By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week and this is one of many times that it is important to recognize and thank the many people who help Extension in providing learning opportunities for 4-H youth.

We have eight 4-H clubs across Barton County and eight in Ellis County and each of them have 2-3 registered volunteers who serve as club leaders. They are actively involved in shaping a young person’s experience in 4-H by teaching parliamentary procedure, demonstrating teamwork and communication, and sharing information.

Additionally, we have several volunteers who work with specific project areas to teach skills from the shooting sports project to foods and nutrition. Sharing their skills and expertise shows youth the importance of giving back to their community and how to share something they are interested in for a lifetime.

Leaders for 4-H Livestock, Junior Leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, and 4-H Council provide older youth with opportunities to expand their leadership and communication skills with guidance and experience.

Two other important groups of volunteers are definitely related to the county fair! Fair superintendents assist the judging process, display exhibits, answer questions, and provide a positive environment during the fair. Additionally, the Barton County Fair Association is a group of volunteers with a goal to provide a fun, family-oriented event to showcase 4-H and agriculture in our communities. They spend countless hours planning, repairing, and organizing so many details!

If you would like to know more about serving as a volunteer in any of these capacities, get in contact with me for Barton County and Tamara Robertson in Ellis County! Having a positive impact on the youth in our communities is challenging, enlightening, and FUN!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179500533.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictApril 21-27 is National Volunteer Week and this is one of many times that it is important to recognize and thank the many people who help Extension in providing learning opportunities for 4-H youth.We have eight 4-H clubs across Barton County and eight in Ellis County and each of them have 2-3 registered volunteers who serve as club leaders. They are actively involved in shaping a young person’s experience in 4-H by teaching parliamentary procedure, demonstrating teamwork and communication, and sharing information.Additionally, we have several volunteers who work with specific project areas to teach skills from the shooting sports project to foods and nutrition. Sharing their skills and expertise shows youth the importance of giving back to their community and how to share something they are interested in for a lifetime.Leaders for 4-H Livestock, Junior Leaders, 4-H Ambassadors, and 4-H Council provide older youth with opportunities to expand their leadership and communication skills with guidance and experience.Two other important groups of volunteers are definitely related to the county fair! Fair superintendents assist the judging process, display exhibits, answer questions, and provide a positive environment during the fair. Additionally, the Barton County Fair Association is a group of volunteers with a goal to provide a fun, family-oriented event to showcase 4-H and agriculture in our communities. They spend countless hours planning, repairing, and organizing so many details!If you would like to know more about serving as a volunteer in any of these capacities, get in contact with me for Barton County and Tamara Robertson in Ellis County! Having a positive impact on the youth in our communities is challenging, enlightening, and FUN!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Thank you, volunteers!

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Bacteria usually gets a bad rap for causing infection, contaminating food, and weakening the immune system. However, some strains of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial to human health.

You might know these bugs as “good bacteria” that reside in the microbiome of the gut. These microbes break down foods and play an important role in nutrient absorption. They even generate vitamins B, B12, and K. 

Good gut bacteria play a part in defending against illness by developing immune cells and controlling the inflammatory response. Not only do they contribute to digestive and immune function, microbiota produce neurotransmitters and hormones which can impact mental and neurological health.

The human microbiome contains about 100 trillion microorganisms which is 10 times the number of cells in the body! At such a large number, these bacteria greatly influence the well-being of the entire body.

In fact, emerging research indicates that gut health is directly related to chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological disorders, and more. When the gut is unhealthy, overgrowth of harmful bacteria limits the capacity of good bacteria. 

Diversity of microbes may also be limited which causes imbalance. This is called dysbiosis, and symptoms may include nutrient malabsorption, permeability of the intestinal wall, reduced immune response, and increased inflammation throughout the body.

Gut health is influenced at birth and factors such as breastfeeding contribute to colonization of microbiota at an early age. Throughout life, gut health can be impacted by a variety of lifestyle choices like diet, stress management, and antibiotic use.

Diet can be one of the most effective ways to impact gut health. Studies show that eating a plant-based diet supports microbiota because fiber present in produce, beans, and grains feeds good bacteria. “Eating the rainbow” by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables also

supports the diversity of bacteria in the gut. Another way to support the microbiome is through fermented foods. A few examples include sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and sourdough bread containing probiotics. These are beneficial live bacteria that replenish the microbiome.

Stress is a multidimensional factor that can harm the gut. Research indicates that hormones and neurotransmitters have direct communication between the gut and the brain. When chronic stress is present, hormones such as cortisol can recompose the microbiome by supporting the growth of harmful bacteria. 

Therefore, managing stress is essential to promote a healthy microbiome. Regular exercise, meditation and prayer, and adequate sleep have been shown to reduce stress.

Throughout history, antibiotics have saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of mass disease. However, regular use of antibiotics can be harmful. This is because antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, including microbiota. When overuse of antibiotics results in dysbiosis, the immune system can be compromised. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness, antibiotic use, and impaired gut health among other health concerns.

Caring for the microbiome can make a tremendous impact on overall health. After all, it is an environment that contains over 100 trillion microorganisms. No wonder why it affects the whole body! Maintaining balance and increasing diversity of good bacteria through a plant-based diet, stress management, and proper use of antibiotics are just a few ways to build a healthy microbiome.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictBacteria usually gets a bad rap for causing infection, contaminating food, and weakening the immune system. However, some strains of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial to human health.You might know these bugs as “good bacteria” that reside in the microbiome of the gut. These microbes break down foods and play an important role in nutrient absorption. They even generate vitamins B, B12, and K. Good gut bacteria play a part in defending against illness by developing immune cells and controlling the inflammatory response. Not only do they contribute to digestive and immune function, microbiota produce neurotransmitters and hormones which can impact mental and neurological health.The human microbiome contains about 100 trillion microorganisms which is 10 times the number of cells in the body! At such a large number, these bacteria greatly influence the well-being of the entire body.In fact, emerging research indicates that gut health is directly related to chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological disorders, and more. When the gut is unhealthy, overgrowth of harmful bacteria limits the capacity of good bacteria. Diversity of microbes may also be limited which causes imbalance. This is called dysbiosis, and symptoms may include nutrient malabsorption, permeability of the intestinal wall, reduced immune response, and increased inflammation throughout the body.Gut health is influenced at birth and factors such as breastfeeding contribute to colonization of microbiota at an early age. Throughout life, gut health can be impacted by a variety of lifestyle choices like diet, stress management, and antibiotic use.Diet can be one of the most effective ways to impact gut health. Studies show that eating a plant-based diet supports microbiota because fiber present in produce, beans, and grains feeds good bacteria. “Eating the rainbow” by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables alsosupports the diversity of bacteria in the gut. Another way to support the microbiome is through fermented foods. A few examples include sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and sourdough bread containing probiotics. These are beneficial live bacteria that replenish the microbiome.Stress is a multidimensional factor that can harm the gut. Research indicates that hormones and neurotransmitters have direct communication between the gut and the brain. When chronic stress is present, hormones such as cortisol can recompose the microbiome by supporting the growth of harmful bacteria. Therefore, managing stress is essential to promote a healthy microbiome. Regular exercise, meditation and prayer, and adequate sleep have been shown to reduce stress.Throughout history, antibiotics have saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of mass disease. However, regular use of antibiotics can be harmful. This is because antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, including microbiota. When overuse of antibiotics results in dysbiosis, the immune system can be compromised. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness, antibiotic use, and impaired gut health among other health concerns.Caring for the microbiome can make a tremendous impact on overall health. After all, it is an environment that contains over 100 trillion microorganisms. No wonder why it affects the whole body! Maintaining balance and increasing diversity of good bacteria through a plant-based diet, stress management, and proper use of antibiotics are just a few ways to build a healthy microbiome.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Building a healthy microbiome

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEW

The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor action debating more than 40 bills ending after 5 p.m. last Wednesday. 

Monday will start a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2024 legislative session and head us towards first adjournment on Friday. There are more than 40 bills in conference committees and this week’s work will primarily consist of voting on these conference committee reports. 

In this process, the committee chair, vice-chair, and ranking member will gather from the House and Senate committees and hammer out the differences in bills. Conference committees will have until Friday, April 5, to meet. 

A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk. 

After the conclusion of the regular session this week, the legislature is scheduled to take a three-week break before returning for the veto session in late April.

HB 2144 would create the crime of organized retail crime, providing criminal penalties for violation thereof increasing the criminal penalties for theft of property, including organized retail crime in the definition of racketeering activity under the Kansas racketeer influenced and corrupt organization act and authorizing the attorney general to prosecute crimes concurrently with county or district attorneys. HB 2144 passed 30-10. I voted yes.

HB 2583 would amend the crime of inflicting harm, disability, or death to law enforcement animals to include police dogs and horses and increasing penalties for inflicting harm that results in disability or death to these animals including restitution. HB 2583 passed 25-15. I voted yes.

SB 367 would amend the Transparency in Revenues Underwriting Elections Act regarding the designation of voter registration agencies and the acceptance and use of certain election-related funds. SB 367 passed 28-12. I voted yes.

HB 2577 would provide discretionary authority to the state treasurer to determine the amount of unclaimed property receipts available for long-term investment and to liquidate such investments by the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) for necessary payments to owners of unclaimed property. HB 2577 passed 38-2. I voted yes.

HB 2560 would amend the State Banking Code and provisions pertaining to trust companies to address the abandonment or expiration of certain applications and allow an originating trustee to have its principal place of business outside of Kansas. HB 2560 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2663 would permit title insurance agents to deposit escrow, settlement, and closing funds for real estate closings, including closings involving refinances of existing mortgage loans, which exceed $2,500 to be in the form of a real-time or instant payment systems. HB 2663 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 524 would authorize mail ballot elections for certain irrigation district boards of directors, would change the definition of “dams” &amp; “water structures” as the terms relate to agriculture use, and add a civil penalty that could be assessed by the chief engineer at the Division of Water Resources. SB 524 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 488 would expand the scope of the inspector general within the Office of the Attorney General to include the audit, investigation, and performance review of all state cash, food, and health assistance programs. The bill would grant the inspector general the power to subpoena, administer oaths, and execute search warrants. SB 488 passed 22-18. I voted no.

SB 427 would have required districts to publicly list the names and email addresses of current school board members, authorizing local school board members to add new items to board meeting discussions, ask questions or engage in discussion with members of the public and access school property, authorizing members of the public to address school boards at board meetings and authorizing payment of annual dues to any not-for-profit organization that provides services to member school districts. SB 427 failed 13-24. I voted no.

SB 386 would amend certain enrollment determination criteria in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act to require school district enrollment be determined using the current or preceding school year. The bill would also authorize an additional enrollment count determination for school year 2024-2025 only. SB 386 passed 33-6. I voted yes.

HB 2501 would designate the official state steam locomotive and the official state heritage railroad. It names The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe #3415 Pacific class 4-6-2 as the official steam locomotive for the state. The Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad would be designated as the official state heritage railroad. HB 2501 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

S Sub HB 2436 would create the crime of coercion to obtain an abortion and providing enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed with the intent to coerce a woman to obtain an abortion. HB 2436 passed 27-11. I voted yes.

HB 2703 would add students in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families to the list of students identified as eligible to receive at-risk programs and services. HB 2703 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2590 would increase the maximum penalties that can be assessed for violation of Kansas pipeline safety regulations. HB 2590 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2665 would increase the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident when the driver knew or reasonably should have known the accident resulted in injury or death. The bill would be known as “Levi’s Law.” HB 2665 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2484 would establish the Social Work Licensure Compact to facilitate interstate practice of regulated social workers. The bill would also amend law to add the background check procedure for the Social Work Licensure Act and add a fee relating to the multistate licenses under the Compact. HB 2484 passed 35-5. I voted yes.

HB 2353 would amend provisions in the Care and Treatment Act for Mentally Ill Persons to extend the time period a person may be held for treatment and to add conditions for which continued treatment may be ordered. HB 2353 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2661 would amend the process for filling county commission vacancies when the vacancies are created by an increase of commission districts. HB 2661 passed 40-0.

HB 2477 as amended, would make changes to the Remediation Reimbursement Program that provides remediation funding from the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund. HB 2477 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2749 would require medical care facilities and providers to report the reasons for each abortion performed at such facility or providers to the secretary of health and environment. HB 2749 passed 27-13. I voted yes.

HB 2483 would eliminate the requirement for the Legislative Division of Post Audit to conduct recurring audits of the implementation of the 911 system, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System audits, and the other economic development incentive audits. HB 2483 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2551 would authorize expenditures totaling $49,343 from existing resources in FY 2024 to pay claims against the State. HB 2551 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2124 would amend law pertaining to microbreweries, including, but not limited to, permitting microbreweries to self-distribute beer and hard cider up to certain limits and lowering the number of barrels per year a microbrewery may manufacture and store. HB 2124 passed 38-2. I voted yes.

HB 2690 would allow counties or governing bodies of cities to contract with another governing body of a Public Safety Answering Point for consolidation of the provision of 911 services, make changes to how 911 is governed within the state by replacing the current 911 Coordinating Council with a new State 911 Board, change how the 911 fees are allowed to be used, and require 911 fees collected from phone bills and prepaid wireless service to be transferred to the state treasury. HB 2690 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2715 would authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to set the amount of fees and fines for applications, licenses, license renewals, certificates of authority, and other required filings by certain insurance entities and public adjusters under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. HB 2715 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2787 would amend law relating to the Kansas Insurance Guaranty Association. HB 2787 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2607 would amend and update the Kansas Pesticide Law and Kansas Chemigation Safety Law. HB 2607 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2547 as amended, would amend law regarding the stock, maintenance, and administration of emergency medication kits in schools, including epinephrine and albuterol. HB 2547 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2628 would modify the law governing access to confidential information regarding children alleged to be in need of care. HB 2628 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2618 would amend current law regarding the crime of false representation of an election official. HB 2618 passed 29-9. I voted yes.

HB 2536 would establish a new legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older who are in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families. The bill would also amend various statutes contained in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children to reference this new form of permanency, which would be designated as “SOUL Family Legal Permanency.” HB 2536 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 553 would amend the Utilization Review Organization Act and the Electronic Notice and Document Act. HB 553 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2358 would modify the Uniform Vital Statistics Act provisions concerning who may certify a cause of death. HB 2358 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2754 would allow counties to opt out of conducting school sanitary inspections pursuant to home rule powers granted to counties under the County Home Rule Act. HB 2754 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2614 would amend Rules and Regulations Filing Act provisions authorizing expedited revocation of certain rules and regulations to require certain notifications be made during the revocation process. HB 2614 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2675 would enact the Uniform Nonparent Visitation Act. HB 2675 passed 40-0. HB 2711 would amend the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System working-after-retirement. HB 2675 passed 38-2. I voted yes.

HB 2453 would enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact to provide interstate practice privileges for dentists and dental hygienists. The bill contains uniform language that would enact the Compact in Kansas. HB 2453 passed 38-2. I voted yes.

HB 2527 would create new definitions and modify definitions pertaining to cost recovery and rate making procedures before the Kansas Corporation Commission. The bill would establish new mechanisms for the recovery of costs associated with deferred depreciation &amp; new gas-fired generating units. HB 2527 passed 35-2.

S Sub HB 2047 would make clarifying amendments to the Farm Animal and Field Crop and Research Facilities Protection Act. HB 2047 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2588 would amend the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act to further develop regulation and expand capacity for investor-owned utilities to connect customers’ renewable energy generation systems, such as rooftop solar panels systems, to the electric grid. HB 2588 passed 32-6. I voted yes.

HB 2784 would transfer authority for certification of continuing care retirement communities from the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. HB 2784 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 532 would establish the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy. The bill would create a Literacy Advisory Committee, create a Director of Literacy to be appointed and employed by the State Board of Regents, require the State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents to collaborate on a literacy micro-credential and professional development, authorize the oversight of postsecondary classes and provide an annual systemwide analysis of all literary postsecondary courses, and require a plan to create six regional centers of excellence in reading. SB 532 passed 35-3. I voted yes.

HB 2570 would make various amendments to law related to unemployment compensation. HB 2570 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 426 would increase penalties for drivers who fail, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, to proceed with due caution and to move into another lane away from the emergency vehicle or to slow the driver’s vehicle (move-over law). SB 426 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

SB 544 would replace the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program with the Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship Program Act. SB 544 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2549 would amend law in the Kansas Adoption and Relinquishment Act governing petitions to terminate parental rights and notice required to be given in a hearing on a petition for adoption. HB 2549 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

HB 2491 would shift deposits of fees previously credited to the Law Enforcement Training Center Fund to the State General Fund. HB 2491 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

SB 457 would clarify the term “public utility” in statute, for the purposes of appropriation of property through eminent domain, to include solar powered electric generation equipment, including solar panels. The bill would prohibit public utilities from exercising eminent domain for the purpose of siting or placement of solar facilities. SB 457 passed 38-0. I voted yes.

SB 552 would create the Kansas Campus Restoration Act authorizing the Kansas Board of Regents to adopt rules and regulations relating to deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at postsecondary institutions. SB 552 passed 34-6. I voted yes.

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

Pages for the Senate - March 26 and 27

On March 26, Avery Kueker and Tessa Breese, both of Concordia, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. On March 27, Izaak Robbins, Concordia; Noah Peterie, Eudora; and Wesley Swann, Lawrence, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, and taking a historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.

Several legislative townhalls have been conducted throughout the 36th Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks. On April 6, Senator Billinger, Representative Rahjes, and I will be in Stockton at 10:45 a.m. at the Stockton City Building. Next, we will be in Phillipsburg at 12:30 p.m. at the Huck Boyd Community Center. On April 13, there is a Legislative Coffee scheduled in Concordia at 8:00 a.m. at Jitters Coffee House with Representative Susan Concannon, Representative Bill Bloom, and I, sponsored by Farm Bureau. Representative Concannon and I are scheduled to be in Beloit on April 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church.

Senator Elaine BowersKansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300SW 10th St.Topeka, KS 66612elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov785-296-7389<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a><a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties* Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville* Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka April 1, 2024SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEWThe Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor action debating more than 40 bills ending after 5 p.m. last Wednesday. Monday will start a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2024 legislative session and head us towards first adjournment on Friday. There are more than 40 bills in conference committees and this week’s work will primarily consist of voting on these conference committee reports. In this process, the committee chair, vice-chair, and ranking member will gather from the House and Senate committees and hammer out the differences in bills. Conference committees will have until Friday, April 5, to meet. A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk. After the conclusion of the regular session this week, the legislature is scheduled to take a three-week break before returning for the veto session in late April.SENATE FLOOR ACTION HB 2144 would create the crime of organized retail crime, providing criminal penalties for violation thereof increasing the criminal penalties for theft of property, including organized retail crime in the definition of racketeering activity under the Kansas racketeer influenced and corrupt organization act and authorizing the attorney general to prosecute crimes concurrently with county or district attorneys. HB 2144 passed 30-10. I voted yes. HB 2583 would amend the crime of inflicting harm, disability, or death to law enforcement animals to include police dogs and horses and increasing penalties for inflicting harm that results in disability or death to these animals including restitution. HB 2583 passed 25-15. I voted yes. SB 367 would amend the Transparency in Revenues Underwriting Elections Act regarding the designation of voter registration agencies and the acceptance and use of certain election-related funds. SB 367 passed 28-12. I voted yes. HB 2577 would provide discretionary authority to the state treasurer to determine the amount of unclaimed property receipts available for long-term investment and to liquidate such investments by the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) for necessary payments to owners of unclaimed property. HB 2577 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2560 would amend the State Banking Code and provisions pertaining to trust companies to address the abandonment or expiration of certain applications and allow an originating trustee to have its principal place of business outside of Kansas. HB 2560 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2663 would permit title insurance agents to deposit escrow, settlement, and closing funds for real estate closings, including closings involving refinances of existing mortgage loans, which exceed $2,500 to be in the form of a real-time or instant payment systems. HB 2663 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 524 would authorize mail ballot elections for certain irrigation district boards of directors, would change the definition of “dams” &amp; “water structures” as the terms relate to agriculture use, and add a civil penalty that could be assessed by the chief engineer at the Division of Water Resources. SB 524 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 488 would expand the scope of the inspector general within the Office of the Attorney General to include the audit, investigation, and performance review of all state cash, food, and health assistance programs. The bill would grant the inspector general the power to subpoena, administer oaths, and execute search warrants. SB 488 passed 22-18. I voted no. SB 427 would have required districts to publicly list the names and email addresses of current school board members, authorizing local school board members to add new items to board meeting discussions, ask questions or engage in discussion with members of the public and access school property, authorizing members of the public to address school boards at board meetings and authorizing payment of annual dues to any not-for-profit organization that provides services to member school districts. SB 427 failed 13-24. I voted no. SB 386 would amend certain enrollment determination criteria in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act to require school district enrollment be determined using the current or preceding school year. The bill would also authorize an additional enrollment count determination for school year 2024-2025 only. SB 386 passed 33-6. I voted yes. HB 2501 would designate the official state steam locomotive and the official state heritage railroad. It names The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe #3415 Pacific class 4-6-2 as the official steam locomotive for the state. The Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad would be designated as the official state heritage railroad. HB 2501 passed 39-1. I voted yes. S Sub HB 2436 would create the crime of coercion to obtain an abortion and providing enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed with the intent to coerce a woman to obtain an abortion. HB 2436 passed 27-11. I voted yes. HB 2703 would add students in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families to the list of students identified as eligible to receive at-risk programs and services. HB 2703 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2590 would increase the maximum penalties that can be assessed for violation of Kansas pipeline safety regulations. HB 2590 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2665 would increase the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident when the driver knew or reasonably should have known the accident resulted in injury or death. The bill would be known as “Levi’s Law.” HB 2665 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2484 would establish the Social Work Licensure Compact to facilitate interstate practice of regulated social workers. The bill would also amend law to add the background check procedure for the Social Work Licensure Act and add a fee relating to the multistate licenses under the Compact. HB 2484 passed 35-5. I voted yes. HB 2353 would amend provisions in the Care and Treatment Act for Mentally Ill Persons to extend the time period a person may be held for treatment and to add conditions for which continued treatment may be ordered. HB 2353 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2661 would amend the process for filling county commission vacancies when the vacancies are created by an increase of commission districts. HB 2661 passed 40-0. HB 2477 as amended, would make changes to the Remediation Reimbursement Program that provides remediation funding from the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund. HB 2477 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2749 would require medical care facilities and providers to report the reasons for each abortion performed at such facility or providers to the secretary of health and environment. HB 2749 passed 27-13. I voted yes. HB 2483 would eliminate the requirement for the Legislative Division of Post Audit to conduct recurring audits of the implementation of the 911 system, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System audits, and the other economic development incentive audits. HB 2483 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2551 would authorize expenditures totaling $49,343 from existing resources in FY 2024 to pay claims against the State. HB 2551 passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2124 would amend law pertaining to microbreweries, including, but not limited to, permitting microbreweries to self-distribute beer and hard cider up to certain limits and lowering the number of barrels per year a microbrewery may manufacture and store. HB 2124 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2690 would allow counties or governing bodies of cities to contract with another governing body of a Public Safety Answering Point for consolidation of the provision of 911 services, make changes to how 911 is governed within the state by replacing the current 911 Coordinating Council with a new State 911 Board, change how the 911 fees are allowed to be used, and require 911 fees collected from phone bills and prepaid wireless service to be transferred to the state treasury. HB 2690 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2715 would authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to set the amount of fees and fines for applications, licenses, license renewals, certificates of authority, and other required filings by certain insurance entities and public adjusters under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. HB 2715 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2787 would amend law relating to the Kansas Insurance Guaranty Association. HB 2787 passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2607 would amend and update the Kansas Pesticide Law and Kansas Chemigation Safety Law. HB 2607 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2547 as amended, would amend law regarding the stock, maintenance, and administration of emergency medication kits in schools, including epinephrine and albuterol. HB 2547 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2628 would modify the law governing access to confidential information regarding children alleged to be in need of care. HB 2628 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2618 would amend current law regarding the crime of false representation of an election official. HB 2618 passed 29-9. I voted yes. HB 2536 would establish a new legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older who are in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families. The bill would also amend various statutes contained in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children to reference this new form of permanency, which would be designated as “SOUL Family Legal Permanency.” HB 2536 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 553 would amend the Utilization Review Organization Act and the Electronic Notice and Document Act. HB 553 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2358 would modify the Uniform Vital Statistics Act provisions concerning who may certify a cause of death. HB 2358 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2754 would allow counties to opt out of conducting school sanitary inspections pursuant to home rule powers granted to counties under the County Home Rule Act. HB 2754 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2614 would amend Rules and Regulations Filing Act provisions authorizing expedited revocation of certain rules and regulations to require certain notifications be made during the revocation process. HB 2614 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2675 would enact the Uniform Nonparent Visitation Act. HB 2675 passed 40-0. HB 2711 would amend the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System working-after-retirement. HB 2675 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2453 would enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact to provide interstate practice privileges for dentists and dental hygienists. The bill contains uniform language that would enact the Compact in Kansas. HB 2453 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2527 would create new definitions and modify definitions pertaining to cost recovery and rate making procedures before the Kansas Corporation Commission. The bill would establish new mechanisms for the recovery of costs associated with deferred depreciation &amp; new gas-fired generating units. HB 2527 passed 35-2. S Sub HB 2047 would make clarifying amendments to the Farm Animal and Field Crop and Research Facilities Protection Act. HB 2047 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2588 would amend the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act to further develop regulation and expand capacity for investor-owned utilities to connect customers’ renewable energy generation systems, such as rooftop solar panels systems, to the electric grid. HB 2588 passed 32-6. I voted yes. HB 2784 would transfer authority for certification of continuing care retirement communities from the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. HB 2784 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 532 would establish the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy. The bill would create a Literacy Advisory Committee, create a Director of Literacy to be appointed and employed by the State Board of Regents, require the State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents to collaborate on a literacy micro-credential and professional development, authorize the oversight of postsecondary classes and provide an annual systemwide analysis of all literary postsecondary courses, and require a plan to create six regional centers of excellence in reading. SB 532 passed 35-3. I voted yes. HB 2570 would make various amendments to law related to unemployment compensation. HB 2570 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 426 would increase penalties for drivers who fail, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, to proceed with due caution and to move into another lane away from the emergency vehicle or to slow the driver’s vehicle (move-over law). SB 426 passed 39-1. I voted yes. SB 544 would replace the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program with the Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship Program Act. SB 544 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2549 would amend law in the Kansas Adoption and Relinquishment Act governing petitions to terminate parental rights and notice required to be given in a hearing on a petition for adoption. HB 2549 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2491 would shift deposits of fees previously credited to the Law Enforcement Training Center Fund to the State General Fund. HB 2491 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 457 would clarify the term “public utility” in statute, for the purposes of appropriation of property through eminent domain, to include solar powered electric generation equipment, including solar panels. The bill would prohibit public utilities from exercising eminent domain for the purpose of siting or placement of solar facilities. SB 457 passed 38-0. I voted yes. SB 552 would create the Kansas Campus Restoration Act authorizing the Kansas Board of Regents to adopt rules and regulations relating to deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at postsecondary institutions. SB 552 passed 34-6. I voted yes.Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.Pages for the Senate - March 26 and 27On March 26, Avery Kueker and Tessa Breese, both of Concordia, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. On March 27, Izaak Robbins, Concordia; Noah Peterie, Eudora; and Wesley Swann, Lawrence, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, and taking a historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.Legislative TownhallsSeveral legislative townhalls have been conducted throughout the 36th Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks. On April 6, Senator Billinger, Representative Rahjes, and I will be in Stockton at 10:45 a.m. at the Stockton City Building. Next, we will be in Phillipsburg at 12:30 p.m. at the Huck Boyd Community Center. On April 13, there is a Legislative Coffee scheduled in Concordia at 8:00 a.m. at Jitters Coffee House with Representative Susan Concannon, Representative Bill Bloom, and I, sponsored by Farm Bureau. Representative Concannon and I are scheduled to be in Beloit on April 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine BowersKansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300SW 10th St.Topeka, KS 66612elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov785-296-7389<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a><a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties* Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville* Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 12; 40+ bills in conference committee

This will be the final week of the session and first adjournment. 

Any bills that were passed previously in the House or Senate which contain any changes in the legislation must now go to conference committee for final agreement. The Senate Ways and Means committee will call our first conference Monday afternoon. 

Currently there are approximately eighteen pages of differences between the House and Senate on the budgets. 

Some of the bills that were passed last week: 

SB 552 creates the Kansas Campus Restoration Act authorizing the Kansas Board of Regents to adopt rules and regulations relating to deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at postsecondary institutions. The bill will allow transfers from the State General Fund to the Kansas Campus Restoration Fund and require annual reports be submitted to the Legislature. This bill provides $32.7M for the next six years starting in 2026 of which $30M will go to the Regent schools, Kansas University, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Pittsburg State University, Emporia State University and Fort Hays State University.

The funding for the universities will require a one for one match for dollars being used for restoration. Any funds used for demolition will not require the match.

 The additional $2.7M will go to all community and technical colleges and Washburn University. Each will receive $100,000 per year starting in 2026 for the next six years. 

Currently the community and technical colleges and Washburn University do not receive demolition and restoration funding. The $2.7M will not require a one for one match. 

HB 2690 will allow counties or governing bodies of cities to contract with another governing body of a Public Safety Answering Point for consideration of the provision of 911 services, make changes to how 911 is governed within the state by replacing the current 911 Coordinating Council with a new State 911 Board, change how the 911 fees are allowed to be used, and require 911 fees collected from phone bills and prepaid wireless service to be transferred to the state treasury.

HB2536 passed and would establish a new legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older who are in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families. The bill would also amend various statutes contained in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children to reference this new form of permanency.

HB 2358 will modify the Uniform Vital Statistics Act provisions concerning who may certify a cause of death. This legislation is important to rural Kansas. It will allow other qualified medical personnel when a coroner is not available to sign a death certificate.

HB 2570 passed and would make various amendments to law related to unemployment compensation. This new legislation should be helpful to all employers who are contributing to the State Unemployment Plan. These changes should lower the unemployment rates for all employers.

HB2527 would establish new mechanisms for the recovery of costs associated with deferred depreciation and new gas-fired generating units. The bill will modify the qualification requirement receiving a discounted electric rate and increase the term of the discount for certain facilities.

HB2453 would enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact to provide interstate practice privileges for dentists and dental hygienists.

 I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785 296-7399 or my cell number is 785 899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675701343257.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. Becky Kiser/Hays Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. Becky Kiser/Hays Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka March 31, 2024 This will be the final week of the session and first adjournment. Any bills that were passed previously in the House or Senate which contain any changes in the legislation must now go to conference committee for final agreement. The Senate Ways and Means committee will call our first conference Monday afternoon. Currently there are approximately eighteen pages of differences between the House and Senate on the budgets. Some of the bills that were passed last week: SB 552 creates the Kansas Campus Restoration Act authorizing the Kansas Board of Regents to adopt rules and regulations relating to deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at postsecondary institutions. The bill will allow transfers from the State General Fund to the Kansas Campus Restoration Fund and require annual reports be submitted to the Legislature. This bill provides $32.7M for the next six years starting in 2026 of which $30M will go to the Regent schools, Kansas University, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Pittsburg State University, Emporia State University and Fort Hays State University. The funding for the universities will require a one for one match for dollars being used for restoration. Any funds used for demolition will not require the match. The additional $2.7M will go to all community and technical colleges and Washburn University. Each will receive $100,000 per year starting in 2026 for the next six years. Currently the community and technical colleges and Washburn University do not receive demolition and restoration funding. The $2.7M will not require a one for one match. HB 2690 will allow counties or governing bodies of cities to contract with another governing body of a Public Safety Answering Point for consideration of the provision of 911 services, make changes to how 911 is governed within the state by replacing the current 911 Coordinating Council with a new State 911 Board, change how the 911 fees are allowed to be used, and require 911 fees collected from phone bills and prepaid wireless service to be transferred to the state treasury. HB2536 passed and would establish a new legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older who are in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families. The bill would also amend various statutes contained in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children to reference this new form of permanency. HB 2358 will modify the Uniform Vital Statistics Act provisions concerning who may certify a cause of death. This legislation is important to rural Kansas. It will allow other qualified medical personnel when a coroner is not available to sign a death certificate. HB 2570 passed and would make various amendments to law related to unemployment compensation. This new legislation should be helpful to all employers who are contributing to the State Unemployment Plan. These changes should lower the unemployment rates for all employers. HB2527 would establish new mechanisms for the recovery of costs associated with deferred depreciation and new gas-fired generating units. The bill will modify the qualification requirement receiving a discounted electric rate and increase the term of the discount for certain facilities. HB2453 would enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact to provide interstate practice privileges for dentists and dental hygienists. I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785 296-7399 or my cell number is 785 899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.&nbsp;

BILLINGER: Senate Update; Final week of the session

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Today, as I sit here at my computer, not sure whether I’m gonna’ hunt turkeys this year or not, one spring turkey hunt from years ago keeps rambling through my mind. 

Now, everyone knows wild turkeys MUST be hunted from the ground. Sitting on the ground or on a five-gallon bucket until your butt and both legs are numb is just part of the turkey hunting experience, and NOT to do so would certainly be as un-American as eating pizza without potato chips, or owning a Corvette with an automatic transmission. 

Yet, that morning, there I stood, gazing longingly up the ladder of the landowner’s tree stand thinking what a perfect spot it would be to call-in the gobbler that roamed this wood lot. But I must persevere and not break turkey hunting protocol!

“What a great seat,” I thought to myself as I surveyed my surroundings from above (I’m sure you saw this coming.) 

At this point several acres of nice timber separated the crop field to my left from the river. Right here is where I wanted to be, but the ground below was unusually void of the normal brush and downed tree limbs that make such good camouflage, so I put out a couple hen decoys and up the tree I went.

My “yelps” were occasionally answered by a gobble from afar, and soon a young gobbler and a hen appeared from the far corner of the crop field and started toward me.

 “This is too easy,” I thought as the pair steadily came my way. 

At 50 yards, they veered away and taunted me from the edge of the trees, hidden from sight by limbs on the tree next to my perch. For the next 45 minutes it was a stand-off, and my desire to harvest him soon turned to wishes that he would just leave so I could climb down without totally spooking him and start afresh in the morning.

The next morning, I followed my bouncing flashlight beam across the field, found the proper tree, set the decoys out and scaled the ladder once more up and into the tree stand.&nbsp;This tree stood barely three feet into the woodlot from the edge of the crop field; if I fell out, I’d land in the bean stubble.

I figured the gobbler to be roosted at the end of the crop field and along the river, some distance away. Usually, you can hear a gobbler even in the dark, as he’ll often gobble at every barking dog, hooting owl or slamming car door, but this morning the woods was unusually quiet. Perhaps that wasn’t good; perhaps I had misdiagnosed where he roosted and would be left high and dry. 

Trying not to shatter yet another turkey hunting rule of “calling very sparingly while the turkeys are still roosted,” I watched and waited as daylight slowly poured itself across the landscape around me. I yelped softly with the box call and a gobble erupted beside me along the river probably seventy yards away; the rascal was roosting where I had not even considered. 

For 30 minutes he gobbled away, and I tried to find a good balance between calling back to let him know I was still interested and playing hard to get to make him come find me. 

For those 30 minutes he seemed not to move, and suddenly he was silent. I called softly a couple times but heard nothing in return. My heart dropped to my toes; what had I done wrong or not done right?

As I tossed the situation around in my mind, a gobble broke the stillness again, this time directly in front of me not far away; he had snuck quietly through the trees and was in the bean stubble where I knew he would see my plastic decoy “jezebels.” Soon, I saw him strutting his way toward the decoys in the open&nbsp;field. 

I put the call aside and brought the shotgun around into position. He got so close I heard him spit each time he fanned out, and could hear the scratching noise as each wingtip drug across the ground. I could see him well, but too many tree limbs were in the way for a sure shot. Like a target in an arcade, he marched back and forth but would not come any closer. 

I had just read an article where the author warned about placing decoys too close and creating just such a situation. It became another standoff as he remained behind too many limbs for a safe killing shot. 

I decided it was time for a plan “B”; if he would just step a little closer to the edge of the trees during his little show, he would momentarily be in a small clear spot for a shot. 

Finally, he appeared to stray a little closer to the trees, so as his back was toward me as he turned, I swung the shotgun around and leaned out around the tree trunk in front of me. He saw or heard me move and immediately dropped his tail feathers to run, but the twelve-gauge nailed him to the ground before he could take more than a couple steps.

If this story leaves some of you turkey hunting purists shaking your heads, I apologize. I’ve never been one to worry much about protocol. Maybe more of you have shot turkeys from tree stands than I know, but if not and the situation presents itself, give it a try. So, from Mr. Politically Incorrect himself, Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsToday, as I sit here at my computer, not sure whether I’m gonna’ hunt turkeys this year or not, one spring turkey hunt from years ago keeps rambling through my mind. Now, everyone knows wild turkeys MUST be hunted from the ground. Sitting on the ground or on a five-gallon bucket until your butt and both legs are numb is just part of the turkey hunting experience, and NOT to do so would certainly be as un-American as eating pizza without potato chips, or owning a Corvette with an automatic transmission. Yet, that morning, there I stood, gazing longingly up the ladder of the landowner’s tree stand thinking what a perfect spot it would be to call-in the gobbler that roamed this wood lot. But I must persevere and not break turkey hunting protocol!“What a great seat,” I thought to myself as I surveyed my surroundings from above (I’m sure you saw this coming.) At this point several acres of nice timber separated the crop field to my left from the river. Right here is where I wanted to be, but the ground below was unusually void of the normal brush and downed tree limbs that make such good camouflage, so I put out a couple hen decoys and up the tree I went.My “yelps” were occasionally answered by a gobble from afar, and soon a young gobbler and a hen appeared from the far corner of the crop field and started toward me. “This is too easy,” I thought as the pair steadily came my way. At 50 yards, they veered away and taunted me from the edge of the trees, hidden from sight by limbs on the tree next to my perch. For the next 45 minutes it was a stand-off, and my desire to harvest him soon turned to wishes that he would just leave so I could climb down without totally spooking him and start afresh in the morning.The next morning, I followed my bouncing flashlight beam across the field, found the proper tree, set the decoys out and scaled the ladder once more up and into the tree stand.&nbsp;This tree stood barely three feet into the woodlot from the edge of the crop field; if I fell out, I’d land in the bean stubble.I figured the gobbler to be roosted at the end of the crop field and along the river, some distance away. Usually, you can hear a gobbler even in the dark, as he’ll often gobble at every barking dog, hooting owl or slamming car door, but this morning the woods was unusually quiet. Perhaps that wasn’t good; perhaps I had misdiagnosed where he roosted and would be left high and dry. Trying not to shatter yet another turkey hunting rule of “calling very sparingly while the turkeys are still roosted,” I watched and waited as daylight slowly poured itself across the landscape around me. I yelped softly with the box call and a gobble erupted beside me along the river probably seventy yards away; the rascal was roosting where I had not even considered. For 30 minutes he gobbled away, and I tried to find a good balance between calling back to let him know I was still interested and playing hard to get to make him come find me. For those 30 minutes he seemed not to move, and suddenly he was silent. I called softly a couple times but heard nothing in return. My heart dropped to my toes; what had I done wrong or not done right?As I tossed the situation around in my mind, a gobble broke the stillness again, this time directly in front of me not far away; he had snuck quietly through the trees and was in the bean stubble where I knew he would see my plastic decoy “jezebels.” Soon, I saw him strutting his way toward the decoys in the open&nbsp;field. I put the call aside and brought the shotgun around into position. He got so close I heard him spit each time he fanned out, and could hear the scratching noise as each wingtip drug across the ground. I could see him well, but too many tree limbs were in the way for a sure shot. Like a target in an arcade, he marched back and forth but would not come any closer. I had just read an article where the author warned about placing decoys too close and creating just such a situation. It became another standoff as he remained behind too many limbs for a safe killing shot. I decided it was time for a plan “B”; if he would just step a little closer to the edge of the trees during his little show, he would momentarily be in a small clear spot for a shot. Finally, he appeared to stray a little closer to the trees, so as his back was toward me as he turned, I swung the shotgun around and leaned out around the tree trunk in front of me. He saw or heard me move and immediately dropped his tail feathers to run, but the twelve-gauge nailed him to the ground before he could take more than a couple steps.If this story leaves some of you turkey hunting purists shaking your heads, I apologize. I’ve never been one to worry much about protocol. Maybe more of you have shot turkeys from tree stands than I know, but if not and the situation presents itself, give it a try. So, from Mr. Politically Incorrect himself, Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

GILLILAND: Treetop turkey

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

The debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;

Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;

As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;

This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;

While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;

All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;

For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;

While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;

It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;

As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasThe debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas grapples with income tax dilemma 

The House debated several bills throughout the week. Here are some of the bills we debated on the floor:

● Senate Bill 359 would create a distinctive license plate for the Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Royals, Topeka Zoo, and I offered an amendment to create a support the troops license plate with revenue supporting the American Legion and Kansas Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars. This bill passed the House, 103-20.

● Senate Bill 394 would require certain websites that contain potentially harmful information for minors, such as sexual material, to use an age verification software to ensure a person is eighteen years of age or older and allow parents to take private action against website owners and seek damages if violated. This bill passed the House, 92-31.

● Senate Bill 458, regarding civil forfeitures clarifies, that certain drug offenses would not arise to civil forfeiture, increases the burden of proof by requiring clear and convincing evidence, and requires courts to make determination of the excessiveness of the forfeiture. This bill passed the House, 123-0.

● House Substitute for Senate Bill 287 would require school health care professionals to receive parental consent before providing services such as administering medications, providing diagnostic tests, or conducting behavioral health treatments. Healthcare providers who violate the provisions in this bill would be subjected to discipline from the appropriate licensing agency. This bill passed the House 85-37.

● House Bill 2825 enacts the Consumer Protection Related to Hospital Price Transparency Act and would require hospitals to provide pricing information of its top three hundred procedures, provide patients with cost estimates for elective tests and procedures if requested, and provide patients with a written copy of their ability to receive this information. This bill would allow for the Attorney General’s Office to fine hospitals $250 a day if they are not in compliance.

● House Substitute for Senate Bill 387 is concerning appropriations for the State Department of Education for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 and would abolish or revise certain statutes concerning the education system. Including the prohibition of substantially revising curriculum standards until seventy-five percent of students achieve academic proficiency.

A Conference Committee will meet in the coming days to discuss the differences in the budget. Some differences between the House and Senate budgets are the House provides $2.2 million from the State General Fund for the Kansas Osteopathic Scholarship for FY 25 which will help rural healthcare, provides $47.7 million from the State General Fund to pay off state debt, $16.5 million for economic and housing development in the northwest Kansas region, $2.2 million to increase the number of Physical Disability waivers by 500, $6.7 million to increase the number of Intellectual and Developmental Disability waivers by 500 to reduce waiting lists, and $18.6 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement.

House Substitute for Senate Bill 300 was debated on the floor Tuesday regarding taxation. This bill would restructure the individual income tax bracket. For a married couple making $60,001 and above would be taxed at 5.65 percent. This bill would also phase out taxes on social security benefits through 2026 and by 2027 benefits will be exempt from Kansas income taxes. The bill would increase the standard deduction amounts by $240 for married filing jointly and will be further increased by the cost-of-living adjustment determined by the IRS. The privilege tax rates that are applied to financial institutions would be reduced by 2.25 percent.

House Substitute for SB 300 would also reinstate transfers from the State General Fund for fiscal year 2025 to Special City and County Highway Fund and abolish the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and County and City Revenue Sharing Fund. This&nbsp;bill would also increase the amount of residential property exemption from statewide uniform school finance levy to $100,000 of appraised value and in tax year 2024 reduce the uniform school finance levy from 20 mills to 18 mills.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at www.kslegislature.org.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me&nbsp; 785 -296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka March 29, 2024Bills Debated in the HouseThe House debated several bills throughout the week. Here are some of the bills we debated on the floor:● Senate Bill 359 would create a distinctive license plate for the Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Royals, Topeka Zoo, and I offered an amendment to create a support the troops license plate with revenue supporting the American Legion and Kansas Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars. This bill passed the House, 103-20.● Senate Bill 394 would require certain websites that contain potentially harmful information for minors, such as sexual material, to use an age verification software to ensure a person is eighteen years of age or older and allow parents to take private action against website owners and seek damages if violated. This bill passed the House, 92-31.● Senate Bill 458, regarding civil forfeitures clarifies, that certain drug offenses would not arise to civil forfeiture, increases the burden of proof by requiring clear and convincing evidence, and requires courts to make determination of the excessiveness of the forfeiture. This bill passed the House, 123-0.● House Substitute for Senate Bill 287 would require school health care professionals to receive parental consent before providing services such as administering medications, providing diagnostic tests, or conducting behavioral health treatments. Healthcare providers who violate the provisions in this bill would be subjected to discipline from the appropriate licensing agency. This bill passed the House 85-37.● House Bill 2825 enacts the Consumer Protection Related to Hospital Price Transparency Act and would require hospitals to provide pricing information of its top three hundred procedures, provide patients with cost estimates for elective tests and procedures if requested, and provide patients with a written copy of their ability to receive this information. This bill would allow for the Attorney General’s Office to fine hospitals $250 a day if they are not in compliance.● House Substitute for Senate Bill 387 is concerning appropriations for the State Department of Education for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 and would abolish or revise certain statutes concerning the education system. Including the prohibition of substantially revising curriculum standards until seventy-five percent of students achieve academic proficiency.Conference CommitteeA Conference Committee will meet in the coming days to discuss the differences in the budget. Some differences between the House and Senate budgets are the House provides $2.2 million from the State General Fund for the Kansas Osteopathic Scholarship for FY 25 which will help rural healthcare, provides $47.7 million from the State General Fund to pay off state debt, $16.5 million for economic and housing development in the northwest Kansas region, $2.2 million to increase the number of Physical Disability waivers by 500, $6.7 million to increase the number of Intellectual and Developmental Disability waivers by 500 to reduce waiting lists, and $18.6 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement.Tax BillHouse Substitute for Senate Bill 300 was debated on the floor Tuesday regarding taxation. This bill would restructure the individual income tax bracket. For a married couple making $60,001 and above would be taxed at 5.65 percent. This bill would also phase out taxes on social security benefits through 2026 and by 2027 benefits will be exempt from Kansas income taxes. The bill would increase the standard deduction amounts by $240 for married filing jointly and will be further increased by the cost-of-living adjustment determined by the IRS. The privilege tax rates that are applied to financial institutions would be reduced by 2.25 percent.House Substitute for SB 300 would also reinstate transfers from the State General Fund for fiscal year 2025 to Special City and County Highway Fund and abolish the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and County and City Revenue Sharing Fund. This&nbsp;bill would also increase the amount of residential property exemption from statewide uniform school finance levy to $100,000 of appraised value and in tax year 2024 reduce the uniform school finance levy from 20 mills to 18 mills.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at www.kslegislature.org.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me&nbsp; 785 -296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, March 29; House & Senate budget bills

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Research at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.

Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.

Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).

Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.

Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.

The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust or

stripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.

Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.

The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:

· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.

· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.

· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictResearch at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust orstripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

Campbell: Considerations for early fungicide applications on wheat

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

In January 2023, Fort Hays State University (FHSU), North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech), and Northwest Kansas Technical College (Northwest Tech) announced a new affiliation initiative to address demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas. This initiative is focusing on developing solutions in three key areas:

· Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today's and tomorrow's students.

· Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success.

· Creating a coalition with regional businesses, industries, and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas.

The affiliation works in implementation teams consisting of faculty and staff from all three institutions and industry partners. One of the first teams to launch was on construction and construction management.

This team has embarked on a mission to construct bridges across educational institutions, ensuring the integration of construction and construction management disciplines. By placing the interests of students at its core, they have successfully navigated through the complexities of aligning the curriculum across three distinct educational institutions.

The challenge of maintaining harmony among different academic philosophies turned into an opportunity to build on individual strengths, as evidenced by their recent creation of a template for the FHSU/NCK second-year welding program.

The Construction Affiliation Implementation Team has identified several ambitious deliverables focused on creating seamless transitions between locations and programs. The goals are to reach 100% academic success and job placement rate for students, meet the regional workforce needs, and contribute to alleviating housing shortages.

The Applied Technology Fair of September 2023 stands as a testament to these collaborative efforts, catalyzing the first bonds among students and establishing connections with industry partners.

The visits by FHSU faculty to Beloit and Goodland campuses stirred enthusiasm among tech students and provided them a glimpse into educational pathways shaped by the Strategic Affiliation Initiative. This initiative is rapidly transforming our shared aspirations into real-world opportunities.

A notable accomplishment is the team's innovative curriculum pathway for reverse transfer, particularly the Second Year Carpentry to Associates of Applied Science degree in Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. This learning pathway allows students to smoothly transition from a one-year carpentry certificate at a technical college to a second-year construction management program at Fort Hays State University. Then, students can transfer

their construction management credits back to the technical college, culminating in an AAS degree, creating an employment exit point or transition pathway to a bachelor's degree.

This team also explored technical college credit transfer opportunities aimed at enriching FHSU's Construction Management program with specialized short courses including Heavy Equipment, Commercial Driver's License (CDL), and Survey Total Station. These courses, designed by industry experts, provide invaluable insights for students aiming for leadership roles in the construction field, filling essential gaps not typically covered in traditional four-year plans.

In their endeavor to nurture comprehensive academic tracks from various technical programs, this team has essentially charted paths from AAS degrees to BS degrees in Welding Technology, Engineering Technology (CAD), and Automotive Technology.

Peering into the future, the team envisions a landscape where more technical programs are closely aligned with existing FHSU content as part of a broader, seamless educational continuum. Alignment includes ensuring that programs exist for all technical certificates to lead to Associate, Bachelor's, and even master’s degrees, making the journey through higher education less linear and more adaptable.

At FHSU, summer internships, short courses, and on-the-job training initiatives are already paving the way for our students to fast-track their path to a Bachelor of Science in Technology Studies/Construction Management. The new pathways envisioned now will allow students to move from an AAS to a BS and then to an MS degree within a remarkably compressed timeframe.

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, so does the work of the Affiliation Implementation Team on Construction. Their resolve to dismantle administrative barriers and meet industry workforce needs is unwavering. With these developments and future dreams, they are not only challenging the status quo but also redefining what's possible in construction management education.

I am so proud of and energized by the work of the affiliation teams, as exemplified here by the team on construction and construction management. Their work heralds a new era of educational synergy among three very different higher education institutions. The dedication of the FHSU faculty and their collaborators provides a solid foundation for this visionary approach, ensuring that the Structural Affiliation Initiative not only dreams big but puts those dreams into tangible action.

Stay tuned for more affiliation updates highlighting visionary approaches and a steadfast dedication to collaboration that not only streamlines pathways for students but also paves the way for innovative curriculum developments and technical transfer opportunities. In their wake, our affiliation professionals will fundamentally change the learning landscape, where educational milestones are not merely reached but surpassed, where careers are not just started but ascended, and where dreams, once distant, are brought firmly within grasp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentIn January 2023, Fort Hays State University (FHSU), North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech), and Northwest Kansas Technical College (Northwest Tech) announced a new affiliation initiative to address demographic and economic challenges in rural Kansas. This initiative is focusing on developing solutions in three key areas:· Developing academic programs and integrated student services that meet the educational and professional needs of today's and tomorrow's students.· Aligning and optimizing inter-institutional operations to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to student success.· Creating a coalition with regional businesses, industries, and communities focused on increasing opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship, and meeting workforce development needs in rural Kansas.The affiliation works in implementation teams consisting of faculty and staff from all three institutions and industry partners. One of the first teams to launch was on construction and construction management.This team has embarked on a mission to construct bridges across educational institutions, ensuring the integration of construction and construction management disciplines. By placing the interests of students at its core, they have successfully navigated through the complexities of aligning the curriculum across three distinct educational institutions.The challenge of maintaining harmony among different academic philosophies turned into an opportunity to build on individual strengths, as evidenced by their recent creation of a template for the FHSU/NCK second-year welding program.The Construction Affiliation Implementation Team has identified several ambitious deliverables focused on creating seamless transitions between locations and programs. The goals are to reach 100% academic success and job placement rate for students, meet the regional workforce needs, and contribute to alleviating housing shortages.The Applied Technology Fair of September 2023 stands as a testament to these collaborative efforts, catalyzing the first bonds among students and establishing connections with industry partners.The visits by FHSU faculty to Beloit and Goodland campuses stirred enthusiasm among tech students and provided them a glimpse into educational pathways shaped by the Strategic Affiliation Initiative. This initiative is rapidly transforming our shared aspirations into real-world opportunities.A notable accomplishment is the team's innovative curriculum pathway for reverse transfer, particularly the Second Year Carpentry to Associates of Applied Science degree in Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. This learning pathway allows students to smoothly transition from a one-year carpentry certificate at a technical college to a second-year construction management program at Fort Hays State University. Then, students can transfertheir construction management credits back to the technical college, culminating in an AAS degree, creating an employment exit point or transition pathway to a bachelor's degree.This team also explored technical college credit transfer opportunities aimed at enriching FHSU's Construction Management program with specialized short courses including Heavy Equipment, Commercial Driver's License (CDL), and Survey Total Station. These courses, designed by industry experts, provide invaluable insights for students aiming for leadership roles in the construction field, filling essential gaps not typically covered in traditional four-year plans.In their endeavor to nurture comprehensive academic tracks from various technical programs, this team has essentially charted paths from AAS degrees to BS degrees in Welding Technology, Engineering Technology (CAD), and Automotive Technology.Peering into the future, the team envisions a landscape where more technical programs are closely aligned with existing FHSU content as part of a broader, seamless educational continuum. Alignment includes ensuring that programs exist for all technical certificates to lead to Associate, Bachelor's, and even master’s degrees, making the journey through higher education less linear and more adaptable.At FHSU, summer internships, short courses, and on-the-job training initiatives are already paving the way for our students to fast-track their path to a Bachelor of Science in Technology Studies/Construction Management. The new pathways envisioned now will allow students to move from an AAS to a BS and then to an MS degree within a remarkably compressed timeframe.As the landscape of education continues to evolve, so does the work of the Affiliation Implementation Team on Construction. Their resolve to dismantle administrative barriers and meet industry workforce needs is unwavering. With these developments and future dreams, they are not only challenging the status quo but also redefining what's possible in construction management education.I am so proud of and energized by the work of the affiliation teams, as exemplified here by the team on construction and construction management. Their work heralds a new era of educational synergy among three very different higher education institutions. The dedication of the FHSU faculty and their collaborators provides a solid foundation for this visionary approach, ensuring that the Structural Affiliation Initiative not only dreams big but puts those dreams into tangible action.Stay tuned for more affiliation updates highlighting visionary approaches and a steadfast dedication to collaboration that not only streamlines pathways for students but also paves the way for innovative curriculum developments and technical transfer opportunities. In their wake, our affiliation professionals will fundamentally change the learning landscape, where educational milestones are not merely reached but surpassed, where careers are not just started but ascended, and where dreams, once distant, are brought firmly within grasp.

Opinion