So we've heard that we need a new high school because a whopping 950 kids will be in the building next year... And so what?&nbsp; The Class of '99 was the largest Hays High graduating class, ever; I don't think another class since has been so large. We graduated 274 students, although I'm certain we had closer to 300 at some point.&nbsp; Yes, we had more than 1,000 students in that building, and yes, a few teachers had to shuffle around classrooms, but it worked fine. We also had a robust offering of electives, something which the building’s size didn’t hinder.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This year, we're graduating 192 students — a decrease of 82 students over 23 years. If lack of space at the high school is the reason for the bond, then perhaps we should question what exactly they're doing at HHS, because the Class of '99 had no such problems despite being the biggest. If space is an issue at the middle school, then it’s not hard to see why: those of us with common sense anticipated that when they closed Kennedy and haphazardly scrambled to do a 7,200-square-foot addition at HMS. As with everything else, the school board had no long-term plan then, and it still doesn’t with regards to facility maintenance or future renovations. However, adding on to HMS would still be more prudent and cost effective than paying the price tag on a new high school. This bond issue has caused much contention, partly because it's for the wrong amount at the wrong time, as inflation and a steep increase in property valuations have already put many in a financial bind. But, the answers to why we need THIS bond, as opposed to a smaller one (smaller than the previous failed bonds) that addresses needed renovations, are ever changing. None of the people involved can get their stories straight about why we must do this, do all of it, and do it now. One of the most consistent answers seems to be to "Grow Hays."&nbsp; Well, with a loss of 82 seniors in the graduating class over the last 20+ years, as well as just taking a look around town, Hays isn't exactly growing and is unlikely to obtain any significant growth in the foreseeable future, a conclusion the realtors in town sure don't want to admit. Hays has been growth restricted for many reasons, water resources being a major, long-standing issue. Also consider that, nationwide, parents are rejecting the public school system in favor of alternative options, among them traditional private schools and homeschooling — a trend that Hays isn't immune to. Building an expensive new high school and closing elementary schools while jacking up property taxes, rent, and the overall cost of living to do it, is not the beacon of light and prosperity some people seem to believe. It won't attract middle class parents looking for the best educational opportunities for their children. What it will accomplish is ultimately running out Hays residents who just can't afford these increases. Amanda Schlyer, Hays, HHS Class of '99

So we've heard that we need a new high school because a whopping 950 kids will be in the building next year... And so what?&nbsp; The Class of '99 was the largest Hays High graduating class, ever; I don't think another class since has been so large. We graduated 274 students, although I'm certain we had closer to 300 at some point.&nbsp; Yes, we had more than 1,000 students in that building, and yes, a few teachers had to shuffle around classrooms, but it worked fine. We also had a robust offering of electives, something which the building’s size didn’t hinder.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> This year, we're graduating 192 students — a decrease of 82 students over 23 years. If lack of space at the high school is the reason for the bond, then perhaps we should question what exactly they're doing at HHS, because the Class of '99 had no such problems despite being the biggest. If space is an issue at the middle school, then it’s not hard to see why: those of us with common sense anticipated that when they closed Kennedy and haphazardly scrambled to do a 7,200-square-foot addition at HMS. As with everything else, the school board had no long-term plan then, and it still doesn’t with regards to facility maintenance or future renovations. However, adding on to HMS would still be more prudent and cost effective than paying the price tag on a new high school. This bond issue has caused much contention, partly because it's for the wrong amount at the wrong time, as inflation and a steep increase in property valuations have already put many in a financial bind. But, the answers to why we need THIS bond, as opposed to a smaller one (smaller than the previous failed bonds) that addresses needed renovations, are ever changing. None of the people involved can get their stories straight about why we must do this, do all of it, and do it now. One of the most consistent answers seems to be to "Grow Hays."&nbsp; Well, with a loss of 82 seniors in the graduating class over the last 20+ years, as well as just taking a look around town, Hays isn't exactly growing and is unlikely to obtain any significant growth in the foreseeable future, a conclusion the realtors in town sure don't want to admit. Hays has been growth restricted for many reasons, water resources being a major, long-standing issue. Also consider that, nationwide, parents are rejecting the public school system in favor of alternative options, among them traditional private schools and homeschooling — a trend that Hays isn't immune to. Building an expensive new high school and closing elementary schools while jacking up property taxes, rent, and the overall cost of living to do it, is not the beacon of light and prosperity some people seem to believe. It won't attract middle class parents looking for the best educational opportunities for their children. What it will accomplish is ultimately running out Hays residents who just can't afford these increases. Amanda Schlyer, Hays, HHS Class of '99

LETTER: School bond won't 'grow Hays'

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher The saying, “farmers never retire, they farm until they die,” is accurate for my paternal grandfather. Grandpa turned 95 this winter and outside a short Navy deployment at the end of World War II, he has farmed all his life. He is the picture of work ethic and steadfastness: employed full-time at a paper mill while milking cows every day for 40-plus years of his life. In the early 2000s, grandma decided it was time for them to retire and sell milking heard, but grandpa continued as a crop farmer to fill time. Last fall grandpa made the somewhat surprising decision to take a step back from farming due to his declining mobility. He has had less ability for physical work over the last 10 years, spending most of the time making management decisions and then “supervising” my dad’s and uncles’ work. The irony of grandpa passing management to the next generation is that my 60+ year old dad is starting to farm after having retired from a 35-plus-year career at paper mill himself. &nbsp; My family’s situation is a fairly typical farm transition. Our farm population is aging, with the average at 57.5 years old and steadily climbing and the average age of a beginning farmer is 46.5 years old. When farmers never retire, they run the risk of their family and business suffering through turmoil when they die. This potential has made estate and succession planning a common topic for workshops at just about every farm conference in the last decade or two. Thankfully many farmers have heard these messages and taken steps to plan for how their assets will be protected through this transition. Even though my grandpa is still farming, he has had his estate affairs settled for more than a decade. But assets are only part of a farm’s ability to succeed and thrive. Knowledge, judgement and the experience required to run a successful business can be the hardest things to pass to a successor. The real power of succession planning comes in knowing how people and businesses will thrive without you. A driver for Marc and my decision to join his family’s farming operation was legacy. We want to work with his family to grow and safeguard the farm and one day pass it on to future generations. Transitioning to the farm has revealed a pivotal paradigm shift for me about how plan and support succession. Apprenticeship is a common succession approach with observation, assigned tasks and discussions with the current manager. There is value in this approach but it falls short when people spend too long in this phase. Marc doesn’t work for his family, he works with them. His dad has intentionally stepped back from management responsibilities to provide space for Marc to run the business. His dad is an on-site mentor coaching and giving advice. There is no question about will Marc be ready, he has the responsibility now. Marc’s dad isn’t just showing faith and support, he is displaying love for his family and legacy by doing everything in his power to ensure they are prepared and protected for a future without him. It sounds so simple but it feels radical. Powerful emotions are tied to uncertainty of what the future holds for what we have lovingly built with blood, sweat and tears. A powerful succession plan requires caring enough about something to overcome these fears and build so strong that it won’t fail without you. Leaving a legacy requires leaving. Take time now to plan, support and build the things you love for a future beyond you.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher The saying, “farmers never retire, they farm until they die,” is accurate for my paternal grandfather. Grandpa turned 95 this winter and outside a short Navy deployment at the end of World War II, he has farmed all his life. He is the picture of work ethic and steadfastness: employed full-time at a paper mill while milking cows every day for 40-plus years of his life. In the early 2000s, grandma decided it was time for them to retire and sell milking heard, but grandpa continued as a crop farmer to fill time. Last fall grandpa made the somewhat surprising decision to take a step back from farming due to his declining mobility. He has had less ability for physical work over the last 10 years, spending most of the time making management decisions and then “supervising” my dad’s and uncles’ work. The irony of grandpa passing management to the next generation is that my 60+ year old dad is starting to farm after having retired from a 35-plus-year career at paper mill himself. &nbsp; My family’s situation is a fairly typical farm transition. Our farm population is aging, with the average at 57.5 years old and steadily climbing and the average age of a beginning farmer is 46.5 years old. When farmers never retire, they run the risk of their family and business suffering through turmoil when they die. This potential has made estate and succession planning a common topic for workshops at just about every farm conference in the last decade or two. Thankfully many farmers have heard these messages and taken steps to plan for how their assets will be protected through this transition. Even though my grandpa is still farming, he has had his estate affairs settled for more than a decade. But assets are only part of a farm’s ability to succeed and thrive. Knowledge, judgement and the experience required to run a successful business can be the hardest things to pass to a successor. The real power of succession planning comes in knowing how people and businesses will thrive without you. A driver for Marc and my decision to join his family’s farming operation was legacy. We want to work with his family to grow and safeguard the farm and one day pass it on to future generations. Transitioning to the farm has revealed a pivotal paradigm shift for me about how plan and support succession. Apprenticeship is a common succession approach with observation, assigned tasks and discussions with the current manager. There is value in this approach but it falls short when people spend too long in this phase. Marc doesn’t work for his family, he works with them. His dad has intentionally stepped back from management responsibilities to provide space for Marc to run the business. His dad is an on-site mentor coaching and giving advice. There is no question about will Marc be ready, he has the responsibility now. Marc’s dad isn’t just showing faith and support, he is displaying love for his family and legacy by doing everything in his power to ensure they are prepared and protected for a future without him. It sounds so simple but it feels radical. Powerful emotions are tied to uncertainty of what the future holds for what we have lovingly built with blood, sweat and tears. A powerful succession plan requires caring enough about something to overcome these fears and build so strong that it won’t fail without you. Leaving a legacy requires leaving. Take time now to plan, support and build the things you love for a future beyond you."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The leaving in legacy

I used to work for a program focused on one thing; reviving dying Kansas towns. Whilst working for this program we traveled all over Kansas touring everything from big cities to towns on the verge of becoming unincorporated. I also spent 2 years lobbying to Federal and State legislatures on behalf of education and from my experience I tell you now we cannot afford to fail this bond issue.

While working with dozens of Kansas towns, our program identified two top factors for driving a town's population growth, and that is school retention and school enrollment. Currently four of our schools in the city are over capacity, meaning we can not accept any more children into our school system that are already enrolled. The first issue with this has to do with overcrowding. Families will begin sending their children to other schools, possibly moving, in order to find schools that fit their needs. Secondly, statistically speaking, we see schools that fail multiple bond issues see a decline in city population, stagnant industry growth, dropped school classifications (which USD 489 already has) and lower test scores. Whilst schools that pass bond issues see population growth, higher retention, and increased post-secondary success.&nbsp;

School bond issues are also shown to increase citizen retention, meaning those that leave for higher education, work relocations, or other moves, are more likely to return at a later point in their life. The biggest cause of population decrease in the state of Kansas is a lower quality rating in their schools. And in fact, towns that lose schools have an increased chance of becoming unincorporated.

This bond is an investment, not just in our youth, but the entire city. Higher school retention means more children are moving onto higher education, while also returning back to Hays after school. Communities with an increase of educated individuals almost directly relate to economic expansion and population growth. The economy grows in direct correlation with educated individuals per capita.

A failed bond would mean Hays is functioning at full capacity in terms of education. This means no one else would be moving here, bringing new business, bringing new opportunity, bringing new ideas. Hays could possibly suffer more in terms of economic stability if we fail to bring new economic participants into our community vs what we would pay as a whole for the entirety of the bond. Our economy is strictly limited by the number of participants within the marketplace, meaning the less people that live here and move here, the smaller our economy will be.

Judging by the “Grow Hays” initiative, revitalizing downtown, our outreach programs, and our municipality improvements, I would say growing and strengthening our community is very important to our city.

My final point has to do with generational giving. Our grandparents established the schools that our kids use today. This was an amazing gift they handed to the youth of our community. The generation that paid for the schools never once stepped foot in them as a student and never would, but they collectively decided to do better for their kids. It is our turn. We have schools that don’t have handicap accessibility, not enough classrooms, and HVAC systems that go out in February that required students to wear parkas in the classroom. We appreciate and are highly thankful for what those generations did for us, now it is time for us to pass that on to our future generations. This bond puts us on pace with the standard of education in our country to keep us from falling behind, stagnating, and failing.

I used to work for a program focused on one thing; reviving dying Kansas towns. Whilst working for this program we traveled all over Kansas touring everything from big cities to towns on the verge of becoming unincorporated. I also spent 2 years lobbying to Federal and State legislatures on behalf of education and from my experience I tell you now we cannot afford to fail this bond issue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While working with dozens of Kansas towns, our program identified two top factors for driving a town's population growth, and that is school retention and school enrollment. Currently four of our schools in the city are over capacity, meaning we can not accept any more children into our school system that are already enrolled. The first issue with this has to do with overcrowding. Families will begin sending their children to other schools, possibly moving, in order to find schools that fit their needs. Secondly, statistically speaking, we see schools that fail multiple bond issues see a decline in city population, stagnant industry growth, dropped school classifications (which USD 489 already has) and lower test scores. Whilst schools that pass bond issues see population growth, higher retention, and increased post-secondary success.&nbsp;School bond issues are also shown to increase citizen retention, meaning those that leave for higher education, work relocations, or other moves, are more likely to return at a later point in their life. The biggest cause of population decrease in the state of Kansas is a lower quality rating in their schools. And in fact, towns that lose schools have an increased chance of becoming unincorporated.This bond is an investment, not just in our youth, but the entire city. Higher school retention means more children are moving onto higher education, while also returning back to Hays after school. Communities with an increase of educated individuals almost directly relate to economic expansion and population growth. The economy grows in direct correlation with educated individuals per capita.A failed bond would mean Hays is functioning at full capacity in terms of education. This means no one else would be moving here, bringing new business, bringing new opportunity, bringing new ideas. Hays could possibly suffer more in terms of economic stability if we fail to bring new economic participants into our community vs what we would pay as a whole for the entirety of the bond. Our economy is strictly limited by the number of participants within the marketplace, meaning the less people that live here and move here, the smaller our economy will be.Judging by the “Grow Hays” initiative, revitalizing downtown, our outreach programs, and our municipality improvements, I would say growing and strengthening our community is very important to our city.My final point has to do with generational giving. Our grandparents established the schools that our kids use today. This was an amazing gift they handed to the youth of our community. The generation that paid for the schools never once stepped foot in them as a student and never would, but they collectively decided to do better for their kids. It is our turn. We have schools that don’t have handicap accessibility, not enough classrooms, and HVAC systems that go out in February that required students to wear parkas in the classroom. We appreciate and are highly thankful for what those generations did for us, now it is time for us to pass that on to our future generations. This bond puts us on pace with the standard of education in our country to keep us from falling behind, stagnating, and failing.Brent Hirsch, Hays

LETTER: We can’t afford not to pass the USD 489 bond

The students of Ellis County that attend and will attend USD 489 for many years to come need your help.&nbsp;A great education is one of the most important&nbsp;things a&nbsp;child will need to compete in the future.&nbsp;As technology advances the&nbsp;need to be competitive increases. Are we providing all the tools that our children&nbsp;will need to be the best and the brightest?&nbsp;Do we&nbsp;offer&nbsp;the best&nbsp;learning&nbsp;environment?&nbsp;What about classroom sizes? Optimum number of students? All these&nbsp;things and more are needed. It has been 40 years since a new school was constructed.&nbsp;

I recently retired from&nbsp;our&nbsp;local county government&nbsp;as a department head.&nbsp;One of the most important things to keep productivity at&nbsp;the most efficient level is&nbsp;training,&nbsp;proper equipment and&nbsp;facilities.&nbsp;I believe the administration&nbsp;does the very best in spending taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;

The drawback is constant repairs to old and outdated equipment and buildings. In October 2021, I received&nbsp;my Kansas Emergency&nbsp;Substitute&nbsp;Teaching License. This has allowed me to&nbsp;sub-teach over 60 times to date. What an eye-opening experience. The teachers in all the schools do an outstanding job&nbsp;and strive every day to give the students the best educational experience. But the&nbsp;buildings are old, classes are overcrowded, classrooms are too small, windows do not open, and old heating systems make noise. These things&nbsp;and others are&nbsp;not conducive to&nbsp;a proper learning&nbsp;environment.

I truly understand the importance of&nbsp;being frugal with taxpayer&nbsp;monies,&nbsp;but it is also the only place&nbsp;that the income to operate USD 489 comes from.&nbsp;My&nbsp;youngest son went through&nbsp;489,&nbsp;K – 12&nbsp;and received an excellent education.&nbsp;I am grateful to those who supported education&nbsp;in the past and ask that you&nbsp;truly look to the future and&nbsp;say yes to providing our children now and in the future the best education and opportunities for advanced learning. They are our future.

William “Bill” Ring, Ellis, retired Ellis County Public Works Director

The students of Ellis County that attend and will attend USD 489 for many years to come need your help.&nbsp;A great education is one of the most important&nbsp;things a&nbsp;child will need to compete in the future.&nbsp;As technology advances the&nbsp;need to be competitive increases. Are we providing all the tools that our children&nbsp;will need to be the best and the brightest?&nbsp;Do we&nbsp;offer&nbsp;the best&nbsp;learning&nbsp;environment?&nbsp;What about classroom sizes? Optimum number of students? All these&nbsp;things and more are needed. It has been 40 years since a new school was constructed.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I recently retired from&nbsp;our&nbsp;local county government&nbsp;as a department head.&nbsp;One of the most important things to keep productivity at&nbsp;the most efficient level is&nbsp;training,&nbsp;proper equipment and&nbsp;facilities.&nbsp;I believe the administration&nbsp;does the very best in spending taxpayer dollars.&nbsp;The drawback is constant repairs to old and outdated equipment and buildings. In October 2021, I received&nbsp;my Kansas Emergency&nbsp;Substitute&nbsp;Teaching License. This has allowed me to&nbsp;sub-teach over 60 times to date. What an eye-opening experience. The teachers in all the schools do an outstanding job&nbsp;and strive every day to give the students the best educational experience. But the&nbsp;buildings are old, classes are overcrowded, classrooms are too small, windows do not open, and old heating systems make noise. These things&nbsp;and others are&nbsp;not conducive to&nbsp;a proper learning&nbsp;environment.I truly understand the importance of&nbsp;being frugal with taxpayer&nbsp;monies,&nbsp;but it is also the only place&nbsp;that the income to operate USD 489 comes from.&nbsp;My&nbsp;youngest son went through&nbsp;489,&nbsp;K – 12&nbsp;and received an excellent education.&nbsp;I am grateful to those who supported education&nbsp;in the past and ask that you&nbsp;truly look to the future and&nbsp;say yes to providing our children now and in the future the best education and opportunities for advanced learning. They are our future.Thank you.William “Bill” Ring, Ellis, retired Ellis County Public Works Director

LETTER: Time to invest in a great education for the future

I am a resident of Hays&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;small&nbsp;business owner. &nbsp;My wife and I&nbsp;own a home here, so we pay property taxes. &nbsp;We have&nbsp;one child, a&nbsp;son&nbsp;who&nbsp;is completing his freshman year at Hays High. &nbsp;My wife&nbsp;works at FHSU&nbsp;and&nbsp;is&nbsp;one of the dozens of community volunteers that has spent countless hours attending meetings to discuss, plan, and develop the current bond proposal from USD 489.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of&nbsp;my&nbsp;partners&nbsp;is Bill Jeter, and&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;(and, therefore, our firm)&nbsp;is counsel to&nbsp;the district. &nbsp;

Forgive me for all the disclosures, but&nbsp;I wanted to&nbsp;be up front&nbsp;with&nbsp;that information. &nbsp;I have no doubt that some would try to manipulate&nbsp;or diminish&nbsp;what I say by suggesting&nbsp;I have some sort of hidden agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s not the case.

Nobody&nbsp;asked me to write in favor of the bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am not writing this as counsel for USD 489. &nbsp;I write simply as a taxpayer, business owner, and resident of Hays; someone that is concerned about our future as the communities around us continue to shrink. &nbsp;

I have noticed, as I am sure others have, that the&nbsp;last few weeks&nbsp;have seen efforts made&nbsp;to rally voters to turn out against the bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;That is no surprise, and that is everyone’s right. Every ballot initiative&nbsp;should be scrutinized, and I respect that opinions will vary and votes will differ.

I am, however,&nbsp;struck by how the&nbsp;anti-bond&nbsp;efforts repeat familiar refrains intended to inflame emotions&nbsp;or frighten us into paralysis, rather than addressing the merits of investing in our school facilities&nbsp;– or the costs of&nbsp;continuing to&nbsp;fail to do so. &nbsp;I have seen a litany of reasons tossed out for why people should vote “No,”&nbsp;including but not limited to federal government monetary policy (nothing USD 489 can control), other state and local taxes (again, nothing the district can control),&nbsp;claims that&nbsp;the facilities now are “good enough” (they aren’t, and when&nbsp;did&nbsp;just “good enough”&nbsp;become the goal?), worldwide supply chain problems, and on and on. &nbsp;

Opponents have even found a way&nbsp;to&nbsp;create controversy where none should have existed by&nbsp;focusing on&nbsp;a&nbsp;single&nbsp;email sent by Superintendent Wilson encouraging district employees to exercise their right to vote. &nbsp;While I do not think any reasonable person could read Mr. Wilson’s email and conclude that he was seeking to “intimidate” employees or “bribe” them with dessert for merely exercising their right to vote, some&nbsp;chose&nbsp;to use his message as an excuse&nbsp;to&nbsp;pour negative light and publicity on the district and Mr. Wilson, hoping&nbsp;it&nbsp;would&nbsp;spill&nbsp;over to and taint the bond proposal itself. &nbsp;

Nowhere among these&nbsp;efforts and arguments&nbsp;are there any alternative, better proposals. &nbsp;There is no attempt&nbsp;to address the hard truth&nbsp;that our&nbsp;students and teachers&nbsp;are&nbsp;in desperate need of new and refurbished facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, as with most ballot initiatives, it is&nbsp;easier to&nbsp;politicize the issues in play by&nbsp;avoiding them altogether and&nbsp;railing on about “the process” and attacking public education administrators in state and local media.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Each&nbsp;one of us had the opportunity to participate in the formulation of the bond proposal. &nbsp;Open meetings were held. &nbsp;Opportunities to provide input were given. &nbsp;If you spend any time talking to members of the committees involved in the process, you will likely find that the decisions made about the scope of the bond were driven by community members that recognized our district and community needs and how best to address them, not&nbsp;the district’s consultant,&nbsp;DLR,&nbsp;as some would have you believe. &nbsp;But, again,&nbsp;there is no need to come up with a better idea or debate the merits when&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;much easier to&nbsp;fire up&nbsp;voters by looking for easy targets like DLR,&nbsp;the district,&nbsp;or its superintendent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you are a voter still considering&nbsp;your decision, as a fellow voter and taxpayer I simply ask that you not be&nbsp;distracted by these tactics. &nbsp;Consider the bond on its merits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Take the time to ask questions and get the information you think you need to make an informed decision.

While I, too, am concerned about inflation and rising costs&nbsp;(other&nbsp;negative&nbsp;arguments I have heard of late), I am more concerned about what the costs&nbsp;will eventually be if we continue a policy of spending&nbsp;millions of dollars&nbsp;on band aids to maintain buildings that range from 40-plus to 90-plus years in age&nbsp;and have inadequate space for the district’s 21st Century needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am more concerned about the price our community will pay&nbsp;if&nbsp;we send the message to young families looking to move or stay in our community that we are satisfied with inadequate, ill-equipped, and over-crowded&nbsp;school facilities. &nbsp;

So,&nbsp;I think&nbsp;it is critical that the bond passes. &nbsp;I think that despite&nbsp;knowing&nbsp;that I, as a taxpayer, will contribute to paying for the costs of the bond and despite&nbsp;knowing&nbsp;that it is very unlikely that I will have any children that&nbsp;attend&nbsp;school at any of the new or refurbished facilities that will result from passage of the bond.

I&nbsp;am&nbsp;convinced that, of all the bond proposals considered,&nbsp;the current bond proposal makes the most sense&nbsp;in terms of facility usage;&nbsp;that&nbsp;this has not been a “rushed” process and that&nbsp;considerable time and effort has gone into crafting a bond proposal that makes sense in its scope;that it gives us&nbsp;a valuable tool to help&nbsp;attract families&nbsp;and businesses&nbsp;to either stay or relocate to our community;&nbsp;and that it avoids kicking the proverbial can down the road for our children and grandchildren to deal with.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is no such thing as waiting for “the right time” to pass a bond. &nbsp;Failing to pass this bond, at this time, will only cost us more in the future as&nbsp;USD 489’s facilities get&nbsp;older,&nbsp;and the scope of the work needed gets&nbsp;larger. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

I&nbsp;will&nbsp;vote&nbsp;“Yes”&nbsp;twice&nbsp;for the bond and the sales tax, not because I love to pay another dollar in taxes, but because&nbsp;the&nbsp;current&nbsp;bond&nbsp;proposal deserves&nbsp;support.&nbsp;&nbsp;What I hope is that each voter that intends to vote, whether for or against, will&nbsp;come to their own conclusion by&nbsp;focusing&nbsp;on the&nbsp;facts&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;merits&nbsp;of the proposal, the needs addressed, and the costs of doing nothing,&nbsp;instead of letting misinformation or contrived outrage&nbsp;distract them from the real issues at hand.&nbsp;

I am a resident of Hays&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;small&nbsp;business owner. &nbsp;My wife and I&nbsp;own a home here, so we pay property taxes. &nbsp;We have&nbsp;one child, a&nbsp;son&nbsp;who&nbsp;is completing his freshman year at Hays High. &nbsp;My wife&nbsp;works at FHSU&nbsp;and&nbsp;is&nbsp;one of the dozens of community volunteers that has spent countless hours attending meetings to discuss, plan, and develop the current bond proposal from USD 489.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of&nbsp;my&nbsp;partners&nbsp;is Bill Jeter, and&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;(and, therefore, our firm)&nbsp;is counsel to&nbsp;the district. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Forgive me for all the disclosures, but&nbsp;I wanted to&nbsp;be up front&nbsp;with&nbsp;that information. &nbsp;I have no doubt that some would try to manipulate&nbsp;or diminish&nbsp;what I say by suggesting&nbsp;I have some sort of hidden agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s not the case.Nobody&nbsp;asked me to write in favor of the bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am not writing this as counsel for USD 489. &nbsp;I write simply as a taxpayer, business owner, and resident of Hays; someone that is concerned about our future as the communities around us continue to shrink. &nbsp;I have noticed, as I am sure others have, that the&nbsp;last few weeks&nbsp;have seen efforts made&nbsp;to rally voters to turn out against the bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;That is no surprise, and that is everyone’s right. Every ballot initiative&nbsp;should be scrutinized, and I respect that opinions will vary and votes will differ.I am, however,&nbsp;struck by how the&nbsp;anti-bond&nbsp;efforts repeat familiar refrains intended to inflame emotions&nbsp;or frighten us into paralysis, rather than addressing the merits of investing in our school facilities&nbsp;– or the costs of&nbsp;continuing to&nbsp;fail to do so. &nbsp;I have seen a litany of reasons tossed out for why people should vote “No,”&nbsp;including but not limited to federal government monetary policy (nothing USD 489 can control), other state and local taxes (again, nothing the district can control),&nbsp;claims that&nbsp;the facilities now are “good enough” (they aren’t, and when&nbsp;did&nbsp;just “good enough”&nbsp;become the goal?), worldwide supply chain problems, and on and on. &nbsp;Opponents have even found a way&nbsp;to&nbsp;create controversy where none should have existed by&nbsp;focusing on&nbsp;a&nbsp;single&nbsp;email sent by Superintendent Wilson encouraging district employees to exercise their right to vote. &nbsp;While I do not think any reasonable person could read Mr. Wilson’s email and conclude that he was seeking to “intimidate” employees or “bribe” them with dessert for merely exercising their right to vote, some&nbsp;chose&nbsp;to use his message as an excuse&nbsp;to&nbsp;pour negative light and publicity on the district and Mr. Wilson, hoping&nbsp;it&nbsp;would&nbsp;spill&nbsp;over to and taint the bond proposal itself. &nbsp;Nowhere among these&nbsp;efforts and arguments&nbsp;are there any alternative, better proposals. &nbsp;There is no attempt&nbsp;to address the hard truth&nbsp;that our&nbsp;students and teachers&nbsp;are&nbsp;in desperate need of new and refurbished facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, as with most ballot initiatives, it is&nbsp;easier to&nbsp;politicize the issues in play by&nbsp;avoiding them altogether and&nbsp;railing on about “the process” and attacking public education administrators in state and local media.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each&nbsp;one of us had the opportunity to participate in the formulation of the bond proposal. &nbsp;Open meetings were held. &nbsp;Opportunities to provide input were given. &nbsp;If you spend any time talking to members of the committees involved in the process, you will likely find that the decisions made about the scope of the bond were driven by community members that recognized our district and community needs and how best to address them, not&nbsp;the district’s consultant,&nbsp;DLR,&nbsp;as some would have you believe. &nbsp;But, again,&nbsp;there is no need to come up with a better idea or debate the merits when&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;much easier to&nbsp;fire up&nbsp;voters by looking for easy targets like DLR,&nbsp;the district,&nbsp;or its superintendent.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are a voter still considering&nbsp;your decision, as a fellow voter and taxpayer I simply ask that you not be&nbsp;distracted by these tactics. &nbsp;Consider the bond on its merits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Take the time to ask questions and get the information you think you need to make an informed decision.While I, too, am concerned about inflation and rising costs&nbsp;(other&nbsp;negative&nbsp;arguments I have heard of late), I am more concerned about what the costs&nbsp;will eventually be if we continue a policy of spending&nbsp;millions of dollars&nbsp;on band aids to maintain buildings that range from 40-plus to 90-plus years in age&nbsp;and have inadequate space for the district’s 21st Century needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am more concerned about the price our community will pay&nbsp;if&nbsp;we send the message to young families looking to move or stay in our community that we are satisfied with inadequate, ill-equipped, and over-crowded&nbsp;school facilities. &nbsp;So,&nbsp;I think&nbsp;it is critical that the bond passes. &nbsp;I think that despite&nbsp;knowing&nbsp;that I, as a taxpayer, will contribute to paying for the costs of the bond and despite&nbsp;knowing&nbsp;that it is very unlikely that I will have any children that&nbsp;attend&nbsp;school at any of the new or refurbished facilities that will result from passage of the bond.I&nbsp;am&nbsp;convinced that, of all the bond proposals considered,&nbsp;the current bond proposal makes the most sense&nbsp;in terms of facility usage;&nbsp;that&nbsp;this has not been a “rushed” process and that&nbsp;considerable time and effort has gone into crafting a bond proposal that makes sense in its scope;that it gives us&nbsp;a valuable tool to help&nbsp;attract families&nbsp;and businesses&nbsp;to either stay or relocate to our community;&nbsp;and that it avoids kicking the proverbial can down the road for our children and grandchildren to deal with.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no such thing as waiting for “the right time” to pass a bond. &nbsp;Failing to pass this bond, at this time, will only cost us more in the future as&nbsp;USD 489’s facilities get&nbsp;older,&nbsp;and the scope of the work needed gets&nbsp;larger. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;will&nbsp;vote&nbsp;“Yes”&nbsp;twice&nbsp;for the bond and the sales tax, not because I love to pay another dollar in taxes, but because&nbsp;the&nbsp;current&nbsp;bond&nbsp;proposal deserves&nbsp;support.&nbsp;&nbsp;What I hope is that each voter that intends to vote, whether for or against, will&nbsp;come to their own conclusion by&nbsp;focusing&nbsp;on the&nbsp;facts&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;merits&nbsp;of the proposal, the needs addressed, and the costs of doing nothing,&nbsp;instead of letting misinformation or contrived outrage&nbsp;distract them from the real issues at hand.&nbsp;Chris Sook, Hays

LETTER: Focus on the bond proposal, not the distractions

When I was child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I
became a man, I did away with childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

I am saying no on the school bond because I hold a huge responsibility to my community and
to its future, I love this community and our children as they are our future. I also feel it is my
civic right to express my opinion. If I am going to complain, I very well better take action.

I’m all for bigger and better, I love technology. Just like everybody else I’d love to see the new
and improved schools ... BUT WE CAN’T AFFORD IT, NOT NOW!!!


Look around, open your eyes. Do you see gas prices at an all time high, $4.19 a gallon and
climbing? Grocery stores experiencing low inventory, much higher prices and rumors of food
shortages like we’ve never seen before? Utilities? I spoke with a person from Midwest Energy
and was told in the very near future our utilities will jump in price dramatically. My water bill
went up $20 a month. My assessment on my homes, yes I said homes, went up 10 to 15% so
what is going to happen to my property taxes? They will go up in price even before the school
bond gets it’s increase if passed. Can I afford all this? Yes I CAN. I will need to budget and cut
back in areas that are non-essentials.


But let’s talk about my in-laws who can’t afford all these price hikes, or all the other elderly in
our community who can’t afford it. Have we thought about them? How about the low-income
families that can barely make it pay check to pay check? How about those who are trying to
buy their first home? They can afford the house payment but can’t afford the property taxes
and insurance that go with it. As we all know Insurances keep going up, and we need to have
insurance. I’ve heard landlords are increasing rent as they want to cover their added expenses
of property taxes. Hays won’t be affordable to live in, or should I say even more unaffordable.&nbsp;

Young people, elderly and low income don’t stand a chance in our community if we are going
to tax them into oblivion. It’s a horrible time to pass this school bond. Our kids will survive
without bigger and better. Hays will survive without bigger and better, but we need to keep a
watchful eye on our elderly, low income and our young adults and pray they can survive during
this horrible inflation.


As I said in an earlier letter I posted on Facebook, I was raised by very wise parents who
said. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it, make do with what you have, fix what’s broken and
save for what you want. Seriously that might be a great subject to teach in our schools, in our
homes.... To be wise stewards with our money.


When I was a child I wanted the sun, moon and stars but now that I am an adult, I want to be
responsible.


When I was child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I
became a man, I did away with childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11
I am saying no on the school bond because I hold a huge responsibility to my community and
to its future, I love this community and our children as they are our future. I also feel it is my
civic right to express my opinion. If I am going to complain, I very well better take action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I’m all for bigger and better, I love technology. Just like everybody else I’d love to see the new
and improved schools ... BUT WE CAN’T AFFORD IT, NOT NOW!!!
Look around, open your eyes. Do you see gas prices at an all time high, $4.19 a gallon and
climbing? Grocery stores experiencing low inventory, much higher prices and rumors of food
shortages like we’ve never seen before? Utilities? I spoke with a person from Midwest Energy
and was told in the very near future our utilities will jump in price dramatically. My water bill
went up $20 a month. My assessment on my homes, yes I said homes, went up 10 to 15% so
what is going to happen to my property taxes? They will go up in price even before the school
bond gets it’s increase if passed. Can I afford all this? Yes I CAN. I will need to budget and cut
back in areas that are non-essentials.
But let’s talk about my in-laws who can’t afford all these price hikes, or all the other elderly in
our community who can’t afford it. Have we thought about them? How about the low-income
families that can barely make it pay check to pay check? How about those who are trying to
buy their first home? They can afford the house payment but can’t afford the property taxes
and insurance that go with it. As we all know Insurances keep going up, and we need to have
insurance. I’ve heard landlords are increasing rent as they want to cover their added expenses
of property taxes. Hays won’t be affordable to live in, or should I say even more unaffordable.&nbsp;Young people, elderly and low income don’t stand a chance in our community if we are going
to tax them into oblivion. It’s a horrible time to pass this school bond. Our kids will survive
without bigger and better. Hays will survive without bigger and better, but we need to keep a
watchful eye on our elderly, low income and our young adults and pray they can survive during
this horrible inflation.
As I said in an earlier letter I posted on Facebook, I was raised by very wise parents who
said. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it, make do with what you have, fix what’s broken and
save for what you want. Seriously that might be a great subject to teach in our schools, in our
homes.... To be wise stewards with our money.
When I was a child I wanted the sun, moon and stars but now that I am an adult, I want to be
responsible.
MaryBeth Fisher, Hays

LETTER: We can't afford USD 489 bond, not now

One aspect of the bond debate which often gets overlooked is the hardship caused by inflation. The trouble we’re seeing right now isn’t just the natural result of a cyclical economy. Rather, it was caused by printing trillions of dollars combined with destructive policies regarding energy and foreign policies. And far from being a temporary hiccup, there’s no evidence that the current administration plans to reverse these mistakes.

As consumers, we are already feeling the pain and know that additional taxes will only further erode our finances; that alone is a good reason to oppose a bond at this time. The ones hardest hit will be those on fixed incomes, many of them senior citizens who could be forced out of the only community they have ever called home.

What’s more, no one has mentioned how inflation will affect local government: the city, county and school system will see their insurance premiums, power bills and equipment costs all go up. Even Joe Biden acknowledged last month that the interruption of grain exports and higher fertilizer prices due to the war in Ukraine makes worldwide food shortages a possibility. This undoubtedly will strain the school district's lunch budget in ways that haven’t been considered.&nbsp;

Obviously, these increased costs will translate into higher taxes or cuts to services — probably both. Property taxes are guaranteed to increase just to keep up with inflated costs and the sharp increase in valuations will sting us even more.

The uncertainty of our economic condition, coupled with bad policy at the federal level will be costly for us all. Now, throw in the bond on top of that. How many people can afford for their property taxes to double? How many people could be pushed out of their homes? Does taxing people out of their property or making their rent unaffordable really help to "Grow Hays" and project an image that will bring people in?

One aspect of the bond debate which often gets overlooked is the hardship caused by inflation. The trouble we’re seeing right now isn’t just the natural result of a cyclical economy. Rather, it was caused by printing trillions of dollars combined with destructive policies regarding energy and foreign policies. And far from being a temporary hiccup, there’s no evidence that the current administration plans to reverse these mistakes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As consumers, we are already feeling the pain and know that additional taxes will only further erode our finances; that alone is a good reason to oppose a bond at this time. The ones hardest hit will be those on fixed incomes, many of them senior citizens who could be forced out of the only community they have ever called home.What’s more, no one has mentioned how inflation will affect local government: the city, county and school system will see their insurance premiums, power bills and equipment costs all go up. Even Joe Biden acknowledged last month that the interruption of grain exports and higher fertilizer prices due to the war in Ukraine makes worldwide food shortages a possibility. This undoubtedly will strain the school district's lunch budget in ways that haven’t been considered.&nbsp;Obviously, these increased costs will translate into higher taxes or cuts to services — probably both. Property taxes are guaranteed to increase just to keep up with inflated costs and the sharp increase in valuations will sting us even more.The uncertainty of our economic condition, coupled with bad policy at the federal level will be costly for us all. Now, throw in the bond on top of that. How many people can afford for their property taxes to double? How many people could be pushed out of their homes? Does taxing people out of their property or making their rent unaffordable really help to "Grow Hays" and project an image that will bring people in?Eugenia Spady, Hays&nbsp;

LETTER: Inflation makes bond unaffordable

In February,&nbsp;United WE released a report highlighting the&nbsp;growing gender inequalities in our state, particularly&nbsp;in&nbsp;healthcare.

Last week, state lawmakers&nbsp;made a small step towards progress on this issue.

The&nbsp;newest&nbsp;budget funds an&nbsp;extension&nbsp;to&nbsp;KanCare, the state’s&nbsp;Medicaid program,&nbsp;for&nbsp;postpartum health coverage.&nbsp;

KanCare’s&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;coverage was extended from 60 days to 12 months.Previously, there&nbsp;had been&nbsp;a temporary&nbsp;expansion&nbsp;of coverage&nbsp;under federal COVID policy.

This policy change is the result of lobbying efforts by a coalition of Kansas maternal health stakeholders to make the temporary extension permanent.&nbsp;

The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that about 30% of births last year were covered by&nbsp;KanCare.

Additionally, the percentage of working age women in Kansas without health insurance coverage increased&nbsp;by&nbsp;10% from 2018-2019 and is higher than the national average. The number of women in poverty without health insurance is on the rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas, while the rest of the country decreases.

The&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;extension&nbsp;provides&nbsp;much needed, and potentially lifesaving,&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;healthcare coverage&nbsp;for Kansas&nbsp;women.

There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of severe health complications as an unintended outcome of pregnancy, labor, and delivery among Kansas women. Between 2016-2019, the number of severe complications increased nearly 5% each year.

The Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee&nbsp;found that between&nbsp;2016-2018, an alarming 92% of&nbsp;pregnancy-associated mortalities were preventable.&nbsp;Over 47%&nbsp;of these deaths&nbsp;occurred 43 days to one year after the end of the pregnancy.&nbsp;A period now covered under&nbsp;KanCare’spostpartum expansion.

According to the March of Dimes, women living in poverty and women of color are more likely to experience maternal physical and mental health conditions and are less likely to get help due to lack of healthcare access.&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;expansion has the potential to close that gap.

As of 2020,&nbsp;March of Dimes&nbsp;found&nbsp;45 counties in Kansas&nbsp;to be&nbsp;maternity care deserts. An additional 24 counties have low access to maternity care. Those counties are home to over 93,000 women,&nbsp;ages&nbsp;15-44.

Healthcare may still be out of reach for a sizeable number of&nbsp;low-income&nbsp;women in Kansas, butfor the women now covered under the&nbsp;expansion,&nbsp;those 12 months of coverage could quite&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;be the difference between life and death.

Additionally, a 2017 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that parental enrollment in Medicaid is associated with a 29% higher likelihood a child will receive annual well-child visits.&nbsp;

Maternal health advocates — both providers and private citizens — made this&nbsp;KanCareexpansion happen by lobbying state lawmakers to address the&nbsp;growing&nbsp;maternal health crisis.

For a political scientist&nbsp;and eternal optimist&nbsp;like myself, it’s heartening to see civic&nbsp;virtue&nbsp;in action.&nbsp;

So many of our state’s&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;are disillusioned with politics and government at every level.

For many, government never does enough&nbsp;to address citizen concerns. They never do it fast enough. And they never do exactly what&nbsp;is&nbsp;wanted, or&nbsp;even&nbsp;needed. Their work&nbsp;is&nbsp;often filled with half measures and compromises. But in a few instances, like this one, we see average people stepping up and pressuring policymakers for much&nbsp;needed change.

I hope this serves as an example to Kansas’ citizens, especially our young people, that government can make&nbsp;good&nbsp;policy that isn’t dragged down by partisan bickering and in-fighting. Sometimes it just takes a little&nbsp;civic virtue and&nbsp;grassroots&nbsp;advocacy.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>In February,&nbsp;United WE released a report highlighting the&nbsp;growing gender inequalities in our state, particularly&nbsp;in&nbsp;healthcare.Last week, state lawmakers&nbsp;made a small step towards progress on this issue.The&nbsp;newest&nbsp;budget funds an&nbsp;extension&nbsp;to&nbsp;KanCare, the state’s&nbsp;Medicaid program,&nbsp;for&nbsp;postpartum health coverage.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KanCare’s&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;coverage was extended from 60 days to 12 months.Previously, there&nbsp;had been&nbsp;a temporary&nbsp;expansion&nbsp;of coverage&nbsp;under federal COVID policy.This policy change is the result of lobbying efforts by a coalition of Kansas maternal health stakeholders to make the temporary extension permanent.&nbsp;The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that about 30% of births last year were covered by&nbsp;KanCare.Additionally, the percentage of working age women in Kansas without health insurance coverage increased&nbsp;by&nbsp;10% from 2018-2019 and is higher than the national average. The number of women in poverty without health insurance is on the rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kansas, while the rest of the country decreases.The&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;extension&nbsp;provides&nbsp;much needed, and potentially lifesaving,&nbsp;postpartum&nbsp;healthcare coverage&nbsp;for Kansas&nbsp;women.There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of severe health complications as an unintended outcome of pregnancy, labor, and delivery among Kansas women. Between 2016-2019, the number of severe complications increased nearly 5% each year.The Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee&nbsp;found that between&nbsp;2016-2018, an alarming 92% of&nbsp;pregnancy-associated mortalities were preventable.&nbsp;Over 47%&nbsp;of these deaths&nbsp;occurred 43 days to one year after the end of the pregnancy.&nbsp;A period now covered under&nbsp;KanCare’spostpartum expansion.According to the March of Dimes, women living in poverty and women of color are more likely to experience maternal physical and mental health conditions and are less likely to get help due to lack of healthcare access.&nbsp;KanCare&nbsp;expansion has the potential to close that gap.As of 2020,&nbsp;March of Dimes&nbsp;found&nbsp;45 counties in Kansas&nbsp;to be&nbsp;maternity care deserts. An additional 24 counties have low access to maternity care. Those counties are home to over 93,000 women,&nbsp;ages&nbsp;15-44.Healthcare may still be out of reach for a sizeable number of&nbsp;low-income&nbsp;women in Kansas, butfor the women now covered under the&nbsp;expansion,&nbsp;those 12 months of coverage could quite&nbsp;possibly&nbsp;be the difference between life and death.Additionally, a 2017 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that parental enrollment in Medicaid is associated with a 29% higher likelihood a child will receive annual well-child visits.&nbsp;Maternal health advocates — both providers and private citizens — made this&nbsp;KanCareexpansion happen by lobbying state lawmakers to address the&nbsp;growing&nbsp;maternal health crisis.For a political scientist&nbsp;and eternal optimist&nbsp;like myself, it’s heartening to see civic&nbsp;virtue&nbsp;in action.&nbsp;So many of our state’s&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;are disillusioned with politics and government at every level.For many, government never does enough&nbsp;to address citizen concerns. They never do it fast enough. And they never do exactly what&nbsp;is&nbsp;wanted, or&nbsp;even&nbsp;needed. Their work&nbsp;is&nbsp;often filled with half measures and compromises. But in a few instances, like this one, we see average people stepping up and pressuring policymakers for much&nbsp;needed change.I hope this serves as an example to Kansas’ citizens, especially our young people, that government can make&nbsp;good&nbsp;policy that isn’t dragged down by partisan bickering and in-fighting. Sometimes it just takes a little&nbsp;civic virtue and&nbsp;grassroots&nbsp;advocacy.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD&nbsp;is an Assistant&nbsp;Professor of Political Science at&nbsp;Wichita State&nbsp;University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Grassroots advocacy expands postpartum coverage

As we gear up for the last week of the most important election in this community, it saddens me how mean and nasty some people have become when your viewpoint is different than theirs.&nbsp; Everyone has their own opinion and their own viewpoint, and if it is different than yours, we should agree to disagree.

Before you vote on May 10, I hope that you consider the following:

• Do we really need a new high school or should we just fix what's broken in the schools we have?

• Who benefits the most with a new high school? Is it the education of the young minds?

• Will our children and grandchildren be able to afford to live in Hays if this bond passes? They will be the ones paying it off.

• If this bond passes, do you realize our current first graders (age 6) will be 36 years old and high school seniors (age 18) will be 48 years old when the bond is paid off?

• What about the direct financial impact this will have for the elderly and those on fixed incomes?

• Inflation is at the highest rate it's been in the last 40 years with no end in sight.

• There will need to be roads constructed on&nbsp;E. 13th St.&nbsp;or Canterbury. Will this bring more taxes to the community?

• Will appraisals for&nbsp;homes close to the high school&nbsp;DOUBLE&nbsp;as they did in Garden City when their new high school was finished? Most of those homes were constructed after the high school was built so we don't know what impact that will be for those homeowners.

• Mainstream media is discussing a recession. What would happen if a recession does hit?&nbsp;

• Why can’t we fix what is broken and save our community from higher taxes?

• Let’s not tax this community out of existence!

My dad was a very wise man and taught me that if you can't afford something don't buy it. You fix what's broken and you make do with what you have. You live below your means and save for what you want.&nbsp;

I don’t know about you, BUT I am tired of paying more and more taxes.&nbsp;

As we gear up for the last week of the most important election in this community, it saddens me how mean and nasty some people have become when your viewpoint is different than theirs.&nbsp; Everyone has their own opinion and their own viewpoint, and if it is different than yours, we should agree to disagree.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Before you vote on May 10, I hope that you consider the following:• Do we really need a new high school or should we just fix what's broken in the schools we have?• Who benefits the most with a new high school? Is it the education of the young minds?• Will our children and grandchildren be able to afford to live in Hays if this bond passes? They will be the ones paying it off.• If this bond passes, do you realize our current first graders (age 6) will be 36 years old and high school seniors (age 18) will be 48 years old when the bond is paid off?• What about the direct financial impact this will have for the elderly and those on fixed incomes?• Inflation is at the highest rate it's been in the last 40 years with no end in sight.• There will need to be roads constructed on&nbsp;E. 13th St.&nbsp;or Canterbury. Will this bring more taxes to the community?• Will appraisals for&nbsp;homes close to the high school&nbsp;DOUBLE&nbsp;as they did in Garden City when their new high school was finished? Most of those homes were constructed after the high school was built so we don't know what impact that will be for those homeowners.• Mainstream media is discussing a recession. What would happen if a recession does hit?&nbsp;• Why can’t we fix what is broken and save our community from higher taxes?• Let’s use common sense!• Let’s not tax this community out of existence! My dad was a very wise man and taught me that if you can't afford something don't buy it. You fix what's broken and you make do with what you have. You live below your means and save for what you want.&nbsp;I don’t know about you, BUT I am tired of paying more and more taxes.&nbsp;IT IS SIMPLY NOT THE RIGHT TIME!&nbsp;Cindy Weigel, Hays

LETTER: Time is not right for USD 489 bond

Still a little hobbled and unsteady on my feet from recent knee surgery,&nbsp;here I sit at the&nbsp;computer, listening to the spring wind howl outside and reminiscing about past turkey hunts.&nbsp;These memories are probably as close as I’ll get&nbsp;to harvesting a turkey this&nbsp;spring,&nbsp;but&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;one&nbsp;particular&nbsp;fall turkey hunt keep&nbsp;popping into my mental in-box.

Ordinarily being inducted into&nbsp;any sort of members-only club or organization is an honor; something to be proud of, something to be pleased about, a reason to hold&nbsp;one’s&nbsp;head high. One&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;years ago, however, I was unintentionally and involuntarily given membership in an organization I’m&nbsp;ashamed to be a part of…&nbsp;Let me explain.

It was dusk and&nbsp;a chilly wind blew&nbsp;from the west.&nbsp;I had finally aligned my priorities, and number one was labeled “bag a fall turkey.”&nbsp;Our hunting blind was tucked under&nbsp;some craggy low hanging trees in front of an old silo. An alfalfa field lay in front of me, and the river&nbsp;with its fringe&nbsp;of trees and scrub brush, lay behind. I couldn’t see much to my left, but the west wind had been bringing with it the clucks and cackles of wild turkeys for nearly an hour. Fall turkey hunting is&nbsp;as different from spring turkey hunting as&nbsp;east is from west. The&nbsp;turkeys are grouped in large flocks for the winter, often a hundred or more around here, and hunting them becomes a game of cat and mouse, (ideally the turkeys play the part of the mouse.)&nbsp;Maybe I hunt overly paranoid and&nbsp;ultra-suspicious turkeys, but when the dust settles, I often end up looking more like the mouse myself.&nbsp;

Anyway,&nbsp;there I sat,&nbsp;straining&nbsp;to see&nbsp;the birds I could&nbsp;hear. Slowly black&nbsp;specks appeared&nbsp;in the alfalfa until the field was black, like&nbsp;a pepper shaker&nbsp;had&nbsp;spilled onto a green tablecloth. In two&nbsp;distinct groups they ever-so-slowly filed across the field, strutting, flapping and twittering like school kids&nbsp;after recess. As the first group&nbsp;crossed in front of&nbsp;me,&nbsp;they were too far away for a shot, and when&nbsp;they finally disappeared into the trees to my right, I thought my evening’s hunt was over. However,&nbsp;the sounds of turkeys still wafted on the wind and a second large group materialized through the branches&nbsp;to my left, this bunch&nbsp;much closer than the last. I slowly and quietly eased the&nbsp;12-gauge&nbsp;barrel through the open slit in front&nbsp;of the&nbsp;blind,&nbsp;released the safety and waited, already tasting fresh wild turkey breast. My best shot was through an&nbsp;opening in the trees about as wide as the&nbsp;blind, and one large hen in front of the flock soon stood&nbsp;there.&nbsp;As she cocked&nbsp;her head and looked my way, I put the front sight of the barrel on the base of her neck, and squeezed off the shot.&nbsp;Even as the sound of the&nbsp;blast still hung in the air,&nbsp;wild turkeys flew&nbsp;everywhere; I mean all the turkeys, every last one of them&nbsp;including the hen I’d shot&nbsp;at!&nbsp;I sat in the silence of the dark blind, somehow trying to deny the fact that I had&nbsp;just blown an easy shot.&nbsp;I walked around in the alfalfa&nbsp;as if I&nbsp;expected&nbsp;the earth to suddenly spew forth a dead&nbsp;turkey it had&nbsp;hidden from me as a cruel joke.&nbsp;I gazed in the direction of the fleeing birds as if I&nbsp;planned&nbsp;to see a dead turkey appear without warning somewhere in the distance.&nbsp;I had been told by other hunters that sooner or later every turkey hunter misses an easy shot, and I had just joined that club.&nbsp;I was now a&nbsp;card-carrying&nbsp;member of TWITS (That&nbsp;Was&nbsp;Incredibly&nbsp;Terrible&nbsp;Shooting.)&nbsp;

Walking to my pickup, I had to chuckle and wonder what was going through that turkeys mind (since it was not pellets from my shotgun shell.) I knew I could count on a compassionate and understanding&nbsp;response from my wife at home, and, sure enough, she replied “How in the world did that happen?”&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Still a little hobbled and unsteady on my feet from recent knee surgery,&nbsp;here I sit at the&nbsp;computer, listening to the spring wind howl outside and reminiscing about past turkey hunts.&nbsp;These memories are probably as close as I’ll get&nbsp;to harvesting a turkey this&nbsp;spring,&nbsp;but&nbsp;memories of&nbsp;one&nbsp;particular&nbsp;fall turkey hunt keep&nbsp;popping into my mental in-box.Ordinarily being inducted into&nbsp;any sort of members-only club or organization is an honor; something to be proud of, something to be pleased about, a reason to hold&nbsp;one’s&nbsp;head high. One&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;years ago, however, I was unintentionally and involuntarily given membership in an organization I’m&nbsp;ashamed to be a part of…&nbsp;Let me explain.It was dusk and&nbsp;a chilly wind blew&nbsp;from the west.&nbsp;I had finally aligned my priorities, and number one was labeled “bag a fall turkey.”&nbsp;Our hunting blind was tucked under&nbsp;some craggy low hanging trees in front of an old silo. An alfalfa field lay in front of me, and the river&nbsp;with its fringe&nbsp;of trees and scrub brush, lay behind. I couldn’t see much to my left, but the west wind had been bringing with it the clucks and cackles of wild turkeys for nearly an hour. Fall turkey hunting is&nbsp;as different from spring turkey hunting as&nbsp;east is from west. The&nbsp;turkeys are grouped in large flocks for the winter, often a hundred or more around here, and hunting them becomes a game of cat and mouse, (ideally the turkeys play the part of the mouse.)&nbsp;Maybe I hunt overly paranoid and&nbsp;ultra-suspicious turkeys, but when the dust settles, I often end up looking more like the mouse myself.&nbsp;Anyway,&nbsp;there I sat,&nbsp;straining&nbsp;to see&nbsp;the birds I could&nbsp;hear. Slowly black&nbsp;specks appeared&nbsp;in the alfalfa until the field was black, like&nbsp;a pepper shaker&nbsp;had&nbsp;spilled onto a green tablecloth. In two&nbsp;distinct groups they ever-so-slowly filed across the field, strutting, flapping and twittering like school kids&nbsp;after recess. As the first group&nbsp;crossed in front of&nbsp;me,&nbsp;they were too far away for a shot, and when&nbsp;they finally disappeared into the trees to my right, I thought my evening’s hunt was over. However,&nbsp;the sounds of turkeys still wafted on the wind and a second large group materialized through the branches&nbsp;to my left, this bunch&nbsp;much closer than the last. I slowly and quietly eased the&nbsp;12-gauge&nbsp;barrel through the open slit in front&nbsp;of the&nbsp;blind,&nbsp;released the safety and waited, already tasting fresh wild turkey breast. My best shot was through an&nbsp;opening in the trees about as wide as the&nbsp;blind, and one large hen in front of the flock soon stood&nbsp;there.&nbsp;As she cocked&nbsp;her head and looked my way, I put the front sight of the barrel on the base of her neck, and squeezed off the shot.&nbsp;Even as the sound of the&nbsp;blast still hung in the air,&nbsp;wild turkeys flew&nbsp;everywhere; I mean all the turkeys, every last one of them&nbsp;including the hen I’d shot&nbsp;at!&nbsp;I sat in the silence of the dark blind, somehow trying to deny the fact that I had&nbsp;just blown an easy shot.&nbsp;I walked around in the alfalfa&nbsp;as if I&nbsp;expected&nbsp;the earth to suddenly spew forth a dead&nbsp;turkey it had&nbsp;hidden from me as a cruel joke.&nbsp;I gazed in the direction of the fleeing birds as if I&nbsp;planned&nbsp;to see a dead turkey appear without warning somewhere in the distance.&nbsp;I had been told by other hunters that sooner or later every turkey hunter misses an easy shot, and I had just joined that club.&nbsp;I was now a&nbsp;card-carrying&nbsp;member of TWITS (That&nbsp;Was&nbsp;Incredibly&nbsp;Terrible&nbsp;Shooting.)&nbsp;Walking to my pickup, I had to chuckle and wonder what was going through that turkeys mind (since it was not pellets from my shotgun shell.) I knew I could count on a compassionate and understanding&nbsp;response from my wife at home, and, sure enough, she replied “How in the world did that happen?”&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: How in the world did that happen?

Much has been written about current state legislators not responding to special education funding and not meeting the 92% criteria on excess funding. &nbsp;I would like to address those claims.

Let’s look at the numbers.&nbsp;To figure out Special Education spending we take the actual spending for Special Education in Kansas for 2021&nbsp;of&nbsp;$1,017,356,006. &nbsp;Then we add an increase based on an approximate&nbsp;4% raise in teacher salaries of $40,694,240.&nbsp;Then we add in&nbsp;an estimated addition of 300 teachers and paraprofessionals at a cost of $71,014 per employee for a total of $21,322,200&nbsp;(remember this&nbsp;number).&nbsp;&nbsp;That equals a grand total of $1,079,372,446. &nbsp;

Now to compute “Excess Cost Computation."&nbsp; First you deduct the average per pupil cost&nbsp;of Regular Education ($7,909) multiplied&nbsp;by special education&nbsp;full-time equivalent pupils excluding any State Hospital&nbsp;residents&nbsp;which is 29,000 pupils ($229,361,000&nbsp;–&nbsp;which&nbsp;is the increase from 2021)&nbsp;and then subtracted&nbsp;Federal Aid, Medicaid Reimbursements and State Hospitals Administrative Costs which&nbsp;comes to&nbsp;$671,784,315 which then appears that&nbsp;Special Education is only calculated at 76.24%&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;state is required to fund excess costs&nbsp;at 92%.

These numbers&nbsp;appear dismal. &nbsp;But let me&nbsp;tell you&nbsp;that these numbers don’t reflect&nbsp;the full story. &nbsp;Base Aid per student&nbsp;is never that amount. &nbsp;For 2023 base aid per student is $8,147.00&nbsp;and special education students&nbsp;are weighted&nbsp;(which adds layers of extra funding)&nbsp;and for the&nbsp;29,000&nbsp;special education&nbsp;students&nbsp;is another&nbsp;$238.7 million dollars. &nbsp;Federal Aid is&nbsp;$130.9 million, Medicaid is&nbsp;another $39.8 million. &nbsp;That total is $936,687,918 million. &nbsp;If you take this total and divide by the $1 billion in total funding reported by districts, you’ll find that the State funded&nbsp;at 92%&nbsp;of excess costs based on the raw numbers.&nbsp;This total for&nbsp;our special education population does not include bond &amp; interest, capital equalization, local option budget, or&nbsp;capital outlay. Those dollars that benefit these students and all students are in addition. Therefore, there is a great disparity between what KSDE&nbsp;uses as their formula versus what the Legislature&nbsp;actually pays.&nbsp;

Unencumbered funds that are held by USD 489&nbsp;for special education&nbsp;are currently&nbsp;$415,888.00and have risen over the past three years. &nbsp;If you&nbsp;remember, the state paid for 300 new teachers at a cost of&nbsp;over $21 million. &nbsp;As we all know, there has been a teacher and paraprofessional shortage and we&nbsp;definitely did&nbsp;not&nbsp;hire 300 new teachers. Basically –&nbsp;excess funding was deposited into special education unencumbered funds totaling over $220 million.&nbsp;These funds&nbsp;increased by 15% in five years.&nbsp;I fail to see how the State of Kansas has NOT fulfilled its requirement&nbsp;for funding when I look at these numbers. &nbsp;You may disagree with&nbsp;whether or not we should add&nbsp;more funding, but it would be very difficult to argue with the numbers I have provided.&nbsp;

State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, 111th&nbsp;District

Much has been written about current state legislators not responding to special education funding and not meeting the 92% criteria on excess funding. &nbsp;I would like to address those claims.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Let’s look at the numbers.&nbsp;To figure out Special Education spending we take the actual spending for Special Education in Kansas for 2021&nbsp;of&nbsp;$1,017,356,006. &nbsp;Then we add an increase based on an approximate&nbsp;4% raise in teacher salaries of $40,694,240.&nbsp;Then we add in&nbsp;an estimated addition of 300 teachers and paraprofessionals at a cost of $71,014 per employee for a total of $21,322,200&nbsp;(remember this&nbsp;number).&nbsp;&nbsp;That equals a grand total of $1,079,372,446. &nbsp;Now to compute “Excess Cost Computation."&nbsp; First you deduct the average per pupil cost&nbsp;of Regular Education ($7,909) multiplied&nbsp;by special education&nbsp;full-time equivalent pupils excluding any State Hospital&nbsp;residents&nbsp;which is 29,000 pupils ($229,361,000&nbsp;–&nbsp;which&nbsp;is the increase from 2021)&nbsp;and then subtracted&nbsp;Federal Aid, Medicaid Reimbursements and State Hospitals Administrative Costs which&nbsp;comes to&nbsp;$671,784,315 which then appears that&nbsp;Special Education is only calculated at 76.24%&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;state is required to fund excess costs&nbsp;at 92%.These numbers&nbsp;appear dismal. &nbsp;But let me&nbsp;tell you&nbsp;that these numbers don’t reflect&nbsp;the full story. &nbsp;Base Aid per student&nbsp;is never that amount. &nbsp;For 2023 base aid per student is $8,147.00&nbsp;and special education students&nbsp;are weighted&nbsp;(which adds layers of extra funding)&nbsp;and for the&nbsp;29,000&nbsp;special education&nbsp;students&nbsp;is another&nbsp;$238.7 million dollars. &nbsp;Federal Aid is&nbsp;$130.9 million, Medicaid is&nbsp;another $39.8 million. &nbsp;That total is $936,687,918 million. &nbsp;If you take this total and divide by the $1 billion in total funding reported by districts, you’ll find that the State funded&nbsp;at 92%&nbsp;of excess costs based on the raw numbers.&nbsp;This total for&nbsp;our special education population does not include bond &amp; interest, capital equalization, local option budget, or&nbsp;capital outlay. Those dollars that benefit these students and all students are in addition. Therefore, there is a great disparity between what KSDE&nbsp;uses as their formula versus what the Legislature&nbsp;actually pays.&nbsp;Unencumbered funds that are held by USD 489&nbsp;for special education&nbsp;are currently&nbsp;$415,888.00and have risen over the past three years. &nbsp;If you&nbsp;remember, the state paid for 300 new teachers at a cost of&nbsp;over $21 million. &nbsp;As we all know, there has been a teacher and paraprofessional shortage and we&nbsp;definitely did&nbsp;not&nbsp;hire 300 new teachers. Basically –&nbsp;excess funding was deposited into special education unencumbered funds totaling over $220 million.&nbsp;These funds&nbsp;increased by 15% in five years.&nbsp;I fail to see how the State of Kansas has NOT fulfilled its requirement&nbsp;for funding when I look at these numbers. &nbsp;You may disagree with&nbsp;whether or not we should add&nbsp;more funding, but it would be very difficult to argue with the numbers I have provided.&nbsp;State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, 111th&nbsp;District

LETTER: The truth behind special education funding

By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/29/be-an-environmental-activist-through-your-backyard-gardening-choices/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>

I like to consider myself an advocate
 for the environment: someone who believes that climate change is a 
dangerous and advancing threat. I fret that our government doesn’t do 
more to encourage sustainability and alternative energy.

But I am striking some weak stances there with “believe” and “fret.” What about some action on my part?

The best I muster is minimizing the 
damage that I regularly do to the environment. I choose a car that gets 
good gas mileage. I run our laundry at night to avoid peak power hours. I
 scold my son and daughter about not recycling.

Those changes allow me to stay in my 
comfy place of privileged consumption. Those tiny actions minimize my 
outsized first-world environmental impact.

Two Kansas podcasts this week provide
 similar ways to begin healing our environment, rather than limiting the
 daily damage we impart.

Together, the podcasts offer dual 
serendipities. First, their timing is extraordinary. Both episodes — 
posted on consecutive days on different podcasting channels — overlap by
 considering how backyard gardens with native plants can foster monarch 
butterflies.

The second serendipity is considering
 the strikingly beautiful monarch butterfly. Its marathon migratory 
pattern from Canada to Mexico over the course of generations of 
reproduction is a natural miracle. Add to that the precision of their 
migration (the butterflies take their cues from the angle of the sun in 
the sky).

Here are the two podcasts that 
magically overlapped in discussing how our backyard gardens can be more 
than a place to dump annual bags of red mulch:&nbsp;

The connection to Kansas for the monarch butterfly comes from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/tagmig/">its migratory path through our state</a>, and also from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/index.html">the Kansas-based nonprofit organization</a> that for 30 years has been working toward their preservation.

Chip Taylor, the founder and director
 of Monarch Watch, connects the butterfly with today’s largest 
environmental issues on Uncovering Kansas.

“Monarchs are important because they 
are symbolic of how we are managing the planet and the effect that we 
are having on the planet,” Taylor says. “The fact that the monarch 
population is going down is troubling because this is one of the most 
fantastic natural phenomena on the planet. We’ve got to be paying 
attention.

“And the monarchs are telling us that we aren’t paying attention.”&nbsp;

In eight countries, Monarch Watch has created more that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/">38,000 waystations</a>: locations where monarchs can find their coveted milkweed plant.

Taylor explains that selecting a 
native milkweed plant is vital. Blindly buying any old milkweed might 
mean inadvertently harming monarchs with pesticides.&nbsp;

“People who buy milkweed — tropical 
milkweed in particular — from big-box stores,” Taylor said. “And they 
take those plants home to raise a few monarch caterpillars on them. Two 
or three bites of that foliage, if it’s been treated with these 
neonicotinoid pesticides, those butterflies are curled up and writhing 
at the bottom of the pot.”

The guest on this week’s Flatlander 
Podcast also asks listeners to be mindful of what they plant. Brad Guhr,
 an educator at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, explains why we
 should choose native plants.

Guhr says native plants should give 
back to the environment in which they are planted as much as they take. 
(This sounds like a grand ambition for us all.) He agrees with Taylor 
that it’s often difficult to find such plants at national hardware and 
retail chains.&nbsp;

However, finding the right plant can create a thriving natural environment.&nbsp;

“The more diversity that you get at 
that plant level, the more diversity you are going to get at that animal
 level, more high up,” Guhr says. “And I think that is where another 
level of enjoyment comes in. Wanting to see the wildlife that gets 
attracted to a landscape.”

Of course, this kind of 
thoughtfulness about what plants we select flies in the face of the 
weekend warrior mentality of maintaining the stereotypical suburban 
backyard. It’s so tempting to race through the Home Depot nursery and 
choose a plant that might survive in an empty plant bed back home. We 
want to spend just a few hours to simply make our yard “look cute.” Both
 guests make the case for being more mindful.

Eventually, even Guhr’s interview turns to the monarch.&nbsp;

“You bet I am going to talk about the
 monarch butterfly and all of the lessons that it brings along,” Guhr 
says. “Especially as it becomes more imperiled and we see these trends 
of its reduction in our environment, it’s easy to sound the alarms and 
try to highlight all of the different reasons that the monarch provides 
for us.”

Taylor sees the monarch’s symbolic value in prodding environmental curiosity and action.

“It’s a platform that we’ve got,” 
Taylor says. “The monarch butterfly is iconic. It’s cherished by a lot 
of people. And it gives us an opportunity to talk about a change that’s 
occurring.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KmdXfI8qcGXppor5sLlng?si=dddf95eecd2940d7">Savvy, lazy or crazy, Putin will soon lose power</a>

In his interview with host Jon 
Niccum, Valery Dzutsati, a visiting assistant professor at the 
University of Kansas, draws a parallel between the Russian invasion of 
Ukraine in 2022 to the Russian-Japanese war in 1904. Detailed 
connections like these deliver what the title of the podcasts promises: 
experts attacking. Dzutsaki says that the 1904 war resulted in the first
 Russian revolution against the contemporary rulers of Russia. Will that
 happen again? Dzutsati predicts the end of Putin’s power in the next 
five years.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/12tj6bl6PbfkfUZXBo64Re?si=e90de5ea028940e4">Chris Courtwright</a>

Chris Courtwright delivers a 
behind-the-scenes tick-tock of how the Kansas Legislative Research 
Department makes financial projections. While this sounds dry, 
Courtwright’s voice rings with the righteous conviction of a dedicated 
numbers guy. The wonky breakdown of economics and taxes will help 
listeners understand:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651241310989.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By ERIC THOMAS <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/29/be-an-environmental-activist-through-your-backyard-gardening-choices/">Courtesy Kansas Reflector</a>I like to consider myself an advocate
 for the environment: someone who believes that climate change is a 
dangerous and advancing threat. I fret that our government doesn’t do 
more to encourage sustainability and alternative energy.But I am striking some weak stances there with “believe” and “fret.” What about some action on my part?The best I muster is minimizing the 
damage that I regularly do to the environment. I choose a car that gets 
good gas mileage. I run our laundry at night to avoid peak power hours. I
 scold my son and daughter about not recycling.Those changes allow me to stay in my 
comfy place of privileged consumption. Those tiny actions minimize my 
outsized first-world environmental impact.Two Kansas podcasts this week provide
 similar ways to begin healing our environment, rather than limiting the
 daily damage we impart.Together, the podcasts offer dual 
serendipities. First, their timing is extraordinary. Both episodes — 
posted on consecutive days on different podcasting channels — overlap by
 considering how backyard gardens with native plants can foster monarch 
butterflies.The second serendipity is considering
 the strikingly beautiful monarch butterfly. Its marathon migratory 
pattern from Canada to Mexico over the course of generations of 
reproduction is a natural miracle. Add to that the precision of their 
migration (the butterflies take their cues from the angle of the sun in 
the sky).Here are the two podcasts that 
magically overlapped in discussing how our backyard gardens can be more 
than a place to dump annual bags of red mulch:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QpDX5buJsrlJQVcAjb03M?si=3279393f95eb4761">Wildflowers and Native Plants from the Flatlander Podcast, April 22</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4b7ipKx8DOkoQDc9ObvQ6M?si=e855b77cd9644482">Monarch Watch from the Uncovering Kansas podcast, April 23</a></li>
 </ul>The connection to Kansas for the monarch butterfly comes from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/tagmig/">its migratory path through our state</a>, and also from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/index.html">the Kansas-based nonprofit organization</a> that for 30 years has been working toward their preservation.Chip Taylor, the founder and director
 of Monarch Watch, connects the butterfly with today’s largest 
environmental issues on Uncovering Kansas.“Monarchs are important because they 
are symbolic of how we are managing the planet and the effect that we 
are having on the planet,” Taylor says. “The fact that the monarch 
population is going down is troubling because this is one of the most 
fantastic natural phenomena on the planet. We’ve got to be paying 
attention.“And the monarchs are telling us that we aren’t paying attention.”&nbsp;In eight countries, Monarch Watch has created more that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/">38,000 waystations</a>: locations where monarchs can find their coveted milkweed plant.Taylor explains that selecting a 
native milkweed plant is vital. Blindly buying any old milkweed might 
mean inadvertently harming monarchs with pesticides.&nbsp;“People who buy milkweed — tropical 
milkweed in particular — from big-box stores,” Taylor said. “And they 
take those plants home to raise a few monarch caterpillars on them. Two 
or three bites of that foliage, if it’s been treated with these 
neonicotinoid pesticides, those butterflies are curled up and writhing 
at the bottom of the pot.”The guest on this week’s Flatlander 
Podcast also asks listeners to be mindful of what they plant. Brad Guhr,
 an educator at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, explains why we
 should choose native plants.Guhr says native plants should give 
back to the environment in which they are planted as much as they take. 
(This sounds like a grand ambition for us all.) He agrees with Taylor 
that it’s often difficult to find such plants at national hardware and 
retail chains.&nbsp;However, finding the right plant can create a thriving natural environment.&nbsp;“The more diversity that you get at 
that plant level, the more diversity you are going to get at that animal
 level, more high up,” Guhr says. “And I think that is where another 
level of enjoyment comes in. Wanting to see the wildlife that gets 
attracted to a landscape.”Of course, this kind of 
thoughtfulness about what plants we select flies in the face of the 
weekend warrior mentality of maintaining the stereotypical suburban 
backyard. It’s so tempting to race through the Home Depot nursery and 
choose a plant that might survive in an empty plant bed back home. We 
want to spend just a few hours to simply make our yard “look cute.” Both
 guests make the case for being more mindful.Eventually, even Guhr’s interview turns to the monarch.&nbsp;“You bet I am going to talk about the
 monarch butterfly and all of the lessons that it brings along,” Guhr 
says. “Especially as it becomes more imperiled and we see these trends 
of its reduction in our environment, it’s easy to sound the alarms and 
try to highlight all of the different reasons that the monarch provides 
for us.”Taylor sees the monarch’s symbolic value in prodding environmental curiosity and action.“It’s a platform that we’ve got,” 
Taylor says. “The monarch butterfly is iconic. It’s cherished by a lot 
of people. And it gives us an opportunity to talk about a change that’s 
occurring.”<a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KmdXfI8qcGXppor5sLlng?si=dddf95eecd2940d7">Savvy, lazy or crazy, Putin will soon lose power</a>When Experts Attack, April 21, 2022In his interview with host Jon 
Niccum, Valery Dzutsati, a visiting assistant professor at the 
University of Kansas, draws a parallel between the Russian invasion of 
Ukraine in 2022 to the Russian-Japanese war in 1904. Detailed 
connections like these deliver what the title of the podcasts promises: 
experts attacking. Dzutsaki says that the 1904 war resulted in the first
 Russian revolution against the contemporary rulers of Russia. Will that
 happen again? Dzutsati predicts the end of Putin’s power in the next 
five years.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/12tj6bl6PbfkfUZXBo64Re?si=e90de5ea028940e4">Chris Courtwright</a>That Guy in Hutch, April 21, 2022Chris Courtwright delivers a 
behind-the-scenes tick-tock of how the Kansas Legislative Research 
Department makes financial projections. While this sounds dry, 
Courtwright’s voice rings with the righteous conviction of a dedicated 
numbers guy. The wonky breakdown of economics and taxes will help 
listeners understand:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>The history of the grocery tax (he seems mystified that a cut hasn’t passed).</li><li>The diversification of tax revenue in Kansas (it protects against tax revenue slumping during downturns.</li><li>The
 cash in our state’s coffers (“I am telling you that there’s more money 
in the Kansas state coffers than there’s ever been.”).</li>
 </ul>

OPINION: Be an environmental activist through backyard choices

In February, we announced a new partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design that will provide the hair academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials certificate from Fort Hays State University.

This partnership is&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;the Gateway Program through FHSU and the North Central Kansas Technical College. Through that program, NCK Tech students can enjoy many benefits offered to Fort Hays State students, including access to campus services, participation in student activities and organizations, and on-campus student housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our first eight-week class of the certificate, Understanding Personal Finances, was a huge success. The second, Management Practices, will conclude at the end of this semester. The third and fourth classes – Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing – will be taught during the fall 2022 semester.

Hays native Reece&nbsp;Leiker, who will graduate from Hays High School in May, plans to enroll in all those classes next year.

I have known Reece for several years as a client of her make-up and skin care business. I have always been fascinated by her business savvy. I am thrilled that she is among the students taking advantage of the FHSU-Hays Academy partnership.

Reece said she knew from the first time she heard about the partnership that it was something she wanted to check out.&nbsp;

“I love school for the social aspect, and I like surrounding myself with like-minded peers,” she said. “I knew living on campus was for me because I want to meet new people and stay connected to my friends who will be attending FHSU this fall. I think living on my own will teach me a lot about myself, and I look forward to that.”

Reece said her goal is to enjoy the college experience while still being able to attend the school of her choice – the hair academy.&nbsp;

“My goal is to have the college experience but receive the schooling of my choice through the hair academy,” she said. “The business classes follow the same logic for me, and I believe that knowing more is highly beneficial.”

One of things that I really admire about Reece is her entrepreneurial spirit. She said she didn’t picture herself as an entrepreneur when she was younger. However, when she was 11 years old and her younger brother, Channing, was 7, their mom asked them “What could you do to change the world?”

Soon thereafter, the&nbsp;Leiker&nbsp;siblings created Pure&nbsp;Roots, &nbsp;a&nbsp;homemade laundry detergent.&nbsp;

They identified and acquired a corporate sponsor for the materials so that 100% of the money from the detergent sales went directly toward their philanthropic goal to build five homes for the extremely poor in Nicaragua.

They estimated the total cost of those five homes to be $26,000, and they set a timeline of one year for raising that amount. However, Reece and Channing reached their goal in just seven months. They then set a new target of funding 20 homes&nbsp;and also&nbsp;met that goal, raising $104,000.

Inspired by her early success, and driven by her family’s motto, “Leave it better than you found it,” Reece set out on a new venture: making the world more beautiful,&nbsp;inside&nbsp;and out, by inspiring confidence and self-love.

At the age of 14, Reece became an affiliate for a cosmetics brand. Later, she and her family established Fancy That Boutique for her business. The Hays storefront features additional products such as journals and jewelry.

That’s when Reece realized that the beauty industry was something she wanted to pursue as a career.

“I chose Hays Academy of Hair Design because after being an affiliate for a cosmetics brand, I realized it was something I truly enjoyed,” she said. “I love helping women become the best version of themselves and reflecting their inner beauty outward.”

“While I attend Hays Academy and FHSU, I plan on launching my brand and focusing on growing my business. &nbsp;After graduating, I plan to expand my brand and take over Fancy That Boutique.&nbsp;

“I love Hays and want to do my part in growing the business sector,” she said, “so I'm sure there will be more entrepreneurial opportunities I will pursue.”

“I really admire my mother when it comes to business because she leads with humility and compassion,” Reece said. “She makes others feel loved and heard. She pushes through her struggles and comes out stronger each time. She takes time to grow herself and takes her priorities seriously.”

I have watched Reece grow her understanding of business practices such as inventory, supply chain, marketing, website development, financial management, and business planning. In all my encounters with Reece, I have found her to be extremely knowledgeable about her products and among the best in customer service and relationships. Each order she prepares for her clients includes a hand-written note to encourage a smile and a positive thought. She constantly thinks about her focus on inspiring positive change in our world.

Even at her young age, Reece has already made a significant impact in the lives and hearts of many while simultaneously building her business acumen and entrepreneurial skills and heart. I cannot wait to see how her journey continues to ignite people, communities, and our world with love. And I am excited about how our partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design will continue to bring students like Reece to our campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>In February, we announced a new partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design that will provide the hair academy students the opportunity to take four business courses while working toward a Business Essentials certificate from Fort Hays State University.This partnership is&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;the Gateway Program through FHSU and the North Central Kansas Technical College. Through that program, NCK Tech students can enjoy many benefits offered to Fort Hays State students, including access to campus services, participation in student activities and organizations, and on-campus student housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our first eight-week class of the certificate, Understanding Personal Finances, was a huge success. The second, Management Practices, will conclude at the end of this semester. The third and fourth classes – Basics of Accounting and Taxes, and Social Media Marketing – will be taught during the fall 2022 semester.Hays native Reece&nbsp;Leiker, who will graduate from Hays High School in May, plans to enroll in all those classes next year.I have known Reece for several years as a client of her make-up and skin care business. I have always been fascinated by her business savvy. I am thrilled that she is among the students taking advantage of the FHSU-Hays Academy partnership.Reece said she knew from the first time she heard about the partnership that it was something she wanted to check out.&nbsp;“I love school for the social aspect, and I like surrounding myself with like-minded peers,” she said. “I knew living on campus was for me because I want to meet new people and stay connected to my friends who will be attending FHSU this fall. I think living on my own will teach me a lot about myself, and I look forward to that.”Reece said her goal is to enjoy the college experience while still being able to attend the school of her choice – the hair academy.&nbsp;“My goal is to have the college experience but receive the schooling of my choice through the hair academy,” she said. “The business classes follow the same logic for me, and I believe that knowing more is highly beneficial.”One of things that I really admire about Reece is her entrepreneurial spirit. She said she didn’t picture herself as an entrepreneur when she was younger. However, when she was 11 years old and her younger brother, Channing, was 7, their mom asked them “What could you do to change the world?”Soon thereafter, the&nbsp;Leiker&nbsp;siblings created Pure&nbsp;Roots, &nbsp;a&nbsp;homemade laundry detergent.&nbsp;They identified and acquired a corporate sponsor for the materials so that 100% of the money from the detergent sales went directly toward their philanthropic goal to build five homes for the extremely poor in Nicaragua.They estimated the total cost of those five homes to be $26,000, and they set a timeline of one year for raising that amount. However, Reece and Channing reached their goal in just seven months. They then set a new target of funding 20 homes&nbsp;and also&nbsp;met that goal, raising $104,000.Inspired by her early success, and driven by her family’s motto, “Leave it better than you found it,” Reece set out on a new venture: making the world more beautiful,&nbsp;inside&nbsp;and out, by inspiring confidence and self-love.At the age of 14, Reece became an affiliate for a cosmetics brand. Later, she and her family established Fancy That Boutique for her business. The Hays storefront features additional products such as journals and jewelry.That’s when Reece realized that the beauty industry was something she wanted to pursue as a career.“I chose Hays Academy of Hair Design because after being an affiliate for a cosmetics brand, I realized it was something I truly enjoyed,” she said. “I love helping women become the best version of themselves and reflecting their inner beauty outward.”“While I attend Hays Academy and FHSU, I plan on launching my brand and focusing on growing my business. &nbsp;After graduating, I plan to expand my brand and take over Fancy That Boutique.&nbsp;“I love Hays and want to do my part in growing the business sector,” she said, “so I'm sure there will be more entrepreneurial opportunities I will pursue.”Reece’s role model is her mom, Taryn.“I really admire my mother when it comes to business because she leads with humility and compassion,” Reece said. “She makes others feel loved and heard. She pushes through her struggles and comes out stronger each time. She takes time to grow herself and takes her priorities seriously.”I have watched Reece grow her understanding of business practices such as inventory, supply chain, marketing, website development, financial management, and business planning. In all my encounters with Reece, I have found her to be extremely knowledgeable about her products and among the best in customer service and relationships. Each order she prepares for her clients includes a hand-written note to encourage a smile and a positive thought. She constantly thinks about her focus on inspiring positive change in our world.Even at her young age, Reece has already made a significant impact in the lives and hearts of many while simultaneously building her business acumen and entrepreneurial skills and heart. I cannot wait to see how her journey continues to ignite people, communities, and our world with love. And I am excited about how our partnership with Hays Academy of Hair Design will continue to bring students like Reece to our campus.

MASON: Partnerships expanding opportunities for students

On May 10, this community will decide whether to approve a $143 million school bond. Its supporters say that a new high school is needed to draw more residents. Unfortunately, the bigger tax bills and higher rents will make life unaffordable for many who live here now. They’re struggling as it is, and the evidence suggests that things are about to get worse.

In a story last month, Fox Business <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/russian-war-in-worlds-breadbasket-threatens-food-supply">noted</a> how Ukraine and Russia are known as the breadbasket of Europe, and between them they account for a third of global wheat and barley exports. They also produce corn, and 75% of the world’s sunflower oil. Unfortunately, that breadbast will be a lot lighter this fall.&nbsp;

Due to Russia’s invasion, many <a href="https://www.agricensus.com/Article/ANALYSIS-Ukraine-planting-outlooks-slashed-amid-Russia-invasion-21174.html">Ukrainian farmers</a> haven’t been able to plant this year. And even for those who have, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to bring their crops to market. While Russian farmers are planting, it’s not clear if they’ll be able to sell what they grow: as Bloomberg <a href="https://archive.ph/6Geaa">reported</a> on April 5, there is now mounting pressure to sanction the country’s agricultural products.&nbsp;

Now you might be thinking, “Hey, we’re Americans–we grow our own food.” Well, that’s tough to do without fertilizer, something which just got significantly more expensive. Modern fertilizers typically contain three elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Potassium is usually derived from something called potash; unfortunately, Russia and Belarus are the world’s number two and three potash producers. As of this month, Russia is <a href="https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/17312-russian-halt-to-fertilizer-exports-expected-to-boost-prices-spur-shortfalls">no longer</a> exporting potash, while potash from Belarus is about to be hit with steep U.S. tariffs <a href="https://archive.ph/8FthD">next month</a>.

Nitrogen usually comes in the form of ammonia, something that requires natural gas to manufacture. Low and behold, Russia is the world’s <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/264771/top-countries-based-on-natural-gas-production/">second largest</a> natural gas producer. We could mitigate rising natural gas prices by aggressively upping domestic production, but the Biden administration <a href="https://video.foxnews.com/v/6302696045001/">isn’t interested</a>.&nbsp;

So what does all of this mean? Well, even Joe Biden <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-warns-americans-food-shortage-gonna-be-real-following-sanctions-russia">acknowledged</a> last month that “real” food shortages are a possibility. In other words, we’ll be paying a lot more to buy groceries. That’s on top of the extra we’ll be shelling out to fill our gas tanks and heat our homes. Then there’s the fact that interest rates are up and <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/mortgage-rates-fastest-pace-1994">expected to rise</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is going to impact everyone, but it’ll be hardest on those who are just scraping by. These are often the elderly, single parents, and families with low incomes. Forcing them to pay more in property taxes or higher rent along with a half cent sales tax could literally force some out of their homes. Even if you think it’s reasonable to burden them with more costs, now isn’t the time to do it.

Instead of “growing Hays,” passing this bond will push out the vulnerable, including many of our elders who have nowhere else to go. We need to show up on May 10 and keep that from happening. 

On May 10, this community will decide whether to approve a $143 million school bond. Its supporters say that a new high school is needed to draw more residents. Unfortunately, the bigger tax bills and higher rents will make life unaffordable for many who live here now. They’re struggling as it is, and the evidence suggests that things are about to get worse. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In a story last month, Fox Business <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/russian-war-in-worlds-breadbasket-threatens-food-supply">noted</a> how Ukraine and Russia are known as the breadbasket of Europe, and between them they account for a third of global wheat and barley exports. They also produce corn, and 75% of the world’s sunflower oil. Unfortunately, that breadbast will be a lot lighter this fall.&nbsp;Due to Russia’s invasion, many <a href="https://www.agricensus.com/Article/ANALYSIS-Ukraine-planting-outlooks-slashed-amid-Russia-invasion-21174.html">Ukrainian farmers</a> haven’t been able to plant this year. And even for those who have, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to bring their crops to market. While Russian farmers are planting, it’s not clear if they’ll be able to sell what they grow: as Bloomberg <a href="https://archive.ph/6Geaa">reported</a> on April 5, there is now mounting pressure to sanction the country’s agricultural products.&nbsp;Now you might be thinking, “Hey, we’re Americans–we grow our own food.” Well, that’s tough to do without fertilizer, something which just got significantly more expensive. Modern fertilizers typically contain three elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Potassium is usually derived from something called potash; unfortunately, Russia and Belarus are the world’s number two and three potash producers. As of this month, Russia is <a href="https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/17312-russian-halt-to-fertilizer-exports-expected-to-boost-prices-spur-shortfalls">no longer</a> exporting potash, while potash from Belarus is about to be hit with steep U.S. tariffs <a href="https://archive.ph/8FthD">next month</a>.Nitrogen usually comes in the form of ammonia, something that requires natural gas to manufacture. Low and behold, Russia is the world’s <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/264771/top-countries-based-on-natural-gas-production/">second largest</a> natural gas producer. We could mitigate rising natural gas prices by aggressively upping domestic production, but the Biden administration <a href="https://video.foxnews.com/v/6302696045001/">isn’t interested</a>.&nbsp;So what does all of this mean? Well, even Joe Biden <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-warns-americans-food-shortage-gonna-be-real-following-sanctions-russia">acknowledged</a> last month that “real” food shortages are a possibility. In other words, we’ll be paying a lot more to buy groceries. That’s on top of the extra we’ll be shelling out to fill our gas tanks and heat our homes. Then there’s the fact that interest rates are up and <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/mortgage-rates-fastest-pace-1994">expected to rise</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is going to impact everyone, but it’ll be hardest on those who are just scraping by. These are often the elderly, single parents, and families with low incomes. Forcing them to pay more in property taxes or higher rent along with a half cent sales tax could literally force some out of their homes. Even if you think it’s reasonable to burden them with more costs, now isn’t the time to do it.Instead of “growing Hays,” passing this bond will push out the vulnerable, including many of our elders who have nowhere else to go. We need to show up on May 10 and keep that from happening. Adam Peters, Hays

LETTER: The time to spend on schools is not now

​Last Friday, April 22, 2022, Ron Wilson, USD 489’s Superintendent sent an email to all 489&nbsp;staff and school board members. &nbsp;Here are the relevant parts for the purpose of this letter:

​“Monday, April 25th&nbsp;is the start of early voting for our bond opportunity… It&nbsp;doesn’t’&nbsp;cost us a penny to vote! Simply, by not voting really registers as a NO vote when it comes to our school staff… I have told everyone that has told me that this bond attempt I promise I&nbsp;will do my part to ensure that we have educator&nbsp;support,&nbsp;and they will vote&nbsp;(emphasis added)… If 100% of the eligible voters in your building vote before May 10th&nbsp;we will bring in lunch for you one day before&nbsp;the end&nbsp;of school. &nbsp;Yes, we will know if&nbsp;you vote&nbsp;(emphasis added)&nbsp;(and no we can not see how you vote) ...&nbsp; The first building in our district to get 100% also gets&nbsp;dessert with their lunch!”

​I believe the notion that the 489 administration&nbsp;will keep&nbsp;tabs on who does and does not vote amounts to a&nbsp;subtle&nbsp;but very real&nbsp;attempt to intimidate and bully the staff of USD 489. &nbsp;This&nbsp;email&nbsp;quite&nbsp;simply crossed&nbsp;the line.

​Here are the questions I have for the&nbsp;superintendent&nbsp;and the members of the&nbsp;school board. &nbsp;Inquiring minds want to know.

1.Will the administration compile an actual list of staff and teachers who vote or don’t vote? &nbsp; 2.Will school district employees create that list?&nbsp;If so, who will pay for them to do it? 3. If a staff member or teacher doesn’t vote will that be noted in their employee file? &nbsp;Will their name be on a list for the public to see?4.What about that apparently quaint notion of individuall iberty upon which this country was founded which allows a person the freedom to choose to vote or not vote? 5.Where are the local NEA union leaders in this instance? &nbsp;Will they object to this effort to intimidate the teachers and staff or are they so singularly minded in favor of the bond that protecting their members is secondary? 6.The school board president proudly proclaims that this is the most transparent school board and administration ever. Is this the board’s and administration’s idea of transparency? 7.Do the superintendent and the board members understand that the email could possibly subject them to a charge of violating KSA25-2409 in which election bribery is defined as an act offering to confer any benefit over the value of $3.00 as consideration for any person to vote for any question submitted to any public election?

Oh, and by the way, do you want to&nbsp;know&nbsp;the&nbsp;real reason DLR and the&nbsp;489 superintendent&nbsp;and board members decided to call for a May election date despite the&nbsp;fact that it will cost the tax payers between $20 and $30 thousand dollars?

​Well,&nbsp;DLR’s spokesperson and&nbsp;“political expert”&nbsp;will tell you that it was simply time to do it, notwithstanding&nbsp;that there is the August primary election&nbsp;a mere 90 days after this bond election.&nbsp;&nbsp;She knows full&nbsp;well, as does anyone who has worked on political campaigns, as I have done many times over the years, that voter turnout for special elections is low.&nbsp;So she understands that the more&nbsp;motivated&nbsp;voters in this bond election will be the USD&nbsp;489staff, teachers and pro-bond people. &nbsp;But that isn’t the real reason.

​After the very first night I attended one of the&nbsp;“Citizen&nbsp;Committee”&nbsp;meetings last September, DLR’s&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;approached me as I was visiting with another person and we discussed the bond election&nbsp;process. &nbsp;I asked her why there was a rush again (just as there was with the last bond election) to&nbsp;have an April election (that was the goal at the time). She&nbsp;initially&nbsp;responded with the reasons set out above, but then she let it be known the real reason and motivation for&nbsp;wanting an early election:

​To paraphrase&nbsp;her exact words&nbsp;as&nbsp;closely&nbsp;as I can:&nbsp;Well,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Value&nbsp;Them Both constitutional amendment&nbsp;(dealing with the abortion issue)&nbsp;is on the ballot in&nbsp;August and we’re not sure about&nbsp;the kind of voter that will come out and vote in that&nbsp;election.&nbsp;In&nbsp;other words, pro Value Them Both voters couldn’t be trusted to make their&nbsp;decision&nbsp;on the merits of the bond questions,&nbsp;so we’ll just avoid that question mark. I then retorted rather emphatically that&nbsp;if that is&nbsp;her thinking then&nbsp;she really&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;understand the voters of Ellis County&nbsp;at all. &nbsp;They have approved bond elections in the past&nbsp;when they&nbsp;thought they were reasonable&nbsp;and made sense. &nbsp;

As Paul Harvey used to say at the end of his radio&nbsp;program,&nbsp;“Now you know the rest&nbsp;of the story."

​So the only&nbsp;remaining&nbsp;question then is this. &nbsp;Will those who have the temerity to disagree with the proposed bond sit on their hands and stay at home on election day? &nbsp;One thing is for certain, however, if they&nbsp;do show up to vote, USD 489&nbsp;Superintendent Ron Wilson will&nbsp;not be&nbsp;bringing them any lunch. &nbsp;And as far as dessert is&nbsp;concerned,&nbsp;Fuhgeddaboutdit!

​Last Friday, April 22, 2022, Ron Wilson, USD 489’s Superintendent sent an email to all 489&nbsp;staff and school board members. &nbsp;Here are the relevant parts for the purpose of this letter:​“Monday, April 25th&nbsp;is the start of early voting for our bond opportunity… It&nbsp;doesn’t’&nbsp;cost us a penny to vote! Simply, by not voting really registers as a NO vote when it comes to our school staff… I have told everyone that has told me that this bond attempt I promise I&nbsp;will do my part to ensure that we have educator&nbsp;support,&nbsp;and they will vote&nbsp;(emphasis added)… If 100% of the eligible voters in your building vote before May 10th&nbsp;we will bring in lunch for you one day before&nbsp;the end&nbsp;of school. &nbsp;Yes, we will know if&nbsp;you vote&nbsp;(emphasis added)&nbsp;(and no we can not see how you vote) ...&nbsp; The first building in our district to get 100% also gets&nbsp;dessert with their lunch!”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​I believe the notion that the 489 administration&nbsp;will keep&nbsp;tabs on who does and does not vote amounts to a&nbsp;subtle&nbsp;but very real&nbsp;attempt to intimidate and bully the staff of USD 489. &nbsp;This&nbsp;email&nbsp;quite&nbsp;simply crossed&nbsp;the line.​Here are the questions I have for the&nbsp;superintendent&nbsp;and the members of the&nbsp;school board. &nbsp;Inquiring minds want to know.1.Will the administration compile an actual list of staff and teachers who vote or don’t vote? &nbsp; 2.Will school district employees create that list?&nbsp;If so, who will pay for them to do it? 3. If a staff member or teacher doesn’t vote will that be noted in their employee file? &nbsp;Will their name be on a list for the public to see?4.What about that apparently quaint notion of individuall iberty upon which this country was founded which allows a person the freedom to choose to vote or not vote? 5.Where are the local NEA union leaders in this instance? &nbsp;Will they object to this effort to intimidate the teachers and staff or are they so singularly minded in favor of the bond that protecting their members is secondary? 6.The school board president proudly proclaims that this is the most transparent school board and administration ever. Is this the board’s and administration’s idea of transparency? 7.Do the superintendent and the board members understand that the email could possibly subject them to a charge of violating KSA25-2409 in which election bribery is defined as an act offering to confer any benefit over the value of $3.00 as consideration for any person to vote for any question submitted to any public election?Oh, and by the way, do you want to&nbsp;know&nbsp;the&nbsp;real reason DLR and the&nbsp;489 superintendent&nbsp;and board members decided to call for a May election date despite the&nbsp;fact that it will cost the tax payers between $20 and $30 thousand dollars?​Well,&nbsp;DLR’s spokesperson and&nbsp;“political expert”&nbsp;will tell you that it was simply time to do it, notwithstanding&nbsp;that there is the August primary election&nbsp;a mere 90 days after this bond election.&nbsp;&nbsp;She knows full&nbsp;well, as does anyone who has worked on political campaigns, as I have done many times over the years, that voter turnout for special elections is low.&nbsp;So she understands that the more&nbsp;motivated&nbsp;voters in this bond election will be the USD&nbsp;489staff, teachers and pro-bond people. &nbsp;But that isn’t the real reason.​After the very first night I attended one of the&nbsp;“Citizen&nbsp;Committee”&nbsp;meetings last September, DLR’s&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;approached me as I was visiting with another person and we discussed the bond election&nbsp;process. &nbsp;I asked her why there was a rush again (just as there was with the last bond election) to&nbsp;have an April election (that was the goal at the time). She&nbsp;initially&nbsp;responded with the reasons set out above, but then she let it be known the real reason and motivation for&nbsp;wanting an early election:​To paraphrase&nbsp;her exact words&nbsp;as&nbsp;closely&nbsp;as I can:&nbsp;Well,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Value&nbsp;Them Both constitutional amendment&nbsp;(dealing with the abortion issue)&nbsp;is on the ballot in&nbsp;August and we’re not sure about&nbsp;the kind of voter that will come out and vote in that&nbsp;election.&nbsp;In&nbsp;other words, pro Value Them Both voters couldn’t be trusted to make their&nbsp;decision&nbsp;on the merits of the bond questions,&nbsp;so we’ll just avoid that question mark. I then retorted rather emphatically that&nbsp;if that is&nbsp;her thinking then&nbsp;she really&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;understand the voters of Ellis County&nbsp;at all. &nbsp;They have approved bond elections in the past&nbsp;when they&nbsp;thought they were reasonable&nbsp;and made sense. &nbsp;As Paul Harvey used to say at the end of his radio&nbsp;program,&nbsp;“Now you know the rest&nbsp;of the story."​So the only&nbsp;remaining&nbsp;question then is this. &nbsp;Will those who have the temerity to disagree with the proposed bond sit on their hands and stay at home on election day? &nbsp;One thing is for certain, however, if they&nbsp;do show up to vote, USD 489&nbsp;Superintendent Ron Wilson will&nbsp;not be&nbsp;bringing them any lunch. &nbsp;And as far as dessert is&nbsp;concerned,&nbsp;Fuhgeddaboutdit!Tom&nbsp;Wasinger, Hays

LETTER: USD 489 superintendent, school board cross the line

One of the buzzwords of late is “hack.” Now hack can mean something very bad, like your computer getting “hacked,” meaning someone has digitally broken into your information and now everyone&nbsp;in the township&nbsp;somehow&nbsp;knows the secret recipe for Aunt Agnes’s famous potato salad and Uncle Oscar’s deer jerky marinade, (even though they were both written on the inside of the kitchen cabinet door.)&nbsp;“Hack” can also mean a DIY shortcut of some sort, like how&nbsp;to use a roman candle to light the&nbsp;neighbor’s wheat stubble on fire without&nbsp;even&nbsp;leaving your yard.&nbsp;But I digress, so now on&nbsp;to some hunter hacks I found, and some hunter hacks of my own.

More has probably been written about different ways to start a campfire than about any other outdoor subject.&nbsp;

First&nbsp;off, no one in the crowd I hang with is gonna’ have need of a campfire except for rare camping trips with the family, then we’ll start our fires with those neat gizmos called&nbsp;matches and lighters. We all have Little Buddy propane heaters in our deer blinds, and none of us have the ambition to climb Mount Everest or do anything where emergency campfires might be needed.&nbsp;Never-the-less, I found hacks about&nbsp;using corn chips and crayons as fire starters.&nbsp;Sure,&nbsp;they work fine, but what self respecting hunter is going to waste good corn chips to start a fire.&nbsp;Eat the chips and light the empty bag, it works just as well. And as far as lighting crayons to start a campfire, once again it works great and they burn for a long time, but&nbsp;no hunter worth their jerky&nbsp;would dream of wasting a perfectly good crayon just to start a fire. They should be kept for things&nbsp;of greater importance&nbsp;like&nbsp;scribbling messages and phone numbers on the wall of your deer&nbsp;blind&nbsp;or for labeling packages&nbsp;of meat in&nbsp;the freezer so you can tell this year’s&nbsp;venison&nbsp;back strap from the muskrat meat kept for next year’s coyote bait.&nbsp;

Another interesting campfire starting hack I found involves&nbsp;dryer lint; it seems dryer&nbsp;lint&nbsp;burns very well and starts very easily. It can be stuffed into empty toilet paper tubes or merely carried in a Ziploc bag and used right from there. Now we’re talkin’, something we&nbsp;all&nbsp;can&nbsp;relate to. I mean who doesn’t save&nbsp;all their dryer&nbsp;lint and&nbsp;empty toilet paper tubes? Instead of emptying&nbsp;them into the recycle container and trash every couple years, make fire starters from them!&nbsp;But in all my trolling of the almighty internet I did not find one reference to the most trustworthy tried-and-true method of starting a campfire ever, even used by our Native American forefathers. From anywhere in&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;you would have to travel&nbsp;forever to deer hunt where there are no cattle nearby, SO LIGHT A&nbsp;DRY&nbsp;COW TURD.&nbsp;

The next most talked about topic in the outdoors, especially relating to survival, is how to build a shelter.&nbsp;Let me offer&nbsp;a hillbilly hack for building a shelter.&nbsp;All hillbilly outdoorsmen&nbsp;worth their pork rinds will have a serious collection of tarps, and what a better use for a tarp than an emergency shelter. Harbor Freight has them in all sizes and you can occasionally get a small one “free with any purchase,” so there’s absolutely no excuse for not having one to carry with you on all outdoor excursions. A word of caution here; it’s not in your best interest to remove the tarp covering the hole in your trailer house roof.&nbsp;Anyway,&nbsp;there are a variety of ways to deploy your tarp/shelter. If you’re fishing, I’m sure you’ll have dynamite with you, so&nbsp;merely drop a stick into a small hole you dig in the ground, light her up and you’ll soon have a nice cave that you can crawl into and cover with your tarp.&nbsp;

No friend of mine would be caught dead on a hunting or&nbsp;fishing trip without a menagerie of plastic&nbsp;five-gallon&nbsp;buckets, and the uses for them as hillbilly hunter hacks are endless.&nbsp;You can&nbsp;buy kits to turn one&nbsp;into a “luggable loo,” and even&nbsp;cut a notch lengthways in a pool noodle and snap it around the top for a&nbsp;soft seat while you heed nature’s call.&nbsp;Spray paint a few more&nbsp;buckets&nbsp;green, drill a&nbsp;small hole at the bottom&nbsp;and put them at the base of each “illegal pharmaceutical” plant you “just happened to find growing” along the river as a way to water those beauties.&nbsp;Five-gallon&nbsp;buckets make great hillbilly mouse traps&nbsp;too, for the deer blind or even the living room.&nbsp;

On each side of the bucket near the top, drill a hole big enough for a&nbsp;broom handle to slide through and fit loosely enough to spin. Fill the bucket with water or used motor oil (which I’m sure you will have by the barrel-full,) put a glob of peanut butter in the middle of the broom handle and&nbsp;viola; when a mouse walks the broom handle to get the peanut butter, it will spin and dump the&nbsp;little blighter into the slurry&nbsp;below. If you keep the TV volume low enough you can hear the splash and reward the cat with a live mouse.

I’m certain the list of hillbilly hacks, whether for hunting or not is endless, and I’ve probably just scratched the surface here. Maybe a book is in order, “Hillbilly Hunter Hacks for the Deer Blind, Boat and Living Room.” For all my loyal readers&nbsp;who want one, let me know and&nbsp;I’ll reserve you a signed copy.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the buzzwords of late is “hack.” Now hack can mean something very bad, like your computer getting “hacked,” meaning someone has digitally broken into your information and now everyone&nbsp;in the township&nbsp;somehow&nbsp;knows the secret recipe for Aunt Agnes’s famous potato salad and Uncle Oscar’s deer jerky marinade, (even though they were both written on the inside of the kitchen cabinet door.)&nbsp;“Hack” can also mean a DIY shortcut of some sort, like how&nbsp;to use a roman candle to light the&nbsp;neighbor’s wheat stubble on fire without&nbsp;even&nbsp;leaving your yard.&nbsp;But I digress, so now on&nbsp;to some hunter hacks I found, and some hunter hacks of my own.More has probably been written about different ways to start a campfire than about any other outdoor subject.&nbsp;First&nbsp;off, no one in the crowd I hang with is gonna’ have need of a campfire except for rare camping trips with the family, then we’ll start our fires with those neat gizmos called&nbsp;matches and lighters. We all have Little Buddy propane heaters in our deer blinds, and none of us have the ambition to climb Mount Everest or do anything where emergency campfires might be needed.&nbsp;Never-the-less, I found hacks about&nbsp;using corn chips and crayons as fire starters.&nbsp;Sure,&nbsp;they work fine, but what self respecting hunter is going to waste good corn chips to start a fire.&nbsp;Eat the chips and light the empty bag, it works just as well. And as far as lighting crayons to start a campfire, once again it works great and they burn for a long time, but&nbsp;no hunter worth their jerky&nbsp;would dream of wasting a perfectly good crayon just to start a fire. They should be kept for things&nbsp;of greater importance&nbsp;like&nbsp;scribbling messages and phone numbers on the wall of your deer&nbsp;blind&nbsp;or for labeling packages&nbsp;of meat in&nbsp;the freezer so you can tell this year’s&nbsp;venison&nbsp;back strap from the muskrat meat kept for next year’s coyote bait.&nbsp;Another interesting campfire starting hack I found involves&nbsp;dryer lint; it seems dryer&nbsp;lint&nbsp;burns very well and starts very easily. It can be stuffed into empty toilet paper tubes or merely carried in a Ziploc bag and used right from there. Now we’re talkin’, something we&nbsp;all&nbsp;can&nbsp;relate to. I mean who doesn’t save&nbsp;all their dryer&nbsp;lint and&nbsp;empty toilet paper tubes? Instead of emptying&nbsp;them into the recycle container and trash every couple years, make fire starters from them!&nbsp;But in all my trolling of the almighty internet I did not find one reference to the most trustworthy tried-and-true method of starting a campfire ever, even used by our Native American forefathers. From anywhere in&nbsp;Kansas,&nbsp;you would have to travel&nbsp;forever to deer hunt where there are no cattle nearby, SO LIGHT A&nbsp;DRY&nbsp;COW TURD.&nbsp;The next most talked about topic in the outdoors, especially relating to survival, is how to build a shelter.&nbsp;Let me offer&nbsp;a hillbilly hack for building a shelter.&nbsp;All hillbilly outdoorsmen&nbsp;worth their pork rinds will have a serious collection of tarps, and what a better use for a tarp than an emergency shelter. Harbor Freight has them in all sizes and you can occasionally get a small one “free with any purchase,” so there’s absolutely no excuse for not having one to carry with you on all outdoor excursions. A word of caution here; it’s not in your best interest to remove the tarp covering the hole in your trailer house roof.&nbsp;Anyway,&nbsp;there are a variety of ways to deploy your tarp/shelter. If you’re fishing, I’m sure you’ll have dynamite with you, so&nbsp;merely drop a stick into a small hole you dig in the ground, light her up and you’ll soon have a nice cave that you can crawl into and cover with your tarp.&nbsp;No friend of mine would be caught dead on a hunting or&nbsp;fishing trip without a menagerie of plastic&nbsp;five-gallon&nbsp;buckets, and the uses for them as hillbilly hunter hacks are endless.&nbsp;You can&nbsp;buy kits to turn one&nbsp;into a “luggable loo,” and even&nbsp;cut a notch lengthways in a pool noodle and snap it around the top for a&nbsp;soft seat while you heed nature’s call.&nbsp;Spray paint a few more&nbsp;buckets&nbsp;green, drill a&nbsp;small hole at the bottom&nbsp;and put them at the base of each “illegal pharmaceutical” plant you “just happened to find growing” along the river as a way to water those beauties.&nbsp;Five-gallon&nbsp;buckets make great hillbilly mouse traps&nbsp;too, for the deer blind or even the living room.&nbsp;On each side of the bucket near the top, drill a hole big enough for a&nbsp;broom handle to slide through and fit loosely enough to spin. Fill the bucket with water or used motor oil (which I’m sure you will have by the barrel-full,) put a glob of peanut butter in the middle of the broom handle and&nbsp;viola; when a mouse walks the broom handle to get the peanut butter, it will spin and dump the&nbsp;little blighter into the slurry&nbsp;below. If you keep the TV volume low enough you can hear the splash and reward the cat with a live mouse.I’m certain the list of hillbilly hacks, whether for hunting or not is endless, and I’ve probably just scratched the surface here. Maybe a book is in order, “Hillbilly Hunter Hacks for the Deer Blind, Boat and Living Room.” For all my loyal readers&nbsp;who want one, let me know and&nbsp;I’ll reserve you a signed copy.&nbsp;Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Opinion