By Michelle Beran Cottonwood Extension District

We are only one week into the new year and it’s already a whirlwind of activity!

We started off with a training for our 4-H2O Ambassadors and an activity at the Hays Public Library. The 4-H2O Ambassadors are a group of youth across Barton and Ellis County with an interest in learning about water management, water conservation, and related water issues. They learn about these areas and to facilitate activities for public events. The ambassadors will meet again on January 20 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center for their second training. We have five returning ambassadors and five new ones for 2024. I so appreciate watching their confidence and presentation skills grow throughout the year.

Next week begins one of my favorite partnerships with USD 428 in Great Bend Reads! I will have the opportunity to share a lesson related to their current book, “The Wild Robot” and a little about 4-H! It does make for a couple of crazy weeks but I very much appreciate the interaction with students, teachers, and staff.

We are also in the final planning for 4-H Club Day which will be held on Sunday, February 4 at Ellinwood. 4-H Club Day is an opportunity for 4-H youth to present a demonstration or illustrated talk, a musical selection, practice their extemporaneous speaking, or work together as a club for a skit or model meeting. The public is invited to watch these young people compete and receive feedback from a judge.

Speaking of judges, we are already working at scheduling judges for the county fairs! I know it seems a long way off but July schedules fill up fast and we like to rotate through some of the best qualified judges available. If you have interest in serving as a judge for another county, please let me know and I’ll provide you with more information. We would love to have volunteers for fair superintendents and in many other roles also!

4-H members are already hard at work setting project goals, planning learning activities and events, and practicing their projects. If you know a 4-H member, ask them about their favorite project or one of their project goals for this year.

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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Michelle Beran Cottonwood Extension DistrictWe are only one week into the new year and it’s already a whirlwind of activity!We started off with a training for our 4-H2O Ambassadors and an activity at the Hays Public Library. The 4-H2O Ambassadors are a group of youth across Barton and Ellis County with an interest in learning about water management, water conservation, and related water issues. They learn about these areas and to facilitate activities for public events. The ambassadors will meet again on January 20 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center for their second training. We have five returning ambassadors and five new ones for 2024. I so appreciate watching their confidence and presentation skills grow throughout the year.Next week begins one of my favorite partnerships with USD 428 in Great Bend Reads! I will have the opportunity to share a lesson related to their current book, “The Wild Robot” and a little about 4-H! It does make for a couple of crazy weeks but I very much appreciate the interaction with students, teachers, and staff.We are also in the final planning for 4-H Club Day which will be held on Sunday, February 4 at Ellinwood. 4-H Club Day is an opportunity for 4-H youth to present a demonstration or illustrated talk, a musical selection, practice their extemporaneous speaking, or work together as a club for a skit or model meeting. The public is invited to watch these young people compete and receive feedback from a judge.Speaking of judges, we are already working at scheduling judges for the county fairs! I know it seems a long way off but July schedules fill up fast and we like to rotate through some of the best qualified judges available. If you have interest in serving as a judge for another county, please let me know and I’ll provide you with more information. We would love to have volunteers for fair superintendents and in many other roles also!4-H members are already hard at work setting project goals, planning learning activities and events, and practicing their projects. If you know a 4-H member, ask them about their favorite project or one of their project goals for this year.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&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

BERAN: New Year activities

A couple important occurrences helped shape the history of Inman, Kansas, one an historical fact and the other a legend. The fact is that the Santa Fe Trail passed just a few miles outside of town on its way through Kansas, and the legend is that of the mythical wetlands creature affectionately known far and wide as Sink Hole Sam. The story of Sam has been told and retold many times, but the coming of a new year seems an appropriate time to retell it yet again.

Once upon a time near a small town called Inman, in the land of Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that nearly 70 years ago would bring this sleepy little town notoriety for a season. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam. Prior to the 1920’s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. It’s widely known that back then people from all around the state came here to fish and hunt ducks in those lakes. Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman and a few low pockets of water that became known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state of Kansas. The largest of the sinkholes became known locally as” the Big Sinkhole,” and here a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam. People speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. Or maybe Sam had lived there in some of the lakes all along, and now with them drained had nowhere else to go. Evidently no one got close enough to see if the creature should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and call it “Sam.” Two unidentified Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam, and soon after, local “Inmanites” Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. The story goes that Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and to the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like creature, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.

Now everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.

In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a slight southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest D. and Dr. Q. maintained that no female “Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct. Sam soon disappeared from sight, never to be seen or at least acknowledged publicly again.

Perhaps Sam still comes out at night to prowl the waters of the Big Sinkhole, frolicking and doing whatever else it is Foopengerkles do. Tromping through the wetlands there

I’ve heard strange sounds I always figured were muskrats or beavers rummaging around through the cattails, but maybe it was really Sammy out for a stretch and a snack! Each time I’m there and I get that feeling that someone or something is watching me, I peer optimistically over my shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of the big lug. But now with the wetlands and the sinkholes nearly dry again, ole’ Sam has probably for sure retired to his cavern until he has water enough to swim once more.

Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to prove or disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster, and as far as I know, all such attempts have failed at both. Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has yet disproven his existence to me. Like I said, everyone likes a good legend; after all this is America, and stranger things have happened! …Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A couple important occurrences helped shape the history of Inman, Kansas, one an historical fact and the other a legend. The fact is that the Santa Fe Trail passed just a few miles outside of town on its way through Kansas, and the legend is that of the mythical wetlands creature affectionately known far and wide as Sink Hole Sam. The story of Sam has been told and retold many times, but the coming of a new year seems an appropriate time to retell it yet again.Once upon a time near a small town called Inman, in the land of Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that nearly 70 years ago would bring this sleepy little town notoriety for a season. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam. Prior to the 1920’s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. It’s widely known that back then people from all around the state came here to fish and hunt ducks in those lakes. Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman and a few low pockets of water that became known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state of Kansas. The largest of the sinkholes became known locally as” the Big Sinkhole,” and here a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam. People speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. Or maybe Sam had lived there in some of the lakes all along, and now with them drained had nowhere else to go. Evidently no one got close enough to see if the creature should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and call it “Sam.” Two unidentified Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam, and soon after, local “Inmanites” Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. The story goes that Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and to the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like creature, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.Now everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a slight southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest D. and Dr. Q. maintained that no female “Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct. Sam soon disappeared from sight, never to be seen or at least acknowledged publicly again.Perhaps Sam still comes out at night to prowl the waters of the Big Sinkhole, frolicking and doing whatever else it is Foopengerkles do. Tromping through the wetlands thereI’ve heard strange sounds I always figured were muskrats or beavers rummaging around through the cattails, but maybe it was really Sammy out for a stretch and a snack! Each time I’m there and I get that feeling that someone or something is watching me, I peer optimistically over my shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of the big lug. But now with the wetlands and the sinkholes nearly dry again, ole’ Sam has probably for sure retired to his cavern until he has water enough to swim once more.Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to prove or disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster, and as far as I know, all such attempts have failed at both. Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has yet disproven his existence to me. Like I said, everyone likes a good legend; after all this is America, and stranger things have happened! …Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: The Legend of Sink Hole Sam

By Michael A. Smith Insight Kansas

Here’s a New Year’s Resolution for the Kansas Legislature:&nbsp; no more wasting our time and money on election conspiracy theories.&nbsp; In September and October of 2023, Senator Mike Thompson and others hosted hearings featuring speakers peddling truly insane speculations.&nbsp; These included the contention–really–that Italy and the Vatican have infiltrated Kansas elections by manipulating military satellites.&nbsp; Other speakers were linked to QAnon, the deranged, violent, and deeply anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Under questioning, these speakers admitted that they had no actual knowledge of how elections are conducted in Kansas.&nbsp; Many of the conspiracy theorists relied on the idea that Kansas election equipment is connected to the Internet, which is false and easily disproved.&nbsp;Slate&nbsp;dubbed this, “The Election Denialist Roadshow.” &nbsp; Some Republicans actually believe this nonsense, while others know better but play along for fear of getting primaried.

Satellites, “ballot harvesting,” and George Soros are not legitimate concerns, but there are a few things that would improve Kansas elections.&nbsp; A serious election security bill would begin by properly updating the registration rolls.&nbsp; While there is no evidence of ballots being cast in the name of dead people here, and it is extremely rare elsewhere in the U.S., good recordkeeping still calls for the rolls to be current.&nbsp; Voters rarely notify election authorities that they have moved or that a loved one has passed away.&nbsp; New death certificates along with change-of-address filings at the Post Office can be quite helpful here.&nbsp; A nonpartisan, multi-state system called ERIC shares this data across state lines. ERIC has also been targeted by conspiracy theorists, but this should not affect policymaking.

Additional challenges include signature matches, now the usual way to validate ballots.&nbsp; Many signatures are now taken on a digital pad rather than with a pen and paper, and many people make only a squiggly line on those rather than actually signing.&nbsp; In addition to setting standards for signatures, the bill should also require all digital voting machines to print a piece of paper for each ballot.&nbsp; These can be inspected by the voter before being cast in the ballot box, and also used for both machine and hand recounts, when necessary.&nbsp; Even more crucial are better pay and training for poll workers.&nbsp; In today’s toxic political environment, providing for the security of election workers is also vital–some have received death threats.

On the other hand, certain so-called “election security” measures are really just sleazy political tactics.&nbsp; First and foremost is voter “caging,” targeting certain voters (usually people of color living in urban areas) and sending them postcards that must be completed and returned or the voter is removed from the rolls.&nbsp; With most of us overwhelmed with junk mail, these often get tossed out by mistake.&nbsp; The tactic is a blatant attempt to target certain voters and remove them from the rolls.&nbsp; A good election security bill would include a strong, enforceable ban on caging.

A good bill would also ban the de-registration of any voter based on name duplicates alone.&nbsp; These do not target actual fraud but rather people who are likely to have similar names.&nbsp; African-American, Latinx, and Asian-American voters are more likely to have similar names than are white non-Hispanic voters, and the tactic is another blatant attempt to de-register targeted groups of people.

Kansas elections could indeed be better, but deranged conspiracy theories and legislative sideshows are not the answer.&nbsp; Actual election experts have a number of thoughtful ideas that would make a welcome alternative to the noise and the nonsense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Michael A. Smith Insight KansasHere’s a New Year’s Resolution for the Kansas Legislature:&nbsp; no more wasting our time and money on election conspiracy theories.&nbsp; In September and October of 2023, Senator Mike Thompson and others hosted hearings featuring speakers peddling truly insane speculations.&nbsp; These included the contention–really–that Italy and the Vatican have infiltrated Kansas elections by manipulating military satellites.&nbsp; Other speakers were linked to QAnon, the deranged, violent, and deeply anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Under questioning, these speakers admitted that they had no actual knowledge of how elections are conducted in Kansas.&nbsp; Many of the conspiracy theorists relied on the idea that Kansas election equipment is connected to the Internet, which is false and easily disproved.&nbsp;Slate&nbsp;dubbed this, “The Election Denialist Roadshow.” &nbsp; Some Republicans actually believe this nonsense, while others know better but play along for fear of getting primaried.Satellites, “ballot harvesting,” and George Soros are not legitimate concerns, but there are a few things that would improve Kansas elections.&nbsp; A serious election security bill would begin by properly updating the registration rolls.&nbsp; While there is no evidence of ballots being cast in the name of dead people here, and it is extremely rare elsewhere in the U.S., good recordkeeping still calls for the rolls to be current.&nbsp; Voters rarely notify election authorities that they have moved or that a loved one has passed away.&nbsp; New death certificates along with change-of-address filings at the Post Office can be quite helpful here.&nbsp; A nonpartisan, multi-state system called ERIC shares this data across state lines. ERIC has also been targeted by conspiracy theorists, but this should not affect policymaking.Additional challenges include signature matches, now the usual way to validate ballots.&nbsp; Many signatures are now taken on a digital pad rather than with a pen and paper, and many people make only a squiggly line on those rather than actually signing.&nbsp; In addition to setting standards for signatures, the bill should also require all digital voting machines to print a piece of paper for each ballot.&nbsp; These can be inspected by the voter before being cast in the ballot box, and also used for both machine and hand recounts, when necessary.&nbsp; Even more crucial are better pay and training for poll workers.&nbsp; In today’s toxic political environment, providing for the security of election workers is also vital–some have received death threats.On the other hand, certain so-called “election security” measures are really just sleazy political tactics.&nbsp; First and foremost is voter “caging,” targeting certain voters (usually people of color living in urban areas) and sending them postcards that must be completed and returned or the voter is removed from the rolls.&nbsp; With most of us overwhelmed with junk mail, these often get tossed out by mistake.&nbsp; The tactic is a blatant attempt to target certain voters and remove them from the rolls.&nbsp; A good election security bill would include a strong, enforceable ban on caging.A good bill would also ban the de-registration of any voter based on name duplicates alone.&nbsp; These do not target actual fraud but rather people who are likely to have similar names.&nbsp; African-American, Latinx, and Asian-American voters are more likely to have similar names than are white non-Hispanic voters, and the tactic is another blatant attempt to de-register targeted groups of people.Kansas elections could indeed be better, but deranged conspiracy theories and legislative sideshows are not the answer.&nbsp; Actual election experts have a number of thoughtful ideas that would make a welcome alternative to the noise and the nonsense.

INSIGHT KANSAS: How to Get Election Security Right

By Stacy Campbell Cottonwood Extension District

The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station fertilizer reports include preliminary results of research conducted on fertilizer use and management practices for crops in Kansas. These studies are conducted across the state, varying from year to year. In this report, research was conducted in Barton, Brown, Clay, Dickinson, Ellis, Franklin, Gove, Jefferson, Jewell, Logan, McPherson, Mitchell, Reno, Republic, Riley, Saline, and Shawnee counties. The research reports included in the 2023 issue are listed below.

· Nitrogen and Phosphorus Rates’ Impact on Different Varieties of Alfalfa in Central Kansas

· Assessing the Impact of the 4R Nutrient Management on Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Corn

· Evaluating the Impact of Long-Term Phosphorus Placement on Corn and Soybean Rotation under Minimum Tillage System

· Could the Use of Nitrification Inhibitor Optimize the Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Corn Production?

· Corn and Soybean Yield as Affected by Cover Crop and Phosphorus Fertilizer Management

· Evaluation of Plant Tissue Analysis to Assess Phosphorus Nutritional Status for Corn and Soybean

· Chloride Fertilization’s Impacts on Kansas Winter Wheat Grain Yield During 2021-2022

· Field Evaluations of Nitrogen-Fixing Products in Grain Sorghum

· Assessing Corn Response to Cover Crops and Nitrogen Fertilization in a No-Till, Three-Year Rotation in Northeast Kansas

· 2022 Fertilizer Station Weather Report To access the Fertilizer Research Report for 2023, https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol9/iss8/

Cover Your Acres Winter Conference – Jan. 17 &amp; 18

The January 10th early bird registration is quickly approaching for Cover Your Acres (CYA) in Oberlin, KS. It is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the Central High Plains region. The same programs will be offered both days of the conference. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. To register or see the conference details go to www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres For question call 785-462-6281.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Stacy Campbell Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station fertilizer reports include preliminary results of research conducted on fertilizer use and management practices for crops in Kansas. These studies are conducted across the state, varying from year to year. In this report, research was conducted in Barton, Brown, Clay, Dickinson, Ellis, Franklin, Gove, Jefferson, Jewell, Logan, McPherson, Mitchell, Reno, Republic, Riley, Saline, and Shawnee counties. The research reports included in the 2023 issue are listed below.· Nitrogen and Phosphorus Rates’ Impact on Different Varieties of Alfalfa in Central Kansas· Assessing the Impact of the 4R Nutrient Management on Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Corn· Evaluating the Impact of Long-Term Phosphorus Placement on Corn and Soybean Rotation under Minimum Tillage System· Could the Use of Nitrification Inhibitor Optimize the Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Corn Production?· Corn and Soybean Yield as Affected by Cover Crop and Phosphorus Fertilizer Management· Evaluation of Plant Tissue Analysis to Assess Phosphorus Nutritional Status for Corn and Soybean· Chloride Fertilization’s Impacts on Kansas Winter Wheat Grain Yield During 2021-2022· Field Evaluations of Nitrogen-Fixing Products in Grain Sorghum· Assessing Corn Response to Cover Crops and Nitrogen Fertilization in a No-Till, Three-Year Rotation in Northeast Kansas· 2022 Fertilizer Station Weather Report To access the Fertilizer Research Report for 2023, https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol9/iss8/Cover Your Acres Winter Conference – Jan. 17 &amp; 18The January 10th early bird registration is quickly approaching for Cover Your Acres (CYA) in Oberlin, KS. It is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the Central High Plains region. The same programs will be offered both days of the conference. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. To register or see the conference details go to www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres For question call 785-462-6281.

Campbell: K-State Fertilizer Research Report available online

Something I recently read discussed how too much information paralyzes humans’ ability to act. The essay focused on vast details, general and specific, available on the internet to most Americans. The author confirmed something I’d guessed--a click of a button immediately delivers copious feedback that overwhelms readers. Ironically, that same info often needs a rewrite after the source investigates further. Nothing like a trip to the market and the return home to find out you don’t have the right product.

Personally, I’m most overwhelmed by product choices at the grocery store. In days of yore, shopping rarely resulted in fried brains—an untrue statement these days. Check out the pharmaceutical aisle. Plan extra time to read packaging small print to determine exactly what you’re buying. I needed eye drops. This turned into multiple-choice exam that involved more than the expected three potential answers. I read through ingredient lists of at least six different companies to determine what I needed. The pain-killer section compounded the headache building behind my eyes.

One side of the aisle in this section contains a minimum of four to five shelves stacked higher than my nearly six-foot frame, all filled with medications designed to address human pain. You can select aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or something else. Be sure to read every detail because some interact with this or cause that. Others have protective coatings to prevent stomach and intestinal issues. In our house, this gets complicated because each of our bodies handles the same product differently. To make matters more difficult, you have to know what delivery system you want for pain relief: fast or slow-release tablets, capsules, syrup, suppositories, or analgesic cream? To complicate matters, you can buy various patches to apply to specific body parts for direct delivery to said site.

If the pharmaceutical aisle hasn’t exhausted your brain, truck over to the dairy aisle. Just the milk section demands a dozen fast decisions. What kind of container do you prefer—plastic or a wax-coated paper product? Do you want pints, quarts, half gallons, or gallons of moo juice? Do you want whole milk or 1 or 2 percent? To complicate matters, options include almond, coconut, or oat milks.

Same aisle, different case: selecting butter demands intense focus. Generic or brand name? Local or delivered from Ireland with a giant carbon foot print? Flavored or regular? Salted or unsalted? In ¼ pound cubes or pound size rectangles? In specialty stores, you’ll find pound-size balls of Amish butter wrapped in wax paper. What started as a quick trip to the market ends up taking forever as you weigh options and calculate expense.

Due to info overload, quick trips to the market don’t exist. For that matter, don’t count on a quick trip to the Quick Trip. Even in stores intended to collect money fast, you have to choose from among several similar products.

As much as I love headache-free cooking with interesting ingredients, this overload leaves me nostalgic for old-time neighborhood markets that offered one choice of everything. All you had to decide was how much you could afford.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Something I recently read discussed how too much information paralyzes humans’ ability to act. The essay focused on vast details, general and specific, available on the internet to most Americans. The author confirmed something I’d guessed--a click of a button immediately delivers copious feedback that overwhelms readers. Ironically, that same info often needs a rewrite after the source investigates further. Nothing like a trip to the market and the return home to find out you don’t have the right product.Personally, I’m most overwhelmed by product choices at the grocery store. In days of yore, shopping rarely resulted in fried brains—an untrue statement these days. Check out the pharmaceutical aisle. Plan extra time to read packaging small print to determine exactly what you’re buying. I needed eye drops. This turned into multiple-choice exam that involved more than the expected three potential answers. I read through ingredient lists of at least six different companies to determine what I needed. The pain-killer section compounded the headache building behind my eyes.One side of the aisle in this section contains a minimum of four to five shelves stacked higher than my nearly six-foot frame, all filled with medications designed to address human pain. You can select aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or something else. Be sure to read every detail because some interact with this or cause that. Others have protective coatings to prevent stomach and intestinal issues. In our house, this gets complicated because each of our bodies handles the same product differently. To make matters more difficult, you have to know what delivery system you want for pain relief: fast or slow-release tablets, capsules, syrup, suppositories, or analgesic cream? To complicate matters, you can buy various patches to apply to specific body parts for direct delivery to said site.If the pharmaceutical aisle hasn’t exhausted your brain, truck over to the dairy aisle. Just the milk section demands a dozen fast decisions. What kind of container do you prefer—plastic or a wax-coated paper product? Do you want pints, quarts, half gallons, or gallons of moo juice? Do you want whole milk or 1 or 2 percent? To complicate matters, options include almond, coconut, or oat milks.Same aisle, different case: selecting butter demands intense focus. Generic or brand name? Local or delivered from Ireland with a giant carbon foot print? Flavored or regular? Salted or unsalted? In ¼ pound cubes or pound size rectangles? In specialty stores, you’ll find pound-size balls of Amish butter wrapped in wax paper. What started as a quick trip to the market ends up taking forever as you weigh options and calculate expense.Due to info overload, quick trips to the market don’t exist. For that matter, don’t count on a quick trip to the Quick Trip. Even in stores intended to collect money fast, you have to choose from among several similar products.As much as I love headache-free cooking with interesting ingredients, this overload leaves me nostalgic for old-time neighborhood markets that offered one choice of everything. All you had to decide was how much you could afford.

MADORIN: Too Many Choices

This January will kick off K-State Extension’s Living Well Wednesday Series on January 10th from 12:10 to 1 pm. Family and Community Wellness Extension agents and specialists facilitate these educational webinars, and this series will focus on women's health.

The January 10th session is titled, ‘Sleep is a Superpower’ because a lot happens while you are sleeping. Inadequate sleep directly affects our relationships, life expectancy, libido, cardiovascular health, immune system, and it contributes to weight gain. Learn how to leverage this superpower for better health during the webinar. Michelle Lane, the Senior Director of Community Wellness and Corporate Health at North Kansas City Hospital, will be presenting on this topic.

On February 14th, we will learn about Women’s Health and Functional Medicine. Women often take care of everyone else before prioritizing their own health. This leads to sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, gut issues, and increased stress which in turn can cause a compromised immune system and other health issues. During this webinar, we’ll look at common root causes of illness in women including the impact that trauma and ACE’s have on well-being. Join us for this informative webinar presented by Joleen Zivnuska, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in Wichita, KS.

The last session on March 13th, we will talk about Navigating Diets, Supplements, and Women’s Health. With so much information on health, it’s hard to know what is true. This session will cover keys to a healthy and balanced diet, discuss how/when to use supplements, and explore wellness tips for women. Learn if medications that facilitate weight loss work for long-term wellness during this informative webinar. Join us and bring your questions as Priscilla

Brenes, State Extension Specialist in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health shares her expertise.

Each webinar is the on the second Wednesday of the month from 12:10 to 1pm. All Living Well Wednesday webinars are recorded and posted on the K-State Extension Wellness Wednesday Website, but make sure to register online to attend live or to receive a link to the recording and information. https://bit.ly/47WAPoN

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>This January will kick off K-State Extension’s Living Well Wednesday Series on January 10th from 12:10 to 1 pm. Family and Community Wellness Extension agents and specialists facilitate these educational webinars, and this series will focus on women's health.The January 10th session is titled, ‘Sleep is a Superpower’ because a lot happens while you are sleeping. Inadequate sleep directly affects our relationships, life expectancy, libido, cardiovascular health, immune system, and it contributes to weight gain. Learn how to leverage this superpower for better health during the webinar. Michelle Lane, the Senior Director of Community Wellness and Corporate Health at North Kansas City Hospital, will be presenting on this topic.On February 14th, we will learn about Women’s Health and Functional Medicine. Women often take care of everyone else before prioritizing their own health. This leads to sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, gut issues, and increased stress which in turn can cause a compromised immune system and other health issues. During this webinar, we’ll look at common root causes of illness in women including the impact that trauma and ACE’s have on well-being. Join us for this informative webinar presented by Joleen Zivnuska, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in Wichita, KS.The last session on March 13th, we will talk about Navigating Diets, Supplements, and Women’s Health. With so much information on health, it’s hard to know what is true. This session will cover keys to a healthy and balanced diet, discuss how/when to use supplements, and explore wellness tips for women. Learn if medications that facilitate weight loss work for long-term wellness during this informative webinar. Join us and bring your questions as PriscillaBrenes, State Extension Specialist in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health shares her expertise.Each webinar is the on the second Wednesday of the month from 12:10 to 1pm. All Living Well Wednesday webinars are recorded and posted on the K-State Extension Wellness Wednesday Website, but make sure to register online to attend live or to receive a link to the recording and information. https://bit.ly/47WAPoNKarissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WINKEL: Women's Health, Living Well Wednesday Series

As 2023 comes to a close Kansans are celebrating the end of another year and looking forward to a new beginning in 2024.

Come January 8th, the state legislature will assemble to embark on its new agenda for the year.

Already, numerous bills and resolutions have been pre-filed for the upcoming session, providing us with a preliminary but incomplete insight into the legislative agenda.

In the House, the chamber will hear pre-filed bills on changing the start of the K-12 school year, amending the definition of “healthcare provider”, allowing direct vehicle sales from manufacturers (such as Tesla), and a proposition to amend Article 9 of the Kansas Constitution concerning counties’ home rule, just to name a few. A full list can be found on the state legislature’s website.

In the Senate, the pre-filed bills were all filed by Senator Holland and focus mostly on fiscal intricacies such as reconfiguring or discontinuing various tax credits. Though one of the bills would prohibit state legislators from accepting any state employment and the lieutenant governor from employment as the head of a state agency.

However, there are many other issues we should expect the legislature to address this session. As always, there will be a big push for Medicaid expansion and marijuana legalization. There inevitably will be some “culture war” bills to restrict access to abortion care and further marginalize gender and sexual minorities. And of course, we can expect lots of disagreement on education funding — both K-12 and higher ed.

Examining the pre-filed bills and the inescapable discussions of these high-profile issues, I find myself compelled to contemplate the fundamental question of the government's role — what it currently is and what it ought to be.

In 1966, political scientist Daniel Elazar wrote his seminal work American Federalism: A View From the States, which focused on state political culture in the United States.

According to Elazar’s framework, Kansas has a moralistic political culture. This means that Kansans view government as a means to better society and promote the general welfare.

States with a moralistic political culture generally advocate for an expanded government role. Such states are inclined to endorse the idea that the government should actively contribute to the public good by allocating resources towards programs aimed at assisting the less fortunate.

Moreover, these states perceive it as a responsibility of public officials to champion the development of new initiatives benefiting marginalized individuals or addressing public policy challenges, even in the absence of significant public demand for such actions.

Even as national polarization has changed the attitudes of Kansas’ Republican majority over the past decade, putting this tradition under tension, the state's moralistic political culture persists. Underscoring the widespread belief that government serves as a vehicle for societal improvement and the advancement of the common welfare.

As legislators embark on the upcoming session, they carry the responsibility of upholding the state’s moralistic tradition. Whether grappling with issues of healthcare, education funding, or constitutional amendments, the overarching theme should be a commitment to the betterment of society, including initiatives that contribute positively to the public good.

But as the year draws to a close and we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, citizens, just as much as legislators, are responsible for steering Kansas toward a future that reflects the collective vision of a state committed to the well-being of all its citizens.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Alexandra MiddlewoodAs 2023 comes to a close Kansans are celebrating the end of another year and looking forward to a new beginning in 2024.Come January 8th, the state legislature will assemble to embark on its new agenda for the year.Already, numerous bills and resolutions have been pre-filed for the upcoming session, providing us with a preliminary but incomplete insight into the legislative agenda.In the House, the chamber will hear pre-filed bills on changing the start of the K-12 school year, amending the definition of “healthcare provider”, allowing direct vehicle sales from manufacturers (such as Tesla), and a proposition to amend Article 9 of the Kansas Constitution concerning counties’ home rule, just to name a few. A full list can be found on the state legislature’s website.In the Senate, the pre-filed bills were all filed by Senator Holland and focus mostly on fiscal intricacies such as reconfiguring or discontinuing various tax credits. Though one of the bills would prohibit state legislators from accepting any state employment and the lieutenant governor from employment as the head of a state agency.However, there are many other issues we should expect the legislature to address this session. As always, there will be a big push for Medicaid expansion and marijuana legalization. There inevitably will be some “culture war” bills to restrict access to abortion care and further marginalize gender and sexual minorities. And of course, we can expect lots of disagreement on education funding — both K-12 and higher ed.Examining the pre-filed bills and the inescapable discussions of these high-profile issues, I find myself compelled to contemplate the fundamental question of the government's role — what it currently is and what it ought to be.In 1966, political scientist Daniel Elazar wrote his seminal work American Federalism: A View From the States, which focused on state political culture in the United States.According to Elazar’s framework, Kansas has a moralistic political culture. This means that Kansans view government as a means to better society and promote the general welfare.States with a moralistic political culture generally advocate for an expanded government role. Such states are inclined to endorse the idea that the government should actively contribute to the public good by allocating resources towards programs aimed at assisting the less fortunate.Moreover, these states perceive it as a responsibility of public officials to champion the development of new initiatives benefiting marginalized individuals or addressing public policy challenges, even in the absence of significant public demand for such actions.Even as national polarization has changed the attitudes of Kansas’ Republican majority over the past decade, putting this tradition under tension, the state's moralistic political culture persists. Underscoring the widespread belief that government serves as a vehicle for societal improvement and the advancement of the common welfare.As legislators embark on the upcoming session, they carry the responsibility of upholding the state’s moralistic tradition. Whether grappling with issues of healthcare, education funding, or constitutional amendments, the overarching theme should be a commitment to the betterment of society, including initiatives that contribute positively to the public good.But as the year draws to a close and we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, citizens, just as much as legislators, are responsible for steering Kansas toward a future that reflects the collective vision of a state committed to the well-being of all its citizens.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The Heart of Kansas' Political Culture and 2024 Legislative Priorities

Well over half of the farmland in Kansas is leased. The person who owns the land doesn’t farm it. As such, agricultural leases are very crucial to most producers. Additionally, many agricultural leases are oral agreements. There is no written and signed lease agreement, it’s word of mouth and a handshake. Roughly forty years ago about 90% of all ag leases were oral. It’s now a lower percentage of that, but there are still many oral leases. Kansas statutes recognize oral ag leases as legal and binding, BUT there are numerous stipulations that govern them.

All oral leases are annual leases that run from March 1 to March 1 and renew automatically unless they are properly terminated. For a lease to be properly terminated it must meet three requirements. First, the notice to terminate must be in writing. Furthermore, it must state that the termination date is March 1 and the notice must be in the tenant’s hands 30 days prior to March 1. Any attempt to terminate a lease that does not meet these three criteria is not legally binding and the lease continues for another year at the terms agreed upon for the previous year.

January is when many leases are renegotiated. It is important to get these negotiations wrapped up soon because if the tenant and landlord cannot agree on new terms, notice needs to be given 30 days prior to March 1st. Kansas statutes treat pasture or range land the same as crop land.

Written leases can state other dates and contain many other stipulations into use of the land. But with an oral lease, in the eyes of the law, the tenant has full control for the entire year of that land including hunting rights. Which are some of the reasons why Extension really encourages written leases!

There are some considerations and exceptions that I need to note. If wheat was already planted on the farmland at the time that proper notice of termination was given, the tenant still has the right to harvest that wheat. Cash rent will be paid as per the prior year’s lease or expenses and crop shared at the previously agreed upon terms. For those acres planted to wheat the lease ends when the crop is harvested. If a perennial forage crop such as alfalfa was planted last fall and a stand was established, then the landowner owes the tenant for all seed, fertilizer, etc., that was used to establish that perennial crop.

The other area that may cause some issues is in fields that will be planted to spring crops. Some of these fields may have already been fertilized this past fall after harvest. Some may even have had herbicides put on for early season weed control pre-plant. If the tenant has applied these inputs and then is terminated properly by the landlord, the landlord owes the tenant for the fertilizer and/or weed control in addition to standard application charges. For cash rent leases that would be the full amount of the inputs applied, for crop share leases it would be the share that the tenant has paid for.

Lastly to avoid terminating leases—communication is so vitally important for both parties to visit at least a few times a year. By doing this hopefully questions and concerns can be talked about and addressed before they become problems.

For further information on leasing agricultural land go to www.agmanager.info click onto the Farm Management tab. Also, you can contact your local County or District Extension Office. The Cottonwood Extension Offices, Hays 785-628-9430 and Great Bend 620-793-1910.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Well over half of the farmland in Kansas is leased. The person who owns the land doesn’t farm it. As such, agricultural leases are very crucial to most producers. Additionally, many agricultural leases are oral agreements. There is no written and signed lease agreement, it’s word of mouth and a handshake. Roughly forty years ago about 90% of all ag leases were oral. It’s now a lower percentage of that, but there are still many oral leases. Kansas statutes recognize oral ag leases as legal and binding, BUT there are numerous stipulations that govern them.All oral leases are annual leases that run from March 1 to March 1 and renew automatically unless they are properly terminated. For a lease to be properly terminated it must meet three requirements. First, the notice to terminate must be in writing. Furthermore, it must state that the termination date is March 1 and the notice must be in the tenant’s hands 30 days prior to March 1. Any attempt to terminate a lease that does not meet these three criteria is not legally binding and the lease continues for another year at the terms agreed upon for the previous year.January is when many leases are renegotiated. It is important to get these negotiations wrapped up soon because if the tenant and landlord cannot agree on new terms, notice needs to be given 30 days prior to March 1st. Kansas statutes treat pasture or range land the same as crop land.Written leases can state other dates and contain many other stipulations into use of the land. But with an oral lease, in the eyes of the law, the tenant has full control for the entire year of that land including hunting rights. Which are some of the reasons why Extension really encourages written leases!There are some considerations and exceptions that I need to note. If wheat was already planted on the farmland at the time that proper notice of termination was given, the tenant still has the right to harvest that wheat. Cash rent will be paid as per the prior year’s lease or expenses and crop shared at the previously agreed upon terms. For those acres planted to wheat the lease ends when the crop is harvested. If a perennial forage crop such as alfalfa was planted last fall and a stand was established, then the landowner owes the tenant for all seed, fertilizer, etc., that was used to establish that perennial crop.The other area that may cause some issues is in fields that will be planted to spring crops. Some of these fields may have already been fertilized this past fall after harvest. Some may even have had herbicides put on for early season weed control pre-plant. If the tenant has applied these inputs and then is terminated properly by the landlord, the landlord owes the tenant for the fertilizer and/or weed control in addition to standard application charges. For cash rent leases that would be the full amount of the inputs applied, for crop share leases it would be the share that the tenant has paid for.Lastly to avoid terminating leases—communication is so vitally important for both parties to visit at least a few times a year. By doing this hopefully questions and concerns can be talked about and addressed before they become problems.For further information on leasing agricultural land go to www.agmanager.info click onto the Farm Management tab. Also, you can contact your local County or District Extension Office. The Cottonwood Extension Offices, Hays 785-628-9430 and Great Bend 620-793-1910.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Agricultural lease deadline

Driving around town in January, expect to spot the Christmas tree mulch site. Some old trees tossed willy-nilly inside bright orange snow-fence still sport shiny tinsel, forlorn remains of holiday décor. The tugs at my heartstrings shouldn’t surprise me since discarded Christmas trees never fail to trigger brief sorrow.

I had to ask why this sight causes such a reaction. Part of it involves acknowledging another year has passed. Flipping a calendar page doesn’t affect me nearly as strongly as that stack of evergreens waiting to pass through a mulcher. Seeing wood chips instead of trees forces me to accept the date I write on checks.

The greatest reason this discard pile tilts my emotional Richter scale has to do with Christmas associations. Early memories center on Christmas trees. Bright bulbs, sparkling tinsel, and my mother’s collection of old ornaments fascinated me. As a tot, I treasured holding sparkling birds and delicate bulbs in my tiny palm before Mom gently hung them from a branch. Even then, I understood these recorded family stories.

Mom decorated modest evergreens that fit in various tiny living rooms over the years, but trips to Grandma’s meant blue lights and bulbs on a big aluminum tree. Other seasons, a rotating light wheel hypnotized me with its rainbow of ever-changing color reflecting off a snow-white tree. Grandma enjoyed variety.

As an adult with my own daughters, I preferred modest evergreens similar to those my parents selected. For years, the girls and I tramped Pinney Pines’ fields following Thanksgiving. We searched exhaustively for a tree containing a bird nest because lore said that brought good luck in the new year.

Often, we slogged over swampy ground until mud-covered blobs coated our shoes before we found the treasure we sought. After Mr. Pinney cut it, we carried our treasure home only to discover lop-sided branches or a crooked trunk. Who cared because it had a bird nest? My husband, whose job it was to fit the tree in the stand, did. More than once, he wished we’d find more balanced showcases for beloved ornaments.

After he secured the tree in its stand, wrapping it in lights and hanging ornaments captured the girls’ and my attention. As years pass, I treasure this moment more intensely. Opening our ornament box reminds me of raising the lid on a sacred chest of memory. Wrinkles, weight, and gray hair fall away until I am a new bride decorating a tiny tree with homemade ornaments and one store bought trinket I pinched pennies to buy. Baubles depicting babies, pets, new trucks, ballerinas, mules, horses, Santa fishing, and new homes commemorate lifetime landmarks. Sitting in the dark with only Christmas lights shining creates the perfect setting to give thanks for each ornament and its associated memories.

A sage once said, “One can’t experience joy if one doesn’t know sadness.” This statement describes our Christmas tree perfectly. If putting away ornaments and taking the tree down didn’t sadden me, I wouldn’t feel near the joy putting it up and hanging memories that celebrate a lifetime of joys.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Driving around town in January, expect to spot the Christmas tree mulch site. Some old trees tossed willy-nilly inside bright orange snow-fence still sport shiny tinsel, forlorn remains of holiday décor. The tugs at my heartstrings shouldn’t surprise me since discarded Christmas trees never fail to trigger brief sorrow.I had to ask why this sight causes such a reaction. Part of it involves acknowledging another year has passed. Flipping a calendar page doesn’t affect me nearly as strongly as that stack of evergreens waiting to pass through a mulcher. Seeing wood chips instead of trees forces me to accept the date I write on checks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703195478779.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The greatest reason this discard pile tilts my emotional Richter scale has to do with Christmas associations. Early memories center on Christmas trees. Bright bulbs, sparkling tinsel, and my mother’s collection of old ornaments fascinated me. As a tot, I treasured holding sparkling birds and delicate bulbs in my tiny palm before Mom gently hung them from a branch. Even then, I understood these recorded family stories.Mom decorated modest evergreens that fit in various tiny living rooms over the years, but trips to Grandma’s meant blue lights and bulbs on a big aluminum tree. Other seasons, a rotating light wheel hypnotized me with its rainbow of ever-changing color reflecting off a snow-white tree. Grandma enjoyed variety.As an adult with my own daughters, I preferred modest evergreens similar to those my parents selected. For years, the girls and I tramped Pinney Pines’ fields following Thanksgiving. We searched exhaustively for a tree containing a bird nest because lore said that brought good luck in the new year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703195508053.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Often, we slogged over swampy ground until mud-covered blobs coated our shoes before we found the treasure we sought. After Mr. Pinney cut it, we carried our treasure home only to discover lop-sided branches or a crooked trunk. Who cared because it had a bird nest? My husband, whose job it was to fit the tree in the stand, did. More than once, he wished we’d find more balanced showcases for beloved ornaments.After he secured the tree in its stand, wrapping it in lights and hanging ornaments captured the girls’ and my attention. As years pass, I treasure this moment more intensely. Opening our ornament box reminds me of raising the lid on a sacred chest of memory. Wrinkles, weight, and gray hair fall away until I am a new bride decorating a tiny tree with homemade ornaments and one store bought trinket I pinched pennies to buy. Baubles depicting babies, pets, new trucks, ballerinas, mules, horses, Santa fishing, and new homes commemorate lifetime landmarks. Sitting in the dark with only Christmas lights shining creates the perfect setting to give thanks for each ornament and its associated memories.A sage once said, “One can’t experience joy if one doesn’t know sadness.” This statement describes our Christmas tree perfectly. If putting away ornaments and taking the tree down didn’t sadden me, I wouldn’t feel near the joy putting it up and hanging memories that celebrate a lifetime of joys.

MADORIN: Discarded Christmas Trees and Memories

Refresh – Webster’s Dictionary defines refresh as to restore strength and animation, or to restore or maintain by renewing supply.&nbsp;

A book I am reading described busy times, and especially the holidays, as a singer trying to maintain a high note without a breath. I like this analogy as we can get caught in the busyness of any season and forget what it feels like to just stop and rest; to truly refresh.&nbsp;

In our 4-H world, many people don’t realize that the number of tasks, planning, and events are just as busy in October, November, and December as we are during the fair. It is very much trying to maintain that high note without a breath!&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the midst of holiday gatherings, community events, and family activities, I hope that each of you can set aside the lists and hurry to slow down and enjoy the people around you. A friend modeled this over the weekend; she had dozens of tasks on her to-do list but realized that one of her favorite musicals was on tv. She stopped and enjoyed a couple of hours getting caught up in the familiar songs and story. Yes, she still had lots to do but that break helped her to feel refreshed and ready to tackle her list in a different way.&nbsp;

Kids can absolutely help with many tasks on our list. Does it take a little longer? Possibly! But you may also be helping them learn important skills and building memories in ways that you can’t begin to imagine! Will they do it exactly as you would? Maybe not but keep the focus on their help and the learning process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

My own family does things a little differently than I do whether household tasks, yard work, or cooking and I have learned to just roll with it! My husband folds towels differently than I do; it doesn’t make it wrong and, at the end of the day, the towels are folded and put away!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our offices will be closed from December 23 through January 1 as we also take time to rest and refresh! My holiday wish for each of you is a bit of time to refresh your own spirit and schedule.&nbsp;

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.&nbsp;

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 <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu" target="_blank">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.&nbsp;

<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." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Refresh – Webster’s Dictionary defines refresh as to restore strength and animation, or to restore or maintain by renewing supply.&nbsp;A book I am reading described busy times, and especially the holidays, as a singer trying to maintain a high note without a breath. I like this analogy as we can get caught in the busyness of any season and forget what it feels like to just stop and rest; to truly refresh.&nbsp;In our 4-H world, many people don’t realize that the number of tasks, planning, and events are just as busy in October, November, and December as we are during the fair. It is very much trying to maintain that high note without a breath!&nbsp;&nbsp;In the midst of holiday gatherings, community events, and family activities, I hope that each of you can set aside the lists and hurry to slow down and enjoy the people around you. A friend modeled this over the weekend; she had dozens of tasks on her to-do list but realized that one of her favorite musicals was on tv. She stopped and enjoyed a couple of hours getting caught up in the familiar songs and story. Yes, she still had lots to do but that break helped her to feel refreshed and ready to tackle her list in a different way.&nbsp;Kids can absolutely help with many tasks on our list. Does it take a little longer? Possibly! But you may also be helping them learn important skills and building memories in ways that you can’t begin to imagine! Will they do it exactly as you would? Maybe not but keep the focus on their help and the learning process.&nbsp;&nbsp;My own family does things a little differently than I do whether household tasks, yard work, or cooking and I have learned to just roll with it! My husband folds towels differently than I do; it doesn’t make it wrong and, at the end of the day, the towels are folded and put away!&nbsp;&nbsp;Our offices will be closed from December 23 through January 1 as we also take time to rest and refresh! My holiday wish for each of you is a bit of time to refresh your own spirit and schedule.&nbsp;Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.&nbsp;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 <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu" target="_blank">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.&nbsp;Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.&nbsp;

BERAN: Refresh

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring EXCEPT that darn mouse. It chewed and it rustled so to honor my spouse, I set out some traps for that darn pesky mouse.

We don’t have a chimney, or mantle or poker And the nearest we own to a fireplace is a smoker. Our stockings were all holey and strewn under the bed, So our old hunting boots hung by the smoker instead.

Our puppy was nestled all snug in her bed Under the laundry room table with her stuffed toy named Fred. She quivered and whimpered; to watch her was funny As she dreamed she would finally corral that ol’ bunny.

My pj’s were long johns, all cozy and white And I crawled into bed and turned out the light. Deer season had ended with no deer in the shed So visions of deer jerky danced in my head.

My wife lay beside me in jammies of red She was already dreaming of Claus and his sled, When out in the drive there arose such a ruckus I sprang from my bed to see what had struck us.

I should have known not to “spring” from my bed Cause I busted my big toe and clobbered my head. As I limped up the hallway I grabbed my deer rifle I’d show them I was someone with whom not to trifle!

I peered out the window and what did I see? Why old Santa himself, alive as could be. And there stood old Rudolf in all of his glory, With his nose shining brightly just like in the story.

But all I could see was his head on my wall . With that bright red nose twinkling to brighten my hall. His rack was enormous, at least twenty points, The thought of its score made me weak in my joints

I wanted that rack, whether legal or not, So I eased out the door to line up my shot. I clicked off the safety and steadied myself So I wouldn’t endanger the Jolly Old Elf.

Now remember those traps I’d set out before? Well there happened to be one right by the door. While I tried to be sneaky so no one would know, That trap clamped its jaws around my sore big toe.

I jerked on the trigger and the shot went astray And ended up lodged in the front of the sleigh. The reindeer all spooked and yanked on the sled Dumping St Nick on the floor on his head.

They shot out the drive as slick as a whistle And away they all flew like the down of a thistle, But I heard him exclaim as they drove out of sight Rudolph you blockhead; no more deer hunters tonight!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring EXCEPT that darn mouse. It chewed and it rustled so to honor my spouse, I set out some traps for that darn pesky mouse.We don’t have a chimney, or mantle or poker And the nearest we own to a fireplace is a smoker. Our stockings were all holey and strewn under the bed, So our old hunting boots hung by the smoker instead.Our puppy was nestled all snug in her bed Under the laundry room table with her stuffed toy named Fred. She quivered and whimpered; to watch her was funny As she dreamed she would finally corral that ol’ bunny. My pj’s were long johns, all cozy and white And I crawled into bed and turned out the light. Deer season had ended with no deer in the shed So visions of deer jerky danced in my head.My wife lay beside me in jammies of red She was already dreaming of Claus and his sled, When out in the drive there arose such a ruckus I sprang from my bed to see what had struck us.I should have known not to “spring” from my bed Cause I busted my big toe and clobbered my head. As I limped up the hallway I grabbed my deer rifle I’d show them I was someone with whom not to trifle!I peered out the window and what did I see? Why old Santa himself, alive as could be. And there stood old Rudolf in all of his glory, With his nose shining brightly just like in the story.But all I could see was his head on my wall . With that bright red nose twinkling to brighten my hall. His rack was enormous, at least twenty points, The thought of its score made me weak in my jointsI wanted that rack, whether legal or not, So I eased out the door to line up my shot. I clicked off the safety and steadied myself So I wouldn’t endanger the Jolly Old Elf.Now remember those traps I’d set out before? Well there happened to be one right by the door. While I tried to be sneaky so no one would know, That trap clamped its jaws around my sore big toe.I jerked on the trigger and the shot went astray And ended up lodged in the front of the sleigh. The reindeer all spooked and yanked on the sled Dumping St Nick on the floor on his head.They shot out the drive as slick as a whistle And away they all flew like the down of a thistle, But I heard him exclaim as they drove out of sight Rudolph you blockhead; no more deer hunters tonight!

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Twas the Night before Christmas

One of the great themes of the Christmas season is surprise. Every child excited for Christmas morning understands it: the sense of wonder that comes along with an unexpected gift. From a Savior born in a manger to a present that reveals the care of a co-worker or friend, this season is all about surprises.

Politics is rarely characterized by wonder, and it would be wrong to put legislative bills or government actions on the same level as Christmas gifts, whether earthly or divine. Yet, I fear this legitimate caution might lead us to wrongly ignore just how surprising Governor Kelly’s latest proposal for Medicaid expansion really is. This Christmas season, it’s worth reflecting upon--and upon the responses to it from other legislative leaders too.

Everyone knows that Medicaid expansion, something that has been enacted by every state around Kansas and has the support of 70% of all Kansans, has always been Kelly’s largest legislative aim, and also the one which the Republican leadership has been most determined to deny her, regularly refusing to allow votes on the topic, even as a majority of Republicans state-wide agree with the need to expand the policy.

In this latest proposal, Kelly calls the Republican opposition’s bluff, by gifting them concessions on practically all their specific policy objections.

In regards to the objection that Medicaid must be denied to the working poor so as to protect funds earmarked for Kansas’s most vulnerable citizens, the proposal has a work requirement (something that puts our governor at odds with the Biden administration). In regards to objections that Medicaid might be used to support reproductive services which many Kansans morally oppose, the proposal limits any medical support for abortion solely to cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother is directly threatened (something that puts our governor at odds with her own Democratic party, and possibly the Kansas Supreme Court as well).

Obviously no policy proposal will ever come through legislative debates and deal-making unscathed, so it’s possible to see these concessions as feints that the governor assumes won’t survive anyway. Republican leaders like Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have both treated it that way, condescendingly praising the governor for validating their concerns but dismissing her proposal as “smoke and mirrors” nonetheless.

That is, I think, an ungenerous response. Why not instead recognize this proposal for what it is: a genuinely remarkable offering, putting some truly surprising options on the negotiating table?

After all, work requirements have a contentious history, with complicated enforcement rules, little track record of success, and deep opposition from welfare advocates. And in the wake of the strong defeat—heavily influenced by young women voters—of the abortion-rights-denying Value Them Both amendment last year, proposing rules that would limit the exercise of those rights seems like the last thing a Democratic politician like Kelly would do. And yet here both of them are, waiting to be torn into by Republican legislators, like wrapped presents beneath a tree.

I think this is the best way to view Governor Kelly’s Medicaid proposal: not as a gambit, but as a gift, a surprising attempt by an outgoing governor to make certain all the elite objections to this overwhelmingly popular policy are heard and met. Unexpected Christmas surprises are not always well-received, and unfortunately, this one likely won’t be either. But in the spirit of the season, we should appreciate it nonetheless.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the great themes of the Christmas season is surprise. Every child excited for Christmas morning understands it: the sense of wonder that comes along with an unexpected gift. From a Savior born in a manger to a present that reveals the care of a co-worker or friend, this season is all about surprises.Politics is rarely characterized by wonder, and it would be wrong to put legislative bills or government actions on the same level as Christmas gifts, whether earthly or divine. Yet, I fear this legitimate caution might lead us to wrongly ignore just how surprising Governor Kelly’s latest proposal for Medicaid expansion really is. This Christmas season, it’s worth reflecting upon--and upon the responses to it from other legislative leaders too.Everyone knows that Medicaid expansion, something that has been enacted by every state around Kansas and has the support of 70% of all Kansans, has always been Kelly’s largest legislative aim, and also the one which the Republican leadership has been most determined to deny her, regularly refusing to allow votes on the topic, even as a majority of Republicans state-wide agree with the need to expand the policy.In this latest proposal, Kelly calls the Republican opposition’s bluff, by gifting them concessions on practically all their specific policy objections.In regards to the objection that Medicaid must be denied to the working poor so as to protect funds earmarked for Kansas’s most vulnerable citizens, the proposal has a work requirement (something that puts our governor at odds with the Biden administration). In regards to objections that Medicaid might be used to support reproductive services which many Kansans morally oppose, the proposal limits any medical support for abortion solely to cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother is directly threatened (something that puts our governor at odds with her own Democratic party, and possibly the Kansas Supreme Court as well).Obviously no policy proposal will ever come through legislative debates and deal-making unscathed, so it’s possible to see these concessions as feints that the governor assumes won’t survive anyway. Republican leaders like Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson have both treated it that way, condescendingly praising the governor for validating their concerns but dismissing her proposal as “smoke and mirrors” nonetheless.That is, I think, an ungenerous response. Why not instead recognize this proposal for what it is: a genuinely remarkable offering, putting some truly surprising options on the negotiating table?After all, work requirements have a contentious history, with complicated enforcement rules, little track record of success, and deep opposition from welfare advocates. And in the wake of the strong defeat—heavily influenced by young women voters—of the abortion-rights-denying Value Them Both amendment last year, proposing rules that would limit the exercise of those rights seems like the last thing a Democratic politician like Kelly would do. And yet here both of them are, waiting to be torn into by Republican legislators, like wrapped presents beneath a tree.I think this is the best way to view Governor Kelly’s Medicaid proposal: not as a gambit, but as a gift, a surprising attempt by an outgoing governor to make certain all the elite objections to this overwhelmingly popular policy are heard and met. Unexpected Christmas surprises are not always well-received, and unfortunately, this one likely won’t be either. But in the spirit of the season, we should appreciate it nonetheless.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Appreciating (or not) a Christmas Medicaid surprise

Did you know that Kansas State University has a “Farm Analyst” program which offers one-on-one consultation, using active farmers, ranchers and extension agents who are trained as K-State Research and Extension analysts. The program has provided assistance to more than 1,000 farm families.

The Farm Analyst program in fact has a long history of helping farm families review their finances and make a financial plan.

A lot of people will work with the farm analyst, when it's better times financially, and they can help them with their budgets to try to figure out how they're going to manage (long term).

Some families, work with a farm analyst annually while others only consult with an analyst when they are looking at an expansion, experiencing a financial difficulty, or making a major change.

A farm analyst will go out to the farm and work with the family for the day, going through all of their finances. This is available to farmers across Kansas or anybody who has a land ownership interest in Kansas.

Analysts use a financial tool called FinPack to build a full financial analysis of the operation. It allows them to look at alternatives side by side and try to consider every aspect of a change someone might be looking at making.

A common scenario is exploring land purchases. The farm analyst person can help analyze a land purchase by taking into consideration the loan, property taxes, acres, and the likely revenue and expenses associated with the purchase.

When producers provide them with the best information that they have. Then, the farm analyst can put together something that can be a tool to make more informed decisions.

To schedule a farm analysis, or for inquiries interested families can call the Kansas Agriculture Mediation Service at 800-321-3276, email kams@ksu.edu or visit www.ksu.edu/kams/

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Did you know that Kansas State University has a “Farm Analyst” program which offers one-on-one consultation, using active farmers, ranchers and extension agents who are trained as K-State Research and Extension analysts. The program has provided assistance to more than 1,000 farm families.The Farm Analyst program in fact has a long history of helping farm families review their finances and make a financial plan.A lot of people will work with the farm analyst, when it's better times financially, and they can help them with their budgets to try to figure out how they're going to manage (long term).Some families, work with a farm analyst annually while others only consult with an analyst when they are looking at an expansion, experiencing a financial difficulty, or making a major change.A farm analyst will go out to the farm and work with the family for the day, going through all of their finances. This is available to farmers across Kansas or anybody who has a land ownership interest in Kansas.Analysts use a financial tool called FinPack to build a full financial analysis of the operation. It allows them to look at alternatives side by side and try to consider every aspect of a change someone might be looking at making.A common scenario is exploring land purchases. The farm analyst person can help analyze a land purchase by taking into consideration the loan, property taxes, acres, and the likely revenue and expenses associated with the purchase.When producers provide them with the best information that they have. Then, the farm analyst can put together something that can be a tool to make more informed decisions.To schedule a farm analysis, or for inquiries interested families can call the Kansas Agriculture Mediation Service at 800-321-3276, email kams@ksu.edu or visit www.ksu.edu/kams/Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

Campbell: Farm analyst program helps Kansas producers make financial decisions

The FHSU Shotgun Team once again proved its prowess in the shooting sports, achieving remarkable success during the fall 2023 season. Notably, the team comprises 36 members, with 20 on the varsity team and 16 on the junior varsity team. With a rich history and a roster of talented athletes, the team has solidified its reputation as one of the finest in the nation.

The team traces its roots to 2005 when six enthusiastic freshmen approached Dr. Duane Shepherd, who then organized and established the FHSU Shotgun Team as a recognized student organization. Since then, the team has amassed an enviable record of accomplishments, including 120 competition wins in the past 18 years.

Under the guidance of Dr. Shepherd and his wife, Teresa, the team has become a force to be reckoned with in the Prairie Circuit Conference, which they created in 2011. This conference has grown to include teams from Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota. FHSU has remarkably won 11 out of the 13 conference championships.

Moreover, the team has shone brightly on the national stage, clinching ten national championships since 2013. These victories span Collegiate Shooting Sports Organizations such as ACUI, SCTP, and NCSSAA, attesting to the team's well-rounded skillset.

Throughout its history, the team has also produced around 40 All-Americans, a testament to the dedication and talent nurtured within its ranks.

The team's success is not without support. For example, in partnership with the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club and inspired by a generous lead gift from Lorena Kellogg and her late husband, Wilmer, the University recently celebrated the opening of the Kellogg Training Center. Other individuals and businesses followed suit and contributed to bringing the project to fruition.

The Kellogg Training Center provides additional resources to build upon the team’s accomplishments. An on-site office provides head coach Jerrod Lies, an FHSU Shotgun Team alum and former assistant coach, a space to meet with and mentor team members and potential recruits. In addition, the new reloading room allows multiple members at a time to reload shells efficiently. With the team firing approximately 90,000 rounds in practice and 75,000 rounds in competition during the fall semester alone, the commitment and investment required for success cannot be understated.

The Fall 2023 season is a testament to the team's unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. The varsity team maintained an impressive record of 6-1, earning first-place honors in six competitions and second place in another. The junior varsity team also displayed outstanding performances, with several second and third-place finishes.

FHSU consistently demonstrated its superiority throughout the season, boasting the highest male and female shooters in most competitions. At five varsity competitions, FHSU's team members claimed the highest scores among female participants, and at six events, they secured coveted spots as the top three female shooters.

True “road warriors,” the team traveled more than 10,000 miles to compete in Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, and Colorado while always representing Fort Hays State University with professionalism and strong values.

Personal records were shattered, new personal bests were achieved, and individual team members made their mark on the sport. One such standout athlete, Alex Hunter, a senior from Hickman, Nebraska, discovered his passion for shooting in the sixth grade. Hunter credits the FHSU Shotgun Team and their continuous pursuit of improvement for shaping his outlook on life and shooting. He plans to graduate with a construction management degree and hopes to become a project manager for a construction company.

Another influential team member, Logan Smith, echoes the sentiment of personal and team growth within the FHSU Shotgun Team. Originally from Burwell, Nebraska, Smith found his passion for competitive shooting at an early age, leading him to choose Fort Hays State University for its outstanding shooting program. The dedication and resilience required to excel on this team helped Smith develop invaluable life skills that he hopes to leverage to turn his degree in Criminal Justice into a job as a Game Warden after graduation.

Lexi Wickham, a senior from Houston, Texas, illustrates the team's impact on personal and academic success. Growing up hunting on her family farm, Wickham had a natural affinity for shooting sports, ultimately choosing FHSU to continue her shooting career. As a six-year senior, Wickham acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice required to excel in this sport and believes these lessons will translate into a successful career in the agriculture industry.

As the team prepares for their future endeavors, they carry the memories, friendships, and life lessons that only a journey with the FHSU Shotgun Team can provide. Plans for their upcoming spring competitions will take them to Las Vegas, Nevada; San Antonio, Texas (twice); Lincoln, Nebraska; and Stillwater, Oklahoma. Driven by their past successes and aiming for even greater achievements, the team is eager to push its limits and represent Fort Hays State University with unparalleled excellence.

The FHSU Shotgun Team's dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit have established them as a powerhouse in collegiate shooting sports. Supported by the university and enthusiastic sponsors, this exceptional team continues to make Fort Hays State University proud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>The FHSU Shotgun Team once again proved its prowess in the shooting sports, achieving remarkable success during the fall 2023 season. Notably, the team comprises 36 members, with 20 on the varsity team and 16 on the junior varsity team. With a rich history and a roster of talented athletes, the team has solidified its reputation as one of the finest in the nation.The team traces its roots to 2005 when six enthusiastic freshmen approached Dr. Duane Shepherd, who then organized and established the FHSU Shotgun Team as a recognized student organization. Since then, the team has amassed an enviable record of accomplishments, including 120 competition wins in the past 18 years.Under the guidance of Dr. Shepherd and his wife, Teresa, the team has become a force to be reckoned with in the Prairie Circuit Conference, which they created in 2011. This conference has grown to include teams from Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota. FHSU has remarkably won 11 out of the 13 conference championships.Moreover, the team has shone brightly on the national stage, clinching ten national championships since 2013. These victories span Collegiate Shooting Sports Organizations such as ACUI, SCTP, and NCSSAA, attesting to the team's well-rounded skillset.Throughout its history, the team has also produced around 40 All-Americans, a testament to the dedication and talent nurtured within its ranks.The team's success is not without support. For example, in partnership with the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club and inspired by a generous lead gift from Lorena Kellogg and her late husband, Wilmer, the University recently celebrated the opening of the Kellogg Training Center. Other individuals and businesses followed suit and contributed to bringing the project to fruition.The Kellogg Training Center provides additional resources to build upon the team’s accomplishments. An on-site office provides head coach Jerrod Lies, an FHSU Shotgun Team alum and former assistant coach, a space to meet with and mentor team members and potential recruits. In addition, the new reloading room allows multiple members at a time to reload shells efficiently. With the team firing approximately 90,000 rounds in practice and 75,000 rounds in competition during the fall semester alone, the commitment and investment required for success cannot be understated.The Fall 2023 season is a testament to the team's unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. The varsity team maintained an impressive record of 6-1, earning first-place honors in six competitions and second place in another. The junior varsity team also displayed outstanding performances, with several second and third-place finishes.FHSU consistently demonstrated its superiority throughout the season, boasting the highest male and female shooters in most competitions. At five varsity competitions, FHSU's team members claimed the highest scores among female participants, and at six events, they secured coveted spots as the top three female shooters.True “road warriors,” the team traveled more than 10,000 miles to compete in Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, and Colorado while always representing Fort Hays State University with professionalism and strong values.Personal records were shattered, new personal bests were achieved, and individual team members made their mark on the sport. One such standout athlete, Alex Hunter, a senior from Hickman, Nebraska, discovered his passion for shooting in the sixth grade. Hunter credits the FHSU Shotgun Team and their continuous pursuit of improvement for shaping his outlook on life and shooting. He plans to graduate with a construction management degree and hopes to become a project manager for a construction company.Another influential team member, Logan Smith, echoes the sentiment of personal and team growth within the FHSU Shotgun Team. Originally from Burwell, Nebraska, Smith found his passion for competitive shooting at an early age, leading him to choose Fort Hays State University for its outstanding shooting program. The dedication and resilience required to excel on this team helped Smith develop invaluable life skills that he hopes to leverage to turn his degree in Criminal Justice into a job as a Game Warden after graduation.Lexi Wickham, a senior from Houston, Texas, illustrates the team's impact on personal and academic success. Growing up hunting on her family farm, Wickham had a natural affinity for shooting sports, ultimately choosing FHSU to continue her shooting career. As a six-year senior, Wickham acknowledges the dedication and sacrifice required to excel in this sport and believes these lessons will translate into a successful career in the agriculture industry.As the team prepares for their future endeavors, they carry the memories, friendships, and life lessons that only a journey with the FHSU Shotgun Team can provide. Plans for their upcoming spring competitions will take them to Las Vegas, Nevada; San Antonio, Texas (twice); Lincoln, Nebraska; and Stillwater, Oklahoma. Driven by their past successes and aiming for even greater achievements, the team is eager to push its limits and represent Fort Hays State University with unparalleled excellence.The FHSU Shotgun Team's dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit have established them as a powerhouse in collegiate shooting sports. Supported by the university and enthusiastic sponsors, this exceptional team continues to make Fort Hays State University proud.

Heart of a Tiger: FHSU Shotgun Team continues dominance in fall feason

Following area museum social media paid off big time Dec. 10. Rooks County Historical Museum promoted a Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering, and Western Kansas folks demonstrated the meaning of gather. The enthusiastic crowd had the venue bursting at the seams! Thanks to a good sound system, those in the museum area could hear Ron’s and Jeff’s engaging performance from the chapel area.

Despite unexpectedly numerous participants, museum employees and volunteers covered their bases. They loaded a table with assorted Christmas cookies and healthy snacks so anyone who left hungry did so of their own accord. Someone or multiple someone’s creatively and beautifully decorated trees and placed them among displays that tell Rooks County stories. Guests who didn’t manage to find a seat in the presentation area until after other attendees left during intermission could listen to poetry, music, and banter while snacking or appreciating colorful Christmas decor.

Adding to the festivities, a Cowboy Santa happened to pass through and agreeably posed for photos with young and old. Not far from him, participants bid on donated silent auction items whose proceeds will support future museum programming.

When planning the event, manager Rick Gianni and Rooks County Historical Society Board chose to celebrate writing that “embodies the work and grit of the American Cowboy.” They invited multi-talented ranchers and writers/musicians Ron Wilson, owner of the Lazy T near Manhattan, and Jeff Davidson, a cattleman who calls Eureka, Kansas, home. These fellas know cattle business, its history, and the multi-faceted Kansas prairie. They could have presented a month-long seminar and barely have scratched their knowledge base. Better yet, they translate information into clever and touching poems and songs. Jeff’s knack for putting other people’s words, including Mary Powell’s and Ron’s, to music touched the audience’s hearts. Both have memories like elephants, which they demonstrated as they performed one song or poem after another without looking at a script. Wilson even wrote and autographed an original poem specifically for this event, handing every guest a copy. Apparently, he does this for all their presentations.

Area ranchers, cowboys, historians, and others who love a good celebration packed the place, enjoying catching up with one another pre-show, during intermission, and afterwards. As I walked through the crowd, I hugged or fist bumped several long-time friends while over-hearing people reminisce about good and bad days gone by.

While director Gianni commit his efforts to honoring Rooks County stories and people, he also plans to explore how they fit into Western Kansas history. Based on how many attendees came from neighboring counties to enjoy this show, his plan is working. He made a point of honoring county and area historians Don Rowlison, Leo Oliva, Angela Bates, and Ed Lowry. He acknowledged the Cottonwood Foundation’s support. All those listed have documented our region’s unique attributes along with revealing how it fits into much bigger pictures.

Clearly, Kansans hunger to learn more about how this region developed and those involved. Keep an eye on events coming out of Rooks County. Those living in wide-open spaces don’t complain about driving distances. In this case, the pay-off included tasty holiday treats, seeing old friends, and listening to extremely talented performers who vividly reminded us we live in a special place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Following area museum social media paid off big time Dec. 10. Rooks County Historical Museum promoted a Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering, and Western Kansas folks demonstrated the meaning of gather. The enthusiastic crowd had the venue bursting at the seams! Thanks to a good sound system, those in the museum area could hear Ron’s and Jeff’s engaging performance from the chapel area.Despite unexpectedly numerous participants, museum employees and volunteers covered their bases. They loaded a table with assorted Christmas cookies and healthy snacks so anyone who left hungry did so of their own accord. Someone or multiple someone’s creatively and beautifully decorated trees and placed them among displays that tell Rooks County stories. Guests who didn’t manage to find a seat in the presentation area until after other attendees left during intermission could listen to poetry, music, and banter while snacking or appreciating colorful Christmas decor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702674428212.jpeg" alt="Jeff Davidson Cowboy (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Davidson Cowboy (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Adding to the festivities, a Cowboy Santa happened to pass through and agreeably posed for photos with young and old. Not far from him, participants bid on donated silent auction items whose proceeds will support future museum programming.When planning the event, manager Rick Gianni and Rooks County Historical Society Board chose to celebrate writing that “embodies the work and grit of the American Cowboy.” They invited multi-talented ranchers and writers/musicians Ron Wilson, owner of the Lazy T near Manhattan, and Jeff Davidson, a cattleman who calls Eureka, Kansas, home. These fellas know cattle business, its history, and the multi-faceted Kansas prairie. They could have presented a month-long seminar and barely have scratched their knowledge base. Better yet, they translate information into clever and touching poems and songs. Jeff’s knack for putting other people’s words, including Mary Powell’s and Ron’s, to music touched the audience’s hearts. Both have memories like elephants, which they demonstrated as they performed one song or poem after another without looking at a script. Wilson even wrote and autographed an original poem specifically for this event, handing every guest a copy. Apparently, he does this for all their presentations.Area ranchers, cowboys, historians, and others who love a good celebration packed the place, enjoying catching up with one another pre-show, during intermission, and afterwards. As I walked through the crowd, I hugged or fist bumped several long-time friends while over-hearing people reminisce about good and bad days gone by.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702674439403.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson cowboy poet&nbsp;(Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson cowboy poet&nbsp;(Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>While director Gianni commit his efforts to honoring Rooks County stories and people, he also plans to explore how they fit into Western Kansas history. Based on how many attendees came from neighboring counties to enjoy this show, his plan is working. He made a point of honoring county and area historians Don Rowlison, Leo Oliva, Angela Bates, and Ed Lowry. He acknowledged the Cottonwood Foundation’s support. All those listed have documented our region’s unique attributes along with revealing how it fits into much bigger pictures.Clearly, Kansans hunger to learn more about how this region developed and those involved. Keep an eye on events coming out of Rooks County. Those living in wide-open spaces don’t complain about driving distances. In this case, the pay-off included tasty holiday treats, seeing old friends, and listening to extremely talented performers who vividly reminded us we live in a special place.

MADORIN: Cowboy Poetry Christmas Celebration

As a person ages, the ability to get out of the house and interact with others decreases. Reduced mobility, health concerns, weather conditions, or even a lack of social opportunities are a few factors that prevent older adults from socializing.

This social isolation can increase health risks, and research from the CDC indicates:

· Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

· Social isolation is associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.

· Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

· Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

Whatever factors may hinder a person from keeping up their social skills also has the potential to greatly impact their overall health. This is why it is vital to keep social connections alive. If you or someone you know may be at risk for social isolation, there are several ways to combat it.

Encourage relationships among family. Making it routine to visit older family members can give them a sense of hope and something to look forward to. Spending time with older family members can be simple. Visiting, looking through old photos, cooking, or enjoying a TV show together are great places to start. This time of year may also be the perfect opportunity to send the kids to grandpa and grandma’s house over Christmas break. Intergenerational relationships not only spark vitality in aging people but broaden children’s learning experiences, and older adults can give them the undivided attention they need.

Rediscover hobbies. Take some time to learn what your loved one enjoys doing and join them! Keeping the brain and body active is essential in maintaining mental sharpness and hand-eye coordination. Joining a group fitness class, attending a quilting group, or community gardening are a few options. Encouraging them to keep busy by volunteering may be another great opportunity because it can give them a sense of purpose and the chance to connect with others.

Support social activities. Be on the lookout for programs that may interest them. Senior centers provide a wide variety of activities such as art courses, board game days, or educational short courses. In fact, the Great Bend Senior Center will host a monthly ‘Wellness Wednesday’ class starting January 8th. This may be a great opportunity for older adults to sit back and learn while getting the chance to interact with peers.

Whatever strategy you choose to reduce social isolation, it is important to recognize the value of spending time with the aging population. Giving them a phone call, dropping by to say hi, and encouraging them to get involved are all simple ways to improve their quality of life and even extend it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697484540273.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>As a person ages, the ability to get out of the house and interact with others decreases. Reduced mobility, health concerns, weather conditions, or even a lack of social opportunities are a few factors that prevent older adults from socializing.This social isolation can increase health risks, and research from the CDC indicates:· Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.· Social isolation is associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.· Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.· Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.Whatever factors may hinder a person from keeping up their social skills also has the potential to greatly impact their overall health. This is why it is vital to keep social connections alive. If you or someone you know may be at risk for social isolation, there are several ways to combat it.Encourage relationships among family. Making it routine to visit older family members can give them a sense of hope and something to look forward to. Spending time with older family members can be simple. Visiting, looking through old photos, cooking, or enjoying a TV show together are great places to start. This time of year may also be the perfect opportunity to send the kids to grandpa and grandma’s house over Christmas break. Intergenerational relationships not only spark vitality in aging people but broaden children’s learning experiences, and older adults can give them the undivided attention they need.Rediscover hobbies. Take some time to learn what your loved one enjoys doing and join them! Keeping the brain and body active is essential in maintaining mental sharpness and hand-eye coordination. Joining a group fitness class, attending a quilting group, or community gardening are a few options. Encouraging them to keep busy by volunteering may be another great opportunity because it can give them a sense of purpose and the chance to connect with others.Support social activities. Be on the lookout for programs that may interest them. Senior centers provide a wide variety of activities such as art courses, board game days, or educational short courses. In fact, the Great Bend Senior Center will host a monthly ‘Wellness Wednesday’ class starting January 8th. This may be a great opportunity for older adults to sit back and learn while getting the chance to interact with peers.Whatever strategy you choose to reduce social isolation, it is important to recognize the value of spending time with the aging population. Giving them a phone call, dropping by to say hi, and encouraging them to get involved are all simple ways to improve their quality of life and even extend it.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WINKEL: Remaining social maintains health

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/rex-buchanan-1">Rex Buchanan</a> <a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/">Kansas Public Radio</a>

Parts of western Kansas are running out of water. This has been true for a long time. But Kansas is finally taking steps to address the problem. Commentator Rex Buchanan wonders whether those steps will be enough.

Don’t look now, but Kansas water is having a moment. In the past few weeks, the state’s water issues were featured in long stories in the New York Times and the Kansas City Star. In state government, the Legislature appropriated significant new water funding. The governor re-established a water subcabinet, there are regular get-togethers of the cabinet-level agencies that deal with water. And the governor appointed a special adviser on water.

All this attention resulted in nearly palpable excitement in recent meetings held by water-related folks.

After going to a couple of those meetings, I had two take-home lessons — one good, one not so good — that sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

First, the good news. We used to think that stopping declines in the Ogallala aquifer out west would require draconian cutbacks in irrigation — maybe as much as 75 percent. When people heard numbers that drastic, their response was, I think, understandable. Cuts that big would be so severe, so daunting, their economic impact so great... why even try? The obvious response: throw your hands up and keep on pumping.

But work by my colleagues at the Kansas Geological Survey shows that such huge cutbacks may not be necessary to slow or even stop declines. In parts of the aquifer, reductions of 20 or 25 percent can extend the life of the aquifer significantly.

In places, irrigators have come together to voluntarily cut back 20 percent on water, through more precise irrigation scheduling and raising different crops. They’ve saved water and made just as much money.

Improved water efficiency doesn’t necessarily result in less water used. I know that doesn’t sound right so I’ll say it again. Conserving water — via improved irrigation efficiency — doesn’t always result in using less water. Here’s why: When irrigators save water, through new efficiencies, they often use the water they saved to irrigate more acres or switch to more water-thirsty, more profitable crops. In other words, they use the water they save.

One of my colleagues says that the allure of improved efficiency is a “zombie idea,” a concept that isn’t true, but just won’t die.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702935319168.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
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 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/rex-buchanan-1">Rex Buchanan</a> <a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/">Kansas Public Radio</a>Parts of western Kansas are running out of water. This has been true for a long time. But Kansas is finally taking steps to address the problem. Commentator Rex Buchanan wonders whether those steps will be enough.(Transcript)Don’t look now, but Kansas water is having a moment. In the past few weeks, the state’s water issues were featured in long stories in the New York Times and the Kansas City Star. In state government, the Legislature appropriated significant new water funding. The governor re-established a water subcabinet, there are regular get-togethers of the cabinet-level agencies that deal with water. And the governor appointed a special adviser on water.All this attention resulted in nearly palpable excitement in recent meetings held by water-related folks.After going to a couple of those meetings, I had two take-home lessons — one good, one not so good — that sometimes get lost in the shuffle.First, the good news. We used to think that stopping declines in the Ogallala aquifer out west would require draconian cutbacks in irrigation — maybe as much as 75 percent. When people heard numbers that drastic, their response was, I think, understandable. Cuts that big would be so severe, so daunting, their economic impact so great... why even try? The obvious response: throw your hands up and keep on pumping.But work by my colleagues at the Kansas Geological Survey shows that such huge cutbacks may not be necessary to slow or even stop declines. In parts of the aquifer, reductions of 20 or 25 percent can extend the life of the aquifer significantly.In places, irrigators have come together to voluntarily cut back 20 percent on water, through more precise irrigation scheduling and raising different crops. They’ve saved water and made just as much money.But here’s the other thing.Improved water efficiency doesn’t necessarily result in less water used. I know that doesn’t sound right so I’ll say it again. Conserving water — via improved irrigation efficiency — doesn’t always result in using less water. Here’s why: When irrigators save water, through new efficiencies, they often use the water they saved to irrigate more acres or switch to more water-thirsty, more profitable crops. In other words, they use the water they save.One of my colleagues says that the allure of improved efficiency is a “zombie idea,” a concept that isn’t true, but just won’t die.I’m not saying that efficiency is bad. Obviously, nobody should be wasting water. But efficiency alone won’t solve this. To truly slow water-level declines, cuts in water use have to actually save water.Bottom line: we can stem declines in the Ogallala, but not with improved efficiency alone. We have to tie those efficiency measures to some sort of binding agreement to actually reduce the amount of water being pumped.In a few weeks, I’ll be headed west to measure water levels, part of the annual program by the Survey and the state’s division of water resources. I expect that we’ll see less-than-usual declines in places, mostly because summer rains in southwestern Kansas meant less irrigation.If that’s what we find, don’t get idea that all the recent attention has solved our water woes. It’ll take more than newspaper stories and meetings. We know what we need to do. Now we have to do it.####Commentator Rex Buchanan is a writer, author and director emeritus at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Geological Survey</a>. He lives in Lawrence.

Opinion