By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

As an Ag agent for KSRE over these past ten years, I have made countless home visits for individuals with tree issues. There are many reasons a tree can have problems. The drought we lived through these past few years has taken its toll on our trees, to the other extreme the heavy rains and flooding that occurred in Barton County around 2019 also caused significant damage to our trees. These environmental conditions are unpreventable but, giving your tree a little extra TLC for some time after can help your tree stay healthy for a long time after such events.

If your tree falters and dies what should you do? What type of tree should be the replacement? Here are some observations I have seen over time to help you find the right tree for the area you want to plant.

First of all, take a look at the site you wish to plant and observe the surroundings. How close to buildings are you? Are there powerlines above that area? What other obstacles will the tree encounter as it grows? One example is powerlines. If you have some in the area you wish to plant, you will want to chose a tree that won’t grow as tall as to interfere with them.Soil type is also important. Most trees prefer moist, well drained soils. Knowing your soil type and how your landscape is in various conditions will help you find a tree that will thrive in your yard.

Another question you need to address: what types of diseases and what insects are prone to the type of tree you are looking to plant? The Red Maple for example is a popular choice for a landscape tree with its vibrant fall color but, the tree has several issues in our area. The soil pH in our region tends to be high causing iron to be tied up chemically. As maples need more iron than other trees, they become chlorotic. This hinders chlorophyll production and causes the leaves to turn yellow. This in turn causes the tree to be unable to make its own nutrients and eventually it causes the tree to decline and die. If you want a Maple tree be prepared to treat the tree with an iron supplement as it ages and shows symptoms. Maples also tend to have poor branching, so early pruning and extra care as its ages is very important to have a tree that will be around for years to come.

The Kansas Forest Service has a publication for each region of Kansas that rates trees for environmental and landscape attributes to help you select the right tree for the place you want to plant. To access the one for Northwest Kansas, including Barton and Ellis Counties got to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/community_docs/NW%20Preferred%20Trees122016.pdf">https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/community_docs/NW%20Preferred%20Trees122016.pdf</a>&nbsp;or call our offices and we can get a copy to you.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictAs an Ag agent for KSRE over these past ten years, I have made countless home visits for individuals with tree issues. There are many reasons a tree can have problems. The drought we lived through these past few years has taken its toll on our trees, to the other extreme the heavy rains and flooding that occurred in Barton County around 2019 also caused significant damage to our trees. These environmental conditions are unpreventable but, giving your tree a little extra TLC for some time after can help your tree stay healthy for a long time after such events.If your tree falters and dies what should you do? What type of tree should be the replacement? Here are some observations I have seen over time to help you find the right tree for the area you want to plant.First of all, take a look at the site you wish to plant and observe the surroundings. How close to buildings are you? Are there powerlines above that area? What other obstacles will the tree encounter as it grows? One example is powerlines. If you have some in the area you wish to plant, you will want to chose a tree that won’t grow as tall as to interfere with them.Soil type is also important. Most trees prefer moist, well drained soils. Knowing your soil type and how your landscape is in various conditions will help you find a tree that will thrive in your yard.Another question you need to address: what types of diseases and what insects are prone to the type of tree you are looking to plant? The Red Maple for example is a popular choice for a landscape tree with its vibrant fall color but, the tree has several issues in our area. The soil pH in our region tends to be high causing iron to be tied up chemically. As maples need more iron than other trees, they become chlorotic. This hinders chlorophyll production and causes the leaves to turn yellow. This in turn causes the tree to be unable to make its own nutrients and eventually it causes the tree to decline and die. If you want a Maple tree be prepared to treat the tree with an iron supplement as it ages and shows symptoms. Maples also tend to have poor branching, so early pruning and extra care as its ages is very important to have a tree that will be around for years to come.The Kansas Forest Service has a publication for each region of Kansas that rates trees for environmental and landscape attributes to help you select the right tree for the place you want to plant. To access the one for Northwest Kansas, including Barton and Ellis Counties got to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/community_docs/NW%20Preferred%20Trees122016.pdf">https://www.kansasforests.org/community_forestry/community_docs/NW%20Preferred%20Trees122016.pdf</a>&nbsp;or call our offices and we can get a copy to you.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Picking a tree

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Two of the best-known phrases in modern history are “Gentlemen Start Your Engines,” and “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble,” both of which precede the start of popular sporting events. Maybe if we hunters had a catchy phrase to remind us, we would do a better job of preparing our gear for the upcoming plethora of hunting seasons. On a recent TV hunting show, the host was interviewing several professional hunting guides, asking each of them the question “What is the biggest mistake you see you clients make?” Without hesitation, the first guide answered “The biggest mistake I see clients make year after year is coming to camp unfamiliar with and unsure of their equipment.” He said “For example, they think that just because the sights on their bows or the scopes on their rifles were “spot-on” when they put them away last year or when they loaded them for the trip, they must still be spot-on when they arrive. I offer them the chance to sight them in before we go to the woods, but they decline. So, I take them to the woods and they blow a shot at a once-in-a-lifetime buck because their sights were indeed off.”

Let’s discuss some things we should all do in preparation of hunting season. First check your licenses and tags. Decide what all you plan to hunt this year and be sure you possess all the different stamps and tags to legally do so. If you’re not sure what you need, by all means contact your local conservation officer or the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks. You will have to purchase specific tags for deer and turkeys, which will be good only for this season, but general (fishing) and hunting licenses and fur-harvesting permits are now good for one full year from the date you purchase them.

Along with licenses, make sure you also have permission to hunt all your “honey holes.” Many land owners grant permission on a first- come, first- serve basis. We are most blessed to be able to hunt and trap on land owned by my sister and her family, but privately owned land available for hunting, fishing and trapping gets harder to find each year, so don’t put-off a trip to the landowners home to ask their permission in person.

Now check your clothing. As we all know, shirts and pants have a bad habit of shrinking over the years. Replace them, have your wife let them out a little to fit, or better yet, shrink yourself a little. Clothing does honestly wear out sometimes, and now is a good time to find fall and winter hunting apparel on sale. If you have your eye on some of the new camo patterns or some of the new scent-blocker clothing for instance, start shopping now. This includes footwear as well. There’s nothing worse than sore &amp; blistered or cold feet. Venues like trapping and upland bird hunting are strenuous exercise and there’s no time like the present to begin some sort of fitness program to get you in better physical shape. Start walking or bicycling in the evenings or any other cardio workout to increase your stamina.

Do a thorough inspection on your weapons of choice. Test sights on bows and scopes on rifles &amp; crossbows, and readjust if necessary. Make certain all mechanisms are lightly oiled and lubed. Put a few shells through your deer rifle just to familiarize yourself again with its feel and recoil. Shoot your bow to again become confident of your holding point and be certain the release is functional. Check for frayed or nicked strings and bad fletching on arrows. In short, be certain every part of every weapon is in good repair and functioning correctly. Also stock up on ammunition. Supplies have fluctuated greatly the last couple years, so get what you need early. For those of us who don’t keep deer feeders full or cameras

out year-round, other equipment and supply needs may include batteries for cameras and corn for feeders.

Hopefully you trappers cleaned and neatly packed away all your equipment after last season, but now is the time to pull everything out and see what you need in the way of additional equipment, scents and lures. The annual Kansas Fur Harvesters Assn. rendezvous is October 4 &amp; 5 at McPherson, KS, and is a great place to get everything you need, as there will be numerous supply vendors present, plus lots of “tail gaters” with good used equipment to sell. The event also boasts a full weekend of demonstrations by experienced Kansas trappers, and is an opportune place and time for new trappers to gain a wealth of knowledge.

Well, that’s it in a nutshell; probably nothing here you didn’t already know, but maybe reading this will spur you in to action. The beastly hot, dry summer in my part of Kansas will no doubt have some impact on this year’s hunting and trapping opportunities; I really don’t know what to expect. What I do know is that if I do my part by having all my equipment ready, there won’t be any unwelcome surprises in that category!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsTwo of the best-known phrases in modern history are “Gentlemen Start Your Engines,” and “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble,” both of which precede the start of popular sporting events. Maybe if we hunters had a catchy phrase to remind us, we would do a better job of preparing our gear for the upcoming plethora of hunting seasons. On a recent TV hunting show, the host was interviewing several professional hunting guides, asking each of them the question “What is the biggest mistake you see you clients make?” Without hesitation, the first guide answered “The biggest mistake I see clients make year after year is coming to camp unfamiliar with and unsure of their equipment.” He said “For example, they think that just because the sights on their bows or the scopes on their rifles were “spot-on” when they put them away last year or when they loaded them for the trip, they must still be spot-on when they arrive. I offer them the chance to sight them in before we go to the woods, but they decline. So, I take them to the woods and they blow a shot at a once-in-a-lifetime buck because their sights were indeed off.”Let’s discuss some things we should all do in preparation of hunting season. First check your licenses and tags. Decide what all you plan to hunt this year and be sure you possess all the different stamps and tags to legally do so. If you’re not sure what you need, by all means contact your local conservation officer or the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks. You will have to purchase specific tags for deer and turkeys, which will be good only for this season, but general (fishing) and hunting licenses and fur-harvesting permits are now good for one full year from the date you purchase them.Along with licenses, make sure you also have permission to hunt all your “honey holes.” Many land owners grant permission on a first- come, first- serve basis. We are most blessed to be able to hunt and trap on land owned by my sister and her family, but privately owned land available for hunting, fishing and trapping gets harder to find each year, so don’t put-off a trip to the landowners home to ask their permission in person.Now check your clothing. As we all know, shirts and pants have a bad habit of shrinking over the years. Replace them, have your wife let them out a little to fit, or better yet, shrink yourself a little. Clothing does honestly wear out sometimes, and now is a good time to find fall and winter hunting apparel on sale. If you have your eye on some of the new camo patterns or some of the new scent-blocker clothing for instance, start shopping now. This includes footwear as well. There’s nothing worse than sore &amp; blistered or cold feet. Venues like trapping and upland bird hunting are strenuous exercise and there’s no time like the present to begin some sort of fitness program to get you in better physical shape. Start walking or bicycling in the evenings or any other cardio workout to increase your stamina.Do a thorough inspection on your weapons of choice. Test sights on bows and scopes on rifles &amp; crossbows, and readjust if necessary. Make certain all mechanisms are lightly oiled and lubed. Put a few shells through your deer rifle just to familiarize yourself again with its feel and recoil. Shoot your bow to again become confident of your holding point and be certain the release is functional. Check for frayed or nicked strings and bad fletching on arrows. In short, be certain every part of every weapon is in good repair and functioning correctly. Also stock up on ammunition. Supplies have fluctuated greatly the last couple years, so get what you need early. For those of us who don’t keep deer feeders full or camerasout year-round, other equipment and supply needs may include batteries for cameras and corn for feeders.Hopefully you trappers cleaned and neatly packed away all your equipment after last season, but now is the time to pull everything out and see what you need in the way of additional equipment, scents and lures. The annual Kansas Fur Harvesters Assn. rendezvous is October 4 &amp; 5 at McPherson, KS, and is a great place to get everything you need, as there will be numerous supply vendors present, plus lots of “tail gaters” with good used equipment to sell. The event also boasts a full weekend of demonstrations by experienced Kansas trappers, and is an opportune place and time for new trappers to gain a wealth of knowledge.Well, that’s it in a nutshell; probably nothing here you didn’t already know, but maybe reading this will spur you in to action. The beastly hot, dry summer in my part of Kansas will no doubt have some impact on this year’s hunting and trapping opportunities; I really don’t know what to expect. What I do know is that if I do my part by having all my equipment ready, there won’t be any unwelcome surprises in that category!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Tis’ the Season

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

With a coveted Taylor Swift endorsement
rolling out earlier this month, everyone seems to be talking about the
engagement of young voters this election cycle.

Young people — typically, this is measured by
those under the age of 35 — are often touted as apathetic and not caring about
politics.

But political science research suggests this
assertion couldn’t be further from the truth. Young people are very interested
in political issues, they’re just less willing to engage in mainstream forms of
political participation like voting and joining political parties.

They’ve replaced these traditional forms of
democratic participation with alternative approaches like social movements,
rallies, protests, and consumer boycotts.

The 2022 election cycle in Kansas shows us,
perhaps even more than previous generations, that young people are issue
voters. They’re less mobilized by candidates and parties but they are mobilized
strongly by salient political issues. 

In 2022, the issue was the fall of Roe v. Wade and Kansas’ constitutional
amendment on abortion access.

The week following the Supreme Court decision
to overturn Roe v. Wade, the average
age of new voter registrations was 25. During that same week in 2020, the
average age of new registrants was 36.

This increase in voter registration among
young people led to their higher than normal turnout in the primary election
that year.

37.4% of registered voters under the age of 40
cast a ballot in the 2022 primary election.

However, if we compare turnout to the 2024
presidential primary in March of this year, young voter turnout drops
significantly. Only 1.5% of all registrants under the age of 40 cast a ballot. 

In total, only 7.1% of registered voters
turned out in this election, but the age disparities are stark. For comparison,
17.4% of registered voters aged 65 and older turned out.

Even among registered Democrats and
Republicans, turnout was 20.1% for those 65 and older and only 2.3% for those
under 40.

This suggests that young voters are not
necessarily translating strong issue preferences into partisan vote choice, but
when issues are directly on the ballot they turn out in droves.

Whichever candidate or party can overcome this
youthful rejection of traditional political participation by finding ways to
connect themselves directly with specific policy issues will have the potential
to sway every election. 

Academic scholarship on civic engagement
points to four factors that increase political participation: trust (in
government and others), resources (time, money, knowledge), engagement
(psychological engagement, attitudes, efficacy), and invitations (from
activists, elected officials, parties, candidates).

Historically, young people have had the lowest
levels on all of these indicators. 

But the tide seems to be turning. Nationally,
young people had higher than average turnout in the 2018 and 2020 elections.
Here in Kansas, they had higher than average turnout in 2022.

These higher turnout levels were in direct
response to candidates and parties targeting young voters and their policy
preferences.

Young people represent a significant portion
of the electorate and as they become a larger share of eligible voters, their
influence on elections and policy decisions only grows.

Their engagement has the potential to shift
political priorities and electoral outcomes.

Don’t count out Kansas’ young voters.

Note: All Kansas voter registration data is
from <a href="https://www.ike-lab.com/index.html">IKE
Lab</a>, a project affiliated with Wichita State University focused on
data and analysis about Kansas elections.

Alexandra
Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science
Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasWith a coveted Taylor Swift endorsement
rolling out earlier this month, everyone seems to be talking about the
engagement of young voters this election cycle.Young people — typically, this is measured by
those under the age of 35 — are often touted as apathetic and not caring about
politics.But political science research suggests this
assertion couldn’t be further from the truth. Young people are very interested
in political issues, they’re just less willing to engage in mainstream forms of
political participation like voting and joining political parties.They’ve replaced these traditional forms of
democratic participation with alternative approaches like social movements,
rallies, protests, and consumer boycotts.The 2022 election cycle in Kansas shows us,
perhaps even more than previous generations, that young people are issue
voters. They’re less mobilized by candidates and parties but they are mobilized
strongly by salient political issues. In 2022, the issue was the fall of Roe v. Wade and Kansas’ constitutional
amendment on abortion access.The week following the Supreme Court decision
to overturn Roe v. Wade, the average
age of new voter registrations was 25. During that same week in 2020, the
average age of new registrants was 36.This increase in voter registration among
young people led to their higher than normal turnout in the primary election
that year.37.4% of registered voters under the age of 40
cast a ballot in the 2022 primary election.However, if we compare turnout to the 2024
presidential primary in March of this year, young voter turnout drops
significantly. Only 1.5% of all registrants under the age of 40 cast a ballot. In total, only 7.1% of registered voters
turned out in this election, but the age disparities are stark. For comparison,
17.4% of registered voters aged 65 and older turned out.Even among registered Democrats and
Republicans, turnout was 20.1% for those 65 and older and only 2.3% for those
under 40.This suggests that young voters are not
necessarily translating strong issue preferences into partisan vote choice, but
when issues are directly on the ballot they turn out in droves.Whichever candidate or party can overcome this
youthful rejection of traditional political participation by finding ways to
connect themselves directly with specific policy issues will have the potential
to sway every election. Academic scholarship on civic engagement
points to four factors that increase political participation: trust (in
government and others), resources (time, money, knowledge), engagement
(psychological engagement, attitudes, efficacy), and invitations (from
activists, elected officials, parties, candidates).Historically, young people have had the lowest
levels on all of these indicators. But the tide seems to be turning. Nationally,
young people had higher than average turnout in the 2018 and 2020 elections.
Here in Kansas, they had higher than average turnout in 2022.These higher turnout levels were in direct
response to candidates and parties targeting young voters and their policy
preferences.Young people represent a significant portion
of the electorate and as they become a larger share of eligible voters, their
influence on elections and policy decisions only grows.Their engagement has the potential to shift
political priorities and electoral outcomes.Don’t count out Kansas’ young voters.Note: All Kansas voter registration data is
from <a href="https://www.ike-lab.com/index.html">IKE
Lab</a>, a project affiliated with Wichita State University focused on
data and analysis about Kansas elections.Alexandra
Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science
Department at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Don't count out Kansas' young voters

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

It is well understood that weather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Warm, dry weather increases the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season, while cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival. The abundance of grasshoppers being observed now is likely due to the weather patterns of the last couple seasons. Another factor influencing grasshopper populations is an abundance of food, especially broadleaf weeds. A diet high in these forbs leads to greater nymph survival, faster growth, larger adult grasshoppers, and increased egg production. Despite many areas still being impacted by some level of drought, sporadic rainfall over the growing season has helped weeds persist in many areas of the state, which has likely contributed to the noticeable number and diversity of grasshoppers currently being observed. As these weedy sources of food are exhausted or controlled, grasshoppers may shift their grazing over to anything still growing in the landscape. In areas with greater grasshopper pressure, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.

Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.

Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted ten days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, three or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure as the insects can consume a large amount of leaf material before succumbing to the seed treatments. It is advisable to avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat must be protected.

Please refer to the most recent Alfalfa and Wheat Insect Management Guides for specific control information. Alfalfa Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf Wheat Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdf

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIt is well understood that weather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Warm, dry weather increases the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season, while cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival. The abundance of grasshoppers being observed now is likely due to the weather patterns of the last couple seasons. Another factor influencing grasshopper populations is an abundance of food, especially broadleaf weeds. A diet high in these forbs leads to greater nymph survival, faster growth, larger adult grasshoppers, and increased egg production. Despite many areas still being impacted by some level of drought, sporadic rainfall over the growing season has helped weeds persist in many areas of the state, which has likely contributed to the noticeable number and diversity of grasshoppers currently being observed. As these weedy sources of food are exhausted or controlled, grasshoppers may shift their grazing over to anything still growing in the landscape. In areas with greater grasshopper pressure, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted ten days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, three or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure as the insects can consume a large amount of leaf material before succumbing to the seed treatments. It is advisable to avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat must be protected.Please refer to the most recent Alfalfa and Wheat Insect Management Guides for specific control information. Alfalfa Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf Wheat Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdfStacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Grasshoppers are abundant in many areas of Kansas

Grain Belt Express, or GBE, is a renewable energy project owned by Chicago-based Invenergy Transmission LLC. It is a 780-mile line scheduled to originate in Kansas, run through Missouri and Illinois, and connect to the electric power grid in Indiana. From there, power will allegedly be transmitted to the Northeastern United States, even though Invenergy has no signed customers to date.

There’s a serious problem with how this project is being presented to the public. A great divide exists between the PR hype about the advanced technology needed to create a new energy future for America and the actual execution of Grain Belt Express as it pertains to construction. Specifically, renewable energy will be generated by wind and solar farms, but the power coming from these energy nodes will be transported using technology invented in the late nineteenth century. The towers —steel girders that support four to eight high-voltage power lines — are 160 feet tall and are anchored in concrete bases approximately forty to sixty feet wide.

The basic architectural design of the towers hasn’t changed in approximately 130 years. Invenergy, however, claims that Grain Belt Express will revolutionize the energy grid by ushering in a new, clean, green source of power that will extend into the twenty-second century. The “disconnect” is that the transmission of wind and solar power is (and will continue to be) accomplished using archaic technology.

The websites for Grain Belt Express and Invenergy describe both companies as innovators in renewable energy technology. They claim that the companies are involved in bringing new power “… in every aspect of project design, construction, and operations ….” And yet, the idea of transmitting electricity via direct current (DC) goes as far back as Thomas Edison’s idea on energy transmission. Furthermore, Grain Belt Express and Invenergy admit that America has an “aging energy infrastructure in the Midwest.” This is certainly true, but infrastructure is not just comprised of the lines; it primarily consists of the steel towers. There is nothing innovative about outdated towers used in centuries past. They represent old designs and old construction methods, and the nature of electricity, of course, hasn’t changed either. Invenergy has no new design, construction, or operation of its transmission infrastructure.

The towers have a lifespan of approximately forty to sixty years. During that time, they need constant maintenance because of high winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. The main reason towers need maintenance, however, is because the steel girders suffer stress fatigue and chemical erosion early in their lifespan. In other words, they crack, rust, and crumble. Even the nuts and bolts that hold different sections together begin to loosen, rust, and fall to the ground. Does this sound like cutting-edge technology to build a new American energy grid?

Additionally, lines and towers scar the landscape and threaten the environment. High-voltage lines cause many wildfires every year because of lightning strikes and arcing, which is when an electrical discharge moves from the lines to the ground. The towers can be seriously damaged and even fall over in high winds, and icing during blizzards put extreme stress on sagging lines. Add to this that the land is seriously compromised during the construction phase by oils, lubricants, and other chemicals that are contaminants to the soil, grasses, shrubbery, and trees within a mile of the project. These hazardous chemicals can remain in the soil for years, and they also pollute nearby aquifers and water tables. Also, gas and exhaust from machinery pose a threat to human health.

This method of construction does not represent twenty-first century technology. Towers using a design conceived in the nineteenth century cannot be equated with the innovations touted by Invenergy, which promises new infrastructure and advanced technology. Slick company PR about a new energy future is merely hype, unless it wants to go all in and actually create a new infrastructure as well.

There is indeed a way to transmit electricity with twenty-first century technology, and it’s called co-location. Lines are buried along highways and railroad lines, areas where eminent domain has already been invoked. While the process may be slightly more expensive than building steel towers, the savings accrued from less maintenance and repair are considerable. Co-location pays for itself in less than ten years. And depending on the terrain, co-location is often cheaper than building towers in the first place. It’s a win-win situation for energy needs, corporations, and landowners. I’ve written on co-location in great detail, and you can learn more about it at <a href="http://www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org">www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org.</a>

Invenergy is already using co-location in many areas in the United States and around the world. The question is why it is avoiding this advanced technology in the Midwest. The answer is that older construction methods are cheaper. Invenergy, like most merchant energy lines, eventually intends to sell the project to other companies, on whom the burden will fall to maintain the lines and towers.

If Invenergy and Grain Belt Express wished to honor their pledge to create a new energy future, they wouldn’t be using old technology when using co-location along existing rights-of-way could easily be accomplished. Twenty-first century power needs twenty-first century construction methods and infrastructure. It’s that simple.

— Tammy Hammond Founder and CEO, Rosewood Services

Grain Belt Express, or GBE, is a renewable energy project owned by Chicago-based Invenergy Transmission LLC. It is a 780-mile line scheduled to originate in Kansas, run through Missouri and Illinois, and connect to the electric power grid in Indiana. From there, power will allegedly be transmitted to the Northeastern United States, even though Invenergy has no signed customers to date.There’s a serious problem with how this project is being presented to the public. A great divide exists between the PR hype about the advanced technology needed to create a new energy future for America and the actual execution of Grain Belt Express as it pertains to construction. Specifically, renewable energy will be generated by wind and solar farms, but the power coming from these energy nodes will be transported using technology invented in the late nineteenth century. The towers —steel girders that support four to eight high-voltage power lines — are 160 feet tall and are anchored in concrete bases approximately forty to sixty feet wide.The basic architectural design of the towers hasn’t changed in approximately 130 years. Invenergy, however, claims that Grain Belt Express will revolutionize the energy grid by ushering in a new, clean, green source of power that will extend into the twenty-second century. The “disconnect” is that the transmission of wind and solar power is (and will continue to be) accomplished using archaic technology.The websites for Grain Belt Express and Invenergy describe both companies as innovators in renewable energy technology. They claim that the companies are involved in bringing new power “… in every aspect of project design, construction, and operations ….” And yet, the idea of transmitting electricity via direct current (DC) goes as far back as Thomas Edison’s idea on energy transmission. Furthermore, Grain Belt Express and Invenergy admit that America has an “aging energy infrastructure in the Midwest.” This is certainly true, but infrastructure is not just comprised of the lines; it primarily consists of the steel towers. There is nothing innovative about outdated towers used in centuries past. They represent old designs and old construction methods, and the nature of electricity, of course, hasn’t changed either. Invenergy has no new design, construction, or operation of its transmission infrastructure.The towers have a lifespan of approximately forty to sixty years. During that time, they need constant maintenance because of high winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. The main reason towers need maintenance, however, is because the steel girders suffer stress fatigue and chemical erosion early in their lifespan. In other words, they crack, rust, and crumble. Even the nuts and bolts that hold different sections together begin to loosen, rust, and fall to the ground. Does this sound like cutting-edge technology to build a new American energy grid?Additionally, lines and towers scar the landscape and threaten the environment. High-voltage lines cause many wildfires every year because of lightning strikes and arcing, which is when an electrical discharge moves from the lines to the ground. The towers can be seriously damaged and even fall over in high winds, and icing during blizzards put extreme stress on sagging lines. Add to this that the land is seriously compromised during the construction phase by oils, lubricants, and other chemicals that are contaminants to the soil, grasses, shrubbery, and trees within a mile of the project. These hazardous chemicals can remain in the soil for years, and they also pollute nearby aquifers and water tables. Also, gas and exhaust from machinery pose a threat to human health.This method of construction does not represent twenty-first century technology. Towers using a design conceived in the nineteenth century cannot be equated with the innovations touted by Invenergy, which promises new infrastructure and advanced technology. Slick company PR about a new energy future is merely hype, unless it wants to go all in and actually create a new infrastructure as well.There is indeed a way to transmit electricity with twenty-first century technology, and it’s called co-location. Lines are buried along highways and railroad lines, areas where eminent domain has already been invoked. While the process may be slightly more expensive than building steel towers, the savings accrued from less maintenance and repair are considerable. Co-location pays for itself in less than ten years. And depending on the terrain, co-location is often cheaper than building towers in the first place. It’s a win-win situation for energy needs, corporations, and landowners. I’ve written on co-location in great detail, and you can learn more about it at <a href="http://www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org">www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org.</a>Invenergy is already using co-location in many areas in the United States and around the world. The question is why it is avoiding this advanced technology in the Midwest. The answer is that older construction methods are cheaper. Invenergy, like most merchant energy lines, eventually intends to sell the project to other companies, on whom the burden will fall to maintain the lines and towers.If Invenergy and Grain Belt Express wished to honor their pledge to create a new energy future, they wouldn’t be using old technology when using co-location along existing rights-of-way could easily be accomplished. Twenty-first century power needs twenty-first century construction methods and infrastructure. It’s that simple.— Tammy Hammond Founder and CEO, Rosewood Services

LETTER: Great Bend business owner questions energy proposal

Hedge apples, direct to you! Placing hedge apples around the foundation or inside a basement provides relief from cockroaches, spiders, box elder bugs, crickets, and other pests sums up a headline I read.

Why would anyone want hedge apples? Aren’t they ugly green fruits that look like a brain? In fact, green brain is another term for hedge apples along with Osage orange, hedge ball, and monkey ball. In short time, I learned more than I needed to know about these weird fruits, so I’ll share.

My quest to learn about hedge apples began when I found a source near my daughter’s house. I’d read they repel insects and other pests, so I played scientist to test this hypothesis.

I carried three spicy scented, oddly textured fruits home and set them on the patio to cure. (I’d not yet learned these perform best fresh.) The next morning as I headed to town, I noticed one hedge apple had vanished. In a hurry, I blamed our big yellow dog who occasionally entertained himself with objects left outside.

That afternoon, I returned to discover the disappearance of every hedge apple. A confirmed mystery lover, I began my quest. Where were my hedge balls? Although they don’t stink, their scent wouldn’t repeatedly attract our dog. In fact, he doesn’t like spicy, fruity smells. I know. I once fed him leftover fried apples.

Perhaps my husband tossed them, unaware of my natural pest control interest. Sometimes my experiments turn out poorly, so he might not recognize a good one in process.

Before he arrived to face interrogation, I found greenish remains. Nothing about them resembled a ball, an orange, or a brain. Something carried them from porch to nearby cedar and exploded them to smithereens. Reassembling that mess would confound any crime scene investigator.

That night I explained this mystery and showed my spouse the multitudinous bits. He immediately blamed squirrels, which I considered lame since our ample squirrel population made an obvious target. He added he frequently witnessed exploded shreds beneath country hedgerows. Still curious, I visited cyber space, researching hedge apples. My findings fascinated me.

Osage orange trees, native to eastern Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas, produce hedge apples. Since humans don’t eat them and few animals (except squirrels) do, it begged a question. Why find hedgerows full of Osage orange trees across Kansas, a much drier, cooler climate than its native region?

Further reading offered an answer. Large thorns arm its branches. Prior to barb-wire’s invention, ranchers and farmers planted these trees around their land. Livestock couldn’t penetrate this “living fence,” which explains hedgerows in Kansas. These trees thrive as far as Iowa, so many old farmsteads showcase unusual “fencing.”

Unlike other introduced species that do more harm than good, consider this tree a boon. It tolerates poor soil, heat, and strong wind--a perfect Kansas tree. It also transplants well, resists disease, and produces durable and beautiful wood. I saw a garden bench made of Osage orange, and its orange, yellow, and brown hues set that bench apart from the ordinary--as much art as utilitarian.

Due to this wood’s strength, it makes great fence posts, insulator pins, furniture, and archery bows. Some claim it best for archery bows, leading the French to name the tree, bois d’arc, meaning bow wood. Since it thrives under difficult conditions, Kansans ought to plant more.

Back to this trees’ fruits, my experiment proceeded. I anticipated relief from our autumnal box elder beetle invasion. Spiders planning to share our house would seek alternate lodging, and crickets would find new sites to practice obnoxious tunes. To encourage me, one site sold this natural repellent at $1.50 a hedge apple, plus shipping.

In this case, you’ll have to wait to next week to find out how my experiment turned into a horror movie plot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726072785752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINHedge apples, direct to you! Placing hedge apples around the foundation or inside a basement provides relief from cockroaches, spiders, box elder bugs, crickets, and other pests sums up a headline I read.Why would anyone want hedge apples? Aren’t they ugly green fruits that look like a brain? In fact, green brain is another term for hedge apples along with Osage orange, hedge ball, and monkey ball. In short time, I learned more than I needed to know about these weird fruits, so I’ll share.My quest to learn about hedge apples began when I found a source near my daughter’s house. I’d read they repel insects and other pests, so I played scientist to test this hypothesis.I carried three spicy scented, oddly textured fruits home and set them on the patio to cure. (I’d not yet learned these perform best fresh.) The next morning as I headed to town, I noticed one hedge apple had vanished. In a hurry, I blamed our big yellow dog who occasionally entertained himself with objects left outside.That afternoon, I returned to discover the disappearance of every hedge apple. A confirmed mystery lover, I began my quest. Where were my hedge balls? Although they don’t stink, their scent wouldn’t repeatedly attract our dog. In fact, he doesn’t like spicy, fruity smells. I know. I once fed him leftover fried apples.Perhaps my husband tossed them, unaware of my natural pest control interest. Sometimes my experiments turn out poorly, so he might not recognize a good one in process.Before he arrived to face interrogation, I found greenish remains. Nothing about them resembled a ball, an orange, or a brain. Something carried them from porch to nearby cedar and exploded them to smithereens. Reassembling that mess would confound any crime scene investigator.That night I explained this mystery and showed my spouse the multitudinous bits. He immediately blamed squirrels, which I considered lame since our ample squirrel population made an obvious target. He added he frequently witnessed exploded shreds beneath country hedgerows. Still curious, I visited cyber space, researching hedge apples. My findings fascinated me.Osage orange trees, native to eastern Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas, produce hedge apples. Since humans don’t eat them and few animals (except squirrels) do, it begged a question. Why find hedgerows full of Osage orange trees across Kansas, a much drier, cooler climate than its native region?Further reading offered an answer. Large thorns arm its branches. Prior to barb-wire’s invention, ranchers and farmers planted these trees around their land. Livestock couldn’t penetrate this “living fence,” which explains hedgerows in Kansas. These trees thrive as far as Iowa, so many old farmsteads showcase unusual “fencing.”Unlike other introduced species that do more harm than good, consider this tree a boon. It tolerates poor soil, heat, and strong wind--a perfect Kansas tree. It also transplants well, resists disease, and produces durable and beautiful wood. I saw a garden bench made of Osage orange, and its orange, yellow, and brown hues set that bench apart from the ordinary--as much art as utilitarian.Due to this wood’s strength, it makes great fence posts, insulator pins, furniture, and archery bows. Some claim it best for archery bows, leading the French to name the tree, bois d’arc, meaning bow wood. Since it thrives under difficult conditions, Kansans ought to plant more.Back to this trees’ fruits, my experiment proceeded. I anticipated relief from our autumnal box elder beetle invasion. Spiders planning to share our house would seek alternate lodging, and crickets would find new sites to practice obnoxious tunes. To encourage me, one site sold this natural repellent at $1.50 a hedge apple, plus shipping.In this case, you’ll have to wait to next week to find out how my experiment turned into a horror movie plot.

MADORIN:  Hedge Apples – Part One

Suicide is a preventable mental health crisis. As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th&nbsp;in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our State. Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.

Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators.&nbsp; Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.

Whether this is for you, or for someone you know, remembering ways to get help are so important. Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their head or increase their risk of dying by suicide.&nbsp;

If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and need assistance, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotlineat 988.

You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.

Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. If interested in suicide prevention training opportunities, such as Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention&nbsp;(QPR) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please contact me at 620-793-1910, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and I can help you get trainings set up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Local Resources&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Plains Mental Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">https://hpmhc.com/</a>

<a href="https://thecentergb.org/"></a>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictSuicide is a preventable mental health crisis. As of 2022, Kansas ranked 17th&nbsp;in the nation for suicides. It was also the second leading cause of death for ages 10-44. And sadly overall, it is the 10th leading cause of death in our State. Every person knows someone that has either attempted or competed a suicide. With work to destigmatize mental health problems surrounding suicide, we can make inroads to reduce both attempted and completed suicides.Knowing the signs someone is struggling is an important first step. On many occasions, a change in behavior or lack of interest in things they normally enjoy are key indicators.&nbsp; Someone who is struggling may also be anxious or worried. They may mention that they are unhappy or seem quieter or more withdrawn than normal. They may be sleeping more than normal, or are having issues with sleep. They may talk about wanting to die or that life would be better off without them. They may be giving personal items away, and expressing wanting it all to end. These are all major indicators that a person may be suicidal and may need immediate help.Whether this is for you, or for someone you know, remembering ways to get help are so important. Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their head or increase their risk of dying by suicide.&nbsp;If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and need assistance, please call the National Crisis and Suicide Hotlineat 988. You can use this number to call (or text) and the hotline is staffed 24/7. You or your loved ones do not have to be actively suicidal to call or text this number. But, if you are in a mental health crisis and in of need of assistance, the hotline is definitely there for you.Everyone has an opportunity to help prevent suicide. If interested in suicide prevention training opportunities, such as Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention&nbsp;(QPR) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), please contact me at 620-793-1910, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;and I can help you get trainings set up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are additional resources:National Resources&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.sprc.org/">https://www.sprc.org/</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day/past-events/2019/resources-suicide-prevention">https://www.samhsa.gov/childrens-awareness-day/past-events/2019/resources-suicide-prevention</a> &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;State Resources&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.sprc.org/states/kansas">https://www.sprc.org/states/kansas</a> &nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.ksphq.org/">https://www.ksphq.org/</a> &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;Local Resources&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Plains Mental Health Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hpmhc.com/">https://hpmhc.com/</a><ul>
 <li>The Center for Counseling and Consultation. 24/7 Crisis line –620-792-2544 or 800-875-8544&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://thecentergb.org/">https://thecentergb.org/</a> </li>
 </ul><a href="https://thecentergb.org/"></a>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Suicide prevention

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.

Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!

I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!

Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>

I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Family Pizza Day

Whether you’ve had a bad day and need some quiet time, or whether your faith has taken a hit lately and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and offer a boost to your spirits.

Did you know that the sunflower is the only crop grown for seed that was domesticated right here in the USA? Sunflowers were a common crop among Native American tribes throughout North America, and Spanish explorers took the exotic plants back to Europe in the 1500’s. Sunflowers were first grown for food in Russia. By the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres, and by the late 19th century, Russian sunflower seed had found it’s way back to North America again. Though different from domestic sunflowers in many ways, wild sunflowers are the genetic basis of today’s commercially grown crop. Domestic sunflower blooms appear to follow the sun across the horizon each day, but once the radiant flowers open, they actually face east for the rest of their lives. This is possibly a defense mechanism, as facing any other direction could scald the seeds before they ripen. Wild sunflowers don’t seem to care which direction they face.

In 2023, US farmers grew just over 1.3 million acres of domestic sunflowers, 36,000 of those acres were grown here in KS, putting us in 6th place behind North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Nebraska. Total 2023 domestic sunflower production in the US totaled 2.3 billion pounds. Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina and Turkey make up the top 5 world producers of domestic sunflower seed. The sunflower, by the way is the national flower of Russia.

Now, here’s a little “sunflower trivia,” compliments of the Guinness Book of World Records. A sunflower grown in Germany holds the record for the tallest ever grown, at 30 feet, 1 inch, a sunflower grown in British Columbia boasts the widest head ever recorded at over 32 inches across, a sunflower head weighing over 14 pounds grown in Wales is the heaviest sunflower head on record, and a sunflower grown in Michigan claims the most heads with 837 sunflower heads on one plant.

In 1903, the sunflower became the state flower of Kansas. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. So moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit was he, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.”

The last couple years we’ve had typical Kansas summer weather, dried and roasted, but like the mailman, those Kansas wild sunflowers don’t seem to care. They fill the ditches

and pastures of our state with a gazillion gleaming jewels fit for any king’s crown. So take a lesson from the wild sunflower and when life deals you adverse conditions. turn them into sunflower seeds! (I know that doesn’t make sense but it sounds cool) Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsWhether you’ve had a bad day and need some quiet time, or whether your faith has taken a hit lately and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and offer a boost to your spirits.Did you know that the sunflower is the only crop grown for seed that was domesticated right here in the USA? Sunflowers were a common crop among Native American tribes throughout North America, and Spanish explorers took the exotic plants back to Europe in the 1500’s. Sunflowers were first grown for food in Russia. By the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres, and by the late 19th century, Russian sunflower seed had found it’s way back to North America again. Though different from domestic sunflowers in many ways, wild sunflowers are the genetic basis of today’s commercially grown crop. Domestic sunflower blooms appear to follow the sun across the horizon each day, but once the radiant flowers open, they actually face east for the rest of their lives. This is possibly a defense mechanism, as facing any other direction could scald the seeds before they ripen. Wild sunflowers don’t seem to care which direction they face.In 2023, US farmers grew just over 1.3 million acres of domestic sunflowers, 36,000 of those acres were grown here in KS, putting us in 6th place behind North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Nebraska. Total 2023 domestic sunflower production in the US totaled 2.3 billion pounds. Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina and Turkey make up the top 5 world producers of domestic sunflower seed. The sunflower, by the way is the national flower of Russia.Now, here’s a little “sunflower trivia,” compliments of the Guinness Book of World Records. A sunflower grown in Germany holds the record for the tallest ever grown, at 30 feet, 1 inch, a sunflower grown in British Columbia boasts the widest head ever recorded at over 32 inches across, a sunflower head weighing over 14 pounds grown in Wales is the heaviest sunflower head on record, and a sunflower grown in Michigan claims the most heads with 837 sunflower heads on one plant.In 1903, the sunflower became the state flower of Kansas. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. So moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit was he, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.”The last couple years we’ve had typical Kansas summer weather, dried and roasted, but like the mailman, those Kansas wild sunflowers don’t seem to care. They fill the ditchesand pastures of our state with a gazillion gleaming jewels fit for any king’s crown. So take a lesson from the wild sunflower and when life deals you adverse conditions. turn them into sunflower seeds! (I know that doesn’t make sense but it sounds cool) Continue to Explore Kansas OutdoorsSteve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Sunflower state of mind

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

While the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.

For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.

Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.

Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.

Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.

Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.

Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.

Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.

Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.

In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.

You can check your registration status at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>. You can find information about registering to vote at&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html">https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html</a>.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasWhile the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.You can check your registration status at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>. You can find information about registering to vote at&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html">https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html</a>.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: The case for same-day voter registration

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

Our strategic plan for 2019-2024, "Unlocking Untapped Potential," is the cornerstone for a versatile and evolving approach to strategic planning and execution. Goal four of our plan emphasizes the significance of our resources and infrastructure. This goal underscores our dedication to maintaining and enhancing our facilities to align with our University community's growth and dynamic needs. By utilizing a well-defined strategy and fostering strong stakeholder engagement, we cultivate an efficient and competitive environment for our students, faculty, and staff.

When we established this goal, we had achieved a remarkable two decades of continuous enrollment growth. However, the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic thrust our strategic planning into an unpredictable landscape. While we set ambitious strategic plan benchmarks, our growth mindset instilled in us a resilience and innovative spirit that allowed us to pivot and progress, even amid adversity.

Wesley Wintch, our Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Dana Cunningham, Director of Facilities Planning, led this work. They reflected on our journey, acknowledging that it has been fraught with challenges, particularly the impact of COVID-19 on enrollment and ongoing projects. Despite these obstacles, our team quickly adapted, implementing effective contingency plans that enabled us to maintain progress toward our strategic objectives.

Our most ambitious goal was to achieve an annual overall revenue growth of 5 percent from all sources over the next five fiscal years, allocating 30 percent of this growth to bolster our facilities and infrastructure. Although we only met our revenue growth target once during the five years, we did achieve three years of revenue growth during the five years, symbolizing our adaptability and perseverance.

Updating our master plan was another pivotal strategy. We not only completed this essential task but also pioneered the implementation of a digital master plan. In our discussions about enhancing teaching and learning across our campuses, we recognized the critical need to prioritize improvements in our online educational environment. Today, we proudly stand among the first institutions to adopt a comprehensive digital master plan, leading efforts to enrich online student learning through standardized course designs and fostering meaningful interactions among students and faculty.

Throughout the strategic planning period from 2019 to 2024, we engaged in approximately 220 projects to enhance our facilities, demonstrating our resolute commitment to addressing deferred maintenance and improving campus infrastructure. One notable initiative was the refurbishment of Cunningham/Gross Hall, which benefited from 24 improvement projects.

"Even amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic, we discovered unexpected opportunities," Wesley noted. "We successfully secured more than $5 million in grants for critical upgrades to the HVAC system in Gross Coliseum, and as always, the generosity of philanthropists has fueled our success. These achievements exemplify our capability to transform obstacles into tangible successes, enabling us to advance projects that might otherwise have been stalled."

Dana emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the planning and construction phases. Regular consultations with department heads ensured that new spaces met their unique needs. At the same time, ongoing updates from the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team fostered responsiveness and adaptability in our planning efforts.

Our strategic improvements to infrastructure have significantly shaped campus culture. Renovations in high-traffic areas, such as Rarick Hall, have created inviting and functional spaces, enhancing the overall experience for students and faculty alike. While we recognize that further work in this area is necessary, the resources allocated for innovative projects have made a marked difference within our campus community.

Looking ahead, we are eager to build upon the successes of the past five years. Upcoming initiatives include completing the renovation of Forsyth Library, constructing a new athletic training complex, upgrading the grounds, expanding Stroup Hall, and so much more.

These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to improving facilities and enriching the experience for our students and staff.

Over the past five years, we projected an expenditure of approximately $6.88 million for infrastructure enhancements; however, we exceeded expectations, with actual spending surpassing $12.2 million. This achievement highlights our commitment to developing our infrastructure. It reinforces the significance we place on investing in our campus environments.

Among our major expenditures were significant projects such as the completion of the Art and Design Building and renovations in Rarick Hall, both of which have greatly improved our University's functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Wesley and Dana acknowledged that while we have made substantial progress, challenges persist—especially concerning enrollment trends and inflation, which have driven up repair and renovation costs. "Nonetheless, we remain vigilant and equipped to navigate these challenges. The additional funding for addressing deferred maintenance opens up new opportunities for modernizing our facilities to better meet today's students' needs."

Our strategic plan also kept us focused and dedicated to the task of strengthening our business continuity and contingency plans. This proactive approach has proven invaluable, equipping us with the operational resilience necessary to weather unexpected challenges.

"Collaboration across departments has been integral to our success," Wesley remarked. "Our experiences have reinforced the importance of teamwork and a unified strategic direction."

As we reflect on our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we take immense pride in our collective achievements in enhancing the condition of our campus facilities. Despite our ongoing challenges, our steadfast commitment to investing in our infrastructure enhances our competitive edge among peer institutions throughout Kansas.

Our facilities strongly reflect our dedication to creating a welcoming and productive learning environment. Visitors often express admiration and surprise at the vibrant opportunities in the western plains. This sentiment, combined with the hard work of our faculty and staff, fosters an inviting atmosphere that enriches the educational journey for all our students.

"As we review our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in our collective efforts to maintain and enhance our campus facilities. Although challenges remain, our commitment to investing in our infrastructure fortifies our competitive edge among peer institutions across Kansas," shared Wesley and Dana.

Goal 4 encapsulates our unwavering commitment to growth and excellence as a leading educational institution. Through strategic foresight and collaborative teamwork, we are poised to enhance our infrastructure and resources further, effectively meeting the evolving needs of our university community. Together, we eagerly anticipate a future brimming with opportunities for growth and excellence.

We are confident in our success because we view challenges as opportunities. The talented, innovative, and dedicated professionals who drive our University forward are the true architects of this strategic plan. Reflecting on our grit, it is why we continue to persist and excel through tough times and why I am so inspired as we build upon the success of our five-year plan and lead forward into a new horizon with our 2024-2027 strategic plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentOur strategic plan for 2019-2024, "Unlocking Untapped Potential," is the cornerstone for a versatile and evolving approach to strategic planning and execution. Goal four of our plan emphasizes the significance of our resources and infrastructure. This goal underscores our dedication to maintaining and enhancing our facilities to align with our University community's growth and dynamic needs. By utilizing a well-defined strategy and fostering strong stakeholder engagement, we cultivate an efficient and competitive environment for our students, faculty, and staff.When we established this goal, we had achieved a remarkable two decades of continuous enrollment growth. However, the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic thrust our strategic planning into an unpredictable landscape. While we set ambitious strategic plan benchmarks, our growth mindset instilled in us a resilience and innovative spirit that allowed us to pivot and progress, even amid adversity.Wesley Wintch, our Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Dana Cunningham, Director of Facilities Planning, led this work. They reflected on our journey, acknowledging that it has been fraught with challenges, particularly the impact of COVID-19 on enrollment and ongoing projects. Despite these obstacles, our team quickly adapted, implementing effective contingency plans that enabled us to maintain progress toward our strategic objectives.Our most ambitious goal was to achieve an annual overall revenue growth of 5 percent from all sources over the next five fiscal years, allocating 30 percent of this growth to bolster our facilities and infrastructure. Although we only met our revenue growth target once during the five years, we did achieve three years of revenue growth during the five years, symbolizing our adaptability and perseverance.Updating our master plan was another pivotal strategy. We not only completed this essential task but also pioneered the implementation of a digital master plan. In our discussions about enhancing teaching and learning across our campuses, we recognized the critical need to prioritize improvements in our online educational environment. Today, we proudly stand among the first institutions to adopt a comprehensive digital master plan, leading efforts to enrich online student learning through standardized course designs and fostering meaningful interactions among students and faculty.Throughout the strategic planning period from 2019 to 2024, we engaged in approximately 220 projects to enhance our facilities, demonstrating our resolute commitment to addressing deferred maintenance and improving campus infrastructure. One notable initiative was the refurbishment of Cunningham/Gross Hall, which benefited from 24 improvement projects."Even amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic, we discovered unexpected opportunities," Wesley noted. "We successfully secured more than $5 million in grants for critical upgrades to the HVAC system in Gross Coliseum, and as always, the generosity of philanthropists has fueled our success. These achievements exemplify our capability to transform obstacles into tangible successes, enabling us to advance projects that might otherwise have been stalled."Dana emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the planning and construction phases. Regular consultations with department heads ensured that new spaces met their unique needs. At the same time, ongoing updates from the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team fostered responsiveness and adaptability in our planning efforts.Our strategic improvements to infrastructure have significantly shaped campus culture. Renovations in high-traffic areas, such as Rarick Hall, have created inviting and functional spaces, enhancing the overall experience for students and faculty alike. While we recognize that further work in this area is necessary, the resources allocated for innovative projects have made a marked difference within our campus community.Looking ahead, we are eager to build upon the successes of the past five years. Upcoming initiatives include completing the renovation of Forsyth Library, constructing a new athletic training complex, upgrading the grounds, expanding Stroup Hall, and so much more.These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to improving facilities and enriching the experience for our students and staff.Over the past five years, we projected an expenditure of approximately $6.88 million for infrastructure enhancements; however, we exceeded expectations, with actual spending surpassing $12.2 million. This achievement highlights our commitment to developing our infrastructure. It reinforces the significance we place on investing in our campus environments.Among our major expenditures were significant projects such as the completion of the Art and Design Building and renovations in Rarick Hall, both of which have greatly improved our University's functionality and aesthetic appeal.Wesley and Dana acknowledged that while we have made substantial progress, challenges persist—especially concerning enrollment trends and inflation, which have driven up repair and renovation costs. "Nonetheless, we remain vigilant and equipped to navigate these challenges. The additional funding for addressing deferred maintenance opens up new opportunities for modernizing our facilities to better meet today's students' needs."Our strategic plan also kept us focused and dedicated to the task of strengthening our business continuity and contingency plans. This proactive approach has proven invaluable, equipping us with the operational resilience necessary to weather unexpected challenges."Collaboration across departments has been integral to our success," Wesley remarked. "Our experiences have reinforced the importance of teamwork and a unified strategic direction."As we reflect on our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we take immense pride in our collective achievements in enhancing the condition of our campus facilities. Despite our ongoing challenges, our steadfast commitment to investing in our infrastructure enhances our competitive edge among peer institutions throughout Kansas.Our facilities strongly reflect our dedication to creating a welcoming and productive learning environment. Visitors often express admiration and surprise at the vibrant opportunities in the western plains. This sentiment, combined with the hard work of our faculty and staff, fosters an inviting atmosphere that enriches the educational journey for all our students."As we review our progress in achieving Goal 4 of our strategic plan, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in our collective efforts to maintain and enhance our campus facilities. Although challenges remain, our commitment to investing in our infrastructure fortifies our competitive edge among peer institutions across Kansas," shared Wesley and Dana.Goal 4 encapsulates our unwavering commitment to growth and excellence as a leading educational institution. Through strategic foresight and collaborative teamwork, we are poised to enhance our infrastructure and resources further, effectively meeting the evolving needs of our university community. Together, we eagerly anticipate a future brimming with opportunities for growth and excellence.We are confident in our success because we view challenges as opportunities. The talented, innovative, and dedicated professionals who drive our University forward are the true architects of this strategic plan. Reflecting on our grit, it is why we continue to persist and excel through tough times and why I am so inspired as we build upon the success of our five-year plan and lead forward into a new horizon with our 2024-2027 strategic plan.

Heart of a Tiger: Celebrating success, part 4

My hubs and I follow the build a life you don’t need a vacation from philosophy. Our interests relate to the outdoors so we plant gardens and set out water to attract birds and insects we enjoy watching. To triple our fun, we feed squirrels and bunnies and search for yard art that tickles our funny bone. With so much happening outside, we spend hours enjoying nature’s miracles and murders. Depending on evidence left behind, I borrow techniques from Columbo, a favorite TV character, to solve those crimes.

You read MURDER right. We plan our garden so it has plenty of plants to hide birds when the neighborhood cooper’s hawk dashes in to dine. Quick access to get-away-tunnels usually protects our yard birds so she (yes, she--based on size) rarely snags a meal. Sadly, occasional feather piles tell us she periodically fills her belly.

She’s not the only killer in our Hood. We have spiders that weave traps designed to capture crawling and flying insects we then spy struggling in silken snares. Every now and then, we do our own frantic web-wiping dance trying to escape one we walked into while paying attention to something else.

This summer, we’ve watched cicada killers, which look like huge wasps, hovering near the ash tree while awaiting inattentive targets. We once spied one snag a cicada and wrestle it to the ground. Once down, these killers carry their catch to a den in the lawn. I researched what happens after that, which resulted in new nightmares. After the lumbering wasp transfers her tranquilized victim underground, it deposits eggs on the still-living cicada to feed larvae maturing into future cicada killers.

My current challenge involves explaining three cicada carcasses recently deposited on my deck. Each one had its head ripped off and placed adjacent to a hollowed-out body with wings and legs left intact. My hero Columbo would have sought a killer that consumed victims’ innards. As I followed his procedural, I eliminated cicada killers since they require a living food source to nurture larvae. What other vicious monster resides near us and our cicada chorus?

Following additional research, I hollered Eureka! Multiple praying mantises occupy our flower pots and gardens. They have both jaws and strength to wreak the havoc observed outside our back door. Sure enough, sources document that mantises devour cicadas. Mulling this circumstantial evidence, I then witnessed a mantis murder in progress.

While removing dried lily stems, what did I spy? A mantis gnawing a hummingbird moth beside my hand. Those powerful jaws don’t go for hors d’ oeuvres; they desire a Thanksgiving feast. Because the moth had expired, I didn’t interrupt the predator’s meal. Besides, one less moth means I’ll find fewer tomato worms in my vegetable garden. Witnessing this event upped the odds that a mantis left those headless carcasses behind.

Like Columbo, I’m muddling through clues. However, after watching that mantis consume a huge moth, I’d put a dollar on my suspicions. Who’da thunk in our life that doesn’t require vacations, we’d play detective every now and then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725481033221.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINMy hubs and I follow the build a life you don’t need a vacation from philosophy. Our interests relate to the outdoors so we plant gardens and set out water to attract birds and insects we enjoy watching. To triple our fun, we feed squirrels and bunnies and search for yard art that tickles our funny bone. With so much happening outside, we spend hours enjoying nature’s miracles and murders. Depending on evidence left behind, I borrow techniques from Columbo, a favorite TV character, to solve those crimes.You read MURDER right. We plan our garden so it has plenty of plants to hide birds when the neighborhood cooper’s hawk dashes in to dine. Quick access to get-away-tunnels usually protects our yard birds so she (yes, she--based on size) rarely snags a meal. Sadly, occasional feather piles tell us she periodically fills her belly.She’s not the only killer in our Hood. We have spiders that weave traps designed to capture crawling and flying insects we then spy struggling in silken snares. Every now and then, we do our own frantic web-wiping dance trying to escape one we walked into while paying attention to something else.This summer, we’ve watched cicada killers, which look like huge wasps, hovering near the ash tree while awaiting inattentive targets. We once spied one snag a cicada and wrestle it to the ground. Once down, these killers carry their catch to a den in the lawn. I researched what happens after that, which resulted in new nightmares. After the lumbering wasp transfers her tranquilized victim underground, it deposits eggs on the still-living cicada to feed larvae maturing into future cicada killers.My current challenge involves explaining three cicada carcasses recently deposited on my deck. Each one had its head ripped off and placed adjacent to a hollowed-out body with wings and legs left intact. My hero Columbo would have sought a killer that consumed victims’ innards. As I followed his procedural, I eliminated cicada killers since they require a living food source to nurture larvae. What other vicious monster resides near us and our cicada chorus?Following additional research, I hollered Eureka! Multiple praying mantises occupy our flower pots and gardens. They have both jaws and strength to wreak the havoc observed outside our back door. Sure enough, sources document that mantises devour cicadas. Mulling this circumstantial evidence, I then witnessed a mantis murder in progress.While removing dried lily stems, what did I spy? A mantis gnawing a hummingbird moth beside my hand. Those powerful jaws don’t go for hors d’ oeuvres; they desire a Thanksgiving feast. Because the moth had expired, I didn’t interrupt the predator’s meal. Besides, one less moth means I’ll find fewer tomato worms in my vegetable garden. Witnessing this event upped the odds that a mantis left those headless carcasses behind.Like Columbo, I’m muddling through clues. However, after watching that mantis consume a huge moth, I’d put a dollar on my suspicions. Who’da thunk in our life that doesn’t require vacations, we’d play detective every now and then.

MADORIN: Murder on the deck – playing Columbo in my backyard

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Early last spring, I was giddy to plant the garden. We picked out a variety of crops from watermelon, okra, and yellow squash, to tomatoes, and cauliflower. However, the ever-changing Kansas weather seemed to get the best of it. From the start, high winds, hail, and heat made it difficult for the garden to get established. By June, the only plant producing was the hearty yellow squash. And when I say hearty, I mean it. The squash didn’t seem to mind the harsh weather. In fact, it overtook half of the garden and we are still pawning off dozens of the bright yellow vegetables weekly.

So, if you’re anything like me, maybe you haven’t had the best garden this year, but you’re grateful to harvest a few crops so far. Perhaps you’ve had an abundance of summer squash or zucchini and you’re looking for new ways to prevent it from going to waste. After all, squash is great for you! It’s full of vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene, and fiber.

To preserve squash, one option is to freeze it. In fact, freezing it can preserve it for 10 months. This way, you can reap the benefits of it later this year. To freeze squash, first choose young squash with tender skins. Wash and cut into ½-inch slices. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; cool in ice water for at least 3 minutes. Drain and package into freezer bags or freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace.

· Grated zucchini (for baking): Choose young tender zucchini. Wash and grate. Steam blanch in small quantities 1 to 2 minutes until translucent. Pack in measured amounts into containers, leaving ½-inch headspace. Cool by placing the containers in ice water. Seal and freeze. If watery when thawed, discard the liquid before using the zucchini.

Another way to save zucchini or summer squash is to pickle it, but always make sure to follow a tested recipe. For example, the National Center for Home Preservation website provides safe recipes for pickling squash, and note that it is not recommended to can squash.

· To pickle squash, it may be diced or shredded by hand instead of a food processor. In any recipe, a variety of onion is acceptable, and celery salt may be substituted for celery seed for a taste preference. Also, fresh relish can be enjoyed without processing, but fresh or opened jars should be refrigerated. For best quality and safety, consume refrigerated pickled squash within 7 days.

For immediate use, there are hundreds of ways to prepare the versatile vegetable. Sautee or grill it for a side dish, make zucchini boats, throw it in a stir fry, or breakfast scramble. Try it in a casserole or vegetable lasagna. Hide it in a pasta dish by blending it into the sauce or cook it into a soup. Dice it finely and mix it into a salad. Alternatively, create a treat by baking it in a quick bread!

If you’re anything like me, you don’t have a shortage of squash. Luckily, there isn’t a shortage of ways to prepare it! So, be creative this season. You might find your new favorite way to soak up the nutrients of squash and prevent your hard work in the garden from going to waste.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictEarly last spring, I was giddy to plant the garden. We picked out a variety of crops from watermelon, okra, and yellow squash, to tomatoes, and cauliflower. However, the ever-changing Kansas weather seemed to get the best of it. From the start, high winds, hail, and heat made it difficult for the garden to get established. By June, the only plant producing was the hearty yellow squash. And when I say hearty, I mean it. The squash didn’t seem to mind the harsh weather. In fact, it overtook half of the garden and we are still pawning off dozens of the bright yellow vegetables weekly.So, if you’re anything like me, maybe you haven’t had the best garden this year, but you’re grateful to harvest a few crops so far. Perhaps you’ve had an abundance of summer squash or zucchini and you’re looking for new ways to prevent it from going to waste. After all, squash is great for you! It’s full of vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene, and fiber.To preserve squash, one option is to freeze it. In fact, freezing it can preserve it for 10 months. This way, you can reap the benefits of it later this year. To freeze squash, first choose young squash with tender skins. Wash and cut into ½-inch slices. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; cool in ice water for at least 3 minutes. Drain and package into freezer bags or freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace.· Grated zucchini (for baking): Choose young tender zucchini. Wash and grate. Steam blanch in small quantities 1 to 2 minutes until translucent. Pack in measured amounts into containers, leaving ½-inch headspace. Cool by placing the containers in ice water. Seal and freeze. If watery when thawed, discard the liquid before using the zucchini.Another way to save zucchini or summer squash is to pickle it, but always make sure to follow a tested recipe. For example, the National Center for Home Preservation website provides safe recipes for pickling squash, and note that it is not recommended to can squash.· To pickle squash, it may be diced or shredded by hand instead of a food processor. In any recipe, a variety of onion is acceptable, and celery salt may be substituted for celery seed for a taste preference. Also, fresh relish can be enjoyed without processing, but fresh or opened jars should be refrigerated. For best quality and safety, consume refrigerated pickled squash within 7 days.For immediate use, there are hundreds of ways to prepare the versatile vegetable. Sautee or grill it for a side dish, make zucchini boats, throw it in a stir fry, or breakfast scramble. Try it in a casserole or vegetable lasagna. Hide it in a pasta dish by blending it into the sauce or cook it into a soup. Dice it finely and mix it into a salad. Alternatively, create a treat by baking it in a quick bread!If you’re anything like me, you don’t have a shortage of squash. Luckily, there isn’t a shortage of ways to prepare it! So, be creative this season. You might find your new favorite way to soak up the nutrients of squash and prevent your hard work in the garden from going to waste.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: A surplus of squash, get creative in the kitchen

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislative Budget Committee conducted its first meeting of the interim on Wednesday.&nbsp; 

Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, serves as vice-chairman of the committee and requested the Kansas Corporation Commission present on the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/099d982a-98ff-4352-8a78-a592e5b71d28">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor</a>.&nbsp;

Waymaster questioned the United State Department of Energy’s authority of the language they are using to produce this proposed corridor in counties within the 109th Kansas House District, represented by Waymaster.&nbsp;

“It appears to me that the language added to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a clear violation of states' rights, that this is a violation of the 10th Amendment,” Waymaster challenged.&nbsp; He continued, “it is also apparent by this clause that they are also circumventing the [Kansas Corporation Commission]’s authority, as well.”&nbsp;

Waymaster expressed to Paul Owings,&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission deputy chief engineer, “We have citizens in our state, constituents in my district, that are concerned, and I’m concerned.&nbsp; They could lose their agricultural land, oil production, homes and way of life.”&nbsp;

Owings did share with the&nbsp;Legislative Budget Committee that the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f10501d0-213e-46c5-9eb0-55f8cacc9e0b">Grain Belt Express</a>, which was approved by the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission on Dec. 7, 2011, follows the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line.&nbsp;

He also advised the committee that Grain Belt Express plans to formally request to the United States Department of Energy to narrow the corridor from the proposed five-mile preliminary corridor to just half-mile wide.&nbsp;

Waymaster expressed concern to the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission about the five-mile corridor with the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line and said, “this is what prompted me to meet with the Legislative Revisors Office in August to have a bill drafted to protect our citizens, the state of Kansas, and our rights under the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution.”&nbsp; Waymaster continued, “we are also formalizing a meeting in Russell County, and I am personally inviting the [Kansas Corporation Commission] to attend.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 109th Kansas House District consists of the entire counties of Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith.&nbsp;Waymaster has served the 109th District in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2013.

Please contact Rep.Waymaster regarding the transmission line at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislative Budget Committee conducted its first meeting of the interim on Wednesday.&nbsp; Rep. Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, serves as vice-chairman of the committee and requested the Kansas Corporation Commission present on the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/099d982a-98ff-4352-8a78-a592e5b71d28">National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor</a>.&nbsp; Waymaster questioned the United State Department of Energy’s authority of the language they are using to produce this proposed corridor in counties within the 109th Kansas House District, represented by Waymaster.&nbsp;“It appears to me that the language added to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a clear violation of states' rights, that this is a violation of the 10th Amendment,” Waymaster challenged.&nbsp; He continued, “it is also apparent by this clause that they are also circumventing the [Kansas Corporation Commission]’s authority, as well.”&nbsp;Waymaster expressed to Paul Owings,&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission deputy chief engineer, “We have citizens in our state, constituents in my district, that are concerned, and I’m concerned.&nbsp; They could lose their agricultural land, oil production, homes and way of life.”&nbsp;Owings did share with the&nbsp;Legislative Budget Committee that the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f10501d0-213e-46c5-9eb0-55f8cacc9e0b">Grain Belt Express</a>, which was approved by the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission on Dec. 7, 2011, follows the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line.&nbsp; He also advised the committee that Grain Belt Express plans to formally request to the United States Department of Energy to narrow the corridor from the proposed five-mile preliminary corridor to just half-mile wide.&nbsp;Waymaster expressed concern to the&nbsp;Kansas Corporation Commission about the five-mile corridor with the Midwest-Plains Corridor of the transmission line and said, “this is what prompted me to meet with the Legislative Revisors Office in August to have a bill drafted to protect our citizens, the state of Kansas, and our rights under the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution.”&nbsp; Waymaster continued, “we are also formalizing a meeting in Russell County, and I am personally inviting the [Kansas Corporation Commission] to attend.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The 109th Kansas House District consists of the entire counties of Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell and Smith.&nbsp;Waymaster has served the 109th District in the Kansas House of Representatives since 2013.Please contact Rep.Waymaster regarding the transmission line at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.&nbsp;

'Clear violation of states' rights': Rep. Waymaster fights transmission line

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Did you know that 48 million cases of foodborne diseases cause Americans to become ill every year?

On the bright side, the U.S. is among the safest food supply systems in the world, and to keep food safe, we recognize September as Food Safety Education Month. So, let's take a few minutes to review food handling techniques to keep you safe and decrease the number of foodborne illnesses each year.

There are four easy steps to remember when preparing food: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.

1. Clean. Wash hands and surfaces often. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food or changing tasks. Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and, countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each item.

2. Separate. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods. Items that require the highest cooking temperature should be put on the bottom of the fridge. Use color-coded cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination between raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.

3. Cook. Color and texture don’t tell the whole story regarding safety. A thermometer is the only way to ensure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria.

4. Chill. Refrigerate foods within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing, and divide large amounts of leftovers into shallow containers to cool quickly. Never thaw food at room temperature; only defrost food in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and headache. These symptoms usually occur within 1 to 3 days of eating contaminated food.

Most healthy people will recover from foodborne illness quickly while others can develop chronic, life-threatening health conditions. People at great risk include those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, and older adults. To keep you and your loved ones safe, remember to practice safe food handling this September and all year long.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictDid you know that 48 million cases of foodborne diseases cause Americans to become ill every year?On the bright side, the U.S. is among the safest food supply systems in the world, and to keep food safe, we recognize September as Food Safety Education Month. So, let's take a few minutes to review food handling techniques to keep you safe and decrease the number of foodborne illnesses each year.There are four easy steps to remember when preparing food: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.1. Clean. Wash hands and surfaces often. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food or changing tasks. Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and, countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each item.2. Separate. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods. Items that require the highest cooking temperature should be put on the bottom of the fridge. Use color-coded cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination between raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.3. Cook. Color and texture don’t tell the whole story regarding safety. A thermometer is the only way to ensure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria.4. Chill. Refrigerate foods within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing, and divide large amounts of leftovers into shallow containers to cool quickly. Never thaw food at room temperature; only defrost food in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave.Symptoms of foodborne illnesses can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and headache. These symptoms usually occur within 1 to 3 days of eating contaminated food.Most healthy people will recover from foodborne illness quickly while others can develop chronic, life-threatening health conditions. People at great risk include those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, and older adults. To keep you and your loved ones safe, remember to practice safe food handling this September and all year long.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: National Food Safety month

I assume all you readers are familiar with the mythical and legendary Jackalope, a jackrabbit with horns like an antelope. While jackelopes have not made their way to Kansas yet, everything else seems to have. That fact, along with things I’ve seen in the last three-and-one-half years that I thought I would never see in my lifetime, make me believe its only a matter of time before jackalopes also call Kansas home. I found a copy of Wyoming regulations for hunting jackalopes, so, using that as a template, here will be the Kansas regulations for harvesting a jackelope in the state of Kansas; after all, we might as well prepare ourselves for the coming jackalope onslaught. (I’ve made a few revisions to make it applicable to our state.)

A certification of sanity (or a willingness to surrender it)

- A bottle of hot sauce and maybe a flask or two of Grandma Waltons recipe (for courage)

- September 1st to November 30th, or until all hunters have fled in terror (the season can be lengthened if the jackalope population explodes.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsI assume all you readers are familiar with the mythical and legendary Jackalope, a jackrabbit with horns like an antelope. While jackelopes have not made their way to Kansas yet, everything else seems to have. That fact, along with things I’ve seen in the last three-and-one-half years that I thought I would never see in my lifetime, make me believe its only a matter of time before jackalopes also call Kansas home. I found a copy of Wyoming regulations for hunting jackalopes, so, using that as a template, here will be the Kansas regulations for harvesting a jackelope in the state of Kansas; after all, we might as well prepare ourselves for the coming jackalope onslaught. (I’ve made a few revisions to make it applicable to our state.)*License Requirements:- A valid Kansas hunting licenseA certification of sanity (or a willingness to surrender it)- A bottle of hot sauce and maybe a flask or two of Grandma Waltons recipe (for courage)*Season Dates:- September 1st to November 30th, or until all hunters have fled in terror (the season can be lengthened if the jackalope population explodes.)*Bag Limit:- One Jackalope per hunter, or as many as you can outrun (this will also increase with time.)*Hunting Hours:- Dawn to dusk, or whenever you get the chance to shoot one (this rule is obviously pretty flexible.)*Permitted Weapons:- Rifles, shotguns, or a really strong pair of running shoes- No using glitter bombs or rainbow-colored lassos (they just make the Jackalope more elusive)*Jackalope Identification:- If it has antlers, whiskers, and a mischievous grin, it's a Jackalope!- If it's just a rabbit in a onesie with a pair of horns tied to its head, and ridden by a leprechaun, you're the victim of a prank*Harvesting:- Once you've caught your Jackalope, perform the traditional "Jackalope Dance" to honor your prey- Then, and only then, can you claim your prize (a pat on the back and a great story) Plus, I hear fried jackalope tastes just like chicken.*Penalties:- Failure to comply with regulations will result in a mandatory viewing of "The Jackalope Whisperer" documentary- Repeated offenses will require a hunter to wear a "I'm with Stupid" t-shirt on their next huntRemember, hunting Jackalope is a Wyoming tradition and may soon become popular here in Kansas too! Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Opinion