By Mark Joslyn Professor of Political Science University of Kansas

A recent Gallup survey showed a record-high 43 percent of Americans see themselves as politically independent. And a record-low identified as Democrat, 27%, matching Republican identification at 27 percent. Kansans are also declaring independence. The numbers registering as Unaffiliated and Libertarian are increasing and together now account for 30% of registered voters – four percent higher than registered Democrats. These numbers may help explain why Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein have already launched their independent White House bids. And why the well-funded centrist organization No Labels is seriously weighing its options.

Is 2024 ripe for a third-party? Absolutely, and here’s why.

Four years ago, Joe Biden’s electoral college triumph was decided by three states, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin, where his margins of victory were less than .05 percent. In 2016, it was Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – where margins were less than 1%, that pushed Donald Trump over the top.

Across the last nine presidential elections the national vote margin between the two parties has not exceeded 9 percent.

With such razor thin margins separating the two parties, a third-party stands a good chance of attracting enough votes in one state or another to tip the balance.

For example, the 2000 presidential contest came down to Florida. Democrat Al Gore lost by a mere 537 votes. The extraordinarily small margin raised questions about Green party candidate Ralph Nader’s 97,488 Florida votes.

In Nader’s absence, would Gore have won?

In 1992, Reform party candidate Ross Perot achieved 19% of the popular vote nationwide, though he did not win a single state. But in Maine Perot defeated incumbent George Bush 30.4% to 30.3%. And in Utah Perot outpaced Democrat Bill Clinton 27.3% to 24.6%. In Kansas, Perot secured an impressive 27%. This placed Kansas 5th among states for the independent vote. Meanwhile Bush managed just 38.8%, the lowest Kansas vote share for a Republican candidate since 1912. That year former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate and split the Republican vote. Bush did win Kansas, but by only 5%, a difference typically used to identify swing states.

Second, voters are deeply frustrated with the two parties and the candidates. Surveys show a record number of Americans hold unfavorable views of Democrats and Republicans. Nearly nine-in-ten agree that Democrats and Republicans spend more time fighting each other than solving the nation’s problems. And a growing number of people identify partisan polarization as the main problem with the political system. This year’s likely nominees are also historically unpopular and voters are clearly dissatisfied about the prospects of a Biden-Trump rematch. More troubling, a mere 28% of Americans are satisfied with the way democracy works, which is down from the historical low of 35% recorded shortly after the Jan. 6th assault on the Capitol.

All of this points to a political environment well-suited for third-party success. Not to win, but to influence the campaign and play spoiler.

The million dollar question is whether a strong third-party candidate would hurt Democrats or Republicans more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Mark Joslyn Professor of Political Science University of KansasA recent Gallup survey showed a record-high 43 percent of Americans see themselves as politically independent. And a record-low identified as Democrat, 27%, matching Republican identification at 27 percent. Kansans are also declaring independence. The numbers registering as Unaffiliated and Libertarian are increasing and together now account for 30% of registered voters – four percent higher than registered Democrats. These numbers may help explain why Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein have already launched their independent White House bids. And why the well-funded centrist organization No Labels is seriously weighing its options.Is 2024 ripe for a third-party? Absolutely, and here’s why.First, partisan parity.Four years ago, Joe Biden’s electoral college triumph was decided by three states, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin, where his margins of victory were less than .05 percent. In 2016, it was Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – where margins were less than 1%, that pushed Donald Trump over the top.Across the last nine presidential elections the national vote margin between the two parties has not exceeded 9 percent.With such razor thin margins separating the two parties, a third-party stands a good chance of attracting enough votes in one state or another to tip the balance.For example, the 2000 presidential contest came down to Florida. Democrat Al Gore lost by a mere 537 votes. The extraordinarily small margin raised questions about Green party candidate Ralph Nader’s 97,488 Florida votes.In Nader’s absence, would Gore have won?In 1992, Reform party candidate Ross Perot achieved 19% of the popular vote nationwide, though he did not win a single state. But in Maine Perot defeated incumbent George Bush 30.4% to 30.3%. And in Utah Perot outpaced Democrat Bill Clinton 27.3% to 24.6%. In Kansas, Perot secured an impressive 27%. This placed Kansas 5th among states for the independent vote. Meanwhile Bush managed just 38.8%, the lowest Kansas vote share for a Republican candidate since 1912. That year former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate and split the Republican vote. Bush did win Kansas, but by only 5%, a difference typically used to identify swing states.Second, voters are deeply frustrated with the two parties and the candidates. Surveys show a record number of Americans hold unfavorable views of Democrats and Republicans. Nearly nine-in-ten agree that Democrats and Republicans spend more time fighting each other than solving the nation’s problems. And a growing number of people identify partisan polarization as the main problem with the political system. This year’s likely nominees are also historically unpopular and voters are clearly dissatisfied about the prospects of a Biden-Trump rematch. More troubling, a mere 28% of Americans are satisfied with the way democracy works, which is down from the historical low of 35% recorded shortly after the Jan. 6th assault on the Capitol.All of this points to a political environment well-suited for third-party success. Not to win, but to influence the campaign and play spoiler.The million dollar question is whether a strong third-party candidate would hurt Democrats or Republicans more.

INSIGHT KANSAS: A good year for third-party candidates

We understand the significant impact of high property taxes on our valued residents and local businesses. The Russell City Council and dedicated city staff are fully committed to alleviating this burden. We want to highlight the tireless efforts of the city of Russell's leadership in keeping property taxes as low as possible, and we urge our fellow citizens to join us in advocating for a change that will make a real difference in our community.

Our city council is dedicated to making informed decisions that align with the needs and values of our residents. Each year, they face the challenge of balancing various costs against perceived benefits while crafting a budget that serves Russell's best interests. Russell has a track record of prudent fiscal management, consistently prioritizing the community's needs and values.

In 2014, our city's property tax revenue stood at $1,612,623. By 2023, it had only modestly increased to $1,776,467, reflecting a 9.2 percent rise over a decade. However, this increase pales compared to the cumulative inflation rate of 27.90 percent during the same period. Had we merely kept up with inflation, we would have had to collect $2,062,499 in property taxes to maintain the same purchasing power as in 2014. We have been well below this threshold, underscoring our efficient resource utilization. This includes strategic staff alignment, cost-effective solutions, and a relentless pursuit of alternate funding sources, such as grants, which have brought over $30 million to our city over the past decade.

Despite our efforts, property taxes continue to concern our community, and we firmly believe more can be done to lower them. One effective solution unavailable for the past 20 years is the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR).

The LAVTR, established in 1965, mandates that a portion of sales tax, compensating use tax, and local share of certain taxes collected by the state of Kansas should be returned to local governments. These funds can be used to reduce property tax levies, providing genuine cost savings for our citizens. Unfortunately, this partnership was effectively canceled in 2003 when the Kansas Legislature ceased allocating funds, a practice that continues today. As a result, local governments have missed out on over $1.7 billion in revenues collected by the state, effectively causing taxpayers to pay these taxes twice, once at the store and then again with their property taxes.

Additionally, in 2006, the Kansas Legislature exempted new machinery and equipment (M&amp;E) from property taxation, and while the LAVTR fund was partially reinstated to mitigate the impact on local budgets, cities and counties did not receive LAVTR payments.

Russell's ability to avoid raising property taxes in line with inflation is becoming increasingly challenging. The loss of other funding streams and rising materials and labor costs mirror our residents' household and business budget challenges. 

We credit our ability to maintain a steady mill levy to the dedication of the city council, the pursuit of alternate funding sources like grants, and our efficient resource management. Over the last decade, the city has secured over $30 million in grant funds, enabling vital infrastructure projects, equipment purchases, and quality-of-life improvements that would have otherwise been out of reach.

However, we have reached a point where we can no longer do more with less. The escalating costs of serving our community demand action. The Kansas Legislature must fund LAVTR and provide genuine property tax relief to our residents and businesses.

The May 2023 memo from the State’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group predicts a substantial increase in tax collections by the state for FY2024, along with a significant ending balance in the state general fund and a deposit into the budget stabilization fund. These predictions present a unique opportunity for the Kansas Legislature to make a real difference in the lives of taxpayers and local governments.

Recent legislative attempts to lower property taxes have proven ineffective. However, funding LAVTR offers a promising solution. By supporting LAVTR, the Legislature would acknowledge the dedication of the city council, which empathizes with the challenges faced by taxpayers and has consistently strived to keep property taxes stable while delivering essential services to our community. 

We believe that by working together at the state, county and city levels, we can address the issues surrounding Kansas's tax base, secure funding for LAVTR, and responsibly manage the property tax burden on our fellow Kansans. It's time for action; together, we can make a meaningful change that benefits us all.

—Jon Quinday, ICMA-CM, Russell City Manager

We understand the significant impact of high property taxes on our valued residents and local businesses. The Russell City Council and dedicated city staff are fully committed to alleviating this burden. We want to highlight the tireless efforts of the city of Russell's leadership in keeping property taxes as low as possible, and we urge our fellow citizens to join us in advocating for a change that will make a real difference in our community.Our city council is dedicated to making informed decisions that align with the needs and values of our residents. Each year, they face the challenge of balancing various costs against perceived benefits while crafting a budget that serves Russell's best interests. Russell has a track record of prudent fiscal management, consistently prioritizing the community's needs and values.In 2014, our city's property tax revenue stood at $1,612,623. By 2023, it had only modestly increased to $1,776,467, reflecting a 9.2 percent rise over a decade. However, this increase pales compared to the cumulative inflation rate of 27.90 percent during the same period. Had we merely kept up with inflation, we would have had to collect $2,062,499 in property taxes to maintain the same purchasing power as in 2014. We have been well below this threshold, underscoring our efficient resource utilization. This includes strategic staff alignment, cost-effective solutions, and a relentless pursuit of alternate funding sources, such as grants, which have brought over $30 million to our city over the past decade.Despite our efforts, property taxes continue to concern our community, and we firmly believe more can be done to lower them. One effective solution unavailable for the past 20 years is the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR).The LAVTR, established in 1965, mandates that a portion of sales tax, compensating use tax, and local share of certain taxes collected by the state of Kansas should be returned to local governments. These funds can be used to reduce property tax levies, providing genuine cost savings for our citizens. Unfortunately, this partnership was effectively canceled in 2003 when the Kansas Legislature ceased allocating funds, a practice that continues today. As a result, local governments have missed out on over $1.7 billion in revenues collected by the state, effectively causing taxpayers to pay these taxes twice, once at the store and then again with their property taxes.Additionally, in 2006, the Kansas Legislature exempted new machinery and equipment (M&amp;E) from property taxation, and while the LAVTR fund was partially reinstated to mitigate the impact on local budgets, cities and counties did not receive LAVTR payments.Russell's ability to avoid raising property taxes in line with inflation is becoming increasingly challenging. The loss of other funding streams and rising materials and labor costs mirror our residents' household and business budget challenges. We credit our ability to maintain a steady mill levy to the dedication of the city council, the pursuit of alternate funding sources like grants, and our efficient resource management. Over the last decade, the city has secured over $30 million in grant funds, enabling vital infrastructure projects, equipment purchases, and quality-of-life improvements that would have otherwise been out of reach.However, we have reached a point where we can no longer do more with less. The escalating costs of serving our community demand action. The Kansas Legislature must fund LAVTR and provide genuine property tax relief to our residents and businesses.The May 2023 memo from the State’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group predicts a substantial increase in tax collections by the state for FY2024, along with a significant ending balance in the state general fund and a deposit into the budget stabilization fund. These predictions present a unique opportunity for the Kansas Legislature to make a real difference in the lives of taxpayers and local governments.Recent legislative attempts to lower property taxes have proven ineffective. However, funding LAVTR offers a promising solution. By supporting LAVTR, the Legislature would acknowledge the dedication of the city council, which empathizes with the challenges faced by taxpayers and has consistently strived to keep property taxes stable while delivering essential services to our community. We believe that by working together at the state, county and city levels, we can address the issues surrounding Kansas's tax base, secure funding for LAVTR, and responsibly manage the property tax burden on our fellow Kansans. It's time for action; together, we can make a meaningful change that benefits us all.—Jon Quinday, ICMA-CM, Russell City Manager

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Kansas Legislature must provide property tax relief

By Tisa Mason Fort Hays State University President

Fort Hays State University is on a mission to foster a positive culture. Uniting as a team under the acronym PRIDE, the Office of Admissions has been cultivating a positive culture that emphasizes passion, reliability, intentionality, dedication, and effectiveness. Drawing inspiration from the principles outlined in the book "The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy," by Jon Gordon, the staff at FHSU is striving to create an engaging and positive work environment.

Passion is at the heart of our admissions staff. They strive to guide students on their Fort Hays State University journey with genuine care and support. The staff's solid beliefs and motivation drive them to go above and beyond to ensure students' success.

Reliability is another pillar of positive culture. Recognizing the significance of consistency, being present, and putting in the necessary effort, the staff aims to be dependable, accurate, and well-informed. By providing students with an authentic and reliable source of information, they establish themselves as a trusted resource.

Intentionality is a fundamental aspect of positivity. Deliberate in their actions, the staff demonstrates decisive decision-making and purposeful organization. They understand their role in shaping students' futures and work tirelessly to create a supportive environment.

Dedication is a core value—employees and students alike buy into the mission, demonstrating commitment, motivation, loyalty, and enthusiasm. The staff's dedication can be witnessed through their discipline and persistence in helping students reach their goals.

Effectiveness is paramount in FHSU's positive culture. The staff prioritizes knowledge, efficiency, adaptability, and flexibility to resource students effectively. They pledge to be a practical resource for students, providing them with the tools and support needed to succeed.

"The Energy Bus" has played an instrumental role in fostering FHSU's positive culture. The book resonated deeply with the staff, aligning with the principles they had instilled in their office. The simplicity and message of celebrating the good things in life resonate with the team, reinforcing the idea that positive energy shapes one's mindset and leads to success.

The individual staff members have also adopted positive energy in their personal lives. They have discovered the power of gratitude, incorporating it into their daily routines by appreciating small acts of kindness and reflecting on what they are thankful for. Taking walks to embrace gratitude and expressing appreciation to their colleagues helps foster a more appreciative and accepting environment within the university.

The positive culture within FHSU's Admissions Office extends beyond the team itself. They strive to make a positive impact on students, faculty, and staff throughout the university. They create a supportive community that uplifts everyone by spreading positive energy and building meaningful relationships.

The staff acknowledges the significance of their roles in students' lives. Their positive energy is a magnet, attracting potential students and fostering long-term investment in FHSU throughout their college journey. They remain focused on genuinely caring about students' success and ensuring they feel supported.

Through its positive culture initiatives, FHSU's Admissions Office aims to inspire others and create a chain effect of positivity. They understand the importance of shaping one's attitude and perspective, recognizing that a positive outlook can transform a day or life. Individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their goals by focusing on the good and celebrating successes.

The manifestation of positive culture within FHSU's Admissions Office goes beyond lofty ideals—it encompasses their day-to-day practices and initiatives. Motivational Mondays, small gestures of appreciation, and creating a positive affirmation jar for office spaces are among the ways the team maximizes their strengths and supports one another. By lifting each other and fostering a positive work environment, they contribute to their success and the success of the students and community they serve.

The impact of a positive culture extends beyond the workplace. A team member, Grant Schmidt, emphasizes how "The Energy Bus" has taught him how to choose his response to any situation, setting the tone for his day and life. Such awareness empowers individuals to take control of their mindset and create positive outcomes.

Fort Hays State University's Office of Admissions exemplifies the power of a positive culture. They create an environment that inspires and supports students through dedication, passion, reliability, intentionality, and effectiveness. As they continue cultivating a positive culture, they set an example for all of us and demonstrate the profound impact a positive working environment can have on success and well-being. By embracing positive energy, they have built a community that inspires and motivates others, creating positivity throughout the university and beyond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Tisa Mason Fort Hays State University PresidentFort Hays State University is on a mission to foster a positive culture. Uniting as a team under the acronym PRIDE, the Office of Admissions has been cultivating a positive culture that emphasizes passion, reliability, intentionality, dedication, and effectiveness. Drawing inspiration from the principles outlined in the book "The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy," by Jon Gordon, the staff at FHSU is striving to create an engaging and positive work environment.Passion is at the heart of our admissions staff. They strive to guide students on their Fort Hays State University journey with genuine care and support. The staff's solid beliefs and motivation drive them to go above and beyond to ensure students' success.Reliability is another pillar of positive culture. Recognizing the significance of consistency, being present, and putting in the necessary effort, the staff aims to be dependable, accurate, and well-informed. By providing students with an authentic and reliable source of information, they establish themselves as a trusted resource.Intentionality is a fundamental aspect of positivity. Deliberate in their actions, the staff demonstrates decisive decision-making and purposeful organization. They understand their role in shaping students' futures and work tirelessly to create a supportive environment.Dedication is a core value—employees and students alike buy into the mission, demonstrating commitment, motivation, loyalty, and enthusiasm. The staff's dedication can be witnessed through their discipline and persistence in helping students reach their goals.Effectiveness is paramount in FHSU's positive culture. The staff prioritizes knowledge, efficiency, adaptability, and flexibility to resource students effectively. They pledge to be a practical resource for students, providing them with the tools and support needed to succeed."The Energy Bus" has played an instrumental role in fostering FHSU's positive culture. The book resonated deeply with the staff, aligning with the principles they had instilled in their office. The simplicity and message of celebrating the good things in life resonate with the team, reinforcing the idea that positive energy shapes one's mindset and leads to success.The individual staff members have also adopted positive energy in their personal lives. They have discovered the power of gratitude, incorporating it into their daily routines by appreciating small acts of kindness and reflecting on what they are thankful for. Taking walks to embrace gratitude and expressing appreciation to their colleagues helps foster a more appreciative and accepting environment within the university.The positive culture within FHSU's Admissions Office extends beyond the team itself. They strive to make a positive impact on students, faculty, and staff throughout the university. They create a supportive community that uplifts everyone by spreading positive energy and building meaningful relationships.The staff acknowledges the significance of their roles in students' lives. Their positive energy is a magnet, attracting potential students and fostering long-term investment in FHSU throughout their college journey. They remain focused on genuinely caring about students' success and ensuring they feel supported.Through its positive culture initiatives, FHSU's Admissions Office aims to inspire others and create a chain effect of positivity. They understand the importance of shaping one's attitude and perspective, recognizing that a positive outlook can transform a day or life. Individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their goals by focusing on the good and celebrating successes.The manifestation of positive culture within FHSU's Admissions Office goes beyond lofty ideals—it encompasses their day-to-day practices and initiatives. Motivational Mondays, small gestures of appreciation, and creating a positive affirmation jar for office spaces are among the ways the team maximizes their strengths and supports one another. By lifting each other and fostering a positive work environment, they contribute to their success and the success of the students and community they serve.The impact of a positive culture extends beyond the workplace. A team member, Grant Schmidt, emphasizes how "The Energy Bus" has taught him how to choose his response to any situation, setting the tone for his day and life. Such awareness empowers individuals to take control of their mindset and create positive outcomes.Fort Hays State University's Office of Admissions exemplifies the power of a positive culture. They create an environment that inspires and supports students through dedication, passion, reliability, intentionality, and effectiveness. As they continue cultivating a positive culture, they set an example for all of us and demonstrate the profound impact a positive working environment can have on success and well-being. By embracing positive energy, they have built a community that inspires and motivates others, creating positivity throughout the university and beyond.

Heart of a Tiger: Building a thriving work environment at FHSU

Reading posts on I Grew Up In sites often drowns me in memories. Recently, an update from a Southwest Kansas Community once home to grandparents, an uncle and his family, and me for a while opened floodgates to my past. Based on the conversation thread following that post, it generated remembrances for many whose dads worked the oil patch in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Before Dad served as a Marine in Korea, he and his brothers roughnecked and drilled wells across Central and Northwest Kansas. Once he returned from overseas, he headed back to the oilfield, which inadvertently led to him meeting my mom. During off-hours, he relaxed at the Brass Rail in Hays where he fell for a cute freshman from Southwest Kansas. Once married, they moved to Plainville. Mom, whose dad was a teacher, coach, and store owner, enjoyed dad’s rig sites, a world entirely different from that in which she grew up.

The following year, she bundled me in blankets and carried bottles and dry diapers as they lugged me to noisy wells, brightly lit so men could work 24 hours a day. My memories include her pointing out the Christmas Tree and Crow’s Nest outlined against dark skies. As a toddler, the Dog House that the crew entered and exited intrigued me. When I begged to meet the dog, my parents laughed.

The comment thread following that online post indicated a bunch of us oil-patch kids shared mud-pits full of remembrances. Recalled sounds, strings of lights, scents of diesel, oil, and bit grinding through rock, men in denim and khaki and protective metal hats clambering up and down long stairs and towering structures was a repeated refrain. I recalled watching men step onto the Kelley, link an arm around a huge chain, and ride to the crow’s nest topping the well tower

Besides the group’s rig memories, those growing up in that world share a love of rocks that began at well sites. My cousin brought up her fascination with canvas sample bags full of earth’s guts collected during drilling. Another woman agreed and described how she loved visiting the geologist’s trailer to see samples. Based on comments, I could almost touch and smell those objects. To this day, discovering a drilled core in someone’s rock collection thrills me.

Oil patch kids knew about emergency food stored in every trunk. When we couldn’t get home by mealtime, Dad opened a box filled with a P-38 and canned Vienna sausages, beanie weenies, fruit cocktail, and other foods we loved. We’d gorge on his ambrosia stash and drink distilled water from a plastic jug as our nectar. Locale didn’t matter—plains or mountains—it our introduction to alfresco dining.

Danger accompanied these jobs. No one ran wild around rig sites. Our moms corralled our curiosity to keep us from interfering with our dads’ work. Every oil field family had friends who’d suffered broken jaws, limbs, or death. My uncle hung a fire-blackened metal hat in the hallway to remind himself and us he’d survived a dreaded blow-out.

Who knew a post on a memory page could immerse so many in childhood recollections? Those lucky enough to grow up in the patch have stories and rock collections enough to entertain our entire old age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705091261084.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Grady Birdsong Family Photos" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Grady Birdsong Family Photos</figcaption>
 </figure>Reading posts on I Grew Up In sites often drowns me in memories. Recently, an update from a Southwest Kansas Community once home to grandparents, an uncle and his family, and me for a while opened floodgates to my past. Based on the conversation thread following that post, it generated remembrances for many whose dads worked the oil patch in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.Before Dad served as a Marine in Korea, he and his brothers roughnecked and drilled wells across Central and Northwest Kansas. Once he returned from overseas, he headed back to the oilfield, which inadvertently led to him meeting my mom. During off-hours, he relaxed at the Brass Rail in Hays where he fell for a cute freshman from Southwest Kansas. Once married, they moved to Plainville. Mom, whose dad was a teacher, coach, and store owner, enjoyed dad’s rig sites, a world entirely different from that in which she grew up.The following year, she bundled me in blankets and carried bottles and dry diapers as they lugged me to noisy wells, brightly lit so men could work 24 hours a day. My memories include her pointing out the Christmas Tree and Crow’s Nest outlined against dark skies. As a toddler, the Dog House that the crew entered and exited intrigued me. When I begged to meet the dog, my parents laughed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>The comment thread following that online post indicated a bunch of us oil-patch kids shared mud-pits full of remembrances. Recalled sounds, strings of lights, scents of diesel, oil, and bit grinding through rock, men in denim and khaki and protective metal hats clambering up and down long stairs and towering structures was a repeated refrain. I recalled watching men step onto the Kelley, link an arm around a huge chain, and ride to the crow’s nest topping the well towerBesides the group’s rig memories, those growing up in that world share a love of rocks that began at well sites. My cousin brought up her fascination with canvas sample bags full of earth’s guts collected during drilling. Another woman agreed and described how she loved visiting the geologist’s trailer to see samples. Based on comments, I could almost touch and smell those objects. To this day, discovering a drilled core in someone’s rock collection thrills me.Oil patch kids knew about emergency food stored in every trunk. When we couldn’t get home by mealtime, Dad opened a box filled with a P-38 and canned Vienna sausages, beanie weenies, fruit cocktail, and other foods we loved. We’d gorge on his ambrosia stash and drink distilled water from a plastic jug as our nectar. Locale didn’t matter—plains or mountains—it our introduction to alfresco dining.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705091238614.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Grady Birdsong Family Photos" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Grady Birdsong Family Photos</figcaption>
 </figure>Danger accompanied these jobs. No one ran wild around rig sites. Our moms corralled our curiosity to keep us from interfering with our dads’ work. Every oil field family had friends who’d suffered broken jaws, limbs, or death. My uncle hung a fire-blackened metal hat in the hallway to remind himself and us he’d survived a dreaded blow-out.Who knew a post on a memory page could immerse so many in childhood recollections? Those lucky enough to grow up in the patch have stories and rock collections enough to entertain our entire old age.

MADORIN: Oil patch kid memories

On January 11, 2024 Governor Laura Kelly released her budget for fiscal year 2025 to the Joint Committee of House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means.

The presentation focused on many, though not all, of the themes from the Governor’s State of the State speech the day before.

The first was to spend $1 billion of the state’s surplus funds for one-time expenditures, those expenditures being split into the categories of capital projects, debt payoff, and community investment.

Second was targeted tax relief to help Kansans. The governor’s proposal would exempt Social Security income from the state income tax, increase the state income tax standard deduction, hasten the elimination of the state sales tax, double the childcare tax credit, and expand the residential exemption on 20 mills property tax. I will focus on the governor’s tax plan later. 

Third, was the expansion of the Medicaid program in Kansas. Similar arguments were made in favor of the governor’s proposal, with some alterations, those being a work requirement for enrollees, a new hospital surcharge, and the coverage of health costs for incarcerated individuals in county facilities.

Fourth was education. The governor’s budget seeks to increase spending for early childhood care and education, increase spending for teacher mentor programs, expand pilot programs, and increase state funding for special education and post-secondary education. 

Next was water, where the governor proposed fully funding the State Water Plan, establishing a Water Institute at K-State University, and increasing spending for small town infrastructure through KDHE.

Last was pay for state employees. The governor’s budget would increase pay for both entry level and management state employees.

On Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, Governor Kelly delivered her State of the State speech in Topeka. In it she remarked on the improvement Kansas has seen in the past several years and her priorities for this session. Such improvements were greater business investment and increased infrastructure investment, both being accomplished with bipartisan support.

Regarding her priorities, Kelly spoke first on protecting Kansas rural communities. She remarked on the strong values of our rural areas, their importance in our economy, and the need to improve their quality of life,&nbsp; to which I agree heartily. Kelly then pivoted to Medicaid expansion, which is unlikely to move forward. Next was public education, focusing on funding for special education and opposition to school vouchers.

Kelly next moved to taxes, aiming at earlier elimination of the state’s sales tax and reducing others. Kelly’s final topic was water conservation, highlighting its importance and sustainability.

On the first day of the 2024 Legislative Session, January 8, Governor Kelly released her plan for reducing taxes.

The first provision of her tax plan is to exempt the first $100,000 in state property taxes for all Kansas homeowners. Raising the exemption will cost $100 million.

The plan entirely eliminates state taxes on Social Security income. Eliminating the tax on Social Security income will save around $525 million for retired Kansans.

The tax plan increases the standard deduction many Kansans use to reduce their taxable income. The plan raises the standard deduction for single Kansans from $3,500 to $5,000, for those with head of household filing status from $6,000 to $7,500, and for those married filing jointly from $8,000 to $10,000.

The tax plan eliminates the state's sales tax on groceries and ingredients by April 1 this year, instead of waiting until 2025. It also eliminates the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products.

Additionally, her package doubles the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that parents can claim to help pay for child and dependent care while they work or attend school. These tax credits are estimated to save Kansas families $18 million over three years.

The plan creates a back-to-school state sales tax holiday, even though it has been proven that such does not work.

I find it ironic that the governor has introduced this plan with many components that would have provided tax relief last session had she not vetoed it, twice.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

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

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions.&nbsp;

I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621346439026.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>January 13, 2024</h2><h2>Governor’s Budget</h2>On January 11, 2024 Governor Laura Kelly released her budget for fiscal year 2025 to the Joint Committee of House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means.The presentation focused on many, though not all, of the themes from the Governor’s State of the State speech the day before.The first was to spend $1 billion of the state’s surplus funds for one-time expenditures, those expenditures being split into the categories of capital projects, debt payoff, and community investment.Second was targeted tax relief to help Kansans. The governor’s proposal would exempt Social Security income from the state income tax, increase the state income tax standard deduction, hasten the elimination of the state sales tax, double the childcare tax credit, and expand the residential exemption on 20 mills property tax. I will focus on the governor’s tax plan later. Third, was the expansion of the Medicaid program in Kansas. Similar arguments were made in favor of the governor’s proposal, with some alterations, those being a work requirement for enrollees, a new hospital surcharge, and the coverage of health costs for incarcerated individuals in county facilities.Fourth was education. The governor’s budget seeks to increase spending for early childhood care and education, increase spending for teacher mentor programs, expand pilot programs, and increase state funding for special education and post-secondary education. Next was water, where the governor proposed fully funding the State Water Plan, establishing a Water Institute at K-State University, and increasing spending for small town infrastructure through KDHE.Last was pay for state employees. The governor’s budget would increase pay for both entry level and management state employees.<h2>State of the State</h2>On Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, Governor Kelly delivered her State of the State speech in Topeka. In it she remarked on the improvement Kansas has seen in the past several years and her priorities for this session. Such improvements were greater business investment and increased infrastructure investment, both being accomplished with bipartisan support.Regarding her priorities, Kelly spoke first on protecting Kansas rural communities. She remarked on the strong values of our rural areas, their importance in our economy, and the need to improve their quality of life,&nbsp; to which I agree heartily. Kelly then pivoted to Medicaid expansion, which is unlikely to move forward. Next was public education, focusing on funding for special education and opposition to school vouchers.Kelly next moved to taxes, aiming at earlier elimination of the state’s sales tax and reducing others. Kelly’s final topic was water conservation, highlighting its importance and sustainability.<h2>Governor Releases Tax Plan</h2>On the first day of the 2024 Legislative Session, January 8, Governor Kelly released her plan for reducing taxes.The first provision of her tax plan is to exempt the first $100,000 in state property taxes for all Kansas homeowners. Raising the exemption will cost $100 million.The plan entirely eliminates state taxes on Social Security income. Eliminating the tax on Social Security income will save around $525 million for retired Kansans.The tax plan increases the standard deduction many Kansans use to reduce their taxable income. The plan raises the standard deduction for single Kansans from $3,500 to $5,000, for those with head of household filing status from $6,000 to $7,500, and for those married filing jointly from $8,000 to $10,000.The tax plan eliminates the state's sales tax on groceries and ingredients by April 1 this year, instead of waiting until 2025. It also eliminates the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products.Additionally, her package doubles the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that parents can claim to help pay for child and dependent care while they work or attend school. These tax credits are estimated to save Kansas families $18 million over three years.The plan creates a back-to-school state sales tax holiday, even though it has been proven that such does not work.I find it ironic that the governor has introduced this plan with many components that would have provided tax relief last session had she not vetoed it, twice.<h2>Contact Information</h2>Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me at 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions.&nbsp;I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 13

Does grocery shopping with health in mind overwhelm you? Maybe you have difficulty coming up with nutritious meal ideas, or maybe healthy foods seem to be out of your budget. However, building balanced meals for the whole family doesn’t have to be complicated or pricey.

The following list of foods are nutrient-packed items that your body and wallet will appreciate:

Beans. Beans are rich in fiber and protein. They are considered a staple ingredient in most Mediterranean meals as a protein source. In fact, occasionally substituting meat for beans could save you hundreds in groceries over a year. Plus, beans are versatile. You can add black beans to a burrito bowl, use kidney beans in your favorite chili soup, or roast garbanzo beans to toss in a salad. To top it off, beans are only $0.23 per serving.

Potatoes. Potatoes get a bad rap for being high in starch, but this natural, complex carb is nothing to fear. Starch from plants is an excellent fuel source when paired with lean protein and unsaturated fats. Potatoes are healthiest when prepared with less oil such as baked, roasted, or air-fried. Did I mention how versatile they are? The options are endless!

Bananas and apples. These two super fruits can be eaten as a snack, tossed in your bag for later, or added to baked goods. Bananas and apples are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Whole grains: brown rice, oatmeal, and pasta. Did you know that carbs are your body and brain’s No. 1 fuel source? This is why the USDA recommends that half of your diet be carbs. This is best achieved from a mixture of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Options like brown rice and pasta are fantastic bases for lunch and dinner while oatmeal can be a great start as part of a balanced breakfast!

Frozen vegetables. The freezer aisle is key to convenience, and it is handy to stock up on frozen produce that can be ready in minutes. Research has proven time and time again that a plant-based diet is the most important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When purchased in bulk, store-brand frozen vegetables can be as low as $0.23 per serving.

Canned salmon. This protein-packed pantry essential is satiable and high in omega-3 fatty acids. This protein option is great in sandwiches, salads or pasta dishes. It is shelf-stable and is only $0.75 per serving.

Other items to consider adding to your shopping list are cottage cheese, peanut butter, canned tomatoes and ground turkey.

Who says eating healthy has to be expensive? Many whole food, nutrient-dense options are available at your nearest grocery store. Building meals from this list of affordable kitchen staples can be simple. First, choose at least one vegetable or fruit. Next, aim to fill a fourth of your plate with whole grains. Finally, choose a lean protein and healthy fat for a wholesome meal that won’t break the bank.

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

Does grocery shopping with health in mind overwhelm you? Maybe you have difficulty coming up with nutritious meal ideas, or maybe healthy foods seem to be out of your budget. However, building balanced meals for the whole family doesn’t have to be complicated or pricey.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel</figcaption>
 </figure>The following list of foods are nutrient-packed items that your body and wallet will appreciate:Beans. Beans are rich in fiber and protein. They are considered a staple ingredient in most Mediterranean meals as a protein source. In fact, occasionally substituting meat for beans could save you hundreds in groceries over a year. Plus, beans are versatile. You can add black beans to a burrito bowl, use kidney beans in your favorite chili soup, or roast garbanzo beans to toss in a salad. To top it off, beans are only $0.23 per serving.Potatoes. Potatoes get a bad rap for being high in starch, but this natural, complex carb is nothing to fear. Starch from plants is an excellent fuel source when paired with lean protein and unsaturated fats. Potatoes are healthiest when prepared with less oil such as baked, roasted, or air-fried. Did I mention how versatile they are? The options are endless!Bananas and apples. These two super fruits can be eaten as a snack, tossed in your bag for later, or added to baked goods. Bananas and apples are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.Whole grains: brown rice, oatmeal, and pasta. Did you know that carbs are your body and brain’s No. 1 fuel source? This is why the USDA recommends that half of your diet be carbs. This is best achieved from a mixture of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Options like brown rice and pasta are fantastic bases for lunch and dinner while oatmeal can be a great start as part of a balanced breakfast!Frozen vegetables. The freezer aisle is key to convenience, and it is handy to stock up on frozen produce that can be ready in minutes. Research has proven time and time again that a plant-based diet is the most important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When purchased in bulk, store-brand frozen vegetables can be as low as $0.23 per serving.Canned salmon. This protein-packed pantry essential is satiable and high in omega-3 fatty acids. This protein option is great in sandwiches, salads or pasta dishes. It is shelf-stable and is only $0.75 per serving.Other items to consider adding to your shopping list are cottage cheese, peanut butter, canned tomatoes and ground turkey.Who says eating healthy has to be expensive? Many whole food, nutrient-dense options are available at your nearest grocery store. Building meals from this list of affordable kitchen staples can be simple. First, choose at least one vegetable or fruit. Next, aim to fill a fourth of your plate with whole grains. Finally, choose a lean protein and healthy fat for a wholesome meal that won’t break the bank.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

Winkel: Grocery shopping made simple: Affordable kitchen staples

It seems these days I do a lot of reminiscing about hunting and trapping adventures I’ve had over the years. Today, as I sat watching our two small pups napping on the couch, and contemplated a recent request I’d had to trap some problem beavers, stories of dogs I have known and beavers I have caught came flooding back. One story from years ago happened during trapping season and involved an old dog my sister had that was quite entertaining, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Call it a problem, or call it an inconvenience, but a challenge for all of us hunters, fishermen and trappers who don’t live in the country or who don’t own land, is finding a place to unload carcasses and those “parts and pieces” remaining after cleaning fish and game. A friend recently told me that this summer someone had cleaned a mess of frogs and deposited the remains on the back corner of their property without permission; not good, and NO it wasn’t me! Anyway, that reminded me of this “incident” some years back, involving the above-mentioned dog.

My sister had an old dog named Jake, a stray as I remember it. Jake was old and a little crippled and was kind of the color of light brown gravy. Jake often seemed dumber than a bag of hammers, but he knew no strangers. He was big and stocky and when his tail got to waggin’ his whole back-end wagged. His back half would fling from side-to-side so violently I often expected something from back there to come loose and fly across the yard! He always greeted visitors with something in his mouth, wanting to play fetch; trouble was, that “something” was always a 2x4 or a tree limb about 4 feet long, and once his body got to waggin’ with his chosen tree limb or 2x4 in his mouth, he could easily take you out with a whack across the legs. Ole’ Jake’s obsession took him far and wide over the farm to find just the right object to carry around in his position as head greeter there.

Every livestock farm, like it or not has occasional casualties from sickness or cold weather. And every livestock farm has a “bone pile,” a spot somewhere in the “back 40” where carcasses can be dumped in a ravine or a briar patch as a way to discreetly dispose of them while Mother Nature and the coyotes compost them. The first year I trapped beavers here in Kansas, I learned to take advantage of the bone pile on my sister’s farm, which was several hundred yards from the buildings, as a convenient way to dispose of beaver carcasses after I had removed their pelts. I had traps nearby, so every time I caught a beaver, I’d just carry the carcass with me the following morning and deposit it on the pile when I was in the neighborhood; very convenient for me.

One particularly cold morning I got a call from my sister; she sounded a little miffed, but I could tell she was on the verge of laughter even as we spoke. It seems she looked out into the yard this cold frozen morning to find Jake playing with his usual large prize, but something looked odd about that day’s trophy, so curiosity sent her into the yard to see just what he had found this time. As she approached, Jake’s back end began to wag feverishly, thinking someone was coming to play fetch with him and his prize, and he spun around joyfully and greeted her with a frozen beaver carcass from the bone pile clenched proudly in his big yap!

Yup, dogs are the epitome of unconditional love and acceptance. One minute they can seem dumber than a box of rocks, the next minute they curl up beside you in your old recliner and become your most

loyal friend, despite the names you have just called them for performing certain hygiene functions in the middle of the dining room. Everyone of working age in our society today could also learn from a dog’s exuberance to work and / or to please its master. Mutts, you gotta; love em’! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It seems these days I do a lot of reminiscing about hunting and trapping adventures I’ve had over the years. Today, as I sat watching our two small pups napping on the couch, and contemplated a recent request I’d had to trap some problem beavers, stories of dogs I have known and beavers I have caught came flooding back. One story from years ago happened during trapping season and involved an old dog my sister had that was quite entertaining, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer.Call it a problem, or call it an inconvenience, but a challenge for all of us hunters, fishermen and trappers who don’t live in the country or who don’t own land, is finding a place to unload carcasses and those “parts and pieces” remaining after cleaning fish and game. A friend recently told me that this summer someone had cleaned a mess of frogs and deposited the remains on the back corner of their property without permission; not good, and NO it wasn’t me! Anyway, that reminded me of this “incident” some years back, involving the above-mentioned dog.My sister had an old dog named Jake, a stray as I remember it. Jake was old and a little crippled and was kind of the color of light brown gravy. Jake often seemed dumber than a bag of hammers, but he knew no strangers. He was big and stocky and when his tail got to waggin’ his whole back-end wagged. His back half would fling from side-to-side so violently I often expected something from back there to come loose and fly across the yard! He always greeted visitors with something in his mouth, wanting to play fetch; trouble was, that “something” was always a 2x4 or a tree limb about 4 feet long, and once his body got to waggin’ with his chosen tree limb or 2x4 in his mouth, he could easily take you out with a whack across the legs. Ole’ Jake’s obsession took him far and wide over the farm to find just the right object to carry around in his position as head greeter there.Every livestock farm, like it or not has occasional casualties from sickness or cold weather. And every livestock farm has a “bone pile,” a spot somewhere in the “back 40” where carcasses can be dumped in a ravine or a briar patch as a way to discreetly dispose of them while Mother Nature and the coyotes compost them. The first year I trapped beavers here in Kansas, I learned to take advantage of the bone pile on my sister’s farm, which was several hundred yards from the buildings, as a convenient way to dispose of beaver carcasses after I had removed their pelts. I had traps nearby, so every time I caught a beaver, I’d just carry the carcass with me the following morning and deposit it on the pile when I was in the neighborhood; very convenient for me.One particularly cold morning I got a call from my sister; she sounded a little miffed, but I could tell she was on the verge of laughter even as we spoke. It seems she looked out into the yard this cold frozen morning to find Jake playing with his usual large prize, but something looked odd about that day’s trophy, so curiosity sent her into the yard to see just what he had found this time. As she approached, Jake’s back end began to wag feverishly, thinking someone was coming to play fetch with him and his prize, and he spun around joyfully and greeted her with a frozen beaver carcass from the bone pile clenched proudly in his big yap!Yup, dogs are the epitome of unconditional love and acceptance. One minute they can seem dumber than a box of rocks, the next minute they curl up beside you in your old recliner and become your mostloyal friend, despite the names you have just called them for performing certain hygiene functions in the middle of the dining room. Everyone of working age in our society today could also learn from a dog’s exuberance to work and / or to please its master. Mutts, you gotta; love em’! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Jake and the Bone Pile

Given that Kansas’s state budget currently points towards a nearly $3 billion surplus, it’s inevitable that legislators have ideas about passing some of that surplus on to Kansans in the form of tax cuts. Of those ideas, some are much better than others.

On the first day of the 2024 legislative session, Governor Laura Kelly presented her own proposal, supported by a few key Republican legislators. It would increase state property tax exemptions and state income tax deductions, as well as provide tax credits for child care. It aims to eliminate the food tax outright, and establish a sales tax holiday for school supplies in August.

It’s a good plan, one the legislature should take seriously—more seriously, at least, than the Republican leadership’s plan to once again push for a flat tax, with all incomes, from the highest to the lowest, taxed at the exact same rate. Flat taxes do have some bureaucratic advantages—they make tax filing much simpler, and tax revenues more predictable—but they are also almost invariably regressive, with the tax burden comparatively falling harder on the poor than the rich.

Despite that unfairness, they’re favored by many, particularly businesses. Nationwide, the popularity of flat tax structures fluctuate: this year Georgia is instituting one, while Massachusetts is abandoning theirs. But either way, Kelly has insisted that the flat tax idea is a non-starter for Kansas, and the unless the Republican leadership can regain the support of their dissenters, the votes to override Kelly’s veto simply won’t be there.

So does that exhaust all possible tax reform options? It does not—because Kelly’s proposal doesn’t include what is probably the best idea out on the legislative table.

Remember that the point of taxes is to fund government programs which we, as citizens, see as benefiting our communities and thus worth paying for—police, fire, health care, sewer, parks, and more. A large portion of those costs are most directly borne by counties and cities, many of which are facing serious budget difficulties, leaving them with the option of either cutting needed programs or increasing local property and sales taxes (or both).

Thus one of the most responsible ways Kansas can help its citizens is by returning to a practice that worked very well for a slow-growth state like ours for more than 70 years: return a portion of state sales taxes to local governments through the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.

The LAVTR doesn’t attract much attention; it’s a government policy that functions behind the scenes, helping municipalities make their budgets and encourage economic innovation by keeping local programs funded and costs low. Because it doesn’t put money directly into the pockets of individual citizens, it’s not an obvious political pitch. But those Kansas legislators with a sense of history and who see the need to keep local governments healthy as the national economy changes, haven’t forgotten about it. Governor Kelly shouldn’t either.

Putting the LAVTR, which went dormant during the early 2000s, back into the tax discussion won’t be easy; some leading legislators, being protective of their state power over what Kansans might locally prefer to see their tax money spent on, see it as little more than a slush fund. But if Governor Kelly and others really want to use this moment to think about tax changes that will both save money as well as help make public programs across the state more fiscally sustainable, reviving the LAVTR would be a great first step.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="Russell Fox" />
 <figcaption>Russell Fox</figcaption>
 </figure>Given that Kansas’s state budget currently points towards a nearly $3 billion surplus, it’s inevitable that legislators have ideas about passing some of that surplus on to Kansans in the form of tax cuts. Of those ideas, some are much better than others.On the first day of the 2024 legislative session, Governor Laura Kelly presented her own proposal, supported by a few key Republican legislators. It would increase state property tax exemptions and state income tax deductions, as well as provide tax credits for child care. It aims to eliminate the food tax outright, and establish a sales tax holiday for school supplies in August.It’s a good plan, one the legislature should take seriously—more seriously, at least, than the Republican leadership’s plan to once again push for a flat tax, with all incomes, from the highest to the lowest, taxed at the exact same rate. Flat taxes do have some bureaucratic advantages—they make tax filing much simpler, and tax revenues more predictable—but they are also almost invariably regressive, with the tax burden comparatively falling harder on the poor than the rich.Despite that unfairness, they’re favored by many, particularly businesses. Nationwide, the popularity of flat tax structures fluctuate: this year Georgia is instituting one, while Massachusetts is abandoning theirs. But either way, Kelly has insisted that the flat tax idea is a non-starter for Kansas, and the unless the Republican leadership can regain the support of their dissenters, the votes to override Kelly’s veto simply won’t be there.So does that exhaust all possible tax reform options? It does not—because Kelly’s proposal doesn’t include what is probably the best idea out on the legislative table.Remember that the point of taxes is to fund government programs which we, as citizens, see as benefiting our communities and thus worth paying for—police, fire, health care, sewer, parks, and more. A large portion of those costs are most directly borne by counties and cities, many of which are facing serious budget difficulties, leaving them with the option of either cutting needed programs or increasing local property and sales taxes (or both).Thus one of the most responsible ways Kansas can help its citizens is by returning to a practice that worked very well for a slow-growth state like ours for more than 70 years: return a portion of state sales taxes to local governments through the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.The LAVTR doesn’t attract much attention; it’s a government policy that functions behind the scenes, helping municipalities make their budgets and encourage economic innovation by keeping local programs funded and costs low. Because it doesn’t put money directly into the pockets of individual citizens, it’s not an obvious political pitch. But those Kansas legislators with a sense of history and who see the need to keep local governments healthy as the national economy changes, haven’t forgotten about it. Governor Kelly shouldn’t either.Putting the LAVTR, which went dormant during the early 2000s, back into the tax discussion won’t be easy; some leading legislators, being protective of their state power over what Kansans might locally prefer to see their tax money spent on, see it as little more than a slush fund. But if Governor Kelly and others really want to use this moment to think about tax changes that will both save money as well as help make public programs across the state more fiscally sustainable, reviving the LAVTR would be a great first step.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: State Tax Proposals: Good, Bad, and Best

In 1915, Woodrow Wilson served as U.S. President. Typhoid Mary, working under a pseudonym, was sentenced to lifetime quarantine after infecting an additional 25 people while she cooked for a New York hospital. Dwight D. Eisenhower graduated from West Point with a 2nd Lt. commission. That same year, Ellis High School seniors published The Prairie Thistle yearbook.

In this annual, students documented college prep, domestic science and art, agriculture, normal training, manual training, and commerce course work. The local paper mentioned the Kansas State School Superintendent and High School Inspector approved these classes and ranked Ellis High School in the First Class.

This acknowledgement benefitted graduates. Those who successfully completed the College Prep course were admitted as university freshmen without having to take the entrance examination. Those completing Normal School courses received a high school diploma and a two-year State Teacher’s Certificate. In addition to aiding individuals, the school received an apportionment of $1,000 for maintaining courses in Home Economics, Agriculture, and Normal Training. This amount equals approximately $31,356 in today’s economy.

In addition to previously mentioned classes, students could enroll in typewriting and commercial arithmetic. The forward-thinking board, placing music on par with regular studies, gave credit for outside work in music. The primary source stressed that work occurred under supervision of the school and competent instructors.

The 1915 Prairie Thistle also contained the seniors’ last will and testament, pictures and descriptions of seniors, sports photos, predictions, club news, a list of graduates, and alumni notes detailing what past graduates were doing in 1915. Historically significant, candid photos depict the last high school class to graduate from the stone school building.

Ellis-area railroad and agricultural pursuits continued to prosper. According to historian Eileen Langley, in 1916, the district built a brick building north of the stone school, establishing the older site as the grade school with the new brick construction designated as the high school.

Ellis may have been far from the WWI battlefields of Europe, but war burdens soon combined with those the Spanish influenza epidemic created to do more than fill hospital beds and cemetery plots. One of many 1918 cancellations included the alumni banquet, according to Maxine Bradbury.

Regaining momentum after WW I ended, regional communities, including Ellis, approved bond issues to build new high schools. Note dates on old school buildings to verify area-wide examples. Upon voter approval of a $100,000 bond, Ellis’s board chose a site across Big Creek on West Adams Street, now 11th Street. According to July 1926 Board Minutes, members met at the brick high school to determine necessary changes before moving the grade school into the recently constructed north building.

This 1926 meeting led to alterations in the Ellis skyline. Once the physical transfer of students and materials from the stone school to the brick one occurred, the board elected to raze the stone building. Although the school proud citizens dreamed and built now exists only in old photos, masons incorporated its locally quarried limestone into several homes and a church in the community.

Board minutes didn’t state the newer buildings helped maintain their budget, but they managed to educate Ellis students with an operating budget of $40, 070.55. This included salaries and operating expenditures.

History reminds us nothing is static. World-wide and local changes clearly affected Ellis education.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1915, Woodrow Wilson served as U.S. President. Typhoid Mary, working under a pseudonym, was sentenced to lifetime quarantine after infecting an additional 25 people while she cooked for a New York hospital. Dwight D. Eisenhower graduated from West Point with a 2nd Lt. commission. That same year, Ellis High School seniors published The Prairie Thistle yearbook.In this annual, students documented college prep, domestic science and art, agriculture, normal training, manual training, and commerce course work. The local paper mentioned the Kansas State School Superintendent and High School Inspector approved these classes and ranked Ellis High School in the First Class.This acknowledgement benefitted graduates. Those who successfully completed the College Prep course were admitted as university freshmen without having to take the entrance examination. Those completing Normal School courses received a high school diploma and a two-year State Teacher’s Certificate. In addition to aiding individuals, the school received an apportionment of $1,000 for maintaining courses in Home Economics, Agriculture, and Normal Training. This amount equals approximately $31,356 in today’s economy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704497107140.jpeg" alt="Ellis School ca 1911-ish. Courtesy Paul Kraus" />
 <figcaption>Ellis School ca 1911-ish. Courtesy Paul Kraus</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to previously mentioned classes, students could enroll in typewriting and commercial arithmetic. The forward-thinking board, placing music on par with regular studies, gave credit for outside work in music. The primary source stressed that work occurred under supervision of the school and competent instructors.The 1915 Prairie Thistle also contained the seniors’ last will and testament, pictures and descriptions of seniors, sports photos, predictions, club news, a list of graduates, and alumni notes detailing what past graduates were doing in 1915. Historically significant, candid photos depict the last high school class to graduate from the stone school building.Ellis-area railroad and agricultural pursuits continued to prosper. According to historian Eileen Langley, in 1916, the district built a brick building north of the stone school, establishing the older site as the grade school with the new brick construction designated as the high school.Ellis may have been far from the WWI battlefields of Europe, but war burdens soon combined with those the Spanish influenza epidemic created to do more than fill hospital beds and cemetery plots. One of many 1918 cancellations included the alumni banquet, according to Maxine Bradbury.Regaining momentum after WW I ended, regional communities, including Ellis, approved bond issues to build new high schools. Note dates on old school buildings to verify area-wide examples. Upon voter approval of a $100,000 bond, Ellis’s board chose a site across Big Creek on West Adams Street, now 11th Street. According to July 1926 Board Minutes, members met at the brick high school to determine necessary changes before moving the grade school into the recently constructed north building.This 1926 meeting led to alterations in the Ellis skyline. Once the physical transfer of students and materials from the stone school to the brick one occurred, the board elected to raze the stone building. Although the school proud citizens dreamed and built now exists only in old photos, masons incorporated its locally quarried limestone into several homes and a church in the community.Board minutes didn’t state the newer buildings helped maintain their budget, but they managed to educate Ellis students with an operating budget of $40, 070.55. This included salaries and operating expenditures.History reminds us nothing is static. World-wide and local changes clearly affected Ellis education.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7dbf4b2f-ff51-490e-96d4-527cf5ce1596">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 10</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5d3b0050-884e-43a6-8da4-9419e81bbf3f">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;9</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6046ee3c-c6c2-4d3a-adf3-98084fcf506b">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 8</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a410c8ea-2038-4aa9-bbac-4ba20e3dce59">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;7</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c4d25696-4e64-4f03-b53f-52322f5800a6">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;6</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d1be1bca-b1ce-4748-b41f-f04fdecdd0c9">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;5</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31162282-e1ad-4458-94c1-4efa3642155e">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part 3</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4116f584-aca2-45ea-92ea-f4cb948ad1af">Madorin: History of Ellis Schools, part&nbsp;2</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/539bba70-e799-4512-9cf1-809101486476">Madroirn: The beginning of Ellis schools</a>

MADORIN: History of Ellis Schools Part 11: 1915 -1926

By Karissa Winkel Cottonwood Extension District

Asking this question can reduce the risk of cancer for the whole family:

Radon is a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil. Outdoors, radon levels are low because they are diluted. However, in our homes, radon levels can build up and increase our risk of developing lung cancer. Radon enters our homes from the soil through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pits, etc. If the concentration of radon is increased, your family may be at risk.

The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it is the #1 cause of lung cancer in Kansas for nonsmokers. When you breathe in radon, it gets trapped in your lung tissue and gives off radiation that damages cells. Over time, this compound effect can cause lung cancer.

Homes with high radon levels have been found in every state, and radon levels can vary greatly in each home. In fact, your neighbor’s level can be very different from your own home’s level. According to the KDHE Kansas radon map, the average radon level is at least 4.6 pCi/ L which leads to 1 in 4 Kansas homes having high radon levels. Barton and Ellis Counties are both in the red with averages of 4.0 pCi/L or more.

The good news is that testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. Short-term radon kits are available in both the Hays and Great Bend extension offices for $7.50 or you can order online from Kansas State University at:<a href="https://sosradon.org/purchase-kits"> https://sosradon.org/purchase-kits</a>

The cost of a kit is a small price to pay for the peace of mind to ensure your home has safe radon levels. Get your kit in Hays at 601 Main St. or in Great Bend at 3007 10th St.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Karissa Winkel Cottonwood Extension DistrictAsking this question can reduce the risk of cancer for the whole family:“Have I tested our home for radon?”Radon is a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil. Outdoors, radon levels are low because they are diluted. However, in our homes, radon levels can build up and increase our risk of developing lung cancer. Radon enters our homes from the soil through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pits, etc. If the concentration of radon is increased, your family may be at risk.The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it is the #1 cause of lung cancer in Kansas for nonsmokers. When you breathe in radon, it gets trapped in your lung tissue and gives off radiation that damages cells. Over time, this compound effect can cause lung cancer.Homes with high radon levels have been found in every state, and radon levels can vary greatly in each home. In fact, your neighbor’s level can be very different from your own home’s level. According to the KDHE Kansas radon map, the average radon level is at least 4.6 pCi/ L which leads to 1 in 4 Kansas homes having high radon levels. Barton and Ellis Counties are both in the red with averages of 4.0 pCi/L or more.The good news is that testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. Short-term radon kits are available in both the Hays and Great Bend extension offices for $7.50 or you can order online from Kansas State University at:<a href="https://sosradon.org/purchase-kits"> https://sosradon.org/purchase-kits</a>The cost of a kit is a small price to pay for the peace of mind to ensure your home has safe radon levels. Get your kit in Hays at 601 Main St. or in Great Bend at 3007 10th St.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

WINKEL: Kansas Radon Action Month

By Monique Koerner Cottonwood Extension District

Happy 2024! Rolling over the calendar is always exciting to me. I love a fresh, new year for new ideas, new planning, and new things to try. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? I have planned resolutions as long as I can remember. Many people make commitments to be healthier, but then by February those commitments fall by the wayside when “life happens!” What are some things you can do to keep from losing your focus? Here are some tips:

Choosing too many goals can be overwhelming which can cause us to throw our hands up and quit. Pick one to two things you’d like to focus on and go full in.

What’s the old saying? “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Research what you want to do, how long will it take, what support or information do you need to reach your goal?

Write goals that are specific rather than vague. Something like “exercise more” or “eat more veggies” can be too vague to really measure, instead be more detailed. A more specific resolution would be, I will walk 20 minutes 3 times a week. An example of a specific nutrition goal would be “I will eat a serving of fruit with breakfast and a serving of vegetables with lunch and dinner.” Both of those are measurable goals you can check off your list and will give you a dopamine boost that will leave you feeling accomplished.

Don’t choose the same goal you have in the past and failed at. This sets you up for the same pitfalls that caused you to be derailed in the past. If you still want to work on the same goal as last year then re-word it, making it more specific.

Lean on the people around you to help you stay focused. Whether its co-workers, spouses, or friends, we need those around us to support us and motivate us. Share your goals with those around you.

It takes approximately 2 months to form a new habit. If life gets in the way, get back up, dust yourself off and start again. Resolutions don’t have to be all or nothing. Be forgiving to yourself. Life happens and one of the things we have to learn in order to accomplish hard things is the ability to do a little self-reflection about what went wrong and how do we fix it? You can also try tacking a new goal onto something you already do to help it become a habit. For example, during a morning or night routine try putting the new goal in during those already established routines.

My 2024 goal in the Cottonwood District is to focus on giving everyone in our community an opportunity to be active. The benefits to physical and mental health are numerous with even small amounts of activity. No matter how sedentary you have been, we have classes that will help you become more active. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy will begin on January 16, 2024. Walk Kansas will begin in March for people to form teams and stay active. Walk with Ease, is an Arthritis Foundation program, and is aimed at helping people stay active with chronic disease. All the classes are laid back, easy to access, and you can start where you are at. Come join us, you will not be disappointed. These classes are well researched to provide numerous benefits. If you have any questions, please get ahold of me! I look forward to meeting you in 2024!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Monique Koerner Cottonwood Extension DistrictHappy 2024! Rolling over the calendar is always exciting to me. I love a fresh, new year for new ideas, new planning, and new things to try. Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? I have planned resolutions as long as I can remember. Many people make commitments to be healthier, but then by February those commitments fall by the wayside when “life happens!” What are some things you can do to keep from losing your focus? Here are some tips:<h2>1. Be Picky</h2>Choosing too many goals can be overwhelming which can cause us to throw our hands up and quit. Pick one to two things you’d like to focus on and go full in.<h2>2. Plan</h2>What’s the old saying? “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Research what you want to do, how long will it take, what support or information do you need to reach your goal?<h2>3. Specific goals</h2>Write goals that are specific rather than vague. Something like “exercise more” or “eat more veggies” can be too vague to really measure, instead be more detailed. A more specific resolution would be, I will walk 20 minutes 3 times a week. An example of a specific nutrition goal would be “I will eat a serving of fruit with breakfast and a serving of vegetables with lunch and dinner.” Both of those are measurable goals you can check off your list and will give you a dopamine boost that will leave you feeling accomplished.<h2>4. Choose Something New</h2>Don’t choose the same goal you have in the past and failed at. This sets you up for the same pitfalls that caused you to be derailed in the past. If you still want to work on the same goal as last year then re-word it, making it more specific.<h2>5. Accountability Partners</h2>Lean on the people around you to help you stay focused. Whether its co-workers, spouses, or friends, we need those around us to support us and motivate us. Share your goals with those around you.<h2>6. Time to Become a Habit</h2>It takes approximately 2 months to form a new habit. If life gets in the way, get back up, dust yourself off and start again. Resolutions don’t have to be all or nothing. Be forgiving to yourself. Life happens and one of the things we have to learn in order to accomplish hard things is the ability to do a little self-reflection about what went wrong and how do we fix it? You can also try tacking a new goal onto something you already do to help it become a habit. For example, during a morning or night routine try putting the new goal in during those already established routines.My 2024 goal in the Cottonwood District is to focus on giving everyone in our community an opportunity to be active. The benefits to physical and mental health are numerous with even small amounts of activity. No matter how sedentary you have been, we have classes that will help you become more active. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy will begin on January 16, 2024. Walk Kansas will begin in March for people to form teams and stay active. Walk with Ease, is an Arthritis Foundation program, and is aimed at helping people stay active with chronic disease. All the classes are laid back, easy to access, and you can start where you are at. Come join us, you will not be disappointed. These classes are well researched to provide numerous benefits. If you have any questions, please get ahold of me! I look forward to meeting you in 2024!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: New Year, New Resolutions! 

By Michelle Beran Cottonwood Extension District

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

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

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

BERAN: New Year activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: The Legend of Sink Hole Sam

By Michael A. Smith Insight Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INSIGHT KANSAS: How to Get Election Security Right

By Stacy Campbell Cottonwood Extension District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

· Field Evaluations of Nitrogen-Fixing Products in Grain Sorghum

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

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