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

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

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

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

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

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

🎤Forward Ever: National KidWind Challenge winners from Oakley

It is time for judicial reform in Kansas. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

State Representative Barb Wasinger (R-Hays) District 111

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apparently, south WaKeeney meets their home sweet home requirements.

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

Think Killdeer Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MADORIN: Shorebirds grazing town lawns

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Breastfeeding Beyond Infancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

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

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

BERAN: Back to school after summer busyness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Ah, my little lotus flower!

BY&nbsp;RUSSELL ARBEN FOX&nbsp; Insight Kansas

When Vicki Schmidt, Kansas’s Insurance Commissioner, announced her run for the Republican nomination for governor with a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utFmRLrdtes">folksy campaign video</a>, some folks giggled at its earnestness.

For my part, I liked it, mostly because, with its emphasis on non-ideological practicality, it reminded me of another competent, accomplished, moderate Republican woman in Kansas politics—Jean Schodorf, whose path Schmidt hasn’t followed, but should probably keep in mind, nonetheless.

Many Kansans may miss that comparison; Schodorf—who served for 12 years in the Kansas Senate, became Majority Whip of the Republican caucus, and later ran unsuccessfully for Kansas Secretary of State as a Democrat—never moved beyond her Wichita base to state-wide office, and hasn’t been in the public eye for nearly a decade. 

But besides parallels both generational (Schodorf was born in 1950, Schmidt in 1955) and professional (both had careers in health care-adjacent fields, Schmidt as a pharmacist, Schodorf as a speech pathologist), there is a political one—both were targeted for defeat by their own party leadership, with very different consequences.

In 2012, when Governor Brownback was riding high on his tax-cut ideology (and years before his governorship’s deeply unpopular and embarrassing end was mostly memory-holed by his own party), he aimed to purge moderate Republicans from the Kansas GOP, and orchestrated large donations from Koch Industries and the Kansas Chamber to recruit conservative candidates to challenge multiple leading Republican members of the legislature in primary contests.

Most of those targeted couldn’t compete with the money and partisan momentum against them, Schodorf included. Schmidt, however, was one of the very few that survived that challenge, though only barely (in a primary election with over 11,000 votes cast, she won by 160).

Why were Schodorf and Schmidt both on Brownback’s hit list? Because they were Republicans who weren’t particularly fired up by his fiscally unsustainable ideological crusade, nor by his personality cult as an anti-government crusader. 

They were both, in the now mostly-forgotten sense, Bob Dole Republicans—Republicans who, as Schodorf once put it, “<a target="_blank" href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-kansas-gop-has-thought-itself-out.html">think in terms of moderation</a>,” or as Schmidt puts it repeatedly in her announcement video, “use common sense.”

In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/podcasts/vicki-schmidt-on-seeking-the-gop-nomination-for-governor/">a podcast with the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/podcasts/vicki-schmidt-on-seeking-the-gop-nomination-for-governor/">Kansas Reflector</a>, Schmidt’s reputation was put on the spot, with such hot-button topics as abortion, vaccines, and Donald Trump’s cuts to state programs thrown at her. Without ever using the word “moderation”—a word that is, at least among some members of the Kansas GOP primary electorate, an insult—Schmidt stood her ground, insisting that in Kansas abortion is a “non-issue,” that vaccines “save lives,” that practical alternatives to Medicaid expansion have been needlessly undermined by “political games,” and more.

Fifteen years ago, Schodorf, then one of Schmidt’s colleagues in the Senate, was saying similar things, wanting to see the state align itself with the Affordable Care Act, preserve education funding, and more.

After the 2012 election, Schodorf felt the best way to continue to say the things she believed Kansans needed to hear was to run as a Democrat, a path that didn’t work out for her. 

Schmidt, for her part, left the Senate after one more term (she expresses regret to the&nbsp;Reflector&nbsp;over some of her Brownback-era votes there) and ran for Insurance Commissioner, where her unshowy, results-oriented approach has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dion-lefler/article299105565.html">saved Kansans tens of millions of dollars</a>.

Patient, practical political work used to be the hallmark of a certain sort of Kansas conservative. Whether there remains an electoral path to the leadership of the state GOP for a Schodorfian-style, common sense Republican woman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/25/an-early-report-on-the-kansas-governors-race-heavyweight-republicans-and-low-key-democrats/">is unlikely</a>—but Schmidt may provide a solid test.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750955074364.jpeg" alt="Russell Arben Fox. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Russell Arben Fox. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;RUSSELL ARBEN FOX&nbsp; Insight KansasWhen Vicki Schmidt, Kansas’s Insurance Commissioner, announced her run for the Republican nomination for governor with a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utFmRLrdtes">folksy campaign video</a>, some folks giggled at its earnestness. For my part, I liked it, mostly because, with its emphasis on non-ideological practicality, it reminded me of another competent, accomplished, moderate Republican woman in Kansas politics—Jean Schodorf, whose path Schmidt hasn’t followed, but should probably keep in mind, nonetheless.Many Kansans may miss that comparison; Schodorf—who served for 12 years in the Kansas Senate, became Majority Whip of the Republican caucus, and later ran unsuccessfully for Kansas Secretary of State as a Democrat—never moved beyond her Wichita base to state-wide office, and hasn’t been in the public eye for nearly a decade. But besides parallels both generational (Schodorf was born in 1950, Schmidt in 1955) and professional (both had careers in health care-adjacent fields, Schmidt as a pharmacist, Schodorf as a speech pathologist), there is a political one—both were targeted for defeat by their own party leadership, with very different consequences.In 2012, when Governor Brownback was riding high on his tax-cut ideology (and years before his governorship’s deeply unpopular and embarrassing end was mostly memory-holed by his own party), he aimed to purge moderate Republicans from the Kansas GOP, and orchestrated large donations from Koch Industries and the Kansas Chamber to recruit conservative candidates to challenge multiple leading Republican members of the legislature in primary contests.Most of those targeted couldn’t compete with the money and partisan momentum against them, Schodorf included. Schmidt, however, was one of the very few that survived that challenge, though only barely (in a primary election with over 11,000 votes cast, she won by 160).Why were Schodorf and Schmidt both on Brownback’s hit list? Because they were Republicans who weren’t particularly fired up by his fiscally unsustainable ideological crusade, nor by his personality cult as an anti-government crusader. They were both, in the now mostly-forgotten sense, Bob Dole Republicans—Republicans who, as Schodorf once put it, “<a target="_blank" href="https://inmedias.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-kansas-gop-has-thought-itself-out.html">think in terms of moderation</a>,” or as Schmidt puts it repeatedly in her announcement video, “use common sense.”In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/podcasts/vicki-schmidt-on-seeking-the-gop-nomination-for-governor/">a podcast with the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/podcasts/vicki-schmidt-on-seeking-the-gop-nomination-for-governor/">Kansas Reflector</a>, Schmidt’s reputation was put on the spot, with such hot-button topics as abortion, vaccines, and Donald Trump’s cuts to state programs thrown at her. Without ever using the word “moderation”—a word that is, at least among some members of the Kansas GOP primary electorate, an insult—Schmidt stood her ground, insisting that in Kansas abortion is a “non-issue,” that vaccines “save lives,” that practical alternatives to Medicaid expansion have been needlessly undermined by “political games,” and more. Fifteen years ago, Schodorf, then one of Schmidt’s colleagues in the Senate, was saying similar things, wanting to see the state align itself with the Affordable Care Act, preserve education funding, and more.After the 2012 election, Schodorf felt the best way to continue to say the things she believed Kansans needed to hear was to run as a Democrat, a path that didn’t work out for her. Schmidt, for her part, left the Senate after one more term (she expresses regret to the&nbsp;Reflector&nbsp;over some of her Brownback-era votes there) and ran for Insurance Commissioner, where her unshowy, results-oriented approach has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dion-lefler/article299105565.html">saved Kansans tens of millions of dollars</a>.Patient, practical political work used to be the hallmark of a certain sort of Kansas conservative. Whether there remains an electoral path to the leadership of the state GOP for a Schodorfian-style, common sense Republican woman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/25/an-early-report-on-the-kansas-governors-race-heavyweight-republicans-and-low-key-democrats/">is unlikely</a>—but Schmidt may provide a solid test.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

Insight Kansas: Schmidt, Schodorf, fate of moderate Republican Kansas woman

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Domenghini also suggests a timeline for planting fall crops:

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

Late July Seed beets, carrots and beans.

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

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

Mid to late August Seed radishes and leaf lettuce. There is no need to fertilize these crops before planting. Side-dress two weeks after transplanting, or four weeks after sowing seed, by applying two tablespoons of a 16-0-0 or one tablespoon of 27-3-3, 30-3-4 fertilizer (or something similar) per plant.&nbsp;

More information about fall gardening is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/download/kansas-garden-guide_S51">available in the Kansas Garden Guide</a>, available online from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/">K-State Research and Extension bookstore</a>.&nbsp;

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

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

BOOR: Planning time for fall vegetable gardens

America’s voters spoke in November, and what we wanted was crystal clear. 

We wanted a strong leader who could secure our borders and enforce the rule of law to protect Americans from cartels and human and drug trafficking. President Trump promised that if he were elected, he would deliver safer communities across the nation, and he’s done just that. Promises made, promises kept.

It's hard to believe that in just six short months, President Trump has reversed four years of open border failures from the previous administration. President Biden and Vice President Harris repeatedly told the country that they didn’t have the authority or the ability to secure the border. Time has shown that could not have been further from the truth, and all we needed was a president who was willing to enforce the law.&nbsp;

In June 2024, 27,766 illegal migrants were paroled and released into the country. Fast forward one year, and that number was&nbsp;zero. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also saw the lowest number of border encounters this past June in the agency’s history. There is a reason President Trump is trusted more on border issues than President Biden ever was.&nbsp;

The failed open border policies of President Biden and his Border Czar, Kamala Harris, turned every state into a border state and put our citizens at risk. On day one, President Biden halted construction of the border wall and reversed President Trump’s policies that actually worked. Under their leadership, approximately 220 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses every day. House Republicans, working alongside President Trump, have reversed course and made America safe again.

In our One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congressional Republicans allocated over $46 billion to finish President Trump’s border wall and invest in state-of-the-art border technology to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs across our borders.&nbsp;

This leadership is exactly what Americans voted for last November, and we are working around the clock to support the President and continue securing our borders for good. Our historic legislation codified President Trump’s border security measures to ensure no future administration can allow us to be taken advantage of in this way ever again.&nbsp;

America remains a land of opportunity that attracts millions around the world each year, but they must come to our country legally. 

A few months ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a naturalization ceremony, where immigrants took their oath to the United States and officially became fellow citizens. I was inspired by each of their journeys in becoming Americans, and I could not help but feel lucky that I was born in a land that so many people seek to call their home.&nbsp;At the same time, my heart felt for them.

Of the 168 people who became Americans that day, most of them underwent multi-year-long processes to come here legally. Instead of being rewarded, they watched for four years as the Biden Administration was asleep at the wheel, incentivizing immigration abuse month after month. President Biden allowed millions of people to jump the line to come here illegally rather than motivating people to do it the right way. Thankfully, the country overwhelmingly rejected that nonsense.

Today, our country is safer than it has been in years thanks to the leadership of President Trump. It turns out common sense works after all, and I am grateful for an Administration that chooses to enforce the law instead of caving to radical, far-left activists.&nbsp;

Thank you, President Trump, for upholding your commitment to making America safe again and securing our border. Promises made, promises kept.&nbsp;

Tracey Mann is representative for the Kansas U.S. First Congressional District.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>America’s voters spoke in November, and what we wanted was crystal clear. We wanted a strong leader who could secure our borders and enforce the rule of law to protect Americans from cartels and human and drug trafficking. President Trump promised that if he were elected, he would deliver safer communities across the nation, and he’s done just that. Promises made, promises kept.It's hard to believe that in just six short months, President Trump has reversed four years of open border failures from the previous administration. President Biden and Vice President Harris repeatedly told the country that they didn’t have the authority or the ability to secure the border. Time has shown that could not have been further from the truth, and all we needed was a president who was willing to enforce the law.&nbsp;In June 2024, 27,766 illegal migrants were paroled and released into the country. Fast forward one year, and that number was&nbsp;zero. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also saw the lowest number of border encounters this past June in the agency’s history. There is a reason President Trump is trusted more on border issues than President Biden ever was.&nbsp;The failed open border policies of President Biden and his Border Czar, Kamala Harris, turned every state into a border state and put our citizens at risk. On day one, President Biden halted construction of the border wall and reversed President Trump’s policies that actually worked. Under their leadership, approximately 220 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses every day. House Republicans, working alongside President Trump, have reversed course and made America safe again.In our One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congressional Republicans allocated over $46 billion to finish President Trump’s border wall and invest in state-of-the-art border technology to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs across our borders.&nbsp;This leadership is exactly what Americans voted for last November, and we are working around the clock to support the President and continue securing our borders for good. Our historic legislation codified President Trump’s border security measures to ensure no future administration can allow us to be taken advantage of in this way ever again.&nbsp;America remains a land of opportunity that attracts millions around the world each year, but they must come to our country legally. A few months ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a naturalization ceremony, where immigrants took their oath to the United States and officially became fellow citizens. I was inspired by each of their journeys in becoming Americans, and I could not help but feel lucky that I was born in a land that so many people seek to call their home.&nbsp;At the same time, my heart felt for them.Of the 168 people who became Americans that day, most of them underwent multi-year-long processes to come here legally. Instead of being rewarded, they watched for four years as the Biden Administration was asleep at the wheel, incentivizing immigration abuse month after month. President Biden allowed millions of people to jump the line to come here illegally rather than motivating people to do it the right way. Thankfully, the country overwhelmingly rejected that nonsense.Today, our country is safer than it has been in years thanks to the leadership of President Trump. It turns out common sense works after all, and I am grateful for an Administration that chooses to enforce the law instead of caving to radical, far-left activists.&nbsp;Thank you, President Trump, for upholding your commitment to making America safe again and securing our border. Promises made, promises kept.&nbsp;Rep.&nbsp;Tracey MannTracey Mann is representative for the Kansas U.S. First Congressional District.&nbsp;

LETTER: President Trump is keeping his promise to secure America's borders

Locals often overlook the charms of their own hometowns. I’d guess all Kansans share this guilt, me included. After several out-of-town road trips, I analyzed our village’s charms which involve more than a Christmas City of the High Plains promotion.

WaKeeney is worth a day trip and maybe an overnight stay. Start with Santa’s Village and snap a photo to reflect on small-town Christmas fun. This Main Street location leads to worthwhile stops nearby. To satisfy hunger, hit the Western Kansas Saloon for historic ambience including tin ceilings, western murals, wood floors, good food, and service.

Next door, visit Gibson’s Drug which sells medicine for what ails you, but it’s so much more. It reminds me of Grandma’s dime store with toys, household, school and office supplies, candy, greeting cards, floral arrangements, and best of all an old-fashioned soda fountain with sodas, malts, or flavored cokes.

Just north, find The Eagles Nest—a ceramic and wood working shop. Glaze a mug or trinket box or select a unique gift for someone special. Our oldest grand and I recently spent two hours creating family heirlooms.

After a paint session, cross the street to explore Queen of Stars quilt store. Quilting friends stop in regularly to purchase fabrics, talk shop, or sew in the company of like-minded souls. The building is worth a visit for sure.

Not far away, enjoy a nostalgic tour of the Trego County courthouse. The lighting and vintage woodwork link visitors to those who came before us. A peek in each office offers views of officials hard at work serving Trego County.

Pop down the west staircase and wonder whose hands that rail guided over past decades. Outside, head to the northwest corner of the square while looking for resident squirrels and birds that call this block home. Morning or evening arrivals can view one of several local buzzard flocks roosting on the water tower. Their presence inspires the annual Buzzard Bash.

Across the street, enjoy Mayberry-style shopping at Moeder Meats, Keyser Hardware, Hometown Bakery, and the recently reopened antique store. Speaking of vintage, check out the façade of the Kelly Theatre to see what changes lie in wait. While walking this street, you follow the steps of Milburn Stone of Gunsmoke fame who performed a vaudeville routine on the Kelly stage.

At the corner, turn west to sip The Well’s excellent coffee. A few steps further offers city hall, another WaKeeney architectural treasure.

South is local gold. Malay’s offers picnic basket supplies that include freshly cut fruits and veggies, deli salads, deviled eggs, lunch meats, cheeses, and homemade desserts. Before checking out, add love with a fresh bouquet. On a practical note, purchase hunting and fishing licenses before getting outdoorsy at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.

For in town picknickers, choose a park. I love the pool park where ample shade cools gramma while grandkids check out their options. To exercise dogs, head toward I-70 on Highway 283. Once there, explore local&nbsp;history, including a vintage jet, or refresh yourself at Rosie’s Bar and Grill or the nearby Brazen Bull. Go whole hog Laura Ingalls Wilder and sleep in a Conestoga.

These are only a few possibilities. A visit here is a Where’s Waldo search for charming overnight rentals, Shiloh’s stellar vineyard, wildflower loops, great fishing, car races, auctions, western and paleontological history in every direction, and welcoming locals to help tick items off your bucket list. 

I may live here, but it’s fun to play visitor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462625526.jpeg" alt="Santa's Village, WaKeeney.&nbsp; Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Santa's Village, WaKeeney.&nbsp; Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN Locals often overlook the charms of their own hometowns. I’d guess all Kansans share this guilt, me included. After several out-of-town road trips, I analyzed our village’s charms which involve more than a Christmas City of the High Plains promotion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462723174.jpeg" alt="Santa's Village for small-town Christmas fun in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Santa's Village for small-town Christmas fun in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462881554.jpeg" alt="WaKeeney's North Pole. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>WaKeeney's North Pole. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>WaKeeney is worth a day trip and maybe an overnight stay. Start with Santa’s Village and snap a photo to reflect on small-town Christmas fun. This Main Street location leads to worthwhile stops nearby. To satisfy hunger, hit the Western Kansas Saloon for historic ambience including tin ceilings, western murals, wood floors, good food, and service.Next door, visit Gibson’s Drug which sells medicine for what ails you, but it’s so much more. It reminds me of Grandma’s dime store with toys, household, school and office supplies, candy, greeting cards, floral arrangements, and best of all an old-fashioned soda fountain with sodas, malts, or flavored cokes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462531110.jpeg" alt="Eagles Nest in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Eagles Nest in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Just north, find The Eagles Nest—a ceramic and wood working shop. Glaze a mug or trinket box or select a unique gift for someone special. Our oldest grand and I recently spent two hours creating family heirlooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462987145.jpeg" alt="Queen of Stars quilt shop in downtown WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Queen of Stars quilt shop in downtown WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>After a paint session, cross the street to explore Queen of Stars quilt store. Quilting friends stop in regularly to purchase fabrics, talk shop, or sew in the company of like-minded souls. The building is worth a visit for sure.Not far away, enjoy a nostalgic tour of the Trego County courthouse. The lighting and vintage woodwork link visitors to those who came before us. A peek in each office offers views of officials hard at work serving Trego County.Pop down the west staircase and wonder whose hands that rail guided over past decades. Outside, head to the northwest corner of the square while looking for resident squirrels and birds that call this block home. Morning or evening arrivals can view one of several local buzzard flocks roosting on the water tower. Their presence inspires the annual Buzzard Bash.Across the street, enjoy Mayberry-style shopping at Moeder Meats, Keyser Hardware, Hometown Bakery, and the recently reopened antique store. Speaking of vintage, check out the façade of the Kelly Theatre to see what changes lie in wait. While walking this street, you follow the steps of Milburn Stone of Gunsmoke fame who performed a vaudeville routine on the Kelly stage.At the corner, turn west to sip The Well’s excellent coffee. A few steps further offers city hall, another WaKeeney architectural treasure.South is local gold. Malay’s offers picnic basket supplies that include freshly cut fruits and veggies, deli salads, deviled eggs, lunch meats, cheeses, and homemade desserts. Before checking out, add love with a fresh bouquet. On a practical note, purchase hunting and fishing licenses before getting outdoorsy at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.For in town picknickers, choose a park. I love the pool park where ample shade cools gramma while grandkids check out their options. To exercise dogs, head toward I-70 on Highway 283. Once there, explore local&nbsp;history, including a vintage jet, or refresh yourself at Rosie’s Bar and Grill or the nearby Brazen Bull. Go whole hog Laura Ingalls Wilder and sleep in a Conestoga.These are only a few possibilities. A visit here is a Where’s Waldo search for charming overnight rentals, Shiloh’s stellar vineyard, wildflower loops, great fishing, car races, auctions, western and paleontological history in every direction, and welcoming locals to help tick items off your bucket list. I may live here, but it’s fun to play visitor.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: The not a road trip

I try hard to color within the lines, not to run with scissors and overall just to keep my mouth shut. But sometimes I find myself posing the questions that everyone else wonders but is afraid to ask. Questions like “How do they get Teflon to stick to the skillets when they make them?” Or “Were there really flies and mosquitoes on the ark, and if so, why?” and “Why do states feel the need to have state symbols like state bird, state tree, etc.?”

Any Kansan worth their Wheaties knows that the Kansas state flower is the sunflower, and the Kansas state bird is the Western Meadow Lark. Most Kansans know that the Kansas state tree is the Cottonwood and many probably know that the state animal is the American Buffalo (Bison.) But how many of you knew that we also have a state insect, a state reptile, and yes, even a state amphibian, plus two state fossils?

Sometime in the mid-1970s, Jeff Woods, a 7th grader attending Edgewood Elementary in Coffeyville, evidentially decided we as a state were incomplete without a state insect, and suggested we give the honeybee that distinction. Called “white man’s flies” by the Indians, honeybees are thought to have been brought from Europe by the pilgrims and soon inhabited the entire United States. I have to admit that if we felt the need to have a state insect, we could NOT have done better than the honeybee, because life as we know it might not exist without them. The state legislature has the final say in such important matters, and in 1976 the honeybee became the Kansas state insect.

In the mid-1980s to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Kansas’s statehood, Larry Miller’s 6th grade class in Caldwell decided we also needed a state reptile and nominated the Ornate Box Turtle for the job. The Ornate Box Turtle is a dry land turtle which probably makes it the most visibly abundant turtle in Kansas. It’s found from the prairies in the west to the forests in the east. I have absolutely no idea what a state reptile has to do with celebrating our 125th anniversary as a state, but on April 14, 1986, Governor John Carlin signed a bill designating the Ornate Box Turtle as the Kansas state reptile.

In the spring of 1993, Alice Potts' 2nd grade class at Wichita’s OK Elementary School was studying animals with backbones, which somehow triggered them as a class to begin a campaign to make the Barred Tiger Salamander our state amphibian. When Potts’ class contacted their legislators, they were told it was too late to get a bill into the current legislative session and the project would have to wait a year. 

In the meantime, their zeal proved infectious and by the following school year the entire school plus parents were involved. A trip to the statehouse by Potts and a handful of students got Senate Bill 494 written and passed in the Senate. However, the bill ran into a little trouble in the House; it seems some Representatives felt there were more important legislative matters (go figure!) 

Never fear, though, as Senator Mike Harris came&nbsp;to the rescue and attached the salamander bill to another to insure its passage (now what’s that called…oh yeah - Pork!) On April 13, 1994, Gov. Joan Finney signed the bill designating the Barred Tiger Salamander the Kansas state amphibian.

In 2014, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill designating Tylosaurus, a giant marine predator, and Pteranodon, a giant, flying, cliff dweller, as co-state fossils. Amazingly, Kansas geological deposits have provided the most complete skeletal remains of both of these critters ever to be found.

In honor of the process that salvaged the salamander bill, maybe the Kansas Wildlife and Parks should capture one and name him or her Porky. Or maybe the process of attaching legislative bills to other bills should now be known as “salamandering.” 

Anyway, please excuse my cynicism and my disregard for pomp and ceremony. I guess if even one person is made to feel better about our state by having these symbols, then so-be-it. And maybe this will get more people Exploring Kansas Outdoors looking for Barred Tiger Salamanders and Pteranodon fossils!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND I try hard to color within the lines, not to run with scissors and overall just to keep my mouth shut. But sometimes I find myself posing the questions that everyone else wonders but is afraid to ask. Questions like “How do they get Teflon to stick to the skillets when they make them?” Or “Were there really flies and mosquitoes on the ark, and if so, why?” and “Why do states feel the need to have state symbols like state bird, state tree, etc.?”Any Kansan worth their Wheaties knows that the Kansas state flower is the sunflower, and the Kansas state bird is the Western Meadow Lark. Most Kansans know that the Kansas state tree is the Cottonwood and many probably know that the state animal is the American Buffalo (Bison.) But how many of you knew that we also have a state insect, a state reptile, and yes, even a state amphibian, plus two state fossils?Sometime in the mid-1970s, Jeff Woods, a 7th grader attending Edgewood Elementary in Coffeyville, evidentially decided we as a state were incomplete without a state insect, and suggested we give the honeybee that distinction. Called “white man’s flies” by the Indians, honeybees are thought to have been brought from Europe by the pilgrims and soon inhabited the entire United States. I have to admit that if we felt the need to have a state insect, we could NOT have done better than the honeybee, because life as we know it might not exist without them. The state legislature has the final say in such important matters, and in 1976 the honeybee became the Kansas state insect.In the mid-1980s to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Kansas’s statehood, Larry Miller’s 6th grade class in Caldwell decided we also needed a state reptile and nominated the Ornate Box Turtle for the job. The Ornate Box Turtle is a dry land turtle which probably makes it the most visibly abundant turtle in Kansas. It’s found from the prairies in the west to the forests in the east. I have absolutely no idea what a state reptile has to do with celebrating our 125th anniversary as a state, but on April 14, 1986, Governor John Carlin signed a bill designating the Ornate Box Turtle as the Kansas state reptile.In the spring of 1993, Alice Potts' 2nd grade class at Wichita’s OK Elementary School was studying animals with backbones, which somehow triggered them as a class to begin a campaign to make the Barred Tiger Salamander our state amphibian. When Potts’ class contacted their legislators, they were told it was too late to get a bill into the current legislative session and the project would have to wait a year. In the meantime, their zeal proved infectious and by the following school year the entire school plus parents were involved. A trip to the statehouse by Potts and a handful of students got Senate Bill 494 written and passed in the Senate. However, the bill ran into a little trouble in the House; it seems some Representatives felt there were more important legislative matters (go figure!) Never fear, though, as Senator Mike Harris came&nbsp;to the rescue and attached the salamander bill to another to insure its passage (now what’s that called…oh yeah - Pork!) On April 13, 1994, Gov. Joan Finney signed the bill designating the Barred Tiger Salamander the Kansas state amphibian.In 2014, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill designating Tylosaurus, a giant marine predator, and Pteranodon, a giant, flying, cliff dweller, as co-state fossils. Amazingly, Kansas geological deposits have provided the most complete skeletal remains of both of these critters ever to be found.In honor of the process that salvaged the salamander bill, maybe the Kansas Wildlife and Parks should capture one and name him or her Porky. Or maybe the process of attaching legislative bills to other bills should now be known as “salamandering.” Anyway, please excuse my cynicism and my disregard for pomp and ceremony. I guess if even one person is made to feel better about our state by having these symbols, then so-be-it. And maybe this will get more people Exploring Kansas Outdoors looking for Barred Tiger Salamanders and Pteranodon fossils!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: We have a state what?

By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

Just two years ago, Democrats were on the verge of achieving their long-awaited green energy revolution. Biden had reversed Trump’s fossil fuel initiatives and set an ambitious goal for all new vehicles sold by 2030 to be zero-emissions.

He signed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflation_Reduction_Act">Inflation Reduction Act</a>&nbsp;(IRA), a landmark climate package that delivered historic investments for cutting emissions.

Electric vehicles (EV) led the way, an industry turbocharged by IRA’s generous tax credits for vehicle purchases, home chargers, battery manufacturing, and billions for new production facilities. Electric vehicle sales&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024/trends-in-electric-cars">surged</a>&nbsp;in 2023, reaching 14 million globally with 1.4 million sold in the United States, a whopping 67 percent year-over-year increase. They accounted for 10 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales, with Tesla holding over half the EV market share.&nbsp;

Eager to capitalize, Governor Kelly brokered a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/powering-change-panasonic-and-de-soto/it-takes-money-to-make-money-1-on-1-with-kansas-gov-laura-kelly-on-panasonic-deal">deal</a>&nbsp;with Panasonic to build a massive $4 billion lithium-ion battery plant in De Soto, aimed at supplying Tesla’s new factories in Texas. A multi-billion dollar&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/powering-change-panasonic-and-de-soto/state-local-and-federal-governments-cut-panasonic-huge-deals-explaining-all-tax-incentives">tax incentive package</a>&nbsp;secured Panasonic’s investment, made possible by the bipartisan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/apex/">APEX</a>&nbsp;Act passed by the state legislature.&nbsp;

Kelly described the deal as transformative, the largest economic development project in Kansas history, expected to create 4,000 jobs and thousands more through related businesses. 

Trump posed little threat. The intense backlash after the Capitol riots and mounting legal challenges cast serious doubt about his future.&nbsp;And despite lingering concerns about his age, Biden was expected to win reelection and help Democrats take back the House. 

The anticipated “red wave” never materialized in the midterms, signaling waning strength of the Republican brand. Yet, what felt inevitable crumbled.

Trump returned stronger, calling the shift to EVs a “transition to hell,” framing it effectively as a &nbsp;“government assassination” of auto jobs and unionized workers.&nbsp;Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk joined Trump, which eventually led to a major loss in the company’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://caredge.com/guides/electric-vehicle-market-share-and-sales">market share</a>&nbsp;and a sharp stock sell off.&nbsp;

 The enthusiasm for EVs seemed driven as much by political momentum as by consumer demand. When that momentum slowed, so did the market.&nbsp;Overall sales slumped in 2024, dropping to 8 percent of U.S. light vehicles sales. Buyers remained concentrated among the affluent and college educated, with limited penetration into the broader public. Biden’s zero-emissions goal appeared naïve and disconnected from middle-and working-class realities.

 Democrats were swept in November.&nbsp;Trump recently signed his Big Beautiful Bill, which terminates EV tax credits and phases out incentives for battery production.&nbsp;Just as Biden had undone Trump’s policies, Trump unraveled Biden’s. 

Because federal control routinely alternates between the parties, companies are constantly exposed to shifting regulations and the prospect of brand polarization – ask&nbsp; Disney, Bud Light, now Tesla.

Getting the politics wrong carries serious consequences.&nbsp;Now that circumstances have changed so dramatically, would Kelly still place such a large bet on EVs?&nbsp;Would Panasonic? After all, many clean energy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2025/04/04/a-stunning-number-of-electric-vehicle-battery-factories-are-being-canceled/82868200007/">projects</a>&nbsp;have been cancelled including battery plants in Georgia and Arizona.

EVs are excellent cars, the market will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/03/20/trump-ev-tesla-tax-credits/">grow</a>&nbsp;– just more slowly now. That slower pace has Kansans concerned about the direction this might take, and whether Tesla comes out ahead. Who’d have guessed, the volatile Elon Musk has a starring role in Kansas’s economic future –&nbsp; and Kelly’s legacy.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr. Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn&nbsp;is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn&nbsp;is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight KansasJust two years ago, Democrats were on the verge of achieving their long-awaited green energy revolution. Biden had reversed Trump’s fossil fuel initiatives and set an ambitious goal for all new vehicles sold by 2030 to be zero-emissions. He signed the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflation_Reduction_Act">Inflation Reduction Act</a>&nbsp;(IRA), a landmark climate package that delivered historic investments for cutting emissions. Electric vehicles (EV) led the way, an industry turbocharged by IRA’s generous tax credits for vehicle purchases, home chargers, battery manufacturing, and billions for new production facilities. Electric vehicle sales&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024/trends-in-electric-cars">surged</a>&nbsp;in 2023, reaching 14 million globally with 1.4 million sold in the United States, a whopping 67 percent year-over-year increase. They accounted for 10 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales, with Tesla holding over half the EV market share.&nbsp;Eager to capitalize, Governor Kelly brokered a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/powering-change-panasonic-and-de-soto/it-takes-money-to-make-money-1-on-1-with-kansas-gov-laura-kelly-on-panasonic-deal">deal</a>&nbsp;with Panasonic to build a massive $4 billion lithium-ion battery plant in De Soto, aimed at supplying Tesla’s new factories in Texas. A multi-billion dollar&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/powering-change-panasonic-and-de-soto/state-local-and-federal-governments-cut-panasonic-huge-deals-explaining-all-tax-incentives">tax incentive package</a>&nbsp;secured Panasonic’s investment, made possible by the bipartisan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/apex/">APEX</a>&nbsp;Act passed by the state legislature.&nbsp;Kelly described the deal as transformative, the largest economic development project in Kansas history, expected to create 4,000 jobs and thousands more through related businesses. Trump posed little threat. The intense backlash after the Capitol riots and mounting legal challenges cast serious doubt about his future.&nbsp;And despite lingering concerns about his age, Biden was expected to win reelection and help Democrats take back the House. The anticipated “red wave” never materialized in the midterms, signaling waning strength of the Republican brand. Yet, what felt inevitable crumbled. Trump returned stronger, calling the shift to EVs a “transition to hell,” framing it effectively as a &nbsp;“government assassination” of auto jobs and unionized workers.&nbsp;Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk joined Trump, which eventually led to a major loss in the company’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://caredge.com/guides/electric-vehicle-market-share-and-sales">market share</a>&nbsp;and a sharp stock sell off.&nbsp; The enthusiasm for EVs seemed driven as much by political momentum as by consumer demand. When that momentum slowed, so did the market.&nbsp;Overall sales slumped in 2024, dropping to 8 percent of U.S. light vehicles sales. Buyers remained concentrated among the affluent and college educated, with limited penetration into the broader public. Biden’s zero-emissions goal appeared naïve and disconnected from middle-and working-class realities. Democrats were swept in November.&nbsp;Trump recently signed his Big Beautiful Bill, which terminates EV tax credits and phases out incentives for battery production.&nbsp;Just as Biden had undone Trump’s policies, Trump unraveled Biden’s. Because federal control routinely alternates between the parties, companies are constantly exposed to shifting regulations and the prospect of brand polarization – ask&nbsp; Disney, Bud Light, now Tesla.Getting the politics wrong carries serious consequences.&nbsp;Now that circumstances have changed so dramatically, would Kelly still place such a large bet on EVs?&nbsp;Would Panasonic? After all, many clean energy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2025/04/04/a-stunning-number-of-electric-vehicle-battery-factories-are-being-canceled/82868200007/">projects</a>&nbsp;have been cancelled including battery plants in Georgia and Arizona.EVs are excellent cars, the market will&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/03/20/trump-ev-tesla-tax-credits/">grow</a>&nbsp;– just more slowly now. That slower pace has Kansans concerned about the direction this might take, and whether Tesla comes out ahead. Who’d have guessed, the volatile Elon Musk has a starring role in Kansas’s economic future –&nbsp; and Kelly’s legacy.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dr. Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Governor Kelly’s big bet on Elon Musk

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

This article is the second in a multi-week series on wheat streak mosaic complex management to address the 2025 outbreak. 

Last week, was the recommendation for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/33aec9ef-6d8a-48ef-9d5f-12cac8cb4980">wheat-free windows</a>. These windows include periods 30 days prior to the start of the optimal winter wheat planting window by zone in Kansas.

As the wheat curl mite is a community pest, coordinated breaks in volunteer wheat and other cereals will have the highest likelihood of lowering local and statewide mite levels moving into our 2025 optimal winter wheat planting date periods. This week, we address the role of other crops in the landscape.

Revisiting the role of other crops and weeds in the landscape

The question about the role of alternative crops and grasses in the landscape is frequently raised. The general risk of species as reservoirs for the mite and virus complex depends on several factors, including:

1. How well the curl mite reproduces on a given host,

2. How susceptible the host is to the virus,

3. The presence of the host during critical periods over the summer,

4. How those periods overlap with the wheat crop, and

5. How much of the host is present in the landscape during those critical summer months (host density)?

That information was taken together to develop the relative risk of host species to harbor wheat curl mites over the summer (Figure 2). You’ll notice that the list includes cereal crops, weeds, and pasture grasses. In all, over 90 species have been shown to harbor the mites or virus to some level. Legumes are not known hosts for the curl mite or viruses.

Volunteer wheat left over the summer is the highest risk host because it checks all the boxes for risk. The curl mites will reproduce rapidly on volunteer wheat, it is usually present right after harvest, may be left through fall planting, it is susceptible to the viruses, and it can build to high levels in the landscape. This is why the first line of defense against wheat streak will always be volunteer wheat management (ideally during wheat-free windows).

Volunteer wheat can also “hide” in summer crops planted after wheat harvest as well as cover crops, complicating the ability to determine the risk of other crops in the landscape. For example, if wheat that is harvested in June and grain sorghum (or corn and soybean) is planted into that same field after wheat harvest, secondary flushes of volunteer wheat will be difficult to control.

Winter cereals planted early (during the wheat-free windows) for grazing or cover cropping may pose a risk for harboring curl mites. Species like barley, oats, rye, and triticale have all been shown to host both the mites and the virus at fairly high levels. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747233937338.jpeg" alt="Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Wheat streak mosaic management and wheat-free windows" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=rrc69-19111fa-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThis article is the second in a multi-week series on wheat streak mosaic complex management to address the 2025 outbreak. Last week, was the recommendation for <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/33aec9ef-6d8a-48ef-9d5f-12cac8cb4980">wheat-free windows</a>. These windows include periods 30 days prior to the start of the optimal winter wheat planting window by zone in Kansas. As the wheat curl mite is a community pest, coordinated breaks in volunteer wheat and other cereals will have the highest likelihood of lowering local and statewide mite levels moving into our 2025 optimal winter wheat planting date periods. This week, we address the role of other crops in the landscape.Revisiting the role of other crops and weeds in the landscapeThe question about the role of alternative crops and grasses in the landscape is frequently raised. The general risk of species as reservoirs for the mite and virus complex depends on several factors, including:1. How well the curl mite reproduces on a given host,2. How susceptible the host is to the virus,3. The presence of the host during critical periods over the summer,4. How those periods overlap with the wheat crop, and5. How much of the host is present in the landscape during those critical summer months (host density)?That information was taken together to develop the relative risk of host species to harbor wheat curl mites over the summer (Figure 2). You’ll notice that the list includes cereal crops, weeds, and pasture grasses. In all, over 90 species have been shown to harbor the mites or virus to some level. Legumes are not known hosts for the curl mite or viruses.Volunteer wheat left over the summer is the highest risk host because it checks all the boxes for risk. The curl mites will reproduce rapidly on volunteer wheat, it is usually present right after harvest, may be left through fall planting, it is susceptible to the viruses, and it can build to high levels in the landscape. This is why the first line of defense against wheat streak will always be volunteer wheat management (ideally during wheat-free windows).Volunteer wheat can also “hide” in summer crops planted after wheat harvest as well as cover crops, complicating the ability to determine the risk of other crops in the landscape. For example, if wheat that is harvested in June and grain sorghum (or corn and soybean) is planted into that same field after wheat harvest, secondary flushes of volunteer wheat will be difficult to control.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753460814466.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753460845582.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Winter cereals planted early (during the wheat-free windows) for grazing or cover cropping may pose a risk for harboring curl mites. Species like barley, oats, rye, and triticale have all been shown to host both the mites and the virus at fairly high levels. When at all possible, early planting of these crops near fields that will be established with a fall wheat crop should be avoided. Including these crops in a summer cover crop mix can also be risky for bridging the curl mites and viruses to the fall wheat crop.To a lesser extent, corn and sorghum can also host the mite and virus complex. These crops are generally considered of low concern for epidemics in Kansas. Most of the research that we’ve reviewed has demonstrated that these crops are most conducive to curl mite survival during early growth stages. So, for example, corn/sorghum at a young stage when wheat is drying down would be at higher risk for curl mites than late-planted corn. It appears that curl mites are limited to corn husks later in the season and can result in symptoms of kernel red streak through feeding damage. Kernel red streak is generally considered a cosmetic issue in corn, but can serve as a sign that curl mites were present. Most commercial corn hybrids are resistant to wheat streak mosaic virus and High Plains wheat mosaic virus and will not experience yield losses to those viruses. Importantly, it appears that curl mite populations rapidly decline in the corn crop after the crop reaches black layer.Weedy grass hosts (detailed in Figure 2) are generally a lower concern, unless they are allowed to build to high levels and remain established through the summer months. Their role in epidemics is dictated by their abundance and the time they are allowed to persist in the landscape.Information provided by Kelsey Andersen Onofre, Extension Wheat Pathologist. 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&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.

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