By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

In Kansas, we pride ourselves on hard work, strong communities, and self-reliance.

Kansans value hard work, strong communities, and a sense of fairness. But over the past several months, decisions made in Washington have left many of our neighbors behind. While the rhetoric often celebrates rural America, the policies tell a different story. Kansas farmers and rural communities bear the brunt of recent federal funding cuts.

The Trump administration’s policy decisions have undermined the livelihoods and well-being of Kansans across the state by hurting our agricultural economy, straining our rural healthcare systems, and further fraying the safety net that supports our communities.

Start with Kansas agriculture. While national headlines focused on culture wars, the administration quietly slashed funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID). That may seem like a distant concern, but USAID doesn’t just deliver humanitarian aid, it opens and stabilizes global markets for American-grown crops.

USAID’s Food for Peace program, in particular, has benefited Kansas farmers for decades by buying surplus wheat and grain harvests and sending them overseas as humanitarian aid, helping to stabilize prices here at home while feeding millions abroad.

When the U.S. pulled back from investing in international food security, it also pulled away from the long-term global demand for wheat, corn, soybeans, and other Kansas exports. 

In 2024, over half of Kansas-grown wheat was sold abroad, but those markets have now dried up and farmers are struggling to sell their goods. In fact, Kansas exported over $800 million worth of wheat in 2023, and more than $4.75 billion in total agricultural products in 2024, underscoring how vital international markets are to the state’s economy.

At the same time, Trump launched trade wars that sparked retaliatory tariffs from major trading partners like China, which have struck Kansas’ producers hard. According to state and independent estimates, Kansas farmers lost nearly $1 billion in income due to those retaliatory tariffs, especially in soybeans, wheat, and pork.

Despite emergency bailouts, many family farms have seen shrinking profits. For some Kansans, these cuts will mean the end of a multi-generational farming legacy. This isn’t just a market correction; it is the fallout of political choices that ignored the economic ecosystems rural states depend on.

These are not abstract policy changes. They are devastating blows to rural Kansas economies.

It’s important to be clear: these outcomes weren’t inevitable. They were the result of policy decisions that favored cuts over stability and care. Trump campaigned as a champion of the “forgotten man and woman,” appealing to working-class and rural voters in places like Kansas.

But his administration’s actions have abandoned Kansans who need the most help. The same administration that promised to “put America first” has without a doubt put rural America last.

To add insult to injury, most of Kansas’ House delegation has gone along with cutting federal funds every step of the way. Representatives Mann, Schmidt, and Estes all voted in favor, while Representative Davids was the sole opponent from Kansas’ House delegates.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on the USAID funding cuts in mid-July. Thus far, Senator Marshall has been an outspoken critic of USAID while Senator Moran has remained mostly silent on the organization itself. However, both Senators, and Moran in particular, have advocated that Food for Peace be moved to the US Department of Agriculture so the program can continue.

The long-term effects of these policies are still unfolding, but one thing is certain: cutting development aid at the expense of farmers is not building a stronger Kansas. It’s time we choose leaders who will invest in our people, protect our communities, and put Kansas first for real.

Kansas deserves elected officials who understand the realities of life in small towns and farming communities; leaders who don’t just use rural voters as a backdrop for campaign speeches, but who fight for policies that support hardworking Kansans.

Kansans know what it means to take care of each other. Our policies should reflect that.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740007073583.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood&nbsp;is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasIn Kansas, we pride ourselves on hard work, strong communities, and self-reliance.Kansans value hard work, strong communities, and a sense of fairness. But over the past several months, decisions made in Washington have left many of our neighbors behind. While the rhetoric often celebrates rural America, the policies tell a different story. Kansas farmers and rural communities bear the brunt of recent federal funding cuts.The Trump administration’s policy decisions have undermined the livelihoods and well-being of Kansans across the state by hurting our agricultural economy, straining our rural healthcare systems, and further fraying the safety net that supports our communities.Start with Kansas agriculture. While national headlines focused on culture wars, the administration quietly slashed funding for the US Agency for International Development (USAID). That may seem like a distant concern, but USAID doesn’t just deliver humanitarian aid, it opens and stabilizes global markets for American-grown crops.USAID’s Food for Peace program, in particular, has benefited Kansas farmers for decades by buying surplus wheat and grain harvests and sending them overseas as humanitarian aid, helping to stabilize prices here at home while feeding millions abroad.When the U.S. pulled back from investing in international food security, it also pulled away from the long-term global demand for wheat, corn, soybeans, and other Kansas exports. In 2024, over half of Kansas-grown wheat was sold abroad, but those markets have now dried up and farmers are struggling to sell their goods. In fact, Kansas exported over $800 million worth of wheat in 2023, and more than $4.75 billion in total agricultural products in 2024, underscoring how vital international markets are to the state’s economy.At the same time, Trump launched trade wars that sparked retaliatory tariffs from major trading partners like China, which have struck Kansas’ producers hard. According to state and independent estimates, Kansas farmers lost nearly $1 billion in income due to those retaliatory tariffs, especially in soybeans, wheat, and pork.Despite emergency bailouts, many family farms have seen shrinking profits. For some Kansans, these cuts will mean the end of a multi-generational farming legacy. This isn’t just a market correction; it is the fallout of political choices that ignored the economic ecosystems rural states depend on.These are not abstract policy changes. They are devastating blows to rural Kansas economies.It’s important to be clear: these outcomes weren’t inevitable. They were the result of policy decisions that favored cuts over stability and care. Trump campaigned as a champion of the “forgotten man and woman,” appealing to working-class and rural voters in places like Kansas.But his administration’s actions have abandoned Kansans who need the most help. The same administration that promised to “put America first” has without a doubt put rural America last.To add insult to injury, most of Kansas’ House delegation has gone along with cutting federal funds every step of the way. Representatives Mann, Schmidt, and Estes all voted in favor, while Representative Davids was the sole opponent from Kansas’ House delegates.The Senate is scheduled to vote on the USAID funding cuts in mid-July. Thus far, Senator Marshall has been an outspoken critic of USAID while Senator Moran has remained mostly silent on the organization itself. However, both Senators, and Moran in particular, have advocated that Food for Peace be moved to the US Department of Agriculture so the program can continue.The long-term effects of these policies are still unfolding, but one thing is certain: cutting development aid at the expense of farmers is not building a stronger Kansas. It’s time we choose leaders who will invest in our people, protect our communities, and put Kansas first for real.Kansas deserves elected officials who understand the realities of life in small towns and farming communities; leaders who don’t just use rural voters as a backdrop for campaign speeches, but who fight for policies that support hardworking Kansans.Kansans know what it means to take care of each other. Our policies should reflect that.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

Insight Kansas: Washington abandoned rural Kansas — and farmers are paying for it

Do your children or grandchildren enjoy watching Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Curious George, or Sesame Street? Or do you watch state high school wrestling or 8-man football championships? Maybe you enjoy All Creatures Great and Small, Finding Your Roots, Antiques Roadshow, or Ken Burns history documentaries. 

Your ability to watch these and other programs on Smoky Hills PBS will be jeopardized if the Senate votes next week to rescind already-appropriated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Why is this important to Smoky Hills PBS?

This year Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funding would make up 54% of Smoky Hills PBS’ revenues. The House of Representatives passed this Recission Bill last month. So if the Senate passes it by July 18th, this funding would be eliminated immediately, and would be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to replace. 

CPB funding comprises such a high proportion of Smoky Hills PBS’ revenues because the station serves a very large area, about 51 counties, with a relatively-sparse population with four energy-intensive transmitters. The relatively small population in these counties makes fundraising much more challenging than for urban stations that serve much smaller areas with much higher populations.

What is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (or CPB)?

CPB is the private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress to be the steward of funds Congress allocates for public broadcasting. Over 70% of the funding Congress allocates to the CPB goes to local public broadcasters like Smoky Hills PBS. On average, CPB costs the taxpayer $1.60, and its funding comprises 0.01% of the federal budget, so cutting its funding will not meaningfully cut the federal deficit. However, cutting its funding will significantly harm local public TV and radio stations and the people they serve.

Please call the local offices of Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and leave a message telling them to vote against rescinding funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and why Smoky Hills PBS is important to you. The Senate will likely vote on this Bill the week of July 14th, so call today!

Senator Jerry Moran’s Hays Office: 785-628-6401

Senator Roger Marshall’s Salina Office: 785-829-9000

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Do your children or grandchildren enjoy watching Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Curious George, or Sesame Street? Or do you watch state high school wrestling or 8-man football championships? Maybe you enjoy All Creatures Great and Small, Finding Your Roots, Antiques Roadshow, or Ken Burns history documentaries. Your ability to watch these and other programs on Smoky Hills PBS will be jeopardized if the Senate votes next week to rescind already-appropriated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Why is this important to Smoky Hills PBS?This year Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funding would make up 54% of Smoky Hills PBS’ revenues. The House of Representatives passed this Recission Bill last month. So if the Senate passes it by July 18th, this funding would be eliminated immediately, and would be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to replace. CPB funding comprises such a high proportion of Smoky Hills PBS’ revenues because the station serves a very large area, about 51 counties, with a relatively-sparse population with four energy-intensive transmitters. The relatively small population in these counties makes fundraising much more challenging than for urban stations that serve much smaller areas with much higher populations.What is the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (or CPB)?CPB is the private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress to be the steward of funds Congress allocates for public broadcasting. Over 70% of the funding Congress allocates to the CPB goes to local public broadcasters like Smoky Hills PBS. On average, CPB costs the taxpayer $1.60, and its funding comprises 0.01% of the federal budget, so cutting its funding will not meaningfully cut the federal deficit. However, cutting its funding will significantly harm local public TV and radio stations and the people they serve.What can you do?Please call the local offices of Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and leave a message telling them to vote against rescinding funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and why Smoky Hills PBS is important to you. The Senate will likely vote on this Bill the week of July 14th, so call today!Senator Jerry Moran’s Hays Office: 785-628-6401Senator Roger Marshall’s Salina Office: 785-829-9000Helen Hands Hays

LETTER: Tell Senators Moran and Marshall to protect funding for Smoky Hills PBS

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Bryan VonFeldt, treasurer of The Bricks board of directors about the Downtown Hays Market and the upcoming Bazaar on the Bricks.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 'The Bricks' board treasurer Bryan VonFeldt" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=6ucwj-18f23ed-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Bryan VonFeldt, treasurer of The Bricks board of directors about the Downtown Hays Market and the upcoming Bazaar on the Bricks.

🎙 Post Podcast: 'The Bricks' board treasurer on Downtown Market, Bazaar on Bricks

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

It’s Fourth of July season!&nbsp; Time for barbecues and Chinese-made fireworks (watch out for those tariffs). For Independence Day, I suggest also celebrating some folks that really make America great—immigrants.

Throughout our history, waves of immigrants have made our country stronger, bringing in new Americans willing to risk everything to live the American dream.

Immigrants believe the inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty, “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.” They work hard, raise families, and establish communities and businesses. Naturalized citizens take a citizenship test and an oath in which they swear off allegiance to any other government or leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, politicians and pundits spew outrage at the suggestion that the U.S. was founded on slavery and the removal of Native Americans.&nbsp; It’s a plain fact that these things happened.&nbsp; Yet they do not need to define us.

Himself the grandson of Irish migrants, President Kennedy offered a far more inspiring vision in his 1958 book,&nbsp;A Nation of Immigrants,&nbsp;which celebrated the American story. President Reagan was pro immigration too.

America is so much more than our sins of the past–and present.&nbsp; We are a dynamic, vibrant country that has repeatedly reinvented ourselves.&nbsp; Today, studies show that immigrants contribute far more to the U.S. economy than they take out– and yes, that is after accounting for public welfare benefits.

Immigrants stabilize the population of communities that would otherwise be declining, including many in rural Kansas. They take jobs that many native-born Americans will not.

 Studies show that immigration helps relieve one of America’s worst economic challenges today:&nbsp; the housing shortage. While immigrant families need housing too, the fact that many work in construction more than offsets that, resulting in a net increase in the nation’s housing stock.

Immigrants enrich our culture, while also becoming a part of it.&nbsp; Migrant families typically assimilate within three generations. The children of immigrants from non-English speaking countries are usually bilingual and serve as translators for their parents.&nbsp; The immigrants’ grandchildren typically speak English as their first and perhaps only language.

A few years ago, TLC aired&nbsp;All American Muslim,&nbsp;about a Lebanese American family in suburban Detroit. The show was discontinued, but not because of prejudice. Instead, the family’s daily life was so typical, so suburban, so&nbsp;American, the show simply lacked the drama that reality TV viewers expect. Just another American family, nothing to see here.

Immigration enriches our culture. For example, German immigrants brought us the Christmas tree. Today, more and more Americans observe&nbsp;Dia de los Muertes&nbsp;(Day of the Dead), a celebration of our ancestors. The day originated in Mexico and is becoming mainstream here.

If you’re looking to binge watch something patriotic this weekend, I recommend&nbsp;Finding Your Roots&nbsp;with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Streaming on the PBS app Passport, the show features famous Americans whose ancestors come from all over the world. 

For most guests, researchers document their family history in the old country as well as their journeys to the United States, uncovering stories of courage, sacrifice, and hard work. Of course, some find scandal in their genealogy too. Many guests are brought to tears when Gates shows them a timeline of their family history. Even when records are unavailable, DNA testing and other research can help uncover more information about their past than they ever imagined possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This Fourth of July, celebrate something that really makes the USA great. Welcome immigrants into your community and learn their American stories—and yours.

Michael A. Smith is a&nbsp;Professor of Political Science and Chair of Social Sciences at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745349371713.jpeg" alt="Michael A. Smith is a&nbsp;Professor of Political Science and Chair of Social Sciences at Emporia State University.&nbsp; Courtesy photo&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michael A. Smith is a&nbsp;Professor of Political Science and Chair of Social Sciences at Emporia State University.&nbsp; Courtesy photo&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasIt’s Fourth of July season!&nbsp; Time for barbecues and Chinese-made fireworks (watch out for those tariffs). For Independence Day, I suggest also celebrating some folks that really make America great—immigrants.Throughout our history, waves of immigrants have made our country stronger, bringing in new Americans willing to risk everything to live the American dream.Immigrants believe the inscription at the base of the Statue of Liberty, “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.” They work hard, raise families, and establish communities and businesses. Naturalized citizens take a citizenship test and an oath in which they swear off allegiance to any other government or leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, politicians and pundits spew outrage at the suggestion that the U.S. was founded on slavery and the removal of Native Americans.&nbsp; It’s a plain fact that these things happened.&nbsp; Yet they do not need to define us.Himself the grandson of Irish migrants, President Kennedy offered a far more inspiring vision in his 1958 book,&nbsp;A Nation of Immigrants,&nbsp;which celebrated the American story. President Reagan was pro immigration too.America is so much more than our sins of the past–and present.&nbsp; We are a dynamic, vibrant country that has repeatedly reinvented ourselves.&nbsp; Today, studies show that immigrants contribute far more to the U.S. economy than they take out– and yes, that is after accounting for public welfare benefits.Immigrants stabilize the population of communities that would otherwise be declining, including many in rural Kansas. They take jobs that many native-born Americans will not. Studies show that immigration helps relieve one of America’s worst economic challenges today:&nbsp; the housing shortage. While immigrant families need housing too, the fact that many work in construction more than offsets that, resulting in a net increase in the nation’s housing stock.Immigrants enrich our culture, while also becoming a part of it.&nbsp; Migrant families typically assimilate within three generations. The children of immigrants from non-English speaking countries are usually bilingual and serve as translators for their parents.&nbsp; The immigrants’ grandchildren typically speak English as their first and perhaps only language.A few years ago, TLC aired&nbsp;All American Muslim,&nbsp;about a Lebanese American family in suburban Detroit. The show was discontinued, but not because of prejudice. Instead, the family’s daily life was so typical, so suburban, so&nbsp;American, the show simply lacked the drama that reality TV viewers expect. Just another American family, nothing to see here.Immigration enriches our culture. For example, German immigrants brought us the Christmas tree. Today, more and more Americans observe&nbsp;Dia de los Muertes&nbsp;(Day of the Dead), a celebration of our ancestors. The day originated in Mexico and is becoming mainstream here.If you’re looking to binge watch something patriotic this weekend, I recommend&nbsp;Finding Your Roots&nbsp;with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Streaming on the PBS app Passport, the show features famous Americans whose ancestors come from all over the world. For most guests, researchers document their family history in the old country as well as their journeys to the United States, uncovering stories of courage, sacrifice, and hard work. Of course, some find scandal in their genealogy too. Many guests are brought to tears when Gates shows them a timeline of their family history. Even when records are unavailable, DNA testing and other research can help uncover more information about their past than they ever imagined possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;This Fourth of July, celebrate something that really makes the USA great. Welcome immigrants into your community and learn their American stories—and yours.Michael A. Smith is a&nbsp;Professor of Political Science and Chair of Social Sciences at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Immigration is patriotic

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

If you’ve ever strolled through the Fort Hays State University campus during the warmer months, you’ve likely noticed the vibrant colors that line our walkways and flower beds — geraniums, lantanas, ornamental peppers, and more, arranged with care and precision. What may look like a simple seasonal refresh is, in fact, the result of countless hours of planning and hands-on work by an exceptional team of dedicated professionals: our Grounds Department.

Led by Grounds Manager Brenden Ibarra, this team works year-round to ensure our campus remains beautiful, functional, and welcoming — not only for our students, faculty, and staff, but also for the thousands of guests who visit each year. Supporting Brenden are two key leaders: Trevor Deets, our Grounds Supervisor, and Cody Norton, our Greenhouse and Landscape Supervisor.

Brenden became the manager of the grounds department last summer. His story is a true Tiger journey: he joined the crew as a student employee right out of high school, earned his agronomy degree from FHSU in 2019, and worked as an equipment operator for four years before stepping into his current role.

Brenden hit the ground running, implementing a cross-training model that encourages the team to work as one unified crew. “I wanted everyone to have the same experience going forward,” he shared. “We’re all working at the same job. We’re one big team.” His leadership, like his work ethic, reflects his belief in collaboration and an ethic of shared success. “When people start taking pride in their work and you can see the same pride I have showing up in other employees, it makes everything a lot more fun.”

Cody, who graduated from FHSU in 2015 with a biology degree, now leads the greenhouse and planting efforts, following in the footsteps of Donna Augustine, who retired last fall after 37 years of service. Cody worked closely with Donna and carries forward her passion and commitment. He collaborates with longtime employee Mike Messeck and a rotating crew of hardworking student employees who help maintain the lush landscapes our university is known for.

Cody summed it up beautifully: “It’s nice to be able to see everything we do and say, ‘Wow, we did this. We made it look nice.”

Trevor has been part of the team for nine years and has witnessed many changes over that time, including an entirely new roster of crew members. A graduate of NCK Tech with training in electrical technology and construction, Trevor brought with him a valuable skillset that extends beyond landscaping.

Trevor supervises a tight-knit crew — Travis Dreher, Dalton Pfannenstiel, Jude Lang, Gunnar Hearne, and, until recently, Doug Haberman, who retired after years of dedicated service to FHSU.

The work of the grounds department isn’t just essential — it’s visible, much like the work of our dedicated housekeeping staff. As Cody pointed out, “Our job is probably one of the few jobs on&nbsp;campus that everybody sees. We are definitely in the public eye.”

 That visibility creates moments of connection. Campus visitors often stop to share compliments or thank the team for their work. Those gestures mean a lot. They’re reminders that their effort matters — and is noticed.

“Anything you see outside,” Trevor shared recently, “Grounds pretty much takes care of it.” That simple statement captures the incredible range of responsibilities his team shoulders — from planting and irrigation to snow removal and storm cleanup.

A couple of weeks ago, for example, a massive tree fell on campus due to high winds. Within a short time, the crew mobilized with chainsaws, a skid steer, a bucket truck, and a trailer to remove the debris as safely and efficiently as possible.

Beyond landscaping and emergency response, the grounds team also repairs and maintains their own equipment. “All the equipment breaks at some point,” Trevor said. “So, we have to have someone to fix it, too.”

Their role as a one-stop shop for everything outdoors — from planting to plowing, trimming to troubleshooting — is vital to the look, feel, and function of our campus. Every perfectly trimmed lawn or blooming flower bed at Fort Hays State is the result of deep pride, quiet dedication, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes teamwork.

Trevor summed up his team’s efforts at FHSU very simply: “I take a lot of pride in my work. At the end of the day, I see what we accomplished. It is a good feeling.”

We are grateful to Brenden, Trevor, Cody, and the entire crew for their commitment to excellence. They truly embody the spirit of the Tiger Nation — steady, resilient, and always working to make our home on the plains a little more beautiful every day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, Fort Hays State University president. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, Fort Hays State University president. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentIf you’ve ever strolled through the Fort Hays State University campus during the warmer months, you’ve likely noticed the vibrant colors that line our walkways and flower beds — geraniums, lantanas, ornamental peppers, and more, arranged with care and precision. What may look like a simple seasonal refresh is, in fact, the result of countless hours of planning and hands-on work by an exceptional team of dedicated professionals: our Grounds Department.Led by Grounds Manager Brenden Ibarra, this team works year-round to ensure our campus remains beautiful, functional, and welcoming — not only for our students, faculty, and staff, but also for the thousands of guests who visit each year. Supporting Brenden are two key leaders: Trevor Deets, our Grounds Supervisor, and Cody Norton, our Greenhouse and Landscape Supervisor.Brenden became the manager of the grounds department last summer. His story is a true Tiger journey: he joined the crew as a student employee right out of high school, earned his agronomy degree from FHSU in 2019, and worked as an equipment operator for four years before stepping into his current role.Brenden hit the ground running, implementing a cross-training model that encourages the team to work as one unified crew. “I wanted everyone to have the same experience going forward,” he shared. “We’re all working at the same job. We’re one big team.” His leadership, like his work ethic, reflects his belief in collaboration and an ethic of shared success. “When people start taking pride in their work and you can see the same pride I have showing up in other employees, it makes everything a lot more fun.”Cody, who graduated from FHSU in 2015 with a biology degree, now leads the greenhouse and planting efforts, following in the footsteps of Donna Augustine, who retired last fall after 37 years of service. Cody worked closely with Donna and carries forward her passion and commitment. He collaborates with longtime employee Mike Messeck and a rotating crew of hardworking student employees who help maintain the lush landscapes our university is known for.Cody summed it up beautifully: “It’s nice to be able to see everything we do and say, ‘Wow, we did this. We made it look nice.”Trevor has been part of the team for nine years and has witnessed many changes over that time, including an entirely new roster of crew members. A graduate of NCK Tech with training in electrical technology and construction, Trevor brought with him a valuable skillset that extends beyond landscaping.Trevor supervises a tight-knit crew — Travis Dreher, Dalton Pfannenstiel, Jude Lang, Gunnar Hearne, and, until recently, Doug Haberman, who retired after years of dedicated service to FHSU.The work of the grounds department isn’t just essential — it’s visible, much like the work of our dedicated housekeeping staff. As Cody pointed out, “Our job is probably one of the few jobs on&nbsp;campus that everybody sees. We are definitely in the public eye.” That visibility creates moments of connection. Campus visitors often stop to share compliments or thank the team for their work. Those gestures mean a lot. They’re reminders that their effort matters — and is noticed.“Anything you see outside,” Trevor shared recently, “Grounds pretty much takes care of it.” That simple statement captures the incredible range of responsibilities his team shoulders — from planting and irrigation to snow removal and storm cleanup.A couple of weeks ago, for example, a massive tree fell on campus due to high winds. Within a short time, the crew mobilized with chainsaws, a skid steer, a bucket truck, and a trailer to remove the debris as safely and efficiently as possible.Beyond landscaping and emergency response, the grounds team also repairs and maintains their own equipment. “All the equipment breaks at some point,” Trevor said. “So, we have to have someone to fix it, too.”Their role as a one-stop shop for everything outdoors — from planting to plowing, trimming to troubleshooting — is vital to the look, feel, and function of our campus. Every perfectly trimmed lawn or blooming flower bed at Fort Hays State is the result of deep pride, quiet dedication, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes teamwork.Trevor summed up his team’s efforts at FHSU very simply: “I take a lot of pride in my work. At the end of the day, I see what we accomplished. It is a good feeling.”We are grateful to Brenden, Trevor, Cody, and the entire crew for their commitment to excellence. They truly embody the spirit of the Tiger Nation — steady, resilient, and always working to make our home on the plains a little more beautiful every day.

Heart of a Tiger: Beautifying our home on the Plains 

Who knows where my idea of a Grandma Garden came from? I don’t. 

Neither of my grandmothers had time to garden. Both worked to supplement social security checks. My mom preferred vegetable gardening to growing flowers. My husband’s mother had a gorgeous yard full of intriguing greenery, including rows of tall castor bean plants and grape vines. However, cottage gardens didn’t interest her. Latent genes apparently rose from primordial British isle soup, urging me to create an old-fashioned flower bed.

When we moved to Logan, that yard had beautiful roses and daisies to initiate some old-timey tendencies. A former colleague and friend encouraged this by sharing an envelope full of what her son called “purple Anthony seeds,” larkspur--in reality, to sow a flower bed. Later, I carried seed from her original contribution as well as my Logan daisies to the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming where they brightened my yard and a friend’s every summer.

Somewhere along the way, Mom contributed hollyhock seed, which also thrived in high-altitude summers. When it came time to boomerang to western Kansas in August of '21, I collected seed like crazy, hoping they’d transfer once again to another yard.

It took time to make this dream of a dedicated Gramma Garden come true. A friend donated limestone blocks from a fallen building, which my hubs arranged into a rectangle that resembled an old family cemetery plot so much our that our daughter titled it “The Graveyard.” That fall when he filled it rich soil and newly buried hollyhock buttons, her description seemed even more apt.

Green growth rewarded us the following spring, but we knew it would be at least one more year before we or any pollinators enjoyed blooming spikes.

 I added another friend’s contributed black-eyed Susan seed along with my daisy, larkspur, Indian blanket, and milk weed collected in Wyoming. Everything came up except the milk weed. Last summer, we questioned the sparse growth, but encouragement from this spring’s abundant rains has caused those crowded plants to compete for resources.

Gardening guarantees practitioners never get cocky, which certainly holds true with this Grandma Garden thing. 

I situated the hollyhocks dead center and thought I’d equally distributed other varieties around the taller plants, intending to see various blooms from all sides. Ha! Somehow, daisies, coneflower, and Indian blankets flourished to the east behind the taller plantings. From our deck-side vantage, we enjoy hollyhocks, larkspur, and black-eyed Susans. 

Like all things nature, this requires patience to correct. I’ll harvest and redistribute seed until the variety I want grows on every side. Then I’ll toss in blue flax and Mexican hat. I haven’t given up on adding milkweed either, but after two years of failed planting, I need a better plan.

Not only do we have old-fashioned blooms growing in the new bed out back, I distributed seed alongside my husband’s shed, at the back of the house, and around our big shade tree. Butterflies, bees, and hummers can sip nectar or collect pollen there as well.

 Mom’s experimental hollyhock seed planted along the edge of the brick have rewarded us with beautiful pink blossoms this year.

In a perfect world, I won’t need to hang a humming bird feeder because those little migrants will dine al fresco in Grandma’s Garden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751016977646.jpeg" alt="Grandma Garden. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Grandma Garden. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINWho knows where my idea of a Grandma Garden came from? I don’t. Neither of my grandmothers had time to garden. Both worked to supplement social security checks. My mom preferred vegetable gardening to growing flowers. My husband’s mother had a gorgeous yard full of intriguing greenery, including rows of tall castor bean plants and grape vines. However, cottage gardens didn’t interest her. Latent genes apparently rose from primordial British isle soup, urging me to create an old-fashioned flower bed.When we moved to Logan, that yard had beautiful roses and daisies to initiate some old-timey tendencies. A former colleague and friend encouraged this by sharing an envelope full of what her son called “purple Anthony seeds,” larkspur--in reality, to sow a flower bed. Later, I carried seed from her original contribution as well as my Logan daisies to the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming where they brightened my yard and a friend’s every summer.Somewhere along the way, Mom contributed hollyhock seed, which also thrived in high-altitude summers. When it came time to boomerang to western Kansas in August of '21, I collected seed like crazy, hoping they’d transfer once again to another yard.It took time to make this dream of a dedicated Gramma Garden come true. A friend donated limestone blocks from a fallen building, which my hubs arranged into a rectangle that resembled an old family cemetery plot so much our that our daughter titled it “The Graveyard.” That fall when he filled it rich soil and newly buried hollyhock buttons, her description seemed even more apt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751017090997.jpeg" alt="Grandma Garden. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Grandma Garden. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751017069982.jpeg" alt="Grandma Garden. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Grandma Garden. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Green growth rewarded us the following spring, but we knew it would be at least one more year before we or any pollinators enjoyed blooming spikes. I added another friend’s contributed black-eyed Susan seed along with my daisy, larkspur, Indian blanket, and milk weed collected in Wyoming. Everything came up except the milk weed. Last summer, we questioned the sparse growth, but encouragement from this spring’s abundant rains has caused those crowded plants to compete for resources.Gardening guarantees practitioners never get cocky, which certainly holds true with this Grandma Garden thing. I situated the hollyhocks dead center and thought I’d equally distributed other varieties around the taller plants, intending to see various blooms from all sides. Ha! Somehow, daisies, coneflower, and Indian blankets flourished to the east behind the taller plantings. From our deck-side vantage, we enjoy hollyhocks, larkspur, and black-eyed Susans. Like all things nature, this requires patience to correct. I’ll harvest and redistribute seed until the variety I want grows on every side. Then I’ll toss in blue flax and Mexican hat. I haven’t given up on adding milkweed either, but after two years of failed planting, I need a better plan.Not only do we have old-fashioned blooms growing in the new bed out back, I distributed seed alongside my husband’s shed, at the back of the house, and around our big shade tree. Butterflies, bees, and hummers can sip nectar or collect pollen there as well. Mom’s experimental hollyhock seed planted along the edge of the brick have rewarded us with beautiful pink blossoms this year.In a perfect world, I won’t need to hang a humming bird feeder because those little migrants will dine al fresco in Grandma’s Garden.

MADORIN: Creating Gramma’s Garden

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

A sure sign of summer in Kansas is the sight and sound of the mosquito fogger running up-and-down the streets and alleys of our towns, and after recent heavy rains, the skeeters’ were as thick as hairs on a dog’s back.

It seems Eve’s original indiscretion in the Garden of Eden continues to haunt all mankind in more ways than one, as only female mosquitos bite. 

And when the little blighters bite us, it’s not for a drink either, but because they need human blood to develop fertile eggs, according to Jerry Butler, PhD and professor at the University of Florida. 

Both Professor Butler and Joe Conlon, PhD with the American Mosquito Control Assn. say mosquitoes prefer to suck on some humans more than others, as one in ten people are highly attractive to mosquitoes (and my wife is definitely in that group.) 

Research has also determined that when certain elements of our body chemistry are found in excess on the skin's surface, they draw mosquitoes closer, meaning that genetics actually accounts for a whopping 85% of our susceptibility to mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are drawn to their victims in three different ways — by heat, by movement and by smell.

 Every living human puts off heat, so I guess in this category it’s a wash as we all appear equally appetizing. Scientists also believe that movement is highly attractive to mosquitoes, so to help stay under their radar, wear clothing that blends with your surroundings and keep your movement to a minimum. (I’ll remember this advice the next time I’m sitting still-as-a-stone in a turkey blind, camouflaged from head to toe, and the mosquitoes outnumber the hairs on my arms).

Now comes the category of “smell” where the “stinkers” are separated from the “not-so stinkers” so to speak. 

Smell is proven to be the most used and most important method by which mosquitoes single out their meals, and it’s believed they can smell their dinner from as far away as fifty meters. People who produce an unusually high amount of certain chemicals like uric acid, or who are overly-efficient at processing cholesterol, leaving excess cholesterol residue on their skin, tend to be mosquito magnets.

 But the two most sought-after scents by any self-respecting female mosquito are carbon dioxide and the lactic acid from our sweat glands. Larger people tend to give-off more carbon dioxide, so reports claim that mosquitoes target adults more than children because of this. (Not sure I agree with that one either) 

Pregnant women also appear to be at greater risk as they produce greater-than-normal amounts of exhaled CO2. And as for the “sweet smell of sweat,” the more we move, the more CO2 we expel, and when it’s hot like is often the case during mosquito season, the more we move, the more we sweat, all resulting in more attention from our buzzing, blood-sucking friends.

As for mosquito repellents, the tried-and-true chemical of choice is Deet, which has thus far proven to be the most effective chemical mosquito repellent on the market. Avon’s Skin So Soft also works, but is effective for a much shorter period of time. Another product marketed as Cutter Advanced is gaining popularity and is said to be more user friendly. 

A much newer product marketed as DeckMate Mosquito Repellent is said to be selling like hotcakes, and is available as paper strips to be worn or hung above you, and as cartridges used with a small battery powered device that uses a fan to disperse the repellent around you. 

Tests of non-chemical, natural products made from the oils of soybeans, citronella, cedar,&nbsp;peppermint, lemongrass and geraniums have all shown to provide short-lived protection at best. 

One other non-chemical product sold under the name “Don’t Bite Me” is a skin patch containing thiamine (vitamin B1.) The science behind the product is sound, as it supposedly produces a skin odor offensive to female mosquitoes, but the company’s on-going tests have not yet produced any conclusions.&nbsp;Other products such as mosquito traps and insect-shield-repellent apparel, used by the military, are also available. 

Purple martins and swallows are great and effective mosquito eating machines, so providing martin houses and making swallows feel welcome around old buildings and structures are great natural ways of mosquito removal. 

Of course, the best repellent by far is removing all possible incubation spots, as stagnant standing water in bird baths, old tires, cavities in plastic toys, buckets etc. all offer mosquito larvae a place to grow.

Mr. Google tells me the high end of a female mosquito’s life span is 100 days or less, during which she will lay from 1 to 3 batches of eggs totaling upwards of 900 eggs per batch. That’s a lot of swatting! 

If there are opportunities to ask God questions when we get to heaven, I want to be in that line to ask “Why were there mosquitos?”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750780743149.png" alt="Cartoon by Aedes Aegypti/Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Cartoon by Aedes Aegypti/Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsA sure sign of summer in Kansas is the sight and sound of the mosquito fogger running up-and-down the streets and alleys of our towns, and after recent heavy rains, the skeeters’ were as thick as hairs on a dog’s back.It seems Eve’s original indiscretion in the Garden of Eden continues to haunt all mankind in more ways than one, as only female mosquitos bite. And when the little blighters bite us, it’s not for a drink either, but because they need human blood to develop fertile eggs, according to Jerry Butler, PhD and professor at the University of Florida. Both Professor Butler and Joe Conlon, PhD with the American Mosquito Control Assn. say mosquitoes prefer to suck on some humans more than others, as one in ten people are highly attractive to mosquitoes (and my wife is definitely in that group.) Research has also determined that when certain elements of our body chemistry are found in excess on the skin's surface, they draw mosquitoes closer, meaning that genetics actually accounts for a whopping 85% of our susceptibility to mosquito bites.Mosquitoes are drawn to their victims in three different ways — by heat, by movement and by smell. Every living human puts off heat, so I guess in this category it’s a wash as we all appear equally appetizing. Scientists also believe that movement is highly attractive to mosquitoes, so to help stay under their radar, wear clothing that blends with your surroundings and keep your movement to a minimum. (I’ll remember this advice the next time I’m sitting still-as-a-stone in a turkey blind, camouflaged from head to toe, and the mosquitoes outnumber the hairs on my arms).Now comes the category of “smell” where the “stinkers” are separated from the “not-so stinkers” so to speak. Smell is proven to be the most used and most important method by which mosquitoes single out their meals, and it’s believed they can smell their dinner from as far away as fifty meters. People who produce an unusually high amount of certain chemicals like uric acid, or who are overly-efficient at processing cholesterol, leaving excess cholesterol residue on their skin, tend to be mosquito magnets. But the two most sought-after scents by any self-respecting female mosquito are carbon dioxide and the lactic acid from our sweat glands. Larger people tend to give-off more carbon dioxide, so reports claim that mosquitoes target adults more than children because of this. (Not sure I agree with that one either) Pregnant women also appear to be at greater risk as they produce greater-than-normal amounts of exhaled CO2. And as for the “sweet smell of sweat,” the more we move, the more CO2 we expel, and when it’s hot like is often the case during mosquito season, the more we move, the more we sweat, all resulting in more attention from our buzzing, blood-sucking friends.As for mosquito repellents, the tried-and-true chemical of choice is Deet, which has thus far proven to be the most effective chemical mosquito repellent on the market. Avon’s Skin So Soft also works, but is effective for a much shorter period of time. Another product marketed as Cutter Advanced is gaining popularity and is said to be more user friendly. A much newer product marketed as DeckMate Mosquito Repellent is said to be selling like hotcakes, and is available as paper strips to be worn or hung above you, and as cartridges used with a small battery powered device that uses a fan to disperse the repellent around you. Tests of non-chemical, natural products made from the oils of soybeans, citronella, cedar,&nbsp;peppermint, lemongrass and geraniums have all shown to provide short-lived protection at best. One other non-chemical product sold under the name “Don’t Bite Me” is a skin patch containing thiamine (vitamin B1.) The science behind the product is sound, as it supposedly produces a skin odor offensive to female mosquitoes, but the company’s on-going tests have not yet produced any conclusions.&nbsp;Other products such as mosquito traps and insect-shield-repellent apparel, used by the military, are also available. Purple martins and swallows are great and effective mosquito eating machines, so providing martin houses and making swallows feel welcome around old buildings and structures are great natural ways of mosquito removal. Of course, the best repellent by far is removing all possible incubation spots, as stagnant standing water in bird baths, old tires, cavities in plastic toys, buckets etc. all offer mosquito larvae a place to grow.Mr. Google tells me the high end of a female mosquito’s life span is 100 days or less, during which she will lay from 1 to 3 batches of eggs totaling upwards of 900 eggs per batch. That’s a lot of swatting! If there are opportunities to ask God questions when we get to heaven, I want to be in that line to ask “Why were there mosquitos?” Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Outdoors Kansas: The skeeters among us

It’s me again, writing another of the no doubt thousands of letters and e-mails and texts that you’ve received over the past month, ever since the House of Representatives approved—by a one-vote margin—President Trump’s beloved One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That bill is coming to the floor of the Senate, with the voting on it beginning perhaps as soon as Thursday. So this column is almost certainly too late to influence whatever decisions you and your fellow senators will make. But for the sake of the people of Kansas, I’ll reiterate a few points once more, just for the record.

First, some praise. The Senate version of the bill gets rid of the House version’s cuts to PELL grant eligibility, as well as its ill-conceived “risk sharing” plan, which would have made colleges and universities responsible for unpaid student loans, a measure that could devastate Kansas’s 21 independent (and mostly religious) institutions of higher education.

So that’s good! (Though it’s worth noting that the Senate’s idea of restricting PLUS loans for graduate school and perhaps simply prohibiting students seeking degrees in “low earning” programs from obtaining any federal student loans at all reflects a STEM bias that could, over time, disrupt music, arts, and humanities education throughout the state of Kansas.)

Beyond higher education, though, there is much else for Kansans to worry about.

Kansas has over 300 hospitals and clinics serving rural populations, many of which depend heavily upon Medicaid. 

The Senate version of the bill caps the ability of states like Kansas to tax various providers (such as health care businesses and managed care organizations), which might end up costing Kansas close to $4 billion in Medicaid funding, which would likely mean perhaps over 10000 Kansans losing coverage and the rate of rural hospital closure increasing further. Voting for this would not only be bad policy, but considering the support Medicaid enjoys in the state of Kansas (more than 70% of all Kansans support Medicaid expansion), it would be undemocratic.

There are over 175,000 veterans living in Kansas, with over 30,000 of them struggling with homelessness, and hundreds who currently receive housing assistance through the Veterans Administration. But the House version of Trump’s OBBB cuts over $33 billion in housing assistance out of the budget. The VA has already been forced to end its Servicing Purchase program, which provided mortgage relief to tens of thousands of veterans; if the Senate version doesn’t change this policy, and the bill passes, hundreds of Kansas veterans will suffer.

Kansas is a leader in renewable energy; over 40% of the electricity generated here comes from wind, creating an energy market that has attracted over $11 billion in investment over the past decade. The House version of the bill includes deep cuts to the tax supports and rebates that renewable energy industries and consumers receive, which have enabled them to thrive. The Senate version does delay the roll-out of some of those cuts, but ought to get rid of them entirely.

There is more I could mention, some of which isn’t in the One Big Beautiful Bill but is tagging alongside it (the proposed devastating rescission of funding for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, for example). 

I recognize that as a conservative Republican, you likely have a very different perspective on some of these matters than I. Still, when it comes to Kansas’s small colleges and universities, Kansas’s struggling veterans, Kansas’s rural hospitals, and Kansas’s renewable energy entrepreneurs, I think we can agree on where this state’s interests lie. I hope you’ll vote accordingly.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750955074364.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Dear Senator Moran,It’s me again, writing another of the no doubt thousands of letters and e-mails and texts that you’ve received over the past month, ever since the House of Representatives approved—by a one-vote margin—President Trump’s beloved One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That bill is coming to the floor of the Senate, with the voting on it beginning perhaps as soon as Thursday. So this column is almost certainly too late to influence whatever decisions you and your fellow senators will make. But for the sake of the people of Kansas, I’ll reiterate a few points once more, just for the record.First, some praise. The Senate version of the bill gets rid of the House version’s cuts to PELL grant eligibility, as well as its ill-conceived “risk sharing” plan, which would have made colleges and universities responsible for unpaid student loans, a measure that could devastate Kansas’s 21 independent (and mostly religious) institutions of higher education.So that’s good! (Though it’s worth noting that the Senate’s idea of restricting PLUS loans for graduate school and perhaps simply prohibiting students seeking degrees in “low earning” programs from obtaining any federal student loans at all reflects a STEM bias that could, over time, disrupt music, arts, and humanities education throughout the state of Kansas.)Beyond higher education, though, there is much else for Kansans to worry about.Kansas has over 300 hospitals and clinics serving rural populations, many of which depend heavily upon Medicaid. The Senate version of the bill caps the ability of states like Kansas to tax various providers (such as health care businesses and managed care organizations), which might end up costing Kansas close to $4 billion in Medicaid funding, which would likely mean perhaps over 10000 Kansans losing coverage and the rate of rural hospital closure increasing further. Voting for this would not only be bad policy, but considering the support Medicaid enjoys in the state of Kansas (more than 70% of all Kansans support Medicaid expansion), it would be undemocratic.There are over 175,000 veterans living in Kansas, with over 30,000 of them struggling with homelessness, and hundreds who currently receive housing assistance through the Veterans Administration. But the House version of Trump’s OBBB cuts over $33 billion in housing assistance out of the budget. The VA has already been forced to end its Servicing Purchase program, which provided mortgage relief to tens of thousands of veterans; if the Senate version doesn’t change this policy, and the bill passes, hundreds of Kansas veterans will suffer.Kansas is a leader in renewable energy; over 40% of the electricity generated here comes from wind, creating an energy market that has attracted over $11 billion in investment over the past decade. The House version of the bill includes deep cuts to the tax supports and rebates that renewable energy industries and consumers receive, which have enabled them to thrive. The Senate version does delay the roll-out of some of those cuts, but ought to get rid of them entirely.There is more I could mention, some of which isn’t in the One Big Beautiful Bill but is tagging alongside it (the proposed devastating rescission of funding for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, for example). I recognize that as a conservative Republican, you likely have a very different perspective on some of these matters than I. Still, when it comes to Kansas’s small colleges and universities, Kansas’s struggling veterans, Kansas’s rural hospitals, and Kansas’s renewable energy entrepreneurs, I think we can agree on where this state’s interests lie. I hope you’ll vote accordingly.Best, Russell Arben FoxDr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

Insight Kansas: A final plea to Sen. Moran regarding Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about snacking with Jessica Phelan, asst. professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Is it a snack or is it a meal?" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=p7zb4-18eb629-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about snacking with Jessica Phelan, asst. professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.

🎙 Post Podcast: Is it a snack or is it a meal?

Frequently, I watch ornate box turtles crossing country roads or highways. Because I like this pack-its-own-home reptile, I dodge such speed bumps. While their slow lumber across the road triggers a smile, I hadn’t thought much about these Kansas state reptiles until recently when a fond memory knocked on my mental door.

That particular summer, I awakened early every day to enjoy cool mornings as I watered, weeded, and picked veggies. A bonus of rising with the sun included meeting yard neighbors that hide during the heat of the day.

One such friend was a good-sized box turtle that hung out under my rose bushes in the mornings. I’d seen her a couple of times, and that day we met officially. This particular terrapene ornata - according to scientists - was at the larger end of expected sizes for its species. I’d guess its shell was three to four inches across and five or six inches long. I didn’t have a measuring tape on hand at 6:30 a.m. for an official accounting, but she was bigger than most turtles I’d seen navigating Kansas roadways.

This reptile’s shell was dark with distinct yellow markings on the scutes or plates. Before she tucked her head inside her shell, I noted yellowish rather than reddish-orange eyes, which verified she met “she” criteria.

Like all box turtles, she had a hinged plastron that let her tuck her head and limbs safely inside her shell. This ability frustrated hungry coyotes and other predators, but it doesn’t stop a vehicle cruising down the highway, this creature’s worst enemy. The minute she sensed me heading her way, she retracted everything tuckable until she resembled nothing more than a pet rock.

Ignoring her desperate attempt to achieve introverted solitude, I placed my hands carefully along each lower side of her shell and examined her beauty close-up. Like any unhappy female, she promptly got even. With head and legs still safely hidden inside her shell, she peed, which made me jump backward to avoid a splattering.

Once I finished inspecting her masterpiece of black and yellow shell, I rewarded this pretty girl. I set a couple of pieces of melon in front of her so there would be a little something to make her day when she finally popped her head out. Apparently, she can smell and likes cantaloupe because it vanished in the short time I took to climb upstairs where I could spy on her out the kitchen window.

After researching box turtle factoids, I saw why she preferred her flowerbed home. It was damp with lots of available sow bugs or roly-polies and other insects to meet her carnivorous dietary needs. That summer the temperature was more agreeable in that shady corner than most places in the yard. Containing the softest soil on old hilltop, it also offered a perfect site to dig in for winter hibernation, which might explain my new friend’s greater than average size.

Once we’d met, I offered a daily serving of melon or fruit to enhance her diet. With room service like that, this lady was glad to call that eastern corner of Trego County home and continued to show up every summer. I wonder if my walking work of art still shows up for the family that followed us and how big she grew.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750427047405.jpeg" alt="Box turtle. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Box turtle. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINFrequently, I watch ornate box turtles crossing country roads or highways. Because I like this pack-its-own-home reptile, I dodge such speed bumps. While their slow lumber across the road triggers a smile, I hadn’t thought much about these Kansas state reptiles until recently when a fond memory knocked on my mental door.That particular summer, I awakened early every day to enjoy cool mornings as I watered, weeded, and picked veggies. A bonus of rising with the sun included meeting yard neighbors that hide during the heat of the day.One such friend was a good-sized box turtle that hung out under my rose bushes in the mornings. I’d seen her a couple of times, and that day we met officially. This particular terrapene ornata - according to scientists - was at the larger end of expected sizes for its species. I’d guess its shell was three to four inches across and five or six inches long. I didn’t have a measuring tape on hand at 6:30 a.m. for an official accounting, but she was bigger than most turtles I’d seen navigating Kansas roadways.This reptile’s shell was dark with distinct yellow markings on the scutes or plates. Before she tucked her head inside her shell, I noted yellowish rather than reddish-orange eyes, which verified she met “she” criteria.Like all box turtles, she had a hinged plastron that let her tuck her head and limbs safely inside her shell. This ability frustrated hungry coyotes and other predators, but it doesn’t stop a vehicle cruising down the highway, this creature’s worst enemy. The minute she sensed me heading her way, she retracted everything tuckable until she resembled nothing more than a pet rock.Ignoring her desperate attempt to achieve introverted solitude, I placed my hands carefully along each lower side of her shell and examined her beauty close-up. Like any unhappy female, she promptly got even. With head and legs still safely hidden inside her shell, she peed, which made me jump backward to avoid a splattering.Once I finished inspecting her masterpiece of black and yellow shell, I rewarded this pretty girl. I set a couple of pieces of melon in front of her so there would be a little something to make her day when she finally popped her head out. Apparently, she can smell and likes cantaloupe because it vanished in the short time I took to climb upstairs where I could spy on her out the kitchen window.After researching box turtle factoids, I saw why she preferred her flowerbed home. It was damp with lots of available sow bugs or roly-polies and other insects to meet her carnivorous dietary needs. That summer the temperature was more agreeable in that shady corner than most places in the yard. Containing the softest soil on old hilltop, it also offered a perfect site to dig in for winter hibernation, which might explain my new friend’s greater than average size.Once we’d met, I offered a daily serving of melon or fruit to enhance her diet. With room service like that, this lady was glad to call that eastern corner of Trego County home and continued to show up every summer. I wonder if my walking work of art still shows up for the family that followed us and how big she grew.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Art on the move

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the 2025 area wheat crop and harvest with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Local wheat harvest update" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=3b6dc-18e6fb2-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks about the 2025 area wheat crop and harvest with Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Local wheat harvest update

Samuel Allen, a longtime resident and active member of the Hays community, has officially announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election. 

Drawing on his diverse background in public service, nonprofit work, and higher education, Allen brings a thoughtful, community-first approach to local leadership.

&nbsp;“Hays is home,”&nbsp;Allen said. “It’s the place I’ve always come back to—because no matter where life has taken me, this community has remained a constant source of strength, support, and purpose. Now, I want to give back by helping Hays remain a place where everyone can build a future.”

Allen has worn many hats over the years—each shaped by a desire to serve others. He has worked in food pantries and clinics in St. Louis, spent time in religious formation with the Order of Friars Minor in Maryland, and most recently, interned with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran in Washington, D.C., where he contributed to health care policy, higher education and constituent services.&nbsp;

“These experiences have taught me to listen first, to lead with compassion, and to stay grounded in common sense,”&nbsp;Allen said.&nbsp;“Whether you're working at a food pantry, helping someone navigate health care or assisting a constituent with federal programs, the heart of public service is the same—showing up, doing the work, and putting people first.”

Currently completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University, Allen is committed to building a stronger, more responsive local government. His campaign for city commission is focused on tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing Hays today—while laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Hays has seen the closure of too many small businesses—some only months old, others decades established. Allen believes the city must take a more proactive role in helping local businesses succeed, from reducing unnecessary red tape and simplifying permitting processes to increasing outreach and engagement with entrepreneurs.

“When local businesses close, our economy, identity, and community spirit all take a hit,” Allen said. “We need to work directly with business owners to understand their needs and create a more business-friendly environment.”

Allen is a strong advocate for increasing the availability of affordable housing in Hays. He sees housing affordability as a cornerstone of economic stability and community growth.

“Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a young family, or a retiree on a fixed income, you deserve access to safe and affordable housing,”&nbsp;he said. “We can’t expect people to stay and build a life here if they can’t afford to live here.”

As water scarcity becomes an ever more urgent concern across western Kansas, Allen is calling for strong city leadership on water conservation and infrastructure. He supports long-term efforts such as the Edwards County pipeline and believes conservation should be a citywide priority.

“Water is life—especially in our part of the state,”&nbsp;Allen said.&nbsp;“Investing in sustainable infrastructure today will secure our community’s future for decades to come.”

Leadership with Integrity and Heart

Allen’s commitment to public service is shaped by his Catholic faith, his life experiences, and his belief in treating others with dignity and respect. A proud member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, he grounds his work in values of compassion, humility, and civic responsibility.&nbsp;

“I’ve seen Hays through many lenses—as a student, a worker, a volunteer, and a neighbor,”&nbsp;Allen said.&nbsp;“Now, I’m ready to serve as a commissioner who listens, leads with integrity, and makes decisions that reflect the needs of everyone in this community.”

Allen’s campaign is centered on accessibility, transparency and action. He is running to ensure that every resident—no matter their age, background or income—has a voice in shaping the future of Hays.

To learn more about Samuel Allen’s campaign for Hays City Commission or to get involved, visit<a target="_blank" href="http://allen4hayscitycommission.mystrikingly.com/"></a>

<a target="_blank" href="http://allen4hayscitycommission.mystrikingly.com/">allen4hayscitycommission.mystrikingly.com</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allenforhayscitycommission@gmail.com">allenforhayscitycommission@gmail.com</a>.

Samuel Allen: Working for&nbsp;Hays, Working for&nbsp;You.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750345202754.jpeg" alt="Hays City Commission candidate Samuel Allen. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays City Commission candidate Samuel Allen. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSamuel Allen, a longtime resident and active member of the Hays community, has officially announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election. Drawing on his diverse background in public service, nonprofit work, and higher education, Allen brings a thoughtful, community-first approach to local leadership.&nbsp;“Hays is home,”&nbsp;Allen said. “It’s the place I’ve always come back to—because no matter where life has taken me, this community has remained a constant source of strength, support, and purpose. Now, I want to give back by helping Hays remain a place where everyone can build a future.”Allen has worn many hats over the years—each shaped by a desire to serve others. He has worked in food pantries and clinics in St. Louis, spent time in religious formation with the Order of Friars Minor in Maryland, and most recently, interned with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran in Washington, D.C., where he contributed to health care policy, higher education and constituent services.&nbsp;“These experiences have taught me to listen first, to lead with compassion, and to stay grounded in common sense,”&nbsp;Allen said.&nbsp;“Whether you're working at a food pantry, helping someone navigate health care or assisting a constituent with federal programs, the heart of public service is the same—showing up, doing the work, and putting people first.”Currently completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University, Allen is committed to building a stronger, more responsive local government. His campaign for city commission is focused on tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing Hays today—while laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and sustainable future.Allen’s key priorities:Supporting Local BusinessesHays has seen the closure of too many small businesses—some only months old, others decades established. Allen believes the city must take a more proactive role in helping local businesses succeed, from reducing unnecessary red tape and simplifying permitting processes to increasing outreach and engagement with entrepreneurs.“When local businesses close, our economy, identity, and community spirit all take a hit,” Allen said. “We need to work directly with business owners to understand their needs and create a more business-friendly environment.”Expanding Affordable HousingAllen is a strong advocate for increasing the availability of affordable housing in Hays. He sees housing affordability as a cornerstone of economic stability and community growth.“Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a young family, or a retiree on a fixed income, you deserve access to safe and affordable housing,”&nbsp;he said. “We can’t expect people to stay and build a life here if they can’t afford to live here.”Protecting Our Water FutureAs water scarcity becomes an ever more urgent concern across western Kansas, Allen is calling for strong city leadership on water conservation and infrastructure. He supports long-term efforts such as the Edwards County pipeline and believes conservation should be a citywide priority.“Water is life—especially in our part of the state,”&nbsp;Allen said.&nbsp;“Investing in sustainable infrastructure today will secure our community’s future for decades to come.”Leadership with Integrity and HeartAllen’s commitment to public service is shaped by his Catholic faith, his life experiences, and his belief in treating others with dignity and respect. A proud member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, he grounds his work in values of compassion, humility, and civic responsibility.&nbsp;“I’ve seen Hays through many lenses—as a student, a worker, a volunteer, and a neighbor,”&nbsp;Allen said.&nbsp;“Now, I’m ready to serve as a commissioner who listens, leads with integrity, and makes decisions that reflect the needs of everyone in this community.”Allen’s campaign is centered on accessibility, transparency and action. He is running to ensure that every resident—no matter their age, background or income—has a voice in shaping the future of Hays.To learn more about Samuel Allen’s campaign for Hays City Commission or to get involved, visit<a target="_blank" href="http://allen4hayscitycommission.mystrikingly.com/"></a><a target="_blank" href="http://allen4hayscitycommission.mystrikingly.com/">allen4hayscitycommission.mystrikingly.com</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allenforhayscitycommission@gmail.com">allenforhayscitycommission@gmail.com</a>.Samuel Allen: Working for&nbsp;Hays, Working for&nbsp;You.

Samuel Allen announces candidacy for Hays City Commission

On June 20, 1872, the Great Seal of the United States was adopted, sporting the bald eagle at its center, and since then, the bald eagle has served as the living symbol of freedom, courage, strength, spirit, independence and excellence, all the things America stands for. 

Friday, June 20, 2025 has been proclaimed nationwide as American Eagle Day as a way to celebrate the bald eagle, America's living symbol of freedom and to bring attention to its dramatic recovery from the brink of extinction. 

In honor of that, here are some bald eagle facts and trivia.

In the early 1960s the bald eagle population in the lower 48 states had dropped to less than 500 nesting pairs. Considering the size and extent of its range, it was nearly extinct. Today, thanks to conservation efforts there are over 15,000 bald eagle pairs in those same 48 states.

 I found estimates putting the number of active bald eagle nests in Kansas alone at anywhere from 55 to over 100, and more than 3,000 bald eagles spend time in Kansas each winter. 

The best time to view bald eagles here in Kansas is from November through February, and the best viewing is near any of our large lakes and reservoirs and anywhere along the rivers.

Bald eagles often build nests 50 feet or more off the ground. Nests are not particularly pretty, resembling a haphazard pile of sticks. The same pair uses the same nest year after year, making them larger each time, and after several years a bald eagle nest can easily be the size of a small room. The largest eagle nest ever recorded was in Florida and measured 9 ½ feet across, was 20 feet high from top to bottom and weighed an estimated 4,500 pounds. A female bald eagle lays from 1 to 3 pure white eggs once per year in the spring. 

When I still lived in Ohio there were numerous active eagle nests along Lake Erie, and a game warden friend of mine was in charge of overseeing those nests. He had hours of amazing video of them checking the nests and the chicks in them each spring. They did it by helicopter using three people-the pilot, a second person who was lowered from the helicopter down into each nest and a third person as a lookout, constantly watching the sky for the adult eagles to prevent them from flying into the helicopter blades, killing the eagle and crashing the helicopter in the process.

The majority of the bald eagle's diet is fish and waterfowl, so when things freeze solid in the winter up north, the eagles migrate south to find open water where they can still fish. Even when our Kansas reservoirs freeze over, the rivers feeding each reservoir still offer open water.

 I know ice fishermen often leave a few carp or other rough fish on the ice for the eagles. The huge influx of waterfowl through Kansas each winter is also a big draw to eagles. From their vantage point 1,000 or more feet above the ground an eagle’s miraculous eyes can spot prey over a three-square mile area.

I just happened upon this proclamation of American Eagle Day as I surfed through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website. 

I’m very disappointed it was not publicized far and wide; if ever we could use a boost of patriotism, it’s now. Our media gives plenty of press to everything wrong in America; why not spend a little press on something like American Eagle Day that might just give us all something good to think about, if even for a day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640632336360.jpeg" alt="Bald Eagles at Cheyenne Bottoms. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Bald Eagles at Cheyenne Bottoms. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND On June 20, 1872, the Great Seal of the United States was adopted, sporting the bald eagle at its center, and since then, the bald eagle has served as the living symbol of freedom, courage, strength, spirit, independence and excellence, all the things America stands for. Friday, June 20, 2025 has been proclaimed nationwide as American Eagle Day as a way to celebrate the bald eagle, America's living symbol of freedom and to bring attention to its dramatic recovery from the brink of extinction. In honor of that, here are some bald eagle facts and trivia.In the early 1960s the bald eagle population in the lower 48 states had dropped to less than 500 nesting pairs. Considering the size and extent of its range, it was nearly extinct. Today, thanks to conservation efforts there are over 15,000 bald eagle pairs in those same 48 states. I found estimates putting the number of active bald eagle nests in Kansas alone at anywhere from 55 to over 100, and more than 3,000 bald eagles spend time in Kansas each winter. The best time to view bald eagles here in Kansas is from November through February, and the best viewing is near any of our large lakes and reservoirs and anywhere along the rivers.Bald eagles often build nests 50 feet or more off the ground. Nests are not particularly pretty, resembling a haphazard pile of sticks. The same pair uses the same nest year after year, making them larger each time, and after several years a bald eagle nest can easily be the size of a small room. The largest eagle nest ever recorded was in Florida and measured 9 ½ feet across, was 20 feet high from top to bottom and weighed an estimated 4,500 pounds. A female bald eagle lays from 1 to 3 pure white eggs once per year in the spring. When I still lived in Ohio there were numerous active eagle nests along Lake Erie, and a game warden friend of mine was in charge of overseeing those nests. He had hours of amazing video of them checking the nests and the chicks in them each spring. They did it by helicopter using three people-the pilot, a second person who was lowered from the helicopter down into each nest and a third person as a lookout, constantly watching the sky for the adult eagles to prevent them from flying into the helicopter blades, killing the eagle and crashing the helicopter in the process.The majority of the bald eagle's diet is fish and waterfowl, so when things freeze solid in the winter up north, the eagles migrate south to find open water where they can still fish. Even when our Kansas reservoirs freeze over, the rivers feeding each reservoir still offer open water. I know ice fishermen often leave a few carp or other rough fish on the ice for the eagles. The huge influx of waterfowl through Kansas each winter is also a big draw to eagles. From their vantage point 1,000 or more feet above the ground an eagle’s miraculous eyes can spot prey over a three-square mile area.I just happened upon this proclamation of American Eagle Day as I surfed through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website. I’m very disappointed it was not publicized far and wide; if ever we could use a boost of patriotism, it’s now. Our media gives plenty of press to everything wrong in America; why not spend a little press on something like American Eagle Day that might just give us all something good to think about, if even for a day.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: American Eagle Day

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

Kansas is a national leader in renewable energy. Over 40% of our electricity is generated by wind. This has created thousands of jobs, over $11 billion in capital investment, and tens of millions of dollars in revenue to Kansas communities. A new federal tax and spending measure in Congress, though, threatens to stifle this success.

The bill, supported by the Trump administration and referred to by some as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” proposes severe cuts to clean energy tax credits that have propelled Kansas to a leadership position in wind energy. Presented as a way to cut expenses and encourage conventional energies, the legislation risks undermining the very industry that has brought economic development and energy independence to our state.

The House bill includes unrealistic timelines. Developers would have just 60 days after enactment to start construction, and projects must be completed by the end of 2028 to qualify for tax credits. For large wind farms that take years to plan and finance, this is simply unworkable. These provisions would effectively exclude nearly all future solar and wind projects from federal assistance.

The bill also imposes strict supply chain rules. Beginning in 2026, projects using major components made in China or Russia would be ineligible for tax credits. While meant to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, the rules ignore reality. Most critical materials are no longer made in the U.S., and substitute supply chains are note yet available. This could stall or stop Kansas wind projects entirely.

It also threatens Kansas' clean energy supply chain. Tax credits for wind factories would expire in 2028, endangering thousands of local jobs. The bill would also end leasing incentives for small-scale solar, making it harder for families and small businesses to access clean energy.

The Senate version tempers some of the House’s provisions but still poses major risks. It keeps restrictions on foreign materials but adds flexibility for publicly traded firms using Chinese-sourced materials. Notably, it allows projects to qualify for credits based on when construction begins, not when they finish. Still, it phases out wind and solar tax credits through 2028 while ramping up support for nuclear, hydropower, and geothermal.

Resistance to renewable energy is not purely ideological. Concerns about land use, aesthetics, and community effects draw skepticism across the partisan divide. In Kansas, where windmills sweep the prairie, opponents have raised objections about visual impact, noise, and land use.

But Kansas is not a left outlier on clean energy. Most clean energy jobs created since the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act have been in Republican districts. Kansas has benefitted from this boom. These are jobs that can’t be outsourced. They can energize our economy and communities.

This bill threatens to roll back that progress. Instead of locking in a clean, affordable, and jobs-rich energy future, it ties Kansas' renewable energy economy up in red tape and uncertainty.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375743023.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasKansas is a national leader in renewable energy. Over 40% of our electricity is generated by wind. This has created thousands of jobs, over $11 billion in capital investment, and tens of millions of dollars in revenue to Kansas communities. A new federal tax and spending measure in Congress, though, threatens to stifle this success.The bill, supported by the Trump administration and referred to by some as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” proposes severe cuts to clean energy tax credits that have propelled Kansas to a leadership position in wind energy. Presented as a way to cut expenses and encourage conventional energies, the legislation risks undermining the very industry that has brought economic development and energy independence to our state.The House bill includes unrealistic timelines. Developers would have just 60 days after enactment to start construction, and projects must be completed by the end of 2028 to qualify for tax credits. For large wind farms that take years to plan and finance, this is simply unworkable. These provisions would effectively exclude nearly all future solar and wind projects from federal assistance.The bill also imposes strict supply chain rules. Beginning in 2026, projects using major components made in China or Russia would be ineligible for tax credits. While meant to reduce dependence on foreign adversaries, the rules ignore reality. Most critical materials are no longer made in the U.S., and substitute supply chains are note yet available. This could stall or stop Kansas wind projects entirely.It also threatens Kansas' clean energy supply chain. Tax credits for wind factories would expire in 2028, endangering thousands of local jobs. The bill would also end leasing incentives for small-scale solar, making it harder for families and small businesses to access clean energy.The Senate version tempers some of the House’s provisions but still poses major risks. It keeps restrictions on foreign materials but adds flexibility for publicly traded firms using Chinese-sourced materials. Notably, it allows projects to qualify for credits based on when construction begins, not when they finish. Still, it phases out wind and solar tax credits through 2028 while ramping up support for nuclear, hydropower, and geothermal.Resistance to renewable energy is not purely ideological. Concerns about land use, aesthetics, and community effects draw skepticism across the partisan divide. In Kansas, where windmills sweep the prairie, opponents have raised objections about visual impact, noise, and land use.But Kansas is not a left outlier on clean energy. Most clean energy jobs created since the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act have been in Republican districts. Kansas has benefitted from this boom. These are jobs that can’t be outsourced. They can energize our economy and communities.This bill threatens to roll back that progress. Instead of locking in a clean, affordable, and jobs-rich energy future, it ties Kansas' renewable energy economy up in red tape and uncertainty.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Kansas renewables growth faces uncertainty amid federal policy shift

By TISA MASON FHSU President

In 2014, a young woman from the heart of Topeka, Kansas, named Morgan Jibowu embarked on a remarkable journey that would lead her not only to academic excellence but also to making a profound difference in the world of public health. Her trajectory, beginning at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and flourishing at the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, is a testament to her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Morgan discovered Fort Hays State University through the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS), an enriching early college program that provided her with opportunities not readily available elsewhere. The warmth and support of the FHSU community, combined with generous scholarships, solidified her decision to remain at the institution after she completed high school and the KAMS program.

 “The incredible professors who made learning personal and inspiring were a significant part of my journey,” Morgan recalls. “FHSU allowed me to grow intellectually, personally, and professionally, and it felt like home.”

Her experiences at KAMS would lay a strong foundation, leading her to pursue research that not only developed her technical skills but also sparked a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. “The early science fairs and research projects ignited my curiosity, pushing me to ask hard questions and seek meaningful answers. I found immense joy in building new knowledge,” she expresses. Her passion for research during her time at FHSU built the groundwork for her current endeavors in epidemiology.

Now a postdoctoral associate, Morgan focuses on vector-borne (primarily insect-transmitted) and neglected tropical diseases, striving to enhance health outcomes for marginalized communities. “I am particularly driven by the importance of translating scientific research into tangible, real-world solutions,” she shares. Her determination to bridge gaps in healthcare reflects a deep commitment to policy reform, aiming to enhance access to quality care for those who need it most.

In May, Morgan returned to her roots at KAMS, where she delivered the commencement address for the Class of 2025. Her speech resonated with wisdom drawn from her experiences. “I emphasized the importance of expanding our definition of success,” she reflected. “Success isn’t just about accolades; it’s also about resilience, nurturing your well-being, and showing up for others.” Morgan’s perspective reminds us that while we strive for ambition, the journey is equally important, filled with moments of connection and personal growth.

She also imparted crucial lessons on embracing rejection as a pathway to growth: “If you’re never hearing ‘no,’ you’re probably not aiming high enough. Each rejection proves that you’re challenging yourself, and that's where real transformation occurs.” This mindset has propelled Morgan forward, inspiring her to tackle the immense challenges present in public health today.

As an epidemiologist, Morgan recognizes the vital connection between research and implementation. “One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that research findings translate into effective policy changes and intervention strategies,” she states. Her work encompasses sophisticated investigations, including studying mosquito populations in Harris County, Texas, and understanding the disruptions of environmental factors, such as climate change and urbanization, on disease outbreaks. Her findings are crucial in developing strategies that can prevent vector-borne diseases and promote public health.

Morgan's journey from her formative years in Topeka to her impactful career in public health serves as a beacon of hope for future generations. She encourages aspiring epidemiologists to remain focused on the core mission of enhancing health outcomes. “Ask yourself: How does my work improve public health, especially for underserved populations?” she advises.

There is so much to admire about Morgan. Her accomplishments are truly remarkable. Equally important are the values she embodies; values we hold dear as a university community — resilience, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her commitment to service and desire to create meaningful change exemplify what it means to lead a life of purpose. Morgan Jibowu does not just aim to build a career; she strives to construct a legacy that impacts the lives of others, nurturing the spirit of compassion within the field of public health.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason, Fort Hays State University president. Photo by FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason, Fort Hays State University president. Photo by FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentIn 2014, a young woman from the heart of Topeka, Kansas, named Morgan Jibowu embarked on a remarkable journey that would lead her not only to academic excellence but also to making a profound difference in the world of public health. Her trajectory, beginning at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and flourishing at the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, is a testament to her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes in underserved communities.Morgan discovered Fort Hays State University through the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS), an enriching early college program that provided her with opportunities not readily available elsewhere. The warmth and support of the FHSU community, combined with generous scholarships, solidified her decision to remain at the institution after she completed high school and the KAMS program. “The incredible professors who made learning personal and inspiring were a significant part of my journey,” Morgan recalls. “FHSU allowed me to grow intellectually, personally, and professionally, and it felt like home.”Her experiences at KAMS would lay a strong foundation, leading her to pursue research that not only developed her technical skills but also sparked a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. “The early science fairs and research projects ignited my curiosity, pushing me to ask hard questions and seek meaningful answers. I found immense joy in building new knowledge,” she expresses. Her passion for research during her time at FHSU built the groundwork for her current endeavors in epidemiology.Now a postdoctoral associate, Morgan focuses on vector-borne (primarily insect-transmitted) and neglected tropical diseases, striving to enhance health outcomes for marginalized communities. “I am particularly driven by the importance of translating scientific research into tangible, real-world solutions,” she shares. Her determination to bridge gaps in healthcare reflects a deep commitment to policy reform, aiming to enhance access to quality care for those who need it most.In May, Morgan returned to her roots at KAMS, where she delivered the commencement address for the Class of 2025. Her speech resonated with wisdom drawn from her experiences. “I emphasized the importance of expanding our definition of success,” she reflected. “Success isn’t just about accolades; it’s also about resilience, nurturing your well-being, and showing up for others.” Morgan’s perspective reminds us that while we strive for ambition, the journey is equally important, filled with moments of connection and personal growth.She also imparted crucial lessons on embracing rejection as a pathway to growth: “If you’re never hearing ‘no,’ you’re probably not aiming high enough. Each rejection proves that you’re challenging yourself, and that's where real transformation occurs.” This mindset has propelled Morgan forward, inspiring her to tackle the immense challenges present in public health today.As an epidemiologist, Morgan recognizes the vital connection between research and implementation. “One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that research findings translate into effective policy changes and intervention strategies,” she states. Her work encompasses sophisticated investigations, including studying mosquito populations in Harris County, Texas, and understanding the disruptions of environmental factors, such as climate change and urbanization, on disease outbreaks. Her findings are crucial in developing strategies that can prevent vector-borne diseases and promote public health.Morgan's journey from her formative years in Topeka to her impactful career in public health serves as a beacon of hope for future generations. She encourages aspiring epidemiologists to remain focused on the core mission of enhancing health outcomes. “Ask yourself: How does my work improve public health, especially for underserved populations?” she advises.There is so much to admire about Morgan. Her accomplishments are truly remarkable. Equally important are the values she embodies; values we hold dear as a university community — resilience, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her commitment to service and desire to create meaningful change exemplify what it means to lead a life of purpose. Morgan Jibowu does not just aim to build a career; she strives to construct a legacy that impacts the lives of others, nurturing the spirit of compassion within the field of public health.With gratitude for the mentors, friends, and experiences that have shaped her path, Morgan looks forward to the next generation of Tigers at FHSU and KAMS. She is a living testament to the profound impact that a supportive community can have on an individual's journey, and her story is an inspiration to all who dare to dream.

Opinion