally attacked [read, held accountable for her actions], so she has previously acknowledged interactions with other Ellis County voters—we are not sure why she would deny them now.Furthermore, letters of support from various campus entities such as Student Government, Faculty Senate, Campus Community Collaborative (3C), and Staff Senate were forwarded to Dreiling. President Tisa Mason has also publicly voiced her support of Albers’ and McCord’s efforts.If Dreiling has reached out to FHSU students about a voter registration drive on campus, she has not contacted Albers or McCord to coordinate. We have an opportunity to educate young voters about the importance of civic engagement and to encourage voter registration and commitment to this community. Students living in Hays can register to vote in Ellis County during their time in Hays. At every turn, people in Ellis County ask why we can’t get young people to stay here and start their lives.When Dreiling herself makes statements like “whether it be students or ACTUAL residents of Ellis County,” she is telling those students that they are not part of this community, that their voices don’t matter, and that she couldn’t care less if they got involved. Why would they ever choose to stay? — Anna Towns and Anniston Weber, both of Hays

Letter: FHSU Polling Place: Possibility, Promise, Opportunity

Speaker of the Kansas House, Dan Hawkins, visited Plainville this [April 11] to reveal the “truth” of Medicaid expansion. Either his presentation was outdated, or he was not truthful. Either way, Hawkins’ presentation proved he cannot speak the truth.

Hawkins claims over 150,000 able-bodied adults “who are not working” will receive taxpayer-financed health care if Medicaid expansion becomes law. Able-bodied adults should just “get a job” that either provides health care benefits or enough wages to purchase a subsidized plan on the federal insurance market.

However, there are not 150,000 able-bodied adults “not working” in Kansas. The current unemployment rate is 2.7%. Kansas is home to just under 2.9 million people. Subtract children, retirees and the disabled from that number, and you’ll arrive at about 1.9 million able-bodied adults. Multiply 1.9 million by 0.027. You get 51,300 unemployed. The unemployed have access to COBRA if they lose their job or are already on Medicaid if their COBRA extension has run out.

This means Hawkins stood in front of about 100 people and used faulty information or directly lied. I prefer to be generous and assume he used old information. Either way, I would expect the Speaker of the Kansas House to have heard Kari Bruffett’s testimony in favor of Medicaid expansion during the March 20 hearings. Bruffett, the CEO of the nonpartisan Kansas Health Institute, testified about 40,000 children and 110,000 adults would receive health insurance through Medicaid expansion. Only 20,000 of those adults are “not working.” Further testimony in the hearing revealed these adults cannot work because they did not receive consistent treatment for varying ailments like cancer. They literally are not healthy enough, but could have been, had they been on Medicaid.

Why would Hawkins continue to oppose Medicaid expansion if the target population is working? I believe he has a conflict of interest. Hawkins sells health insurance to employers for the Conrade Group in Wichita. According to a study by KU, Kansas health insurance premiums went up 77% between 2012 and 2020, whereas states that have expanded Medicaid only saw an increase of 25%. Frankly, Medicaid expansion could decrease the yearly growth in Kansas’ health insurance premiums.

I’m not saying a decrease in your premium will happen if Medicaid expansion is passed. Nor am I saying that increases will go away. I simply saying the increases will most likely not be as much after a few years. Being an insurance salesman, Hawkins no doubt knows this. However, he probably does not want his lucrative health insurance business to make less money than it does now. Either that, or he really does not care that the “truth” of Medicaid expansion is that Governor Kelly’s legislation would employ more people, help hospitals and decrease Kansans’ health care costs.

— Mark Schaukowitch of Plainville

1. Kari Bruffett, Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act: Hearings on HR 2556, March 20, 2024, <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf</a>

2. Davut Ayan et al. “Economic Costs to Kansas Due to State’s Failure to Expand Medicaid,” REACH Foundation, May 2022, <a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851">https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851</a>

Speaker of the Kansas House, Dan Hawkins, visited Plainville this [April 11] to reveal the “truth” of Medicaid expansion. Either his presentation was outdated, or he was not truthful. Either way, Hawkins’ presentation proved he cannot speak the truth.Hawkins claims over 150,000 able-bodied adults “who are not working” will receive taxpayer-financed health care if Medicaid expansion becomes law. Able-bodied adults should just “get a job” that either provides health care benefits or enough wages to purchase a subsidized plan on the federal insurance market.However, there are not 150,000 able-bodied adults “not working” in Kansas. The current unemployment rate is 2.7%. Kansas is home to just under 2.9 million people. Subtract children, retirees and the disabled from that number, and you’ll arrive at about 1.9 million able-bodied adults. Multiply 1.9 million by 0.027. You get 51,300 unemployed. The unemployed have access to COBRA if they lose their job or are already on Medicaid if their COBRA extension has run out.This means Hawkins stood in front of about 100 people and used faulty information or directly lied. I prefer to be generous and assume he used old information. Either way, I would expect the Speaker of the Kansas House to have heard Kari Bruffett’s testimony in favor of Medicaid expansion during the March 20 hearings. Bruffett, the CEO of the nonpartisan Kansas Health Institute, testified about 40,000 children and 110,000 adults would receive health insurance through Medicaid expansion. Only 20,000 of those adults are “not working.” Further testimony in the hearing revealed these adults cannot work because they did not receive consistent treatment for varying ailments like cancer. They literally are not healthy enough, but could have been, had they been on Medicaid.Why would Hawkins continue to oppose Medicaid expansion if the target population is working? I believe he has a conflict of interest. Hawkins sells health insurance to employers for the Conrade Group in Wichita. According to a study by KU, Kansas health insurance premiums went up 77% between 2012 and 2020, whereas states that have expanded Medicaid only saw an increase of 25%. Frankly, Medicaid expansion could decrease the yearly growth in Kansas’ health insurance premiums.I’m not saying a decrease in your premium will happen if Medicaid expansion is passed. Nor am I saying that increases will go away. I simply saying the increases will most likely not be as much after a few years. Being an insurance salesman, Hawkins no doubt knows this. However, he probably does not want his lucrative health insurance business to make less money than it does now. Either that, or he really does not care that the “truth” of Medicaid expansion is that Governor Kelly’s legislation would employ more people, help hospitals and decrease Kansans’ health care costs.— Mark Schaukowitch of PlainvilleSources Cited:1. Kari Bruffett, Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act: Hearings on HR 2556, March 20, 2024, <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf</a>2. Davut Ayan et al. “Economic Costs to Kansas Due to State’s Failure to Expand Medicaid,” REACH Foundation, May 2022, <a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851">https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851</a>

LETTER: Speaker Hawkins’ 'truth' of Medicaid expansion

The presidential primaries are unfolding quietly. Having clinched their party nominations early, Biden and Trump have shifted focus toward the general election.

From the start, a stubborn and sizeable percentage of Democrat and Republican primary voters have refused to endorse the front runners. Instead, they have voted for the alternatives.

The significance of these votes becomes clear in battleground states where lingering inter-party divisions could determine the general election outcome.

In the two crucial swing states of Georgia and Wisconsin, nearly 15 percent of Republican primary voters supported Nikki Haley.

Prior to that, Haley won 43 percent in New Hampshire, 27 percent in Michigan, and defeated Trump in Vermont.

Haley’s success was credited to open primaries where Independents and Democrats can participate.

However, in Arizona’s closed primary Haley still captured nearly 18 percent. And in the Florida and Kansas closed primaries, she locked up 14 and 16 percent, respectively.

In four of the five most populous Kansas counties, Haley’s percentages increased. She won 22 percent in Johnson, 18 percent in Sedgwick, 22 percent in Shawnee, and 26 percent in Douglas.

Adding in “none of the names shown” category, the statewide anti-Trump Kansas vote reached 21 percent or just over 20,000 GOP voters.

Meanwhile, a parallel trend is taking place among Democrats.

Biden’s decision to skip New Hampshire and award South Carolina the first primary spot disappointed many Granite State voters. As a result, Dean Phillips secured nearly 20 percent of the vote.

A few weeks later, over 100,000 Michigan Democrats cast uncommitted ballots protesting Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

In North Carolina the “no preference” option garnered nearly 90,000 votes. And in Kansas the “none of the names shown” option came in second place at 10 percent. The tally included almost 15 percent in solidly blue Douglas County and 8 percent in Johnson and Sedgwick counties. More recently, in pivotal swing state Wisconsin, 48,000 Democrats voted “uninstructed," twice the goal of the grassroots group Listen to Wisconsin that demanded policy changes over the war in Gaza. Another 17,000 voted for Phillips, who ended his campaign weeks before.

Clearly, thousands of Democrats and Republicans are using presidential primaries to express their dissatisfaction.

Yet neither nominee appears eager to reach out to the disaffected.

Trump remains steadfast in his unapologetic style that does not sit well with moderate Republicans but resonates with some Democrat leaning groups including working-class whites, Blacks and Latinos.

The Biden campaign seems focused on capturing the Haley block, investing in ads that showcase Trump’s offensive comments directed at Haley.

The reality is few disaffected primary voters will cross party lines. In matters of ideology and policy they are still closer to their party nominee than the opposition.

However, it’s possible they stay home on election day or continue to protest by other means. If protests occur during the summer – possibility at the party conventions, it could spell real trouble.

So as the primaries near their conclusion, let’s see whether Biden and Trump take the necessary steps to unify their parties.

The presidential primaries are unfolding quietly. Having clinched their party nominations early, Biden and Trump have shifted focus toward the general election.Yet all is not well.From the start, a stubborn and sizeable percentage of Democrat and Republican primary voters have refused to endorse the front runners. Instead, they have voted for the alternatives.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Mark R. Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Mark R. Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>The significance of these votes becomes clear in battleground states where lingering inter-party divisions could determine the general election outcome.In the two crucial swing states of Georgia and Wisconsin, nearly 15 percent of Republican primary voters supported Nikki Haley.This after she had quit the race.Prior to that, Haley won 43 percent in New Hampshire, 27 percent in Michigan, and defeated Trump in Vermont.Haley’s success was credited to open primaries where Independents and Democrats can participate.However, in Arizona’s closed primary Haley still captured nearly 18 percent. And in the Florida and Kansas closed primaries, she locked up 14 and 16 percent, respectively.In four of the five most populous Kansas counties, Haley’s percentages increased. She won 22 percent in Johnson, 18 percent in Sedgwick, 22 percent in Shawnee, and 26 percent in Douglas.Adding in “none of the names shown” category, the statewide anti-Trump Kansas vote reached 21 percent or just over 20,000 GOP voters.Meanwhile, a parallel trend is taking place among Democrats.Biden’s decision to skip New Hampshire and award South Carolina the first primary spot disappointed many Granite State voters. As a result, Dean Phillips secured nearly 20 percent of the vote.A few weeks later, over 100,000 Michigan Democrats cast uncommitted ballots protesting Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.In North Carolina the “no preference” option garnered nearly 90,000 votes. And in Kansas the “none of the names shown” option came in second place at 10 percent. The tally included almost 15 percent in solidly blue Douglas County and 8 percent in Johnson and Sedgwick counties. More recently, in pivotal swing state Wisconsin, 48,000 Democrats voted “uninstructed," twice the goal of the grassroots group Listen to Wisconsin that demanded policy changes over the war in Gaza. Another 17,000 voted for Phillips, who ended his campaign weeks before.Clearly, thousands of Democrats and Republicans are using presidential primaries to express their dissatisfaction.Yet neither nominee appears eager to reach out to the disaffected.Trump remains steadfast in his unapologetic style that does not sit well with moderate Republicans but resonates with some Democrat leaning groups including working-class whites, Blacks and Latinos.The Biden campaign seems focused on capturing the Haley block, investing in ads that showcase Trump’s offensive comments directed at Haley.The reality is few disaffected primary voters will cross party lines. In matters of ideology and policy they are still closer to their party nominee than the opposition.However, it’s possible they stay home on election day or continue to protest by other means. If protests occur during the summer – possibility at the party conventions, it could spell real trouble.So as the primaries near their conclusion, let’s see whether Biden and Trump take the necessary steps to unify their parties.&nbsp;— Mark R. Joslyn

INSIGHT: Protest votes signal troubles for Biden, Trump

I follow several online birding sites and enjoy seeing birders report area sightings and activity. Lately, a common question appears repeatedly. Are orioles back?

To prepare for their return, we ordered a case of grape jelly and bought a sack of oranges to tempt these pretty birds to hang in our hood. Despite our eagerness to welcome them, we’ve yet to spy this favorite spring arrival. According to those who know, they first appear here between April 15 and May Day.

In case you want to encourage these colorful and animated visitors, check nearby cottonwood and elm trees for their distinctive nests. Think of them as tiny sleeping bags woven from grasses and other fibers that dangle from branches. Nest sightings during winter and spring trips through your neighborhood offer clues regarding potential oriole pairs sharing your locale. Once you note sack-like, swinging nests, think about setting up your own oriole feeding station to encourage their visits.

What we’ve learned from decades of gardening and birding is that these combined interests create a backyard universe that invites these eye-catching guests to stop for meals. While we don’t have proper trees for nesting, these and other insectivores thrive on tasty insects such as spiders, meal worms, wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. So, cultivating flowers and vegetables encourages them to forage under our watch even if they nest elsewhere. Placing bird baths, perches, and feeders in open areas around the yard increases the success of this natural pest control. In short time, harried bird parents snag insects in flight and off plants to deliver to a nest full of open-beaked young. It entertains me to watch these predators hunt. As a bonus, I pick fewer bugs off plants.

Last summer, we observed five pairs of oriole parents harvesting insects to feed perpetually hungry offspring. Once the oriole young fledged, parents guided them to our prairie Eden for advanced schooling. Watching them instruct youngsters to identify and capture meals entertained me more than one morning while I sipped coffee on our deck. Occasionally, I snorted java as lessons turned western as newbies caught grasshoppers or cicadas nearly their size.

To invite orioles into your world, hang bright orange feeders containing a grape jelly filled dish. These feeders also include prongs for hanging halved oranges. Several visiting pairs can devour an orange a day and lick the jelly bowl clean when they’re not snarfing protein-packed insects.

The detail about oranges gives pause to fruit growers. As summer advances, orioles add fruit to their diet of creepy crawlers. For those making fruit jellies, cobblers, and pies, simply trim bird pecks in peaches, apples or tomatoes. Unfortunately, these invasions alarm fruit sellers so don’t hang feeders near an orchard.

For those who’ve noticed fibrous sacks dangling from nearby branches and get a kick out of backyard birdwatching, design a universe that invites orioles. Provide fresh water and hang a feeder or 2. Heads up! It’s cheaper to order jelly and oranges by the case so you won’t worry about empty-shelf syndrome during the peak of oriole feeding season. Grow flowers and vegetables. Then make time to sit outside watching orioles control pesky insects. It’s worth a pecked tomato or two considering how many bugs they eat.

Such backyard pleasures encourage me to attend to minute details I’d miss otherwise. This alternate universe near our deck fascinates me and cleans my nostrils during a good coffee snort.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712974321460.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINI follow several online birding sites and enjoy seeing birders report area sightings and activity. Lately, a common question appears repeatedly. Are orioles back?To prepare for their return, we ordered a case of grape jelly and bought a sack of oranges to tempt these pretty birds to hang in our hood. Despite our eagerness to welcome them, we’ve yet to spy this favorite spring arrival. According to those who know, they first appear here between April 15 and May Day.In case you want to encourage these colorful and animated visitors, check nearby cottonwood and elm trees for their distinctive nests. Think of them as tiny sleeping bags woven from grasses and other fibers that dangle from branches. Nest sightings during winter and spring trips through your neighborhood offer clues regarding potential oriole pairs sharing your locale. Once you note sack-like, swinging nests, think about setting up your own oriole feeding station to encourage their visits.What we’ve learned from decades of gardening and birding is that these combined interests create a backyard universe that invites these eye-catching guests to stop for meals. While we don’t have proper trees for nesting, these and other insectivores thrive on tasty insects such as spiders, meal worms, wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. So, cultivating flowers and vegetables encourages them to forage under our watch even if they nest elsewhere. Placing bird baths, perches, and feeders in open areas around the yard increases the success of this natural pest control. In short time, harried bird parents snag insects in flight and off plants to deliver to a nest full of open-beaked young. It entertains me to watch these predators hunt. As a bonus, I pick fewer bugs off plants.Last summer, we observed five pairs of oriole parents harvesting insects to feed perpetually hungry offspring. Once the oriole young fledged, parents guided them to our prairie Eden for advanced schooling. Watching them instruct youngsters to identify and capture meals entertained me more than one morning while I sipped coffee on our deck. Occasionally, I snorted java as lessons turned western as newbies caught grasshoppers or cicadas nearly their size.To invite orioles into your world, hang bright orange feeders containing a grape jelly filled dish. These feeders also include prongs for hanging halved oranges. Several visiting pairs can devour an orange a day and lick the jelly bowl clean when they’re not snarfing protein-packed insects.The detail about oranges gives pause to fruit growers. As summer advances, orioles add fruit to their diet of creepy crawlers. For those making fruit jellies, cobblers, and pies, simply trim bird pecks in peaches, apples or tomatoes. Unfortunately, these invasions alarm fruit sellers so don’t hang feeders near an orchard.For those who’ve noticed fibrous sacks dangling from nearby branches and get a kick out of backyard birdwatching, design a universe that invites orioles. Provide fresh water and hang a feeder or 2. Heads up! It’s cheaper to order jelly and oranges by the case so you won’t worry about empty-shelf syndrome during the peak of oriole feeding season. Grow flowers and vegetables. Then make time to sit outside watching orioles control pesky insects. It’s worth a pecked tomato or two considering how many bugs they eat.Such backyard pleasures encourage me to attend to minute details I’d miss otherwise. This alternate universe near our deck fascinates me and cleans my nostrils during a good coffee snort.

MADORIN: On Their Way

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Falling is a serious concern for many older adults. With age, bones become fragile, and the risk of injury increases. Fall-related injuries can also result in decreased mobility and reduced independence. As the leading cause of death from injury, there is good reason why many people fear falling with age.

The risk of falling increases when we get older due to several factors such as the decline in senses and loss of muscle mass. Both of these can contribute to a lack of balance which many older adults struggle with. In fact, balance starts to decline as early as age 50 and reduced vision, strength, and flexibility can all play a part.

The good news is that there are proven ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Increasing strength, focusing on unilateral movements, improving flexibility, and concentrating on vestibular health can all help.

Strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight can increase muscle mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance exercises help build stabilizing muscles and increase the control of movement.

Unilateral movements also contribute to better balance by increasing the time spent on a single side of the body. These exercises focus on practicing balance and improving coordination while strengthening the body. Including unilateral movements such as walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or tai chi can help.

Flexibility training is another key component to improve posture and increase range of motion. When the body is tight, everyday tasks may seem difficult to complete. Bending over to tie shoes or reaching high into a cabinet can be challenging. However, yoga and daily stretching are two ways to work on flexibility that contribute to better balance.

Other factors that affect balance may not be as obvious. A prime example of this is a compromised vestibular system. This is an intricate structure that is located within the ears, and it relays information to the brain regarding orientation and motion. As a person ages, the vestibular system tends to decline and make balance more difficult. However, exercises that

stimulate the vestibular system produce information for the brain to interpret. With repetition, the brain can learn to process this information more accurately. These exercises can include slow movements of bending, turning the head, and stabilizing the eyes. A professional, such as a physical therapist or doctor can provide specific vestibular therapy.

As you can see, balance is complex. The brain interprets information from several senses through the eyes, muscles, and vestibular system to produce stability. When any of these systems are not functioning properly, balance can be compromised. So, it is crucial to focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and repairing vestibular health which can be extremely beneficial for improving balance and reducing the risk of falling.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictFalling is a serious concern for many older adults. With age, bones become fragile, and the risk of injury increases. Fall-related injuries can also result in decreased mobility and reduced independence. As the leading cause of death from injury, there is good reason why many people fear falling with age.The risk of falling increases when we get older due to several factors such as the decline in senses and loss of muscle mass. Both of these can contribute to a lack of balance which many older adults struggle with. In fact, balance starts to decline as early as age 50 and reduced vision, strength, and flexibility can all play a part.The good news is that there are proven ways to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. Increasing strength, focusing on unilateral movements, improving flexibility, and concentrating on vestibular health can all help.Strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight can increase muscle mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance exercises help build stabilizing muscles and increase the control of movement.Unilateral movements also contribute to better balance by increasing the time spent on a single side of the body. These exercises focus on practicing balance and improving coordination while strengthening the body. Including unilateral movements such as walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or tai chi can help.Flexibility training is another key component to improve posture and increase range of motion. When the body is tight, everyday tasks may seem difficult to complete. Bending over to tie shoes or reaching high into a cabinet can be challenging. However, yoga and daily stretching are two ways to work on flexibility that contribute to better balance.Other factors that affect balance may not be as obvious. A prime example of this is a compromised vestibular system. This is an intricate structure that is located within the ears, and it relays information to the brain regarding orientation and motion. As a person ages, the vestibular system tends to decline and make balance more difficult. However, exercises thatstimulate the vestibular system produce information for the brain to interpret. With repetition, the brain can learn to process this information more accurately. These exercises can include slow movements of bending, turning the head, and stabilizing the eyes. A professional, such as a physical therapist or doctor can provide specific vestibular therapy.As you can see, balance is complex. The brain interprets information from several senses through the eyes, muscles, and vestibular system to produce stability. When any of these systems are not functioning properly, balance can be compromised. So, it is crucial to focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and repairing vestibular health which can be extremely beneficial for improving balance and reducing the risk of falling.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Reduce the risk of falling with better balance

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

I work with a great team! Actually, I work with great teams on many levels.

Locally, our Cottonwood Extension District works together to provide programming in agriculture, family and community wellness, and youth development. We look for ways to support each other’s programs in many ways from sharing resources, listening and providing feedback, and in practical ways such as helping make packets or assisting with registrations.

Across the state, I work with a great team of 4-H Youth Development agents to dive into research, plan events, and explore better ways to develop volunteers, provide community club and project resources, and support each other’s professional development.

Statewide, I am a part of a coaching team for new agents and this part of my responsibilities is extremely gratifying to see new agents grow and develop their own skills and networks. Last summer, I traveled farther than usual to judge at several county fairs because those fairs were being planned and coordinated by new agents; we all know how nice it is to see a familiar and supporting team member when things are stressful!

A few weeks ago, our family suffered a significant health event. I can’t express how heart-warming it is to know that agents in my district stepped in to manage phone calls and events while giving me space to work remotely for a bit. Additionally, agents across the state checked in to see where they could offer very practical support. 4-H families, school partners, and community members extended grace while reiterating that my priority needed to be with family for a bit.

I’ve worked in several different careers and with lots of different teams – some more supportive than others. If you work with a team that has your back, be sure to show them some appreciation. If you don’t work for a team like that, what can YOU do to set an example, to impact the work culture, to show others that you care about them beyond their 8-5 value?

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="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictI work with a great team! Actually, I work with great teams on many levels.Locally, our Cottonwood Extension District works together to provide programming in agriculture, family and community wellness, and youth development. We look for ways to support each other’s programs in many ways from sharing resources, listening and providing feedback, and in practical ways such as helping make packets or assisting with registrations.Across the state, I work with a great team of 4-H Youth Development agents to dive into research, plan events, and explore better ways to develop volunteers, provide community club and project resources, and support each other’s professional development.Statewide, I am a part of a coaching team for new agents and this part of my responsibilities is extremely gratifying to see new agents grow and develop their own skills and networks. Last summer, I traveled farther than usual to judge at several county fairs because those fairs were being planned and coordinated by new agents; we all know how nice it is to see a familiar and supporting team member when things are stressful!A few weeks ago, our family suffered a significant health event. I can’t express how heart-warming it is to know that agents in my district stepped in to manage phone calls and events while giving me space to work remotely for a bit. Additionally, agents across the state checked in to see where they could offer very practical support. 4-H families, school partners, and community members extended grace while reiterating that my priority needed to be with family for a bit.I’ve worked in several different careers and with lots of different teams – some more supportive than others. If you work with a team that has your back, be sure to show them some appreciation. If you don’t work for a team like that, what can YOU do to set an example, to impact the work culture, to show others that you care about them beyond their 8-5 value?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: Teamwork

Senate Highlights – Weekly overview&nbsp;

This week was the last week of legislative activity before VETO session.&nbsp; Early Saturday morning, the Senate gaveled out for adjournment and will reconvene on April 25th.&nbsp; When we return, the legislature will consider any items the governor has vetoed and complete its work on the budget and any other remaining bills.&nbsp; The wrap-up period is expected to not last long, but work remains on a few topics.&nbsp;

Senate Floor Action Conference Committee process

The Senate voted on numerous conference committee reports and also debated bills on the Senate Floor.&nbsp; A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill.&nbsp; Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk.&nbsp; Within ten days after passage, a bill must be signed by the presiding officers of each chamber, the chief clerk of the House and the secretary of the Senate, and be presented to the governor for approval.&nbsp; The governor has ten days after receipt of the bill to act on it.&nbsp; If the governor does not act on it during the ten-day period, the bill automatically becomes law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Most bills passed by the Legislature are approved by the governor.&nbsp; However, the governor may veto a bill by refusing to sign it and returning it to the chamber in which the bill originated, together with a statement of the reasons for the veto.&nbsp; In appropriation bills only, the governor may veto some items (line-item) and approve the others by signing the bill.&nbsp; However, should the governor veto a bill, the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote in both chambers, may override (overturn) the governor's veto and the bill will be enacted into law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Once the bill becomes a law, whether by the governor’s approval or a legislative override, it is filed with the Secretary of State.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2036/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for HB 2036</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;would make various changes to income, sales, and property tax law. Specifically, the bill would:&nbsp;

Sub Bill for HB 2036 passed with bipartisan support in both chambers, with a vote of 24-9 in the Senate and 119-0 in the House, it is now headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb28/" target="_blank">SB 28</a>&nbsp;as recommended by the Conference Committee on House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means, contains supplemental funding in FY 2024, funding for most state agencies for FY 2025, and selected adjustments for FY 2026 through FY 2028. &nbsp;SB 28 passed 26-12; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

Expenditures for the Kansas State Department of Education reflect expenditures in SB 387, as recommended by the Conference Committee on House K12 Education Budget and Senate Education, which will be finalized when the Legislature returns for the wrap-up session. For the purposes of this report, expenditures related to the Kansas State Schools for the Blind and Deaf, State Historical Society, and State Library are included within the higher education function of government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2124/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2124</a>&nbsp;would amend law pertaining to microbreweries. The bill would permit microbreweries to self-distribute beer and hard cider up to certain limits, lowers the number of barrels per year a microbrewery may manufacture and store, and requires a study and report on licensed microbrewery compliance with state laws and rules and regulations regarding the collection and remittance of alcoholic liquor enforcement and gallonage taxes. &nbsp;S Sub for HB 2124 passed 37-2 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb115/" target="_blank">SB 115</a>&nbsp;would enact the Child Advocate Act (Act) which would establish the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) as an independent state agency. The bill would also amend law in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children (CINC Code) and the Revised Kansas Juvenile Justice Code (Juvenile Code) to specify the OCA would have access to certain files and records of a child subject to proceedings under these Codes.&nbsp;SB 115 passed 36-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2562/" target="_blank">HB 2562</a>&nbsp;would create the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act and make amendments to the Kansas Uniform Securities Act (KUSA) relating to reporting of instances of suspected financial exploitation, grounds for discipline, and civil and administrative immunity. It creates the Kansas Contract for Deed Act and authorizes the Kansas Real Estate Commission to issue cease-and-desist orders when the Commission has determined a person is practicing without a valid broker’s or salesperson’s license and makes any restrictive covenant on real property in violation of the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination (KAAD).&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2562 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb271/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 271</a>&nbsp;would prohibit government agencies from purchasing or acquiring drones whose critical components were produced in a country of concern, or whose critical components were produced or owned by a foreign principal.&nbsp; The bill would also prohibit state agencies from entering into a contract or agreement to procure final or finished goods or services from certain foreign principal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sub Bill for SB 271 passed 21-12; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2105/" target="_blank">HB 2105</a>&nbsp;would prohibit postsecondary institutions from taking certain actions concerning diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI).&nbsp;HB 2105 passed 28-11; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2465/" target="_blank">HB 2465</a>, which would enact the Adoption Savings Account Act that would establish modifications to the Kansas adjusted gross income of an individual for contributions to an adoption savings account and amend the adoption tax credit.&nbsp; It would also enact the Pregnancy Resource Act which would provide a tax credit for certain contributions to certain pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities and enact a sales tax exemption for pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2465 passed 29-10; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2096/" target="_blank">HB 2096</a>&nbsp;would enact the Veterans’ Valor Property Tax Relief Act and would make changes to the Homeowners’ Property Tax Freeze Program, create property tax exemptions for certain businesses subject to government competition and certain personal property, limit transactions that can be considered valid sales for property tax purposes, and modify law related to property valuation notices and appeals.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2096 passed 23-14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb458/" target="_blank">SB 458</a>&nbsp;amends several provisions of the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act.&nbsp; It&nbsp; specifies that certain drug offenses do not give rise to forfeiture under the Kansas standard asset seizure and forfeiture act, requiring courts to make a&nbsp;finding that forfeiture is not excessive, restricting actions prior to commencement of forfeiture proceedings, requiring probable cause affidavit filing and review to commence proceedings, increasing the burden of proof required to forfeit property to clear and convincing evidence and authorizing courts to order payment of attorney fees and costs for certain claimants.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 458 passed the Senate 35-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it now heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2144/" target="_blank">HB 2144</a>&nbsp;would establish the crime of organized retail crime in the Kansas Criminal Code, make organized retail crime a type of “racketeering activity” under the Kansas Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act and amend law concerning Attorney General authority to prosecute crimes concurrently with county or district attorneys. The bill would also create the crime of encouraging suicide and establish penalties for it under the Kansas Criminal Code.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2144 passed 32-4; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb462/" target="_blank">SB 462</a>&nbsp;would grant certain authority to the Director of Vehicles of the Division of Vehicles, Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), regarding the Military Even Exchange Program for commercial driver’s licenses and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 462 passed 38-1; having already passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1620/" target="_blank">SCR 1620</a>&nbsp; would approve the creation of a port authority, as provided for in continuing law, by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;SCR 1620 passed 32-6.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sr1750/" target="_blank">SR 1750</a>&nbsp;would approve an amendment to the gaming compact between the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and the State of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;SR 1750 passed 29-6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2498/" target="_blank">HB 2498</a>&nbsp;would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Public Use General Aviation Airport Development Fund from $5.0 million to $15.0 million annually starting July 1, 2024. Continuing law authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to use the Aviation Fund to provide grants to public use general aviation airports for planning, constructing, reconstructing, or rehabilitating facilities. The bill would also increase the minimum amount that must be expended from the Aviation Fund for such grants from $5.0 million to $15.0 million annually.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2498 passed 34-5 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2481/" target="_blank">HB 2481</a>&nbsp;would make various commemorative designations related to transportation, including naming several roads and bridges in honor of deceased service members from Kansas. It would designate a portion of US-81 as The Merle Miller Memorial Highway in Republic County and would also designate as the First Responders Memorial Highway the portion of US-281 from the southern city limits of Russell north to its junction with K-18 in Russell County both in Senate District #36.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2481 passed 39-0 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor. I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2527/" target="_blank">HB 2527</a>&nbsp;would establish new mechanisms for the recovery of costs associated with deferred depreciation and new gas-fired generating units; add and amend law regarding electric public utilities, nuclear-powered and coal-fired electric generating facilities, and the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC); and amend the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act to further develop regulation and expand capacity for investor-owned utilities to connect customers’ renewable energy generation systems to the electric grid.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2527 passed 33-2 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2588/" target="_blank">HB 2588</a>&nbsp;would create certain rights and establish limitations on the use of county public right-of-way by telecommunication, broadband, and video service providers. The bill’s provision would resemble existing non-discrimination and neutrality provisions for the use of city public right-of-way.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2588 passed 26-7 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb359/" target="_blank">SB 359</a>&nbsp;would authorize issuance of seven license plates on and after January 1, 2025, and require the county of registration to be displayed on license plates approved for production and issuance on and after July 1, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 359 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2787/" target="_blank">HB 2787</a>&nbsp;would amend law relating to the Kansas Insurance Guaranty Association (KIGA).&nbsp; The bill would also make technical changes.&nbsp; The bill would be in effect upon publication in the Kansas Register.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2787 passed 39-0; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2560/" target="_blank">HB 2560</a>&nbsp;would amend the State Banking Code and provisions pertaining to trust companies to address the abandonment or expiration of certain applications and allow an originating trustee to have its principal place of business outside of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2560 passed 34-5; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2711/" target="_blank">HB 2711</a>&nbsp;would create the Countries of Concern Divestment Act, which would require state-managed funds’ divestment from investments with countries of concern and prohibit investments and deposits with a bank or company domiciled in a country of concern and indemnify state-managed funds with respect to actions taken in compliance with the Act; amend the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) working after-retirement provisions and increase the lump-sum death benefit for a KPERS retiree; and amend law governing the KPERS Trust Fund and investment standards to increase a statutory limitation (“cap”) on alternative investments, from 15.0 percent to 25.0 percent, placed on the KPERS Board of Trustees.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2711 passed 30-8; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2532/" target="_blank">HB 2532&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;would amend the Kansas Parimutuel Racing Act to credit tax revenue generated from wagers on historical horse races to the Kansas Horse Breeding Development Fund and the Horse Fair Racing Benefit Fund. One-third of the tax revenue generated from wagers on historical horse races would be credited to the Kansas Horse Breeding Development Fund and two-thirds would be credited to the Horse Fair Racing Benefit Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2532 passed 34-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb18/" target="_blank">SB 18</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Campus Restoration Act authorizing the State Board of Regents to adopt rules and regulations relating to deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at postsecondary institutions. The bill would allow transfers from the State General Fund (SGF) to the Kansas Campus Restoration Fund (Fund) and require annual reports be submitted to the Legislature.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 18 passed 32-7; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb384/" target="_blank">SB 384</a>&nbsp;would create the Riley County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act and the Crawford County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act and would amend statutes pertaining to the Emergency Medical Services Board.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 384 passed 33-5; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb356/" target="_blank">SB 356</a>&nbsp;would amend existing law to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. The bill would also establish that certain examination costs be “average and reasonable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 356 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb73/" target="_blank">H Sub for SB 73</a>&nbsp;would amend certain enrollment determination criteria in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act (KSEEA) to require school district enrollment be determined using the current or preceding school year. The bill would also authorize an additional enrollment count determination for school year 2024-2025 only, to allow school districts to consider the arithmetic mean of the sum of the number of students enrolled in the preceding school year and second preceding school year. &nbsp;H Sub for SB 73 passed 35-4; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2614/" target="_blank">HB 2614</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions of election law and the Campaign Finance Act concerning advance voting ballot envelopes, the delivery of advance voting ballot, and corrupt political advertising. The provisions of the bill would be effective on January 1, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2614 passed 26-13; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2618/" target="_blank">HB 2618</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions of election law regarding the Transparency in Revenues Underwriting Elections Act and the crime of false representation of an election official. The bill would be in effect upon publication in the Kansas Register.&nbsp; HB 2618 passed 26-13; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2570/" target="_blank">Sub HB 2570</a>&nbsp;would make various amendments to law related to unemployment compensation.&nbsp; Sub HB 2570 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2547/" target="_blank">HB 2547</a>&nbsp;would amend the state Uniform Controlled Substances Act and amend the law regarding the stock, maintenance, and administration of emergency medication kits in schools, including epinephrine and albuterol. The bill would amend the liability protections for any person who renders emergency care or treatment at a school, school-sponsored event, or school property as well as provide a level of immunity from liability for a pharmacist, physician, or a mid-level practitioner who distributes or prescribes emergency medications to a school or provides training on the administration of the emergency medicine for school personnel and for the school personnel who administer the medications under specific circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2547 passed 35-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor. I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2501/" target="_blank">HB 2501</a>&nbsp;would require a railroad to maintain a minimum distance of 250 feet between a near-edge railroad crossing and railroad rolling stock stored on sidings if the railroad crossing does not have electronic warning signals. The bill would authorize the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to determine a greater or lesser distance at a particular location and permit or order a railroad to maintain the greater or lesser distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2501 passed 36-0; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb438/" target="_blank">SB 438</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, create the Literacy Advisory Committee, create the position of Director of Literacy within the State Board of Regents, define the powers and duties of the Advisory Committee, and make appropriations to State Board of Regents; establish a required report from the State Department of Education regarding student statewide assessment scores and postsecondary achievement; modify the Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas career pathways assistance benefit; and make various changes to the Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship, Kansas Hero’s Scholarship, and Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship, administered by the State Board of Regents.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 438 passed 34-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb410/" target="_blank">SB 410</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to income tax, property tax, and sales tax. It makes changes to the SALT Parity Act.&nbsp; The bill would modify the revenue neutral rate notification and hearing process for property tax notices, make changes to property tax exemptions for certain electric generation property, codify property valuation adjustments related to adverse influences affecting agricultural land, specify land classification related to agritourism, make changes related to filing statements for personal property and certain property appeal procedures, and authorize the use of teleconferencing for certain State Board of Tax Appeals proceedings. The bill would authorize elections to be held for additional sales tax authority for Marshall, Neosho, and Rawlins counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 410 passed 34-2; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb143/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 143</a>&nbsp;would make various changes to the Elevator Safety Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sub Bill for SB 143 passed 36-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2176/" target="_blank">HB 2176</a>&nbsp; would create the Arkansas City Area Public Library District Act and the Udall Area Public Library District Act. These acts would be identical except for references to the cities of Arkansas City and Udall and references to USD 470 (Arkansas City) and USD 463 (Udall). The bill would also make conforming amendments to a statute defining “local public libraries.” The bill would also create the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center District Act if Douglas County voters approve.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2176 passed 32-5.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb333/" target="_blank">SB 333</a>&nbsp;would extend the sunset date to July 1, 2029, for the State Use Law Committee, which is organized within the Department of Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 333 passed 36-1. I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb19/" target="_blank">SB 19</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas National Guard Education Master’s for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) Program to provide financial assistance to Kansas National Guard members pursuing master’s degrees at a Kansas educational institution and require school districts to adopt cardiac emergency response plans based on the statewide standards developed by the Secretary of Health and Environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 19 passed 26-2; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor. I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2760/" target="_blank">HB 2760</a>&nbsp;would abolish the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office, create the Kansas Office of Veterans Services, and make other changes relating to the transfer of powers, duties, and functions of KCVAO to KOVS; update and clarify certain military definitions. The bill would also update the Veterans Claims Assistance Program to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and cross accreditation requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2760 passed 37-0.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2098/" target="_blank">HB 2098</a>&nbsp;would create a sales tax deduction for certain motor vehicle transactions, provide for manufacturer’s coupons to be excluded from sales price for sales tax purposes, and create several sales tax exemptions including custom meat processing.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2098 passed 34-1; having also passed the House, it is now headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb473/" target="_blank">SB 473</a>&nbsp;would amend the Kansas Code of Criminal Procedure to allow a notice to appear (NTA) to serve as a valid complaint and would amend law related to appearance bonds made in district courts.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 473 concurred with amendments in conference, 23-10.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb292/" target="_blank">SB 292</a>&nbsp;would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members; and amend law throughout Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to modernize statutory language, remove outdated statutes, and remove references to trial by court-martial. &nbsp;SB 292 passed 37-0; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb349/" target="_blank">SB 349</a>&nbsp;would continue in existence the following exceptions to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) to include fingerprinting and criminal history record checks under the Industrial Hemp Act, certain carriers of alcoholic liquors under the Kansas Liquor Control Act, and information in the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Act database.&nbsp; The bill would also amend the exception found in information contained in a Secretary of Commerce report to House and Senate Commerce Committees that would be detrimental to the development of a STAR bond project or economic development incentive program. The bill would make such reports open for inspection two years after their submission to the Legislature.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 349 passed 35-0.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEARCH FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY -&nbsp;Kansas Unclaimed Property Quick Link&nbsp;

Type in or click this link for the instant search entry form-<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php" target="_blank">https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php</a>&nbsp;

Please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785 243-3325 at my office in Concordia with questions or concerns during the break.&nbsp;

Thank you for the honor of serving you!&nbsp;

Senator Elaine Bowers&nbsp; Kansas State Capitol Building&nbsp; Room 223-E&nbsp; 300 SW 10th St.&nbsp; Topeka, KS 66612&nbsp; <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389&nbsp; <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Opinion