Strong economic development efforts start with investment and re-investment in our community.&nbsp;

As the&nbsp;city and county&nbsp;put tremendous efforts into housing, workforce development,&nbsp;daycare,&nbsp;and other like initiatives it may all fall&nbsp;short&nbsp;without an investment in our schools. &nbsp;

It is important to recognize, with this bond&nbsp;opportunity, it is more about space than condition. &nbsp;We are out of space in our schools. &nbsp;How do we entice new businesses and families if we cannot find room for&nbsp;their children in our schools?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our children learn differently today, teachers teach differently today&nbsp;but&nbsp;our schools are not conducive to that teaching/learning environment. &nbsp;Investing in our schools by passing the current school bond effort ensures our schools remain attractive, current and with space for everyone,&nbsp;making it easier to attract and retain great teachers&nbsp;along with businesses and families.

Our peer schools have done it and it is now our time. &nbsp;I support yes votes on&nbsp;both&nbsp;questions&nbsp;on&nbsp;May 10, ensuring&nbsp;our community is ready for our future — ready to grow and thrive.

Successful schools are the foundation of successful&nbsp;communities.

Help Hays stay a great place to live, work, grow and learn!&nbsp;Vote yes on May 10.

Strong economic development efforts start with investment and re-investment in our community.&nbsp;As the&nbsp;city and county&nbsp;put tremendous efforts into housing, workforce development,&nbsp;daycare,&nbsp;and other like initiatives it may all fall&nbsp;short&nbsp;without an investment in our schools. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It is important to recognize, with this bond&nbsp;opportunity, it is more about space than condition. &nbsp;We are out of space in our schools. &nbsp;How do we entice new businesses and families if we cannot find room for&nbsp;their children in our schools?&nbsp;&nbsp;Our children learn differently today, teachers teach differently today&nbsp;but&nbsp;our schools are not conducive to that teaching/learning environment. &nbsp;Investing in our schools by passing the current school bond effort ensures our schools remain attractive, current and with space for everyone,&nbsp;making it easier to attract and retain great teachers&nbsp;along with businesses and families.Our peer schools have done it and it is now our time. &nbsp;I support yes votes on&nbsp;both&nbsp;questions&nbsp;on&nbsp;May 10, ensuring&nbsp;our community is ready for our future — ready to grow and thrive.Successful schools are the foundation of successful&nbsp;communities.Help Hays stay a great place to live, work, grow and learn!&nbsp;Vote yes on May 10.Sandy Jacobs, Hays

LETTER: It's time to reinvest in Hays USD 489, community

Government regulation of women who become pregnant from rape has suddenly grabbed national headlines. That’s because state legislatures around America are considering numerous controversial bills that would ban abortion access for these women.&nbsp;

In Kansas this year, a conservative lawmaker introduced House Bill (HB) 2746. It bans abortion except in very limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health. It also seemingly allows the prosecution of certain women who get abortions and their doctors.&nbsp;

HB 2746 didn’t get serious consideration, but the House Majority Leader did not rule out considering it next year when speaking to the&nbsp;Kansas City Star.&nbsp;

That “next year” part is key.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Right now, abortion is legal in Kansas but with significant limitations imposed by the legislature. However, that might soon change.&nbsp;

If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;this year&nbsp;and&nbsp;if the abortion amendment on the August primary ballot in Kansas passes, then the Kansas legislature could pass something like HB 2746 and it could actually be enforced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If that August amendment fails, then something like HB 2746 would likely not be enforceable in Kansas, no matter what happens to&nbsp;Roe. Put simply, the August abortion vote decides the future of abortion access in Kansas.&nbsp;

Since “the rape exception” is getting national headlines, let’s focus there. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported 1,190 rapes in Kansas in 2020, though the real number is likely higher since sexual assault often goes unreported.&nbsp;

There is no consensus on how many rapes result in pregnancy, but 5% is often cited from a 1996 study. Given that, then at least 60 Kansas women likely became pregnant from rape in 2020. That seems small, unless it’s you or a loved one.&nbsp;

The rape exception has long bothered anti-abortion activists, dating at least to Eugene Quay’s famous 1961&nbsp;Georgetown Law Journal&nbsp;article. These activists sometimes argue that women will just lie about being raped if rape exceptions to abortion bans are allowed. Some have also advanced junk science saying that rape cannot cause pregnancy, which inspired Todd Akin’s controversial “legitimate rape” comment in Missouri in 2012.&nbsp;

The rape exception has broad support in Kansas. The 2021 Kansas Speaks survey from Ft. Hays State University shows that only 20% of Kansas adults support banning abortion in cases of rape.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That’s a tough realty for anti-abortion activists. If their true endgame is something like HB 2746 that bans abortion in Kansas even for rape victims, saying that publicly won’t win votes this August.&nbsp;

Instead, many amendment supporters are distorting the issue into something more palatable, falsely claiming that the 2019&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court declared every abortion restriction in Kansas illegal and bans the legislature from regulating abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But that’s not reality, and not what&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;actually did. Rather, it’s a hypothetical legal argument, unlike HB 2746 which actually exists. Three years after&nbsp;Hodes, abortion is still heavily restricted in Kansas. The sky hasn’t fallen on abortion regulations.&nbsp;

Borrowing a phrase from the late Republican Senator John Warner, the typical Kansan is “pro-choice with limitations, pro-life with exceptions.” The fate of abortion in Kansas is in our ambivalent hands this August. Kansans deserve forthright discussion about the complex reality here and the actual stakes of this abortion vote.&nbsp;

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Government regulation of women who become pregnant from rape has suddenly grabbed national headlines. That’s because state legislatures around America are considering numerous controversial bills that would ban abortion access for these women.&nbsp;In Kansas this year, a conservative lawmaker introduced House Bill (HB) 2746. It bans abortion except in very limited circumstances, with no exception for rape, incest, or many threats to a woman’s life or health. It also seemingly allows the prosecution of certain women who get abortions and their doctors.&nbsp;HB 2746 didn’t get serious consideration, but the House Majority Leader did not rule out considering it next year when speaking to the&nbsp;Kansas City Star.&nbsp;That “next year” part is key.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Right now, abortion is legal in Kansas but with significant limitations imposed by the legislature. However, that might soon change.&nbsp;If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns&nbsp;Roe v. Wade&nbsp;this year&nbsp;and&nbsp;if the abortion amendment on the August primary ballot in Kansas passes, then the Kansas legislature could pass something like HB 2746 and it could actually be enforced.&nbsp;&nbsp;If that August amendment fails, then something like HB 2746 would likely not be enforceable in Kansas, no matter what happens to&nbsp;Roe. Put simply, the August abortion vote decides the future of abortion access in Kansas.&nbsp;Since “the rape exception” is getting national headlines, let’s focus there. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation reported 1,190 rapes in Kansas in 2020, though the real number is likely higher since sexual assault often goes unreported.&nbsp;There is no consensus on how many rapes result in pregnancy, but 5% is often cited from a 1996 study. Given that, then at least 60 Kansas women likely became pregnant from rape in 2020. That seems small, unless it’s you or a loved one.&nbsp;The rape exception has long bothered anti-abortion activists, dating at least to Eugene Quay’s famous 1961&nbsp;Georgetown Law Journal&nbsp;article. These activists sometimes argue that women will just lie about being raped if rape exceptions to abortion bans are allowed. Some have also advanced junk science saying that rape cannot cause pregnancy, which inspired Todd Akin’s controversial “legitimate rape” comment in Missouri in 2012.&nbsp;The rape exception has broad support in Kansas. The 2021 Kansas Speaks survey from Ft. Hays State University shows that only 20% of Kansas adults support banning abortion in cases of rape.&nbsp;&nbsp;That’s a tough realty for anti-abortion activists. If their true endgame is something like HB 2746 that bans abortion in Kansas even for rape victims, saying that publicly won’t win votes this August.&nbsp;Instead, many amendment supporters are distorting the issue into something more palatable, falsely claiming that the 2019&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court declared every abortion restriction in Kansas illegal and bans the legislature from regulating abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;But that’s not reality, and not what&nbsp;Hodes&nbsp;actually did. Rather, it’s a hypothetical legal argument, unlike HB 2746 which actually exists. Three years after&nbsp;Hodes, abortion is still heavily restricted in Kansas. The sky hasn’t fallen on abortion regulations.&nbsp;Borrowing a phrase from the late Republican Senator John Warner, the typical Kansan is “pro-choice with limitations, pro-life with exceptions.” The fate of abortion in Kansas is in our ambivalent hands this August. Kansans deserve forthright discussion about the complex reality here and the actual stakes of this abortion vote.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: 'The rape exception' and the politics of abortion access

Have you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the&nbsp;first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all?&nbsp;All of the above are scenarios&nbsp;that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So&nbsp;here are a few tips to help make you ready for action&nbsp;when your buddy calls and screams&nbsp;into the phone&nbsp;“The fish are bitin’!”

Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy&nbsp;spools of line and DIY, or most sporting&nbsp;goods stores have&nbsp;a&nbsp;machine to do it for a small fee.&nbsp;If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer&nbsp;tires aren’t flat.&nbsp;Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that.&nbsp;If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing. &nbsp;

We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my&nbsp;new&nbsp;fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get&nbsp;checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date. If you are 65, you can&nbsp;purchase a lifetime&nbsp;combination hunting / fishing license&nbsp;for&nbsp;only&nbsp;$42.50&nbsp;that’s good until you turn&nbsp;74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century!&nbsp;

Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual&nbsp;licenses (NOT&nbsp;special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the&nbsp;following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and&nbsp;charge it to a credit or debit card. &nbsp;

Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. Some lakes and reservoirs however have length limits, etc that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2022&nbsp;Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a 48 page pamphlet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught”&nbsp;with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.

If you’re like me,&nbsp;and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2022Fishing Forecast. This forecast&nbsp;is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample&nbsp;lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.&nbsp;

So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your&nbsp;fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing as you 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>Have you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the&nbsp;first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all?&nbsp;All of the above are scenarios&nbsp;that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So&nbsp;here are a few tips to help make you ready for action&nbsp;when your buddy calls and screams&nbsp;into the phone&nbsp;“The fish are bitin’!”Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy&nbsp;spools of line and DIY, or most sporting&nbsp;goods stores have&nbsp;a&nbsp;machine to do it for a small fee.&nbsp;If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer&nbsp;tires aren’t flat.&nbsp;Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that.&nbsp;If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing. &nbsp;We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my&nbsp;new&nbsp;fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get&nbsp;checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date. If you are 65, you can&nbsp;purchase a lifetime&nbsp;combination hunting / fishing license&nbsp;for&nbsp;only&nbsp;$42.50&nbsp;that’s good until you turn&nbsp;74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century!&nbsp;Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual&nbsp;licenses (NOT&nbsp;special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the&nbsp;following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and&nbsp;charge it to a credit or debit card. &nbsp;Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. Some lakes and reservoirs however have length limits, etc that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2022&nbsp;Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a 48 page pamphlet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught”&nbsp;with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.If you’re like me,&nbsp;and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2022Fishing Forecast. This forecast&nbsp;is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample&nbsp;lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.&nbsp;So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your&nbsp;fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Be prepared when the fish are biting

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

To find a good brewery, does a person have to go to the big city? No. In fact, we’re going to visit the state’s smallest town with an active brewery.&nbsp;

Lucas Hass and Grant Wagner are the owners of Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats in Sylvan Grove. Both Lucas and Grant are originally from Bennington.&nbsp;

“I’ve always loved food and cooking, and also a good beer,” Lucas said. He worked at a steakhouse in Emporia before taking a job doing business analytics at a manufacturing company in Salina.&nbsp;

Grant became a chef at top-end restaurants in Kansas City before moving back to north central Kansas to be near family.&nbsp;

In 2014, Clay and Linda Haring bought a building in Sylvan Grove, remodeled it, and started a brewery and restaurant. Clay is an agricultural pilot and Linda is a teacher.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because Clay was a pilot, they decorated the establishment with an aviation theme and called it Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats, or Flyboys for short.&nbsp;

Grant Wagner helped them set up the kitchen. When Clay and Linda got so busy with their other work that they decided to sell the restaurant, Grant approached Lucas with the idea of buying it. Together they became the new owners of Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a great restaurant and we didn’t want it to be lost,” Lucas said.&nbsp;

“We try to make all the main dishes from scratch,” Lucas said. The menu features steaks, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, chicken and salads. There’s the Landing Strip Burger, Plane Jane burger, Crop Duster, Hanger Over, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“At heart, we’re a steakhouse,” Lucas said. “Our ribeye, KC strip, and chicken fried steak are really popular.”&nbsp;

“On the first weekend of every month, we have a prime rib special and this place is packed,” Lucas said. “We use certified Angus beef and get what beef we can locally.”&nbsp;

Lucas also enjoys the process of brewing beer. “I’m a big science buff, so I enjoy that part of it,” he said.&nbsp;

Flyboys has all the brewing equipment, including glycol-chilled fermenters. Lucas has developed some beers using his original recipes. “We’ve figured out to how get nice crisp clear flavors,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The drinks offered by Flyboys are called House Taps: Prop Washes. These include Flight of Beer, First Light, Aviator Ale, Tail Spin IPA, Round Engine Red, Barnstormer Brown, and more.&nbsp;

Yes, I do detect an aviation theme.&nbsp;

Other drinks include Sylvan Sunrise, Colorado Bulldog, Blue Elephant, Purple Wave and more.&nbsp;

One beer is a Prohibition lager, using ingredients that were popular around the time of Prohibition. It’s called Hell’s Broth. “A local historian told us that was what Carry Nation called these drinks,” Lucas said. “We keep two seasonal beers on rotating taps at all times, and we have seven flagship house beers.”&nbsp;

“We get lots of lake traffic and we get a lot of hunters during hunting season,” Lucas said. Although many restaurants experience a drop in business after the holidays, Flyboys has seen some increase during the 2022 off-season. They also managed through the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

“We were able to take over in some of the most tumultuous times in the restaurant business and make it through,” Lucas said. “It shows how great of a community and how great of a staff that we have. We’re just really appreciative of the community for coming out and supporting us.”&nbsp;

It’s remarkable to find this restaurant in a rural community such as Sylvan Grove, population 279 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, look for Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats on Facebook.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently Flyboys was visited by an author of an upcoming book about breweries in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;He told them that their community, Sylvan Grove, is the smallest town in the state with an active brewery. We commend Lucas Hass, Grant Wagner and all those involved with Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats for making a difference with their commitment to good food and drinks in small town Kansas.&nbsp;

I hope Flyboys will continue to reach new heights.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649857561990.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;To find a good brewery, does a person have to go to the big city? No. In fact, we’re going to visit the state’s smallest town with an active brewery.&nbsp;Lucas Hass and Grant Wagner are the owners of Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats in Sylvan Grove. Both Lucas and Grant are originally from Bennington.&nbsp;“I’ve always loved food and cooking, and also a good beer,” Lucas said. He worked at a steakhouse in Emporia before taking a job doing business analytics at a manufacturing company in Salina.&nbsp;Grant became a chef at top-end restaurants in Kansas City before moving back to north central Kansas to be near family.&nbsp;In 2014, Clay and Linda Haring bought a building in Sylvan Grove, remodeled it, and started a brewery and restaurant. Clay is an agricultural pilot and Linda is a teacher.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because Clay was a pilot, they decorated the establishment with an aviation theme and called it Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats, or Flyboys for short.&nbsp;Grant Wagner helped them set up the kitchen. When Clay and Linda got so busy with their other work that they decided to sell the restaurant, Grant approached Lucas with the idea of buying it. Together they became the new owners of Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a great restaurant and we didn’t want it to be lost,” Lucas said.&nbsp;“We try to make all the main dishes from scratch,” Lucas said. The menu features steaks, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, chicken and salads. There’s the Landing Strip Burger, Plane Jane burger, Crop Duster, Hanger Over, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;“At heart, we’re a steakhouse,” Lucas said. “Our ribeye, KC strip, and chicken fried steak are really popular.”&nbsp;“On the first weekend of every month, we have a prime rib special and this place is packed,” Lucas said. “We use certified Angus beef and get what beef we can locally.”&nbsp;Lucas also enjoys the process of brewing beer. “I’m a big science buff, so I enjoy that part of it,” he said.&nbsp;Flyboys has all the brewing equipment, including glycol-chilled fermenters. Lucas has developed some beers using his original recipes. “We’ve figured out to how get nice crisp clear flavors,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The drinks offered by Flyboys are called House Taps: Prop Washes. These include Flight of Beer, First Light, Aviator Ale, Tail Spin IPA, Round Engine Red, Barnstormer Brown, and more.&nbsp;Yes, I do detect an aviation theme.&nbsp;Other drinks include Sylvan Sunrise, Colorado Bulldog, Blue Elephant, Purple Wave and more.&nbsp;One beer is a Prohibition lager, using ingredients that were popular around the time of Prohibition. It’s called Hell’s Broth. “A local historian told us that was what Carry Nation called these drinks,” Lucas said. “We keep two seasonal beers on rotating taps at all times, and we have seven flagship house beers.”&nbsp;“We get lots of lake traffic and we get a lot of hunters during hunting season,” Lucas said. Although many restaurants experience a drop in business after the holidays, Flyboys has seen some increase during the 2022 off-season. They also managed through the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;“We were able to take over in some of the most tumultuous times in the restaurant business and make it through,” Lucas said. “It shows how great of a community and how great of a staff that we have. We’re just really appreciative of the community for coming out and supporting us.”&nbsp;It’s remarkable to find this restaurant in a rural community such as Sylvan Grove, population 279 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, look for Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats on Facebook.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recently Flyboys was visited by an author of an upcoming book about breweries in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;He told them that their community, Sylvan Grove, is the smallest town in the state with an active brewery. We commend Lucas Hass, Grant Wagner and all those involved with Fly Boy Brewery &amp; Eats for making a difference with their commitment to good food and drinks in small town Kansas.&nbsp;I hope Flyboys will continue to reach new heights.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Lucas Hass and Grant Wagner, Flyboys 

I look forward to writing these columns because I enjoy sharing stories about the innovative, caring, and persistent nature of the people who make Tiger Nation special. Today, I would like to focus on one&nbsp;alumnus&nbsp;who came close to throwing his life away before he turned 18. He spent more than a decade in prison but found redemption with the help of the caring people of Hays, America.&nbsp;

Tuan&nbsp;Huyn&nbsp;was&nbsp;3&nbsp;years&nbsp;old when he and his family fled their native Vietnam and settled in a public housing complex in Wichita. Tuan and many members of his small Vietnamese immigrant community immediately found themselves as outsiders in a new home. Life in America&nbsp;for&nbsp;Tuan almost immediately became a struggle to survive. He got into his first fight in&nbsp;kindergarten, and as he entered his teen years, he found gang life&nbsp;as a way to&nbsp;fit in, command respect, and survive on the streets.

Just shy of his 18th birthday,&nbsp;Tuan&nbsp;committed a crime that sent him to prison.&nbsp;While incarcerated,&nbsp;Tuan made a commitment to turn his life around. Until that point in his life, he’d always been a brawler. But from that point forward, Tuan decided to let his intellect and natural leadership abilities guide his direction in life. He began reading, taking college courses, and painting. His work caught the eye and respect of his fellow inmates. He went on to create an art education program that eventually attracted more than 40 inmate artists.

As he began his transition to life after prison,&nbsp;Tuan met several people who would become instrumental in his redemption story. Leslie (Chris) Hauck was the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation CEO in Hays and met Tuan through his involvement in his church’s prison and jail ministry. The two forged an incredible bond, one so strong that Chris would later refer to Tuan as “my son.” He also met Anna Shelter, whose mother ran seminars on leadership and fellowship that Tuan attended. She would later become his wife and the mother of their two&nbsp;daughters.&nbsp;

Chris took Tuan to Fort Hays State to meet some contacts on campus and explore his degree options.&nbsp;Tuan&nbsp;intended to enroll in a business program, but as they walked through Rarick Hall, Chris introduced him to&nbsp;Chaiwat&nbsp;(pronounced&nbsp;chy-what)&nbsp;Thumsujarit, a graphic design professor.&nbsp;Chaiwat&nbsp;noticed that Tuan was holding two original paintings he planned to take to a local framing store&nbsp;and was impressed&nbsp;with the artwork. The&nbsp;professor&nbsp;suggested&nbsp;that Tuanconsider graphic design as a degree option.&nbsp;

A gifted artist with no background in the principles and practices of graphic design, Tuan struggled to keep up. While other students were already adept at using computer design software on projects, Tuan only knew how to paint. He had never used a computer. While reflective of his natural creative genius and artistry, much of his early work fell below his professor’s expectations. He contemplated quitting&nbsp;school&nbsp;about a year into his studies.&nbsp;

Then it all started to click for Tuan. The persistence, creativity, and a newfound commitment to servant leadership that helped him turn his life around began to inspire his work. He began to seek and accept help from peers and his professors. And he began to find other ways to give back to the local community, including cutting hair for students and residents in a local retirement community.&nbsp;

The immense creativity of Tuan’s work, his leadership, and his ability to accept and incorporate feedback caught the eye of Kerry Soukup, an FHSU alum and an executive with&nbsp;Leo Burnett Worldwide, a&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;advertising agency in&nbsp;Chicago. In 2014,&nbsp;Kerry&nbsp;offered the&nbsp;recently graduated&nbsp;an internship. Tuan suggested that he probably would not pass a background check and initially declined the offer. But Kerry saw something special in Tuan. She and her Leo Burnett colleagues asked for a couple of days to consider options. When she called back a few days later, Kerry didn’t offer Tuan the internship but a full-time job as an art director instead.

Tuan enjoyed a remarkable career with Leo Burnett, but in January of 2021, Tuan, the servant leader, decided it was time to venture out on his own. More than a year later, he now leads or is involved in several non-profit organizations in Chicago, including an organization he created called Chicago Peace (<a href="https://www.chicagopeace.org/">https://www.chicagopeace.org/</a>). This group works to revitalize neighborhoods by building bridges between stakeholders through partnerships, education, the arts, compassion, and entrepreneurship.

And in early 2022, Tuan, the entrepreneur, launched a business initiative in partnership with family members still living in Vietnam to bring the distinctive flavors and aromas of Vietnamese coffees to America. The new company,&nbsp;VietFive&nbsp;Coffee (<a href="https://www.vietfive.com/about-3">https://www.vietfive.com/about-3</a>), recently opened on Madison Street in downtown Chicago.&nbsp;

Many who work in higher education say that a quality education can be a transformative experience. I am one of those who believe strongly in this observation. The immense value of the Fort Hays State experience is not&nbsp;just&nbsp;found in the professional skills learned and credentials earned.

Tuan’s story demonstrates that great transformations are the direct result of the persistence of our students and the powerful relationships they forge here, relationships that break down barriers and fuel dreams for those who want to live a life of purpose and impact. FHSU didn’t create Tuan, but he did find caring people on this campus and in the Hays community who were ready to help him on his path to redemption.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I look forward to writing these columns because I enjoy sharing stories about the innovative, caring, and persistent nature of the people who make Tiger Nation special. Today, I would like to focus on one&nbsp;alumnus&nbsp;who came close to throwing his life away before he turned 18. He spent more than a decade in prison but found redemption with the help of the caring people of Hays, America.&nbsp;Tuan&nbsp;Huyn&nbsp;was&nbsp;3&nbsp;years&nbsp;old when he and his family fled their native Vietnam and settled in a public housing complex in Wichita. Tuan and many members of his small Vietnamese immigrant community immediately found themselves as outsiders in a new home. Life in America&nbsp;for&nbsp;Tuan almost immediately became a struggle to survive. He got into his first fight in&nbsp;kindergarten, and as he entered his teen years, he found gang life&nbsp;as a way to&nbsp;fit in, command respect, and survive on the streets.Just shy of his 18th birthday,&nbsp;Tuan&nbsp;committed a crime that sent him to prison.&nbsp;While incarcerated,&nbsp;Tuan made a commitment to turn his life around. Until that point in his life, he’d always been a brawler. But from that point forward, Tuan decided to let his intellect and natural leadership abilities guide his direction in life. He began reading, taking college courses, and painting. His work caught the eye and respect of his fellow inmates. He went on to create an art education program that eventually attracted more than 40 inmate artists.As he began his transition to life after prison,&nbsp;Tuan met several people who would become instrumental in his redemption story. Leslie (Chris) Hauck was the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation CEO in Hays and met Tuan through his involvement in his church’s prison and jail ministry. The two forged an incredible bond, one so strong that Chris would later refer to Tuan as “my son.” He also met Anna Shelter, whose mother ran seminars on leadership and fellowship that Tuan attended. She would later become his wife and the mother of their two&nbsp;daughters.&nbsp;Chris took Tuan to Fort Hays State to meet some contacts on campus and explore his degree options.&nbsp;Tuan&nbsp;intended to enroll in a business program, but as they walked through Rarick Hall, Chris introduced him to&nbsp;Chaiwat&nbsp;(pronounced&nbsp;chy-what)&nbsp;Thumsujarit, a graphic design professor.&nbsp;Chaiwat&nbsp;noticed that Tuan was holding two original paintings he planned to take to a local framing store&nbsp;and was impressed&nbsp;with the artwork. The&nbsp;professor&nbsp;suggested&nbsp;that Tuanconsider graphic design as a degree option.&nbsp;A gifted artist with no background in the principles and practices of graphic design, Tuan struggled to keep up. While other students were already adept at using computer design software on projects, Tuan only knew how to paint. He had never used a computer. While reflective of his natural creative genius and artistry, much of his early work fell below his professor’s expectations. He contemplated quitting&nbsp;school&nbsp;about a year into his studies.&nbsp;Then it all started to click for Tuan. The persistence, creativity, and a newfound commitment to servant leadership that helped him turn his life around began to inspire his work. He began to seek and accept help from peers and his professors. And he began to find other ways to give back to the local community, including cutting hair for students and residents in a local retirement community.&nbsp;The immense creativity of Tuan’s work, his leadership, and his ability to accept and incorporate feedback caught the eye of Kerry Soukup, an FHSU alum and an executive with&nbsp;Leo Burnett Worldwide, a&nbsp;prestigious&nbsp;advertising agency in&nbsp;Chicago. In 2014,&nbsp;Kerry&nbsp;offered the&nbsp;recently graduated&nbsp;an internship. Tuan suggested that he probably would not pass a background check and initially declined the offer. But Kerry saw something special in Tuan. She and her Leo Burnett colleagues asked for a couple of days to consider options. When she called back a few days later, Kerry didn’t offer Tuan the internship but a full-time job as an art director instead.Tuan enjoyed a remarkable career with Leo Burnett, but in January of 2021, Tuan, the servant leader, decided it was time to venture out on his own. More than a year later, he now leads or is involved in several non-profit organizations in Chicago, including an organization he created called Chicago Peace (<a href="https://www.chicagopeace.org/">https://www.chicagopeace.org/</a>). This group works to revitalize neighborhoods by building bridges between stakeholders through partnerships, education, the arts, compassion, and entrepreneurship.And in early 2022, Tuan, the entrepreneur, launched a business initiative in partnership with family members still living in Vietnam to bring the distinctive flavors and aromas of Vietnamese coffees to America. The new company,&nbsp;VietFive&nbsp;Coffee (<a href="https://www.vietfive.com/about-3">https://www.vietfive.com/about-3</a>), recently opened on Madison Street in downtown Chicago.&nbsp;Many who work in higher education say that a quality education can be a transformative experience. I am one of those who believe strongly in this observation. The immense value of the Fort Hays State experience is not&nbsp;just&nbsp;found in the professional skills learned and credentials earned.Tuan’s story demonstrates that great transformations are the direct result of the persistence of our students and the powerful relationships they forge here, relationships that break down barriers and fuel dreams for those who want to live a life of purpose and impact. FHSU didn’t create Tuan, but he did find caring people on this campus and in the Hays community who were ready to help him on his path to redemption.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MASON: A powerful redemption story

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher Water, it is the most important resource we have, not just in agriculture but humanity as a whole. It is an extraordinarily complex and difficult issue. This year the legislature proposed a massive water bill and while I will not get into the details of it, it did emphasize that water is an issue we will have to deal with in short order. Water issues in Kansas are many and varied. In general, if you are from western Kansas, it is about quantity and aquifers. If you reside in eastern Kansas you are dealing with sedimentation, harmful algae blooms and flooding. There are many more issues, but you get the idea, water issues are diversified, complex and they are critical to all of us. Will we have enough water? Where will it come from? Will it be safe? Are all questions we need to wrestle with. Kansas Farm Bureau has extensive policy when it comes to water and water rights. We have developed those policies through the years, and they have come from our grassroots. Just like all policy we need to make sure that our water policy reflects our current situation and accurately gives us direction. In short, we need to take a deep look at our policy. It’s no secret that other organizations are getting involved in the debate about water at the state and national levels. Some of these groups have different viewpoints and objectives than we do at Kansas Farm Bureau. We need to have a presence and be at the table when water is discussed. That means we need to have clear, concise and solid water policy. That is where you, Kansas Farm Bureau members, come in. We will be taking a deeper dive into our water policy in the near future to make sure it is relevant and fits your needs. Please watch for announcements of what the process will look like and be ready to do some hard work. This process will require us all to do our homework and learn more about water in Kansas. We need to understand the complexity of the issues and how they affect agriculture and society in general. This is not going to be an easy process, and it will require all of us to come together to help provide possible solutions. This is an issue that affects all of us, and it is the biggest problem we have ever tackled, that is why we need everyone. If you are not a Kansas Farm Bureau member, I encourage you to go to your county office and join. We all need to be at the table for this one. We might look at our policy and decide it is just fine, but my guess is that we will see things that need to be changed. The one thing I do know is that our grassroots’ developed policy is some of the strongest out there and if we all put our heads together, we can produce a good solution. There will be more information to come in the near future, please be ready to join in and add your ideas to this important issue.

"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/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher Water, it is the most important resource we have, not just in agriculture but humanity as a whole. It is an extraordinarily complex and difficult issue. This year the legislature proposed a massive water bill and while I will not get into the details of it, it did emphasize that water is an issue we will have to deal with in short order. Water issues in Kansas are many and varied. In general, if you are from western Kansas, it is about quantity and aquifers. If you reside in eastern Kansas you are dealing with sedimentation, harmful algae blooms and flooding. There are many more issues, but you get the idea, water issues are diversified, complex and they are critical to all of us. Will we have enough water? Where will it come from? Will it be safe? Are all questions we need to wrestle with. Kansas Farm Bureau has extensive policy when it comes to water and water rights. We have developed those policies through the years, and they have come from our grassroots. Just like all policy we need to make sure that our water policy reflects our current situation and accurately gives us direction. In short, we need to take a deep look at our policy. It’s no secret that other organizations are getting involved in the debate about water at the state and national levels. Some of these groups have different viewpoints and objectives than we do at Kansas Farm Bureau. We need to have a presence and be at the table when water is discussed. That means we need to have clear, concise and solid water policy. That is where you, Kansas Farm Bureau members, come in. We will be taking a deeper dive into our water policy in the near future to make sure it is relevant and fits your needs. Please watch for announcements of what the process will look like and be ready to do some hard work. This process will require us all to do our homework and learn more about water in Kansas. We need to understand the complexity of the issues and how they affect agriculture and society in general. This is not going to be an easy process, and it will require all of us to come together to help provide possible solutions. This is an issue that affects all of us, and it is the biggest problem we have ever tackled, that is why we need everyone. If you are not a Kansas Farm Bureau member, I encourage you to go to your county office and join. We all need to be at the table for this one. We might look at our policy and decide it is just fine, but my guess is that we will see things that need to be changed. The one thing I do know is that our grassroots’ developed policy is some of the strongest out there and if we all put our heads together, we can produce a good solution. There will be more information to come in the near future, please be ready to join in and add your ideas to this important issue."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: Wading into water

Imagine this, I have spent 55 of my 71 years in elementary, middle or high school buildings. Twelve of these years I was a student, and 43 as a teacher. I have seen a slew of changes during the 55 years of my career but one of the more pressing has been the need for more and more space.&nbsp;

I started first grade in Monument, Kansas, in 1957 having skipped kindergarten. (It wasn’t offered in the Monument School District). Through elementary school, we sat all day at desks, lined up in neat rows. The teacher had a desk in the front of the room. There were pull-down maps of the United States and a world map. Chalk boards lined the wall behind the teacher’s desk. Our desks faced that same long chalkboard wall. Math, English, social studies, reading, science, and handwriting ALL pretty much took place on that wall with an eraser moving quickly across the board between subjects. The teacher and textbooks were the source of information and learning.&nbsp; We only left the room for recess and lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, teaching and learning look nothing like the scene of my own elementary and high school years. Today, teachers seldom stand in front of the room all day to impart wisdom and knowledge. Both teachers and students engage in active, hands-on learning. Often, students work in small collaborative groups on science and social studies projects. Small group work is prominent during reading, writing, and math. Discussion groups explore new ideas presented in a shared book students are reading. Collaborative work on science experiments occurs across a week or more. Students work together on the floor, spreading out to make maps during social studies, draw out graphs and charts in math, or work through problems. Younger students often begin the morning on the floor in a large circle as a sharing time or to read a big book together. Students leave the room for art, music, P.E., recess, lunch, as well as special education, language, and social-emotional needs. These wonderful, positive changes in the way students and teachers work in the classroom require more and more space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the years moved along in my tenure as a student and teacher, new academic fields opened for students. Art and music programs were added to the curriculum. Band, orchestra, and&nbsp;theatre classes became available. Physical Education became a required class. Many new services and classes for students were added:&nbsp;nurses,&nbsp;physical and occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, Title I&nbsp;reading&nbsp;classes, Reading Recovery for first-grade students struggling to learn to read and write, math intervention, technology classes, k-12 counselors, school psychologists, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), SPED (Special Education/Educational Support for autism, gifted education, etc.). Each of the new academic areas and support services mentioned above require additional space&nbsp;both for teachers and students; however, our USD 489 buildings have stayed the same size, so hallways, custodians’ closets, corners of libraries, closets in classrooms, a cubicle next to a boiler room, a stage in the gym have all morphed into space for students to learn. Space was taken from libraries to squeeze in one or more small cubby holes for the school counselor or reading recovery teacher. Hallways themselves became portable classroom space. It seems every anteroom, booth, chamber, shoebox, and vestibule has been turned into learning spaces out of necessity.&nbsp;

We have entered the second decade of the 21st&nbsp;century. New buildings and classroom design are more important than ever. USD 489 has reached critical mass in providing space for our&nbsp;students and teachers. We need your help to&nbsp;meet the learning needs of all students. Please vote YES on SPACE (HAYS USD 489 BOND ISSUE ON MAY 10TH).&nbsp; For more information on USD 489 current needs for space, go to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/article/700246">https://www.usd489.com/article/700246</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Imagine this, I have spent 55 of my 71 years in elementary, middle or high school buildings. Twelve of these years I was a student, and 43 as a teacher. I have seen a slew of changes during the 55 years of my career but one of the more pressing has been the need for more and more space.&nbsp;I started first grade in Monument, Kansas, in 1957 having skipped kindergarten. (It wasn’t offered in the Monument School District). Through elementary school, we sat all day at desks, lined up in neat rows. The teacher had a desk in the front of the room. There were pull-down maps of the United States and a world map. Chalk boards lined the wall behind the teacher’s desk. Our desks faced that same long chalkboard wall. Math, English, social studies, reading, science, and handwriting ALL pretty much took place on that wall with an eraser moving quickly across the board between subjects. The teacher and textbooks were the source of information and learning.&nbsp; We only left the room for recess and lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today, teaching and learning look nothing like the scene of my own elementary and high school years. Today, teachers seldom stand in front of the room all day to impart wisdom and knowledge. Both teachers and students engage in active, hands-on learning. Often, students work in small collaborative groups on science and social studies projects. Small group work is prominent during reading, writing, and math. Discussion groups explore new ideas presented in a shared book students are reading. Collaborative work on science experiments occurs across a week or more. Students work together on the floor, spreading out to make maps during social studies, draw out graphs and charts in math, or work through problems. Younger students often begin the morning on the floor in a large circle as a sharing time or to read a big book together. Students leave the room for art, music, P.E., recess, lunch, as well as special education, language, and social-emotional needs. These wonderful, positive changes in the way students and teachers work in the classroom require more and more space.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the years moved along in my tenure as a student and teacher, new academic fields opened for students. Art and music programs were added to the curriculum. Band, orchestra, and&nbsp;theatre classes became available. Physical Education became a required class. Many new services and classes for students were added:&nbsp;nurses,&nbsp;physical and occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, Title I&nbsp;reading&nbsp;classes, Reading Recovery for first-grade students struggling to learn to read and write, math intervention, technology classes, k-12 counselors, school psychologists, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), SPED (Special Education/Educational Support for autism, gifted education, etc.). Each of the new academic areas and support services mentioned above require additional space&nbsp;both for teachers and students; however, our USD 489 buildings have stayed the same size, so hallways, custodians’ closets, corners of libraries, closets in classrooms, a cubicle next to a boiler room, a stage in the gym have all morphed into space for students to learn. Space was taken from libraries to squeeze in one or more small cubby holes for the school counselor or reading recovery teacher. Hallways themselves became portable classroom space. It seems every anteroom, booth, chamber, shoebox, and vestibule has been turned into learning spaces out of necessity.&nbsp;We have entered the second decade of the 21st&nbsp;century. New buildings and classroom design are more important than ever. USD 489 has reached critical mass in providing space for our&nbsp;students and teachers. We need your help to&nbsp;meet the learning needs of all students. Please vote YES on SPACE (HAYS USD 489 BOND ISSUE ON MAY 10TH).&nbsp; For more information on USD 489 current needs for space, go to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/article/700246">https://www.usd489.com/article/700246</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jo Ann Jennings, Hays

LETTER: A look at USD 489 classroom, building space across 60 years

Senate Highlights – Weekly overview

This week was the last week of legislative activity before VETO session.&nbsp; Late Friday afternoon, the Senate gaveled out for adjournment and will reconvene on April 25th for VETO Session.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wrap-up period is expected to not last long, but work remains on a few topics.

The Senate voted on numerous conference committee reports and also debated bills on the Senate floor the last few short weeks.&nbsp; A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill.&nbsp; Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk.&nbsp; Within ten days after passage, a bill must be signed by the presiding officers of each chamber, the chief clerk of the House and the secretary of the Senate and be presented to the governor for approval.&nbsp; The governor has ten days after receipt of the bill to act on it.&nbsp; If the governor does not act on it during the ten-day period, the bill automatically becomes law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Most bills passed by the Legislature are approved by the governor.&nbsp; However, the governor may veto a bill by refusing to sign it and returning it to the chamber in which the bill originated, together with a statement of the reasons for the veto.&nbsp; In appropriation bills only, the governor may veto some items (line-item) and approve the others by signing the bill.&nbsp; However, should the governor veto a bill, the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote in both chambers, may override (overturn) the governor's veto and the bill will be enacted into law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Once the bill becomes a law, whether by the governor’s approval or a legislative override, it is filed with the secretary of state.

Redistricting complete – map package heads to Governor

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb563/" target="_blank">Sub SB 563</a>&nbsp;contains the House and Senate maps plus the State Board of Education map for the next decade.&nbsp; The full package containing all three maps passed the Senate 29-11.&nbsp; The State Board of Education has ten districts, each containing four Senate districts.&nbsp; Senate district #36 remains the same except for adding Clay County now with a total of 14 counties which will tie with Senate district #40 also with 14 counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb348/" target="_blank">SB 348</a>&nbsp;would exempt certain threading methods from the definition of cosmetology in law related to the licensure of cosmetologists.&nbsp; SB 348 passed the Senate 32-6 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb451/" target="_blank">SB 451</a>&nbsp;would remove a requirement for which a Kansas resident must provide satisfactory proof that the person is at least 1/16 Indian by blood for purposes of receiving a free, permanent license to hunt, fish, and fur harvest in the state. SB 451 passed the Senate 38-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb493/" target="_blank">SB 493</a>&nbsp;passed the Senate before and prohibits cities and counties from regulating plastic and other containers (including straws) designed for the consumption, transportation or protection of merchandise, food, or beverages.&nbsp; SB 493 passed the Senate 26-12 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb101/" target="_blank">H Sub for SB 101</a>&nbsp;creates regulations and rules concerning the operation of e-bikes in Kansas. H&nbsp;Sub for SB 101 passed the Senate 37-2 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb160/">SB 160</a>&nbsp;- Fairness in Women’s Sports Act passed both the Senate and House this week.&nbsp; The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act ensures athletic teams or sports designated for women are reserved only for biological women.&nbsp; Last year, the Senate and House both passed the measure, but it was vetoed by the governor. The Senate narrowly failed to override the veto.&nbsp; The Conference Committee Report on SB 160 passed the Senate 25-13 and the House 74-39.&nbsp; It is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb161/" target="_blank">SB 161</a>&nbsp;was brought to the legislature by Amazon and would authorize personal delivery devices to operate on any sidewalk, crosswalk, or the shoulder or right side of any public highway of any municipality. SB 161 passed the Senate 22-17 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb199/" target="_blank">SB 199</a>&nbsp;concerns short-term medical plans, which are already allowed in Kansas.&nbsp; Federal regulations allow short-term plans to be renewed twice (for up to 36 months) without having to go through underwriting, thereby protecting people who gain a condition during a 12-month period by allowing their medical care to be covered in the next 12 months if they renew the same plan.&nbsp; SB 199 passed the Senate 28-11 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb58/" target="_blank">SB 58</a>&nbsp;affirms the right of parents to direct upbringing, education, care, and mental health of their children. The bill would require the boards of education of each school district to develop and adopt policies to guarantee parents’ rights, including curriculum transparency that provides parents the right to be informed about and review all materials related to their children's education, including educational and health records related to their child.&nbsp; The Conference Committee Report on SB 58 passed the Senate 23-15 and the House 67-46.&nbsp; It is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2252/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2252</a>&nbsp;specifies the Governor, the Secretary of State, and any other officer in the executive branch could not enter into a consent decree or other agreement with any state or federal court or any agreement with any other party regarding the enforcement of election law or the alteration of any election procedure without specific approval by the Legislature.&nbsp; S Sub for HB 2252 passed the Senate 27-12.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2005/" target="_blank">HB 2005</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions of law related to the Boiler Safety Act. It would also create the Elevator Safety Act, which would establish requirements for licensure of elevator contractors, mechanics, and inspectors; require elevators to be certified as having been annually inspected and establish the Elevator Safety Fee Fund. HB 2005 passed the Senate 34-5 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2056/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2056</a>&nbsp;would limit county election offices to one remote ballot box for every 30,000 registered voters in the county, require remote ballot boxes to be monitored or under constant video surveillance, and prohibit remote ballot boxes from being open and accessible for the deposit of advance voting ballots when the county election office is closed.&nbsp; S Sub for HB&nbsp;2056 passed the Senate 21-17.&nbsp; This topic needs further discussion with counties and how the boxes and how many are being utilized by our county clerks in our district – I voted NO until we have more discussion with our local elected officials.&nbsp; It now awaits action in the House.&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2644/" target="_blank">HB 2644</a>&nbsp;would designate the Sandhill plum, also known as the Chickasaw plum, as the official state fruit. &nbsp;HB 2644 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2717/" target="_blank">HB 2717</a>&nbsp;bans sanctuary cities and counties by prohibiting municipalities from restricting law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities and would prohibit the use of municipal identification cards from being used to satisfy state proof of identity requirements, including for voter identification.&nbsp; HB 2717 passed the Senate 29-10 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb346/" target="_blank">SB 346</a>&nbsp;would allow for the on-farm retail sale of milk or milk products, regulate the labeling and advertising of such products, and allow the Secretary of Agriculture to declare an imminent health hazard when necessary to protect the public health.&nbsp; SB 346 passed the Senate 27-12 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb28/" target="_blank">H Sub for SB 28</a>&nbsp;would enact law and amend requirements requiring registration of pharmacy benefits managers with the Commissioner of Insurance to instead require licensure under the Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act.&nbsp; H Sub for SB 28 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb62/" target="_blank">SB 62</a>&nbsp;would amend state standards for free school-administered vision screenings, establish the Kansas Children’s Vision Health and School Readiness Commission. SB 62 passed the Senate 34-5 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2448/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2448</a>&nbsp;would require the Department for Children and Families to assign all able-bodied adults without dependents subject to the food assistance work requirements to an employment and training program as defined in federal law. The bill would apply only to able-bodied adults aged 18 through 49 and only to individuals who are not employed at least 30 hours per week.&nbsp; S Sub for HB 2448 passed the Senate 28-11 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5022/" target="_blank">HCR 5022</a>&nbsp;which if approved by voters, would amend Article 9, Sections 2 and 5 of the Kansas Constitution to require County Sheriffs to remain elected if the county had not abolished the sheriff prior to January of this year, and would allow counties who abolished it (Riley County is the only one) to restore the elected Sheriff.&nbsp; The amendment will be on the November 2022 ballot.&nbsp; HCR 5022 passed 39-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2476/" target="_blank">HB 2476</a>&nbsp;would authorize two distinctive license plates related to military honors and four distinctive license plates related to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). The military honors plates would be available to recipients of the Silver Star or the Bronze Star, and the KDWP plates would represent state parks, hunting, fishing, and nongame wildlife. HB 2476 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2478/" target="_blank">HB 2478</a>&nbsp;would designate four portions of highway in honor of deceased public servants, a bridge in Pittsburg in honor of a private citizen, and two bridges in Cherokee County in honor of veterans. HB 2478 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2595/" target="_blank">HB 2595</a>&nbsp;would amend law regarding titling procedures for certain antique vehicles. The bill would change, from prior to 1950 to 60 years old or older, the vehicle model years for which a bill of sale would be accepted as prima facie evidence that the applicant is the owner of the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp; HB 2595 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2138/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2138</a>&nbsp;would require the Secretary, in consultation with county election officers, to develop an affidavit system to be utilized for the transfer of ballots. The affidavit system developed by the bill would apply to all ballots received, handled, and collected by county election offices prior to, on, and after the date of an election.&nbsp; An election audit procedure would be conducted by the Secretary in the calendar year following the general election of an even-numbered year. Four counties would be selected – one with a population over 90K residents; one between 20K and 90K residents; and two under 20K residents. The bill would also require such an audit to be conducted in any even-numbered year federal, statewide, or state legislative race where the margin of victory is within one percent. The county election officer would be required to audit ten percent of all county precincts, with a minimum of one precinct, in the same manner as existing audit requirements. The bill would require all voting systems in Kansas to use a paper ballot with a distinctive watermark as established by the Secretary, for elections on and after January 1, 2024. It would allow a county election officer to remove a registered voter from the registration list if such registrant has had no election-related activity for any four-calendar-year period and the confirmation notice sent by the county election officer is returned as undeliverable.&nbsp; Electronic Poll Books-the bill also contains several regulations to ensure that poll books are secure and approved by the Secretary of State.&nbsp; S Sub for HB 2138 passed the Senate 28-8.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb405/" target="_blank">SB 405</a>&nbsp;would authorize and direct the Executive Director of the Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS), on behalf of the KSHS, to convey by quitclaim deed, a 0.52-acre parcel of land in Johnson County to the Shawnee Tribe.&nbsp; SB 405 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb479/" target="_blank">SB 479</a>&nbsp;would require the Capitol Preservation Committee to approve plans to place a permanent memorial in the state capitol commemorating the work of Kansas suffragists toward achieving the right of women to vote in Kansas and the passage of the 19th&nbsp;amendment to the U.S. Constitution.&nbsp; SB 479 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2087/" target="_blank">HB 2087</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to the review of administrative rules and regulations.&nbsp; HB&nbsp;2087 passed the Senate 34-4 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2559/" target="_blank">HB 2559</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Cotton Boll Weevil Act and create the Kansas Cotton Boll Weevil Program. The bill would also create new law regarding industrial hemp testing services and seed treated with an irritating or poisonous substance, and update laws that are administered by the Plant Protection and Weed Control Program of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp; HB 2559 passed the Senate 32-7 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb215/" target="_blank">SB 215</a>&nbsp;would authorize school district boards of education to contract with transportation network companies for the purpose of transporting eight or fewer people to and from school or school-related activities and transfer authority for certain postsecondary driver’s education and driver training schools to the Kansas Department of Revenue. SB 215 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb2/" target="_blank">SB 2</a>&nbsp;contains several provisions related to the sale of alcohol in Kansas – including the sale and consumption of alcohol at the State Fair, permits for the sale and consumption of alcohol by local governments, and the distribution of liquor drink taxes. SB 2 passed the Senate 31-6 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb446/" target="_blank">SB 446</a>&nbsp;would authorize driving to and from religious activities by 15-year-olds with restricted driver’s licenses and would authorize online renewal of nondriver’s identification cards under certain circumstances.&nbsp; SB 446 passed the Senate 38-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2456/" target="_blank">HB 2456</a>&nbsp;would require the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks to issue a Kansas Kids’ lifetime combination hunting and fishing license.&nbsp; The bill also would require the Secretary to submit an annual report to the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on the number of kids licenses issued.&nbsp; HB 2456 passed the Senate 39-0 and is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2703/" target="_blank">HB 2703</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Targeted Employment Act, which would establish a tax credit for businesses that employ individuals who are Kansas residents with developmental disabilities. HB 2703 passed the Senate 39-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2239/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2239</a>&nbsp;is a major tax bill including property tax relief, tax credits for rail, air and community and technical colleges plus agriculture sales tax elimination for all future fencing in Kansas and wildfire damage for fencing and structures.&nbsp;&nbsp; It contains more than 20 policy pieces including a few listed here – elimination of sales tax on shipping and handling charges, repeals the sunset of the tax exclusion for motor vehicle manufacturer rebates, increases the residential property tax exemption from the uniform statewide school finance levy, allows for an additional personal exemption for certain disabled veterans, creates a property tax exemption for antique utility trailers, allows for refund claims pursuant to the Homestead Property Tax Refund Program based on tax growth from a base year, enacts a teacher classroom supplies tax credit (up to $250), provides for an income tax checkoff for contributions to Kansas state historic sites, defines new CRP land programs be taxed at grassland rates, modifies revenue neutral rate notice and hearing procedures and provide for property taxpayer complaint procedures.&nbsp;S Sub for HB&nbsp;2239 passed the Senate 39-0. It’s now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb150/" target="_blank">SB 150</a>&nbsp;protects consumers by adding disclosure requirements regarding legal advertising and creates law regulating use of protected health information to solicit individuals for legal services.&nbsp; SB 150 passed the Senate 27-13 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb91/" target="_blank">H Sub for SB 91</a>&nbsp;would exempt businesses from certain liability claims arising from a secondary student engaged in a “work-based learning program,” as that term would be defined by the bill.&nbsp;&nbsp; H Sub for SB 91 passed the Senate 37-2 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb408/">SB 408</a>&nbsp;would make theft of mail with a value of less than $1,500 from three separate locations within a period of 72 hours as part of the same act or transaction or in two or more acts of&nbsp; crime to a level 9, nonperson felony.&nbsp; This bill deals with “porch pirates” of packages stolen from homes.&nbsp; It would also amend the definition of the crime of burglary by expanding the locations in which a person may not, without authority, enter or remain within to include any locked or secured portion of any dwelling or building.&nbsp; SB 408 passed the Senate 40-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2109/" target="_blank">HB 2109</a>&nbsp;would enact the enact the Charitable Privacy Act and would continue in existence several exceptions in the Kansas Open Records Act. The aim of the bill is to protect the anonymity of donors to charitable organizations. HB 2109 passed the Senate 40-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2299/" target="_blank">HB 2299</a>&nbsp;would create and amend law related to fingerprinting for criminal history record checks, surveillance by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks employees, jurisdiction of law enforcement officers, the time period within which a search warrant must be executed, and disclosure of information to law enforcement agencies regarding a child alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care. The bill would prohibit KDWP employees who are authorized to enforce the laws of the State from conducting surveillance on private property unless authorized pursuant to a lawfully issued warrant, court order, or subpoena, or the U.S. Constitution.&nbsp; The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to extend, from 96 hours to 240 hours, the time period within which a search warrant must be executed after it is issued.&nbsp; The bill would require the Secretary for Children and Families to disclose confidential agency records of a child alleged or adjudicated to be a child in need of care to the law enforcement agency investigating the alleged or substantiated reports.&nbsp; HB 2299 passed the Senate 40-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2361/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2361</a>&nbsp;would create law requiring the Kansas Supreme Court to adopt rules for establishment and operation of specialty court programs within the state. The bill would allow the chief judge of a judicial district to establish a specialty court program in accordance with the rules adopted by the Court.&nbsp; S Sub for HB 2361 passed the Senate 36-4 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2377/" target="_blank">HB 2377</a>&nbsp;would create the crime of operating an aircraft under the influence, provide for testing related to the crime, and repeal current statutes prohibiting the operation of aircraft under influence of alcohol or drugs and providing for related testing. It would also create law allowing a person whose license is restricted to operating only a vehicle with an IID (interlock device) and who meets the conditions detailed to request reinstatement of the person’s driver’s license.&nbsp; HB&nbsp;2377 passed the Senate 39-1 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2508/" target="_blank">HB 2508</a>&nbsp;would amend law in the Kansas Criminal Code concerning the definition of “possession” and the elements of and severity levels for the crime of abuse of a child. It also would amend law in the Kansas Code of Criminal Procedure concerning forfeiture of appearance bonds, witness testimony at preliminary examinations, and competency proceedings and commitment of certain persons.&nbsp; HB 2508 passed the Senate 37-2 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb200/" target="_blank">SB 200</a>&nbsp;would authorize a pharmacist to initiate therapy within the framework of new statewide protocols for the following health conditions: Influenza (flu); Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep); or Urinary tract infection (UTI). It would also amend provisions of the Prescription Monitoring Program Act to add to the list of information a dispenser may submit to the Prescription Monitoring Program (K-TRACS), amend the list of individuals who may receive data from K-TRACS, amend how data is stored.&nbsp; SB 200 passed the Senate 37-3 and is now headed to the governor. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb453/" target="_blank">SB 453</a>&nbsp;requires adult care home certified aides who take training courses to demonstrate certain skills to successfully complete such training courses and requiring licensed nurses to teach and evaluate such training courses.&nbsp; SB 453 passed the Senate 40-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb343/" target="_blank">SB 343</a>&nbsp;would replace statutory references to “hearing impairment” and similar terms with “hard of hearing,” “hearing loss,” or “deaf” and would, among other things, prohibit blindness from being a determinant factor for denial or restriction of legal custody.&nbsp; SB 343 passed the Senate 40-0 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb286/" target="_blank">H Sub for Sub for SB 286</a>&nbsp;would extend the expiration dates and effectiveness of various provisions regarding the governmental response to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 31, 2022, until January 20, 2023. The bill would also create the crime of interference with the conduct of a hospital.&nbsp; The bill would amend the crime of battery to define battery against a healthcare provider as a battery committed against a healthcare provider while such provider is engaged in the performance of such provider’s duty. “Healthcare provider” would be defined to mean a person who is licensed, registered, certified, or otherwise authorized by the State of Kansas to provide healthcare services in this state and employed or providing healthcare services at a hospital.&nbsp; Battery against a healthcare provider would be a class A person misdemeanor.&nbsp; H&nbsp;Sub for Sub SB 286 passed the Senate 24-16 and is headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb267/" target="_blank">H Sub for Sub for SB 267</a>&nbsp;is the budget, containing supplemental funding for FY2022, FY 2023 funding for most state agencies, and FY 2023 capital improvement expenditures for certain state agencies.&nbsp; Expenditures regarding K-12 Education and KPERS are excluded and will be considered in separate legislation.&nbsp; H Sub for Sub for SB 267 passed the Senate 33-5 and is now headed to the governor.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2387/" target="_blank">HB 2387</a>&nbsp;would create law related to the medical assistance program and amend law regarding the powers of the Governor in the Kansas Emergency Management Act (KEMA).&nbsp; The bill would create law stating that, on or before January 31, 2023, no state agency, including the Governor, shall issue a request for proposal for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program; or enter into any new contract with managed care organizations for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program. The bill would amend a statute in KEMA addressing the powers of the Governor to specify that continuing limits on the Governor’s power regarding firearms or ammunition apply under KEMA or any other law. The bill also would state the Governor shall not have the power or authority under KEMA or any other law to prohibit attending or conducting any religious service or worship service in a church, synagogue, or place of worship.&nbsp; HB 2387 passed the Senate 26-12.

Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;

SEARCH FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY -&nbsp;Kansas Unclaimed Property Quick Link

Updated Unclaimed Property Stats from January 4, 2021,&nbsp;to &nbsp;April 8, 2022

Total Returned:&nbsp;$30,481,102.11

Type in or click this link for the instant search entry form-<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php" target="_blank">https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php</a>

Please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-243-3325x2 at my office in Concordia with questions or concerns during the break.

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

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville;&nbsp;Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek,&nbsp;Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum,&nbsp;Rushville, Solomon (part), Sumner,&nbsp;Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: 2022 Senate Scene Week 12 – First Adjournment

Many Kansas Republicans likely guffawed in disbelief when Governor Laura Kelly recently insisted she was “a major local-control advocate.” The image of Democrats as favoring big government programs, with Republicans fighting to keep government small and local, is deeply entrenched. The language of the state GOP, presenting Kelly’s emergency orders during the pandemic as examples of “one-size-fits-all” overreach, employs this stereotype expertly.

The truth, though, is more complicated. In Kansas, that complexity is further tangled up in the urban/rural divide, with the localities that the Republican majority in Topeka often seems most interested in defending being Kansas’s slowly emptying rural ones, and with attempts at self-governance in Kansas’s growing towns and cities seen as a threat. When Kansas Senator John Doll (R-Garden City) recently commented “I think we [in the legislature] just do so many things to curb the power of the municipal,” his frustration was justified.

This session included two clear examples of this dynamic. First, a bill to prevent Kansas cities and counties from acknowledging popular environmental concerns by banning or taxing plastic bags, which emerged mostly in response to the activism of concerned citizens in Wichita. Second, a bill to prevent Kansas cities and counties from responding to safety and health concerns by issuing municipal IDs to undocumented workers, which emerged mostly in response to a carefully negotiated ordinance passed in Wyandotte County. The vote was close in both cases (though closer in the first than the second), thus potentially allowing Governor Kelly, in contrast to the dominant Republican narrative, to use her veto pen in defense of localism.

Anyone who has spent time watching the patterns of Kansas politics through the frame of our population divide, and how that plays out in shaping the electoral interests of legislators, can’t find all this entirely surprising. Over the past decade and a half there have been many similar conflicts, with most Republican legislators consistently rebuffing the concerns and priorities voiced in Kansas’s (very slowly, but nonetheless surely) liberalizing urban areas. There have been state laws which overturned city efforts to keep their insurance costs low by preserving gun-free zones in municipal buildings, and state decisions which have blocked city efforts to lower or eliminate the criminal penalties attached to medical or recreational marijuana use.

Federalism has always been, and always will be, a messy area of American politics. Calls for “local control” have a mixed history on both sides of the political aisle, and are often more self-interested rather than morally principled. States with legislatures dominated by Democrats don’t necessarily have a better record when it comes to respecting urban democracy. Still, given that Kansas has a literal “Home Rule” provision written into its state constitution, a little more deference and consistency would be nice. (For example, Lawrence passed an ordinance motived by concerns similar to Wyandotte’s with no reaction from the legislature, suggesting that state opposition to local governance is more a matter of political timing than legal interpretation.)

While there is no chance of Kansas losing its historically rural reputation and character, the fact remains that the state’s economic development is mostly in the hands of those few urban parts of the state where the population is growing. The local governments there need a free (or at least a freerer) hand to respond to the interests and beliefs of their citizens. To treat urban Kansans’ efforts on behalf of public health, environmental stewardship, and civic life in the places they live with dismissive inconsistency is no way to keep Kansas’s sunflower blooming.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Many Kansas Republicans likely guffawed in disbelief when Governor Laura Kelly recently insisted she was “a major local-control advocate.” The image of Democrats as favoring big government programs, with Republicans fighting to keep government small and local, is deeply entrenched. The language of the state GOP, presenting Kelly’s emergency orders during the pandemic as examples of “one-size-fits-all” overreach, employs this stereotype expertly.The truth, though, is more complicated. In Kansas, that complexity is further tangled up in the urban/rural divide, with the localities that the Republican majority in Topeka often seems most interested in defending being Kansas’s slowly emptying rural ones, and with attempts at self-governance in Kansas’s growing towns and cities seen as a threat. When Kansas Senator John Doll (R-Garden City) recently commented “I think we [in the legislature] just do so many things to curb the power of the municipal,” his frustration was justified.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This session included two clear examples of this dynamic. First, a bill to prevent Kansas cities and counties from acknowledging popular environmental concerns by banning or taxing plastic bags, which emerged mostly in response to the activism of concerned citizens in Wichita. Second, a bill to prevent Kansas cities and counties from responding to safety and health concerns by issuing municipal IDs to undocumented workers, which emerged mostly in response to a carefully negotiated ordinance passed in Wyandotte County. The vote was close in both cases (though closer in the first than the second), thus potentially allowing Governor Kelly, in contrast to the dominant Republican narrative, to use her veto pen in defense of localism.Anyone who has spent time watching the patterns of Kansas politics through the frame of our population divide, and how that plays out in shaping the electoral interests of legislators, can’t find all this entirely surprising. Over the past decade and a half there have been many similar conflicts, with most Republican legislators consistently rebuffing the concerns and priorities voiced in Kansas’s (very slowly, but nonetheless surely) liberalizing urban areas. There have been state laws which overturned city efforts to keep their insurance costs low by preserving gun-free zones in municipal buildings, and state decisions which have blocked city efforts to lower or eliminate the criminal penalties attached to medical or recreational marijuana use.Federalism has always been, and always will be, a messy area of American politics. Calls for “local control” have a mixed history on both sides of the political aisle, and are often more self-interested rather than morally principled. States with legislatures dominated by Democrats don’t necessarily have a better record when it comes to respecting urban democracy. Still, given that Kansas has a literal “Home Rule” provision written into its state constitution, a little more deference and consistency would be nice. (For example, Lawrence passed an ordinance motived by concerns similar to Wyandotte’s with no reaction from the legislature, suggesting that state opposition to local governance is more a matter of political timing than legal interpretation.)While there is no chance of Kansas losing its historically rural reputation and character, the fact remains that the state’s economic development is mostly in the hands of those few urban parts of the state where the population is growing. The local governments there need a free (or at least a freerer) hand to respond to the interests and beliefs of their citizens. To treat urban Kansans’ efforts on behalf of public health, environmental stewardship, and civic life in the places they live with dismissive inconsistency is no way to keep Kansas’s sunflower blooming.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Taking home rule seriously in Kansas

I encourage you to vote in favor of the USD 489 bond issue that is going to be put before&nbsp;you. As a&nbsp;homeowner and business owner I know the financial impact that there is going to be, but I also know the need there is to improve our school facilities. &nbsp;I came to Hays 25 years ago and in that&nbsp;time,&nbsp;it has grown&nbsp;a&nbsp;fair amount. The schools have not grown with it.&nbsp;I have two girls in the district and my wife is employed by the district. &nbsp;I hear especially from my oldest daughter, who is a senior, and my wife, who is at the middle school, how full classrooms are and the need to increase space in both facilities to make for a more opportune learning environment.

We have&nbsp;not passed the previous bonds that have been on the&nbsp;ballot,&nbsp;and I feel the time is now. The longer we put it off the&nbsp;cost will only increase. This will be a benefit to students, staff, and the community. When families look to relocate, one of the key factors is the schools. We have traveled to many schools following our&nbsp;girls and&nbsp;most of&nbsp;the schools have changed and updated in the previous years&nbsp;with the community support through a bond. It is time for our community to do the same.&nbsp;

We have a great community, and let’s keep it that way with a VOTE YES!

To the citizens and voters of USD 489,I encourage you to vote in favor of the USD 489 bond issue that is going to be put before&nbsp;you. As a&nbsp;homeowner and business owner I know the financial impact that there is going to be, but I also know the need there is to improve our school facilities. &nbsp;I came to Hays 25 years ago and in that&nbsp;time,&nbsp;it has grown&nbsp;a&nbsp;fair amount. The schools have not grown with it.&nbsp;I have two girls in the district and my wife is employed by the district. &nbsp;I hear especially from my oldest daughter, who is a senior, and my wife, who is at the middle school, how full classrooms are and the need to increase space in both facilities to make for a more opportune learning environment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We have&nbsp;not passed the previous bonds that have been on the&nbsp;ballot,&nbsp;and I feel the time is now. The longer we put it off the&nbsp;cost will only increase. This will be a benefit to students, staff, and the community. When families look to relocate, one of the key factors is the schools. We have traveled to many schools following our&nbsp;girls and&nbsp;most of&nbsp;the schools have changed and updated in the previous years&nbsp;with the community support through a bond. It is time for our community to do the same.&nbsp;We have a great community, and let’s keep it that way with a VOTE YES!Thank you. Josh Zweifel, Hays

LETTER: Keep the community great by voting yes on 489 bond

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

I recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Kansas Ag and Rural Leaders (KARL) program. Our trip included unique farm tours like a camel dairy, falcon hospital and the oldest irrigation district in the world. We experienced local traditions and culture by visiting museums, a desert oasis, a camel race training facility, a livestock market, a palace and the grand mosque. However, the real reason people visit UAE is to see Dubai.

Dubai’s leaders seem to have committed to the “if you build it, they will come” ideal popularized in “Field of Dreams.”. Their vision for Dubai has been to replace oil revenue that will eventually dwindle with money from tourism, business and the financial sectors. They are creating a center of business for the Middle East and the world; a “City of Dreams.”

Dubai had been described by many former travelers as the Las Vegas of the Middle East. I expected the Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest building) and the Palm (a manmade island complex) would have a row of sky scrapers connecting the two areas and the city might feel like Chicago or Los Angeles.

My mind was not prepared for what the city actually looks like. Everything is new and really tall; high-rise buildings as far as the eye can see. When you emerge from a cluster of them, you can see another cluster of 10 to 20 a few miles away in any direction except downtown, which is more like 100 to 200 high-rise buildings. The city is filled with brand new metro lines, shopping malls, tourist attractions and residential communities. Dubai is a modern city of stunning architecture and the latest technology.

Our tour guide joked that Emiratis’ favorite word is ‘est. They have the tallest building, largest shopping mall, deepest swimming pool, largest dancing fountain, highest Ferris wheel. The list goes longer and makes me think Guinness Book of World Records probably has an office there purely for convenience.

The most impressive part is almost none of it existed 20 years ago. Many attractions didn’t exist 10 years ago as lots of the projects were fast tracked to prepare for the World Expo, which was originally scheduled for 2020 and delayed a year because of COVID.

The six-month Expo ended March 31 and was expected to bring 25 million visitors to see the 192 country pavilions focusing on themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. If you are picturing the state fair, this expo was about 20 times bigger without the animals, and even though we visited at the end of month six, the place felt fresh; bathrooms were clean, pavilions and facilities were in good working order, and there were no visible signs of staff packing-up. The same feel of quality and pride could be felt throughout all the attractions we saw.

Dubai is a city of dreams. It is the manifestation of leader’s vision and ability to motivate others to join in creating something big, something people all over the world will talk about and want to see for themselves.

People ignore their field of dreams because it seems too big. Dreams don’t happen overnight. Small steps, like having a clear vision or creating things that you can be proud of, are what create the momentum to move big dreams forward.

The tallest building in the most extravagant city in the world was what one man saw when he looked across the barren desert. Just imagine what you can make of the world around 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.

<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 rancherI recently traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Kansas Ag and Rural Leaders (KARL) program. Our trip included unique farm tours like a camel dairy, falcon hospital and the oldest irrigation district in the world. We experienced local traditions and culture by visiting museums, a desert oasis, a camel race training facility, a livestock market, a palace and the grand mosque. However, the real reason people visit UAE is to see Dubai.Dubai’s leaders seem to have committed to the “if you build it, they will come” ideal popularized in “Field of Dreams.”. Their vision for Dubai has been to replace oil revenue that will eventually dwindle with money from tourism, business and the financial sectors. They are creating a center of business for the Middle East and the world; a “City of Dreams.”Dubai had been described by many former travelers as the Las Vegas of the Middle East. I expected the Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest building) and the Palm (a manmade island complex) would have a row of sky scrapers connecting the two areas and the city might feel like Chicago or Los Angeles.My mind was not prepared for what the city actually looks like. Everything is new and really tall; high-rise buildings as far as the eye can see. When you emerge from a cluster of them, you can see another cluster of 10 to 20 a few miles away in any direction except downtown, which is more like 100 to 200 high-rise buildings. The city is filled with brand new metro lines, shopping malls, tourist attractions and residential communities. Dubai is a modern city of stunning architecture and the latest technology.Our tour guide joked that Emiratis’ favorite word is ‘est. They have the tallest building, largest shopping mall, deepest swimming pool, largest dancing fountain, highest Ferris wheel. The list goes longer and makes me think Guinness Book of World Records probably has an office there purely for convenience.The most impressive part is almost none of it existed 20 years ago. Many attractions didn’t exist 10 years ago as lots of the projects were fast tracked to prepare for the World Expo, which was originally scheduled for 2020 and delayed a year because of COVID.The six-month Expo ended March 31 and was expected to bring 25 million visitors to see the 192 country pavilions focusing on themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. If you are picturing the state fair, this expo was about 20 times bigger without the animals, and even though we visited at the end of month six, the place felt fresh; bathrooms were clean, pavilions and facilities were in good working order, and there were no visible signs of staff packing-up. The same feel of quality and pride could be felt throughout all the attractions we saw.Dubai is a city of dreams. It is the manifestation of leader’s vision and ability to motivate others to join in creating something big, something people all over the world will talk about and want to see for themselves.People ignore their field of dreams because it seems too big. Dreams don’t happen overnight. Small steps, like having a clear vision or creating things that you can be proud of, are what create the momentum to move big dreams forward.The tallest building in the most extravagant city in the world was what one man saw when he looked across the barren desert. Just imagine what you can make of the world around 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.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The city of dreams

By ROBERT REICH <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/2022/04/05/how-much-is-100-billion-really/">Inequality Media</a>

This commentary was originally published by Inequality Media.

The word “billionaire” didn’t even exist until 1844. Fifty years 
later, we got “multibillionaire.” And for the next 127 years, that was 
enough.

But in 2020, while the working class faced near-record unemployment 
during the pandemic, the wealthiest Americans faced a different problem.
 Some of them had gotten so rich, there was no longer a word to describe
 just how rich they were.

That’s why today I want to bring you one of the newest additions to 
the English language: “centibillionaires,” people with $100 billion or 
more.

What’s it like being one of history’s first centibillionaires? It’s 
hard to even imagine, but let’s try it by comparing them to the less 
fortunate. By which I mean just … regular … billionaires.

If you’re a regular billionaire, you can afford a private jet. If 
you’re a centibillionaire, you can afford a brand-new Gulfstream jet 
every single day for more than ten years.

Not sure what you’d do with a new Gulfstream every day — maybe give one to each of your closest 4,000 friends?

A regular billionaire would struggle to buy their own professional 
baseball team. Sad, I know. But a centibillionaire could easily buy 
every team in the entire major league.

If you’re a regular billionaire, you can donate to your alma mater 
and get your name on a building. If you’re a centibillionaire, you could
 single-handedly give every teacher in America an $8,000 raise for 5 
straight years.

Of course, that’s not all you could do. $100 billion is enough to 
wipe out all the medical debt in the United States. Or provide permanent
 shelter for every homeless person in America. Or buy Covid-19 vaccines 
for the entire world.

Basically what I’m saying is, $100 billion is a lot of money. More 
than two and a half million times what the average American worker makes
 in a year.

So here’s the big question. Are these centibillionaires so rich 
because they work two and half million times harder than the average 
American? Are they really 100 times smarter than the typical 
billionaire?

I don’t think so. The reason for the rise of centibillionaires is 
that for decades, wealth hasn’t trickled down, it’s gushed up, all the 
way to the very top. That’s not an accident. As it turns out, the system
 that the super-rich themselves carefully crafted and lobbied for, 
benefits… the rich! And while you may not own more private jets than 
your average centibillionaire, you probably do pay a higher tax rate. 
And thanks to legal loopholes and the Trump tax cuts, when the 
wealthiest Americans die, they get to pass on most of their 
centibillions to their kids tax-free.

We’ve got two choices as a country. We can tax the richest Americans 
fairly, and invest that money in ways that benefit all of us.

Or we can keep doing what we’re doing, and watch as centibillionaires
 get even richer while the rest of us get left behind. If you think 
wealth and power are too concentrated in the hands of a privileged few 
now, just imagine what a few more years of trickle-down nonsense will 
bring.

Of course, it won’t be all bad. At least “trillionaire” is easy to say.

Robert Reich is co-founder of Inequality Media,&nbsp;Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California-Berkeley, and Senior Fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He has served in three national administrations, including as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649182081237.png" alt="(Image courtesy of Inequality Media)" />
 <figcaption>(Image courtesy of Inequality Media)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROBERT REICH <a href="https://www.nevadacurrent.com/2022/04/05/how-much-is-100-billion-really/">Inequality Media</a>This commentary was originally published by Inequality Media.The word “billionaire” didn’t even exist until 1844. Fifty years 
later, we got “multibillionaire.” And for the next 127 years, that was 
enough.But in 2020, while the working class faced near-record unemployment 
during the pandemic, the wealthiest Americans faced a different problem.
 Some of them had gotten so rich, there was no longer a word to describe
 just how rich they were.That’s why today I want to bring you one of the newest additions to 
the English language: “centibillionaires,” people with $100 billion or 
more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What’s it like being one of history’s first centibillionaires? It’s 
hard to even imagine, but let’s try it by comparing them to the less 
fortunate. By which I mean just … regular … billionaires.If you’re a regular billionaire, you can afford a private jet. If 
you’re a centibillionaire, you can afford a brand-new Gulfstream jet 
every single day for more than ten years.Not sure what you’d do with a new Gulfstream every day — maybe give one to each of your closest 4,000 friends?A regular billionaire would struggle to buy their own professional 
baseball team. Sad, I know. But a centibillionaire could easily buy 
every team in the entire major league.If you’re a regular billionaire, you can donate to your alma mater 
and get your name on a building. If you’re a centibillionaire, you could
 single-handedly give every teacher in America an $8,000 raise for 5 
straight years.Of course, that’s not all you could do. $100 billion is enough to 
wipe out all the medical debt in the United States. Or provide permanent
 shelter for every homeless person in America. Or buy Covid-19 vaccines 
for the entire world.Basically what I’m saying is, $100 billion is a lot of money. More 
than two and a half million times what the average American worker makes
 in a year.So here’s the big question. Are these centibillionaires so rich 
because they work two and half million times harder than the average 
American? Are they really 100 times smarter than the typical 
billionaire?I don’t think so. The reason for the rise of centibillionaires is 
that for decades, wealth hasn’t trickled down, it’s gushed up, all the 
way to the very top. That’s not an accident. As it turns out, the system
 that the super-rich themselves carefully crafted and lobbied for, 
benefits… the rich! And while you may not own more private jets than 
your average centibillionaire, you probably do pay a higher tax rate. 
And thanks to legal loopholes and the Trump tax cuts, when the 
wealthiest Americans die, they get to pass on most of their 
centibillions to their kids tax-free.We’ve got two choices as a country. We can tax the richest Americans 
fairly, and invest that money in ways that benefit all of us.Or we can keep doing what we’re doing, and watch as centibillionaires
 get even richer while the rest of us get left behind. If you think 
wealth and power are too concentrated in the hands of a privileged few 
now, just imagine what a few more years of trickle-down nonsense will 
bring.Of course, it won’t be all bad. At least “trillionaire” is easy to say.Robert Reich is co-founder of Inequality Media,&nbsp;Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California-Berkeley, and Senior Fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He has served in three national administrations, including as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration.&nbsp;

REICH: How much is $100 billion, really?

Ronald Allan Strom, 75, of Colby, died Friday, April 1, 2022. He was 
born January 30, 1947, in Rockford, IL, to Allan O. and Marjorie L. 
(Anderson) Strom. After graduating from East High School, Ron enlisted 
in the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Ron loved living in 
Colorado, spending time in the outdoors snowmobiling, fishing and 
camping.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan O. and Marjorie L. Strom, and sister Marilyn B. Jackson.
He is survived by his significant other Nancy Clark; daughter, Andrea 
Strom (Penny); sisters, Cheryl (Russell) Jones and Karen Wood; several 
nieces and a nephew.


Burial will take place in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, IL. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ronald Allan Strom, 75, of Colby, died Friday, April 1, 2022. He was 
born January 30, 1947, in Rockford, IL, to Allan O. and Marjorie L. 
(Anderson) Strom. After graduating from East High School, Ron enlisted 
in the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Ron loved living in 
Colorado, spending time in the outdoors snowmobiling, fishing and 
camping.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Allan O. and Marjorie L. Strom, and sister Marilyn B. Jackson.
He is survived by his significant other Nancy Clark; daughter, Andrea 
Strom (Penny); sisters, Cheryl (Russell) Jones and Karen Wood; several 
nieces and a nephew.
Burial will take place in Willwood Burial Park, Rockford, IL. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Ronald Allan Strom

Between 10 and 15 years ago, political science professors discovered renewed our interest in civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Retired U.S. Senator Bob Graham and his collaborator Chris Hand published the first edition of their book&nbsp;America: The Owner’s Manual&nbsp;in 2009, arguing that the best hope for the renewal of American democracy lies in teaching a new cadre of involved, interested citizens who begin their journeys of civic activism by making change at the local level, usually on nonpartisan issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;The authors give numerous examples and tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American Political Science Association (APSA) hosted their first annual Teaching and Learning Conference in 2005, while the&nbsp;Journal of Political Science Education&nbsp;had debuted the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I met Graham at the annual MPSA conference, after I had already begun teaching the book in an introductory political science course.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2012, I took a sabbatical—my only one to date—working with Graham to develop a high-school curriculum.&nbsp;&nbsp;We tried to convince high school teachers to adopt it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, they told us that although they were excited about our ideas, they feared opposition from school administrators, deeply wary of any potential controversy or lawsuits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Between 10 and 15 years ago, political science professors discovered renewed our interest in civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Retired U.S. Senator Bob Graham and his collaborator Chris Hand published the first edition of their book&nbsp;America: The Owner’s Manual&nbsp;in 2009, arguing that the best hope for the renewal of American democracy lies in teaching a new cadre of involved, interested citizens who begin their journeys of civic activism by making change at the local level, usually on nonpartisan issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;The authors give numerous examples and tips.&nbsp;&nbsp;The American Political Science Association (APSA) hosted their first annual Teaching and Learning Conference in 2005, while the&nbsp;Journal of Political Science Education&nbsp;had debuted the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;I met Graham at the annual MPSA conference, after I had already begun teaching the book in an introductory political science course.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2012, I took a sabbatical—my only one to date—working with Graham to develop a high-school curriculum.&nbsp;&nbsp;We tried to convince high school teachers to adopt it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, they told us that although they were excited about our ideas, they feared opposition from school administrators, deeply wary of any potential controversy or lawsuits.&nbsp;&nbsp;I also read John Hibbing and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse’s 2003 book&nbsp;Stealth Democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These professors from the University of Nebraska found that many Americans have little interest in civic engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;After all, it often means attending long meetings which, at best, lead to brokered compromises.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a more-recent article, they also point out that many forms of civic engagement involve people grouping together with like-minded individuals, and voluntary associations often make decisions by consensus.&nbsp;&nbsp;These lessons are inapplicable to policymaking in a diverse democracy, where deep divisions are inevitable and important decisions are rarely made by consensus.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hibbing and Theiss-Morse argue that students must be taught the “barbarics” of politics, that is, rough-and-tumble negotiations on issues involving deep disagreement.I later moved the civic engagement projects into State and Local Government class, where they are a better fit.&nbsp;&nbsp;This change has produced many successful projects, such as pressing one city government to reclaim the site of an abandoned construction project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another group of students produced an information portal for students seeking off-campus housing to learn their rights and options.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, in the introductory course, I set a new goal:&nbsp;&nbsp;teaching students to be informed, frequent voters.&nbsp;&nbsp;I use videos to let speakers themselves (not me) describe the beliefs of liberals, conservatives, libertarians, and communitarians.&nbsp;&nbsp;I chose Barack Obama for liberal, Ronald Reagan for conservative, author Ayn Rand for libertarian, and Pope Francis for communitarian.&nbsp;&nbsp;I also embedded flash-polls in the class which students took with their phones.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This semester, I have introduced a teaching civic engagement course to teach these and other lessons to future teachers, with assignments to create lesson plans for the high school level.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today, our democracy is on life support.&nbsp;&nbsp;Social media, along with and market-niched real and fake news outlets allow Americans to group together only with the like-minded, to a greater extent than any other time in the past 100 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the K-12 schools are under increasing pressure to marginalize the teaching of civics, not only due to potential controversy but also pressure to reallocate more time to the “STEM” (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, perceived as being the tickets to good jobs in adulthood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet if our children and grandchildren are going to live in a democracy, it is critical that they also make time to teach civic education, and teach it well.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

Opinion