We liberal Christians are used to being overlooked. I was reminded of this the other day while discussing religion and politics with an otherwise smart, worldly, well-read former student who had never heard of liberal Christianity.

Liberal Christians are woven into the fabric of Kansas and American history. Without us, there might never have been an abolitionist or a civil rights movement.

Kansas Reflector reporters Sherman Smith and Rachel Mipro are trying to give us our due. Their recent series about religious faith and Kansas politics focuses on the Kansas Legislature’s 2023 session, particularly the priorities of fundamentalist, evangelical Christians. These include criminalizing abortion, mandating discrimination against LGBTQ persons, “parents’ rights,” promotion of religious schools instead of public ones, and attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

For balance, Smith and Mipro relied heavily on interviews with Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and United Church of Christ (UCC) Pastor. Schlingensiepen spoke of an inclusive church, the difference between personal faith and public legislation, representing the powerless, rejecting violence, and economic justice. Being UCC myself, I know all too well the tendency for people of faith to be stereotyped as anti-LGBTQ and as preoccupied with criminalizing abortion.

We believe that following the entire Bible literally is impossible. As A.J. Jacobs notes in The Year of Living Biblically, the Bible commands believers to avoid eating shellfish or wearing mixed-fiber clothing, for example, and men must not shave their beards. Those who do not keep the Sabbath holy are to be executed by stoning. Liberal Christians respond by focusing on what UCC theologian Marcus Borg called The Heart of Christianity–Jesus’ teachings through word and example. These teachings include humility, kindness, refraining from judging others, inclusiveness, economic justice, nonviolence, and speaking truth to power. If one does truly seek to follow the Bible as literally as possible, small, close-knit faith traditions such as Hasidic Jews or the Amish probably come the closest–but even they do not stone Sabbath-breakers.

Liberal Christians are not exclusively pro-choice. Some predominantly African-American Protestant churches and some Catholic congregations believe and practice the social justice gospel but also oppose abortion, for example. However, the UCC denomination and many other liberal Christians are openly, avowedly pro-choice. In an open letter published last year in the Wichita Eagle and signed by numerous UCC, United Methodist, and other clergy, these leaders called for Kansas voters to reject last year’s attempt to criminalize abortion, which they did. They argued that the Bible holds a woman’s body and her autonomy to be sacred. Not to be confused with being “pro-abortion,” the UCC and Unitarian Universalist Association co-publish Our Whole Lives, a sex-education curriculum for children and adults alike celebrating our bodies and calling for open communication, family planning, scientifically and medically accurate facts, and affirmative consent.

Must-read authors include Reinhold Niebuhr, who popularized the Serenity Prayer and influenced Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and several Presidents. Scholar Elaine Pagels has closely studied the Gnostics, early Christians whose unique understanding of the faith gives insights into the Christianity’s early days. Finally, the Jesus Seminar’s Five Gospels offers offers a historically-grounded reading of the traditional four gospel stories, plus the recently-discovered Gospel of Thomas.

Liberal Christians may not fit the stereotype, but we remain an active, ongoing part of Kansas’ civic culture and religious life.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>We liberal Christians are used to being overlooked. I was reminded of this the other day while discussing religion and politics with an otherwise smart, worldly, well-read former student who had never heard of liberal Christianity.Liberal Christians are woven into the fabric of Kansas and American history. Without us, there might never have been an abolitionist or a civil rights movement.Kansas Reflector reporters Sherman Smith and Rachel Mipro are trying to give us our due. Their recent series about religious faith and Kansas politics focuses on the Kansas Legislature’s 2023 session, particularly the priorities of fundamentalist, evangelical Christians. These include criminalizing abortion, mandating discrimination against LGBTQ persons, “parents’ rights,” promotion of religious schools instead of public ones, and attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.For balance, Smith and Mipro relied heavily on interviews with Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and United Church of Christ (UCC) Pastor. Schlingensiepen spoke of an inclusive church, the difference between personal faith and public legislation, representing the powerless, rejecting violence, and economic justice. Being UCC myself, I know all too well the tendency for people of faith to be stereotyped as anti-LGBTQ and as preoccupied with criminalizing abortion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We believe that following the entire Bible literally is impossible. As A.J. Jacobs notes in The Year of Living Biblically, the Bible commands believers to avoid eating shellfish or wearing mixed-fiber clothing, for example, and men must not shave their beards. Those who do not keep the Sabbath holy are to be executed by stoning. Liberal Christians respond by focusing on what UCC theologian Marcus Borg called The Heart of Christianity–Jesus’ teachings through word and example. These teachings include humility, kindness, refraining from judging others, inclusiveness, economic justice, nonviolence, and speaking truth to power. If one does truly seek to follow the Bible as literally as possible, small, close-knit faith traditions such as Hasidic Jews or the Amish probably come the closest–but even they do not stone Sabbath-breakers.Liberal Christians are not exclusively pro-choice. Some predominantly African-American Protestant churches and some Catholic congregations believe and practice the social justice gospel but also oppose abortion, for example. However, the UCC denomination and many other liberal Christians are openly, avowedly pro-choice. In an open letter published last year in the Wichita Eagle and signed by numerous UCC, United Methodist, and other clergy, these leaders called for Kansas voters to reject last year’s attempt to criminalize abortion, which they did. They argued that the Bible holds a woman’s body and her autonomy to be sacred. Not to be confused with being “pro-abortion,” the UCC and Unitarian Universalist Association co-publish Our Whole Lives, a sex-education curriculum for children and adults alike celebrating our bodies and calling for open communication, family planning, scientifically and medically accurate facts, and affirmative consent.Must-read authors include Reinhold Niebuhr, who popularized the Serenity Prayer and influenced Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and several Presidents. Scholar Elaine Pagels has closely studied the Gnostics, early Christians whose unique understanding of the faith gives insights into the Christianity’s early days. Finally, the Jesus Seminar’s Five Gospels offers offers a historically-grounded reading of the traditional four gospel stories, plus the recently-discovered Gospel of Thomas.Liberal Christians may not fit the stereotype, but we remain an active, ongoing part of Kansas’ civic culture and religious life.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: What is a liberal Christian?

By TISA MASON FHSU President

At Fort Hays State University, we foster an ethic of care for others beyond friendly and nice. This focus on cultivating intentional relationships that engage in people's stories, build self-confidence, and attend generously to each other's needs, is precisely why I love to write and talk about "Heart of a Tiger" stories.

This column's inspiring example of care started with an annual email from our Director of International Student Services, Carol Solko-Olliff, to the campus community. Each year, as Ramadan approaches, Carol sends a campus email to remind faculty and staff about the upcoming Ramadan observance. Ramadan is an Islam practice of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

In response to the email, our student affairs staff provided a private prayer room and transportation to a local mosque. Graduate Assistant Diane Hernandez-Ramirez, worked closely with the students to plan the event—pretty much standard protocol for FHSU.

But then, out of the kindness of her heart, Farheen Khan, Assistant Professor of Art and Design, read the email and immediately reached out to see how she could support the students.

Carol shared that the Muslim Student Organization was planning an educational event for the campus community about Ramadan, where the students would break their fast after the presentation and share a meal with those in attendance. Professor Khan immediately wanted to get involved and provide some food. Carol thought that was great.

What Carol did not know was "some food" turned out to be a feast! An entire table was filled with food, and she paid careful attention to how it was set out and presented. Carol said, "It was amazing!" The students were so excited and grateful for this act of kindness.

Professor Khan's support and commitment did not stop there; she continued to cook and support the students. She shared that her cultural values have always inspired her to care for others. "Sharing the Iftar feast with our community members and FHSU International Muslim students, who are away from their homes and observing fast, was an excellent way to foster a sense of connection and community."

Professor Khan also shared that organizing the meal took "good intention, patience, goal setting, time management, of course, cooking skills, and helping kids who were involved in planning and organizing. Everything was prepared on the same day; therefore, it was a complete process of planning, shopping, cooking, packing, transferring, presenting, and sharing." Ultimately, she planned and provided for four gatherings for our students over two consecutive weekends.

Carol was so taken by Professor Khan's kindness that she sent photos to several other administrators and me to share the joy and generosity of Farheen's kindness. It did not take long for many to comment and share.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation asks us to "imagine a world where you can succeed by being nice, where we all pay it forward. Where people look out for each other." They then declare, "It all starts with an act."

Thank you, Farheen Khan, for your generous act of kindness. It is a gesture that will live in the hearts of many. Like many acts of kindness, I continue to observe that the sharing of this story throughout campus has taken on a "life of its own."

In the meantime, our ethic of care culture ripples throughout our campus, in both big and small ways, to communicate "you matter." Our strength of connectedness provides an abundance of opportunities to amplify learning, and by doing so, develops generations primed for success who look out for each other – the essence of an engaged citizen leader.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentAt Fort Hays State University, we foster an ethic of care for others beyond friendly and nice. This focus on cultivating intentional relationships that engage in people's stories, build self-confidence, and attend generously to each other's needs, is precisely why I love to write and talk about "Heart of a Tiger" stories.This column's inspiring example of care started with an annual email from our Director of International Student Services, Carol Solko-Olliff, to the campus community. Each year, as Ramadan approaches, Carol sends a campus email to remind faculty and staff about the upcoming Ramadan observance. Ramadan is an Islam practice of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.In response to the email, our student affairs staff provided a private prayer room and transportation to a local mosque. Graduate Assistant Diane Hernandez-Ramirez, worked closely with the students to plan the event—pretty much standard protocol for FHSU.But then, out of the kindness of her heart, Farheen Khan, Assistant Professor of Art and Design, read the email and immediately reached out to see how she could support the students.Carol shared that the Muslim Student Organization was planning an educational event for the campus community about Ramadan, where the students would break their fast after the presentation and share a meal with those in attendance. Professor Khan immediately wanted to get involved and provide some food. Carol thought that was great.What Carol did not know was "some food" turned out to be a feast! An entire table was filled with food, and she paid careful attention to how it was set out and presented. Carol said, "It was amazing!" The students were so excited and grateful for this act of kindness.Professor Khan's support and commitment did not stop there; she continued to cook and support the students. She shared that her cultural values have always inspired her to care for others. "Sharing the Iftar feast with our community members and FHSU International Muslim students, who are away from their homes and observing fast, was an excellent way to foster a sense of connection and community."Professor Khan also shared that organizing the meal took "good intention, patience, goal setting, time management, of course, cooking skills, and helping kids who were involved in planning and organizing. Everything was prepared on the same day; therefore, it was a complete process of planning, shopping, cooking, packing, transferring, presenting, and sharing." Ultimately, she planned and provided for four gatherings for our students over two consecutive weekends.Carol was so taken by Professor Khan's kindness that she sent photos to several other administrators and me to share the joy and generosity of Farheen's kindness. It did not take long for many to comment and share.The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation asks us to "imagine a world where you can succeed by being nice, where we all pay it forward. Where people look out for each other." They then declare, "It all starts with an act."Thank you, Farheen Khan, for your generous act of kindness. It is a gesture that will live in the hearts of many. Like many acts of kindness, I continue to observe that the sharing of this story throughout campus has taken on a "life of its own."In the meantime, our ethic of care culture ripples throughout our campus, in both big and small ways, to communicate "you matter." Our strength of connectedness provides an abundance of opportunities to amplify learning, and by doing so, develops generations primed for success who look out for each other – the essence of an engaged citizen leader.

Heart of a Tiger: Farheen Khan and her spirit of generosity

By Clay Wirestone <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas Reflector’s comprehensive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/tag/series-church-and-state/">series on religion in public life</a>&nbsp;keeps making waves.

Throughout the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themercury.com/news/republicans-revel-in-divine-plan-to-turn-kansas-into-conservative-sanctuary/article_4a9bbd54-a6fd-5d05-b06f-41785cf4eff6.html">multiple news outlets</a>&nbsp;pick up our reporting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hiawathaworldonline.com/news/state/">for their audiences</a>. Politicians have taken note. Those at the center of the story have pushed back. In all cases, readers can see why compelling, fact-based journalism makes all the difference in a state where extremists covet greater and greater power.

When&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://conservativeinstitute.org/author/adam-peters">Adam Peters</a>&nbsp;— the Ellis County GOP chairman who called for the transformation of Kansas into a “conservative sanctuary” — was asked to comment on his statements by Kansas Reflector editor Sherman Smith, he didn’t respond. He had every right to do so.

Yet the day the series made its debut, the Ellis County Republican Party&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscountyksgop/posts/pfbid02Fidd5k4hb5iouiCozc9kCcsAheNHNXUeWuyH4ent8zNipgUsHESTae8JxusABhXml">posted a lengthy response</a>&nbsp;on its Facebook page. Here’s how the post began; I’m quoting it at length to show that we are more than willing to give Peters his say. Unfortunately, as will soon become clear, the party left out a bit.

On Monday, Kansas Reflector editor in chief Sherman Smith published allegations concerning a speech that Ellis County GOP Chairman Adam Peters delivered in March. Links to his speech as well as the accompanying Q&amp;A session are provided here, and they refute Smith’s claims:

Far from offering “hints of violence,” Peters explicitly disavowed any form of violence or harassment during his speech at the 27:33 mark, saying, “I’m not calling for, just to be clear in case anyone else is recording this, I’m not calling to ruin anyone’s life. I’m not supporting Antifa tactics.” That’s consistent with a speech he gave this month denouncing the concept of “Christian nationalism” and the use of violence to achieve political goals:

<a target="_blank" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frumble.com%2Fv2n1fdk-christian-nationalism-is-anti-christian-and-un-american.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1iwtFKxFoMvC8NIfUpoIkVGgxLQWy6oEZCQKg-yEKIkF4WnlyvKOkoJ64&amp;h=AT11VEpFM3U3N-QWhW4sAeVLvz10sI1NV1tYWTFEnoRJlmnK0yltISoCFZlE1ArCC9qJCwfSEvTiqAHWyNxcBUVTwkiDQEUiCaKRGZXXgsACu4ncVWxK-4lZQEhC40cNAQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT04nRdMrND-J7sOonF7cPHIAALbj_vIbMenTQWJPUmUbT_nk5juB8Nd_x5lRJ8R6uZ1dQc2xuP4Wl8_-sjnUc7hDEnGcL0IbPyP3EqN-65lHtsH2xRYsWlxzsdiWrwSAjW4LPVHIR8aR4-BDSwProG84uflWErPo57Zy_WJZNzA0bSA58unyn3kdrUrLv2ah3O_sxMnRS4Lk9dmJM29ZPj3">https://rumble.com/v2n1fdk-christian-nationalism-is-anti…</a>

What’s more, Peters implored his listeners at 17:57 of the Q&amp;A to treat others with dignity, including men and women who do not fit traditional gender norms. He stated that we “need to keep in mind there are people who are struggling, and we need to approach them with love and kindness.”

First off, Smith wasn’t claiming anything. He was reporting. That includes listening to recording of Peters’ appearance and drawing conclusions. That’s what journalists do.

While Peters may have said at one point that he didn’t support “Antifa tactics,” he did say that “We need to use the tools that are at our disposal. You know, if we look in scripture, there was a time when the nation of Israel had to take up arms in defense of themselves.”

You can draw your own conclusions after listening to the man himself. The Reflector stands by its reporting.

Of the videos from Reno County Republicans’ meeting,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2bn6qc-critical-theory-presentation-2.html?fbclid=IwAR1iwtFKxFoMvC8NIfUpoIkVGgxLQWy6oEZCQKg-yEKIkF4WnlyvKOkoJ64">the first</a>&nbsp;lasts 36 minutes and 15 seconds,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2nybzw-reno-county-presentation-q-and-a.html?fbclid=IwAR2V6Fc50wCsrKBUwqOAZW5YThxt_wiqim3X6hXR6ogy7-dnD1HNnxR9mrE">the second</a>&nbsp;lasts 25 minutes and seven seconds, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2nykzu-reno-co.-q-and-a-part-3.html?fbclid=IwAR0OGACSFyggjk73On8EccTu-Sgs4lLmkreWCJkvNNWe3smKmmgc3jgf2_c">the third</a>&nbsp;lasts one minute and 24 seconds. That adds up to one hour, two minutes and 46 seconds — although the first and second clips appear to overlap.

The recording that Kansas Reflector reporters reviewed totals one hour, 43 minutes and 17 seconds. In other words, it’s substantially longer and includes more discussion than the excerpts above.

Later in its statement (please read the rest if you feel ambitious), the party makes the following claim:

“Smith also contends that Peters accused ‘LGBTQ-friendly church pastors of having signed a contract with Satan.’ Anyone who watches the footage of the speech and Q&amp;A session will see that no such comment was made.”

Sure enough, you won’t see that statement in footage provided by the party. You won’t see it because it comes after the footage ends. In the recording Kansas Reflector reviewed, Peters’ makes those comments one hour and 13 minutes into the presentation. I’ll quote him directly.

“And that’s actually why we need to guard our churches,” Peters said. “There have been a growing number of churches that have been promoting drag shows. That they’re promoting just, you just look at this, and you think this is, this is satanic. You know, we were seeing about a contract with the devil before, and I’d have to seriously question what documents some of these pastors are signing.”

From my&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/a-year-ago-i-started-a-journey-as-kansas-reflector-opinion-editor-heres-what-i-learned/">perch as opinion editor</a>, I don’t think it’s a great look for a county party to make such easily disprovable statements. But then, I’m probably one of the people that Peters would want to create a “hostile environment” for and drive out of the state.

Let’s look at some more favorable reactions to the series.

Democratic Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, the senior minister at First Congregational Church in Topeka, was a major source for the series. He contributed again with a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2023/05/19/kansas-legislators-dont-have-christ-like-aims-its-about-power/70232845007/">column published last week</a>&nbsp;in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

He writes:&nbsp;“If these views were merely the day-dreaming of extreme activists, it could be brushed off as a fringe fever-dream. But, the sad fact is the majority of legislators have subscribed to this form of pseudo-religious manipulation.

“Crusading against those who are different from them has become standard practice for our Republican-dominated House and Senate. I have grave concerns not only for the future of our state but also the safety of those marginalized by the Legislature.”

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article275567036.html">contributed a piece</a>&nbsp;to the Kansas City Star over the weekend. I included an excerpt in my previous column.

But that wasn’t all! The Star published an earlier editorial about our work, titled “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article275480391.html">GOP chief wants to make Kansas ‘hostile’ to push out ‘bad people’ he disagrees with</a>.

“We also hope — but don’t fully expect — that many of Peters’ fellow Kansas Republicans reject his expressed desire to inflict misery on some of their constituents,” it concludes. “Kansas belongs to all Kansans, no matter their race, gender, orientation, faith or ideology. The state should be welcoming to all. Hateful policymaking and hints of brute force have no place here.”

Most geographically removed, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran its own editorial: “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-hot-mic-moment-for-kansas-gop-official-reveals-the-depth-of-partys-hostility/article_beffbcee-f4f7-11ed-9a55-cf93de8a81e7.html">Hot mic moment for Kansas GOP official reveals the depth of party’s hostility</a>.”

“Those who go out of their way to be ‘hostile’ to a ‘small sliver of society,’ when those targets aren’t hurting anyone, aren’t the ‘good people’ that the Kansas Republican chairman talked of wanting to keep in his state,” the paper’s editorial board thundered. “To use his own phrase,&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;the ‘bad people.’ And as long as the voters keep reelecting them, statehouses in Missouri and elsewhere will continue being playgrounds for these cynical bullies while the actual duties of government go unfulfilled.”

Finally, you can catch Reflector reporter Rachel Mipro — the other author of the series, along with Smith — on KCUR,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/kansas-city-today/2023-05-22/kansas-where-church-and-state-are-anything-but-separate">offering her perspective</a>.

Whew. That was a lot, but so is summarizing Kansas religious extremism. In the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.charlesdickensinfo.com/quotes/god-bless-us-every-one/">words of Tiny Tim</a>, as I wrap up today, “God bless us, every one.”

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/369ec344-c881-4d61-b32f-2d8128c04c5b">Counterpoint: Letter to the Editor: Ellis County GOP responds to church, state series</a>

By Clay Wirestone <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas Reflector’s comprehensive&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/tag/series-church-and-state/">series on religion in public life</a>&nbsp;keeps making waves.Throughout the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themercury.com/news/republicans-revel-in-divine-plan-to-turn-kansas-into-conservative-sanctuary/article_4a9bbd54-a6fd-5d05-b06f-41785cf4eff6.html">multiple news outlets</a>&nbsp;pick up our reporting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hiawathaworldonline.com/news/state/">for their audiences</a>. Politicians have taken note. Those at the center of the story have pushed back. In all cases, readers can see why compelling, fact-based journalism makes all the difference in a state where extremists covet greater and greater power.Let’s start with the offense-takers.When&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://conservativeinstitute.org/author/adam-peters">Adam Peters</a>&nbsp;— the Ellis County GOP chairman who called for the transformation of Kansas into a “conservative sanctuary” — was asked to comment on his statements by Kansas Reflector editor Sherman Smith, he didn’t respond. He had every right to do so.Yet the day the series made its debut, the Ellis County Republican Party&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscountyksgop/posts/pfbid02Fidd5k4hb5iouiCozc9kCcsAheNHNXUeWuyH4ent8zNipgUsHESTae8JxusABhXml">posted a lengthy response</a>&nbsp;on its Facebook page. Here’s how the post began; I’m quoting it at length to show that we are more than willing to give Peters his say. Unfortunately, as will soon become clear, the party left out a bit.On Monday, Kansas Reflector editor in chief Sherman Smith published allegations concerning a speech that Ellis County GOP Chairman Adam Peters delivered in March. Links to his speech as well as the accompanying Q&amp;A session are provided here, and they refute Smith’s claims:<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2bn6qc-critical-theory-presentation-2.html?fbclid=IwAR1iwtFKxFoMvC8NIfUpoIkVGgxLQWy6oEZCQKg-yEKIkF4WnlyvKOkoJ64">https://rumble.com/v2bn6qc-critical-theory-presentation-2…</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2nybzw-reno-county-presentation-q-and-a.html?fbclid=IwAR2V6Fc50wCsrKBUwqOAZW5YThxt_wiqim3X6hXR6ogy7-dnD1HNnxR9mrE">https://rumble.com/v2nybzw-reno-county-presentation-q-and…</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2nykzu-reno-co.-q-and-a-part-3.html?fbclid=IwAR0OGACSFyggjk73On8EccTu-Sgs4lLmkreWCJkvNNWe3smKmmgc3jgf2_c">https://rumble.com/v2nykzu-reno-co.-q-and-a-part-3.html</a></li>
 </ul>Far from offering “hints of violence,” Peters explicitly disavowed any form of violence or harassment during his speech at the 27:33 mark, saying, “I’m not calling for, just to be clear in case anyone else is recording this, I’m not calling to ruin anyone’s life. I’m not supporting Antifa tactics.” That’s consistent with a speech he gave this month denouncing the concept of “Christian nationalism” and the use of violence to achieve political goals:<a target="_blank" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frumble.com%2Fv2n1fdk-christian-nationalism-is-anti-christian-and-un-american.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1iwtFKxFoMvC8NIfUpoIkVGgxLQWy6oEZCQKg-yEKIkF4WnlyvKOkoJ64&amp;h=AT11VEpFM3U3N-QWhW4sAeVLvz10sI1NV1tYWTFEnoRJlmnK0yltISoCFZlE1ArCC9qJCwfSEvTiqAHWyNxcBUVTwkiDQEUiCaKRGZXXgsACu4ncVWxK-4lZQEhC40cNAQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT04nRdMrND-J7sOonF7cPHIAALbj_vIbMenTQWJPUmUbT_nk5juB8Nd_x5lRJ8R6uZ1dQc2xuP4Wl8_-sjnUc7hDEnGcL0IbPyP3EqN-65lHtsH2xRYsWlxzsdiWrwSAjW4LPVHIR8aR4-BDSwProG84uflWErPo57Zy_WJZNzA0bSA58unyn3kdrUrLv2ah3O_sxMnRS4Lk9dmJM29ZPj3">https://rumble.com/v2n1fdk-christian-nationalism-is-anti…</a>What’s more, Peters implored his listeners at 17:57 of the Q&amp;A to treat others with dignity, including men and women who do not fit traditional gender norms. He stated that we “need to keep in mind there are people who are struggling, and we need to approach them with love and kindness.”First off, Smith wasn’t claiming anything. He was reporting. That includes listening to recording of Peters’ appearance and drawing conclusions. That’s what journalists do.While Peters may have said at one point that he didn’t support “Antifa tactics,” he did say that “We need to use the tools that are at our disposal. You know, if we look in scripture, there was a time when the nation of Israel had to take up arms in defense of themselves.”You can draw your own conclusions after listening to the man himself. The Reflector stands by its reporting.Of the videos from Reno County Republicans’ meeting,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2bn6qc-critical-theory-presentation-2.html?fbclid=IwAR1iwtFKxFoMvC8NIfUpoIkVGgxLQWy6oEZCQKg-yEKIkF4WnlyvKOkoJ64">the first</a>&nbsp;lasts 36 minutes and 15 seconds,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2nybzw-reno-county-presentation-q-and-a.html?fbclid=IwAR2V6Fc50wCsrKBUwqOAZW5YThxt_wiqim3X6hXR6ogy7-dnD1HNnxR9mrE">the second</a>&nbsp;lasts 25 minutes and seven seconds, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://rumble.com/v2nykzu-reno-co.-q-and-a-part-3.html?fbclid=IwAR0OGACSFyggjk73On8EccTu-Sgs4lLmkreWCJkvNNWe3smKmmgc3jgf2_c">the third</a>&nbsp;lasts one minute and 24 seconds. That adds up to one hour, two minutes and 46 seconds — although the first and second clips appear to overlap.The recording that Kansas Reflector reporters reviewed totals one hour, 43 minutes and 17 seconds. In other words, it’s substantially longer and includes more discussion than the excerpts above.Later in its statement (please read the rest if you feel ambitious), the party makes the following claim:“Smith also contends that Peters accused ‘LGBTQ-friendly church pastors of having signed a contract with Satan.’ Anyone who watches the footage of the speech and Q&amp;A session will see that no such comment was made.”Sure enough, you won’t see that statement in footage provided by the party. You won’t see it because it comes after the footage ends. In the recording Kansas Reflector reviewed, Peters’ makes those comments one hour and 13 minutes into the presentation. I’ll quote him directly.“And that’s actually why we need to guard our churches,” Peters said. “There have been a growing number of churches that have been promoting drag shows. That they’re promoting just, you just look at this, and you think this is, this is satanic. You know, we were seeing about a contract with the devil before, and I’d have to seriously question what documents some of these pastors are signing.”From my&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/18/a-year-ago-i-started-a-journey-as-kansas-reflector-opinion-editor-heres-what-i-learned/">perch as opinion editor</a>, I don’t think it’s a great look for a county party to make such easily disprovable statements. But then, I’m probably one of the people that Peters would want to create a “hostile environment” for and drive out of the state.<h2>Commentary galore</h2>Let’s look at some more favorable reactions to the series.Democratic Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, the senior minister at First Congregational Church in Topeka, was a major source for the series. He contributed again with a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2023/05/19/kansas-legislators-dont-have-christ-like-aims-its-about-power/70232845007/">column published last week</a>&nbsp;in the Topeka Capital-Journal.He writes:&nbsp;“If these views were merely the day-dreaming of extreme activists, it could be brushed off as a fringe fever-dream. But, the sad fact is the majority of legislators have subscribed to this form of pseudo-religious manipulation.“Crusading against those who are different from them has become standard practice for our Republican-dominated House and Senate. I have grave concerns not only for the future of our state but also the safety of those marginalized by the Legislature.”Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article275567036.html">contributed a piece</a>&nbsp;to the Kansas City Star over the weekend. I included an excerpt in my previous column.But that wasn’t all! The Star published an earlier editorial about our work, titled “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article275480391.html">GOP chief wants to make Kansas ‘hostile’ to push out ‘bad people’ he disagrees with</a>.“We also hope — but don’t fully expect — that many of Peters’ fellow Kansas Republicans reject his expressed desire to inflict misery on some of their constituents,” it concludes. “Kansas belongs to all Kansans, no matter their race, gender, orientation, faith or ideology. The state should be welcoming to all. Hateful policymaking and hints of brute force have no place here.”Most geographically removed, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran its own editorial: “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-hot-mic-moment-for-kansas-gop-official-reveals-the-depth-of-partys-hostility/article_beffbcee-f4f7-11ed-9a55-cf93de8a81e7.html">Hot mic moment for Kansas GOP official reveals the depth of party’s hostility</a>.”“Those who go out of their way to be ‘hostile’ to a ‘small sliver of society,’ when those targets aren’t hurting anyone, aren’t the ‘good people’ that the Kansas Republican chairman talked of wanting to keep in his state,” the paper’s editorial board thundered. “To use his own phrase,&nbsp;they’re&nbsp;the ‘bad people.’ And as long as the voters keep reelecting them, statehouses in Missouri and elsewhere will continue being playgrounds for these cynical bullies while the actual duties of government go unfulfilled.”Finally, you can catch Reflector reporter Rachel Mipro — the other author of the series, along with Smith — on KCUR,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/kansas-city-today/2023-05-22/kansas-where-church-and-state-are-anything-but-separate">offering her perspective</a>.Whew. That was a lot, but so is summarizing Kansas religious extremism. In the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.charlesdickensinfo.com/quotes/god-bless-us-every-one/">words of Tiny Tim</a>, as I wrap up today, “God bless us, every one.”Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/369ec344-c881-4d61-b32f-2d8128c04c5b">Counterpoint: Letter to the Editor: Ellis County GOP responds to church, state series</a>

Opinion: Revelations of religious zealotry infiltrating Kansas politics raise alarms near, far

I am disappointed that Hays Post has chosen to republish a series of hit pieces from the Kansas Reflector, beginning on May 25 with an article titled, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/91d59ad2-4746-4767-b13f-7db8ec415e45">“Church and state: Republicans revel in the divine plan to turn Kansas into ‘conservative sanctuary.’”&nbsp;</a>

Written by Kansas Reflector editor-in-chief Sherman Smith, it relied on a deceptively edited audio recording to mischaracterize a speech I gave earlier this year.

The Ellis County Republican party has responded with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscountyksgop/posts/pfbid0jAGBrMPabe6L3fnSu6NHf9J6635pFhwxcUiu4SS6GGdcx9dmFrmZVgUWT6SrRHaGl" target="_blank">a statement</a> on its Facebook page which contains links to a video of <a href="https://rumble.com/v2bn6qc-critical-theory-presentation-2.html" target="_blank">my speech</a> along with the subsequent <a href="https://rumble.com/v2nybzw-reno-county-presentation-q-and-a.html" target="_blank">Q&amp;A session</a>.

Whereas Smith accused me of taking an “extremist position” on race, I unequivocally denounced any form of racial bigotry 12:26 minutes into my Q&amp;A, saying, “No one should ever be vilified, or blamed, or hurt, or discriminated against because of the way they happen to look.” I also asked listeners at 17:57 minutes to treat those who do not fit traditional gender norms with dignity, stressing how “we need to keep in mind there are people who are struggling, and we need to approach them with love and kindness.”&nbsp;

What’s more, I explicitly disavowed political violence at the 27:33 minute mark of my speech, saying, “I’m not calling to ruin anyone’s life. I’m not supporting Antifa tactics.” However, I did express a desire to turn Kansas into a sanctuary for those fleeing dysfunctional blue states, part of which involves improving our self-defense laws while ensuring our attorney general can target the criminal element and the violent political agitators who enable them.

Further, I decried the use of hateful material to indoctrinate children. As an example, I pointed to “Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness,” which is available at the Hays Public Library. Aimed at children ages 8 and up, it states on page 59 that white people made a deal with the devil to gain wealth and privilege at the expense of minorities (a screenshot of the page in question is included in our statement). In addition to vilifying white children, this message disempowers children of color by teaching that life is hopelessly stacked against them.&nbsp;

Decent Kansans are horrified to see children subjected to vile hate and they wish to be free from criminal violence. I and the Ellis County GOP will continue to fight for their values.

Adam Peters, Ellis County Republican Party Chairman

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c5771903-f517-4775-acd7-4f33951228ff">Counterpoint:&nbsp;Opinion: Revelations of religious zealotry infiltrating Kansas politics raise alarms near, far</a>

I am disappointed that Hays Post has chosen to republish a series of hit pieces from the Kansas Reflector, beginning on May 25 with an article titled, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/91d59ad2-4746-4767-b13f-7db8ec415e45">“Church and state: Republicans revel in the divine plan to turn Kansas into ‘conservative sanctuary.’”&nbsp;</a>Written by Kansas Reflector editor-in-chief Sherman Smith, it relied on a deceptively edited audio recording to mischaracterize a speech I gave earlier this year.The Ellis County Republican party has responded with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/elliscountyksgop/posts/pfbid0jAGBrMPabe6L3fnSu6NHf9J6635pFhwxcUiu4SS6GGdcx9dmFrmZVgUWT6SrRHaGl" target="_blank">a statement</a> on its Facebook page which contains links to a video of <a href="https://rumble.com/v2bn6qc-critical-theory-presentation-2.html" target="_blank">my speech</a> along with the subsequent <a href="https://rumble.com/v2nybzw-reno-county-presentation-q-and-a.html" target="_blank">Q&amp;A session</a>.Whereas Smith accused me of taking an “extremist position” on race, I unequivocally denounced any form of racial bigotry 12:26 minutes into my Q&amp;A, saying, “No one should ever be vilified, or blamed, or hurt, or discriminated against because of the way they happen to look.” I also asked listeners at 17:57 minutes to treat those who do not fit traditional gender norms with dignity, stressing how “we need to keep in mind there are people who are struggling, and we need to approach them with love and kindness.”&nbsp;What’s more, I explicitly disavowed political violence at the 27:33 minute mark of my speech, saying, “I’m not calling to ruin anyone’s life. I’m not supporting Antifa tactics.” However, I did express a desire to turn Kansas into a sanctuary for those fleeing dysfunctional blue states, part of which involves improving our self-defense laws while ensuring our attorney general can target the criminal element and the violent political agitators who enable them.Further, I decried the use of hateful material to indoctrinate children. As an example, I pointed to “Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness,” which is available at the Hays Public Library. Aimed at children ages 8 and up, it states on page 59 that white people made a deal with the devil to gain wealth and privilege at the expense of minorities (a screenshot of the page in question is included in our statement). In addition to vilifying white children, this message disempowers children of color by teaching that life is hopelessly stacked against them.&nbsp;Decent Kansans are horrified to see children subjected to vile hate and they wish to be free from criminal violence. I and the Ellis County GOP will continue to fight for their values.Adam Peters, Ellis County Republican Party Chairman <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c5771903-f517-4775-acd7-4f33951228ff">Counterpoint:&nbsp;Opinion: Revelations of religious zealotry infiltrating Kansas politics raise alarms near, far</a>

Letter to the Editor: Ellis County GOP chairman responds to church, state series

Governor Laura Kelly recently vetoed House Bill 2285, which would have restricted the ability of public health officials to respond to public health emergencies in the state of Kansas.

While Republican legislators will be unable to override this veto, bill proponents have promised this fight will continue next legislative session.

The legislature passed House Bill 2285, along narrow margins, in the final weeks of the legislative session. It would have removed the ability of public health officials, including local officials and the Kansas Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment (KDSE), to issue directives during public health emergencies, including orders that restrict gatherings and/or mandate isolation or quarantines for infected individuals.

The bill would have also limited the secretary’s ability to offer testing for infectious diseases and bar any requirement related to the COVID-19 vaccine for children enrolled in a childcare facility or school for the first time in Kansas.

While the bill would allow public health officials to make recommendations aimed at reducing the spread of infectious diseases, their authority would be greatly reduced, and law enforcement would not be required to enforce the implementation of these recommendations.

Had it been signed into law, the bill would have arguably left vulnerable populations, such as the young and immunocompromised, to fend for themselves in public places.

Proponents of the legislation argued that it protected individual liberty from unnecessary government regulation and intrusion. However, in doing so, it limited the ability of our local communities to respond to public health emergencies and prevent widespread infection of potentially life-threatening diseases.

The Kansas legislature is by no means alone in its attempt to restrict the power of public health officials in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Public health policy has become a recent battleground in the growing polarization of U.S. politics at all levels of government. During the past three years, more than 30 states have passed laws that limit the authority and the ability of these officials to respond to public health emergencies.

These state actions, including the bill passed by the Kansas legislature, are examples of the politicization of many state and local policy priorities in our heavily polarized, partisan environment.

Research published in the World Medical and Health Policy journal found that the party identification of a state's Governor was critical to explaining the nature and timing of state-level responses during the early stages of the pandemic, with Democratic governors being more likely to issue stay-at-home orders.

Survey research suggests that this polarization is also occurring in the streets of our communities. For example, a 2021 Pew Research survey found that while a majority of U.S. adults thought public health benefits were worth the cost of restrictions on public activity, a large minority of survey respondents (37%) thought the costs outweighed the benefits.

While recent state legislation restricting the power of public health officials is undoubtedly a reaction to government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will have an impact on future health emergencies.

Put simply, the ability of our public health officials to lead during the next crisis is being decided right now.

Brianne Heidbreder, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375743023.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Laura Kelly recently vetoed House Bill 2285, which would have restricted the ability of public health officials to respond to public health emergencies in the state of Kansas.While Republican legislators will be unable to override this veto, bill proponents have promised this fight will continue next legislative session.The legislature passed House Bill 2285, along narrow margins, in the final weeks of the legislative session. It would have removed the ability of public health officials, including local officials and the Kansas Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment (KDSE), to issue directives during public health emergencies, including orders that restrict gatherings and/or mandate isolation or quarantines for infected individuals.The bill would have also limited the secretary’s ability to offer testing for infectious diseases and bar any requirement related to the COVID-19 vaccine for children enrolled in a childcare facility or school for the first time in Kansas.While the bill would allow public health officials to make recommendations aimed at reducing the spread of infectious diseases, their authority would be greatly reduced, and law enforcement would not be required to enforce the implementation of these recommendations.Had it been signed into law, the bill would have arguably left vulnerable populations, such as the young and immunocompromised, to fend for themselves in public places.Proponents of the legislation argued that it protected individual liberty from unnecessary government regulation and intrusion. However, in doing so, it limited the ability of our local communities to respond to public health emergencies and prevent widespread infection of potentially life-threatening diseases.The Kansas legislature is by no means alone in its attempt to restrict the power of public health officials in the wake of the COVID pandemic.Public health policy has become a recent battleground in the growing polarization of U.S. politics at all levels of government. During the past three years, more than 30 states have passed laws that limit the authority and the ability of these officials to respond to public health emergencies.These state actions, including the bill passed by the Kansas legislature, are examples of the politicization of many state and local policy priorities in our heavily polarized, partisan environment.Research published in the World Medical and Health Policy journal found that the party identification of a state's Governor was critical to explaining the nature and timing of state-level responses during the early stages of the pandemic, with Democratic governors being more likely to issue stay-at-home orders.Survey research suggests that this polarization is also occurring in the streets of our communities. For example, a 2021 Pew Research survey found that while a majority of U.S. adults thought public health benefits were worth the cost of restrictions on public activity, a large minority of survey respondents (37%) thought the costs outweighed the benefits.While recent state legislation restricting the power of public health officials is undoubtedly a reaction to government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will have an impact on future health emergencies.Put simply, the ability of our public health officials to lead during the next crisis is being decided right now.Brianne Heidbreder, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

HEIDBREDER: Public health: The latest partisan battleground

First identified in 2008 as a potential pest of soybeans in the United States, trochanter mealybugs (Pseudococcus sp.) have a wide variety of hosts, including corn, sorghum and alfalfa. While their role as a pest of soybean is still not fully understood, it appears that this mealybug has the potential to be a problem in alfalfa and multiple infestations have been reported in southwest Kansas this season.

Trochanter mealybugs are small (~2mm) unarmored, scale insects. They are flattened, whitish, and wax-covered and feed on plant roots removing fluids from the plant with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Due to their small size and life history, they often go undetected. The motionless mealybugs you see with a dense wax coating are all females; large egg sacs are produced under the wax when mature. The eggs hatch and the immature “crawlers” are how the mealybugs disperse between plants. This stage is difficult to control because they can hide in extremely tight spaces. Males, who do not feed, will often go unnoticed as they are smaller, winged and look nothing like the females.

Mealybugs are also moved readily in irrigation water as the waxy covering on their bodies helps them survive being submerged. These insects tend to move the greatest distances with the help of ants. In fact, increased ant activity in infested fields is often noticed before mealybugs are discovered. The ants are tending the mealybugs to eat the honeydew the bugs excrete and in turn the ants protect them from predators.

Plants infested with these mealybugs typically look like they have a potassium deficiency with yellowed leaf margins, stunted growth, and parts of a field may fail to adequately green up. If fields display these symptoms and they cannot be explained by other factors, plants should be dug up and roots examined for the presence of these insects. Again, the presence of ants may be a clue and often small, sunken trails on the soil surface can be found that ants are using to move mealybugs around the field in.

There are no thresholds or control measures for this pest, and it is important to note that their waxy covering would make mealybugs very hard to control with contact insecticides, even when feeding in exposed locations. Crop rotation may help, but this pest can survive on several crop and weed species. Attempts to control the ants in a field would not eliminate the mealybug population.

The distribution of these mealybugs in Kansas alfalfa is not well understood. If you do find trochanter mealybugs in your fields, please do not hesitate to contact your local extension agent. To see pictures of this pest in Kansas alfalfa fields, simply type mealybugs in alfalfa, ksu into your internet browser box.

Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, Extension Entomologist in Garden City.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>First identified in 2008 as a potential pest of soybeans in the United States, trochanter mealybugs (Pseudococcus sp.) have a wide variety of hosts, including corn, sorghum and alfalfa. While their role as a pest of soybean is still not fully understood, it appears that this mealybug has the potential to be a problem in alfalfa and multiple infestations have been reported in southwest Kansas this season.Trochanter mealybugs are small (~2mm) unarmored, scale insects. They are flattened, whitish, and wax-covered and feed on plant roots removing fluids from the plant with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Due to their small size and life history, they often go undetected. The motionless mealybugs you see with a dense wax coating are all females; large egg sacs are produced under the wax when mature. The eggs hatch and the immature “crawlers” are how the mealybugs disperse between plants. This stage is difficult to control because they can hide in extremely tight spaces. Males, who do not feed, will often go unnoticed as they are smaller, winged and look nothing like the females.Mealybugs are also moved readily in irrigation water as the waxy covering on their bodies helps them survive being submerged. These insects tend to move the greatest distances with the help of ants. In fact, increased ant activity in infested fields is often noticed before mealybugs are discovered. The ants are tending the mealybugs to eat the honeydew the bugs excrete and in turn the ants protect them from predators.Plants infested with these mealybugs typically look like they have a potassium deficiency with yellowed leaf margins, stunted growth, and parts of a field may fail to adequately green up. If fields display these symptoms and they cannot be explained by other factors, plants should be dug up and roots examined for the presence of these insects. Again, the presence of ants may be a clue and often small, sunken trails on the soil surface can be found that ants are using to move mealybugs around the field in.There are no thresholds or control measures for this pest, and it is important to note that their waxy covering would make mealybugs very hard to control with contact insecticides, even when feeding in exposed locations. Crop rotation may help, but this pest can survive on several crop and weed species. Attempts to control the ants in a field would not eliminate the mealybug population.The distribution of these mealybugs in Kansas alfalfa is not well understood. If you do find trochanter mealybugs in your fields, please do not hesitate to contact your local extension agent. To see pictures of this pest in Kansas alfalfa fields, simply type mealybugs in alfalfa, ksu into your internet browser box.Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, Extension Entomologist in Garden City.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Mealybugs active in southwest Kansas

You don’t have to go to faraway countries – Greece, Cyprus or France, anyone? – to benefit from a popular style of eating.

In fact, Sharolyn Jackson says the Mediterranean diet is more a concept than a place.

“It really is an eating style that can have any flavor profile ” said Jackson, the state leader of K-State Research and Extension’s popular Walk Kansas program, a team-based challenge that encourages people to walk, jog, run, bike, swim and move however they want to live more healthfully.

As part of this year’s Walk Kansas, which wraps ups up May 20, K-State Research and Extension offered a six-week pilot course on eating the Mediterranean way.

“The Med way is just healthy eating,” Jackson said. “But there are a lot of reasons why people feel kind of stuck when it comes to healthy eating. They think that it’s too hard, or too confusing. They get a lot of mixed messages from different places. And then they have this idea that it’s too expensive. They think it doesn’t taste good…or they don’t have enough time to prepare foods or plan what they’re going to eat. And maybe they have limited cooking skills.”

Instead, the Mediterranean eating style can be simple, and summarized in seven steps:

· Change your protein. Choose white meat poultry, like chicken and turkey, and lean cuts of meat. Eat fish and seafood at least 2-3 times per week. Replace some of the meat in your diet with plant proteins. Eat red meat less often and choose leaner cuts. Eliminate processed meats or greatly limit them.

· Swap your fats. Instead of butter, use olive oil or canola oil for cooking foods. Don’t eliminate fats; just choose better ones.

· Eat more vegetables. Three cups of vegetables, per day, are recommended. Choose dark greens, and a variety of colors.

· Eat more fruits. Get at least two servings/cups of fruit per day. Choose a variety of colors and include berries often.

· Snack on nuts and seeds. Stick to about three ounces – about three small handfuls – so that you’re not over-doing it on the calories. Avoid nuts and seeds that are candied, honey roasted or high in salt.

· Choose whole grains. Choose whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, popcorn and whole grain bread and pasta. Look for the word “whole” as the first item on the ingredient list.

· Rethink your sweets. Limit intake to no more than three servings per week of high-sugar foods and drinks. Fruit is a good substitute for high-sugar desserts.

These recommendations, don’t need to be abrupt changes. Move yourself slowly away (from your current eating habits) so that you feel like you’re not being deprived, but rather working toward making it a habit.

These recommendations come from a curriculum titled, Med Instead of meds, developed by North Carolina state professor and registered dietitian nutritionist Carolyn Dunn. Additional resources are available online at <a href="https://medinsteadofmeds.com/">https://medinsteadofmeds.com</a>.

Up to two-thirds of chronic diseases – like diabetes and heart disease – can be prevented by lifestyle changes, specifically diet and exercise. Research has shown the connection between lifestyle and chronic disease for some time, and it’s provided insight into some of the ways to move people in the right direction for making those lifestyle changes.

The Ellis County office of the Cottonwood District will have a Med Instead of Meds Taste Testing party on May 24, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at 601 Main to celebrate the end of Walk Kansas. Anyone is invited to attend to learn more about Med Instead of Meds program and try a few recipes. Please RSVP to moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430.

To learn about future programs on the Mediterranean style of eating, interested persons may contact their local Kansas extension office. More information about Walk Kansas also is available at <a href="https://www.walkkansas.org">https://www.walkkansas.org</a>.

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="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>You don’t have to go to faraway countries – Greece, Cyprus or France, anyone? – to benefit from a popular style of eating.In fact, Sharolyn Jackson says the Mediterranean diet is more a concept than a place.“It really is an eating style that can have any flavor profile ” said Jackson, the state leader of K-State Research and Extension’s popular Walk Kansas program, a team-based challenge that encourages people to walk, jog, run, bike, swim and move however they want to live more healthfully.As part of this year’s Walk Kansas, which wraps ups up May 20, K-State Research and Extension offered a six-week pilot course on eating the Mediterranean way.“The Med way is just healthy eating,” Jackson said. “But there are a lot of reasons why people feel kind of stuck when it comes to healthy eating. They think that it’s too hard, or too confusing. They get a lot of mixed messages from different places. And then they have this idea that it’s too expensive. They think it doesn’t taste good…or they don’t have enough time to prepare foods or plan what they’re going to eat. And maybe they have limited cooking skills.”Instead, the Mediterranean eating style can be simple, and summarized in seven steps:· Change your protein. Choose white meat poultry, like chicken and turkey, and lean cuts of meat. Eat fish and seafood at least 2-3 times per week. Replace some of the meat in your diet with plant proteins. Eat red meat less often and choose leaner cuts. Eliminate processed meats or greatly limit them.· Swap your fats. Instead of butter, use olive oil or canola oil for cooking foods. Don’t eliminate fats; just choose better ones.· Eat more vegetables. Three cups of vegetables, per day, are recommended. Choose dark greens, and a variety of colors.· Eat more fruits. Get at least two servings/cups of fruit per day. Choose a variety of colors and include berries often.· Snack on nuts and seeds. Stick to about three ounces – about three small handfuls – so that you’re not over-doing it on the calories. Avoid nuts and seeds that are candied, honey roasted or high in salt.· Choose whole grains. Choose whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, popcorn and whole grain bread and pasta. Look for the word “whole” as the first item on the ingredient list.· Rethink your sweets. Limit intake to no more than three servings per week of high-sugar foods and drinks. Fruit is a good substitute for high-sugar desserts.These recommendations, don’t need to be abrupt changes. Move yourself slowly away (from your current eating habits) so that you feel like you’re not being deprived, but rather working toward making it a habit.These recommendations come from a curriculum titled, Med Instead of meds, developed by North Carolina state professor and registered dietitian nutritionist Carolyn Dunn. Additional resources are available online at <a href="https://medinsteadofmeds.com/">https://medinsteadofmeds.com</a>.Up to two-thirds of chronic diseases – like diabetes and heart disease – can be prevented by lifestyle changes, specifically diet and exercise. Research has shown the connection between lifestyle and chronic disease for some time, and it’s provided insight into some of the ways to move people in the right direction for making those lifestyle changes.The Ellis County office of the Cottonwood District will have a Med Instead of Meds Taste Testing party on May 24, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at 601 Main to celebrate the end of Walk Kansas. Anyone is invited to attend to learn more about Med Instead of Meds program and try a few recipes. Please RSVP to moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430.To learn about future programs on the Mediterranean style of eating, interested persons may contact their local Kansas extension office. More information about Walk Kansas also is available at <a href="https://www.walkkansas.org">https://www.walkkansas.org</a>.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: Healthy lifestyle changes are key to successful aging

Seems like it is everywhere! You have probably heard about the risks of consuming too much sugar but what are some practical tips to reduce added sugars in our diet? Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods/ beverages when they are processed or prepared. Added sugar is in 80 percent of the products at the grocery store. Most of us eat and drink more sugar than we realize.

Adding sugar to processed foods makes them more appealing and tastier. Sugar gives baked items flavor, texture and color. It helps preserve foods and it fuels fermentation, enabling bread to rise. Sugar also serves as a bulking agent in baked goods and ice cream, and it balances the acidity of foods containing vinegar and tomatoes. Sugar is often added to foods advertised as low-fat because it gives the food more flavor after removing the fat.

So, how much added sugar is too much? The Dietary Guidelines for American recommend you limit added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories. If you eat about 2,000 calories a day, you should limit added sugars to about 12 teaspoons or 48 grams. To put this in perspective, a 12-ounce can of soda has about 10 teaspoons (40 grams) of sugar.

You will be surprised by products that contain high amounts of added sugar, so the best way to make informed decisions is to read labels. The Nutrition Facts label displays the total amount of all sugars (natural and added) found in a serving of the product. There is also a line for added sugars. Another option is to look at the ingredient list on the package. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if sugar is one of the first few ingredients the product is likely high in added sugars.

· Start by drinking water and other beverages that don’t contain sugar or artificial sugars. One rule that many find useful is to not drink sugar. Add fresh fruit and herbs to your water for a bit of flavor.

· When you drink fruit juice, make sure it is 100% juice, and better yet, eat the fruit!

· Choose breakfast cereals with less sugar.

· Go for fresh or frozen fruit as dessert.

· Buy canned fruit packed in water or juice, not syrup.

· Choose nutrient-rich snacks like vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheese, nuts, whole grain crackers, and low-calorie yogurt instead of candy, pastries, and cookies.

· When you have a dessert high in sugar, share it with others. Sometimes all you need is a bite or two to satisfy a craving.

· Store-bought marinara sauces are often high in sugar and salt. The best is to make your own from fresh tomatoes.

I hope you find these tips useful as we navigate the next few weeks of celebrations. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sugar!Seems like it is everywhere! You have probably heard about the risks of consuming too much sugar but what are some practical tips to reduce added sugars in our diet? Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods/ beverages when they are processed or prepared. Added sugar is in 80 percent of the products at the grocery store. Most of us eat and drink more sugar than we realize.Adding sugar to processed foods makes them more appealing and tastier. Sugar gives baked items flavor, texture and color. It helps preserve foods and it fuels fermentation, enabling bread to rise. Sugar also serves as a bulking agent in baked goods and ice cream, and it balances the acidity of foods containing vinegar and tomatoes. Sugar is often added to foods advertised as low-fat because it gives the food more flavor after removing the fat.So, how much added sugar is too much? The Dietary Guidelines for American recommend you limit added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories. If you eat about 2,000 calories a day, you should limit added sugars to about 12 teaspoons or 48 grams. To put this in perspective, a 12-ounce can of soda has about 10 teaspoons (40 grams) of sugar.You will be surprised by products that contain high amounts of added sugar, so the best way to make informed decisions is to read labels. The Nutrition Facts label displays the total amount of all sugars (natural and added) found in a serving of the product. There is also a line for added sugars. Another option is to look at the ingredient list on the package. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if sugar is one of the first few ingredients the product is likely high in added sugars.To reduce added sugars in your diet:· Start by drinking water and other beverages that don’t contain sugar or artificial sugars. One rule that many find useful is to not drink sugar. Add fresh fruit and herbs to your water for a bit of flavor.· When you drink fruit juice, make sure it is 100% juice, and better yet, eat the fruit!· Choose breakfast cereals with less sugar.· Go for fresh or frozen fruit as dessert.· Buy canned fruit packed in water or juice, not syrup.· Choose nutrient-rich snacks like vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheese, nuts, whole grain crackers, and low-calorie yogurt instead of candy, pastries, and cookies.· When you have a dessert high in sugar, share it with others. Sometimes all you need is a bite or two to satisfy a craving.· Store-bought marinara sauces are often high in sugar and salt. The best is to make your own from fresh tomatoes.I hope you find these tips useful as we navigate the next few weeks of celebrations. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.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: Reduce your sugar 

Content Warning: This column contains discussion of gun violence and gun related homicide and suicide.

Medicaid expansion has been a hot topic over the past decade. Despite many states across the country expanding their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, Kansas has yet to do so.

According to the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, nearly 76% of Kansans support KanCare expansion — KanCare is the name of the state’s Medicaid program.

Despite extremely high levels of public support, the state legislature has failed to expand KanCare. The reason is most often attributed to partisan politics.

However, opponents of KanCare expansion may want to take a second look at some specific benefits of extending the program — 90% of which would be paid for by the federal government.

The RAND Corporation, a non-partisan policy think tank, has published new data about state-level firearm related deaths.

According to their findings, Kansas’ firearm death rates are 24% higher than the national average. This high percentage is driven mostly by the state’s firearm death by suicide rate, which is 46% higher than the national average.

Firearm homicides are 7% lower in Kansas than the national average.

Contrary to popular belief, gun violence is not unique to urban areas.

New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) last month finds that gun violence is not even predominantly an urban issue — an argument that is generally used as justification for loosening gun laws. Rather, all areas of Kansas are impacted by gun violence. Especially self-harm via firearms.

In Kansas’ rural areas, firearm deaths are 14% higher than the national average, firearm deaths by suicide are 25% higher, and rural firearm homicides are 9% lower.

What does this have to do with KanCare expansion?

Research from the Kaiser Foundation finds that Medicaid expansion increases access to care for adults with mental health conditions, such as depression.

Medicaid expansion is associated with an increase in the number of mental health facilities accepting Medicaid patients and an increase in the number of visits individual patients make to mental health providers.

Medicaid expansion is especially beneficial in providing much needed mental healthcare to rural residents, as nearly half of all mental health professional shortage areas nationally are located in rural areas.

Furthermore, a report from the Kansas Health Institute and the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas found that an estimated 24,154 Kansans are likely to use extended mental and behavioral health services under KanCare expansion.

Another research study published in JAMA, this one in June 2022, finds that an average of 1818 deaths by suicide were averted in Medicaid expansion states after the expansions — mostly among 20-29 year olds.

Expanding KanCare could — and based on the research likely would — prevent firearms deaths, especially those by suicide, in our state.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Content Warning: This column contains discussion of gun violence and gun related homicide and suicide.Medicaid expansion has been a hot topic over the past decade. Despite many states across the country expanding their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, Kansas has yet to do so.According to the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, nearly 76% of Kansans support KanCare expansion — KanCare is the name of the state’s Medicaid program.Despite extremely high levels of public support, the state legislature has failed to expand KanCare. The reason is most often attributed to partisan politics.However, opponents of KanCare expansion may want to take a second look at some specific benefits of extending the program — 90% of which would be paid for by the federal government.The RAND Corporation, a non-partisan policy think tank, has published new data about state-level firearm related deaths.According to their findings, Kansas’ firearm death rates are 24% higher than the national average. This high percentage is driven mostly by the state’s firearm death by suicide rate, which is 46% higher than the national average.Firearm homicides are 7% lower in Kansas than the national average.Contrary to popular belief, gun violence is not unique to urban areas.New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) last month finds that gun violence is not even predominantly an urban issue — an argument that is generally used as justification for loosening gun laws. Rather, all areas of Kansas are impacted by gun violence. Especially self-harm via firearms.In Kansas’ rural areas, firearm deaths are 14% higher than the national average, firearm deaths by suicide are 25% higher, and rural firearm homicides are 9% lower.What does this have to do with KanCare expansion?<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Research from the Kaiser Foundation finds that Medicaid expansion increases access to care for adults with mental health conditions, such as depression.Medicaid expansion is associated with an increase in the number of mental health facilities accepting Medicaid patients and an increase in the number of visits individual patients make to mental health providers.Medicaid expansion is especially beneficial in providing much needed mental healthcare to rural residents, as nearly half of all mental health professional shortage areas nationally are located in rural areas.Furthermore, a report from the Kansas Health Institute and the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas found that an estimated 24,154 Kansans are likely to use extended mental and behavioral health services under KanCare expansion.Another research study published in JAMA, this one in June 2022, finds that an average of 1818 deaths by suicide were averted in Medicaid expansion states after the expansions — mostly among 20-29 year olds.Expanding KanCare could — and based on the research likely would — prevent firearms deaths, especially those by suicide, in our state.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Firearms related deaths are high in Kansas, KanCare expansion could help

BOWERS: Senate Scene 2023 legislative wrap-up

The first Wheat Rx field day will be offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.&nbsp;Thursday, May 25 at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays, 1232 240th Ave.

This is a collaboration between K-State Research &amp; Extension and the Kansas Wheat Commission.

Growers and anyone interested will have the opportunity to see hands-on the most updated research on growing high-yield, high-quality, economically feasible wheat.

Crop walks include breeding nurseries, long-term fertility and tillage experiments, improved agronomy management and disease control trials, finishing up with an inside talk about recent economics of wheat production.

Attendance is free but registration is requested at <a href="https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays">https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays</a> for headcount a light breakfast and a lunch meal will be provided.

• 8 a.m. — Coffee and registration • 8:40 a.m. — Meeting kickoff and quick overview – Aaron Harries • 9 to 9:30 am: Guorong Zhang: Wheat research for western Kansas • 9:40 – 10:10 am: Augustine Obour: What we have learned after 48 years of tillage and N fertility management research • 10:20 – 10:50 a.m.: Romulo Lollato: Wheat agronomy intensification for combined food security and environmental stewardship • 10:50 – 11:20 a.m.: Kelsey Onofre: Wheat disease update and management • 11:30 a.m. — Lucas Haag: Economics of wheat production • noon — lunch RSVP requested at https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays

If you have any questions, give me a call at the Cottonwood Extension District office in Hays.

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

The first Wheat Rx field day will be offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.&nbsp;Thursday, May 25 at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays, 1232 240th Ave.This is a collaboration between K-State Research &amp; Extension and the Kansas Wheat Commission.Growers and anyone interested will have the opportunity to see hands-on the most updated research on growing high-yield, high-quality, economically feasible wheat.Crop walks include breeding nurseries, long-term fertility and tillage experiments, improved agronomy management and disease control trials, finishing up with an inside talk about recent economics of wheat production.Attendance is free but registration is requested at <a href="https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays">https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays</a> for headcount a light breakfast and a lunch meal will be provided.• 8 a.m. — Coffee and registration • 8:40 a.m. — Meeting kickoff and quick overview – Aaron Harries • 9 to 9:30 am: Guorong Zhang: Wheat research for western Kansas • 9:40 – 10:10 am: Augustine Obour: What we have learned after 48 years of tillage and N fertility management research • 10:20 – 10:50 a.m.: Romulo Lollato: Wheat agronomy intensification for combined food security and environmental stewardship • 10:50 – 11:20 a.m.: Kelsey Onofre: Wheat disease update and management • 11:30 a.m. — Lucas Haag: Economics of wheat production • noon — lunch RSVP requested at https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-haysIf you have any questions, give me a call at the Cottonwood Extension District office in Hays.Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District, which includes Barton and Ellis counties, for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Wheat Rx Field Day – May 25 Hays

They waited ‘til the midnight hour, almost, it was the evening of the final day of the 2023 legislative session when lawmakers compromised on school funding and school choice voucher bills.

Republicans, Democrats, legislators from rural counties, and urbanites from up-scale northeast suburbs had been arguing almost non-stop since January.&nbsp;

Since no group is happy with the Friday outcome, the closing bill SB113&nbsp;appears to be a true compromise.

The bill proves some sense of rational lawmaking prevailed and it will go forward for the governor’s approval or veto.

Fortunately, SB113&nbsp;continues the court-required education spending plan at S6.4 billion for the next two years but doesn’t include an additional $72 million for special education to meet the state’s statutory requirements.

Gone is the previous legislative proposal to award about $5,000 from the public school budget to current private school students who’ve never attended public school.

&nbsp;Gone is the proposal to give $1,000 to each public school student next year for educational support such as tutoring or piano lessons.

Gone are the most egregious school choice schemes—Education Savings Accounts.&nbsp; This proposal would have awarded about $5,000 of taxpayer funds for any public school student to attend private school, for homeschooling or to spend on academic learning services—all without adequate oversight or evaluation. Also gone is the ESA plan’s most recent iteration that would have awarded $5,000 vouchers to individual students but only those in the 10 most populous Kansas counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The compromise bill, however, does expand&nbsp;school choice through the state’s single existing school choice program originally designed as scholarships for low-income, low-performing students.

The 2023 bill would extend scholarship opportunities to students whose families earn up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, currently $69,375 for a family of four.&nbsp; Recipients would be eligible for up to $8,000 per year to attend private schools that are accredited or are “working toward accreditation.”&nbsp;

The scholarships are financed by individual and corporate donations that would give a 75 percent tax credit for donations up to $500,000 per year with fund disbursements capped at $10 million per year.

School choice supporters can claim compromise benefits because more Kansas students will have the opportunity to finance private schooling at least partially.&nbsp;

School advocates gave up fully funding special education and accepted tax credit funding but can claim compromise benefits because ESA vouchers, the greatest threat to free public education for all, were averted.&nbsp;

Tax credit scholarships drain taxpayer dollars indirectly because they diminish the larger, general fund. ESAs pull taxpayer dollars directly from budgeted school funds and thus weaken rural and small-town schools as well as fragment the education experience into multiple for-profit, ideological and religious segments that weakens the capability for citizenship instruction, a central mission of public schools.

As the single unifying institution of Kansas’ increasingly diverse population, safeguarding our local schools is vital.

It’s unfortunate that so much time was wasted in quarrels over school choice when it could have been devoted to important school needs like safety and security for students and teachers or ensuring all Kansas students have learning technology and internet access at home and school or increasing student achievement.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, with the session behind us, we should respect our lawmakers’ passion and acknowledge their ability to compromise, though long overdue.&nbsp; As has been often said, “better late than never.”

Sharon Hartin Iorio is the dean emerita of the Wichita State University College of Education.

Sources used in this report:&nbsp;KASB Resources—News; Sunflower State Journal; SB113.

They waited ‘til the midnight hour, almost, it was the evening of the final day of the 2023 legislative session when lawmakers compromised on school funding and school choice voucher bills.Republicans, Democrats, legislators from rural counties, and urbanites from up-scale northeast suburbs had been arguing almost non-stop since January.&nbsp;Since no group is happy with the Friday outcome, the closing bill SB113&nbsp;appears to be a true compromise.The bill proves some sense of rational lawmaking prevailed and it will go forward for the governor’s approval or veto.Fortunately, SB113&nbsp;continues the court-required education spending plan at S6.4 billion for the next two years but doesn’t include an additional $72 million for special education to meet the state’s statutory requirements.Gone is the previous legislative proposal to award about $5,000 from the public school budget to current private school students who’ve never attended public school.&nbsp;Gone is the proposal to give $1,000 to each public school student next year for educational support such as tutoring or piano lessons.Gone are the most egregious school choice schemes—Education Savings Accounts.&nbsp; This proposal would have awarded about $5,000 of taxpayer funds for any public school student to attend private school, for homeschooling or to spend on academic learning services—all without adequate oversight or evaluation. Also gone is the ESA plan’s most recent iteration that would have awarded $5,000 vouchers to individual students but only those in the 10 most populous Kansas counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;The compromise bill, however, does expand&nbsp;school choice through the state’s single existing school choice program originally designed as scholarships for low-income, low-performing students.The 2023 bill would extend scholarship opportunities to students whose families earn up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, currently $69,375 for a family of four.&nbsp; Recipients would be eligible for up to $8,000 per year to attend private schools that are accredited or are “working toward accreditation.”&nbsp;The scholarships are financed by individual and corporate donations that would give a 75 percent tax credit for donations up to $500,000 per year with fund disbursements capped at $10 million per year.School choice supporters can claim compromise benefits because more Kansas students will have the opportunity to finance private schooling at least partially.&nbsp;School advocates gave up fully funding special education and accepted tax credit funding but can claim compromise benefits because ESA vouchers, the greatest threat to free public education for all, were averted.&nbsp;Tax credit scholarships drain taxpayer dollars indirectly because they diminish the larger, general fund. ESAs pull taxpayer dollars directly from budgeted school funds and thus weaken rural and small-town schools as well as fragment the education experience into multiple for-profit, ideological and religious segments that weakens the capability for citizenship instruction, a central mission of public schools.As the single unifying institution of Kansas’ increasingly diverse population, safeguarding our local schools is vital.It’s unfortunate that so much time was wasted in quarrels over school choice when it could have been devoted to important school needs like safety and security for students and teachers or ensuring all Kansas students have learning technology and internet access at home and school or increasing student achievement.&nbsp;Nevertheless, with the session behind us, we should respect our lawmakers’ passion and acknowledge their ability to compromise, though long overdue.&nbsp; As has been often said, “better late than never.”Sharon Hartin Iorio is the dean emerita of the Wichita State University College of Education.Sources used in this report:&nbsp;KASB Resources—News; Sunflower State Journal; SB113.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Legislative school choice battles: The aftermath

By MONIQUE KOERNER KSRE Cottonwood Dist.&nbsp;

I’m writing this article on May Day! I was always excited for May Day when I was a kid because my mother and I had a tradition. 

I would make construction paper baskets and then we would go around Hays looking for flowers such as tulips and lilacs that were blooming. We would knock on doors and politely ask the homes occupant if we could snip a couple of flowers for our May Day baskets. Most of the time people were happy to help. Then we would place the flowers and some other sweet treats in my home-made construction paper baskets and take them to a few friends and my teachers. With May Day baskets, you ring the door bell and then leave to allow the basket to be an anonymous gift for the recipient. I was always so excited to go to school the next day and see if my teachers and friends enjoyed their May Day baskets. I enjoyed showing my children how to make the baskets and deliver them when they were young also.

I share this story because May is also Mental Health Awareness month. This story brings to light many things we can do for our mental health. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut mentally and emotionally, a few simple changes may help you break free:

• Take media breaks. Limit how much you are watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Instead, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warmth and breeze.

• Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

• Connect with others. Do something kind for someone.

Making May Day baskets can incorporate many of these items such as getting outside and enjoying nature or get some exercise, connecting with others, and doing enjoyable activities. Giving to others can help you change your mindset.

May Day baskets can also be a wonderful parent-child activity to do together. What better way to help a parent or child’s mental health then spending time together doing something fun and meaningful? If you do it yearly, it can become a tradition. Traditions within families help children feel a sense of belonging and worth.

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="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER KSRE Cottonwood Dist.&nbsp;I’m writing this article on May Day! I was always excited for May Day when I was a kid because my mother and I had a tradition. I would make construction paper baskets and then we would go around Hays looking for flowers such as tulips and lilacs that were blooming. We would knock on doors and politely ask the homes occupant if we could snip a couple of flowers for our May Day baskets. Most of the time people were happy to help. Then we would place the flowers and some other sweet treats in my home-made construction paper baskets and take them to a few friends and my teachers. With May Day baskets, you ring the door bell and then leave to allow the basket to be an anonymous gift for the recipient. I was always so excited to go to school the next day and see if my teachers and friends enjoyed their May Day baskets. I enjoyed showing my children how to make the baskets and deliver them when they were young also.I share this story because May is also Mental Health Awareness month. This story brings to light many things we can do for our mental health. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut mentally and emotionally, a few simple changes may help you break free:• Take media breaks. Limit how much you are watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Instead, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warmth and breeze.• Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.• Connect with others. Do something kind for someone.Making May Day baskets can incorporate many of these items such as getting outside and enjoying nature or get some exercise, connecting with others, and doing enjoyable activities. Giving to others can help you change your mindset.May Day baskets can also be a wonderful parent-child activity to do together. What better way to help a parent or child’s mental health then spending time together doing something fun and meaningful? If you do it yearly, it can become a tradition. Traditions within families help children feel a sense of belonging and worth.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: It's May!

I love getting to highlight all of the different projects that 4-H offers! While livestock is usually the first thing that people think of, I have highlighted eighteen projects over the last few weeks and, while several have been related to agriculture, none have been our livestock projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682675861117.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran&nbsp;&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran&nbsp;&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I love getting to highlight all of the different projects that 4-H offers! While livestock is usually the first thing that people think of, I have highlighted eighteen projects over the last few weeks and, while several have been related to agriculture, none have been our livestock projects.This week I am starting off with the Rabbit project! Rabbits are a great small animal project and help teach animal science and responsibility as well as a multitude of specific features of different breeds, and grooming and showmanship. I had no idea there were so many types of rabbits! Additionally, youth can experience learning to judge rabbits.Another small species project is poultry. While we generally think of chickens, the poultry project can include turkeys, geese, and ducks. Youth also have the opportunity to learn about other types of poultry, about eggs and candling, and can experience learning to poultry judge.Nearly everyone has had a pet at some point and learning responsibility for feeding and care is a big deal! The Pet project lets 4-H youth explore different types of pets and how to care for a variety from fish to cats. Youth learn about potential hazards for pets in the home, about nutritional needs, and about diseases and symptoms. This is a great project for kids who want to explore the first steps of veterinary science.Like any animal, the more that rabbits, poultry, and most pets are handled, the easier it is for youth to showcase their animal and what they have learned while gaining confidence and practicing communication skills in talking to a judge.If you are interested in learning more about these or other 4-H projects, check out <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/">kansas4-h.org</a> in the <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/ellis_projectResouces.html">Projects</a> section! All projects include communications skills, record keeping, career connections, and opportunities for leadership and community service!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;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&nbsp;Cottonwood&nbsp;Extension District&nbsp;– Barton&nbsp;Office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.