By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

I remember a turkey hunt along the river some years back and the discovery that it led us to. 

We had hunted along the river west of Inman, and parked near an adjacent alfalfa field. As we crawled into the pickup to leave, my wife pointed toward the treetops along the river and asked “Is there a bird in that nest?” I looked where she pointed, and saw a haphazard collection of twigs or something in the very top of a tall dead cottonwood. 

The ensuing conversation went something like this: “No, dear, that looks like a squirrel's nest to me.” “I don’t thinks so,” she replied, “and I’m sure that’s a bird in it.” “Here then,” I said, handing her the binoculars. “See for yourself.” “Just like I thought,” she answered. “That is a bird. It looks like one of those big tall birds we see wading along the river.” “A Blue Heron,” I corrected, “and I don’t think so; not way up there!”

 I snatched the binoculars from her, and peered at the “squirrel's nest” high in the tree. Sure enough! Sticking out like a sore thumb in the tallest tree around was a large willy-nilly collection of branches and sticks, and square in the middle of it stood the unmistakable silhouette of a Great Blue Heron, better known as a “crane” to most of us. 

Now, had “Mom Heron” not been standing in her nest, the squirrel's nest theory would certainly have “flown,” and we’d have never given the spectacle a second glance. 

When we left, we took the gravel road along the other side of the river, and stopped for another look. We found the nest to be hidden by green trees, but discovered yet a second nest in which we also found an adult heron a few days later.

I remember that Saturday was our day to have our grandson, and on our way back home after retrieving him, we took some back roads in an attempt to fulfill the nature portion of his visit. As we passed those nests, long ago forgotten by me, he pointed skyward at a large bird circling over the trees. There they were again;&nbsp; this time, five nests, four of them sporting adult Blue Herons sitting upright in the menagerie of sticks and branches they call home.

Great Blue Herons of some subspecies or coloration exist across the entire continental United States and Alaska. 

For Kansas herons, southern migration to Mexico or South America begins in October where they winter until March. They are very tall, gangly birds with immense wingspans of up to six feet, yet weigh less than ten pounds. 

Depending upon conditions, a few awkward “steps” may be required to launch them into flight, but once in the air, they move with slow, rhythmic, effortless strokes of those immense wings. Unlike most birds of their stature, they fly with their necks crooked and folded back against their bodies and their heads held upright. They have practically no tail at all, so they also fly with their long legs straight out behind them, acting as rudders to help steer them in flight.

I’m sure we’ve all seen “cranes” fishing in rivers and streams and along the banks of ponds. 

Although fish, frogs and small snakes make up the vast majority of their diet, they are not above eating insects and small rodents also. Their long pointed beaks are perfectly designed for stabbing prey, which is always killed and swallowed head first. The enzymes in their digestive system are so strong that most bone matter is completely dissolved.

Great Blue Herons demand isolation in their nesting sites, and are very sensitive to human disturbance. Nests are often found in colonies known as “heronries,” and can be anywhere from treetops like the ones we found, to rocky ledges and crevices on the ground. 

When satisfied with a nesting site, the birds usually return year after year to enlarge and reuse the same structures whenever possible. Three or four bluish-green eggs are laid and incubated for twenty-eight days by both parents. 

Research shows that heron chicks are extremely unpleasing to look at until fully feathered, and stay in the nest until they are nearly as large as the parents.

Great Blue Herons are far ffrom rare, and I remember as a kid learning to know them as “cranes” as we watched them hunt around the edges of the farm pond where my dad took me to fish for bass and bullheads.

 Writing this piece showed me how little I really knew about these birds, especially about where they built their nests. Yet another reason to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772551739053.png" alt="Great Blue Heron. Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Great Blue Heron. Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsI remember a turkey hunt along the river some years back and the discovery that it led us to. We had hunted along the river west of Inman, and parked near an adjacent alfalfa field. As we crawled into the pickup to leave, my wife pointed toward the treetops along the river and asked “Is there a bird in that nest?” I looked where she pointed, and saw a haphazard collection of twigs or something in the very top of a tall dead cottonwood. The ensuing conversation went something like this: “No, dear, that looks like a squirrel's nest to me.” “I don’t thinks so,” she replied, “and I’m sure that’s a bird in it.” “Here then,” I said, handing her the binoculars. “See for yourself.” “Just like I thought,” she answered. “That is a bird. It looks like one of those big tall birds we see wading along the river.” “A Blue Heron,” I corrected, “and I don’t think so; not way up there!” I snatched the binoculars from her, and peered at the “squirrel's nest” high in the tree. Sure enough! Sticking out like a sore thumb in the tallest tree around was a large willy-nilly collection of branches and sticks, and square in the middle of it stood the unmistakable silhouette of a Great Blue Heron, better known as a “crane” to most of us. Now, had “Mom Heron” not been standing in her nest, the squirrel's nest theory would certainly have “flown,” and we’d have never given the spectacle a second glance. When we left, we took the gravel road along the other side of the river, and stopped for another look. We found the nest to be hidden by green trees, but discovered yet a second nest in which we also found an adult heron a few days later.I remember that Saturday was our day to have our grandson, and on our way back home after retrieving him, we took some back roads in an attempt to fulfill the nature portion of his visit. As we passed those nests, long ago forgotten by me, he pointed skyward at a large bird circling over the trees. There they were again;&nbsp; this time, five nests, four of them sporting adult Blue Herons sitting upright in the menagerie of sticks and branches they call home.Great Blue Herons of some subspecies or coloration exist across the entire continental United States and Alaska. For Kansas herons, southern migration to Mexico or South America begins in October where they winter until March. They are very tall, gangly birds with immense wingspans of up to six feet, yet weigh less than ten pounds. Depending upon conditions, a few awkward “steps” may be required to launch them into flight, but once in the air, they move with slow, rhythmic, effortless strokes of those immense wings. Unlike most birds of their stature, they fly with their necks crooked and folded back against their bodies and their heads held upright. They have practically no tail at all, so they also fly with their long legs straight out behind them, acting as rudders to help steer them in flight.I’m sure we’ve all seen “cranes” fishing in rivers and streams and along the banks of ponds. Although fish, frogs and small snakes make up the vast majority of their diet, they are not above eating insects and small rodents also. Their long pointed beaks are perfectly designed for stabbing prey, which is always killed and swallowed head first. The enzymes in their digestive system are so strong that most bone matter is completely dissolved.Great Blue Herons demand isolation in their nesting sites, and are very sensitive to human disturbance. Nests are often found in colonies known as “heronries,” and can be anywhere from treetops like the ones we found, to rocky ledges and crevices on the ground. When satisfied with a nesting site, the birds usually return year after year to enlarge and reuse the same structures whenever possible. Three or four bluish-green eggs are laid and incubated for twenty-eight days by both parents. Research shows that heron chicks are extremely unpleasing to look at until fully feathered, and stay in the nest until they are nearly as large as the parents.Great Blue Herons are far ffrom rare, and I remember as a kid learning to know them as “cranes” as we watched them hunt around the edges of the farm pond where my dad took me to fish for bass and bullheads. Writing this piece showed me how little I really knew about these birds, especially about where they built their nests. Yet another reason to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Have you a heron in your hedgerow?

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

In last month’s column, I took policymakers to task for forgetting former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback’s tax-cutting experiment, which cratered state revenues. School funding cuts landed the state in court. Kansas also borrowed over $1 billion from the state highway fund (the “Bank of KDOT”), fell out of compliance with federal regulations regarding the minimum staffing at mental hospitals, and witnessed a prison riot in overcrowded conditions. Yet last year, the Kansas Legislature passed a new “glide path”-- this one to a flat rate income tax. Meanwhile, Missouri’s governor has proposed an income tax phaseout similar to Brownback’s.

My critics on X suggested that these budget cuts were actually the responsibility of former Kansas Governors Kathleen Sebelius and Mark Parkison. Meanwhile, Patrick Tuohey of the Better Cities Project published a reply in the Topeka Capital-Journal, arguing that the economic troubles during the Brownback years were actually caused by problems in the farm economy, that Kansas’ real problem was too much spending, and that Missouri’s plan has better safeguards.

In fact, the second term of the Sebelius-Parkinson Administration coincided with the bursting of the housing bubble in 2008-9, which triggered the Great Recession and slashed state tax collections. Governors and legislators responded with deep spending cuts to keep the state budget in balance. Sebelius and Parkinson also fought to keep the state in compliance on school funding. Sebelius even called a special session of the Kansas Legislature for this purpose. They also sought to leverage federal matching funds. Kansas revenues had largely recovered by fiscal year 2013, then dipped dramatically after Brownback’s tax cut. Sebelius and Parkinson made clear that their solutions were both painful and temporary, while Brownback’s “glide path” made these budget cuts permanent, with no end in sight, until they were repealed in 2017.

Former Kansas Budget Director Duane Goossen considered the farm economy. He compared Kansas to Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado, finding that Kansas had the slowest population growth during the Brownback years. Also, the other states did not experience fiscal crises then. The farm economy is important throughout this region, yet only Kansas experienced a fiscal crisis.

My critics suggest that Kansas failed to cut spending. Yet I already discussed the deep cuts in spending made to cope with this manmade budget catastrophe, which shorted social services and landed the state in court over school funding. These are the largest items in the state budget.

Tuohey ends his column by writing, “In short, Brownback never had a plan to balance the budget. Missouri does.” While vague, he may be referencing the revenue triggers included both in the 2025 Kansas income tax cut, and in the Missouri proposal. No income tax cuts occurred this year in Kansas, because the revenue thresholds were not reached.

The triggers provide some relief, but are they the right priorities? For example, once again, Kansas appears on track to short the funding for special education programs. Without the tax cuts, the revenue from economic growth could fund this in the future. Should it instead be diverted to a flat tax, which overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy?

I commend my critics for engaging with a civil tone. Yet one thing remains clear: fourteen years after the “Glide Path to Zero,” voters need to remind policymakers just how costly these policies really were.

Michael Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751494323778.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasIn last month’s column, I took policymakers to task for forgetting former Kansas Governor Sam Brownback’s tax-cutting experiment, which cratered state revenues. School funding cuts landed the state in court. Kansas also borrowed over $1 billion from the state highway fund (the “Bank of KDOT”), fell out of compliance with federal regulations regarding the minimum staffing at mental hospitals, and witnessed a prison riot in overcrowded conditions. Yet last year, the Kansas Legislature passed a new “glide path”-- this one to a flat rate income tax. Meanwhile, Missouri’s governor has proposed an income tax phaseout similar to Brownback’s.My critics on X suggested that these budget cuts were actually the responsibility of former Kansas Governors Kathleen Sebelius and Mark Parkison. Meanwhile, Patrick Tuohey of the Better Cities Project published a reply in the Topeka Capital-Journal, arguing that the economic troubles during the Brownback years were actually caused by problems in the farm economy, that Kansas’ real problem was too much spending, and that Missouri’s plan has better safeguards.In fact, the second term of the Sebelius-Parkinson Administration coincided with the bursting of the housing bubble in 2008-9, which triggered the Great Recession and slashed state tax collections. Governors and legislators responded with deep spending cuts to keep the state budget in balance. Sebelius and Parkinson also fought to keep the state in compliance on school funding. Sebelius even called a special session of the Kansas Legislature for this purpose. They also sought to leverage federal matching funds. Kansas revenues had largely recovered by fiscal year 2013, then dipped dramatically after Brownback’s tax cut. Sebelius and Parkinson made clear that their solutions were both painful and temporary, while Brownback’s “glide path” made these budget cuts permanent, with no end in sight, until they were repealed in 2017.Former Kansas Budget Director Duane Goossen considered the farm economy. He compared Kansas to Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado, finding that Kansas had the slowest population growth during the Brownback years. Also, the other states did not experience fiscal crises then. The farm economy is important throughout this region, yet only Kansas experienced a fiscal crisis.My critics suggest that Kansas failed to cut spending. Yet I already discussed the deep cuts in spending made to cope with this manmade budget catastrophe, which shorted social services and landed the state in court over school funding. These are the largest items in the state budget.Tuohey ends his column by writing, “In short, Brownback never had a plan to balance the budget. Missouri does.” While vague, he may be referencing the revenue triggers included both in the 2025 Kansas income tax cut, and in the Missouri proposal. No income tax cuts occurred this year in Kansas, because the revenue thresholds were not reached.The triggers provide some relief, but are they the right priorities? For example, once again, Kansas appears on track to short the funding for special education programs. Without the tax cuts, the revenue from economic growth could fund this in the future. Should it instead be diverted to a flat tax, which overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy?I commend my critics for engaging with a civil tone. Yet one thing remains clear: fourteen years after the “Glide Path to Zero,” voters need to remind policymakers just how costly these policies really were.Michael Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.

Insight Kansas: Remembering the Brownback tax cut experiment-accurately

As a youngster riding down Highway 50, I never considered its history or how this asphalt road connected me to Kansas’s or our nation’s past. It was a boring ride with no interesting scenery unless a storm with writhing, twisting clouds or a dazzling prairie sunrise or sunset filled our windshield.

When cruising Kansas roads, it’s easy to forget the past.

 Most travelers don’t consider the thoroughfares we take for granted began as Indian trails and morphed into pioneer roads and later state and national highways. Historically, native people’s trails followed water, which was true along the Ark as well. After the Louisiana Purchase, risk-taking entrepreneurs overtook a native trade route sending long ox trains between Missouri and Santa Fe. Prior to and during the Mexican-American War, it served as a military road, leading to construction of Forts Mann, Atkinson, Aubrey, and Union, storied historical footnotes.

In recent times, the Kansas Department of Transportation graded and paved this route, posting Highway 50 signage along shoulders and mapping it. 

Where asphalt parallels the river, travelers can imagine for an instant they are a stone’s throw from another age, country, and culture. Less than two centuries ago, the Arkansas served the same purpose as the Rio Grande River does now, an international border.

In his book "Dangerous Passage," William Chalfant chronicles this history.

 Ox trains carrying thousands of dollars worth of goods traveled back and forth between Franklin, Missouri, and Santa Fe. Before and during the Mexican-American War, military convoys advanced on Santa Fe and exited it using this route. Between Council Grove and Bent’s Fort, travelers depended on their wits and skills when wagons broke down, Indians attacked, beasts of burden went lame, died, or were stolen, or humans succumbed to cholera, dysentery, or other ailments.

Though garages, motels, cafes, and medical care serve modern travelers, the landscape and weather conditions haven’t altered from those predecessors experienced. 

No matter the century, summer heat scorches native grasses and dries waterways. Aesthetic concerns for modern wayfarers, early travelers required these essentials for livestock. Despite changing travel requirements, folks crossing this terrain in winter risk blizzards and icy conditions that halt journeys. Before bridges, high water halted trail traffic or drowned humans and livestock crossing torrents. Storms can still interrupt travel.

Another concern Chalfant describes were attacks by Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Comanche warriors who called this borderland home. They fought American and Mexican encroachment on historic hunting grounds, frequently attacking east and westbound caravans between Walnut Creek and the Pawnee Fork. Forts Dodge, Larned, and Zarah weren’t established to protect the trail until the 1860s, after it ceased to be an international border.

Most drivers along Highway 50 where it borders the Arkansas River consider the trip tedious. 

If AI or other technology let them simultaneously see and hear past and present, groaning wagons, lowing oxen, and cursing bullwhackers would overwhelm their radios. Besides feedlots and agricultural development, they’d see desiccated carcasses of animals and humans who succumbed to the elements and broken wagons littering ruts.&nbsp;Eyes would scan horizon lines seeking a glint of sunshine on Cheyenne lances. 

Without advanced weather warnings, eyes would monitor distant clouds. Always, they’d look for good water and camping spots to refresh themselves and their beasts.

If there were means to experience simultaneously what was and what is, a trip across Highway 50 where it divided Mexico and U.S. Territory would thrill even jaded travelers.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772556534907.jpeg" alt="Point of Rocks on the Santa Fe Trail. Photo courtesy Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Point of Rocks on the Santa Fe Trail. Photo courtesy Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINAs a youngster riding down Highway 50, I never considered its history or how this asphalt road connected me to Kansas’s or our nation’s past. It was a boring ride with no interesting scenery unless a storm with writhing, twisting clouds or a dazzling prairie sunrise or sunset filled our windshield.When cruising Kansas roads, it’s easy to forget the past. Most travelers don’t consider the thoroughfares we take for granted began as Indian trails and morphed into pioneer roads and later state and national highways. Historically, native people’s trails followed water, which was true along the Ark as well. After the Louisiana Purchase, risk-taking entrepreneurs overtook a native trade route sending long ox trains between Missouri and Santa Fe. Prior to and during the Mexican-American War, it served as a military road, leading to construction of Forts Mann, Atkinson, Aubrey, and Union, storied historical footnotes.In recent times, the Kansas Department of Transportation graded and paved this route, posting Highway 50 signage along shoulders and mapping it. Where asphalt parallels the river, travelers can imagine for an instant they are a stone’s throw from another age, country, and culture. Less than two centuries ago, the Arkansas served the same purpose as the Rio Grande River does now, an international border.In his book "Dangerous Passage," William Chalfant chronicles this history. Ox trains carrying thousands of dollars worth of goods traveled back and forth between Franklin, Missouri, and Santa Fe. Before and during the Mexican-American War, military convoys advanced on Santa Fe and exited it using this route. Between Council Grove and Bent’s Fort, travelers depended on their wits and skills when wagons broke down, Indians attacked, beasts of burden went lame, died, or were stolen, or humans succumbed to cholera, dysentery, or other ailments.Though garages, motels, cafes, and medical care serve modern travelers, the landscape and weather conditions haven’t altered from those predecessors experienced. No matter the century, summer heat scorches native grasses and dries waterways. Aesthetic concerns for modern wayfarers, early travelers required these essentials for livestock. Despite changing travel requirements, folks crossing this terrain in winter risk blizzards and icy conditions that halt journeys. Before bridges, high water halted trail traffic or drowned humans and livestock crossing torrents. Storms can still interrupt travel.Another concern Chalfant describes were attacks by Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Comanche warriors who called this borderland home. They fought American and Mexican encroachment on historic hunting grounds, frequently attacking east and westbound caravans between Walnut Creek and the Pawnee Fork. Forts Dodge, Larned, and Zarah weren’t established to protect the trail until the 1860s, after it ceased to be an international border.Most drivers along Highway 50 where it borders the Arkansas River consider the trip tedious. If AI or other technology let them simultaneously see and hear past and present, groaning wagons, lowing oxen, and cursing bullwhackers would overwhelm their radios. Besides feedlots and agricultural development, they’d see desiccated carcasses of animals and humans who succumbed to the elements and broken wagons littering ruts.&nbsp;Eyes would scan horizon lines seeking a glint of sunshine on Cheyenne lances. Without advanced weather warnings, eyes would monitor distant clouds. Always, they’d look for good water and camping spots to refresh themselves and their beasts.If there were means to experience simultaneously what was and what is, a trip across Highway 50 where it divided Mexico and U.S. Territory would thrill even jaded travelers.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: When the Arkansas River was an international border

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Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.

By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."

Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772553222639.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.</h2>By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.<h2>What history suggests about pump prices</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel."Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.<h2>Gas prices could climb even higher</h2>Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down numbers

By&nbsp;ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD and BRIAN AMOS Insight Kansas

As political scientists who study Kansas politics, election administration, and political participation—and as the coauthors of a recent statistical analysis of Kansas’ special elections—we are compelled to speak out against Kansas House Bill 2503.

The bill would repeal the state’s 1983 Mail Ballot Election Act and prohibit municipalities from conducting all-mail elections. This proposal is not merely a matter of administrative preference; it runs directly counter to what the data tell us about how Kansans, especially rural Kansans, participate in our democracy.

In our research on 39 Kansas special elections conducted in 2024 and 2025, we examined turnout under two different systems: traditional in-person elections and elections conducted entirely by mail. These contests, often focused on school bond issues or local tax proposals, represent some of the most consequential—but also least visible—governance decisions affecting Kansas communities.

When elections were conducted entirely by mail, turnout increased dramatically. After carefully matching rural and urban voters on demographics, party registration, and turnout history, we estimated that all-mail elections increased the probability of voting by 21.7 percentage points.

This is not a marginal difference. It is a structural one.

Just as important, the rural-urban turnout gap nearly disappeared. In traditionally administered elections, rural voters were 3.5 points less likely to participate than urban voters. But when provided an all-mail system, the rural-urban gap shrank to less than one percentage point.

In other words: all-mail elections do exactly what legislators claim to value—they promote equitable participation across all geographic regions of our state.

The data is clear: rural Kansans benefit from all-mail elections. The explanation is straightforward: voting is not costless, and those costs fall disproportionately on rural residents.

Rural Kansans often travel long distances to a polling location, rely on deteriorating roads and minimal public transportation, and live in jurisdictions that struggle to maintain sufficient polling places and staff. Political science research has long shown that even modest increases in the&nbsp;time or effort required to vote depress turnout. 

Put simply, rural Kansans face bigger hurdles when it comes to voting, and all-mail elections help remove those barriers.

Kansas has long embraced local control, particularly in election administration for special elections. County clerks and school districts understand their communities’ needs far better than legislators in Topeka. When local jurisdictions choose all-mail elections, they do so because it is the most accessible, cost-effective, and logistically feasible option.

HB 2503 would eliminate that choice. It strips local autonomy and silences rural voices.

If adopted, rural Kansans—who already face higher barriers to participation—would be pushed back into a system that statistically depresses their turnout. It is difficult to read the evidence and see this bill as anything other than a step backward for democratic participation in our state.

We argue that evidence, not assumptions, should drive Kansas’ election policy.

Much of the public debate around voting by mail has relied on speculation or rhetoric. But the state legislature need not speculate. 

We have Kansas data on Kansas voters in Kansas elections and the findings are clear. 

All-mail elections increase turnout. They mitigate geographic inequities. They ensure rural voters can make their voices heard on school funding, infrastructure, and public investments that directly affect their communities.

Lawmakers may disagree on many issues, but they should not ignore empirical evidence—especially when that evidence is produced by researchers in their own state examining their own elections.

As political scientists and Kansans, our conclusion is clear: HB 2503 would harm the very communities it claims to represent. If we are committed to a democratic process that includes all corners of Kansas—urban and rural alike—we must preserve municipalities’ ability to hold all-mail elections.

The Senate should reject House Bill 2503. Rural Kansans deserve better. They deserve a voting system grounded in evidence, not ideology.

Alexandra Middlewood and Brian Amos are associate professors of political science at Wichita State University. They co-founded IKE Lab in 2023 to offer data and analysis on Kansas elections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571419575847.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD and BRIAN AMOS Insight KansasAs political scientists who study Kansas politics, election administration, and political participation—and as the coauthors of a recent statistical analysis of Kansas’ special elections—we are compelled to speak out against Kansas House Bill 2503.The bill would repeal the state’s 1983 Mail Ballot Election Act and prohibit municipalities from conducting all-mail elections. This proposal is not merely a matter of administrative preference; it runs directly counter to what the data tell us about how Kansans, especially rural Kansans, participate in our democracy.In our research on 39 Kansas special elections conducted in 2024 and 2025, we examined turnout under two different systems: traditional in-person elections and elections conducted entirely by mail. These contests, often focused on school bond issues or local tax proposals, represent some of the most consequential—but also least visible—governance decisions affecting Kansas communities.What we found was striking.When elections were conducted entirely by mail, turnout increased dramatically. After carefully matching rural and urban voters on demographics, party registration, and turnout history, we estimated that all-mail elections increased the probability of voting by 21.7 percentage points.This is not a marginal difference. It is a structural one.Just as important, the rural-urban turnout gap nearly disappeared. In traditionally administered elections, rural voters were 3.5 points less likely to participate than urban voters. But when provided an all-mail system, the rural-urban gap shrank to less than one percentage point.In other words: all-mail elections do exactly what legislators claim to value—they promote equitable participation across all geographic regions of our state.The data is clear: rural Kansans benefit from all-mail elections. The explanation is straightforward: voting is not costless, and those costs fall disproportionately on rural residents.Rural Kansans often travel long distances to a polling location, rely on deteriorating roads and minimal public transportation, and live in jurisdictions that struggle to maintain sufficient polling places and staff. Political science research has long shown that even modest increases in the&nbsp;time or effort required to vote depress turnout. Put simply, rural Kansans face bigger hurdles when it comes to voting, and all-mail elections help remove those barriers.Kansas has long embraced local control, particularly in election administration for special elections. County clerks and school districts understand their communities’ needs far better than legislators in Topeka. When local jurisdictions choose all-mail elections, they do so because it is the most accessible, cost-effective, and logistically feasible option.HB 2503 would eliminate that choice. It strips local autonomy and silences rural voices.If adopted, rural Kansans—who already face higher barriers to participation—would be pushed back into a system that statistically depresses their turnout. It is difficult to read the evidence and see this bill as anything other than a step backward for democratic participation in our state.We argue that evidence, not assumptions, should drive Kansas’ election policy.Much of the public debate around voting by mail has relied on speculation or rhetoric. But the state legislature need not speculate. We have Kansas data on Kansas voters in Kansas elections and the findings are clear. All-mail elections increase turnout. They mitigate geographic inequities. They ensure rural voters can make their voices heard on school funding, infrastructure, and public investments that directly affect their communities.Lawmakers may disagree on many issues, but they should not ignore empirical evidence—especially when that evidence is produced by researchers in their own state examining their own elections.As political scientists and Kansans, our conclusion is clear: HB 2503 would harm the very communities it claims to represent. If we are committed to a democratic process that includes all corners of Kansas—urban and rural alike—we must preserve municipalities’ ability to hold all-mail elections.The Senate should reject House Bill 2503. Rural Kansans deserve better. They deserve a voting system grounded in evidence, not ideology.Alexandra Middlewood and Brian Amos are associate professors of political science at Wichita State University. They co-founded IKE Lab in 2023 to offer data and analysis on Kansas elections.

Insight Kansas: Kansas HB 2503 ignores what our research shows about rural voters

Back when my wife and I hunted together more, we’d often pass the hours spent in a hunting blind by making up animal conversations for various situations. 

On a fall turkey hunt years ago, we had our hunting blind set up near an old feedlot. The owner had round bales stored there and a tractor path wound around through the bales. The turkeys followed the tractor path through the bales and into the pasture surrounding the old feedlot. We put a couple hen turkey decoys just across the fence into the pasture and settled into our blind amongst the bales. 

The resident cattle soon came to see what was up, and became enamored with the decoys. You could almost sense their thoughts, so we named the cows Clara, Elsie, Audrey and Bessie, and imagined their conversation going something like this: “They look like turkeys, but they sure don’t move much,” Clara thought, staring at the decoys. Elsie added “Turkeys stink but these things smell like tractor tires or something. Let’s all run at them and see if they scatter and make those same funny noises turkeys make when we almost step on them.” Audrey weighed in, “No, I’m pretty sure they aren’t real turkeys – if they were, they’d be eatin’ corn out of our poo right now.” Bessie said “Girls, I’ve got an idea – let’s all back up and try to pee on them and see if they run like they usually do.”

Perhaps the funniest animal conversation we ever conjured up came about at an old farmstead where we used to hunt deer. The abandoned farmyard sits back a long lane and we’d park our pickup there and walk to the nearby deer blind. We know deer routinely wonder through the farmyard and around the old buildings, so we tried to imagine how they would react to our truck sitting there if they wandered through as we sat in the blind. 

Here was the scene: One morning as we sit there in our deer blind, two deer, Bucky and Chloe wander through and come upon our pickup in the drive. 

“See, Bucky,” Chloe states. “I told you I smelled them again.” Bucky rests his chin on the hood of the pickup and replies “Yup, sure enough. Hood's still warm; they’re here somewhere.” “What doofuses,” Chloe retorts with disgust as she turns and begins to walk away. 

Meanwhile, Bucky jumps up and sprawls out across the hood of the pickup with his front legs sticking out in front of him and his back legs out behind him, rolls his eyes back into his head and hangs his tongue out the side of his mouth. Chloe hears the&nbsp;commotion and just as she turns around, Bucky calls out “Ohhhhh, Chloe, they got me!” “You get off there this instant,” Chloe scolds. “That’s not funny at all anymore, especially after you got shot in the butt last season!”

The nursing/retirement home where I used to work has two dementia units and I often marveled at the strange things the residents there with dementia would say and think. Making up animal conversations may see pretty weird and even goofy, but I can only hope that filling my mind with silliness like that now, will help me ramble on about silly stuff like that when I get dementia rather than being mean and nasty and cussin’ all the time! 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsBack when my wife and I hunted together more, we’d often pass the hours spent in a hunting blind by making up animal conversations for various situations. On a fall turkey hunt years ago, we had our hunting blind set up near an old feedlot. The owner had round bales stored there and a tractor path wound around through the bales. The turkeys followed the tractor path through the bales and into the pasture surrounding the old feedlot. We put a couple hen turkey decoys just across the fence into the pasture and settled into our blind amongst the bales. The resident cattle soon came to see what was up, and became enamored with the decoys. You could almost sense their thoughts, so we named the cows Clara, Elsie, Audrey and Bessie, and imagined their conversation going something like this: “They look like turkeys, but they sure don’t move much,” Clara thought, staring at the decoys. Elsie added “Turkeys stink but these things smell like tractor tires or something. Let’s all run at them and see if they scatter and make those same funny noises turkeys make when we almost step on them.” Audrey weighed in, “No, I’m pretty sure they aren’t real turkeys – if they were, they’d be eatin’ corn out of our poo right now.” Bessie said “Girls, I’ve got an idea – let’s all back up and try to pee on them and see if they run like they usually do.”Perhaps the funniest animal conversation we ever conjured up came about at an old farmstead where we used to hunt deer. The abandoned farmyard sits back a long lane and we’d park our pickup there and walk to the nearby deer blind. We know deer routinely wonder through the farmyard and around the old buildings, so we tried to imagine how they would react to our truck sitting there if they wandered through as we sat in the blind. Here was the scene: One morning as we sit there in our deer blind, two deer, Bucky and Chloe wander through and come upon our pickup in the drive. “See, Bucky,” Chloe states. “I told you I smelled them again.” Bucky rests his chin on the hood of the pickup and replies “Yup, sure enough. Hood's still warm; they’re here somewhere.” “What doofuses,” Chloe retorts with disgust as she turns and begins to walk away. Meanwhile, Bucky jumps up and sprawls out across the hood of the pickup with his front legs sticking out in front of him and his back legs out behind him, rolls his eyes back into his head and hangs his tongue out the side of his mouth. Chloe hears the&nbsp;commotion and just as she turns around, Bucky calls out “Ohhhhh, Chloe, they got me!” “You get off there this instant,” Chloe scolds. “That’s not funny at all anymore, especially after you got shot in the butt last season!”The nursing/retirement home where I used to work has two dementia units and I often marveled at the strange things the residents there with dementia would say and think. Making up animal conversations may see pretty weird and even goofy, but I can only hope that filling my mind with silliness like that now, will help me ramble on about silly stuff like that when I get dementia rather than being mean and nasty and cussin’ all the time! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Animal conversations: You don't say!

By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight Kansas

As&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/17/kansas-cell-phone-ban-applying-to-both-public-and-private-schools-clears-house/">a proposed state-wide ban on cell phones in Kansas classrooms</a>&nbsp;winds its way through our state legislature—a ban that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2026-02-09/banning-phones-in-kansas-schools-has-bipartisan-support-so-why-is-a-proposed-law-stalling">at least initially had strong support from both parties</a>, a ban that would be similar to actions that have been taken&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/08/08/twenty-two-states-enacted-k-12-cellphone-bans-so-far-in-2025/">in multiple other states</a>—an interesting question has arisen.

What is more important to the Kansas legislators: the well-being of students, or freedom from regulation for alternatives to public education?

In answering that question, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/tymastersonks/status/2024210039158997404?s=43">drew a fairly explicit line</a>: “The epidemic of cell phones disrupting classrooms and damaging our kids’ mental health is a top priority. But a fix must not trample on the independence of private schools. The radical left would exploit any opening to impose their agenda on faith-based and independent education. Rather than creating bad precedent, we will use this opportunity to review all state mandates on private schools and create a bright line that government will not cross.”

The epidemic he refers to is well-documented, by both&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0927537116300136">numerous</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9651103/">scholars</a>&nbsp;and by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/Commissioner/Blue-Ribbon-Task-Force-on-Student-Screen-Time-Report.pdf">a separate study</a>&nbsp;commissioned by the Kansas Department of Education.

Screen and smartphone addiction clearly creates distractions, interferes with learning, and invites bullying and other psychological pathologies.

The data doesn’t necessarily mandate a complete bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools (the National Association of State Boards of Education encourages local school board involvement,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nasbe.org/curbing-cell-phone-use-in-classrooms/">concluding that</a>&nbsp;“bans of devices during the school day alone will not address the complicated, potential harms arising from students’ online behaviors”), but everyone agrees that whatever compromise is reached, it should be implemented consistently, covering all students equally.

Unless, perhaps, you attend a private—or shall we say a “faith-based and independent”—school?

It’s not that Masterson is opposed to students whose parents opt to home school or to make use of private schools being able to enjoy the educational environments and resources that are generated through Kansas’s free public school system. 

After all, he has been a major force behind both&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-private-school-students-and-home-schoolers-joining-in-public-school-sports-under-new-law/">making certain that Kansas students being educated privately or at home be allowed to participate in all public school activities, both athletic and academic</a>&nbsp;and promoting school choice plans that could provide up to $200 million in tax relief every year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/29/senate-republican-promotes-education-freedom-with-125m-voucher-program-for-private-schools/">to support Kansas parents who want to send their children to a private school or teach them at home</a>.&nbsp;

Rather, the idea appears to be that, though public schools will be expected to follow the best research in working out how to deal with a problem facing young people throughout Kansas,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/policy-research-initiatives/homeschool-hub/states/kansas/">about 9% of Kansas students</a>&nbsp;(those that attend private or home schools) perhaps ought to be left to their own devices (literally!), all for the sake being free from state mandates, however educationally justified.

Of course, the problem isn’t that straightforward. For one thing, regulating how parents impose—or don’t impose—cell phone restrictions while teaching in their children in their own homes would an impossible, and terribly invasive, act. For another, many private schools are very small, and requiring them to comply with state-wide regulations could be terribly burdensome.

But still, taking seriously public education is a value deeply rooted in Kansas history and law. 

Which makes the belief that educational alternatives to publicly funded schools should be given both additional financial support and access to educational resources, but should also be exempt from any concerted action to introduce best practices on those schools and resources, is a difficult one to balance, to say the least.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772119323632.png" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Insight KansasAs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/17/kansas-cell-phone-ban-applying-to-both-public-and-private-schools-clears-house/">a proposed state-wide ban on cell phones in Kansas classrooms</a>&nbsp;winds its way through our state legislature—a ban that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2026-02-09/banning-phones-in-kansas-schools-has-bipartisan-support-so-why-is-a-proposed-law-stalling">at least initially had strong support from both parties</a>, a ban that would be similar to actions that have been taken&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.ballotpedia.org/2025/08/08/twenty-two-states-enacted-k-12-cellphone-bans-so-far-in-2025/">in multiple other states</a>—an interesting question has arisen. What is more important to the Kansas legislators: the well-being of students, or freedom from regulation for alternatives to public education?In answering that question, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/tymastersonks/status/2024210039158997404?s=43">drew a fairly explicit line</a>: “The epidemic of cell phones disrupting classrooms and damaging our kids’ mental health is a top priority. But a fix must not trample on the independence of private schools. The radical left would exploit any opening to impose their agenda on faith-based and independent education. Rather than creating bad precedent, we will use this opportunity to review all state mandates on private schools and create a bright line that government will not cross.”The epidemic he refers to is well-documented, by both&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0927537116300136">numerous</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9651103/">scholars</a>&nbsp;and by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/Commissioner/Blue-Ribbon-Task-Force-on-Student-Screen-Time-Report.pdf">a separate study</a>&nbsp;commissioned by the Kansas Department of Education. Screen and smartphone addiction clearly creates distractions, interferes with learning, and invites bullying and other psychological pathologies. The data doesn’t necessarily mandate a complete bell-to-bell ban on cell phones in schools (the National Association of State Boards of Education encourages local school board involvement,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nasbe.org/curbing-cell-phone-use-in-classrooms/">concluding that</a>&nbsp;“bans of devices during the school day alone will not address the complicated, potential harms arising from students’ online behaviors”), but everyone agrees that whatever compromise is reached, it should be implemented consistently, covering all students equally.Unless, perhaps, you attend a private—or shall we say a “faith-based and independent”—school?It’s not that Masterson is opposed to students whose parents opt to home school or to make use of private schools being able to enjoy the educational environments and resources that are generated through Kansas’s free public school system. After all, he has been a major force behind both&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-private-school-students-and-home-schoolers-joining-in-public-school-sports-under-new-law/">making certain that Kansas students being educated privately or at home be allowed to participate in all public school activities, both athletic and academic</a>&nbsp;and promoting school choice plans that could provide up to $200 million in tax relief every year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/29/senate-republican-promotes-education-freedom-with-125m-voucher-program-for-private-schools/">to support Kansas parents who want to send their children to a private school or teach them at home</a>.&nbsp;Rather, the idea appears to be that, though public schools will be expected to follow the best research in working out how to deal with a problem facing young people throughout Kansas,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/policy-research-initiatives/homeschool-hub/states/kansas/">about 9% of Kansas students</a>&nbsp;(those that attend private or home schools) perhaps ought to be left to their own devices (literally!), all for the sake being free from state mandates, however educationally justified.Of course, the problem isn’t that straightforward. For one thing, regulating how parents impose—or don’t impose—cell phone restrictions while teaching in their children in their own homes would an impossible, and terribly invasive, act. For another, many private schools are very small, and requiring them to comply with state-wide regulations could be terribly burdensome.But still, taking seriously public education is a value deeply rooted in Kansas history and law. Which makes the belief that educational alternatives to publicly funded schools should be given both additional financial support and access to educational resources, but should also be exempt from any concerted action to introduce best practices on those schools and resources, is a difficult one to balance, to say the least.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

Insight Kansas: On cell phones, public schools, and state exemptions

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758644527286.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.&nbsp;If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save. Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value. <h2>The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!</h2>

Eagle Radio Auction live now!

As residents of western Kansas and frequent shoppers in Hays and the surrounding area, we pride ourselves on high voter participation and orderly, well-run elections. 

Our county clerks, poll workers, and volunteers do their jobs carefully and professionally. That is why national proposals like the so-called “SAVE Act” deserve local attention. 

Ellis, Barton, Russell, Trego, Rush and Rooks counties are all affected by the latest proposal by our local politicians, including our senators and representatives, state and federal.

We are neighbors and we know each other without having to carry formal identification. 

I would bet that Jerry Moran’s wife’s birth certificate does not bear the name Moran. Nor does Barb Wasinger's bear that last name. Nor does Ken Rahjes’s spouse’s birth certificate use anything but her maiden name.&nbsp; You get the gist, right?

Many states have gone to same-day voter registration, so if they want to mandate exact matches in last names, then let us do that at the polls, at least. A utility bill, a driver's license, a credit card or a debit card with a photo makes more sense than a passport, which not everyone has.

The bill would require documentary proof of citizenship at the time of voting. In practice, federal agencies have often treated passports and certain certified birth certificates as the primary acceptable documents. 

Many western Kansas residents do not carry or even have passports, and married women whose legal names differ from their birth certificates face additional hurdles or challenges at the polls.

In our counties, that matters. We have a significant population of married women, retirees, rural residents, and working families who may not have ready access to updated documentation reflecting every name change over a lifetime. 

If even a small number of otherwise eligible voters are delayed, challenged or turned away because paperwork does not perfectly align, that affects neighbors, church members, veterans, teachers, Fort Hays State employees, and small business owners right here at home.

Supporters of stricter proof requirements argue they are addressing non-citizen voting. However, documented cases of non-citizen voting in Kansas have been exceedingly rare. 

Our local election officials already verify eligibility during registration. Why should we add another requirement for additional ID at the polls?&nbsp; Before adding new federal mandates, we should carefully weigh whether the burden placed on lawful voters in western Kansas is justified by evidence.

At the same time, we are seeing state-level proposals that could impose additional identification or documentation requirements.

Again, the practical impact would not be abstract. It would fall on local citizens—particularly elderly residents, women who changed their names decades ago, and rural voters who must travel significant distances to government offices to obtain replacement records.

Regardless of party affiliation, we western Kansas citizens should ask whether new federal or state mandates make it easier or harder for eligible neighbors to cast a ballot. Strong elections are secure—but they are also accessible.

I encourage readers to respectfully contact Congressman Tracey Mann, Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, and our state legislators—Representatives Wasinger, Rahjes, Waymaster, and our State Senators Billinger and Blew—and ask how proposed voting changes would affect Ellis County, Russell County, Rush County, Rooks County, Trego County and Rice and Barton County voters specifically.

We deserve clear answers about how these measures would operate in Hays, Russell, Stockton, WaKeeney, Ellsworth and Great Bend and throughout western Kansas.

Our community benefits when lawful participation is protected and confidence in elections is maintained. Both security and access matter. We should insist on policies that preserve both.

—Ron Svaty retired Kansas judge and proud citizen of western Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>As residents of western Kansas and frequent shoppers in Hays and the surrounding area, we pride ourselves on high voter participation and orderly, well-run elections. Our county clerks, poll workers, and volunteers do their jobs carefully and professionally. That is why national proposals like the so-called “SAVE Act” deserve local attention. Ellis, Barton, Russell, Trego, Rush and Rooks counties are all affected by the latest proposal by our local politicians, including our senators and representatives, state and federal.We are neighbors and we know each other without having to carry formal identification. I would bet that Jerry Moran’s wife’s birth certificate does not bear the name Moran. Nor does Barb Wasinger's bear that last name. Nor does Ken Rahjes’s spouse’s birth certificate use anything but her maiden name.&nbsp; You get the gist, right?Many states have gone to same-day voter registration, so if they want to mandate exact matches in last names, then let us do that at the polls, at least. A utility bill, a driver's license, a credit card or a debit card with a photo makes more sense than a passport, which not everyone has.The bill would require documentary proof of citizenship at the time of voting. In practice, federal agencies have often treated passports and certain certified birth certificates as the primary acceptable documents. Many western Kansas residents do not carry or even have passports, and married women whose legal names differ from their birth certificates face additional hurdles or challenges at the polls.In our counties, that matters. We have a significant population of married women, retirees, rural residents, and working families who may not have ready access to updated documentation reflecting every name change over a lifetime. If even a small number of otherwise eligible voters are delayed, challenged or turned away because paperwork does not perfectly align, that affects neighbors, church members, veterans, teachers, Fort Hays State employees, and small business owners right here at home.Supporters of stricter proof requirements argue they are addressing non-citizen voting. However, documented cases of non-citizen voting in Kansas have been exceedingly rare. Our local election officials already verify eligibility during registration. Why should we add another requirement for additional ID at the polls?&nbsp; Before adding new federal mandates, we should carefully weigh whether the burden placed on lawful voters in western Kansas is justified by evidence.At the same time, we are seeing state-level proposals that could impose additional identification or documentation requirements.Again, the practical impact would not be abstract. It would fall on local citizens—particularly elderly residents, women who changed their names decades ago, and rural voters who must travel significant distances to government offices to obtain replacement records.Regardless of party affiliation, we western Kansas citizens should ask whether new federal or state mandates make it easier or harder for eligible neighbors to cast a ballot. Strong elections are secure—but they are also accessible.I encourage readers to respectfully contact Congressman Tracey Mann, Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, and our state legislators—Representatives Wasinger, Rahjes, Waymaster, and our State Senators Billinger and Blew—and ask how proposed voting changes would affect Ellis County, Russell County, Rush County, Rooks County, Trego County and Rice and Barton County voters specifically.We deserve clear answers about how these measures would operate in Hays, Russell, Stockton, WaKeeney, Ellsworth and Great Bend and throughout western Kansas.Our community benefits when lawful participation is protected and confidence in elections is maintained. Both security and access matter. We should insist on policies that preserve both.—Ron Svaty retired Kansas judge and proud citizen of western Kansas

LETTER: Proposed voting changes could burden western Kansas residents

I recently agreed to see if a skunk needed evicted from beneath a friend’s empty home that is for sale. She said she was in the house the other day and it smelled terribly “skunky” inside, making her think one might be living under the porch. 

My glasses have transition lenses that turn really dark in the sunlight, so as I blindly peered into the darkness beneath the porch, I wondered aloud how bad the situation might turn if I suddenly came face-to-face (and hopefully not face-to-butt) with the resident skunk.

I’ve had some interesting adventures involving skunks in traps, the worst of which led to a drive home in my underwear so I didn’t totally contaminate the inside of my truck. 

Looking back, I can call them interesting now, but at the time my descriptions were slightly different. Skunks are fairly laid-back critters, and if caught in an enclosed trap or in a cage trap covered with a tarp, can often be carted away in the trap and unceremoniously dumped somewhere without incident.

Some years ago, as a new trapper I caught one in a large cage trap set for bobcats, possibly a first for both me and the skunk. 

As I slowly approached the cage, the silly thing ran to the back and began an acrobatics display fit for a circus. First up one side, across the back by its front claws then down the other side it went, twirling like a little black and white ballerina. With great effort and a long stick, I got the cage door propped open, then turned and ran, 'cause I knew Pepe’ would be charging the open door for his freedom. At a safe distance I turned to watch, and there it still hung like Spiderman on the inside of the cage.

 My next plan involved rushing the cage, arms flailing and shouting at the top of my lungs, hoping to scare the critter out the open front door. It didn’t take me long to see how this would turn disastrous and the maneuver was called off in mid-charge.

 I had other traps to check, so I opted to leave for awhile, then just stop on my way back through and reset the trap after Pepe’ had vamoosed. A half hour later I found it still in the trap, curled up in a fuzzy little black and white ball in the back corner of the cage. I finally just left and the thing vanished sometime overnight.

Another encounter took place just a short distance from town where I had a large skunk caught in a foothold coyote trap. Despite most people’s thinking, foothold traps usually cause a critter no more than a sore foot for awhile, but this skunk appeared to be stone cold dead. I stood and marveled at its beautiful silky fur as it rippled in the wind, and tried to figure what had caused its demise. It had the trap completely covered so I needed to push it aside to remove it. 

Both the skunk and the trap were going to stink already, and not anxious to drive home again in my stocking feet or underwear, I found a nice sturdy stick to roll it out of the way. I don’t know who was most surprised, the sleeping skunk when I poked it with the stick or me when it suddenly jumped to its feet! This encounter did not end in disaster (for me) but it gave new meaning to the old cliché’ “Things are not always as they seem.”

I’ve never understood how the term “skunked” came to mean basically getting nothing, as in getting “skunked” on a fishing trip. They are amazing little creatures that are very good at doing what God created them to do. Their fur is soft and silky; their essence is prized by trappers and the perfume industry and they’re actually fun to watch as they waddle along. But if you ever get “skunked” by messing with one, I guarantee you’ll get way more than nothing! 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595247134425.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsI recently agreed to see if a skunk needed evicted from beneath a friend’s empty home that is for sale. She said she was in the house the other day and it smelled terribly “skunky” inside, making her think one might be living under the porch. My glasses have transition lenses that turn really dark in the sunlight, so as I blindly peered into the darkness beneath the porch, I wondered aloud how bad the situation might turn if I suddenly came face-to-face (and hopefully not face-to-butt) with the resident skunk.I’ve had some interesting adventures involving skunks in traps, the worst of which led to a drive home in my underwear so I didn’t totally contaminate the inside of my truck. Looking back, I can call them interesting now, but at the time my descriptions were slightly different. Skunks are fairly laid-back critters, and if caught in an enclosed trap or in a cage trap covered with a tarp, can often be carted away in the trap and unceremoniously dumped somewhere without incident.Some years ago, as a new trapper I caught one in a large cage trap set for bobcats, possibly a first for both me and the skunk. As I slowly approached the cage, the silly thing ran to the back and began an acrobatics display fit for a circus. First up one side, across the back by its front claws then down the other side it went, twirling like a little black and white ballerina. With great effort and a long stick, I got the cage door propped open, then turned and ran, 'cause I knew Pepe’ would be charging the open door for his freedom. At a safe distance I turned to watch, and there it still hung like Spiderman on the inside of the cage. My next plan involved rushing the cage, arms flailing and shouting at the top of my lungs, hoping to scare the critter out the open front door. It didn’t take me long to see how this would turn disastrous and the maneuver was called off in mid-charge. I had other traps to check, so I opted to leave for awhile, then just stop on my way back through and reset the trap after Pepe’ had vamoosed. A half hour later I found it still in the trap, curled up in a fuzzy little black and white ball in the back corner of the cage. I finally just left and the thing vanished sometime overnight.Another encounter took place just a short distance from town where I had a large skunk caught in a foothold coyote trap. Despite most people’s thinking, foothold traps usually cause a critter no more than a sore foot for awhile, but this skunk appeared to be stone cold dead. I stood and marveled at its beautiful silky fur as it rippled in the wind, and tried to figure what had caused its demise. It had the trap completely covered so I needed to push it aside to remove it. Both the skunk and the trap were going to stink already, and not anxious to drive home again in my stocking feet or underwear, I found a nice sturdy stick to roll it out of the way. I don’t know who was most surprised, the sleeping skunk when I poked it with the stick or me when it suddenly jumped to its feet! This encounter did not end in disaster (for me) but it gave new meaning to the old cliché’ “Things are not always as they seem.”I’ve never understood how the term “skunked” came to mean basically getting nothing, as in getting “skunked” on a fishing trip. They are amazing little creatures that are very good at doing what God created them to do. Their fur is soft and silky; their essence is prized by trappers and the perfume industry and they’re actually fun to watch as they waddle along. But if you ever get “skunked” by messing with one, I guarantee you’ll get way more than nothing! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Skunks I have met

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

A bill currently before the Kansas House would ban required diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) courses at the state’s public colleges and universities. Supporters argue that institutions should offer “more diverse academic opportunities that are not against a student’s political, religious, moral or ethical beliefs.” On its face, this claim appears to champion intellectual openness. In practice, however, it misunderstands the purpose of higher education and deprives students of the rigorous learning environment that universities are designed to provide.

Higher education is not meant to function as an echo chamber for students’ pre-existing worldviews. Its central mission has always been to expand knowledge, foster critical thinking, and encourage engagement with complexity. College is one of the few structured environments where young adults can test their assumptions, encounter unfamiliar perspectives, and engage in reflection supported by research rather than insulated by comfort. Shielding students from ideas that challenge their beliefs undermines this mission entirely.

This understanding of higher education’s mission traces directly to our country’s founding. Several Founders explicitly argued that a democratic society requires citizens capable of reasoning through complex ideas. Thomas Jefferson, for example, maintained that education must cultivate critical thinkers who can meaningfully participate in civic life. He warned that democratic freedom depends on an informed, analytically capable public.

This civic purpose is not only a long-standing academic principle—it aligns with public sentiment in Kansas. According to the 2025 Kansas Speaks survey, 55.8% of Kansans believe the primary goal of higher education is to create an educated citizenry, while only 34.1% say workforce development should be the dominant aim. These findings affirm that Kansans value universities as institutions that cultivate analytical citizens capable of democratic engagement, not as ideological safe havens designed to avoid friction with personal beliefs.

Courses addressing race, gender, culture, and inequality play a crucial role in this intellectual development. They draw on decades of peer-reviewed research in political science, sociology, psychology, history, and education. Despite false reports to the contrary, DEI courses do not require students to adopt a particular political ideology; rather, they teach students how systems, data, and lived experiences intersect to produce real-world outcomes. Students are free to&nbsp;disagree with the interpretations presented, but disagreement is most meaningful when it emerges from informed engagement rather than avoidance.

Kansans also signal broad support for the underlying value of diversity in public life. The 2025 Kansas Speaks data show that 59.8% agree that Kansas government becomes stronger when elected officials are more diverse, compared with only 8.2% who disagree. This belief—that diversity enhances institutional strength—undermines the notion that engaging with difference is inherently divisive or ideological. If diversity strengthens government, it follows that young adults benefit from learning how to navigate, understand, and appreciate diverse perspectives before they enter civic and professional life.

The legislators’ concern—that students should not be confronted with material that challenges their beliefs—reflects a fundamental misconception about what universities are for. Higher education does not exist to affirm; it exists to question. It does not exist to soothe; it exists to stimulate growth. Students will carry their political, religious, and ethical commitments with them throughout their education, but the university’s role is to equip them with the analytical tools to understand those commitments in a broader context.

The Founders made clear that democratic governance requires citizens who are able to confront rather than avoid difficult questions. Jefferson and Adams both argued that education must develop citizens prepared for the moral and political complexities of republican life—not individuals shielded from discomfort. Their belief was that democratic institutions survive only when the populace can wrestle with complexity and evaluate competing claims.

Kansas should be investing in opportunities that broaden students’ horizons, not narrowing them. Intellectual diversity is not achieved by restricting academic content; it is achieved by engaging with it fully, especially when it invites discomfort.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771516581042.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasA bill currently before the Kansas House would ban required diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) courses at the state’s public colleges and universities. Supporters argue that institutions should offer “more diverse academic opportunities that are not against a student’s political, religious, moral or ethical beliefs.” On its face, this claim appears to champion intellectual openness. In practice, however, it misunderstands the purpose of higher education and deprives students of the rigorous learning environment that universities are designed to provide.Higher education is not meant to function as an echo chamber for students’ pre-existing worldviews. Its central mission has always been to expand knowledge, foster critical thinking, and encourage engagement with complexity. College is one of the few structured environments where young adults can test their assumptions, encounter unfamiliar perspectives, and engage in reflection supported by research rather than insulated by comfort. Shielding students from ideas that challenge their beliefs undermines this mission entirely.This understanding of higher education’s mission traces directly to our country’s founding. Several Founders explicitly argued that a democratic society requires citizens capable of reasoning through complex ideas. Thomas Jefferson, for example, maintained that education must cultivate critical thinkers who can meaningfully participate in civic life. He warned that democratic freedom depends on an informed, analytically capable public.This civic purpose is not only a long-standing academic principle—it aligns with public sentiment in Kansas. According to the 2025 Kansas Speaks survey, 55.8% of Kansans believe the primary goal of higher education is to create an educated citizenry, while only 34.1% say workforce development should be the dominant aim. These findings affirm that Kansans value universities as institutions that cultivate analytical citizens capable of democratic engagement, not as ideological safe havens designed to avoid friction with personal beliefs.Courses addressing race, gender, culture, and inequality play a crucial role in this intellectual development. They draw on decades of peer-reviewed research in political science, sociology, psychology, history, and education. Despite false reports to the contrary, DEI courses do not require students to adopt a particular political ideology; rather, they teach students how systems, data, and lived experiences intersect to produce real-world outcomes. Students are free to&nbsp;disagree with the interpretations presented, but disagreement is most meaningful when it emerges from informed engagement rather than avoidance.Kansans also signal broad support for the underlying value of diversity in public life. The 2025 Kansas Speaks data show that 59.8% agree that Kansas government becomes stronger when elected officials are more diverse, compared with only 8.2% who disagree. This belief—that diversity enhances institutional strength—undermines the notion that engaging with difference is inherently divisive or ideological. If diversity strengthens government, it follows that young adults benefit from learning how to navigate, understand, and appreciate diverse perspectives before they enter civic and professional life.The legislators’ concern—that students should not be confronted with material that challenges their beliefs—reflects a fundamental misconception about what universities are for. Higher education does not exist to affirm; it exists to question. It does not exist to soothe; it exists to stimulate growth. Students will carry their political, religious, and ethical commitments with them throughout their education, but the university’s role is to equip them with the analytical tools to understand those commitments in a broader context.The Founders made clear that democratic governance requires citizens who are able to confront rather than avoid difficult questions. Jefferson and Adams both argued that education must develop citizens prepared for the moral and political complexities of republican life—not individuals shielded from discomfort. Their belief was that democratic institutions survive only when the populace can wrestle with complexity and evaluate competing claims.Kansas should be investing in opportunities that broaden students’ horizons, not narrowing them. Intellectual diversity is not achieved by restricting academic content; it is achieved by engaging with it fully, especially when it invites discomfort.

Insight Kansas: Higher education should challenge students, not shield them

When I grew up in the 60s, girls could play sports with boys at recess if they played rough as guys--no handicapping because they had to play in a dress. By the time I got to junior high, schools offered girls basketball, volleyball, softball, and track, but no football or soccer. Girls’ basketball played with odd rules—a split court with offense on one side and defense on the other—only the ball passed across the center line. By the time our daughters competed, females played 5-man full court. Recently, girls’ athletics added the option of wrestling. With a granddaughter grappling for the first time this year, we face a steep learning curve. The critical lesson learned so far: It ain’t over til it’s over.

Our ten-year-old, a ranch kid, feels more at home on horseback herding cattle or squatting in dusty corrals to help during annual brandings than she does competing in a ball game. She tried soccer and preferred working cows. This year, inspired by her cousin, she tried wrestling. The individualist in her found a sport she loves, leading her fans to heart-stopping moments and laughter.

Parents and sis support her 110 percent, getting her to practices, acquiring necessary gear, and doubling up on weekend chores to attend wrestling events. Mom found affordable shoes on Marketplace that caused giggles. When Coach asked our very literal gal where she got her foot wear, she answered, “Mom got ‘em off a lady’s porch.” Mom quickly explained the pre-arranged purchase. More laughs followed as we watched videos filmed by an enthusiastic little sis. Camera focus tilts wildly as ad lib commentary reveals the photographer’s commitment. “I believe in you, Sissy!”

Wrestling requires physical participation. Athletes clash muscle to muscle, fighting to survive 3 one-minute periods as opponents attempt to knot them into pretzels and pin their shoulders to the mat. Attend any weekend match to find over-crowded parking lots and standing-room only for latecomers supporting youngsters giving this sport their all.

Our grand is a novice. Good coaches guide her, allowing her to discover she loves one-on-one competition and the confidence she gains from watching and supporting others, losing, and winning. She and her loved ones have relished every opportunity to explore this intense sport that delivers character development in spades.

This sport more than some demands a burning desire to overcome painful opposition. It also demands quick analytical and decision-making skills as well as stamina to either overpower stronger competitors or employ strategic leverage to win. It also means athletes and their fans can’t let scoreboards psych them out. Loved ones alternate between holding their breath or cheering loud enough to rattle rafters as they encourage their wrestlers to hang tough. Staying in the fight is essential.

It’s high-tension time when wrestlers are down 15 points with 3 seconds left. If they flip that opponent to their back and pin them with only a heartbeat left, they win. Sometimes we think we’re licked when we aren’t. Wrestling teaches that life lesson early. Considering girls didn’t experience this when I was a school girl, I’m thrilled to watch gyms filled with singlet-clad little girls realizing the match “ain’t over til it’s over.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771443109168.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINWhen I grew up in the 60s, girls could play sports with boys at recess if they played rough as guys--no handicapping because they had to play in a dress. By the time I got to junior high, schools offered girls basketball, volleyball, softball, and track, but no football or soccer. Girls’ basketball played with odd rules—a split court with offense on one side and defense on the other—only the ball passed across the center line. By the time our daughters competed, females played 5-man full court. Recently, girls’ athletics added the option of wrestling. With a granddaughter grappling for the first time this year, we face a steep learning curve. The critical lesson learned so far: It ain’t over til it’s over.Our ten-year-old, a ranch kid, feels more at home on horseback herding cattle or squatting in dusty corrals to help during annual brandings than she does competing in a ball game. She tried soccer and preferred working cows. This year, inspired by her cousin, she tried wrestling. The individualist in her found a sport she loves, leading her fans to heart-stopping moments and laughter.Parents and sis support her 110 percent, getting her to practices, acquiring necessary gear, and doubling up on weekend chores to attend wrestling events. Mom found affordable shoes on Marketplace that caused giggles. When Coach asked our very literal gal where she got her foot wear, she answered, “Mom got ‘em off a lady’s porch.” Mom quickly explained the pre-arranged purchase. More laughs followed as we watched videos filmed by an enthusiastic little sis. Camera focus tilts wildly as ad lib commentary reveals the photographer’s commitment. “I believe in you, Sissy!”Wrestling requires physical participation. Athletes clash muscle to muscle, fighting to survive 3 one-minute periods as opponents attempt to knot them into pretzels and pin their shoulders to the mat. Attend any weekend match to find over-crowded parking lots and standing-room only for latecomers supporting youngsters giving this sport their all.Our grand is a novice. Good coaches guide her, allowing her to discover she loves one-on-one competition and the confidence she gains from watching and supporting others, losing, and winning. She and her loved ones have relished every opportunity to explore this intense sport that delivers character development in spades.This sport more than some demands a burning desire to overcome painful opposition. It also demands quick analytical and decision-making skills as well as stamina to either overpower stronger competitors or employ strategic leverage to win. It also means athletes and their fans can’t let scoreboards psych them out. Loved ones alternate between holding their breath or cheering loud enough to rattle rafters as they encourage their wrestlers to hang tough. Staying in the fight is essential.It’s high-tension time when wrestlers are down 15 points with 3 seconds left. If they flip that opponent to their back and pin them with only a heartbeat left, they win. Sometimes we think we’re licked when we aren’t. Wrestling teaches that life lesson early. Considering girls didn’t experience this when I was a school girl, I’m thrilled to watch gyms filled with singlet-clad little girls realizing the match “ain’t over til it’s over.”Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

Madorin: It’s not over 'til it’s over

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

A friend texted me this morning to say he had nearly choked on his coffee when a woodpecker unexpectedly began hammering on the side of his house. 

Whether it’s fishing along a deserted stretch of riverbank, or attempting to sit motionless and silently under a tree or bush awaiting a spring gobbler, I’ve always noticed that there seems to be an apparent abundance of woodpeckers in the spring. 

I’m not complaining, mind you, as their staccato hammering is a nice percussion addition to nature’s spring symphony. It’s just that I seem to hear so many more of them in spring than any other time of the year. Well, I believe I’ve found the answer to my question, and here’s a little “Woodpecker 101” to boot.

Woodpeckers are found everywhere on the planet except Australia, New Zealand and Madagascar. The largest is the great slaty in southeast Asia that can grow to 20 inches long, and the smallest are only 3 to 4 inches long and belong to a group from South America called the piculets. 

 Woodpeckers mate for life, and after eggs are laid, both parents help with incubation. 

They are omnivores, meaning they eat most anything, and their diet includes insects and insect larvae, tree sap, seeds and nuts. Most woodpeckers have long tongues to reach deep into holes to extract insects and larvae. That tongue can be as long as four inches on certain species and when not in use it’s actually stored wrapped around the back of its head in a special sort of pouch between the skin and the skull. 

Woodpeckers are easy to spot in flight as they have a very different and distinct flight pattern. They flap their wings three times and then glide, then three more flaps, then glide, etc. until they reach their destination; this flight pattern never changes.

I’m sure we’ve all seen woodpeckers hanging vertically from the side of a tree as they dig for insects, and God has specifically designed them for all aspects of that job. 

The toes of their feet point both forward and backwards to hold them in place, and they have long stiffened tail feathers that prop them up like leaning against the back of a chair. 

Their beaks are long, slender and uniquely self-sharpening, and the machine-gun-like sound we hear them making as they drill for insects and grubs is known as “drumming.” Woodpeckers’ brains are&nbsp;protected by special air pockets in their skulls that cushion each blow as they drum, which can be 20 times per second and amount to more than 10, 000 times each day.

I’ve always thought that woodpeckers hammered away on trees and poles solely to search for insects and larvae, but I’ve learned that’s only part of the story. 

Both male and female woodpeckers drum, and besides digging for food, they drum to excavate den holes in dead trees, which they do anew each year, and since woodpeckers do not have vocal songs, they drum to communicate, and to establish territories and attract mates if they don’t have one. So, it all fits that I would hear them more often now in early spring as they prepare new nests, establish their territories and communicate to prospective mates.

Ya’ know, the Kansas outdoors is one huge classroom, and it’s great when I also learn something from what I write. And by the way, this year the most famous woodpecker of all times, Woody, turns 85 years old; that’s a lot of drummin’! 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770745989380.jpeg" alt="Red-headed woodpecker. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Red-headed woodpecker. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors A friend texted me this morning to say he had nearly choked on his coffee when a woodpecker unexpectedly began hammering on the side of his house. Whether it’s fishing along a deserted stretch of riverbank, or attempting to sit motionless and silently under a tree or bush awaiting a spring gobbler, I’ve always noticed that there seems to be an apparent abundance of woodpeckers in the spring. I’m not complaining, mind you, as their staccato hammering is a nice percussion addition to nature’s spring symphony. It’s just that I seem to hear so many more of them in spring than any other time of the year. Well, I believe I’ve found the answer to my question, and here’s a little “Woodpecker 101” to boot.Woodpeckers are found everywhere on the planet except Australia, New Zealand and Madagascar. The largest is the great slaty in southeast Asia that can grow to 20 inches long, and the smallest are only 3 to 4 inches long and belong to a group from South America called the piculets. Kansas is home to about a dozen species. Woodpeckers mate for life, and after eggs are laid, both parents help with incubation. They are omnivores, meaning they eat most anything, and their diet includes insects and insect larvae, tree sap, seeds and nuts. Most woodpeckers have long tongues to reach deep into holes to extract insects and larvae. That tongue can be as long as four inches on certain species and when not in use it’s actually stored wrapped around the back of its head in a special sort of pouch between the skin and the skull. Woodpeckers are easy to spot in flight as they have a very different and distinct flight pattern. They flap their wings three times and then glide, then three more flaps, then glide, etc. until they reach their destination; this flight pattern never changes.I’m sure we’ve all seen woodpeckers hanging vertically from the side of a tree as they dig for insects, and God has specifically designed them for all aspects of that job. The toes of their feet point both forward and backwards to hold them in place, and they have long stiffened tail feathers that prop them up like leaning against the back of a chair. Their beaks are long, slender and uniquely self-sharpening, and the machine-gun-like sound we hear them making as they drill for insects and grubs is known as “drumming.” Woodpeckers’ brains are&nbsp;protected by special air pockets in their skulls that cushion each blow as they drum, which can be 20 times per second and amount to more than 10, 000 times each day.I’ve always thought that woodpeckers hammered away on trees and poles solely to search for insects and larvae, but I’ve learned that’s only part of the story. Both male and female woodpeckers drum, and besides digging for food, they drum to excavate den holes in dead trees, which they do anew each year, and since woodpeckers do not have vocal songs, they drum to communicate, and to establish territories and attract mates if they don’t have one. So, it all fits that I would hear them more often now in early spring as they prepare new nests, establish their territories and communicate to prospective mates.Ya’ know, the Kansas outdoors is one huge classroom, and it’s great when I also learn something from what I write. And by the way, this year the most famous woodpecker of all times, Woody, turns 85 years old; that’s a lot of drummin’! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Woodpeckers: Nature’s little drummers

By BILL FIANDER Insight Kansas

By many measures, one could argue the Kelly-Toland years have been the biggest economic boon the state has ever seen.

Pick any measure…$30 billion of private sector investment (most per capita in nation), almost 80,000 new or retained jobs that pay 7.7% more than the average private sector wage in Kansas, highest ever Kansas exports, four consecutive Golden Shovel awards, a recent $3 billion budget surplus, or the coup de grace…securing the biggest economic win in state history luring the Chiefs from Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757520322866.jpeg" alt="Bill Fiander. Photo by Megan Martin" />
 <figcaption>Bill Fiander. Photo by Megan Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BILL FIANDER Insight KansasBy many measures, one could argue the Kelly-Toland years have been the biggest economic boon the state has ever seen.Pick any measure…$30 billion of private sector investment (most per capita in nation), almost 80,000 new or retained jobs that pay 7.7% more than the average private sector wage in Kansas, highest ever Kansas exports, four consecutive Golden Shovel awards, a recent $3 billion budget surplus, or the coup de grace…securing the biggest economic win in state history luring the Chiefs from Missouri.Just don’t pick population growth. At least on its face. Last month, census population estimates were released for 2025 showing Kansas, while achieving a modicum of growth since 2020 (1.3%), lagged all neighboring states (Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska) who averaged 2.8%, or more than double the rate of Kansas. The U.S. growth rate was 3.0%.It’s hard to beat population growth as the gold standard metric for economic success in localities. It’s easy to see why when a community’s fortunes are tethered to it.For example, in growing communities, if it costs each taxpayer $100 to provide “good” schools in their community, having more people (i.e., income) effectively allows the government to either lower everyone’s taxes to maintain the same level of service or keep spending levels at $100 for “better” schools. Either choice makes the community more competitive.Conversely, communities with declining populations are death spirals. Fewer taxpayers paying $100 for “good” schools forces a decision point on local government – increase taxes to maintain “good” schools or keep them flat for “okay” schools. Either choice is a losing proposition and just induces more middle class wage earners to vote with their feet leaving behind a cost of operation fewer people can afford in their wake.So, while adding jobs and private sector investment are significant precursors to growing population, why is Kansas’ population gains underachieving?It depends how one looks at it.Of the seven biggest developments that opened under Kelly-Toland, four dot growing urbanizing counties between 2020-2024 – NBAF/Riley (0.8%), NBAF/Pottawatomie (6.0%), Panasonic/Johnson (3.7%), Integra/Sedgwick (2.3%), and Urban Outfitters/Wyandotte (0.1%). Wyandotte springboards to 2.2% since 2022. The remaining three developments dot shrinking rural to semi-rural counties - Hilmar Cheese/Ford (-0.6%), Schwan’s&nbsp;Pizza/Saline (-1.6%), and Amber Wave/Phillips (-5.0%). Localized population growth is happening, but when 75% of the 105 counties have not grown since 2020, statewide gains fight an uphill battle.Another trend affecting state population is the nation’s own growth. Population math made simple: take births, minus deaths, factor arriving and departing migrants. This formula ensured U.S. population growth was unstoppable over its 250-year history. And in turn helped states grow.Until now.By 2030, U.S. deaths will likely outnumber births. Without natural growth, only net migration remains. And under current immigration policies, net international migration has plummeted so much that the U.S. population could shrink for the first-time in its history next year. Kansas’s own international migration in 2024-25 cratered to 7,440 from the previous year’s 13,829 due to the chilling effect on new migrants rather than deportations.In conclusion, the Kelly-Toland wins have shown some silver linings even in the face of these obstacles. Last year, Kansas domestic net migration increased by 4,000 people from the previous year, virtually all 39,000+ people added to Kansas since 2020 occurred since 2022, and many big STAR Bond projects focus on out-of-state visitors – a proxy for temporary population growth.Good signs that the massive economic wins under Kelly-Toland stand to bear population&nbsp;fruit.Bill Fiander teaches university-level courses in Kansas covering state/local government, public administration, and city planning.

Opinion