By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/10/behold-the-kansas-city-chiefs-elite-quarterback-and-the-other-one-too/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>

As they prep for the Super Bowl on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs have a phenomenon at quarterback.

He threw for thousands of yards in high school, earning scholarship offers from <a target="_blank" href="https://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Oladokun-61358/high-school-140610/">universities that would compete on the national stage</a>. His talents <a target="_blank" href="https://www.profootballnetwork.com/betting-on-himself-has-paid-off-for-south-dakota-state-qb-chris-oladokun-as-he-prepares-for-the-2022-nfl-draft/">playing baseball and basketball</a> in high school still earn mentions when the news media profile him. In college, he set records for passing at his school, once <a target="_blank" href="https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/chris-oladokun/7026">throwing for six touchdowns in a single game</a>. During his senior year in college, he threw for more than 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. He even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.profootballnetwork.com/betting-on-himself-has-paid-off-for-south-dakota-state-qb-chris-oladokun-as-he-prepares-for-the-2022-nfl-draft/">caught two touchdowns</a> while on the roster as quarterback.

Of course, you know who I’m writing about.&nbsp;

This freak athlete? It’s not Patrick Mahomes, the All-Pro, MVP, celebrity quarterback for the Chiefs.

It’s <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Oladokun">Chris Oladokun</a>, the team’s practice team quarterback, who doesn’t<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/KC/kansas-city-chiefs/depth-chart/"> even get mentioned on depth charts for the position</a>. Three quarterbacks would need to be injured for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fox13news.com/sports/chris-oladokun-hopes-his-6-year-college-journey-leads-to-the-nfl">him</a> to become <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chiefs.com/team/players-roster/">QB1 for the Chiefs</a> — if even then.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Chris-Oladokun-QB-SouthDakotaState">Oladokun</a>,
 a coveted high school recruit from Florida who has earned a tenuous 
connection with an NFL team, illustrates two things to me. First, 
players require extraordinary talents to simply make a spot on a 
professional roster, whether baseball or hockey, soccer or basketball.

Oladokun’s status also demonstrates 
the absurd separation between the back-up to a back-up to a back-up, and
 Mahomes, the star destined for the Hall of Fame.&nbsp;

How can Mahomes be that much better than other quarterbacks, who themselves are almost inconceivably skilled?

To answer this, consider the 
separation between Mahomes and his fellow quarterbacks. To be clear, 
these next few comparisons don’t measure him next to practice squad 
rookies like Oladokun. Instead, we are setting Mahomes next to fellow 
first-string NFL quarterbacks.

The statistical website fivethirtyeight.com <a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nfl-predictions/quarterbacks/">awards Mahomes an ELO score of 280</a>
 for his overall performance. The next highest ELO score belongs to his 
Super Bowl opponent, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with 247. That 
positions Mahomes 10% better than Hurts, the next best quarterback. (If 
you prefer the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/qbr/_/seasontype/2/sort/qbr">QBR rating</a>, Mahomes is still top of the chart.)

Are you comfortable saying that you are 10% better at your job than anyone else in the world? Not me.

Next, we might compare Hurts to the 
Raiders starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham: He scores a 77, showing 
that even among these NFL quarterbacks, the performance gap is enormous.
 And all these quarterbacks, when compared to us fans who struggle to 
throw a spiral, are complete athletic anomalies.

In addition to Mahomes’ overall 
quarterbacking scores, consider other specific skills that set him 
apart. In advance of last week’s AFC championship game against the 
Bengals, fans worried that Mahomes would struggle because of an ankle 
injury. Behold his ability to pass from the pocket: <a target="_blank" href="https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/patrick-mahomes-chiefs-bengals-lou-anarumo/">His stats on that skill were best in the league</a>, in addition to his precocious ability to improvise when chaos develops.

There’s more. This year Mahomes set a record for the most yards by a quarterback in NFL league history.

And more. Football experts are wowed 
by his ability to play with and recover from injury earned from his game
 Jan. 29, and a quick recovery from a gruesome knee injury earlier in 
his career.

For these reasons, as we watch the 
Super Bowl, our eyes will be on Mahomes because of his elite resume, 
those statistics, and his celebrity.

This superstar separation makes 
sports more fun to watch, regardless of the era. In basketball, it was 
former Jayhawk Wilt Chamberlain <a target="_blank" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1977443-is-wilt-chamberlains-100-point-game-overhyped">improbably scoring 100 points</a> in a game during a dominant career. It was Wayne Gretzky <a target="_blank" href="https://thehockeywriters.com/wayne-gretzky-the-great-ones-10-most-unbreakable-records/">shattering records</a> for goal scoring and assists in hockey.

Whether they become hero or villain 
in your life as a fan, it’s fun to have the one-name wonders: Jordan in 
basketball, Pele in soccer, Ruth in baseball.

This spotlight on the superstars 
might seem to contradict my point at the start: that even the 
benchwarmers are fascinatingly talented. But it’s just the opposite.

The pyramid of sports — from the 
recreational youth sports at the bottom to the international 
professional leagues at the top — distinguishes anyone who makes it 
anywhere near
 the top level. And that ruthless competitive structure makes it absurd 
that anyone could be that much better than their peers — other 
professionals who make hundreds of millions of dollars themselves.

The last few months have been a 
showcase of all-time greatness, in addition to Mahomes. (Of course, you 
can argue that Tom Brady accomplished more before his retirement last 
week as an NFL quarterback than Mahomes has.)&nbsp;

Did you know that <a target="_blank" href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/mikaela-shiffrin-is-the-greatest-and-she-has-time-to-become-even-greater/">Michaela Shiffrin</a>
 is on the brink of becoming the consensus best downhill skier ever by 
shattering the record for World Cups earned by a single skier? The 
soccer <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-argentina-lionel-messi-qatar-87afd31ddd4f8a22baec67f2d7ad73d9">World Cup in Qatar</a> served as Lionel Messi’s coronation as a generational talent, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-messi-cements-his-goat-status-with-a-little-help-from-his-friends">if not the best ever</a>, in the world’s most popular and competitive sport.

We would expect to see increasingly 
better performances by stronger and faster athletes because of better 
coaching, technology, nutrition and specialization. Athletes today are 
undoubtedly better than they have ever been.

What’s still surprising is how some 
can elevate themselves above contemporaries who have the same advantages
 and who strive to be included in the same record books.

So, as you sit down to watch the 
Chiefs and Eagles in the Super Bowl — or even as you watch a 12-year-old
 dribble around his opponents on a middle school basketball court — it’s
 OK to pinch yourself and ask the question.

<a target="_blank" href="https://journalism.ku.edu/eric-thomas">Eric Thomas</a> directs the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the University of Kansas.

By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/10/behold-the-kansas-city-chiefs-elite-quarterback-and-the-other-one-too/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>As they prep for the Super Bowl on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs have a phenomenon at quarterback.He threw for thousands of yards in high school, earning scholarship offers from <a target="_blank" href="https://247sports.com/Player/Chris-Oladokun-61358/high-school-140610/">universities that would compete on the national stage</a>. His talents <a target="_blank" href="https://www.profootballnetwork.com/betting-on-himself-has-paid-off-for-south-dakota-state-qb-chris-oladokun-as-he-prepares-for-the-2022-nfl-draft/">playing baseball and basketball</a> in high school still earn mentions when the news media profile him. In college, he set records for passing at his school, once <a target="_blank" href="https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/chris-oladokun/7026">throwing for six touchdowns in a single game</a>. During his senior year in college, he threw for more than 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. He even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.profootballnetwork.com/betting-on-himself-has-paid-off-for-south-dakota-state-qb-chris-oladokun-as-he-prepares-for-the-2022-nfl-draft/">caught two touchdowns</a> while on the roster as quarterback.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675895209824.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes answers a question during an NFL football Super Bowl media availability in Scottsdale, Ariz., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. The Chiefs will play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes answers a question during an NFL football Super Bowl media availability in Scottsdale, Ariz., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. The Chiefs will play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)</figcaption>
 </figure>Of course, you know who I’m writing about.&nbsp;This freak athlete? It’s not Patrick Mahomes, the All-Pro, MVP, celebrity quarterback for the Chiefs.It’s <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Oladokun">Chris Oladokun</a>, the team’s practice team quarterback, who doesn’t<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/KC/kansas-city-chiefs/depth-chart/"> even get mentioned on depth charts for the position</a>. Three quarterbacks would need to be injured for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fox13news.com/sports/chris-oladokun-hopes-his-6-year-college-journey-leads-to-the-nfl">him</a> to become <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chiefs.com/team/players-roster/">QB1 for the Chiefs</a> — if even then.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Chris-Oladokun-QB-SouthDakotaState">Oladokun</a>,
 a coveted high school recruit from Florida who has earned a tenuous 
connection with an NFL team, illustrates two things to me. First, 
players require extraordinary talents to simply make a spot on a 
professional roster, whether baseball or hockey, soccer or basketball.Oladokun’s status also demonstrates 
the absurd separation between the back-up to a back-up to a back-up, and
 Mahomes, the star destined for the Hall of Fame.&nbsp;How can Mahomes be that much better than other quarterbacks, who themselves are almost inconceivably skilled?To answer this, consider the 
separation between Mahomes and his fellow quarterbacks. To be clear, 
these next few comparisons don’t measure him next to practice squad 
rookies like Oladokun. Instead, we are setting Mahomes next to fellow 
first-string NFL quarterbacks.The statistical website fivethirtyeight.com <a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nfl-predictions/quarterbacks/">awards Mahomes an ELO score of 280</a>
 for his overall performance. The next highest ELO score belongs to his 
Super Bowl opponent, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with 247. That 
positions Mahomes 10% better than Hurts, the next best quarterback. (If 
you prefer the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/qbr/_/seasontype/2/sort/qbr">QBR rating</a>, Mahomes is still top of the chart.)Are you comfortable saying that you are 10% better at your job than anyone else in the world? Not me.Next, we might compare Hurts to the 
Raiders starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham: He scores a 77, showing 
that even among these NFL quarterbacks, the performance gap is enormous.
 And all these quarterbacks, when compared to us fans who struggle to 
throw a spiral, are complete athletic anomalies.In addition to Mahomes’ overall 
quarterbacking scores, consider other specific skills that set him 
apart. In advance of last week’s AFC championship game against the 
Bengals, fans worried that Mahomes would struggle because of an ankle 
injury. Behold his ability to pass from the pocket: <a target="_blank" href="https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/patrick-mahomes-chiefs-bengals-lou-anarumo/">His stats on that skill were best in the league</a>, in addition to his precocious ability to improvise when chaos develops.There’s more. This year Mahomes set a record for the most yards by a quarterback in NFL league history.And more. Football experts are wowed 
by his ability to play with and recover from injury earned from his game
 Jan. 29, and a quick recovery from a gruesome knee injury earlier in 
his career.For these reasons, as we watch the 
Super Bowl, our eyes will be on Mahomes because of his elite resume, 
those statistics, and his celebrity.This superstar separation makes 
sports more fun to watch, regardless of the era. In basketball, it was 
former Jayhawk Wilt Chamberlain <a target="_blank" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1977443-is-wilt-chamberlains-100-point-game-overhyped">improbably scoring 100 points</a> in a game during a dominant career. It was Wayne Gretzky <a target="_blank" href="https://thehockeywriters.com/wayne-gretzky-the-great-ones-10-most-unbreakable-records/">shattering records</a> for goal scoring and assists in hockey.Whether they become hero or villain 
in your life as a fan, it’s fun to have the one-name wonders: Jordan in 
basketball, Pele in soccer, Ruth in baseball.This spotlight on the superstars 
might seem to contradict my point at the start: that even the 
benchwarmers are fascinatingly talented. But it’s just the opposite.The pyramid of sports — from the 
recreational youth sports at the bottom to the international 
professional leagues at the top — distinguishes anyone who makes it 
anywhere near
 the top level. And that ruthless competitive structure makes it absurd 
that anyone could be that much better than their peers — other 
professionals who make hundreds of millions of dollars themselves.The last few months have been a 
showcase of all-time greatness, in addition to Mahomes. (Of course, you 
can argue that Tom Brady accomplished more before his retirement last 
week as an NFL quarterback than Mahomes has.)&nbsp;Did you know that <a target="_blank" href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/mikaela-shiffrin-is-the-greatest-and-she-has-time-to-become-even-greater/">Michaela Shiffrin</a>
 is on the brink of becoming the consensus best downhill skier ever by 
shattering the record for World Cups earned by a single skier? The 
soccer <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-sports-argentina-lionel-messi-qatar-87afd31ddd4f8a22baec67f2d7ad73d9">World Cup in Qatar</a> served as Lionel Messi’s coronation as a generational talent, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/lionel-messi-cements-his-goat-status-with-a-little-help-from-his-friends">if not the best ever</a>, in the world’s most popular and competitive sport.We would expect to see increasingly 
better performances by stronger and faster athletes because of better 
coaching, technology, nutrition and specialization. Athletes today are 
undoubtedly better than they have ever been.What’s still surprising is how some 
can elevate themselves above contemporaries who have the same advantages
 and who strive to be included in the same record books.So, as you sit down to watch the 
Chiefs and Eagles in the Super Bowl — or even as you watch a 12-year-old
 dribble around his opponents on a middle school basketball court — it’s
 OK to pinch yourself and ask the question.How did they get to be that good?<a target="_blank" href="https://journalism.ku.edu/eric-thomas">Eric Thomas</a> directs the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the University of Kansas.

🏈 Behold the K.C. Chiefs’ elite quarterback — and the other one too

Clinical trials can benefit you, no matter what stage of cancer you have. Here, Tara Lin, M.D., professor of hematologic malignancies and cellular therapeutics at KU Medical Center and medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, explains five reasons to consider participating in the testing of a novel cancer treatment.

Advances in cancer medicine come through rigorous testing in clinical trials. A clinical trial is how we develop new treatments — by testing a new drug alone, by testing a new drug in combination with already approved medications or by testing a new combination of older medicines used together. There are also clinical trials to learn about new techniques in surgery or radiation therapy for people with cancer.&nbsp;

By the time the treatment reaches an individual, scientists have already spent years developing it. Nearly all tried-and-true cancer drugs available to you today exist because past patients participated in clinical trials.

Despite the advantages of joining a clinical trial, few people with cancer actually&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kucancercenter.org/cancer-clinical-trials/why-participate" target="_blank">participate</a>. With all the advances in our understanding of cancer biology and new options for treatment, today is an ideal time to consider joining a clinical trial.

Below are five reasons you should consider participating in a clinical trial:

1. You gain access to innovative treatments before they become widely available.

As a participant in a clinical trial, you may receive the latest leading-edge cancer treatment.

2. You receive frequent, attentive medical care.&nbsp;

Some people are nervous that once in a clinical trial, their standard of care will stop. Placebos are rarely used for active cancer treatment. Most studies compare the standard treatment with a new investigational drug or treatment. As a clinical trial participant, in addition to the care you would receive as part of your standard treatment, you will also have visits to the clinic with the trial team. Team members will track your side effects as well as the effectiveness of the new therapy. In essence, you are receiving “Standard of Care Plus.”

3. You play an active role in important treatment decisions that can affect your care.&nbsp;

If you qualify for a clinical trial, you are the advocate in your care and can choose to take part. Participating in a clinical trial may make you feel as if you have more control over your health, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life.

4. Clinical trials aren’t just for people who have exhausted all treatment options.&nbsp;

There are more clinical trials testing new medications in combination with the current standard of care for people with newly diagnosed cancers, too. Clinical trials can be an important part of your cancer care when you are first diagnosed or if the cancer comes back.

5. You are contributing to improving the health of others.&nbsp;

Clinical trials are the only way researchers can continue to develop new cancer treatments. By participating in a clinical trial, you are helping to advance cancer research and offering hope and opportunity for future patients.

If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, ask your doctor about your options.

To search KU Cancer Center clinical trials that may be a good fit for you, download the KUCC Clinical Trial Finder app. The app is currently available for iOS and Android users. To download, go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “KUCC Clinical Trial Finder.” From there, download the app to your personal device.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675778031892.jpeg" alt="Tara L. Lin, M.D., is a professor in the Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She also is the medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at The University of Kansas Cancer Center." />
 <figcaption>Tara L. Lin, M.D., is a professor in the Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She also is the medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>Clinical trials can benefit you, no matter what stage of cancer you have. Here, Tara Lin, M.D., professor of hematologic malignancies and cellular therapeutics at KU Medical Center and medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, explains five reasons to consider participating in the testing of a novel cancer treatment.Advances in cancer medicine come through rigorous testing in clinical trials. A clinical trial is how we develop new treatments — by testing a new drug alone, by testing a new drug in combination with already approved medications or by testing a new combination of older medicines used together. There are also clinical trials to learn about new techniques in surgery or radiation therapy for people with cancer.&nbsp;By the time the treatment reaches an individual, scientists have already spent years developing it. Nearly all tried-and-true cancer drugs available to you today exist because past patients participated in clinical trials.Despite the advantages of joining a clinical trial, few people with cancer actually&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kucancercenter.org/cancer-clinical-trials/why-participate" target="_blank">participate</a>. With all the advances in our understanding of cancer biology and new options for treatment, today is an ideal time to consider joining a clinical trial.Below are five reasons you should consider participating in a clinical trial:<h2>1. You gain access to innovative treatments before they become widely available.</h2>As a participant in a clinical trial, you may receive the latest leading-edge cancer treatment.<h2>2. You receive frequent, attentive medical care.&nbsp;</h2>Some people are nervous that once in a clinical trial, their standard of care will stop. Placebos are rarely used for active cancer treatment. Most studies compare the standard treatment with a new investigational drug or treatment. As a clinical trial participant, in addition to the care you would receive as part of your standard treatment, you will also have visits to the clinic with the trial team. Team members will track your side effects as well as the effectiveness of the new therapy. In essence, you are receiving “Standard of Care Plus.”<h2>3. You play an active role in important treatment decisions that can affect your care.&nbsp;</h2>If you qualify for a clinical trial, you are the advocate in your care and can choose to take part. Participating in a clinical trial may make you feel as if you have more control over your health, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life.<h2>4. Clinical trials aren’t just for people who have exhausted all treatment options.&nbsp;</h2>There are more clinical trials testing new medications in combination with the current standard of care for people with newly diagnosed cancers, too. Clinical trials can be an important part of your cancer care when you are first diagnosed or if the cancer comes back.<h2>5. You are contributing to improving the health of others.&nbsp;</h2>Clinical trials are the only way researchers can continue to develop new cancer treatments. By participating in a clinical trial, you are helping to advance cancer research and offering hope and opportunity for future patients.If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, ask your doctor about your options.To search KU Cancer Center clinical trials that may be a good fit for you, download the KUCC Clinical Trial Finder app. The app is currently available for iOS and Android users. To download, go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “KUCC Clinical Trial Finder.” From there, download the app to your personal device.

LIN: Five reasons to consider participating in a clinical trial for cancer treatment

By KIM BADLWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher Six more weeks of winter for 2023. At least that’s the prediction based on a rodent in Pennsylvania.&nbsp; My 7-year-old daughter has recently taken to studying calendars. She can tell you when all of the important and slightly less important days are. She’s also memorized birthdays and does an impressively good job at reminding the rest of us about what a particular day holds. So when she woke up and announced it was Groundhog Day, there was a sense of excitement in the air.&nbsp; While eating breakfast we feverishly switched television channels trying to catch the festivities of the morning live to learn of our future.&nbsp; By the time the kids had to bundle up and head out to their bus stop, my daughter tried to talk me into letting her skip the bus to school so she could watch the revelation unfold in real time. She just had to know what the future would hold. I denied her request to skip the morning bus and told her we’d watch the exciting announcement together on YouTube when she got home that afternoon.&nbsp; By the time I searched for the prognostication that had taken place earlier in the day, I already knew what had been seen and what had been declared but kept that knowledge to myself. As we gathered around my iPad to watch the replay of that morning’s events unfold, you could sense my daughter anxiously awaiting the announcement of her future.&nbsp; We watched as the stage of gathered gentlemen wearing top hats revealed a royal red carpet and scrolls. We cheered with the crowd as they chanted for a groundhog named Phil while a man formally knocked on a tiny, padlocked door at the base of tree stump located on the stage.&nbsp; We waited in anticipation as the groundhog was awakened from his wintery slumber and brought forth from his den to hint at the scroll containing his discovery. The prognostication was revealed when we heard the statement, “I see a shadow upon my stage. No matter how you measure, it’s six more weeks of winter weather.” My daughter refused to accept the prophesy. She argued that she didn’t see his shadow and suggested that the rodent was misguided. In her distraught state, she demanded to watch other videos from that morning that would surely show different angles of the events. She needed better proof. I assured her that taking weather advice from a rodent is not the only way one should plan for the future and challenged her to look around the farm for her own observed signs of spring. And in her brief time of discovery and reflection before dinner she saw three newborn lambs cuddled together in a bed of straw with their mother. She saw how much more space she had to roller skate in the machine shop as we’ve begun to make room for future seed deliveries. And after moving a pile of leaves, she uncovered the tiny tip of a crocus beginning to peek through the soil. Whether we’ll experience more winter weather or not this year, there are definitely hints of another season beginning to appear.&nbsp; And as my daughter learned, we just have to rely less on a soothsaying rodent and keep our own eyes open for other signs of spring.&nbsp; "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BADLWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher Six more weeks of winter for 2023. At least that’s the prediction based on a rodent in Pennsylvania.&nbsp; My 7-year-old daughter has recently taken to studying calendars. She can tell you when all of the important and slightly less important days are. She’s also memorized birthdays and does an impressively good job at reminding the rest of us about what a particular day holds. So when she woke up and announced it was Groundhog Day, there was a sense of excitement in the air.&nbsp; While eating breakfast we feverishly switched television channels trying to catch the festivities of the morning live to learn of our future.&nbsp; By the time the kids had to bundle up and head out to their bus stop, my daughter tried to talk me into letting her skip the bus to school so she could watch the revelation unfold in real time. She just had to know what the future would hold. I denied her request to skip the morning bus and told her we’d watch the exciting announcement together on YouTube when she got home that afternoon.&nbsp; By the time I searched for the prognostication that had taken place earlier in the day, I already knew what had been seen and what had been declared but kept that knowledge to myself. As we gathered around my iPad to watch the replay of that morning’s events unfold, you could sense my daughter anxiously awaiting the announcement of her future.&nbsp; We watched as the stage of gathered gentlemen wearing top hats revealed a royal red carpet and scrolls. We cheered with the crowd as they chanted for a groundhog named Phil while a man formally knocked on a tiny, padlocked door at the base of tree stump located on the stage.&nbsp; We waited in anticipation as the groundhog was awakened from his wintery slumber and brought forth from his den to hint at the scroll containing his discovery. The prognostication was revealed when we heard the statement, “I see a shadow upon my stage. No matter how you measure, it’s six more weeks of winter weather.” My daughter refused to accept the prophesy. She argued that she didn’t see his shadow and suggested that the rodent was misguided. In her distraught state, she demanded to watch other videos from that morning that would surely show different angles of the events. She needed better proof. I assured her that taking weather advice from a rodent is not the only way one should plan for the future and challenged her to look around the farm for her own observed signs of spring. And in her brief time of discovery and reflection before dinner she saw three newborn lambs cuddled together in a bed of straw with their mother. She saw how much more space she had to roller skate in the machine shop as we’ve begun to make room for future seed deliveries. And after moving a pile of leaves, she uncovered the tiny tip of a crocus beginning to peek through the soil. Whether we’ll experience more winter weather or not this year, there are definitely hints of another season beginning to appear.&nbsp; And as my daughter learned, we just have to rely less on a soothsaying rodent and keep our own eyes open for other signs of spring.&nbsp; "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Signs of spring

I have been a citizen of Hays, Kansas, for&nbsp;33&nbsp;years, and&nbsp;my daughter attended all four years of high school at HHS, graduating in 2005.&nbsp;&nbsp;She and I are of the same mind regarding the HHS mascot, and I’m sharing that view here.

The Kansas Board of Education&nbsp;this past November urged school districts to eliminate&nbsp;American Indian&nbsp;mascots within the next&nbsp;3-5&nbsp;years.&nbsp;Approximately&nbsp;24 Kansas schools still have such mascots, and the Hays High Indians are one of them.&nbsp;With&nbsp;plans underway to build&nbsp;new Hays High School, the time is right to&nbsp;comply and&nbsp;change the HHS mascot.

In fact, it’s past time to make this change. &nbsp;The American Psychological Association (APA) passed a resolution way back in 2005&nbsp;calling for schools to abandon such mascots. &nbsp;Here’s a summary of the resolution from the APA website:

<a href="https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indian-mascots">“In 2005, the APA called for the immediate retirement of all American Indian mascots, symbols, images and personalities by schools, colleges, universities, athletic teams and organizations. APA's position is based on a growing body of social science literature that shows the harmful effects of racial stereotyping and inaccurate racial portrayals, including the particularly harmful effects of American Indian sports mascots on the social identity development and self-esteem of American Indian young people.”</a>

So what’s keeping this&nbsp;mascot change&nbsp;from happening? &nbsp;I’ve heard several claims against making a change that I would like to address here.

Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the people we’re hearing from do not support changing the mascot, so we should keep it the same.

Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;A majority do not have to favor change for it to&nbsp;be the right course of action. &nbsp;A majority of Southerners would likely not have supported the abolition of slavery—but it&nbsp;was,nevertheless, the right thing to do.

Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;But it’s not offensive. &nbsp;We’re&nbsp;honoring&nbsp;Indians with this mascot.

Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ask the&nbsp;National&nbsp;Congress of American Indians&nbsp;if they feel honored. &nbsp;You don’t have to ask them, as they have already made this statement&nbsp;on their website:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ncai.org/proudtobe#:~:text=NCAI%20is%20the%20oldest%2C%20largest,mock%2C%20and%20harm%20Native%20people%2C">“NCAI is the oldest, largest, and most representative national organization that shares the unified voice of hundreds of Tribal Nations representing millions of Native people, and that voice has been consistent and clear for decades: sports mascots are symbols of disrespect that degrade, mock, and harm Native people.”</a>

Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m German, and I would not be offended if Germans were used as mascots.

Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;How about the “Krauts”?&nbsp;&nbsp;Would that perhaps be offensive? &nbsp;It might be, given that it’s&nbsp;a false name given to German people,&nbsp;just&nbsp;as “Indians” is a false name based on the mistaken assumption that Columbus had sailed to India&nbsp;when he landed in the Americas.&nbsp;Moreover, Germans&nbsp;in this country have not&nbsp;experienced the&nbsp;widespread oppression&nbsp;and injustice endured by indigenous people who had their land stolen, their children taken away for “re-education,”&nbsp;treaties broken, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;So it is truly a false comparison.

Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s tradition.

Response: &nbsp;In Kansas, Wichita North High School has changed its mascot from the “Redskins” to the “Redhawks.” &nbsp;Their principal, Stephanie Wasco, notes&nbsp;in a KWCH&nbsp;article&nbsp;that&nbsp;the memories made by former students over the years are not diminished by a new mascot:

<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2022/12/14/administrators-wichita-public-schools-announce-new-mascot-north-high-school/">“It doesn’t change the memories they have here. It doesn’t change the pride they have here,” Wasko said. “It doesn’t change the friends they made here or the education they got here. Those things they can still be proud of. We’re simply changing the name of the mascot. It’s not changing anything that’s important to them.”</a>

The Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians) and the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins)&nbsp;are two national sports teams who have not let something like “tradition” keep them from&nbsp;moving forward from a racist and insensitive past.

Claim: &nbsp;We’re erasing our history if we get rid of the “Indians” mascot.

Response:&nbsp;Logically, then, any event&nbsp;or&nbsp;group&nbsp;not&nbsp;designated as a mascot is erased from history? &nbsp;Forgive me if I&nbsp;find this argument to be absurd. &nbsp;Beyond the absurdity, please recognize that history is preserved in many, many more&nbsp;respectful ways—such as through the Ellis County Historical Society or the many websites, textbooks, organizations, and journals devoted to the honorable work of preserving history. &nbsp;School mascots do not belong in&nbsp;that list.

Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;It will cost too much.

Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;If you read the sources below (from such credible sites as the Associated Press, the PEW Research Trust, and the American Psychological Association), you’ll see that the writing is on the wall—and has been for some time. &nbsp;The day is coming when it will no longer be simply a “strong recommendation” to change our mascot. &nbsp;Colorado, our next-door neighbor, for example, has already banned their use statewide. &nbsp;We will actually&nbsp;save&nbsp;money in the long run if we change our mascot now rather than&nbsp;waiting until after we have&nbsp;wasted money on “Indians” branding that will likely need to be removed&nbsp;due to a future mandate.

The arguments against changing the mascot simply don’t hold up. &nbsp;Therefore, if&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Board of Education, the American Psychological Association, and the&nbsp;National Congress of American Indians&nbsp;ALL&nbsp;say that&nbsp;having&nbsp;“Indians”&nbsp;as a mascot is damaging and offensive and&nbsp;it&nbsp;should&nbsp;be replaced, why would&nbsp;we not do so? &nbsp;

Sincerely, Cheryl Hofstetter Duffy, Hays

<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/kansas-boe-schools-should-drop-native-american-mascots/">“Kansas BOE: Schools Should Drop Native American Mascots”—November 2022</a>

<a href="https://www.apa.org/about/policy/mascots.pdf">APA Resolution&nbsp;Recommending the Immediate Retirement of American Indian Mascots, Symbols, Images, and Personalities by Schools, Colleges, Universities, Athletic Teams, and Organizations</a>

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-11-10/we-ought-to-be-ashamed-kansas-board-urges-schools-to-eliminate-native-american-mascots">“‘We ought to be ashamed’:&nbsp;Kansas Board Urges Schools to Eliminate American Indian Mascots”</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-education-race-and-ethnicity-native-americans-kansas-4ec9bd8aa5239cf45c6728c4c3fd25b7">“Kansas Board Recommends Ending American Indian Mascots” (Associated Press)</a>

<a href="https://www.ncai.org/proudtobe#:~:text=NCAI%20is%20the%20oldest%2C%20largest,mock%2C%20and%20harm%20Native%20people%2C">“Ending the Era of Harmful ‘Indian’ Mascots” (National Congress of American Indians)</a>

<a href="https://www.ncai.org/attachments/PolicyPaper_mijApMoUWDbjqFtjAYzQWlqLdrwZvsYfakBwTHpMATcOroYolpN_NCAI_Harmful_Mascots_Report_Ending_the_Legacy_of_Racism_10_2013.pdf">Ending the Legacy of Racism in Sports &amp; the Era of Harmful “Indian” Sports Mascots</a>&nbsp;(a 2013 policy paper from the National Congress of American Indians—NCAI)

<a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2021/11/10/heeding-tribal-leaders-states-ban-native-mascots">“Heeding Tribal Leaders, States Ban Native Mascots”</a>

I have been a citizen of Hays, Kansas, for&nbsp;33&nbsp;years, and&nbsp;my daughter attended all four years of high school at HHS, graduating in 2005.&nbsp;&nbsp;She and I are of the same mind regarding the HHS mascot, and I’m sharing that view here.The Kansas Board of Education&nbsp;this past November urged school districts to eliminate&nbsp;American Indian&nbsp;mascots within the next&nbsp;3-5&nbsp;years.&nbsp;Approximately&nbsp;24 Kansas schools still have such mascots, and the Hays High Indians are one of them.&nbsp;With&nbsp;plans underway to build&nbsp;new Hays High School, the time is right to&nbsp;comply and&nbsp;change the HHS mascot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In fact, it’s past time to make this change. &nbsp;The American Psychological Association (APA) passed a resolution way back in 2005&nbsp;calling for schools to abandon such mascots. &nbsp;Here’s a summary of the resolution from the APA website:<a href="https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indian-mascots">“In 2005, the APA called for the immediate retirement of all American Indian mascots, symbols, images and personalities by schools, colleges, universities, athletic teams and organizations. APA's position is based on a growing body of social science literature that shows the harmful effects of racial stereotyping and inaccurate racial portrayals, including the particularly harmful effects of American Indian sports mascots on the social identity development and self-esteem of American Indian young people.”</a>So what’s keeping this&nbsp;mascot change&nbsp;from happening? &nbsp;I’ve heard several claims against making a change that I would like to address here.Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the people we’re hearing from do not support changing the mascot, so we should keep it the same.Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;A majority do not have to favor change for it to&nbsp;be the right course of action. &nbsp;A majority of Southerners would likely not have supported the abolition of slavery—but it&nbsp;was,nevertheless, the right thing to do.Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;But it’s not offensive. &nbsp;We’re&nbsp;honoring&nbsp;Indians with this mascot.Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ask the&nbsp;National&nbsp;Congress of American Indians&nbsp;if they feel honored. &nbsp;You don’t have to ask them, as they have already made this statement&nbsp;on their website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncai.org/proudtobe#:~:text=NCAI%20is%20the%20oldest%2C%20largest,mock%2C%20and%20harm%20Native%20people%2C">“NCAI is the oldest, largest, and most representative national organization that shares the unified voice of hundreds of Tribal Nations representing millions of Native people, and that voice has been consistent and clear for decades: sports mascots are symbols of disrespect that degrade, mock, and harm Native people.”</a>Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m German, and I would not be offended if Germans were used as mascots.Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;How about the “Krauts”?&nbsp;&nbsp;Would that perhaps be offensive? &nbsp;It might be, given that it’s&nbsp;a false name given to German people,&nbsp;just&nbsp;as “Indians” is a false name based on the mistaken assumption that Columbus had sailed to India&nbsp;when he landed in the Americas.&nbsp;Moreover, Germans&nbsp;in this country have not&nbsp;experienced the&nbsp;widespread oppression&nbsp;and injustice endured by indigenous people who had their land stolen, their children taken away for “re-education,”&nbsp;treaties broken, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;So it is truly a false comparison.Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s tradition.Response: &nbsp;In Kansas, Wichita North High School has changed its mascot from the “Redskins” to the “Redhawks.” &nbsp;Their principal, Stephanie Wasco, notes&nbsp;in a KWCH&nbsp;article&nbsp;that&nbsp;the memories made by former students over the years are not diminished by a new mascot:<a href="https://www.kwch.com/2022/12/14/administrators-wichita-public-schools-announce-new-mascot-north-high-school/">“It doesn’t change the memories they have here. It doesn’t change the pride they have here,” Wasko said. “It doesn’t change the friends they made here or the education they got here. Those things they can still be proud of. We’re simply changing the name of the mascot. It’s not changing anything that’s important to them.”</a>The Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians) and the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins)&nbsp;are two national sports teams who have not let something like “tradition” keep them from&nbsp;moving forward from a racist and insensitive past.Claim: &nbsp;We’re erasing our history if we get rid of the “Indians” mascot.Response:&nbsp;Logically, then, any event&nbsp;or&nbsp;group&nbsp;not&nbsp;designated as a mascot is erased from history? &nbsp;Forgive me if I&nbsp;find this argument to be absurd. &nbsp;Beyond the absurdity, please recognize that history is preserved in many, many more&nbsp;respectful ways—such as through the Ellis County Historical Society or the many websites, textbooks, organizations, and journals devoted to the honorable work of preserving history. &nbsp;School mascots do not belong in&nbsp;that list.Claim:&nbsp;&nbsp;It will cost too much.Response:&nbsp;&nbsp;If you read the sources below (from such credible sites as the Associated Press, the PEW Research Trust, and the American Psychological Association), you’ll see that the writing is on the wall—and has been for some time. &nbsp;The day is coming when it will no longer be simply a “strong recommendation” to change our mascot. &nbsp;Colorado, our next-door neighbor, for example, has already banned their use statewide. &nbsp;We will actually&nbsp;save&nbsp;money in the long run if we change our mascot now rather than&nbsp;waiting until after we have&nbsp;wasted money on “Indians” branding that will likely need to be removed&nbsp;due to a future mandate.The arguments against changing the mascot simply don’t hold up. &nbsp;Therefore, if&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Board of Education, the American Psychological Association, and the&nbsp;National Congress of American Indians&nbsp;ALL&nbsp;say that&nbsp;having&nbsp;“Indians”&nbsp;as a mascot is damaging and offensive and&nbsp;it&nbsp;should&nbsp;be replaced, why would&nbsp;we not do so? &nbsp;Sincerely, Cheryl Hofstetter Duffy, HaysFor further reading:<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/local/kansas-boe-schools-should-drop-native-american-mascots/">“Kansas BOE: Schools Should Drop Native American Mascots”—November 2022</a><a href="https://www.apa.org/about/policy/mascots.pdf">APA Resolution&nbsp;Recommending the Immediate Retirement of American Indian Mascots, Symbols, Images, and Personalities by Schools, Colleges, Universities, Athletic Teams, and Organizations</a><a href="https://www.kcur.org/2022-11-10/we-ought-to-be-ashamed-kansas-board-urges-schools-to-eliminate-native-american-mascots">“‘We ought to be ashamed’:&nbsp;Kansas Board Urges Schools to Eliminate American Indian Mascots”</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-education-race-and-ethnicity-native-americans-kansas-4ec9bd8aa5239cf45c6728c4c3fd25b7">“Kansas Board Recommends Ending American Indian Mascots” (Associated Press)</a><a href="https://www.ncai.org/proudtobe#:~:text=NCAI%20is%20the%20oldest%2C%20largest,mock%2C%20and%20harm%20Native%20people%2C">“Ending the Era of Harmful ‘Indian’ Mascots” (National Congress of American Indians)</a><a href="https://www.ncai.org/attachments/PolicyPaper_mijApMoUWDbjqFtjAYzQWlqLdrwZvsYfakBwTHpMATcOroYolpN_NCAI_Harmful_Mascots_Report_Ending_the_Legacy_of_Racism_10_2013.pdf">Ending the Legacy of Racism in Sports &amp; the Era of Harmful “Indian” Sports Mascots</a>&nbsp;(a 2013 policy paper from the National Congress of American Indians—NCAI)<a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2021/11/10/heeding-tribal-leaders-states-ban-native-mascots">“Heeding Tribal Leaders, States Ban Native Mascots”</a>

LETTER: Clear reasons to replace Hays' Indian mascot

2023 Senate Scene Week 4 Senate Happenings

Last week, the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. Over 440 bills have been introduced in both Chambers. Senate Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks as well as standing committees preparing to send bills out to the Senate floor for debate and votes.

SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2023

The Kansas Senate consists of 40Senators – 28 Republicans, 11 Democrats, one Independent with 16 women and 24 men. Eleven Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, ten with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and six with 2,000-5,000 and seven with 0-2,000 (this an increase of one over last year). The Kansas House of Representatives consists of 125 with eighty-five Republicans and 40 Democrats with 33 women and 92 men.

Last week, the Kansas Senate adopted Joint Rules for the 2023-24 biennium, which combined with chamber-specific rules, govern how the legislature operates and processes legislation, including various deadlines for bills to make it through the process. With the Kansas House having previously adopted the joint rules, the legislature is now fully operational for the next two sessions.

Over the summer, I was approached by constituents asking about sales tax at locker plants. I asked for SB 60 to be drafted. If passed, it would provide a sales tax exemption for service of slaughtering, butchering, custom cutting, dressing, processing, and packaging of an animal for human consumption when the animal is owned by and is intended for consumption by the customer. The sales tax exemption would go into effect on July 1, 2023. This bill would be a continued cost savings on food as we discuss food sales tax reductions and also note - Nebraska does not tax processing of meat so an extra boost to our companies along the northern border of Kansas. A hearing was held on February 2nd in the Senate Tax Committee with Farm Bureau and Kansas Livestock Association testifying in favor as well.

Kansas Tourism – Kansas Department of Commerce

In honor of the state’s 162nd birthday, Kansas Tourism Kansas Department of Commerce released a video that showcases the values and essence of the Sunflower State set to lyrics penned 150 years in the past. The video pays tribute to the state song, Home on the Range, originally penned 150 years ago near Athol in Senate District #36. The Department indicated that the Kansas Day video, set to the famous song, highlights the uniqueness of the state. From scenic prairies and large night skies to urban and vibrant moments. The video showcases how the lyrics still ring true a century-and-a-half later.

APEX – Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act – 2023 MEGAPROJECT APPROVED

Last year, the Republican legislature adopted the “APEX Bill” that allows the Department of Commerce to negotiate a megaproject once a year as long as the policy is in place. APEX stands for Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion, and allows for incentives to be offered to attract targeted

industries that plan to invest more than $1 billion to the Kansas economy by expansion or relocation of their business anywhere in Kansas.

Near this time of last year, Panasonic decided to build a battery plant in De Soto. This week, it was announced that Integra Technologies will build a new semiconductor factory in Wichita as a result of an incentive package offered under the APEX bill. According to the Department of Commerce, it is the second largest economic development project in state history – with the first being the Panasonic project. The agreement with Integra was approved by the State Finance Council on Thursday. Integra Technologies is the largest U.S. OSAT Company providing semiconductor back-end services to companies worldwide. 

The employee-owned company’s headquarters is in Wichita. Benefits to the project include $1.8 billion in capital investment, 2,000 high-quality jobs paying around $51,000 in wages, a boost to an important sector of the Kansas economy, and assisting reducing recent risks identified in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. 

Integra was founded in Wichita 40 years ago and is an employee-owned company (ESOP) with operations in Wichita and Silicon Valley, providing high-quality OSAT services for more than 500 active customers, including many from critical infrastructure sectors such as the military, aerospace, medical, aviation, automotive, commercial, and industrial.

Tax Reduction for existing Kansas Corporations

This newest project will also result in the reduction of taxes for all Kansas businesses. Under the APEX bill, upon the successful location of an APEX project, the corporate income tax in Kansas will be reduced by 0.5%. So, as a result of both the Panasonic and Integra projects, the corporate tax rates will drop a total of 1% - which will benefit all corporations in Kansas.

KANSAS 988 – SB 19 FROM 2022- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

In June 2022, Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 19, bipartisan legislation to create the state’s three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. A press release on February 1st noted that since the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched in July, it has seen a nearly 27% increase in call volume compared to the previous six months. Based on national projections, it indicated Kansas is expected to reach 120,000 calls in the first full year of operation. 

The hotline has been backed by federal funds, with the idea that just like 911 – 988 is easier to remember in a crisis. The 988 line can also accept text messages. Those who call or text will be connected to a local crisis center for help and also online https://988lifeline.org/chat/.

STATE TREASURERS’ OFFICE - Senate District #36 has over $1.3M in unclaimed funds

Feb. 1st is marked as National Unclaimed Property Day, and the Kansas State Treasurers’ Office says there is quite a bit of money left unclaimed in Kansas. “Our office currently holds more than $500 million in unclaimed property for Kansans,” Kansas Treasurer Steven Johnson said in a news release. “It is estimated that one in 10 people nationwide has unclaimed property – so it’s worth checking regularly to see if you, your family, or friends have funds available to claim. The news release says the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) estimates that nearly 33 million people in the United States have unclaimed property. This amount could be in financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for a number of years. 

When the company cannot locate the owner, the assets are given to the state. Some of those assets could be unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and unused rebate cards. 

It is free for Kansans to search for and claim unclaimed property, and the news release says to be wary of third-party individuals offering to assist in filing claims for a fee. While some operate legally, there are also bad actors who use the promise of assistance as a hook for scams. Feel free to call my office in Topeka to check for your name or visit <a href="https://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/up_search.php">https://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com</a>.

KANSAS ATTORNEY CONSUMER ALERT – Consumer Protection

Keep your defenses up when shopping for Super Bowl fan gear, ticket packages.

The Kansas Attorney General’s office advises consumers to protect themselves against purchasing counterfeit Super Bowl merchandise. “We are of course proud of the Kansas City Chiefs’ success this season and excited to see them once again in the Super Bowl,” Deputy Attorney General Fran Oleen from the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division said. “Chiefs’ fans should keep up their guard against scammers selling fake merchandise or bogus tickets, looking to make a quick buck off the team’s success.” 

Oleen offers the following tips for making a purchase related to the Super Bowl:

Buying tickets: Purchase tickets through a verified source. Consumers can purchase guaranteed tickets and travel packages through the Kansas City Chiefs’ official website. Additionally, the National Football League (NFL) uses the platform TicketMaster, and guarantees the authenticity of the tickets sold through that retailer as well. The NFL also provides an official ticket resale marketplace called the NFL Ticket Exchange, also provided through TicketMaster.

Be wary of purchasing tickets from someone you don’t know on Craigslist, eBay, or other similar person-to-person marketplace or auction sites. Do not pay for tickets with cash, wire transfer, gift cards or pre-paid money transfer, as these payment methods are difficult to trace or recover. If you pay by credit card and the tickets turn out to be fake, you can dispute the charge. If you plan on using a mobile wallet or peer-to-peer payment service, be sure you understand the protections the service provides before making a transaction. Beware of phone scams. Scammers may use numbers that appear local offering discounted tickets sold online. Be sure to purchase tickets through a verified source. As always, be wary of advertisements with very low prices.

Check the tag: All officially licensed NFL products will bear the league’s shield on the tag. If the tag on the merchandise doesn’t have the shield, it may be counterfeit. A good indication of official merchandise includes where it is manufactured and the quality of the logo on the item.

Door-to-door and ‘pop-up stand’ sales. According to Kansas law, consumers have three days to cancel any purchase made for merchandise over $25 if the purchase is made at the consumer’s home, or any location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business or local address. Kansas door-to-door statutes regulate sales, for example, from "pop-up" sidewalk stands and tents in parking lots. Kansas law requires the sales receipt to be in the same language as the sales presentation, be dated, show the name and address of the seller, be in a large legible font, and explain the consumer’s right to cancel. The seller must provide written and verbal notice of this right to cancel, along with the seller’s contact information, at the time of the purchase. Consumers who cancel the transaction should do so by certified mail for tracking purposes. Sellers are required to refund the consumer’s money within 10 days of receiving the cancellation. 

Consumers who believe they may have fallen victim to a Super Bowl-related scam, or any scam, should contact their local law enforcement, or call the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800 432-2310. File complaints at <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

Local Award-Winning Student from Senate District 36 –State Winner – Jocelyn Leanna!

Jocelyn Leanna, Agra, was chosen as the north-central regional and overall state winner of the League of Kansas Municipalities’ “My City, My Home” essay contest. She attended the Mayor’s Luncheon with her teacher Kelsi Blew and her parents, and was honored in an awards presentation in Topeka for Local Government Day on January 25th. She received an award plaque and a check for $250. You can find her essay at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofKansasMunicipalities">https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofKansasMunicipalities</a>.

As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</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 and Logan * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Plum, Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>2023 Senate Scene Week 4 Senate HappeningsLast week, the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. Over 440 bills have been introduced in both Chambers. Senate Ways and Means Committee is starting to work the budget bill with subcommittee meetings to report to the full committee in a few weeks as well as standing committees preparing to send bills out to the Senate floor for debate and votes.SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2023The Kansas Senate consists of 40Senators – 28 Republicans, 11 Democrats, one Independent with 16 women and 24 men. Eleven Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, ten with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and six with 2,000-5,000 and seven with 0-2,000 (this an increase of one over last year). The Kansas House of Representatives consists of 125 with eighty-five Republicans and 40 Democrats with 33 women and 92 men.JOINT RULES APPROVEDLast week, the Kansas Senate adopted Joint Rules for the 2023-24 biennium, which combined with chamber-specific rules, govern how the legislature operates and processes legislation, including various deadlines for bills to make it through the process. With the Kansas House having previously adopted the joint rules, the legislature is now fully operational for the next two sessions.Tax Committee – SB 60Over the summer, I was approached by constituents asking about sales tax at locker plants. I asked for SB 60 to be drafted. If passed, it would provide a sales tax exemption for service of slaughtering, butchering, custom cutting, dressing, processing, and packaging of an animal for human consumption when the animal is owned by and is intended for consumption by the customer. The sales tax exemption would go into effect on July 1, 2023. This bill would be a continued cost savings on food as we discuss food sales tax reductions and also note - Nebraska does not tax processing of meat so an extra boost to our companies along the northern border of Kansas. A hearing was held on February 2nd in the Senate Tax Committee with Farm Bureau and Kansas Livestock Association testifying in favor as well.Kansas Tourism – Kansas Department of Commerce In honor of the state’s 162nd birthday, Kansas Tourism Kansas Department of Commerce released a video that showcases the values and essence of the Sunflower State set to lyrics penned 150 years in the past. The video pays tribute to the state song, Home on the Range, originally penned 150 years ago near Athol in Senate District #36. The Department indicated that the Kansas Day video, set to the famous song, highlights the uniqueness of the state. From scenic prairies and large night skies to urban and vibrant moments. The video showcases how the lyrics still ring true a century-and-a-half later.APEX – Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion Act – 2023 MEGAPROJECT APPROVEDLast year, the Republican legislature adopted the “APEX Bill” that allows the Department of Commerce to negotiate a megaproject once a year as long as the policy is in place. APEX stands for Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion, and allows for incentives to be offered to attract targetedindustries that plan to invest more than $1 billion to the Kansas economy by expansion or relocation of their business anywhere in Kansas.Near this time of last year, Panasonic decided to build a battery plant in De Soto. This week, it was announced that Integra Technologies will build a new semiconductor factory in Wichita as a result of an incentive package offered under the APEX bill. According to the Department of Commerce, it is the second largest economic development project in state history – with the first being the Panasonic project. The agreement with Integra was approved by the State Finance Council on Thursday. Integra Technologies is the largest U.S. OSAT Company providing semiconductor back-end services to companies worldwide. The employee-owned company’s headquarters is in Wichita. Benefits to the project include $1.8 billion in capital investment, 2,000 high-quality jobs paying around $51,000 in wages, a boost to an important sector of the Kansas economy, and assisting reducing recent risks identified in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. Integra was founded in Wichita 40 years ago and is an employee-owned company (ESOP) with operations in Wichita and Silicon Valley, providing high-quality OSAT services for more than 500 active customers, including many from critical infrastructure sectors such as the military, aerospace, medical, aviation, automotive, commercial, and industrial.Tax Reduction for existing Kansas CorporationsThis newest project will also result in the reduction of taxes for all Kansas businesses. Under the APEX bill, upon the successful location of an APEX project, the corporate income tax in Kansas will be reduced by 0.5%. So, as a result of both the Panasonic and Integra projects, the corporate tax rates will drop a total of 1% - which will benefit all corporations in Kansas.KANSAS 988 – SB 19 FROM 2022- National Suicide Prevention LifelineIn June 2022, Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 19, bipartisan legislation to create the state’s three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. A press release on February 1st noted that since the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched in July, it has seen a nearly 27% increase in call volume compared to the previous six months. Based on national projections, it indicated Kansas is expected to reach 120,000 calls in the first full year of operation. The hotline has been backed by federal funds, with the idea that just like 911 – 988 is easier to remember in a crisis. The 988 line can also accept text messages. Those who call or text will be connected to a local crisis center for help and also online https://988lifeline.org/chat/.STATE TREASURERS’ OFFICE - Senate District #36 has over $1.3M in unclaimed fundsFeb. 1st is marked as National Unclaimed Property Day, and the Kansas State Treasurers’ Office says there is quite a bit of money left unclaimed in Kansas. “Our office currently holds more than $500 million in unclaimed property for Kansans,” Kansas Treasurer Steven Johnson said in a news release. “It is estimated that one in 10 people nationwide has unclaimed property – so it’s worth checking regularly to see if you, your family, or friends have funds available to claim. The news release says the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) estimates that nearly 33 million people in the United States have unclaimed property. This amount could be in financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for a number of years. When the company cannot locate the owner, the assets are given to the state. Some of those assets could be unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and unused rebate cards. It is free for Kansans to search for and claim unclaimed property, and the news release says to be wary of third-party individuals offering to assist in filing claims for a fee. While some operate legally, there are also bad actors who use the promise of assistance as a hook for scams. Feel free to call my office in Topeka to check for your name or visit <a href="https://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/up_search.php">https://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com</a>.KANSAS ATTORNEY CONSUMER ALERT – Consumer ProtectionKeep your defenses up when shopping for Super Bowl fan gear, ticket packages.The Kansas Attorney General’s office advises consumers to protect themselves against purchasing counterfeit Super Bowl merchandise. “We are of course proud of the Kansas City Chiefs’ success this season and excited to see them once again in the Super Bowl,” Deputy Attorney General Fran Oleen from the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division said. “Chiefs’ fans should keep up their guard against scammers selling fake merchandise or bogus tickets, looking to make a quick buck off the team’s success.” Oleen offers the following tips for making a purchase related to the Super Bowl:Buying tickets: Purchase tickets through a verified source. Consumers can purchase guaranteed tickets and travel packages through the Kansas City Chiefs’ official website. Additionally, the National Football League (NFL) uses the platform TicketMaster, and guarantees the authenticity of the tickets sold through that retailer as well. The NFL also provides an official ticket resale marketplace called the NFL Ticket Exchange, also provided through TicketMaster.Be wary of purchasing tickets from someone you don’t know on Craigslist, eBay, or other similar person-to-person marketplace or auction sites. Do not pay for tickets with cash, wire transfer, gift cards or pre-paid money transfer, as these payment methods are difficult to trace or recover. If you pay by credit card and the tickets turn out to be fake, you can dispute the charge. If you plan on using a mobile wallet or peer-to-peer payment service, be sure you understand the protections the service provides before making a transaction. Beware of phone scams. Scammers may use numbers that appear local offering discounted tickets sold online. Be sure to purchase tickets through a verified source. As always, be wary of advertisements with very low prices.Check the tag: All officially licensed NFL products will bear the league’s shield on the tag. If the tag on the merchandise doesn’t have the shield, it may be counterfeit. A good indication of official merchandise includes where it is manufactured and the quality of the logo on the item.Door-to-door and ‘pop-up stand’ sales. According to Kansas law, consumers have three days to cancel any purchase made for merchandise over $25 if the purchase is made at the consumer’s home, or any location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business or local address. Kansas door-to-door statutes regulate sales, for example, from "pop-up" sidewalk stands and tents in parking lots. Kansas law requires the sales receipt to be in the same language as the sales presentation, be dated, show the name and address of the seller, be in a large legible font, and explain the consumer’s right to cancel. The seller must provide written and verbal notice of this right to cancel, along with the seller’s contact information, at the time of the purchase. Consumers who cancel the transaction should do so by certified mail for tracking purposes. Sellers are required to refund the consumer’s money within 10 days of receiving the cancellation. Consumers who believe they may have fallen victim to a Super Bowl-related scam, or any scam, should contact their local law enforcement, or call the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800 432-2310. File complaints at <a href="https://ag.ks.gov/in-your-corner-kansas/">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.Local Award-Winning Student from Senate District 36 –State Winner – Jocelyn Leanna!Jocelyn Leanna, Agra, was chosen as the north-central regional and overall state winner of the League of Kansas Municipalities’ “My City, My Home” essay contest. She attended the Mayor’s Luncheon with her teacher Kelsi Blew and her parents, and was honored in an awards presentation in Topeka for Local Government Day on January 25th. She received an award plaque and a check for $250. You can find her essay at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofKansasMunicipalities">https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofKansasMunicipalities</a>.As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</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 and Logan * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Plum, Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 4, Feb. 6, 2023

Senator Rick Billinger Newsletter February 6, 2023

Attention Senior Citizens and Disabled Veterans: Property Tax Relief. 

During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law. One change is the first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR). 

Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023, and can found at: <a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf</a>.

Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000. A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled. 

Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to KDOR for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze. In 2023 we will continue to look for solutions for all the reduction in property taxes for all Kansans, including our senior citizens and veterans.

Last week the Republican legislature, announces the second large-scale economic development and job growth project is coming to Kansas. Last year, Panasonic decided to build a battery plant in DeSoto. This week, it was announced that Integra Technologies will build a new secondary factory in Wichita because of an incentive package offered under the APEX bill. According to the Department of Commerce, it is the second largest economic development project in state history with the first being the Panasonic project. The agreement with Integra was approved by the State Finance Council on Thursday. Integra Technologies is the largest U.S. OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) Company providing semiconductor back-end services to companies worldwide. The employee-owned company’s headquarters is in Wichita. 

As part of the release announcing the deal, Senate President Ty Masterson offered support for the deal, noting that it falls under the tenets of the “Better Way: Our Commitment to Kansas” Republican legislative agenda. “APEX exists to promote unique large-scale opportunities as economic and job growth, and there is no better way to do that than having a Kansas company step up and fulfill our commitment to boost the Kansas economy and grow the Kansas workforce. Wichita is increasingly the epicenter of critical global industries, and this exciting megaproject continues that proud tradition.” 

Benefits to the project include $1.8 billion in capital investment, 2,000 high-quality jobs, a boost to an important sector of the Kansas economy and assisting reducing recent risks identified in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. This all with a company headquartered in Kansas. It will also result in the reduction of taxes for all Kansas businesses. 

Under the APEX bill, upon the successful location of an APEX project, the corporate income tax in Kansas will be reduced by 0.5%. As a result of both the Panasonic and Integra projects, the corporate tax rates will drop a total of 1%, which will benefit all corporations in Kansas. 

Last year, the Republican legislature adopted the “APEX Bill” that allows the Department of Commerce to negotiate a megaproject once a year as long as the policy is in place. The APEX stands for Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion and allows for incentives to be offered to attract targeted industries that plan to invest more than $1 billion to the Kansas economy by expansion or relocation of their business anywhere in Kansas.

My office has several dates available for 6th graders through high school to serve as a page. Working as a page in the Kansas Legislature is an excellent way to learn more about the legislative process. If your child is interested in being a page for my office the following dates are available:

February 13, 20 or March 6th. Please contact Donna at 785-296-7399 to reserve a date.

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 questions or concerns.&nbsp; My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:

* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675701343257.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. speaks at a legislative coffee in Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. speaks at a legislative coffee in Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Senator Rick Billinger Newsletter February 6, 2023 Attention Senior Citizens and Disabled Veterans: Property Tax Relief. During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law. One change is the first step in a property tax freeze for low-income seniors and disabled veterans via a rebate program administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR). Applications for property tax relief must be submitted by April 18, 2023, and can found at: <a href="http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf">https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf</a>. Please note that to qualify for the “freeze” a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000. A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled. Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to KDOR for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze. In 2023 we will continue to look for solutions for all the reduction in property taxes for all Kansans, including our senior citizens and veterans.Last week the Republican legislature, announces the second large-scale economic development and job growth project is coming to Kansas. Last year, Panasonic decided to build a battery plant in DeSoto. This week, it was announced that Integra Technologies will build a new secondary factory in Wichita because of an incentive package offered under the APEX bill. According to the Department of Commerce, it is the second largest economic development project in state history with the first being the Panasonic project. The agreement with Integra was approved by the State Finance Council on Thursday. Integra Technologies is the largest U.S. OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) Company providing semiconductor back-end services to companies worldwide. The employee-owned company’s headquarters is in Wichita. As part of the release announcing the deal, Senate President Ty Masterson offered support for the deal, noting that it falls under the tenets of the “Better Way: Our Commitment to Kansas” Republican legislative agenda. “APEX exists to promote unique large-scale opportunities as economic and job growth, and there is no better way to do that than having a Kansas company step up and fulfill our commitment to boost the Kansas economy and grow the Kansas workforce. Wichita is increasingly the epicenter of critical global industries, and this exciting megaproject continues that proud tradition.” Benefits to the project include $1.8 billion in capital investment, 2,000 high-quality jobs, a boost to an important sector of the Kansas economy and assisting reducing recent risks identified in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. This all with a company headquartered in Kansas. It will also result in the reduction of taxes for all Kansas businesses. Under the APEX bill, upon the successful location of an APEX project, the corporate income tax in Kansas will be reduced by 0.5%. As a result of both the Panasonic and Integra projects, the corporate tax rates will drop a total of 1%, which will benefit all corporations in Kansas. Last year, the Republican legislature adopted the “APEX Bill” that allows the Department of Commerce to negotiate a megaproject once a year as long as the policy is in place. The APEX stands for Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion and allows for incentives to be offered to attract targeted industries that plan to invest more than $1 billion to the Kansas economy by expansion or relocation of their business anywhere in Kansas.My office has several dates available for 6th graders through high school to serve as a page. Working as a page in the Kansas Legislature is an excellent way to learn more about the legislative process. If your child is interested in being a page for my office the following dates are available:February 13, 20 or March 6th. Please contact Donna at 785-296-7399 to reserve a date.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 questions or concerns.&nbsp; My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, Feb. 6, 2023

In Native American tradition, January moons can have&nbsp;many names, including the cold moon, the moon of strong cold, the moon when limbs are broken by snow, and the frozen ground moon. Because of&nbsp;activities&nbsp;outside my&nbsp;country home&nbsp;bedroom window&nbsp;decades&nbsp;ago, I think of it as the moon when great horned owls whisper of love.​

Twenty years&nbsp;ago, I first heard a nightly serenade provided by a pair of amorous great horned owls. As I&nbsp;tried to fall asleep&nbsp;in our dark bedroom, I heard&nbsp;the male’s deeper hootsfollowed by&nbsp;the female’s slightly higher pitched responses as they courted&nbsp;in cottonwoods lining nearby&nbsp;Big Creek.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Listening as&nbsp;their romance developed&nbsp;night after night, I&nbsp;snuggled safely in the darkness of my room,&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;two&nbsp;owls&nbsp;whispering sweet nothings.&nbsp;I imagined them bowing and preening between&nbsp;their&nbsp;shushed&nbsp;sweet talk. I&nbsp;struggled&nbsp;to imagine birds better known for roles in horror movies and as harbingers of death as tender love birds, but based on this pair’s&nbsp;nocturnal&nbsp;conversations, these&nbsp;shared&nbsp;an affectionate&nbsp;nature. &nbsp;Their&nbsp;vocalizations&nbsp;continued&nbsp;well into February.&nbsp;Then evenings&nbsp;returned to normal quiet hours.&nbsp;

After several uneventful weeks, the&nbsp;courting&nbsp;dialogue assumed a&nbsp;distinctly&nbsp;family-oriented tone.&nbsp;Obviously, they nested nearby.&nbsp;I heard the female soothing fuzzy owlets with gentle noises&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;a lullaby. Her utterings put me as well as her offspring to sleep.&nbsp;If I managed to stay awake listening to her and the babes, their&nbsp;muffled&nbsp;but&nbsp;raucous&nbsp;noises finally shushed&nbsp;to&nbsp;late-winter&nbsp;silence&nbsp;sometime after midnight.

On occasion, Mama Owl’s&nbsp;youngsters&nbsp;fussed as much as mine had, and I heard them squabbling&nbsp;(the nest gets crowded as they grow). In short time,&nbsp;mama’s gentle gurglings calmed them. &nbsp;

Sometimes,&nbsp;I awakened in&nbsp;alarm when the&nbsp;lady of the house&nbsp;captured&nbsp;dinner right outsidethe&nbsp;window. After listening to more than&nbsp;one last will and testament of a&nbsp;rabbit&nbsp;the&nbsp;owl&nbsp;parents caught to feed their young, my stomach turned&nbsp;at the thought of meat so rare. The high-pitchedscreeches&nbsp;shot&nbsp;me&nbsp;straight&nbsp;out of&nbsp;deep sleep, alert to every&nbsp;outside&nbsp;sound.&nbsp;After the final&nbsp;death cry, I’d&nbsp;soon&nbsp;hear the excited&nbsp;uproar of young birds&nbsp;jostling to&nbsp;gobble&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;momma deliveredfresh off the prairie.

After&nbsp;decades, I&nbsp;value&nbsp;those&nbsp;moments&nbsp;because&nbsp;they didn’t occur year-round or&nbsp;even&nbsp;every year. That&nbsp;short-lived&nbsp;courtship&nbsp;required&nbsp;close attention&nbsp;on my part&nbsp;to&nbsp;hear&nbsp;those sweet nothings before they&nbsp;turned to&nbsp;memory.&nbsp;Ditto for listening to&nbsp;the rearing of the young. In less than&nbsp;a dozen short weeks, that new generation of hunters&nbsp;fledged,&nbsp;and their mutterings and rustlings&nbsp;vanished.

Because&nbsp;I&nbsp;eavesdropped&nbsp;long ago&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;great horned owl courtship&nbsp;and&nbsp;nesting, I listen&nbsp;to late night noises&nbsp;each January&nbsp;and February,&nbsp;hoping&nbsp;that once again, wooing&nbsp;owls&nbsp;might&nbsp;make me privy to their love songs.&nbsp;I&nbsp;pray&nbsp;the 20x great-grands of the&nbsp;owl&nbsp;pair I&nbsp;once&nbsp;heard start&nbsp;theirfamily still raise young on the banks of Big Creek.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675357703712.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINIn Native American tradition, January moons can have&nbsp;many names, including the cold moon, the moon of strong cold, the moon when limbs are broken by snow, and the frozen ground moon. Because of&nbsp;activities&nbsp;outside my&nbsp;country home&nbsp;bedroom window&nbsp;decades&nbsp;ago, I think of it as the moon when great horned owls whisper of love.​Twenty years&nbsp;ago, I first heard a nightly serenade provided by a pair of amorous great horned owls. As I&nbsp;tried to fall asleep&nbsp;in our dark bedroom, I heard&nbsp;the male’s deeper hootsfollowed by&nbsp;the female’s slightly higher pitched responses as they courted&nbsp;in cottonwoods lining nearby&nbsp;Big Creek.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Listening as&nbsp;their romance developed&nbsp;night after night, I&nbsp;snuggled safely in the darkness of my room,&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;two&nbsp;owls&nbsp;whispering sweet nothings.&nbsp;I imagined them bowing and preening between&nbsp;their&nbsp;shushed&nbsp;sweet talk. I&nbsp;struggled&nbsp;to imagine birds better known for roles in horror movies and as harbingers of death as tender love birds, but based on this pair’s&nbsp;nocturnal&nbsp;conversations, these&nbsp;shared&nbsp;an affectionate&nbsp;nature. &nbsp;Their&nbsp;vocalizations&nbsp;continued&nbsp;well into February.&nbsp;Then evenings&nbsp;returned to normal quiet hours.&nbsp;After several uneventful weeks, the&nbsp;courting&nbsp;dialogue assumed a&nbsp;distinctly&nbsp;family-oriented tone.&nbsp;Obviously, they nested nearby.&nbsp;I heard the female soothing fuzzy owlets with gentle noises&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;a lullaby. Her utterings put me as well as her offspring to sleep.&nbsp;If I managed to stay awake listening to her and the babes, their&nbsp;muffled&nbsp;but&nbsp;raucous&nbsp;noises finally shushed&nbsp;to&nbsp;late-winter&nbsp;silence&nbsp;sometime after midnight.On occasion, Mama Owl’s&nbsp;youngsters&nbsp;fussed as much as mine had, and I heard them squabbling&nbsp;(the nest gets crowded as they grow). In short time,&nbsp;mama’s gentle gurglings calmed them. &nbsp;Sometimes,&nbsp;I awakened in&nbsp;alarm when the&nbsp;lady of the house&nbsp;captured&nbsp;dinner right outsidethe&nbsp;window. After listening to more than&nbsp;one last will and testament of a&nbsp;rabbit&nbsp;the&nbsp;owl&nbsp;parents caught to feed their young, my stomach turned&nbsp;at the thought of meat so rare. The high-pitchedscreeches&nbsp;shot&nbsp;me&nbsp;straight&nbsp;out of&nbsp;deep sleep, alert to every&nbsp;outside&nbsp;sound.&nbsp;After the final&nbsp;death cry, I’d&nbsp;soon&nbsp;hear the excited&nbsp;uproar of young birds&nbsp;jostling to&nbsp;gobble&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;momma deliveredfresh off the prairie.After&nbsp;decades, I&nbsp;value&nbsp;those&nbsp;moments&nbsp;because&nbsp;they didn’t occur year-round or&nbsp;even&nbsp;every year. That&nbsp;short-lived&nbsp;courtship&nbsp;required&nbsp;close attention&nbsp;on my part&nbsp;to&nbsp;hear&nbsp;those sweet nothings before they&nbsp;turned to&nbsp;memory.&nbsp;Ditto for listening to&nbsp;the rearing of the young. In less than&nbsp;a dozen short weeks, that new generation of hunters&nbsp;fledged,&nbsp;and their mutterings and rustlings&nbsp;vanished.Because&nbsp;I&nbsp;eavesdropped&nbsp;long ago&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;great horned owl courtship&nbsp;and&nbsp;nesting, I listen&nbsp;to late night noises&nbsp;each January&nbsp;and February,&nbsp;hoping&nbsp;that once again, wooing&nbsp;owls&nbsp;might&nbsp;make me privy to their love songs.&nbsp;I&nbsp;pray&nbsp;the 20x great-grands of the&nbsp;owl&nbsp;pair I&nbsp;once&nbsp;heard start&nbsp;theirfamily still raise young on the banks of Big Creek.&nbsp;

MADORIN: Remembering amorous owls

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

Well, maybe there wasn’t an ad that said exactly that, but when a former school building and gymnasium came for sale in his area, one young man saw the opportunity to create a sports training facility that would serve young people across the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lucas and Kate Boss are the founders and owners of Performance Sports in Reading, Kansas. Both grew up in Osage City as outstanding athletes.&nbsp;

Lucas played football and earned his degree at Emporia State. Kate played basketball at Johnson County Community College, on the team that won the national women’s junior college championship in 2000. She went on to finish her education degree at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

Lucas and Kate got married and became teachers and coaches, earning their master’s degrees at Emporia State. When their first child was school age, they chose to return to the Osage City school district where they teach, coach and farm today. They especially enjoyed their involvement with youth sports and are active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.&nbsp;

In 2019, a unique opportunity arose. After a series of school consolidations, the empty school building and gymnasium at nearby Reading was up for sale. The city of Reading had an option to buy but declined.&nbsp;

Shortly after, the Bosses committed to buy it. “It’s a God thing all the way around,” Lucas said. The building was still a beautiful and well-maintained facility. Lucas and Kate saw it as a potential training site for student athletes.&nbsp;

In 2019, they opened Performance Sports in what had been the Reading school gym.&nbsp;&nbsp;It began with a Hoops Academy for young basketball players who wanted to improve their skills.&nbsp;

When Covid hit and schools closed, Lucas and Kate moved their RV to the property and lived there temporarily. “Our kids had access to the playground and the gym,” Lucas said. Their facility would also serve for tournaments and practices.&nbsp;

While the gym was in use, the main school building was not. After other educational institutions chose not to use that space, Lucas and Kate decided to tear out the classrooms and use the building for storage.&nbsp;

“I said, `Let’s put some turf down in here so kids can work out,’” Lucas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;hat big open space has now become an ideal site for training in track and field throwing events.&nbsp;

In 2021, they opened the Track &amp; Field Throwing Academy. Jacquelyne Leffler, the former collegiate track athlete whom we have previously profiled, is one of the coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;Athletes are traveling from as far as three hours away to train at Reading. Kids can sign up for different sessions to train for the shotput, javelin or discus.&nbsp;

Lucas and Kate have five children: Son Landon, a high school senior; and four daughters: Lexi (tenth grade), Kaelyn (seventh), Kendyl (fifth), and Lakyn (second). They are all active in sports and help on the farm.&nbsp;

“We run cattle and raise a lot of hay. We put up a lot of small square bales,” Lucas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;That involves a lot of chores and labor, which helps teach responsibility and work ethic.&nbsp;

“Our kids are super tough and strong, and (the farmwork) is part of why they’re successful,” Lucas said. &nbsp;

What is the motivation to operate a sports academy?&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s for the kids,” Lucas said. “We want to help them improve as athletes and enjoy the sports that they like doing,” he said. &nbsp;

The business website states: “We have dedicated our lives to our faith, our family, our farm, and to working with student-athletes throughout our teaching and coaching careers.” &nbsp;

Students are coming to train from as far away as Hoisington and Neodesha. That’s impressive for a business in the rural community of Reading, population 181 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.performance-sports.net/">www.performance-sports.net</a>.&nbsp;

“School for sale.” Maybe there wasn’t an ad with that exact wording, but there was an opportunity to acquire a former school that would work well for youth athletic training.&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend Kate and Lucas Boss for making a difference with this initiative. In Reading, excellence in athletics lives on.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675263952240.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“School for Sale.”&nbsp;Well, maybe there wasn’t an ad that said exactly that, but when a former school building and gymnasium came for sale in his area, one young man saw the opportunity to create a sports training facility that would serve young people across the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lucas and Kate Boss are the founders and owners of Performance Sports in Reading, Kansas. Both grew up in Osage City as outstanding athletes.&nbsp;Lucas played football and earned his degree at Emporia State. Kate played basketball at Johnson County Community College, on the team that won the national women’s junior college championship in 2000. She went on to finish her education degree at Kansas State University.&nbsp;Lucas and Kate got married and became teachers and coaches, earning their master’s degrees at Emporia State. When their first child was school age, they chose to return to the Osage City school district where they teach, coach and farm today. They especially enjoyed their involvement with youth sports and are active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.&nbsp;In 2019, a unique opportunity arose. After a series of school consolidations, the empty school building and gymnasium at nearby Reading was up for sale. The city of Reading had an option to buy but declined.&nbsp;Shortly after, the Bosses committed to buy it. “It’s a God thing all the way around,” Lucas said. The building was still a beautiful and well-maintained facility. Lucas and Kate saw it as a potential training site for student athletes.&nbsp;In 2019, they opened Performance Sports in what had been the Reading school gym.&nbsp;&nbsp;It began with a Hoops Academy for young basketball players who wanted to improve their skills.&nbsp;When Covid hit and schools closed, Lucas and Kate moved their RV to the property and lived there temporarily. “Our kids had access to the playground and the gym,” Lucas said. Their facility would also serve for tournaments and practices.&nbsp;While the gym was in use, the main school building was not. After other educational institutions chose not to use that space, Lucas and Kate decided to tear out the classrooms and use the building for storage.&nbsp;“I said, `Let’s put some turf down in here so kids can work out,’” Lucas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;hat big open space has now become an ideal site for training in track and field throwing events.&nbsp;In 2021, they opened the Track &amp; Field Throwing Academy. Jacquelyne Leffler, the former collegiate track athlete whom we have previously profiled, is one of the coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;Athletes are traveling from as far as three hours away to train at Reading. Kids can sign up for different sessions to train for the shotput, javelin or discus.&nbsp;Lucas and Kate have five children: Son Landon, a high school senior; and four daughters: Lexi (tenth grade), Kaelyn (seventh), Kendyl (fifth), and Lakyn (second). They are all active in sports and help on the farm.&nbsp;“We run cattle and raise a lot of hay. We put up a lot of small square bales,” Lucas said.&nbsp;&nbsp;That involves a lot of chores and labor, which helps teach responsibility and work ethic.&nbsp;“Our kids are super tough and strong, and (the farmwork) is part of why they’re successful,” Lucas said. &nbsp;What is the motivation to operate a sports academy?&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s for the kids,” Lucas said. “We want to help them improve as athletes and enjoy the sports that they like doing,” he said. &nbsp;The business website states: “We have dedicated our lives to our faith, our family, our farm, and to working with student-athletes throughout our teaching and coaching careers.” &nbsp;Students are coming to train from as far away as Hoisington and Neodesha. That’s impressive for a business in the rural community of Reading, population 181 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.performance-sports.net/">www.performance-sports.net</a>.&nbsp;“School for sale.” Maybe there wasn’t an ad with that exact wording, but there was an opportunity to acquire a former school that would work well for youth athletic training.&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend Kate and Lucas Boss for making a difference with this initiative. In Reading, excellence in athletics lives on.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Lucas Boss, Performance Sports 

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:

* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities: Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center, Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa, Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner, Center, Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675423810788.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675423834770.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities: Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center, Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa, Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner, Center, Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Feb. 3, 2023

Next week, the&nbsp;diversity in school&nbsp;debate returns to neighboring state Missouri&nbsp;via House Bill 952, its anti-1619 Project&nbsp;bill, joining&nbsp;the earlier proposed Parent’s Bill of Rights, SB 776. Missouri, a&nbsp;bellwether&nbsp;for&nbsp;policymaking&nbsp;in Kansas, points to the likely resuscitation of&nbsp;this&nbsp;political debate&nbsp;after similar efforts slowed in the Kansas legislature. Coupled with Florida’s recent&nbsp;rejection of AP African American Course in public schools, the two events mark a resurging salvo in a larger argument over school curriculum and diversity.

The&nbsp;Parent’s&nbsp;Bill prohibits school districts&nbsp;from&nbsp;denying&nbsp;parental&nbsp;review&nbsp;ofcurricula&nbsp;and educational materials utilized by the school.&nbsp;Other elements&nbsp;include: notification about safety issues impacting their children, the right to visit their child in school, the right to review&nbsp;their children’s&nbsp;school records, and the right to be heard at school board meetings.&nbsp;Hardly any of these&nbsp;issues&nbsp;are&nbsp;prohibited by school systems.&nbsp;The more dangerous component includes parent rights to review information on teachers, lecturers, and presenters; and the right to object to materials parents find inappropriate.&nbsp;

Additionally,&nbsp;the bill&nbsp;undergirds&nbsp;a larger educational framework&nbsp;by&nbsp;the Missouri&nbsp;General Assembly to ban&nbsp;Critical&nbsp;Race&nbsp;Theory&nbsp;(CRT)&nbsp;and 1619 Project.&nbsp;The combined legislation, which acts to empower parental say over curriculum, is a bit of misnomer given&nbsp;the bill does&nbsp;not extend to calculus, physics, and other areas of study, but is a legislative condemnation of all things “diversity.”

The problem&nbsp;is&nbsp;that Missouri’s bill, similar to the Kansas version, incorrectly conflates CRT theory with any diversity related subject matter, particularly black history.&nbsp;The law is&nbsp;abstractly&nbsp;constructed&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;broad framework that allows&nbsp;parents and politicians&nbsp;to excise&nbsp;certain subject matter for political propaganda.

​For example, an educator cannot identify people, entities, or institutions in the United States as “inherently, immutably, or systematically sexist, racist, anti-LGBT, bigoted, biased, privileged, or oppressed.” Is the legislation suggesting that the Ku Klux Klan (an entity) is&nbsp;not&nbsp;inherently racist?&nbsp;Although numerous studies&nbsp;repeatedly&nbsp;confirm that the&nbsp;criminal justice system (an American institution)&nbsp;unequally treats&nbsp;Black Americans, are educators to ignore the incongruities in the system?&nbsp;Other elements&nbsp;of the law&nbsp;are just as confounding.

Logical&nbsp;analysis of&nbsp;the&nbsp;educational curriculum is not what’s at stake here, nor is it the real intent.&nbsp;Political operatives&nbsp;who&nbsp;focused on&nbsp;CRT&nbsp;as a&nbsp;mechanism to denounce “liberal” education, ironically use it to craft&nbsp;their own&nbsp;doctrine of education- an America with no imperfections.&nbsp;Black History&nbsp;and other “diversity” subjects are&nbsp;uncomfortable, because&nbsp;they&nbsp;question&nbsp;the centrality of democracy as a&nbsp;shared&nbsp;American identity. Within Black history is always the question- freedom for who?&nbsp;When? How?

The&nbsp;circumstances of this legislation&nbsp;are also&nbsp;more ominous than political division. The&nbsp;adversarial nature of these politicized claims of “unpatriotic” education&nbsp;has&nbsp;created an&nbsp;upsurge in&nbsp;harassment by opponents to diversity. Teachers, lectures,&nbsp;and&nbsp;writers become the focus of online&nbsp;and physical&nbsp;harassment.&nbsp;

​Parents should think deeply about this legislation&nbsp;when debate returns to Kansas. How are&nbsp;parents&nbsp;truly empowered? What will their children fail to learn about themselves or society? In what ways are teachers and educators endangered by these sentiments? Why would censorship provide the pathway to patriotism?&nbsp;Finally,&nbsp;they should ask themselves if&nbsp;fear of diversity&nbsp;is&nbsp;a good way to prepare children for a future in a multicultural America?

Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas. Prior to Kansas, she held positions as Associate Curator of African American History and Archives at Western Reserve Historical Society, Assistant to the Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Archives at the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and personal assistant for Dr. John Hope Franklin, before and during his tenure as chair of President Bill Clinton's advisory board on "One America."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675191230725.jpeg" alt="Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas. " />
 <figcaption>Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas. </figcaption>
 </figure>Next week, the&nbsp;diversity in school&nbsp;debate returns to neighboring state Missouri&nbsp;via House Bill 952, its anti-1619 Project&nbsp;bill, joining&nbsp;the earlier proposed Parent’s Bill of Rights, SB 776. Missouri, a&nbsp;bellwether&nbsp;for&nbsp;policymaking&nbsp;in Kansas, points to the likely resuscitation of&nbsp;this&nbsp;political debate&nbsp;after similar efforts slowed in the Kansas legislature. Coupled with Florida’s recent&nbsp;rejection of AP African American Course in public schools, the two events mark a resurging salvo in a larger argument over school curriculum and diversity.The&nbsp;Parent’s&nbsp;Bill prohibits school districts&nbsp;from&nbsp;denying&nbsp;parental&nbsp;review&nbsp;ofcurricula&nbsp;and educational materials utilized by the school.&nbsp;Other elements&nbsp;include: notification about safety issues impacting their children, the right to visit their child in school, the right to review&nbsp;their children’s&nbsp;school records, and the right to be heard at school board meetings.&nbsp;Hardly any of these&nbsp;issues&nbsp;are&nbsp;prohibited by school systems.&nbsp;The more dangerous component includes parent rights to review information on teachers, lecturers, and presenters; and the right to object to materials parents find inappropriate.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Additionally,&nbsp;the bill&nbsp;undergirds&nbsp;a larger educational framework&nbsp;by&nbsp;the Missouri&nbsp;General Assembly to ban&nbsp;Critical&nbsp;Race&nbsp;Theory&nbsp;(CRT)&nbsp;and 1619 Project.&nbsp;The combined legislation, which acts to empower parental say over curriculum, is a bit of misnomer given&nbsp;the bill does&nbsp;not extend to calculus, physics, and other areas of study, but is a legislative condemnation of all things “diversity.”The problem&nbsp;is&nbsp;that Missouri’s bill, similar to the Kansas version, incorrectly conflates CRT theory with any diversity related subject matter, particularly black history.&nbsp;The law is&nbsp;abstractly&nbsp;constructed&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;broad framework that allows&nbsp;parents and politicians&nbsp;to excise&nbsp;certain subject matter for political propaganda.​For example, an educator cannot identify people, entities, or institutions in the United States as “inherently, immutably, or systematically sexist, racist, anti-LGBT, bigoted, biased, privileged, or oppressed.” Is the legislation suggesting that the Ku Klux Klan (an entity) is&nbsp;not&nbsp;inherently racist?&nbsp;Although numerous studies&nbsp;repeatedly&nbsp;confirm that the&nbsp;criminal justice system (an American institution)&nbsp;unequally treats&nbsp;Black Americans, are educators to ignore the incongruities in the system?&nbsp;Other elements&nbsp;of the law&nbsp;are just as confounding.Logical&nbsp;analysis of&nbsp;the&nbsp;educational curriculum is not what’s at stake here, nor is it the real intent.&nbsp;Political operatives&nbsp;who&nbsp;focused on&nbsp;CRT&nbsp;as a&nbsp;mechanism to denounce “liberal” education, ironically use it to craft&nbsp;their own&nbsp;doctrine of education- an America with no imperfections.&nbsp;Black History&nbsp;and other “diversity” subjects are&nbsp;uncomfortable, because&nbsp;they&nbsp;question&nbsp;the centrality of democracy as a&nbsp;shared&nbsp;American identity. Within Black history is always the question- freedom for who?&nbsp;When? How?The&nbsp;circumstances of this legislation&nbsp;are also&nbsp;more ominous than political division. The&nbsp;adversarial nature of these politicized claims of “unpatriotic” education&nbsp;has&nbsp;created an&nbsp;upsurge in&nbsp;harassment by opponents to diversity. Teachers, lectures,&nbsp;and&nbsp;writers become the focus of online&nbsp;and physical&nbsp;harassment.&nbsp;​Parents should think deeply about this legislation&nbsp;when debate returns to Kansas. How are&nbsp;parents&nbsp;truly empowered? What will their children fail to learn about themselves or society? In what ways are teachers and educators endangered by these sentiments? Why would censorship provide the pathway to patriotism?&nbsp;Finally,&nbsp;they should ask themselves if&nbsp;fear of diversity&nbsp;is&nbsp;a good way to prepare children for a future in a multicultural America?Nishani Frazier is Associate Professor of History and American Studies at the University of Kansas. Prior to Kansas, she held positions as Associate Curator of African American History and Archives at Western Reserve Historical Society, Assistant to the Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Archives at the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and personal assistant for Dr. John Hope Franklin, before and during his tenure as chair of President Bill Clinton's advisory board on "One America."&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Missouri Parents Bill of Rights vs. diversity

The summer of 1997 was&nbsp;a period&nbsp;marked by great triumph&nbsp;and&nbsp;tragedy. In June, the world was introduced to the world of wizardry with the UK publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In July, NASA’s Pathfinder rover safely landed on Mars and began sending back data and stunning images from the “Red Planet.”&nbsp;And in August,&nbsp;the world learned of the tragic death of Princess Diana in Paris.&nbsp;<a></a>

The summer of&nbsp;1997&nbsp;was also significant at Fort Hays State University as we took a major strategic step forward into the future of learning.&nbsp;

<a></a>That spring and summer, now a&nbsp;decade&nbsp;into what would become&nbsp;more than&nbsp;27&nbsp;years of service as FHSU president,&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Edward Hammond saw an opportunity to deliver on a promise he made when he was first hired. During his interview,&nbsp;President Hammond&nbsp;told the Kansas Board of Regents-led search committee that he would transform FHSU into a “high touch-high tech” institution if given the opportunity.&nbsp;

Once hired, President Hammond immediately went to work building the foundation necessary to realize his goal. By&nbsp;the mid-1990s,&nbsp;he had positioned FHSU well to take advantage of the&nbsp;breakup of the Bell System monopoly in the 1980s&nbsp;that&nbsp;introduced competition and new opportunities to forge traditional (wired) and new (cellular) communications technology partnerships in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

President&nbsp;Hammond&nbsp;established several partnerships that expanded the reach of FHSU distance learning programs via fiber-wire-connected two-way video conferencing to students in Colby, Goodland, Garden City, and Dodge City. Under his leadership, FHSU became the first university in Kansas to deliver academic programs via this medium.

<a></a>Then came the Internet. Created in 1960 as a way for government researchers to share information, the Internet was initially designed for the military and major research institutions to share national security-related information.

Access to the&nbsp;Internet didn’t become available to the&nbsp;rest of the&nbsp;world until 1993. By 1997, there were 70 million users online. Today,&nbsp;that number exceeds 5 billion.&nbsp;

Sensing a fresh opportunity to&nbsp;leverage this emerging technology and&nbsp;expand the FHSU high touch-high tech model, President Hammond and Provost Rodolfo Arevalo charged Dean Tony Fernandez of the College of Health and Life Sciences with establishing a new unit tasked with transitioning FHSU distance education to online delivery.&nbsp;The new unit would be known as the Virtual College.

<a></a>Out of the gate, the fledgling Virtual College faced several challenges. While internet access was expanding, many homes still had no way to connect to the Internet. Those who could access the new technology did not enjoy the connectivity or bandwidth to stream instructional videos.&nbsp;There remained a dependence on CD or DVD production and distribution in Virtual College operations.&nbsp;

New processes for delivering course materials through the mail&nbsp;needed to be developed to address these issues, and the&nbsp;campus bookstore was&nbsp;the answer. The space was&nbsp;renovated to include an area in the&nbsp;bookstore&nbsp;basement where boxes could be filled with books, videotapes, and DVDs&nbsp;for shipment to Virtual College students.&nbsp;

Moving away from live, two-way videoconferencing meant that faculty needed to be licensed and trained in using a learning management system. To assist with the transition, Virtual College staff developed a tool kit called “Web Course in a Box” to help faculty restructure their courses for asynchronous or on-demand delivery.&nbsp;

In the early 2000s, the university licensed the Blackboard learning management system that offers a wealth of virtual course planning and delivery tools. A new organization staffed by instructional technology specialists, the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Technologies (CTELT), was created and charged with faculty training and learning technology research.&nbsp;

Now known as Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies&nbsp;(TILT), this group has led the effort on campus to research, test, evaluate, and adopt new technologies.&nbsp;

<a></a>The focus on high touch-high tech learning introduced by President Hammond back in the 1980s remains the principal focus of FHSU Online (formerly the Virtual College).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>The summer of 1997 was&nbsp;a period&nbsp;marked by great triumph&nbsp;and&nbsp;tragedy. In June, the world was introduced to the world of wizardry with the UK publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In July, NASA’s Pathfinder rover safely landed on Mars and began sending back data and stunning images from the “Red Planet.”&nbsp;And in August,&nbsp;the world learned of the tragic death of Princess Diana in Paris.&nbsp;<a></a>The summer of&nbsp;1997&nbsp;was also significant at Fort Hays State University as we took a major strategic step forward into the future of learning.&nbsp;<a></a>That spring and summer, now a&nbsp;decade&nbsp;into what would become&nbsp;more than&nbsp;27&nbsp;years of service as FHSU president,&nbsp;Dr.&nbsp;Edward Hammond saw an opportunity to deliver on a promise he made when he was first hired. During his interview,&nbsp;President Hammond&nbsp;told the Kansas Board of Regents-led search committee that he would transform FHSU into a “high touch-high tech” institution if given the opportunity.&nbsp;Once hired, President Hammond immediately went to work building the foundation necessary to realize his goal. By&nbsp;the mid-1990s,&nbsp;he had positioned FHSU well to take advantage of the&nbsp;breakup of the Bell System monopoly in the 1980s&nbsp;that&nbsp;introduced competition and new opportunities to forge traditional (wired) and new (cellular) communications technology partnerships in rural Kansas.&nbsp;President&nbsp;Hammond&nbsp;established several partnerships that expanded the reach of FHSU distance learning programs via fiber-wire-connected two-way video conferencing to students in Colby, Goodland, Garden City, and Dodge City. Under his leadership, FHSU became the first university in Kansas to deliver academic programs via this medium.<a></a>Then came the Internet. Created in 1960 as a way for government researchers to share information, the Internet was initially designed for the military and major research institutions to share national security-related information.Access to the&nbsp;Internet didn’t become available to the&nbsp;rest of the&nbsp;world until 1993. By 1997, there were 70 million users online. Today,&nbsp;that number exceeds 5 billion.&nbsp;Sensing a fresh opportunity to&nbsp;leverage this emerging technology and&nbsp;expand the FHSU high touch-high tech model, President Hammond and Provost Rodolfo Arevalo charged Dean Tony Fernandez of the College of Health and Life Sciences with establishing a new unit tasked with transitioning FHSU distance education to online delivery.&nbsp;The new unit would be known as the Virtual College.<a></a>Out of the gate, the fledgling Virtual College faced several challenges. While internet access was expanding, many homes still had no way to connect to the Internet. Those who could access the new technology did not enjoy the connectivity or bandwidth to stream instructional videos.&nbsp;There remained a dependence on CD or DVD production and distribution in Virtual College operations.&nbsp;New processes for delivering course materials through the mail&nbsp;needed to be developed to address these issues, and the&nbsp;campus bookstore was&nbsp;the answer. The space was&nbsp;renovated to include an area in the&nbsp;bookstore&nbsp;basement where boxes could be filled with books, videotapes, and DVDs&nbsp;for shipment to Virtual College students.&nbsp;Moving away from live, two-way videoconferencing meant that faculty needed to be licensed and trained in using a learning management system. To assist with the transition, Virtual College staff developed a tool kit called “Web Course in a Box” to help faculty restructure their courses for asynchronous or on-demand delivery.&nbsp;In the early 2000s, the university licensed the Blackboard learning management system that offers a wealth of virtual course planning and delivery tools. A new organization staffed by instructional technology specialists, the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Technologies (CTELT), was created and charged with faculty training and learning technology research.&nbsp;Now known as Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies&nbsp;(TILT), this group has led the effort on campus to research, test, evaluate, and adopt new technologies.&nbsp;<a></a>The focus on high touch-high tech learning introduced by President Hammond back in the 1980s remains the principal focus of FHSU Online (formerly the Virtual College).&nbsp;From an initial enrollment of around 900 students in 1997,&nbsp;annual&nbsp;online enrollment at FHSU now&nbsp;exceeds&nbsp;6,500 students and&nbsp;amounts to nearly 48% of total university enrollment.&nbsp;<a></a>Unlike many universities, whose transition to online instruction&nbsp;was a direct result of the&nbsp;COVIDpandemic, we&nbsp;were&nbsp;already&nbsp;recruiting technology-savvy faculty and&nbsp;developing best practices in teaching and student support for online learners for nearly 25 years. &nbsp;We were early adopters of services like online tutoring and professional advisors. Several years ago, we created a Virtual Student Senate to give online students a&nbsp;voice&nbsp;in major decisions that impact online students and the university. We remain&nbsp;one of very few&nbsp;universities to includeonline students in shared governance in this manner. FHSU is also one of six institutions to be awarded the rigorous United States Distance Learning Association quality certification.&nbsp;It&nbsp;has&nbsp;been said that students learn as much or more in college out of the classroom. Part of our planning for the future will include spending more time and expertise on the development of what we call “ecosystem resources.”&nbsp;Simply put, we&nbsp;are creating&nbsp;expanded and more engaged learning environments that move the learning experience beyond the constraints of time, space, and the boundaries of traditional instruction.<a></a>So,&nbsp;even as we celebrate an amazing 25 years of online learning, we are already looking ahead to the next 25 years of FHSU Online. We know that digital resources and online learning&nbsp;practices&nbsp;have evolved&nbsp;over the past few years, and we&nbsp;are&nbsp;investing time and talent to ensure we continue to evolve with that change.Last year, we created a team of campus experts to develop what we are calling a digital master plan for the university. Much like a master plan that guides the building, renovation, and removal of obsolete buildings and structures, our digital master plan will guide our future efforts to remain leaders and innovators in this space.&nbsp;The remarkable 25-year history of online learning at FHSU is a testament to what an innovative, resilient, and engaged campus community can do when unbounded by real and imagined barriers. The amazing people who built FHSU Online were instrumental in transforming this university into what we call today “the best value in education anywhere.”&nbsp;

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