TOPEKA — The state celebrated its 164th birthday at the Capitol on Wednesday, which was full of festivities to honor such a momentous event. 

In addition to such celebrations, 71 new bills were introduced on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives, in this third week of session. Topics of said legislation ranged from tax credits to fair regulations. Below I have detailed seven bills from that long list of legislation.

First is House Concurrent Resolution 5007, introduced on Monday.&nbsp;This legislation, which is separate from regular house bills, would amend the Kansas Constitution to lower the age to possess firearms from 18 years to 16.

Second was House Bill 2095. This bill would create a licensing structure for water pump installers in the state, establish new requirements for well testing with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for water well contractors, and enable both water pump installers and water well contractors to obtain their licenses online.

Third is House Bill 2102. This bill enables students of military families to enroll in school districts before they physically reside there, a boon for military families moving into the state.

Fourth is House Bill 2105, this bill would designate a portion of US highway 77 and bridge 82-14-6.88 in Clay County as the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Memorial Highway and Bridge.

Fifth is House Bill 2108. This legislation would create a new code of conduct and agriculture mitigation protocols for the development , construction, operation, and decommission of large energy facilities in Kansas, ranging from transmission lines to solar farms.

The bill would also establish rules regarding civil penalties for violation of the forementioned protocols, one example being potential daily fines—not in excess of $10,000.

Sixth is House Bill 2111, which alters regulations for the conservation reserve enhancement program (CREP). The bill increases the acreage cap to 60,000 acres, removes limitations on eligible acres based on expired federal contract, allows CREP contracts for dryland farming or limited irrigation for water quantity goals, and more.

Seventh, and last, is House Bill 2147. This bill would create discount rates for state residents over the age of 65 for combination hunting and fishing passes with the Department of Wildlife and Parks, remove expiration dates for Kansas kids’ lifetime combination hunting and fishing licenses, and require the cost of said passes and licenses to not exceed the cost of any federal counterpart.

Building from the momentum of the past two weeks I introduced House Bill 2148 onto the House floor on the birthday of our great state, Wednesday, January 29. 

This legislation prevents the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) from authorizing line siting permits to any electric public utility for land within a newly designated National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) under the Federal Power Act in Kansas. The bill also prohibits public electric utilities from using eminent domain for land in said zones as well. 

It is my intent with this legislation to secure the property and peace of mind for not only my constituents but all Kansas in our wonderful state.

House Appropriations (HAPP) mostly heard and worked budgets this week, with one exception on Friday.

On Monday HAPP heard and worked on the budgets of the Abstracter’s Board of Examiners, Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, Board of Technical Professions, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Kansas Lottery, and the Kansas Board of Nursing.

Tuesday saw the committee hear and work budgets for the Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board, Healthcare Stabilization Fund, Kansas Corporation Commission, Legislative Research Department, State Hospitals for Larned and Osawatomie, Legislative Coordinating Council, Legislative Division of Post Audit, the Legislature itself, and the Revisors of Statute.

For Wednesday House Appropriations heard and worked the budgets of the Board of Regents, the Department of Credit Unions, Kansas’s Schools for the Blind and the Deaf, Office of the State Bank Commissioner, and the State Library. On Thursday HAPP heard and worked the budgets of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Insurance Department, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, Kansas University, and the Kansas University Medical Center.

For Friday the committee held an informational hearing regarding a proposal for a BioNexus from the KC BioHub. We also continued the discussions with budgets such as the State Fire Marshal and the Office of the Secretary of State.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster , R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster , R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>January 31, 2025 Kansas’ 164th BirthdayTOPEKA — The state celebrated its 164th birthday at the Capitol on Wednesday, which was full of festivities to honor such a momentous event. In addition to such celebrations, 71 new bills were introduced on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives, in this third week of session. Topics of said legislation ranged from tax credits to fair regulations. Below I have detailed seven bills from that long list of legislation.First is House Concurrent Resolution 5007, introduced on Monday.&nbsp;This legislation, which is separate from regular house bills, would amend the Kansas Constitution to lower the age to possess firearms from 18 years to 16.Second was House Bill 2095. This bill would create a licensing structure for water pump installers in the state, establish new requirements for well testing with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for water well contractors, and enable both water pump installers and water well contractors to obtain their licenses online.Third is House Bill 2102. This bill enables students of military families to enroll in school districts before they physically reside there, a boon for military families moving into the state. Fourth is House Bill 2105, this bill would designate a portion of US highway 77 and bridge 82-14-6.88 in Clay County as the Prisoner of War and Missing in Action Memorial Highway and Bridge.Fifth is House Bill 2108. This legislation would create a new code of conduct and agriculture mitigation protocols for the development , construction, operation, and decommission of large energy facilities in Kansas, ranging from transmission lines to solar farms. The bill would also establish rules regarding civil penalties for violation of the forementioned protocols, one example being potential daily fines—not in excess of $10,000.Sixth is House Bill 2111, which alters regulations for the conservation reserve enhancement program (CREP). The bill increases the acreage cap to 60,000 acres, removes limitations on eligible acres based on expired federal contract, allows CREP contracts for dryland farming or limited irrigation for water quantity goals, and more. Seventh, and last, is House Bill 2147. This bill would create discount rates for state residents over the age of 65 for combination hunting and fishing passes with the Department of Wildlife and Parks, remove expiration dates for Kansas kids’ lifetime combination hunting and fishing licenses, and require the cost of said passes and licenses to not exceed the cost of any federal counterpart.House Bill 2148Building from the momentum of the past two weeks I introduced House Bill 2148 onto the House floor on the birthday of our great state, Wednesday, January 29. This legislation prevents the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) from authorizing line siting permits to any electric public utility for land within a newly designated National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) under the Federal Power Act in Kansas. The bill also prohibits public electric utilities from using eminent domain for land in said zones as well. It is my intent with this legislation to secure the property and peace of mind for not only my constituents but all Kansas in our wonderful state.Committee HappeningsHouse Appropriations (HAPP) mostly heard and worked budgets this week, with one exception on Friday.On Monday HAPP heard and worked on the budgets of the Abstracter’s Board of Examiners, Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, Board of Technical Professions, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Kansas Lottery, and the Kansas Board of Nursing.Tuesday saw the committee hear and work budgets for the Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board, Healthcare Stabilization Fund, Kansas Corporation Commission, Legislative Research Department, State Hospitals for Larned and Osawatomie, Legislative Coordinating Council, Legislative Division of Post Audit, the Legislature itself, and the Revisors of Statute.For Wednesday House Appropriations heard and worked the budgets of the Board of Regents, the Department of Credit Unions, Kansas’s Schools for the Blind and the Deaf, Office of the State Bank Commissioner, and the State Library. On Thursday HAPP heard and worked the budgets of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas Insurance Department, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, Kansas University, and the Kansas University Medical Center.For Friday the committee held an informational hearing regarding a proposal for a BioNexus from the KC BioHub. We also continued the discussions with budgets such as the State Fire Marshal and the Office of the Secretary of State.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 31

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

The New Year inspires new goals including financial resolutions.

The holidays can be a challenging time to save money, and now you may be motivated to regain control of your spending habits. However, saving, reallocating funds, and budgeting can be overwhelming tasks requiring attention to detail and time. The good news is that there are methods to simplify the process.

Budgets don’t have to be restrictive. In fact, a budget is simply an organizational tool that can help you keep track of income and expenses. With increased awareness, a budget can help you determine the best way to allocate your money. Overall, a budget can help you get “financially fit.” This means effectively managing your money to meet short-term and long-term goals.

So, instead of letting money management overwhelm you, here are a few ways to rethink the budgeting process.

First, pay yourself! A rewarding budgeting method is to “pay yourself first.” 

This means putting a set amount of money from each paycheck into savings or investment portfolios before spending anything. Organizing the remainder of your income is simplified and reduces the temptation to overspend on things you may regret. Paying yourself first streamlines goals, and for some, this can be done automatically through an electronic bank withdrawal system to make saving mindless.

Another key step to building a budget is to get organized. Keep track of bills to quantify expenses and get a realistic picture of how you spend money. 

To do this, carry a notebook to record all transactions for at least a week. This will increase awareness of your spending habits and help you understand where you currently allocate your money.

Once you have a better grasp of your financial habits, you can build a realistic budget. A realistic budget is a plan that accurately reflects your income, needs, and wants for your current&nbsp;life circumstances. Following this type of plan will help you to find balance, and empower you to improve your financial situation.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe New Year inspires new goals including financial resolutions.The holidays can be a challenging time to save money, and now you may be motivated to regain control of your spending habits. However, saving, reallocating funds, and budgeting can be overwhelming tasks requiring attention to detail and time. The good news is that there are methods to simplify the process.Budgets don’t have to be restrictive. In fact, a budget is simply an organizational tool that can help you keep track of income and expenses. With increased awareness, a budget can help you determine the best way to allocate your money. Overall, a budget can help you get “financially fit.” This means effectively managing your money to meet short-term and long-term goals.So, instead of letting money management overwhelm you, here are a few ways to rethink the budgeting process.First, pay yourself! A rewarding budgeting method is to “pay yourself first.” This means putting a set amount of money from each paycheck into savings or investment portfolios before spending anything. Organizing the remainder of your income is simplified and reduces the temptation to overspend on things you may regret. Paying yourself first streamlines goals, and for some, this can be done automatically through an electronic bank withdrawal system to make saving mindless.Another key step to building a budget is to get organized. Keep track of bills to quantify expenses and get a realistic picture of how you spend money. To do this, carry a notebook to record all transactions for at least a week. This will increase awareness of your spending habits and help you understand where you currently allocate your money.Once you have a better grasp of your financial habits, you can build a realistic budget. A realistic budget is a plan that accurately reflects your income, needs, and wants for your current&nbsp;life circumstances. Following this type of plan will help you to find balance, and empower you to improve your financial situation.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WINKEL: New year, new financial resolutions

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

Our main deer hunting is done northwest of Inman, and several hunters in that area this year experienced the same thing as us&nbsp; —&nbsp; that during regular firearms season, deer were much scarcer than on normal years. The thing that seemed to belie that fact was the numerous deer tracks all around the area.

A few years ago, when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. 

It was along a rutted dirt road somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the end of the line where an old bridge spanned the stream as it meandered through a sand hill pasture thick with cedars. 

Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near the stream, and from the truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been severely gnawed by beavers. The owner had told me of fresh beaver chewings along this creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. 

In a sharp bend ahead of me, a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in a deep pool in the creek below. I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby. 

The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so I went a ways in both directions from the den, set four traps and headed home with visions of four beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…or were they? 

Four days later, I had only one large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. 

That year, I learned a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species. The amount of sign left by our four- legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.

Some weeks after that, following a good tracking snow, I headed for the woods to see what the fresh snow could show me. 

My first stop was a 30-acre soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally thousands of deer tracks crisscrossing that field! It looked like an elementary school playground after recess. 

Now, I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge?

 I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed and toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.

For starters, we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have four legs, and four feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. 

Secondly, animal’s lives revolve around survival, and a major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps are taken each night in pursuit of that, two-legged birds included. 

All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place very long. Multiply their movements by eight hours or more and that’s a lot of tracks! 

If we were to freshly paint the floors and aisles of our workplaces, then observe the number of shoe prints there at the end of an eight-hour shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of us would make. Or if we could somehow count the number of human footprints in just one aisle at the grocery store in one day as shoppers wandered the&nbsp;store, it would be astounding, but would not be a true estimation of the number of shoppers.

As a side note, I was recently asked how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow, while any cat track will be rounder (look at the paw of a house or barn cat) and will show NO claw marks as all cats have retractable claws, and walk with them retracted.

In the end, this all amounts to a few animals leaving a multitude of life signs of various kinds. 

When scouting there is no better find than tracks and other signs left by our four- legged quarry. And, while it is true that the more tracks and other signs you see, the more animals there are using that particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating wildlife numbers. 

So, to be on the conservative side, count the number of wildlife tracks and divide by four! 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland, Explore Kansas Outdoors. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland, Explore Kansas Outdoors. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsOur main deer hunting is done northwest of Inman, and several hunters in that area this year experienced the same thing as us&nbsp; —&nbsp; that during regular firearms season, deer were much scarcer than on normal years. The thing that seemed to belie that fact was the numerous deer tracks all around the area.A few years ago, when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. It was along a rutted dirt road somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the end of the line where an old bridge spanned the stream as it meandered through a sand hill pasture thick with cedars. Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near the stream, and from the truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been severely gnawed by beavers. The owner had told me of fresh beaver chewings along this creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. In a sharp bend ahead of me, a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in a deep pool in the creek below. I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby. The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so I went a ways in both directions from the den, set four traps and headed home with visions of four beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…or were they? Four days later, I had only one large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. That year, I learned a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species. The amount of sign left by our four- legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.Some weeks after that, following a good tracking snow, I headed for the woods to see what the fresh snow could show me. My first stop was a 30-acre soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally thousands of deer tracks crisscrossing that field! It looked like an elementary school playground after recess. Now, I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge? I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed and toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.For starters, we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have four legs, and four feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. Secondly, animal’s lives revolve around survival, and a major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps are taken each night in pursuit of that, two-legged birds included. All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place very long. Multiply their movements by eight hours or more and that’s a lot of tracks! If we were to freshly paint the floors and aisles of our workplaces, then observe the number of shoe prints there at the end of an eight-hour shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of us would make. Or if we could somehow count the number of human footprints in just one aisle at the grocery store in one day as shoppers wandered the&nbsp;store, it would be astounding, but would not be a true estimation of the number of shoppers.As a side note, I was recently asked how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow, while any cat track will be rounder (look at the paw of a house or barn cat) and will show NO claw marks as all cats have retractable claws, and walk with them retracted.In the end, this all amounts to a few animals leaving a multitude of life signs of various kinds. When scouting there is no better find than tracks and other signs left by our four- legged quarry. And, while it is true that the more tracks and other signs you see, the more animals there are using that particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating wildlife numbers. So, to be on the conservative side, count the number of wildlife tracks and divide by four! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Wildlife math. Count tracks, divide by 4

TOPEKA — The 2025 Legislative Session officially began on Monday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m., marking the start of another year of important legislative work. 

The first week was largely ceremonial, featuring the State of the State, State of the Judiciary, and State of the Military addresses delivered before joint sessions of the Legislature. These traditions, along with photographs and other formalities, showcased the pomp and circumstance that honor the republican form of government we are privileged to enjoy in both Kansas and America.

Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, the second week of the session was shortened but productive. 

While the Senate floor focused on passing rules and confirming appointments, much of the real work took place in the Senate’s 19 standing committees. 

These committees, covering key topics like education, agriculture, judiciary, budget, and utilities, are diligently prioritizing and vetting proposed legislation. Bills that pass-through committee hearings and votes then advance to the Senate floor, where the full chamber debates and votes on each measure. This step-by-step process ensures every piece of legislation receives thorough review and thoughtful consideration.

This session, my committee assignments remain largely the same, with one notable change: the Local Government Committee has merged with the Ethics and Transparency Committee, and I am honored to serve as chair of this newly combined committee.

I continue to serve on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Utilities committees, as well as the Historical Preservation Committee and the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight. Additionally, I was recently selected to serve on the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, an exciting opportunity to help commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

Capitol Preservation Committee update The Capitol Preservation Committee will unveil the Suffragist Memorial Mural on Kansas Day, January 29, at noon—a meaningful tribute to the brave women who fought for the right to vote. Another historic milestone was achieved last fall when the Ad Astra Indian statue was finally placed on its long-empty pedestal in the northwest quadrant of the Capitol complex, completing the Ad Astra Plaza after a 20-year delay.

In her seventh State of the State message, Gov. Laura Kelly outlined her priorities to the Legislature using a collaborative tone in her calls to action. A portion of her message focused on investments concerning the youngest Kansans, including fully funding public schools, extending free school lunches to more students and advocating for a one-stop-shop for those who interface with early childhood services.

Gov. Kelly also prioritized preserving the Ogallala Aquifer and clean water for future generations. Gov. Kelly shared her goal of adding an additional $30 million annually to support water resources and creating an Office of Natural Resources to combine water-related services currently split over 14 different agencies.

For the first time in history, the Kansas Legislature convened for a joint session to receive information on the State of the Military from Adjutant General Michael Venerdi on the work the Kansas National Guard is doing to make our state and nation safe, secure, and free.

As General Venerdi articulated, “the Kansas National Guard comprises over 7,000 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians. The National Guard is the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force, seamlessly providing forces to fight and win the nation’s wars and defend the homeland.”

On Wednesday, Chief Justice Marla Luckert delivered the State of the Judiciary address before a joint session of the Legislature, highlighting a Russian-based ransomware attack on the Kansas Judicial Branch’s computer systems last October. The attack shut down the e-filing system, but the Judicial Branch refused to pay the ransom, instead focusing on recovery and fortifying its infrastructure.

Chief Justice Luckert also emphasized collaboration among the three branches of government to address key issues such as mental health, child welfare, and the attorney shortage. 

She highlighted the Rural Justice Initiative, led by Justice K.J. Wall, which seeks to address the lack of justice resources in rural areas through a partnership of government, legal, and community stakeholders. I am honored to serve on the select committee for this initiative and look forward to working over the next 18 months to develop solutions for this challenge, which affects rural communities nationwide.

In line with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency in Washington, D.C., the Kansas Senate has established a Committee on Government Efficiency. This new committee is tasked with identifying ways to save taxpayer dollars and ensure government works for the people. In the coming days, a special email address and online portal will be launched, allowing Kansans to submit their own ideas and suggestions for the committee to review.

Additionally, the Senate has formed a Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This committee will convene as needed to study issues and process legislation related to veterans, ensuring we continue to address the needs of those who have served our nation.

SENATE FLOOR ACTION - CONFIRMATIONS

The Senate confirmed a number of appointments on January 23rd:

State Banking Board: Taylor Hight,&nbsp;Herbert Iams,&nbsp;Leonard,&nbsp;Irvin Mitchell Wolfe

State Lottery Commission: Margaret La Rue

Office of the Child Advocate: Kerrie Lonard

Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission: David Moses

State Long Term Care Ombudsman: Haely Ordoyne

Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board: Richard Samaniego

Kansas Human Rights Commission: Christal Watson

Need assistance finding a lost life insurance policy? Utilize the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator, where you can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal name, date of birth, and date of death of a deceased individual. The Kansas Insurance Department has assisted Kansans with the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, which has found more than $69.6 million in life insurance policies for Kansans since 2019. Contact the Kansas Insurance Department at 785-296-2461 for assistance.

You can view video streaming of both chambers via the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. In addition, many committees are now audio streamed and can also be viewed on the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. The Kansas Legislature website is easy to use with Senate and House calendars and journals as well as the rosters of both chambers. 

Here are the relevant links: Website: <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">http://www.kslegislature.org</a> YouTube Streaming:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A"> http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0 Committee</a> Hearings: <a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/20250128/-1">http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/</a>

Each year we are assigned dates for students to page for the Senate. The students should be twelve and over and will spend the full day with us, including running errands for all Senators and a tour and trip to the Capitol Dome top. I was a page myself for Representative Bill Fuller from Miltonvale in 1981! Our dates this year are – Tuesday, February 4; Tuesday, February 18; Wednesday, February 26; Tuesday, March 11; and Tuesday, March 18. Other dates may be available upon request.

My office remains in the same suite, 223E (east wing second floor) next to the cage elevator. Randi Walters, who has worked in the Capitol for 22 years as an assistant and a committee assistant, is in our office.

As session progresses, not every bill introduced will make it to the Governor’s desk, but that doesn’t mean opinions, facts and testimony weren't heard.

 Your participation in the state legislature is vital. As we continue to weed through the different bills, I hope to hear from you. I want to know how legislation will impact you and our district, or the ideas you have to improve a bill. 

A personal email with your thoughts is the best way to reach us as we sit in committees for most of the day and seldom get to stay at our desks for long periods.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

The Kansas 36th Senate District includes: Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington counties

Marshall County: Cities: Bremen, Herkimer, Marysville and Oketo Townships: Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo and Walnut

Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal, Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon,&nbsp;Sumner, Valley and Walnut

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, 36th District, R-Concordia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, 36th District, R-Concordia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINSTOPEKA — The 2025 Legislative Session officially began on Monday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m., marking the start of another year of important legislative work. The first week was largely ceremonial, featuring the State of the State, State of the Judiciary, and State of the Military addresses delivered before joint sessions of the Legislature. These traditions, along with photographs and other formalities, showcased the pomp and circumstance that honor the republican form of government we are privileged to enjoy in both Kansas and America.Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, the second week of the session was shortened but productive. While the Senate floor focused on passing rules and confirming appointments, much of the real work took place in the Senate’s 19 standing committees. These committees, covering key topics like education, agriculture, judiciary, budget, and utilities, are diligently prioritizing and vetting proposed legislation. Bills that pass-through committee hearings and votes then advance to the Senate floor, where the full chamber debates and votes on each measure. This step-by-step process ensures every piece of legislation receives thorough review and thoughtful consideration.COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTSThis session, my committee assignments remain largely the same, with one notable change: the Local Government Committee has merged with the Ethics and Transparency Committee, and I am honored to serve as chair of this newly combined committee. I continue to serve on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Utilities committees, as well as the Historical Preservation Committee and the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight. Additionally, I was recently selected to serve on the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, an exciting opportunity to help commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.Capitol Preservation Committee update The Capitol Preservation Committee will unveil the Suffragist Memorial Mural on Kansas Day, January 29, at noon—a meaningful tribute to the brave women who fought for the right to vote. Another historic milestone was achieved last fall when the Ad Astra Indian statue was finally placed on its long-empty pedestal in the northwest quadrant of the Capitol complex, completing the Ad Astra Plaza after a 20-year delay.STATE OF THE STATEIn her seventh State of the State message, Gov. Laura Kelly outlined her priorities to the Legislature using a collaborative tone in her calls to action. A portion of her message focused on investments concerning the youngest Kansans, including fully funding public schools, extending free school lunches to more students and advocating for a one-stop-shop for those who interface with early childhood services. Gov. Kelly also prioritized preserving the Ogallala Aquifer and clean water for future generations. Gov. Kelly shared her goal of adding an additional $30 million annually to support water resources and creating an Office of Natural Resources to combine water-related services currently split over 14 different agencies.STATE OF THE MILITARYFor the first time in history, the Kansas Legislature convened for a joint session to receive information on the State of the Military from Adjutant General Michael Venerdi on the work the Kansas National Guard is doing to make our state and nation safe, secure, and free.As General Venerdi articulated, “the Kansas National Guard comprises over 7,000 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians. The National Guard is the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force, seamlessly providing forces to fight and win the nation’s wars and defend the homeland.”STATE OF THE JUDICIARY On Wednesday, Chief Justice Marla Luckert delivered the State of the Judiciary address before a joint session of the Legislature, highlighting a Russian-based ransomware attack on the Kansas Judicial Branch’s computer systems last October. The attack shut down the e-filing system, but the Judicial Branch refused to pay the ransom, instead focusing on recovery and fortifying its infrastructure.Chief Justice Luckert also emphasized collaboration among the three branches of government to address key issues such as mental health, child welfare, and the attorney shortage. She highlighted the Rural Justice Initiative, led by Justice K.J. Wall, which seeks to address the lack of justice resources in rural areas through a partnership of government, legal, and community stakeholders. I am honored to serve on the select committee for this initiative and look forward to working over the next 18 months to develop solutions for this challenge, which affects rural communities nationwide.NEW COMMITTEES FORMEDIn line with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency in Washington, D.C., the Kansas Senate has established a Committee on Government Efficiency. This new committee is tasked with identifying ways to save taxpayer dollars and ensure government works for the people. In the coming days, a special email address and online portal will be launched, allowing Kansans to submit their own ideas and suggestions for the committee to review.Additionally, the Senate has formed a Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This committee will convene as needed to study issues and process legislation related to veterans, ensuring we continue to address the needs of those who have served our nation.SENATE FLOOR ACTION - CONFIRMATIONSThe Senate confirmed a number of appointments on January 23rd:State Banking Board: Taylor Hight,&nbsp;Herbert Iams,&nbsp;Leonard,&nbsp;Irvin Mitchell WolfeState Lottery Commission: Margaret La RueOffice of the Child Advocate: Kerrie LonardKansas Racing and Gaming Commission: David MosesState Long Term Care Ombudsman: Haely OrdoyneKansas Crime Victims Compensation Board: Richard SamaniegoKansas National Guard: Paul SchneiderKansas Human Rights Commission: Christal WatsonHELPFUL KANSAS INFORMATONKansas Insurance DepartmentNeed assistance finding a lost life insurance policy? Utilize the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator, where you can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal name, date of birth, and date of death of a deceased individual. The Kansas Insurance Department has assisted Kansans with the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, which has found more than $69.6 million in life insurance policies for Kansans since 2019. Contact the Kansas Insurance Department at 785-296-2461 for assistance.Following the Kansas LegislatureYou can view video streaming of both chambers via the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. In addition, many committees are now audio streamed and can also be viewed on the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. The Kansas Legislature website is easy to use with Senate and House calendars and journals as well as the rosters of both chambers. Here are the relevant links: Website: <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">http://www.kslegislature.org</a> YouTube Streaming:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A"> http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0 Committee</a> Hearings: <a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/20250128/-1">http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/</a>Page DatesEach year we are assigned dates for students to page for the Senate. The students should be twelve and over and will spend the full day with us, including running errands for all Senators and a tour and trip to the Capitol Dome top. I was a page myself for Representative Bill Fuller from Miltonvale in 1981! Our dates this year are – Tuesday, February 4; Tuesday, February 18; Wednesday, February 26; Tuesday, March 11; and Tuesday, March 18. Other dates may be available upon request.Office InformationMy office remains in the same suite, 223E (east wing second floor) next to the cage elevator. Randi Walters, who has worked in the Capitol for 22 years as an assistant and a committee assistant, is in our office.As session progresses, not every bill introduced will make it to the Governor’s desk, but that doesn’t mean opinions, facts and testimony weren't heard. Your participation in the state legislature is vital. As we continue to weed through the different bills, I hope to hear from you. I want to know how legislation will impact you and our district, or the ideas you have to improve a bill. A personal email with your thoughts is the best way to reach us as we sit in committees for most of the day and seldom get to stay at our desks for long periods.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>The Kansas 36th Senate District includes: Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington counties Marshall County: Cities: Bremen, Herkimer, Marysville and Oketo Townships: Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo and WalnutPhillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal, Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon,&nbsp;Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: 2025 Senate Scene Weeks 1 and 2

By&nbsp;BILL FIANDER Insight Kansas

Fresh off citizen vitriol for rising property taxes during their 2024 campaigns, a fortified Republican super-majority Kansas Legislature began loading their prized horses into the starting gate of this year’s Property Tax Derby.&nbsp;

Kansas GOP leaders eye this as the final jewel in the coveted Tax Cut Triple Crown – sales, income, and property.

In previous sessions, they successfully bet on both Governor Kelly’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/373/56?npage=3">food tax</a>&nbsp;horse (Axe The Tax) and their&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/documents/memo_genl_2024staxbillsummary_sb1.pdf">income tax</a>&nbsp;horse (Trickle Down) sired from the Brownback stud farm.&nbsp;

Elected jockeys have three levers at their disposal to determine the pace of property taxes in the derby. 

The state totally controls the first lever (assessments) and oversees county appraisals for the second lever (property values) which are really at the mercy of market forces. The most powerful lever (mill levy) is nearly all in the grip of local government.

Property taxes fund 60%-100% of local government budgets, but less than 1% of state government. Property tax revenue is the lifeblood for local services such as schools, police, roads, parks, transit, libraries, etc. with some hemorrhaging. Conversely, they mean virtually nothing to the state budget.

With that in mind, let’s handicap three GOP entrants while Democrats snooze in the barn. ·&nbsp; “Cap The Tax” (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1603/">SCR 1603</a>) – Senate Taxation Farms' first entry is a constitutional amendment capping taxable property values at 3% annually, thus artificially controlling property value – not the free market. This well-intentioned concept has all sorts of unintended consequences. Said cap is lifted for home sales and improvements causing vastly different taxable values on the same block while discouraging mobility and investment for an even tighter housing market. Local budgets get squeezed by inflation over 3% but still could effectively make themselves whole by pulling their prodigious mill levy lever. Ultimately, voters must approve if it gets that far. Given the House killed a 4% cap last year, this horse may get stuck on the rail again. ·&nbsp; “Building Biscuit” (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb35/">SB 35</a>) - Senate Taxation Farms’ second entry would repeal the state’s paltry 1.5 mill levy that goes towards deferred maintenance of state buildings. This is the most local government-friendly entry because it does not jeopardize local revenue. Building maintenance would shift to the state’s general fund made up of income and sales tax. Without a dedicated mill levy, universities are rightfully nervous their proverbial can could be kicked down the road. Homeowners would save a whopping $22 annually on a $200K house. This horse has the best legs for a stretch run but little return for wagers. · “School Levy Sugar” (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2011/">HB 2011</a>) – The entry from House Taxation Stables has a similar profile to Building Biscuit. Instead of building maintenance, 1.5 mills are wiped from the state’s 20 mills for local schools. Relief for homeowners is just as paltry. Ostensibly, local schools would be made whole through the state’s sales and income taxes. But it puts their can on the line instead of universities. Without Supreme Court oversight for a school funding case, this horse is drifting a little wide at the turn.

If these don’t excite everybody, look for late entries like last year’s prized thoroughbred – exempting residential value from the state’s 20 mill school levy, expanding the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/perstaxtypeshs.html">homestead exemption</a>, OR the ultimate horse trade – Medicaid expansion.

To paraphrase the state’s highest-paid employee (Bill Self),&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/2022/03/27/march-madness-bill-self-kansas-coach-ku-basketball-father-motto-miami-schedule-ncaa-tournament/7186117001/">don’t worry about the mules,</a>&nbsp;keep loading the wagon and don’t crash local services.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738172201538.jpeg" alt="Bill Fiander, Insight Kansas. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bill Fiander, Insight Kansas. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;BILL FIANDER Insight KansasFresh off citizen vitriol for rising property taxes during their 2024 campaigns, a fortified Republican super-majority Kansas Legislature began loading their prized horses into the starting gate of this year’s Property Tax Derby.&nbsp;Kansas GOP leaders eye this as the final jewel in the coveted Tax Cut Triple Crown – sales, income, and property. In previous sessions, they successfully bet on both Governor Kelly’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/373/56?npage=3">food tax</a>&nbsp;horse (Axe The Tax) and their&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/documents/memo_genl_2024staxbillsummary_sb1.pdf">income tax</a>&nbsp;horse (Trickle Down) sired from the Brownback stud farm.&nbsp;Elected jockeys have three levers at their disposal to determine the pace of property taxes in the derby. The state totally controls the first lever (assessments) and oversees county appraisals for the second lever (property values) which are really at the mercy of market forces. The most powerful lever (mill levy) is nearly all in the grip of local government.Property taxes fund 60%-100% of local government budgets, but less than 1% of state government. Property tax revenue is the lifeblood for local services such as schools, police, roads, parks, transit, libraries, etc. with some hemorrhaging. Conversely, they mean virtually nothing to the state budget.With that in mind, let’s handicap three GOP entrants while Democrats snooze in the barn. ·&nbsp; “Cap The Tax” (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1603/">SCR 1603</a>) – Senate Taxation Farms' first entry is a constitutional amendment capping taxable property values at 3% annually, thus artificially controlling property value – not the free market. This well-intentioned concept has all sorts of unintended consequences. Said cap is lifted for home sales and improvements causing vastly different taxable values on the same block while discouraging mobility and investment for an even tighter housing market. Local budgets get squeezed by inflation over 3% but still could effectively make themselves whole by pulling their prodigious mill levy lever. Ultimately, voters must approve if it gets that far. Given the House killed a 4% cap last year, this horse may get stuck on the rail again. ·&nbsp; “Building Biscuit” (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb35/">SB 35</a>) - Senate Taxation Farms’ second entry would repeal the state’s paltry 1.5 mill levy that goes towards deferred maintenance of state buildings. This is the most local government-friendly entry because it does not jeopardize local revenue. Building maintenance would shift to the state’s general fund made up of income and sales tax. Without a dedicated mill levy, universities are rightfully nervous their proverbial can could be kicked down the road. Homeowners would save a whopping $22 annually on a $200K house. This horse has the best legs for a stretch run but little return for wagers. · “School Levy Sugar” (<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2011/">HB 2011</a>) – The entry from House Taxation Stables has a similar profile to Building Biscuit. Instead of building maintenance, 1.5 mills are wiped from the state’s 20 mills for local schools. Relief for homeowners is just as paltry. Ostensibly, local schools would be made whole through the state’s sales and income taxes. But it puts their can on the line instead of universities. Without Supreme Court oversight for a school funding case, this horse is drifting a little wide at the turn.If these don’t excite everybody, look for late entries like last year’s prized thoroughbred – exempting residential value from the state’s 20 mill school levy, expanding the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/perstaxtypeshs.html">homestead exemption</a>, OR the ultimate horse trade – Medicaid expansion.To paraphrase the state’s highest-paid employee (Bill Self),&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/sports/2022/03/27/march-madness-bill-self-kansas-coach-ku-basketball-father-motto-miami-schedule-ncaa-tournament/7186117001/">don’t worry about the mules,</a>&nbsp;keep loading the wagon and don’t crash local services.Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Handicapping the Kansas Property Tax Derby

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Inventor Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

When it comes to having a successful calving season, Kansas State University Beef Cattle&nbsp;Institute experts say now is the time to make those preparations. This was the topic of a recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">Cattle</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">&nbsp;Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

“The first step is to make sure the cows will be calving in a clean, dry environment,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said. “I prefer to calve on grass and out of the mud, which means the calving pastures are different than the winter feeding area.”

Because he likes to calve cows on pasture, Larson said he makes sure the fences are secure and there is water readily available.

Next, he makes sure his calving kit is ready in case a cow needs help in delivering her calf.

“Along with having a clean area to catch the cows that need assistance, I make sure I have calving chains or straps, lube, clean plastic sleeves, and the veterinarian’s phone number,” Larson said. “Oftentimes, the first group to calve is the heifers and they are the ones who are more likely to need help.”

Also, in the third trimester, beef cattle&nbsp;nutritionist Phillip Lancaster recommends evaluating the body condition of the cows and offering supplements to underweight cows.

“At this production stage, we want cows to be at a body condition score of five or six because once they calve and are lactating, it is difficult for them to add weight,” Lancaster said. “We don’t want them to be too thin going into the breeding season after calving, so it is important to get them in the right body condition before calving.”

Another planning tip relates to colostrum management.

“I prefer to use actual colostrum collected in the herd rather than a colostrum supplement,” K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said. “If you can collect extra colostrum from one of the early calving cows and freeze it for future use, that is the best option.”

Larson agreed but acknowledged milking beef cows who have just calved can be challenging, and for that reason, he also recommends having powdered colostrum on hand.

“In a normal calving situation, colostrum supplementation is not needed; however, if the cow had a c-section or a difficult birth, we may need to provide that to the calf,” Larson said. “Don’t wait until you are in an emergency situation. It is better to have those products stockpiled and ready to use when needed.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">Cattle</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">&nbsp;Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District, which includes Barton and Ellis counties, for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an&nbsp;Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an&nbsp;Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictInventor Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”When it comes to having a successful calving season, Kansas State University Beef Cattle&nbsp;Institute experts say now is the time to make those preparations. This was the topic of a recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">Cattle</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">&nbsp;Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.“The first step is to make sure the cows will be calving in a clean, dry environment,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said. “I prefer to calve on grass and out of the mud, which means the calving pastures are different than the winter feeding area.”Because he likes to calve cows on pasture, Larson said he makes sure the fences are secure and there is water readily available.Next, he makes sure his calving kit is ready in case a cow needs help in delivering her calf.“Along with having a clean area to catch the cows that need assistance, I make sure I have calving chains or straps, lube, clean plastic sleeves, and the veterinarian’s phone number,” Larson said. “Oftentimes, the first group to calve is the heifers and they are the ones who are more likely to need help.”Also, in the third trimester, beef cattle&nbsp;nutritionist Phillip Lancaster recommends evaluating the body condition of the cows and offering supplements to underweight cows.“At this production stage, we want cows to be at a body condition score of five or six because once they calve and are lactating, it is difficult for them to add weight,” Lancaster said. “We don’t want them to be too thin going into the breeding season after calving, so it is important to get them in the right body condition before calving.”Another planning tip relates to colostrum management.“I prefer to use actual colostrum collected in the herd rather than a colostrum supplement,” K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said. “If you can collect extra colostrum from one of the early calving cows and freeze it for future use, that is the best option.”Larson agreed but acknowledged milking beef cows who have just calved can be challenging, and for that reason, he also recommends having powdered colostrum on hand.“In a normal calving situation, colostrum supplementation is not needed; however, if the cow had a c-section or a difficult birth, we may need to provide that to the calf,” Larson said. “Don’t wait until you are in an emergency situation. It is better to have those products stockpiled and ready to use when needed.”To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">Cattle</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ksre-learn.com/cattle-chat-calving-prep">&nbsp;Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District, which includes Barton and Ellis counties, for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Preparation is key to successful calving season

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Invenergy’s Grain Belt Express (GBE) was published in the Federal Register January, 2025. The DEIS is required before construction of the line to ensure that GBE complies with the National Environmental Policy Act.

Few people have any idea what’s in the statement, how it impacts them, or where to find it. Additionally, the comment period for the complex 400-plus-page DEIS has been limited to 45 days. The following is an overview of a document that is inconsistent and weighted in favor of “the Applicant” that seeks to build the HVDC lines.

The DEIS notes that significant environmental damage will be incurred by the construction of GBE. Soil, vegetation, land, land use, recreation, water, air, economic stability, community resources, and public health and safety will be adversely impacted by construction of the transmission lines and maintenance over the years. The DEIS, however, minimizes these negative impacts through a disingenuous use of language and by hiding disclaimers in the fine print or in later sections of the document.

The DEIS claims that damage to the environment and other resources may be temporary or permanent. In fact, some sections claim that damages may or may not happen at all. When the damage is assessed to be temporary, the study claims that the applicant (Invenergy) will repair the damage to the extent that it is able to do so.

The soil and water will be contaminated by paint thinners, gasoline, lubricants, coolants, and other chemicals leaking from heavy construction equipment. Air quality will be compromised by exhaust. Communities may be adversely affected by experiencing a loss in taxes and government revenue. These losses may be temporary or permanent, and some jobs and businesses may be lost forever. While air pollution is expected to be within “acceptable limits,” the report states that this could change depending on the need for maintenance of the line or its operation. Several species of wildlife will be permanently lost, as will certain types of vegetation. Many wooded areas will also permanently be lost. Acreage used for farming will be temporarily affected and permanently lost where towers make farming impossible.

In terms of public health and safety, the DEIS cites that magnetic fields and EMF—electromagnetic field radiation—will be created by the lines, although they are not “expected” to cause serious health risks depending on distance from the lines. There will also be the danger of fires caused by such lines (the likely cause of the Los Angeles fires). Furthermore, health risks exist for those exposed to hazardous chemicals.

The aesthetics and view of the landscape will also be adversely affected, but the report labels the eyesore created by the lines as an “inconsistent and contrasting element [in] the landscape” or as “visual clutter and alterations to the landscape composition.” Recreation, parks, and hunting will also be compromised

Despite the permanent losses cited by the DEIS, the document states that environmental justice will be completely preserved. That’s an interesting conclusion despite the fact that 1) certain damages may or may not happen; 2) Invenergy is “expected” to clean up its mess; and 3) permanent environmental and economic damage will definitely happen in many areas.

It's interesting that the first page of the DEIS states that it assumes that if existing environmental standards as mandated by federal law cannot be met, the line will not be built. The report as a whole, however, assumes that Invenergy will always be proactive in damage control and repair. In other words, if the project is eventually built and Invenergy fails to comply with environmental law, the project won’t be built in the first place. Does this make sense? Of course not, but this Catch-22 is an example of your tax dollars at work.

— Tammy Hammond, Landowner and Rosewood Services CEO, Pawnee Rock, Kansas

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Invenergy’s Grain Belt Express (GBE) was published in the Federal Register January, 2025. The DEIS is required before construction of the line to ensure that GBE complies with the National Environmental Policy Act.Few people have any idea what’s in the statement, how it impacts them, or where to find it. Additionally, the comment period for the complex 400-plus-page DEIS has been limited to 45 days. The following is an overview of a document that is inconsistent and weighted in favor of “the Applicant” that seeks to build the HVDC lines.The DEIS notes that significant environmental damage will be incurred by the construction of GBE. Soil, vegetation, land, land use, recreation, water, air, economic stability, community resources, and public health and safety will be adversely impacted by construction of the transmission lines and maintenance over the years. The DEIS, however, minimizes these negative impacts through a disingenuous use of language and by hiding disclaimers in the fine print or in later sections of the document.The DEIS claims that damage to the environment and other resources may be temporary or permanent. In fact, some sections claim that damages may or may not happen at all. When the damage is assessed to be temporary, the study claims that the applicant (Invenergy) will repair the damage to the extent that it is able to do so.The soil and water will be contaminated by paint thinners, gasoline, lubricants, coolants, and other chemicals leaking from heavy construction equipment. Air quality will be compromised by exhaust. Communities may be adversely affected by experiencing a loss in taxes and government revenue. These losses may be temporary or permanent, and some jobs and businesses may be lost forever. While air pollution is expected to be within “acceptable limits,” the report states that this could change depending on the need for maintenance of the line or its operation. Several species of wildlife will be permanently lost, as will certain types of vegetation. Many wooded areas will also permanently be lost. Acreage used for farming will be temporarily affected and permanently lost where towers make farming impossible.In terms of public health and safety, the DEIS cites that magnetic fields and EMF—electromagnetic field radiation—will be created by the lines, although they are not “expected” to cause serious health risks depending on distance from the lines. There will also be the danger of fires caused by such lines (the likely cause of the Los Angeles fires). Furthermore, health risks exist for those exposed to hazardous chemicals.The aesthetics and view of the landscape will also be adversely affected, but the report labels the eyesore created by the lines as an “inconsistent and contrasting element [in] the landscape” or as “visual clutter and alterations to the landscape composition.” Recreation, parks, and hunting will also be compromisedeither temporarily or permanently.Despite the permanent losses cited by the DEIS, the document states that environmental justice will be completely preserved. That’s an interesting conclusion despite the fact that 1) certain damages may or may not happen; 2) Invenergy is “expected” to clean up its mess; and 3) permanent environmental and economic damage will definitely happen in many areas.It's interesting that the first page of the DEIS states that it assumes that if existing environmental standards as mandated by federal law cannot be met, the line will not be built. The report as a whole, however, assumes that Invenergy will always be proactive in damage control and repair. In other words, if the project is eventually built and Invenergy fails to comply with environmental law, the project won’t be built in the first place. Does this make sense? Of course not, but this Catch-22 is an example of your tax dollars at work.— Tammy Hammond, Landowner and Rosewood Services CEO, Pawnee Rock, Kansas

LETTER: Grain Belt Express environmental report weighted in favor of Invenergy

<figure><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" /><figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption></figure>TOPEKANew Bills in the HouseThe Kansas House of Representatives was flooded with 62 new bills in this second week of session, touching items from interstate compacts on dieticians to requirements for motorcyle driver license instructors. Below is summary of just a slice of that list.First is House Bill (HB) 2057, which has garnered some attention across the state. This legislation would change law regarding the replacement selection of U.S. Senators, the State Treasurer, and Insurance Commissioner in Kansas. Under current law the Governor selects the temporary replacement for those officers in the event of their vacancy. HB 2057 would add the requirement that the selected replacement be picked from three nominees chosen from a joint legislative committee and that the nominee be a member of the same political party, for the past 10 years, as the previous holder.Second is HB 2035. This bill would amend current law to include trail rides as a ranching activity, which in turn would classify it as an agritourist activity and thus be applicable for the agricultural use tax deductions. Third is HB 2063. This legislation would allocate $60 million state general fund (SGF) dollars to create several conservation funds in the next fiscal year, 2026, and be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Wildlife and Parks. The funds would be used to incentivize conservation efforts across a wide range of activities, from irrigation techniques to land restoration.Fourth is HB 2077, which would extend an exemption for sales tax collection on both purchases directly related to administering of not-for-profit animal shelters and the construction, maintenance, repair, and improvement of said facilities also. Fifth is HB 2082. This is the governor’s budget, which per custom I introduce every year at the start of session and did on Thursday. As I mentioned in the last newsletter this budget is separate from the legislature’s, and while it will not set the tone for the session it will be used as a point of comparison.Sixth is HB 2085. This bill changes the length of water pollution control permits with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment from 5 to 10 years, and adjusts the fee schedule for larger facilities. Seventh, and last, is HB 2088. 2088 would create new requirements and rules for municipal and county governments relating to real estate. Some examples being a new 60 day deadline for decisions on complete applications for building permits and zoning appeals and banning application fees for resubmissions of said filings.COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS House Appropriations (HAPP) heard a few briefings and worked on several budgets this week.On Tuesday the committee heard an informational briefing from Pat George, the Chair of the Kansas Fights Addiction Fund Grant Review Board. The organization was created back in 2021 to oversee the awarding of grants to organizations that combat substance use disorders in Kansas, said funds coming from opioid legal settlements. To date the organization has overseen $24 million in grants. The committee also heard and worked on the budgets of the Behavioral Science Regulatory Board, Board of Healing Arts, Board of Tax Appeals, Judicial Council, and Office of Administrative Hearings.Wednesday, the committee received an informational briefing on the Midwest Higher Education Compact (MHEC) from its President, Susan Heegaard. MHEC is an interstate compact which Kansas belongs to, and it enhances secondary education in member states through cost-saving initiatives and collaboration. HAPP also heard and worked on the budgets of the Adjutant General, Emergency Medical Services Board, and the Kansas Sentencing Commission.On Thursday the committee heard and worked on the budgets of the Board of Accountancy, Veterinary Examiners, the Department of Revenue, State Historical Society, Board of Mortuary Arts, and Board of Pharmacy.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th Street Topeka, Kansas 66612 Troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org </a> www.troywaymaster.com

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 27

A post-Christmas challenge our house involves seeing how long I can keep each seasonal poinsettia alive. Part of this has to do with childhood memories as well as serving as a winter doldrum challenge. 

Considering poinsettias aren’t native to Kansas or to living indoors adds to the project’s difficulty. Ten years ago, I kept one growing 'til the following Christmas before I finally gave up on it looking once again like a store model.

Poinsettias originated in Mexico and Central America where they grow up to 13 feet tall on the Pacific side of the map. According to sources, Aztecs called them cuetlaxóchitl. Later, due to their bright red leaves, some termed them “flame flower or painted leaf.” 

Once the first U.S. Mexican Consul Joel Poinsett began collecting them in his South Caroline greenhouse somewhere around 1826, the term poinsettia entered American usage.

Native people utilized the red leaves to make dye, and in traditional medicine practice, healers utilized the plant to lower fevers. 

Once Spanish priests arrived in the New World, they noted the brilliant colors prominent during Christmastide and decorated their churches with them. A Mexican folk tale relays the story of a poor native girl who wanted to leave an offering at the creche. She gathered a handful of weeds which happened to be poinsettias and thus began a Christmas tradition that continues.

Anyone who’s seen poinsettias growing wild knows they’re not truly house plants. Gone native, they’re tall, scraggly forbs or trees with thick stems and sparse leaves—green or red. 

A previous owner of my childhood southern California home planted a row along the house’s north wall. When we moved in in mid-summer, we couldn’t identify them so my curious mom waited to see what happened over that first year. Sure enough, around December we had taller-than-our-roof poinsettias turning anemic red because without special care, they don’t brighten the way you see them in a store. By the time we left that house, they towered a foot over our roof top.

Christmas displays of these lead buyers to think that the red star-shape is the plant’s flower, but they’re actually leaves. The tiny, yellow barely-noticeable blossoms hide in the center of that scarlet field.

I’m guessing five years of watching wild poinsettias bloom each year led my grandma, mom, and I to attempt to keep Christmas centerpieces alive as long as possible. Mom and Grandma succeeded more often than I at babying finicky shrubs pretending to be Christmas decor.

Over time, I’ve learned you can’t over water or these plants suffer root rot. If you underwater, the green leaves curl and fall off. 

As finicky as they are, they enjoy fertilizing once a month. Modern cultivars need to be pruned so research those guidelines. Who wants a poinsettia touching the ceiling? 

If you keep it alive through September, investigate light requirements to guarantee a festive red and green plant dressed in its best for Christmas.

Looking back, Mom and Grandma had the patience to work with these plants. Apparently, that gene didn’t fully pass on. My current poinsettia is down to only red leaves. When those start falling, that weed’s scoring 2 points when it hits the trash bin.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158626307.png" alt="Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINA post-Christmas challenge our house involves seeing how long I can keep each seasonal poinsettia alive. Part of this has to do with childhood memories as well as serving as a winter doldrum challenge. Considering poinsettias aren’t native to Kansas or to living indoors adds to the project’s difficulty. Ten years ago, I kept one growing 'til the following Christmas before I finally gave up on it looking once again like a store model.Poinsettias originated in Mexico and Central America where they grow up to 13 feet tall on the Pacific side of the map. According to sources, Aztecs called them cuetlaxóchitl. Later, due to their bright red leaves, some termed them “flame flower or painted leaf.” Once the first U.S. Mexican Consul Joel Poinsett began collecting them in his South Caroline greenhouse somewhere around 1826, the term poinsettia entered American usage.Native people utilized the red leaves to make dye, and in traditional medicine practice, healers utilized the plant to lower fevers. Once Spanish priests arrived in the New World, they noted the brilliant colors prominent during Christmastide and decorated their churches with them. A Mexican folk tale relays the story of a poor native girl who wanted to leave an offering at the creche. She gathered a handful of weeds which happened to be poinsettias and thus began a Christmas tradition that continues.Anyone who’s seen poinsettias growing wild knows they’re not truly house plants. Gone native, they’re tall, scraggly forbs or trees with thick stems and sparse leaves—green or red. A previous owner of my childhood southern California home planted a row along the house’s north wall. When we moved in in mid-summer, we couldn’t identify them so my curious mom waited to see what happened over that first year. Sure enough, around December we had taller-than-our-roof poinsettias turning anemic red because without special care, they don’t brighten the way you see them in a store. By the time we left that house, they towered a foot over our roof top.Christmas displays of these lead buyers to think that the red star-shape is the plant’s flower, but they’re actually leaves. The tiny, yellow barely-noticeable blossoms hide in the center of that scarlet field.I’m guessing five years of watching wild poinsettias bloom each year led my grandma, mom, and I to attempt to keep Christmas centerpieces alive as long as possible. Mom and Grandma succeeded more often than I at babying finicky shrubs pretending to be Christmas decor.Over time, I’ve learned you can’t over water or these plants suffer root rot. If you underwater, the green leaves curl and fall off. As finicky as they are, they enjoy fertilizing once a month. Modern cultivars need to be pruned so research those guidelines. Who wants a poinsettia touching the ceiling? If you keep it alive through September, investigate light requirements to guarantee a festive red and green plant dressed in its best for Christmas.Looking back, Mom and Grandma had the patience to work with these plants. Apparently, that gene didn’t fully pass on. My current poinsettia is down to only red leaves. When those start falling, that weed’s scoring 2 points when it hits the trash bin.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Crossing the finish line

My name is Diane Schminke, and I’m an elementary school teacher of Sacred Heart Catholic School of Dodge City, Kansas. 

Over the past year, my family and I have experienced firsthand the exceptional care and compassion that HaysMed provides. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was terrified, but HaysMed immediately became a source of strength and hope for me. There was no question that I would continue my care here—their world-class experience and extraordinary team have made all the difference in my journey.

I travel over 100 miles one-way for my radiation treatments because I believe in the providers and the care I receive at HaysMed. This is not just about receiving care; it’s about trusting a team that makes me feel safe, supported, and deeply valued. From the moment I walk through the doors, every interaction reassures me that I’m in the best hands. The staff who greet me, the nurses who guide me, and the heartfelt doctors who patiently listen—they all create an environment where I can focus on healing.

When my breast cancer diagnosis came, it felt overwhelming. But the care and attention I received at HaysMed transformed that fear into confidence. My journey with breast cancer started with my annual well-women’s visit with Felecia Minyard, APRN at the HaysMed Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic, then soon after with a mammogram at HaysMed in Hays. 

When the imaging revealed something concerning, the staff went above and beyond. Knowing I was heading back to Dodge City, they managed to schedule advanced mammography the same day. Within 20 minutes, I was seen, and the swift action of the team gave me immense peace of mind. This commitment to patient-centered care has been a constant throughout my experience.

Dr. Issac Chambers, my HaysMed oncologist called me personally to discuss my treatment plan. He made sure my husband and children could be part of those conversations, so we were all informed and empowered. My treatment includes 20 radiation sessions—I’m currently on visit number three—as well as hormonal therapy for the next 5-7 years. Knowing I have this team beside me every step of the way makes the journey feel possible.

The compassion of the providers at HaysMed is unparalleled. Dr. Brandon Cunningham performed my lumpectomy, patiently explaining every detail and ensuring I felt cared for at every step. Sara, my nurse navigator, has been an incredible source of guidance and comfort as she guides me between the different departments and procedures. HaysMed radiation Physician Assistant, Teal Sander and Dr. Lyle Harrison have both provided outstanding support, always treating me with kindness and respect. They’ve all gone above and beyond to make sure I feel seen, heard, and cared for.

HaysMed’s care extends beyond just me. My husband, Eric, has faced significant health challenges, including COPD and heart issues, and the providers here have consistently delivered exceptional care for him as well. Dr. Gulraiz Cheema in Orthopedics, Dr. Kalyan Wagle in Cardiology, and the Pulmonology team have cared for him with the same warmth, compassion, and expertise that I’ve been fortunate to experience myself.

The personal touches at HaysMed set them apart. Whether it’s a staff member stopping in the hallway to offer assistance or a provider explaining complex medical terms in ways my family and I can understand, they consistently show genuine kindness and humanity. The portal has been an invaluable tool, giving us access to pathology reports and allowing us to communicate directly with our providers. As a family with many healthcare workers, including an ER nurse and a pharmacist, we deeply appreciate this transparency and accessibility.

Even as I balance my teaching schedule, HaysMed accommodates my needs, arranging appointments as the last of the day to minimize disruptions. Their efforts to coordinate with Felecia Minyard, APRN and the Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic have been remarkable, reducing our travel burden and making care seamless. The clinic’s staff responds promptly, works around pre-scheduled commitments, and ensures I’m never left waiting for answers or care.

There’s a reason we keep coming back to HaysMed. It’s not just the exceptional medical care—it’s the unwavering support, kindness, and humanity they bring to every interaction. They’ve been a cornerstone of our healthcare journey, and I cannot thank them enough for walking with me through this challenging chapter of my life. HaysMed is more than a hospital; it’s a place of hope, healing, and heart.

Diane Schminke Dodge City, Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>My name is Diane Schminke, and I’m an elementary school teacher of Sacred Heart Catholic School of Dodge City, Kansas. Over the past year, my family and I have experienced firsthand the exceptional care and compassion that HaysMed provides. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was terrified, but HaysMed immediately became a source of strength and hope for me. There was no question that I would continue my care here—their world-class experience and extraordinary team have made all the difference in my journey.I travel over 100 miles one-way for my radiation treatments because I believe in the providers and the care I receive at HaysMed. This is not just about receiving care; it’s about trusting a team that makes me feel safe, supported, and deeply valued. From the moment I walk through the doors, every interaction reassures me that I’m in the best hands. The staff who greet me, the nurses who guide me, and the heartfelt doctors who patiently listen—they all create an environment where I can focus on healing.When my breast cancer diagnosis came, it felt overwhelming. But the care and attention I received at HaysMed transformed that fear into confidence. My journey with breast cancer started with my annual well-women’s visit with Felecia Minyard, APRN at the HaysMed Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic, then soon after with a mammogram at HaysMed in Hays. When the imaging revealed something concerning, the staff went above and beyond. Knowing I was heading back to Dodge City, they managed to schedule advanced mammography the same day. Within 20 minutes, I was seen, and the swift action of the team gave me immense peace of mind. This commitment to patient-centered care has been a constant throughout my experience.Dr. Issac Chambers, my HaysMed oncologist called me personally to discuss my treatment plan. He made sure my husband and children could be part of those conversations, so we were all informed and empowered. My treatment includes 20 radiation sessions—I’m currently on visit number three—as well as hormonal therapy for the next 5-7 years. Knowing I have this team beside me every step of the way makes the journey feel possible.The compassion of the providers at HaysMed is unparalleled. Dr. Brandon Cunningham performed my lumpectomy, patiently explaining every detail and ensuring I felt cared for at every step. Sara, my nurse navigator, has been an incredible source of guidance and comfort as she guides me between the different departments and procedures. HaysMed radiation Physician Assistant, Teal Sander and Dr. Lyle Harrison have both provided outstanding support, always treating me with kindness and respect. They’ve all gone above and beyond to make sure I feel seen, heard, and cared for.HaysMed’s care extends beyond just me. My husband, Eric, has faced significant health challenges, including COPD and heart issues, and the providers here have consistently delivered exceptional care for him as well. Dr. Gulraiz Cheema in Orthopedics, Dr. Kalyan Wagle in Cardiology, and the Pulmonology team have cared for him with the same warmth, compassion, and expertise that I’ve been fortunate to experience myself.The personal touches at HaysMed set them apart. Whether it’s a staff member stopping in the hallway to offer assistance or a provider explaining complex medical terms in ways my family and I can understand, they consistently show genuine kindness and humanity. The portal has been an invaluable tool, giving us access to pathology reports and allowing us to communicate directly with our providers. As a family with many healthcare workers, including an ER nurse and a pharmacist, we deeply appreciate this transparency and accessibility.Even as I balance my teaching schedule, HaysMed accommodates my needs, arranging appointments as the last of the day to minimize disruptions. Their efforts to coordinate with Felecia Minyard, APRN and the Dodge City Multispecialty Clinic have been remarkable, reducing our travel burden and making care seamless. The clinic’s staff responds promptly, works around pre-scheduled commitments, and ensures I’m never left waiting for answers or care.There’s a reason we keep coming back to HaysMed. It’s not just the exceptional medical care—it’s the unwavering support, kindness, and humanity they bring to every interaction. They’ve been a cornerstone of our healthcare journey, and I cannot thank them enough for walking with me through this challenging chapter of my life. HaysMed is more than a hospital; it’s a place of hope, healing, and heart.Diane Schminke Dodge City, Kansas

LETTER: HaysMed place of hope, healing, heart

Your response to Community Assistance Center food drives fills the pantry shelves that fill our food boxes. Your donations of clothing and household items provide serviceable clothing and household goods.

Your monetary gifts purchase food between drives when supplies run low.

In 2024, your generosity supported 684 families, 428 individuals and 1,177 children.

Since 1984, the citizens of Ellis County have supported those in need.

Organized by a group of concerned citizens, it continues today with a staff of two and 40 part-time volunteers. 

The Center is open between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to serve clients and receive donations.

The staff and volunteers receive and sort donations, filling the shelves and closets with food and used items in good condition.

On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, the CAC has a garage sale open to the public. The proceeds from these sales help cover the cost of building maintenance and utilities.

The CAC's mission is to assist Ellis County residents in need. It is a grassroots effort made possible by the concern and generosity of the citizens of Ellis County. Without you, we would not exist. 

Thank you, Ellis County, for supporting our mission.

The staff and volunteers at the Community Assistance Center 1108 Oak Street Hays, Kansas

Visit our website at <a href="http://hayscac.com">hayscac.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscac">Facebook</a>.

THANK YOU ELLIS COUNTY CITIZENSYour response to Community Assistance Center food drives fills the pantry shelves that fill our food boxes. Your donations of clothing and household items provide serviceable clothing and household goods.Your monetary gifts purchase food between drives when supplies run low.In 2024, your generosity supported 684 families, 428 individuals and 1,177 children.Since 1984, the citizens of Ellis County have supported those in need.Organized by a group of concerned citizens, it continues today with a staff of two and 40 part-time volunteers. The Center is open between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays to serve clients and receive donations.The staff and volunteers receive and sort donations, filling the shelves and closets with food and used items in good condition.On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, the CAC has a garage sale open to the public. The proceeds from these sales help cover the cost of building maintenance and utilities.The CAC's mission is to assist Ellis County residents in need. It is a grassroots effort made possible by the concern and generosity of the citizens of Ellis County. Without you, we would not exist. Thank you, Ellis County, for supporting our mission.The staff and volunteers at the Community Assistance Center 1108 Oak Street Hays, KansasVisit our website at <a href="http://hayscac.com">hayscac.com</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayscac">Facebook</a>.

LETTER: Community Assistance Center thanks Ellis County

The season for snow and ice is here, and with the change in weather, you may be concerned about falling. However, slippery conditions are only one factor contributing to fall risk. Other elements like balance, strength, and coordination can also play a part.

As you know, balance keeps you stable and on your feet. Your eyes, nervous system, and inner ears communicate to keep you upright. Intricate stabilizing muscles and core strength also work together for good balance.

So, what can you do to reduce your risk of falling?

Key practices for good balance include strength and flexibility training. These exercises work your muscles and engage the body’s full balance network, including the nervous system, vision, and inner ears. Keeping these systems in regular communication will help improve balance.

For example, strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight can increase muscle mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance exercises help build stabilizing muscles and increase movement control.

Unilateral movements also contribute to better balance by increasing the time spent on a single side of the body. These exercises focus on practicing balance and improving coordination while strengthening the body. Including unilateral movements such as walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or tai chi can help.

Flexibility training is another key component to improve posture and increase range of motion. When the body is tight, everyday tasks may seem difficult to complete. Bending over to tie&nbsp;shoes or reaching high into a cabinet can be challenging. However, yoga and daily stretching are two ways to work on flexibility that contribute to better balance.

The fear of falling is a legitimate concern for many older adults. In the United States, every 11 seconds a senior is treated in the emergency room due to a fall. These injuries can result in decreased mobility and loss of independence.

Improving balance includes regular strength and flexibility training. Incorporating these habits into your routine at least twice a week can help. Once you start, make it a habit because balance is a skill that requires practice. The good news is that it’s never too late to start!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel, Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp;&nbsp;Family and Community Wellness Agent. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel, Cottonwood Extension District&nbsp;&nbsp;Family and Community Wellness Agent. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The season for snow and ice is here, and with the change in weather, you may be concerned about falling. However, slippery conditions are only one factor contributing to fall risk. Other elements like balance, strength, and coordination can also play a part.As you know, balance keeps you stable and on your feet. Your eyes, nervous system, and inner ears communicate to keep you upright. Intricate stabilizing muscles and core strength also work together for good balance.So, what can you do to reduce your risk of falling?Key practices for good balance include strength and flexibility training. These exercises work your muscles and engage the body’s full balance network, including the nervous system, vision, and inner ears. Keeping these systems in regular communication will help improve balance.For example, strength training with dumbbells, resistance bands, or body weight can increase muscle mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Resistance exercises help build stabilizing muscles and increase movement control.Unilateral movements also contribute to better balance by increasing the time spent on a single side of the body. These exercises focus on practicing balance and improving coordination while strengthening the body. Including unilateral movements such as walking, climbing stairs, riding a bike, or tai chi can help.Flexibility training is another key component to improve posture and increase range of motion. When the body is tight, everyday tasks may seem difficult to complete. Bending over to tie&nbsp;shoes or reaching high into a cabinet can be challenging. However, yoga and daily stretching are two ways to work on flexibility that contribute to better balance.The fear of falling is a legitimate concern for many older adults. In the United States, every 11 seconds a senior is treated in the emergency room due to a fall. These injuries can result in decreased mobility and loss of independence.Improving balance includes regular strength and flexibility training. Incorporating these habits into your routine at least twice a week can help. Once you start, make it a habit because balance is a skill that requires practice. The good news is that it’s never too late to start!Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.&nbsp;

Opinion