By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher As a girl, I dreamed of a future family and farm life in somewhat vague terms. However, one aspect was clear: I would not want to marry a dairy farmer because they never go on vacation. I may have painted dairy farming unfairly. Willingness to travel now seems to me to be less about the kind of farm and more about the individual. Farmers tend to fall into three categories of travel preferences. Homebodies don’t see any reason to leave the county except maybe for a day trip to the state fair or an educational meeting. Interest-based travelers are willing to make a moderate amount of short-term trips to livestock shows, college football games or whatever piques their interest, as long as they can get back quickly if anything goes wrong at home. Adventurers have a desire to see the world and work to make vacations possible. This travel preference would seem to be a learned behavior, but there may be a genetic component. In recent years, researchers have identified a genetic variant called the Wanderlust gene, which effects dopamine levels making a person more risk-tolerant and adventurous. Since farmers deal with risk every day, it would be logical to assume they should all be world travelers. However, it might be the opposite in many cases. Farmers spend their time trying to manage and mitigate risk, they use new genetics to attempt to offset weather risk or market their grain in a way that spreads out the risk of market movement. Their world by nature is full of risk; most do not want to invite more. But I think it would be a mistake to forget the other variable in the equation — reward. Travel has comes with risk but it also offers an important reward: diversity. Diversity has become somewhat politicized over the pasts few years, but at its core it is a simple and vital concept for our ability to grow and learn. In a graduate school, I learned about homophily and heterophily, or the degree to which the person you are communicating with is the same or different from you respectively. These similarities and differences may be factors of physical location, experience, values, language, technical expertise or many other items. We enjoy people we have homophily with because it is easy to be on the same page with them. People who are heterophilious to us are harder to talk to but we learn more from them and often that learning can help us to grow more quickly. For example, if you only work with the same group of people every day you will develop a common language and can work efficiently together. However, when your group is asked to do something different, you may all come up with the same ideas. Having an outsider’s input can give you more ideas or different information to contribute to the conversation. This is why we go to conferences and hire consultants. Diversity is important because different experiences and perspectives can lead to innovation. In rural America, we need that innovation to keep our communities alive and thriving. It is too easy to dismiss diversity, to decide that we don’t want to take unnecessary risks. One of the recent ways that I have chosen to seek out new ideas and perspectives is by participating in the Casten Fellows program, which is a Kansas Farm Bureau leadership program honoring the memory of former staff member Dr. Jill Casten-Downing. Our Casten Fellows cohort recently completed the capstone of this program, a 14-day international experience in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. This was not a vacation; it was an intense educational experience that took us to farms, agribusinesses, cultural sites and historic places with the goal of understanding culture and agriculture in a part of the world. In the coming weeks, I am excited to share more through this column about our time in the Baltics.&nbsp; I hope that the stories of the people, places and culture we experienced will provide new perspectives to spark conversation and innovation in your community. And hopefully it will create a desire for you to seek out your own adventures.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher As a girl, I dreamed of a future family and farm life in somewhat vague terms. However, one aspect was clear: I would not want to marry a dairy farmer because they never go on vacation. I may have painted dairy farming unfairly. Willingness to travel now seems to me to be less about the kind of farm and more about the individual. Farmers tend to fall into three categories of travel preferences. Homebodies don’t see any reason to leave the county except maybe for a day trip to the state fair or an educational meeting. Interest-based travelers are willing to make a moderate amount of short-term trips to livestock shows, college football games or whatever piques their interest, as long as they can get back quickly if anything goes wrong at home. Adventurers have a desire to see the world and work to make vacations possible. This travel preference would seem to be a learned behavior, but there may be a genetic component. In recent years, researchers have identified a genetic variant called the Wanderlust gene, which effects dopamine levels making a person more risk-tolerant and adventurous. Since farmers deal with risk every day, it would be logical to assume they should all be world travelers. However, it might be the opposite in many cases. Farmers spend their time trying to manage and mitigate risk, they use new genetics to attempt to offset weather risk or market their grain in a way that spreads out the risk of market movement. Their world by nature is full of risk; most do not want to invite more. But I think it would be a mistake to forget the other variable in the equation — reward. Travel has comes with risk but it also offers an important reward: diversity. Diversity has become somewhat politicized over the pasts few years, but at its core it is a simple and vital concept for our ability to grow and learn. In a graduate school, I learned about homophily and heterophily, or the degree to which the person you are communicating with is the same or different from you respectively. These similarities and differences may be factors of physical location, experience, values, language, technical expertise or many other items. We enjoy people we have homophily with because it is easy to be on the same page with them. People who are heterophilious to us are harder to talk to but we learn more from them and often that learning can help us to grow more quickly. For example, if you only work with the same group of people every day you will develop a common language and can work efficiently together. However, when your group is asked to do something different, you may all come up with the same ideas. Having an outsider’s input can give you more ideas or different information to contribute to the conversation. This is why we go to conferences and hire consultants. Diversity is important because different experiences and perspectives can lead to innovation. In rural America, we need that innovation to keep our communities alive and thriving. It is too easy to dismiss diversity, to decide that we don’t want to take unnecessary risks. One of the recent ways that I have chosen to seek out new ideas and perspectives is by participating in the Casten Fellows program, which is a Kansas Farm Bureau leadership program honoring the memory of former staff member Dr. Jill Casten-Downing. Our Casten Fellows cohort recently completed the capstone of this program, a 14-day international experience in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. This was not a vacation; it was an intense educational experience that took us to farms, agribusinesses, cultural sites and historic places with the goal of understanding culture and agriculture in a part of the world. In the coming weeks, I am excited to share more through this column about our time in the Baltics.&nbsp; I hope that the stories of the people, places and culture we experienced will provide new perspectives to spark conversation and innovation in your community. And hopefully it will create a desire for you to seek out your own adventures."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The rewards of adventure

I love the start of a new academic year. Taking time to get to know our newest community members and reunite with those we have not been in daily summer contact is pure joy. I especially enjoy celebrating the success of our community through our accolades video and awards ceremony.

The President’s Award is Fort Hays State University’s highest honor, given by the president for substantial contributions to the university through professional and personal achievements. It is not given often – last presented in 2014. This fall I presented the award to our Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) Department.

In just three short weeks, TILT helped overhaul the entire China program to deliver online learning following the COVID-19 shutdown in early spring 2020. it even created tutorials for the students in Mandarin. Following its efforts in China, the team worked tirelessly to create and update its website to provide faculty with detailed information and helpful links when campus classes transitioned to all online courses.

Noting that online students needed a deeper connection, TILT oversaw the implementation of the Tiger-2-Tiger Student Support Platform. In addition to its pandemic response, TILT continued to meet with faculty to develop new courses for programs and incorporated new ideas from the pandemic into the fall 2021 professional development session. They are always scanning and implementing cutting-edge technologies to improve teaching and learning.

The President's Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. Nominees for this honor are evaluated by the analysis of their performance in the categories of scholarship, service, and instruction.&nbsp; Significant levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award based on research/creative activities.

Dr. Hendratta Ali received the 2021 President's Distinguished Scholar Award. Hendratta is an accomplished educator and research scholar in the field of geoscience. She has 25 peer-reviewed publications, a book chapter, over 100 refereed abstracts presented, and is recognized nationally and internationally. Recently, she secured grants totaling more than $500,000, including two from the National Science Foundation and Geoscientist Without Borders. Receiving these awards attests to her research skills, technical expertise, and commitment to education and service.

The Faculty Member-of-the-Year Award is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research/scholarly activity, and service. Dr. April Park was selected as the recipient of this award because she defines excellence in scholarly activity. She is passionate about her research and working with students.

One of April’s former students sums up her professor’s commitment with this statement, “Her support and guidance shaped me into the researcher, advisor, and graduate student I am today.” April’s impact on her students continues to enhance their learning experience and reflects her goal to be the best professor, researcher, mentor, and colleague possible. &nbsp;

Brooke Mann received the John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Award for her commitment to foster undergraduate research. Brooke has shown outstanding mentorship by supporting her students throughout the research process. She is committed to the growth and learning of these individuals by making it a priority to oversee and assist in preparing their materials for presentations and conferences. She is open to student ideas and broadening her research interests to enhance the experience for all of our students. These qualities demonstrate her caring demeanor and how deserving she is to receive this award. One student exemplifies this with the statement, “I feel very fortunate that I was able to work with her throughout my undergraduate years, and I know I am a better researcher because of it.”

Our awards also honored the Department of Computer Science with the Advancing Assessment Award and our Department of Leadership Studies with the Closing the Loop Assessment Award. Both of these departments have made great strides in improving teaching and learning.

Our accolades video highlighted several accomplishments made by our faculty and staff over the summer. Dr. Seth Kastle received the 2020 Veterans Knowledge Community Ally and Advocate Award from the National Association of Student Affairs Personnel Administrators. Dr. Patti Griffin was appointed to the advisory board and professional development committee of NACADA:&nbsp;The Global Community for Academic Advising.&nbsp;Dr. Whitney Whitaker served as a professional representative and program chair for the Southwestern Psychological Association.

Grants received over the summer – totaling more than $190,000 – included two projects funded by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. One was awarded to Dr. Bill Starks and the other to graduate student Chloe Million. The National Science Foundation provided funds to Dr. Paul Adams and Earl Legleiter, while a gift from the Hays Masonic Lodge was used to purchase software for the FHSU Virtual Literacy Institute. &nbsp;Dr. Jenny Manry received a grant for more than $150,000 from the Kansas Board of Regents Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant program.

Some of our faculty spent their summers publishing textbooks. Dr. Janet Stramel wrote two textbooks: Early Childhood Mathematics Methods and Science and Mathematics Planning:&nbsp; Lessons of Equity Unit. Heather Musil published Cliff Notes of Writing an IEP. Sue Boldra wrote an elementary social studies methods book, while Mandy Kern, a staff member at our Kansas Wetlands Education Center, authored a children’s book, “Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet.” Several faculty were also recognized for articles published.

I love starting each new school year celebrating the accomplishments of my colleagues. They truly inspire me. I am proud of the work they are doing and especially the impact they make on our students, professions, community, and the world. Indeed, our lives are improved through their devotion to their work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>I love the start of a new academic year. Taking time to get to know our newest community members and reunite with those we have not been in daily summer contact is pure joy. I especially enjoy celebrating the success of our community through our accolades video and awards ceremony.The President’s Award is Fort Hays State University’s highest honor, given by the president for substantial contributions to the university through professional and personal achievements. It is not given often – last presented in 2014. This fall I presented the award to our Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) Department.In just three short weeks, TILT helped overhaul the entire China program to deliver online learning following the COVID-19 shutdown in early spring 2020. it even created tutorials for the students in Mandarin. Following its efforts in China, the team worked tirelessly to create and update its website to provide faculty with detailed information and helpful links when campus classes transitioned to all online courses.Noting that online students needed a deeper connection, TILT oversaw the implementation of the Tiger-2-Tiger Student Support Platform. In addition to its pandemic response, TILT continued to meet with faculty to develop new courses for programs and incorporated new ideas from the pandemic into the fall 2021 professional development session. They are always scanning and implementing cutting-edge technologies to improve teaching and learning.The President's Distinguished Scholar Award was first conferred in 1989. Nominees for this honor are evaluated by the analysis of their performance in the categories of scholarship, service, and instruction.&nbsp; Significant levels of performance must be demonstrated in service and instruction, with the primary focus of this award based on research/creative activities.Dr. Hendratta Ali received the 2021 President's Distinguished Scholar Award. Hendratta is an accomplished educator and research scholar in the field of geoscience. She has 25 peer-reviewed publications, a book chapter, over 100 refereed abstracts presented, and is recognized nationally and internationally. Recently, she secured grants totaling more than $500,000, including two from the National Science Foundation and Geoscientist Without Borders. Receiving these awards attests to her research skills, technical expertise, and commitment to education and service.The Faculty Member-of-the-Year Award is selected from the past year’s recipients of faculty awards for teaching, research/scholarly activity, and service. Dr. April Park was selected as the recipient of this award because she defines excellence in scholarly activity. She is passionate about her research and working with students.One of April’s former students sums up her professor’s commitment with this statement, “Her support and guidance shaped me into the researcher, advisor, and graduate student I am today.” April’s impact on her students continues to enhance their learning experience and reflects her goal to be the best professor, researcher, mentor, and colleague possible. &nbsp;Brooke Mann received the John Heinrichs Outstanding Research Mentor Award for her commitment to foster undergraduate research. Brooke has shown outstanding mentorship by supporting her students throughout the research process. She is committed to the growth and learning of these individuals by making it a priority to oversee and assist in preparing their materials for presentations and conferences. She is open to student ideas and broadening her research interests to enhance the experience for all of our students. These qualities demonstrate her caring demeanor and how deserving she is to receive this award. One student exemplifies this with the statement, “I feel very fortunate that I was able to work with her throughout my undergraduate years, and I know I am a better researcher because of it.”Our awards also honored the Department of Computer Science with the Advancing Assessment Award and our Department of Leadership Studies with the Closing the Loop Assessment Award. Both of these departments have made great strides in improving teaching and learning.Our accolades video highlighted several accomplishments made by our faculty and staff over the summer. Dr. Seth Kastle received the 2020 Veterans Knowledge Community Ally and Advocate Award from the National Association of Student Affairs Personnel Administrators. Dr. Patti Griffin was appointed to the advisory board and professional development committee of NACADA:&nbsp;The Global Community for Academic Advising.&nbsp;Dr. Whitney Whitaker served as a professional representative and program chair for the Southwestern Psychological Association.Grants received over the summer – totaling more than $190,000 – included two projects funded by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. One was awarded to Dr. Bill Starks and the other to graduate student Chloe Million. The National Science Foundation provided funds to Dr. Paul Adams and Earl Legleiter, while a gift from the Hays Masonic Lodge was used to purchase software for the FHSU Virtual Literacy Institute. &nbsp;Dr. Jenny Manry received a grant for more than $150,000 from the Kansas Board of Regents Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant program.Some of our faculty spent their summers publishing textbooks. Dr. Janet Stramel wrote two textbooks: Early Childhood Mathematics Methods and Science and Mathematics Planning:&nbsp; Lessons of Equity Unit. Heather Musil published Cliff Notes of Writing an IEP. Sue Boldra wrote an elementary social studies methods book, while Mandy Kern, a staff member at our Kansas Wetlands Education Center, authored a children’s book, “Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet.” Several faculty were also recognized for articles published.I love starting each new school year celebrating the accomplishments of my colleagues. They truly inspire me. I am proud of the work they are doing and especially the impact they make on our students, professions, community, and the world. Indeed, our lives are improved through their devotion to their work.

MASON: Celebrating success to kick off new school year

By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation Service

With fall harvest beginning in many parts of the state now is the time to think about planting a cover crop after your fall crop is harvested.

A cover crop can provide many soil health benefits. This includes building organic matter, improve water infiltration, increase nutrient cycling, and improve soil water holding capacity. A cover crop can also provide excellent weed suppression and a fair amount of livestock forage through the winter and spring if planted timely.

The species you use in the mix will depend on what you are trying to accomplish. If you have some compaction issues deep tap rooted plants like radishes and turnips are a good choice. Winter cereal grains like triticale, barley, wheat, and rye can help build organic matter and increase water holding capacity in the soil.

A combination of deep-rooted and fibrous rooted plants can be used to increase water infiltration. Decaying tap roots provide direct channels for water to infiltrate into the soil. 

Fibrous rooted plants help feed the soil microbes. These bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms produce the organic glues that help bind the individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay into larger soil aggregates. This provides more pore space in the soil where water can enter the soil when it rains.

For grazing you will want to have a mix that is wheat, barley, triticale, or rye. Mixes that are heavy with these species are also good for weed suppression since they cover and shade the ground quickly and compete well with weeds.

It is best to get the cover crop planted as soon as possible after the cash crop is harvested. This will give the cover crop time to get established and get some growth before it gets to cold. If the cover crop can’t be planted prior to November 1st it may be better to delay the planting until the next spring.

Always consider the economics of planting a cover crop. There is no reason to plant a $30.00 - $40.00 mix when one that cost $15.00 will do the job. Wheat may be a good choice since it is readily available and reasonably priced in comparison to other species.

For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the&nbsp; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628525048992.jpeg" alt="Dale Younker&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dale Younker&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation ServiceWith fall harvest beginning in many parts of the state now is the time to think about planting a cover crop after your fall crop is harvested. A cover crop can provide many soil health benefits. This includes building organic matter, improve water infiltration, increase nutrient cycling, and improve soil water holding capacity. A cover crop can also provide excellent weed suppression and a fair amount of livestock forage through the winter and spring if planted timely.The species you use in the mix will depend on what you are trying to accomplish. If you have some compaction issues deep tap rooted plants like radishes and turnips are a good choice. Winter cereal grains like triticale, barley, wheat, and rye can help build organic matter and increase water holding capacity in the soil.A combination of deep-rooted and fibrous rooted plants can be used to increase water infiltration. Decaying tap roots provide direct channels for water to infiltrate into the soil. Fibrous rooted plants help feed the soil microbes. These bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms produce the organic glues that help bind the individual soil particles of sand, silt and clay into larger soil aggregates. This provides more pore space in the soil where water can enter the soil when it rains.For grazing you will want to have a mix that is wheat, barley, triticale, or rye. Mixes that are heavy with these species are also good for weed suppression since they cover and shade the ground quickly and compete well with weeds.It is best to get the cover crop planted as soon as possible after the cash crop is harvested. This will give the cover crop time to get established and get some growth before it gets to cold. If the cover crop can’t be planted prior to November 1st it may be better to delay the planting until the next spring.Always consider the economics of planting a cover crop. There is no reason to plant a $30.00 - $40.00 mix when one that cost $15.00 will do the job. Wheat may be a good choice since it is readily available and reasonably priced in comparison to other species.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the&nbsp; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Fall cover crop options 

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become less a fan of primitive camping, but I love the rental cabins placed in our Kansas State Parks. Our church men’s fellowship group often utilizes a couple of the cabins at Kanapolis for a spring fishing trip. Currently, I count rental cabins at 20 Kansas State Parks, on the KS State Fairgrounds and on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Sadly, I just found out the cabin at McPherson State Fishing Lake is no longer available as a rental.&nbsp;

My brother lives in a cabin in the middle of his 200 acres of southeastern Ohio land. Joe bought some of the land 30 years or so ago as a place to hunt deer, and in the package, also got a place to hunt turkeys and wild hogs, which are not just feral pigs, but descendants of the true Russian wild boars. Beavers inhabit the stream that meanders through the property, and wild ginseng also grows there. Both the land and the cabin have been added-to over the years and now he and his wife live there year-round. I will always remember my first visit there for one wonderful night when the cabin was small.

&nbsp;Much of the land in this area was bought up by coal companies decades ago, strip mined, and, or logged. The rutted, gravel, township road simply became the lane some distance off the blacktop, and we continued driving for several hundred yards, going well beyond the sign that read “the middle of nowhere.” A nice Whitetail buck snubbed us and cantered out of a power line clear cut we passed. We arrived at the nice pole building turned get-away cabin, a little before dark. After the usual time of catching up on the front porch, we drew our sleeping spots and prepared for the night. My metal-framed cot broke as soon as I sat on it, so I tried various ways to make it work, all of which failed miserably. (I blame this on the Denver Bronco blanket my sister-in-law gave me to sleep under. I’m a Chiefs fan, and she knows it!)&nbsp; Anyway, there I lay, trying to coax some sleep from the situation. A symphony of tree frogs began at dark and suddenly ended around midnight, as if by the wave of the conductor’s wand. Calling the night quite is an understatement. Even though Inman KS is small town America, I can’t remember the last time I’d experienced that kind of quiet.

I must have slept some, because the next thing I knew, the first rays of morning light filtered through the cabin window. I decided to rise and make the most of the opportunity. I was not quite early enough to see morning awaken, but as I sat there on the marvelous deck that ran the full width of the cabin, morning was still stretching and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Two humming birds entertained me as they buzzed and chased each other from feeder to feeder. I heard the morning songs of more different birds than I knew existed. The scene before me constantly changed and evolved as the morning sun chased the shadows across the timbered stage.

The cabin sets against a steep hill, so the front deck is several feet above the driveway below. Downhill and beyond the drive, a small creek meandered through a flat, broad meadow between hills. The meadow was littered with hulks of standing, dead trees, reminders of a time when the whole meadow was a beaver pond. Since the property was logged years ago, much of the timber was second growth, making the hillsides thick and overgrown. By sticking to an old perimeter road, we were able to hike and see the lay of the land, despite the dense, tangled overgrowth. Upstream we found the current beaver settlement where they had again dammed the creek into a pond, much smaller than the flooded meadow, but no less an engineering wonder. I walked onto the dam and marveled at the structure of gnawed-off branches and mud that I stood on. (Maybe we should hire beavers to do our highway construction; at least they would work all night!) From the dam, I could see the beaver’s house, a craggy lodge in the upper end of the pond, also built of sticks and mud. A steep climb up a hillside thick with small saplings and vines brought us to a looming rock wall, which seemed strangely out of place. Our destination was a spot where a large cave was formed when the wall separated and a large portion fell down and away from the rest. Water trickled somewhere inside as we shone a flashlight down and into the chasm.&nbsp;

Back at the cabin, I stood in the doorway of the stone “springhouse,” built into the hill behind the cabin, a remnant of life decades ago. These were literally built over running springs of water, and used to cool cans of milk and other perishable food. We all sat on the deck and marveled aloud at God’s Creation on display all around us. As we prepared to follow the rocky drive back toward the blacktop, one last glance assured me that many quiet nights would be spent, many deer and turkeys harvested, and many thoughts of God’s goodness sent skyward, here at this cabin in the southern Ohio woods.

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>As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become less a fan of primitive camping, but I love the rental cabins placed in our Kansas State Parks. Our church men’s fellowship group often utilizes a couple of the cabins at Kanapolis for a spring fishing trip. Currently, I count rental cabins at 20 Kansas State Parks, on the KS State Fairgrounds and on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Sadly, I just found out the cabin at McPherson State Fishing Lake is no longer available as a rental.&nbsp;My brother lives in a cabin in the middle of his 200 acres of southeastern Ohio land. Joe bought some of the land 30 years or so ago as a place to hunt deer, and in the package, also got a place to hunt turkeys and wild hogs, which are not just feral pigs, but descendants of the true Russian wild boars. Beavers inhabit the stream that meanders through the property, and wild ginseng also grows there. Both the land and the cabin have been added-to over the years and now he and his wife live there year-round. I will always remember my first visit there for one wonderful night when the cabin was small.&nbsp;Much of the land in this area was bought up by coal companies decades ago, strip mined, and, or logged. The rutted, gravel, township road simply became the lane some distance off the blacktop, and we continued driving for several hundred yards, going well beyond the sign that read “the middle of nowhere.” A nice Whitetail buck snubbed us and cantered out of a power line clear cut we passed. We arrived at the nice pole building turned get-away cabin, a little before dark. After the usual time of catching up on the front porch, we drew our sleeping spots and prepared for the night. My metal-framed cot broke as soon as I sat on it, so I tried various ways to make it work, all of which failed miserably. (I blame this on the Denver Bronco blanket my sister-in-law gave me to sleep under. I’m a Chiefs fan, and she knows it!)&nbsp; Anyway, there I lay, trying to coax some sleep from the situation. A symphony of tree frogs began at dark and suddenly ended around midnight, as if by the wave of the conductor’s wand. Calling the night quite is an understatement. Even though Inman KS is small town America, I can’t remember the last time I’d experienced that kind of quiet.I must have slept some, because the next thing I knew, the first rays of morning light filtered through the cabin window. I decided to rise and make the most of the opportunity. I was not quite early enough to see morning awaken, but as I sat there on the marvelous deck that ran the full width of the cabin, morning was still stretching and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Two humming birds entertained me as they buzzed and chased each other from feeder to feeder. I heard the morning songs of more different birds than I knew existed. The scene before me constantly changed and evolved as the morning sun chased the shadows across the timbered stage.The cabin sets against a steep hill, so the front deck is several feet above the driveway below. Downhill and beyond the drive, a small creek meandered through a flat, broad meadow between hills. The meadow was littered with hulks of standing, dead trees, reminders of a time when the whole meadow was a beaver pond. Since the property was logged years ago, much of the timber was second growth, making the hillsides thick and overgrown. By sticking to an old perimeter road, we were able to hike and see the lay of the land, despite the dense, tangled overgrowth. Upstream we found the current beaver settlement where they had again dammed the creek into a pond, much smaller than the flooded meadow, but no less an engineering wonder. I walked onto the dam and marveled at the structure of gnawed-off branches and mud that I stood on. (Maybe we should hire beavers to do our highway construction; at least they would work all night!) From the dam, I could see the beaver’s house, a craggy lodge in the upper end of the pond, also built of sticks and mud. A steep climb up a hillside thick with small saplings and vines brought us to a looming rock wall, which seemed strangely out of place. Our destination was a spot where a large cave was formed when the wall separated and a large portion fell down and away from the rest. Water trickled somewhere inside as we shone a flashlight down and into the chasm.&nbsp;Back at the cabin, I stood in the doorway of the stone “springhouse,” built into the hill behind the cabin, a remnant of life decades ago. These were literally built over running springs of water, and used to cool cans of milk and other perishable food. We all sat on the deck and marveled aloud at God’s Creation on display all around us. As we prepared to follow the rocky drive back toward the blacktop, one last glance assured me that many quiet nights would be spent, many deer and turkeys harvested, and many thoughts of God’s goodness sent skyward, here at this cabin in the southern Ohio woods.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: In praise of cabins

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

Not all coffees are created equal. Today we’ll meet a couple of artisan coffee roasters who have learned the truth of this statement and applied it to their remarkable coffee business.&nbsp;

Ray Ford and Joel Heath are the makers of this remarkable coffee. They are co-owners of Burr Roasters &amp; Cafe in Leavenworth.&nbsp;

Ray Ford grew up in Kentucky and joined the Army. “I grew up with bad coffee,” Ray said. “Everybody drinks coffee in the field,” he said. “(The coffee is) warm and you’re cold.” Soldiers drank whatever coffee was provided.&nbsp;

Ray took a job in retail which included working in a coffee shop. “I got a knack for it,” Ray said.&nbsp;

He finished his Army career at Fort Leavenworth. An Army friend named Johnny Kasper was also in his church. They talked about opening a coffee shop in Leavenworth after they retired. Together, they opened Burr Roasters, a veteran-owned, small-batch roastery and coffee shop located in historic downtown Leavenworth.&nbsp;

Ray learned that there is a distinct science related to making really good coffee. It became clear that not all coffee is created equal. Part of the key to quality is producing it in small batches, rather than mass production. Another factor is insisting on beans that are fresh. A third is sourcing the right kind of coffee beans. Ray works closely with his suppliers to ensure they acquire the best possible blends. Burr Roasters carefully sources its coffee from selected locations in Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Different elevations and different soil contents produce different flavors,” Ray said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There’s a whole science behind it.” Ray and Johnny experimented with various blends, gave them away to friends, and developed their favorites.&nbsp;

Then they made a fascinating historic discovery which connected them to their Army roots. They learned that, from 1916 to 1956, the U. S. Army employed its own team of master coffee roasters to meet the massive coffee demand from soldiers around the world. There were several Army coffee production facilities across the nation, including the largest at a location called Warehouse 310 in Atlanta. Then, in the interest of efficiency and economy, the Army switched to commercial mass-produced sources of coffee in the 1950s.&nbsp;

Ray and Johnny found a 1956 book titled “Coffee in the Armed Forces” which included various blends and coffee-making tips. After some experimenting, they found the coffee was terrific and they adapted it into their business. Eventually, Johnny’s interest in the business was purchased by fellow Army veteran Joel Heath, who is now the chief roaster.&nbsp;

Today, Burr Roasters &amp; Café serves fresh coffee at their coffee shop, delivers locally and produces roasted coffee blends for sale and shipment. One popular variety is based on the classic Army recipes. It is named Warehouse 310, in honor of what had been the Army’s leading coffee facility. “It’s a fantastic bag of coffee,” Johnny said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s smooth, mild, warm and hazelnutty.”&nbsp;

Burr Roasters &amp; Cafe offers another blend called IV Drip, a highly caffeinated coffee which is popular with first responders and night-shift hospital workers. They also offer an Ethiopian blend called Lion of Judah, plus blends named 0 Dark Thirty, Texas Pecan, Choconut and an espresso called Pony Espresso. Ray’s daughter bakes cookies and scones for the business.&nbsp;

In addition to the local retail trade, Burr Roasters &amp; Cafe serves wholesale customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;One is a coffeehouse in the rural community of Haviland, population 701 people. Now, that’s rural. Burr Roasters also ships its coffee blends coast to coast and as far away as England and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

“We always use fresh beans. People have told us how much of a difference it makes,” Ray said. “My most rewarding element is how happy people can get from having a cup of coffee. We take care of our customers, and they come back.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burr-roasters.com/">their website</a>.&nbsp;

Not all coffee is created equal. We commend Ray Ford and Joel Heath of Burr Roasters &amp; Café or making a difference with craftsmanship in coffee while connecting with their Army roots. Some say their type of coffee is unequaled.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627482656256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Not all coffees are created equal. Today we’ll meet a couple of artisan coffee roasters who have learned the truth of this statement and applied it to their remarkable coffee business.&nbsp;Ray Ford and Joel Heath are the makers of this remarkable coffee. They are co-owners of Burr Roasters &amp; Cafe in Leavenworth.&nbsp;Ray Ford grew up in Kentucky and joined the Army. “I grew up with bad coffee,” Ray said. “Everybody drinks coffee in the field,” he said. “(The coffee is) warm and you’re cold.” Soldiers drank whatever coffee was provided.&nbsp;Ray took a job in retail which included working in a coffee shop. “I got a knack for it,” Ray said.&nbsp;He finished his Army career at Fort Leavenworth. An Army friend named Johnny Kasper was also in his church. They talked about opening a coffee shop in Leavenworth after they retired. Together, they opened Burr Roasters, a veteran-owned, small-batch roastery and coffee shop located in historic downtown Leavenworth.&nbsp;Ray learned that there is a distinct science related to making really good coffee. It became clear that not all coffee is created equal. Part of the key to quality is producing it in small batches, rather than mass production. Another factor is insisting on beans that are fresh. A third is sourcing the right kind of coffee beans. Ray works closely with his suppliers to ensure they acquire the best possible blends. Burr Roasters carefully sources its coffee from selected locations in Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Different elevations and different soil contents produce different flavors,” Ray said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There’s a whole science behind it.” Ray and Johnny experimented with various blends, gave them away to friends, and developed their favorites.&nbsp;Then they made a fascinating historic discovery which connected them to their Army roots. They learned that, from 1916 to 1956, the U. S. Army employed its own team of master coffee roasters to meet the massive coffee demand from soldiers around the world. There were several Army coffee production facilities across the nation, including the largest at a location called Warehouse 310 in Atlanta. Then, in the interest of efficiency and economy, the Army switched to commercial mass-produced sources of coffee in the 1950s.&nbsp;Ray and Johnny found a 1956 book titled “Coffee in the Armed Forces” which included various blends and coffee-making tips. After some experimenting, they found the coffee was terrific and they adapted it into their business. Eventually, Johnny’s interest in the business was purchased by fellow Army veteran Joel Heath, who is now the chief roaster.&nbsp;Today, Burr Roasters &amp; Café serves fresh coffee at their coffee shop, delivers locally and produces roasted coffee blends for sale and shipment. One popular variety is based on the classic Army recipes. It is named Warehouse 310, in honor of what had been the Army’s leading coffee facility. “It’s a fantastic bag of coffee,” Johnny said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s smooth, mild, warm and hazelnutty.”&nbsp;Burr Roasters &amp; Cafe offers another blend called IV Drip, a highly caffeinated coffee which is popular with first responders and night-shift hospital workers. They also offer an Ethiopian blend called Lion of Judah, plus blends named 0 Dark Thirty, Texas Pecan, Choconut and an espresso called Pony Espresso. Ray’s daughter bakes cookies and scones for the business.&nbsp;In addition to the local retail trade, Burr Roasters &amp; Cafe serves wholesale customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;One is a coffeehouse in the rural community of Haviland, population 701 people. Now, that’s rural. Burr Roasters also ships its coffee blends coast to coast and as far away as England and Afghanistan.&nbsp;“We always use fresh beans. People have told us how much of a difference it makes,” Ray said. “My most rewarding element is how happy people can get from having a cup of coffee. We take care of our customers, and they come back.”&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burr-roasters.com/">their website</a>.&nbsp;Not all coffee is created equal. We commend Ray Ford and Joel Heath of Burr Roasters &amp; Café or making a difference with craftsmanship in coffee while connecting with their Army roots. Some say their type of coffee is unequaled.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Ray Ford and Joel Heath, Burr Roasters 

Every 10 years, districts for Congress, state legislature, state school board, and local offices must be redrawn based on the latest Census.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2020 Census numbers were recently released and we already know one thing:&nbsp;&nbsp;there will no longer be a KC-area district that incorporates all of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here in Kansas, the Kansas City-area Third District has once again gained population, while the rural “Big First” has lost people.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Third must shed people and the Big First must gain them, all shuffled through the Second District, which lies in between and has also lost population.&nbsp;&nbsp;All districts to be of nearly equal population, with only 0.5% allowable variation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Removing the small piece of Miami County (Louisburg) currently in the Third will not be enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;All or part of the other two counties must be moved as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will not be popular among supporters of Rep. Sharice Davids, who fear a Republican gerrymander to break up that district’s Democratic majority.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, former Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle advocates this.

For this column, I drew a number of hypothetical districts using Dave’s Redistricting, an online app that makes it possible for anyone with a computer and some free time to draw their own districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&nbsp;&nbsp;is free, but users are encouraged to make voluntary contributions.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have no financial interest in the project. The maps I made can be viewed on my blog:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://moksline.blogspot.com/">moksline.blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;and I also did this for Missouri.

For my own proposed map, I ended up doing what was once considered unthinkable in Kansas politics — I split Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp;I tried splitting Wyandotte County, but to rebalance population that way would require me to split the city of Kansas City in half, whereas the people of most communities prefer to remain “whole” within a single district.&nbsp;&nbsp;By splitting Johnson County instead, I was able to keep all cities in the county whole.&nbsp;&nbsp;I moved the outlying, exurban communities of DeSoto, Gardner, Edgerton, and Spring Hill into the 2nd District along with rural, unincorporated parts of the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rest of Johnson County I kept together with Kansas City in the Third.&nbsp;

If Kansas Republicans do seek to gerrymander Wyandotte County, they will not put it in the adjoining Second District.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Second already includes Lawrence and Topeka, so adding Kansas City would make that a Democratic-majority district.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, a GOP gerrymander would have to bring the Big First all the way to the Missouri line, wrapping around the Second and reaching down to put Kansas City in the same district as rural, western Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The current Third District is not a majority-minority district but it does have plenty of diversity.&nbsp;&nbsp;If it is broken up in this way, court challenges are possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to intervene in cases of partisan gerrymandering but kept open the door to those involving racial gerrymandering — particularly when they dilute votes from people of color.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Keeping several outlying communities in Johnson County whole while moving them into the Second District avoids these difficulties.&nbsp;&nbsp;It also prevents an ungainly, Missouri-to-Colorado Big First.&nbsp;&nbsp;Readers are encouraged not to take my word for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Try Dave’s for yourself and draw your own, proposed districts. Ultimately, the Kansas Legislature will draw the final maps — unless they deadlock and let the courts resolve it again.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the meantime, Kansas already has three Republican-majority districts. Can they resist the temptation to get greedy for more?

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579108824567.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Every 10 years, districts for Congress, state legislature, state school board, and local offices must be redrawn based on the latest Census.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2020 Census numbers were recently released and we already know one thing:&nbsp;&nbsp;there will no longer be a KC-area district that incorporates all of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here in Kansas, the Kansas City-area Third District has once again gained population, while the rural “Big First” has lost people.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Third must shed people and the Big First must gain them, all shuffled through the Second District, which lies in between and has also lost population.&nbsp;&nbsp;All districts to be of nearly equal population, with only 0.5% allowable variation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Removing the small piece of Miami County (Louisburg) currently in the Third will not be enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;All or part of the other two counties must be moved as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will not be popular among supporters of Rep. Sharice Davids, who fear a Republican gerrymander to break up that district’s Democratic majority.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, former Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle advocates this.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For this column, I drew a number of hypothetical districts using Dave’s Redistricting, an online app that makes it possible for anyone with a computer and some free time to draw their own districts.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&nbsp;&nbsp;is free, but users are encouraged to make voluntary contributions.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have no financial interest in the project. The maps I made can be viewed on my blog:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://moksline.blogspot.com/">moksline.blogspot.com</a>&nbsp;and I also did this for Missouri.For my own proposed map, I ended up doing what was once considered unthinkable in Kansas politics — I split Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp;I tried splitting Wyandotte County, but to rebalance population that way would require me to split the city of Kansas City in half, whereas the people of most communities prefer to remain “whole” within a single district.&nbsp;&nbsp;By splitting Johnson County instead, I was able to keep all cities in the county whole.&nbsp;&nbsp;I moved the outlying, exurban communities of DeSoto, Gardner, Edgerton, and Spring Hill into the 2nd District along with rural, unincorporated parts of the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rest of Johnson County I kept together with Kansas City in the Third.&nbsp;If Kansas Republicans do seek to gerrymander Wyandotte County, they will not put it in the adjoining Second District.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Second already includes Lawrence and Topeka, so adding Kansas City would make that a Democratic-majority district.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, a GOP gerrymander would have to bring the Big First all the way to the Missouri line, wrapping around the Second and reaching down to put Kansas City in the same district as rural, western Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The current Third District is not a majority-minority district but it does have plenty of diversity.&nbsp;&nbsp;If it is broken up in this way, court challenges are possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to intervene in cases of partisan gerrymandering but kept open the door to those involving racial gerrymandering — particularly when they dilute votes from people of color.&nbsp;&nbsp;Keeping several outlying communities in Johnson County whole while moving them into the Second District avoids these difficulties.&nbsp;&nbsp;It also prevents an ungainly, Missouri-to-Colorado Big First.&nbsp;&nbsp;Readers are encouraged not to take my word for it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Try Dave’s for yourself and draw your own, proposed districts. Ultimately, the Kansas Legislature will draw the final maps — unless they deadlock and let the courts resolve it again.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, Kansas already has three Republican-majority districts. Can they resist the temptation to get greedy for more?Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Redistricting will break taboos — but which ones?

Even though I am a grandpa, I try hard not to look or act like the stereotypical, frumpy, old grandpa who thinks the world should function like it did when I was a kid, but allow me to digress a little in starting this week’s column.

I’m the oldest of five kids, and my nearest sibling in age is six years younger than me, so growing up, I had to learn to amuse myself, a skill sadly missing in many kids today. I’ll come clean here that I love my smart phone. I’m a FOX News junky, and enjoy surfing through FOX news or Facebook on my phone when sitting in front of TV in the evening or when waiting on my wife in a store parking lot, so I understand the draw. But When I was a kid and on-my-own, I learned to build hay forts in the haymow, shoot blackbirds along the creek with mom’s old .410 shotgun, and to catch crawdads under the bridge that crossed the creek in our pasture.&nbsp;

That bridge had metal sides that were three or four feet high and was built like a tank, but the huge, thick wooden planks that were the floor, were not fastened down and just laid in place, so there were big gaps between them. I learned I could lay on the planks looking through at the creek below, and catch crawdads with a long, forked willow stick. The water below was shallow and clear, and the crawdads would lay in the mud there. I’d cut the forked ends of the stick three or four inches long, and when I jabbed the forked end across an unsuspecting crawdad, they would flex enough to trap it between them like a clamp, and I could often raise the captured crawdad up through the planks, where I’d pull it out, toss it back and try again.

In the first chapter of Ecclesiastes 1 in the Bible, verse 9 says “What has been, will be again, what has been done, will be done again, there is nothing new under the sun.” Well guess what, speaking of crawdads, the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has discovered a new crawdad species in Kansas. The Aquatic Nuisance Species Program and Ecological Services section of the KDWPT recently funded a university project focused on sampling Kansas lakes for invasive “crayfish,” (which is the politically correct name for the little buggers.) This study establishes processes that can be used to monitor both native and invasive crayfish in KS, something that has never been done before, and a process that some questioned the need for. During capturing efforts at McPherson State Fishing Lake, the need for this process was validated early-on, as sampling found multiple Rusty Crayfish, an invasive species never before found in KS. Both males and females of various ages were found, indicating a reproducing population is established in McPherson State Fishing Lake. Rusty Crayfish are large aggressive crayfish known to attack the feet of unsuspecting swimmers, and outcompetes native fish and crayfish for forage that acts as important cover for select prey species.&nbsp;

Since Rusty Crayfish most likely arrived in Kansas as fishing bait, this a perfect place to remind everyone of the KS regulation regarding the use of live fishing bait here in our state. Quoting from the regulations, “Live baitfish, crayfish, leeches, amphibians and mussels, except for bluegill and green sunfish from non-designated aquatic nuisance waters, and baitfish, crayfish, leeches, amphibians and mussels from designated nuisance waters, may be caught and used as live bait only within the common drainage where caught.” In summary and in layman’s terms, this means, use wild bait ONLY where you catch it, DO NOT take it anywhere it couldn’t have gotten to on its own. This will help keep aquatic nuisance species like our “new” friend the Rusty Crayfish, from spreading to other KS waters… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Even though I am a grandpa, I try hard not to look or act like the stereotypical, frumpy, old grandpa who thinks the world should function like it did when I was a kid, but allow me to digress a little in starting this week’s column.I’m the oldest of five kids, and my nearest sibling in age is six years younger than me, so growing up, I had to learn to amuse myself, a skill sadly missing in many kids today. I’ll come clean here that I love my smart phone. I’m a FOX News junky, and enjoy surfing through FOX news or Facebook on my phone when sitting in front of TV in the evening or when waiting on my wife in a store parking lot, so I understand the draw. But When I was a kid and on-my-own, I learned to build hay forts in the haymow, shoot blackbirds along the creek with mom’s old .410 shotgun, and to catch crawdads under the bridge that crossed the creek in our pasture.&nbsp;That bridge had metal sides that were three or four feet high and was built like a tank, but the huge, thick wooden planks that were the floor, were not fastened down and just laid in place, so there were big gaps between them. I learned I could lay on the planks looking through at the creek below, and catch crawdads with a long, forked willow stick. The water below was shallow and clear, and the crawdads would lay in the mud there. I’d cut the forked ends of the stick three or four inches long, and when I jabbed the forked end across an unsuspecting crawdad, they would flex enough to trap it between them like a clamp, and I could often raise the captured crawdad up through the planks, where I’d pull it out, toss it back and try again.In the first chapter of Ecclesiastes 1 in the Bible, verse 9 says “What has been, will be again, what has been done, will be done again, there is nothing new under the sun.” Well guess what, speaking of crawdads, the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has discovered a new crawdad species in Kansas. The Aquatic Nuisance Species Program and Ecological Services section of the KDWPT recently funded a university project focused on sampling Kansas lakes for invasive “crayfish,” (which is the politically correct name for the little buggers.) This study establishes processes that can be used to monitor both native and invasive crayfish in KS, something that has never been done before, and a process that some questioned the need for. During capturing efforts at McPherson State Fishing Lake, the need for this process was validated early-on, as sampling found multiple Rusty Crayfish, an invasive species never before found in KS. Both males and females of various ages were found, indicating a reproducing population is established in McPherson State Fishing Lake. Rusty Crayfish are large aggressive crayfish known to attack the feet of unsuspecting swimmers, and outcompetes native fish and crayfish for forage that acts as important cover for select prey species.&nbsp;Since Rusty Crayfish most likely arrived in Kansas as fishing bait, this a perfect place to remind everyone of the KS regulation regarding the use of live fishing bait here in our state. Quoting from the regulations, “Live baitfish, crayfish, leeches, amphibians and mussels, except for bluegill and green sunfish from non-designated aquatic nuisance waters, and baitfish, crayfish, leeches, amphibians and mussels from designated nuisance waters, may be caught and used as live bait only within the common drainage where caught.” In summary and in layman’s terms, this means, use wild bait ONLY where you catch it, DO NOT take it anywhere it couldn’t have gotten to on its own. This will help keep aquatic nuisance species like our “new” friend the Rusty Crayfish, from spreading to other KS waters… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Anything new under the sun?

Energy matters – a lot.&nbsp; In the last 200 years, global life expectancy has doubled.&nbsp; Extreme poverty has dropped from 90% of humanity to 10% and falling.&nbsp; The growth in human liberty and the dramatic increase in available energy are likely the two main catalysts for this tremendous progress. &nbsp;

Few doubt that energy has improved lives and enabled human progress.&nbsp; Yet one of the biggest challenges facing the world is the polarized debate over the future of energy.&nbsp; Facts and economics are too often replaced with assertions and emotions.&nbsp; Discussions about fossil fuels and alternative energy sources often degenerate into a battle to delegitimize the other side.&nbsp; This is a recipe for inaction.&nbsp; And it keeps billions of people trapped in energy poverty. &nbsp;

We should avoid energy policies driven by a zero-sum philosophy for energy that says we must have less fossil fuel so we can have more of something else.&nbsp; History has shown that short-sighted energy plans often fail because they start with a preferred resource and work backwards.&nbsp; The Biden Administration’s energy plan promises to repeat the Obama/Biden legacy of failed energy policy, but this time he intends to spend more taxpayer money on what will likely be another failed enterprise.

&nbsp;According to the U.S. EPA and U.S. EIA, the U.S. decreased energy related CO2 emissions in 2019 more than any other country.&nbsp; Since 2005, U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have fallen by 12%, total CO2 emissions have fallen by 14%, methane emissions have fallen by 4%, and power sector CO2 emissions have fallen by 33%.&nbsp; The EPA’s GHG reporting data show the aggregate share of GHG inventory from oil and natural gas production is just 1.22% of total U.S. GHG emissions.&nbsp; America leads the world in environmental quality. &nbsp;

Reality has a way of biting back if you’re not paying attention to it.&nbsp; The Biden Administration’s desire for extensive and unnecessary climate regulations will drive up the cost of energy.&nbsp; Higher energy costs disproportionately harm low-income groups.&nbsp; The Biden Administration’s energy policy is out-of-touch with working people and the economy. &nbsp;

It doesn’t make sense to place unnecessary political and legal obstacles in the way of responsible American oil and natural gas production, cancel oil pipelines, discourage investment in fossil fuels, stimulate demand through outlandish spending, and then beg OPEC+ (where oil is produced under much less-strict environmental standards) for more oil to contain inflation.

The oil and gas industry has done such a good job of creating abundant, affordable, always-available energy that the world takes it for granted.&nbsp; Energy is so woven into our daily lives that few question whether it will be there, or where it comes from.&nbsp; Because energy is so reliable and available, the public believes they no longer require it.

We often encounter this paradox anytime we engage in a conversation about energy and the environment.&nbsp; Some folks assume that we don’t need fossil fuels anymore.&nbsp; A stark example is anyone who wants to end oil and gas production while still benefitting from oil and gas based materials and fuels.

The U.S. has a unique opportunity to show the world how energy can be used as a positive force to lift people up – which is different than a zero-emissions philosophy.&nbsp; To rise out of poverty and enjoy health and safety, people need more energy, not less.&nbsp; We should all work together to ensure more people have access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy, no matter which state, nation, or continent they reside.

Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584027001010.png" alt="Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association." />
 <figcaption>Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>Energy matters – a lot.&nbsp; In the last 200 years, global life expectancy has doubled.&nbsp; Extreme poverty has dropped from 90% of humanity to 10% and falling.&nbsp; The growth in human liberty and the dramatic increase in available energy are likely the two main catalysts for this tremendous progress. &nbsp;Few doubt that energy has improved lives and enabled human progress.&nbsp; Yet one of the biggest challenges facing the world is the polarized debate over the future of energy.&nbsp; Facts and economics are too often replaced with assertions and emotions.&nbsp; Discussions about fossil fuels and alternative energy sources often degenerate into a battle to delegitimize the other side.&nbsp; This is a recipe for inaction.&nbsp; And it keeps billions of people trapped in energy poverty. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We should avoid energy policies driven by a zero-sum philosophy for energy that says we must have less fossil fuel so we can have more of something else.&nbsp; History has shown that short-sighted energy plans often fail because they start with a preferred resource and work backwards.&nbsp; The Biden Administration’s energy plan promises to repeat the Obama/Biden legacy of failed energy policy, but this time he intends to spend more taxpayer money on what will likely be another failed enterprise.&nbsp;According to the U.S. EPA and U.S. EIA, the U.S. decreased energy related CO2 emissions in 2019 more than any other country.&nbsp; Since 2005, U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have fallen by 12%, total CO2 emissions have fallen by 14%, methane emissions have fallen by 4%, and power sector CO2 emissions have fallen by 33%.&nbsp; The EPA’s GHG reporting data show the aggregate share of GHG inventory from oil and natural gas production is just 1.22% of total U.S. GHG emissions.&nbsp; America leads the world in environmental quality. &nbsp;Reality has a way of biting back if you’re not paying attention to it.&nbsp; The Biden Administration’s desire for extensive and unnecessary climate regulations will drive up the cost of energy.&nbsp; Higher energy costs disproportionately harm low-income groups.&nbsp; The Biden Administration’s energy policy is out-of-touch with working people and the economy. &nbsp;It doesn’t make sense to place unnecessary political and legal obstacles in the way of responsible American oil and natural gas production, cancel oil pipelines, discourage investment in fossil fuels, stimulate demand through outlandish spending, and then beg OPEC+ (where oil is produced under much less-strict environmental standards) for more oil to contain inflation.The oil and gas industry has done such a good job of creating abundant, affordable, always-available energy that the world takes it for granted.&nbsp; Energy is so woven into our daily lives that few question whether it will be there, or where it comes from.&nbsp; Because energy is so reliable and available, the public believes they no longer require it.We often encounter this paradox anytime we engage in a conversation about energy and the environment.&nbsp; Some folks assume that we don’t need fossil fuels anymore.&nbsp; A stark example is anyone who wants to end oil and gas production while still benefitting from oil and gas based materials and fuels.The U.S. has a unique opportunity to show the world how energy can be used as a positive force to lift people up – which is different than a zero-emissions philosophy.&nbsp; To rise out of poverty and enjoy health and safety, people need more energy, not less.&nbsp; We should all work together to ensure more people have access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy, no matter which state, nation, or continent they reside.Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

CROSS: Energy matters — a lot

“Music helps to keep you happy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;If that’s the case, the person who said it has been happy for a long time.&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas man who has turned 99 years old and is still playing music. Thanks to Marilyn Jones for this story idea and to writer Julie Govert Walter and the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging for their related article.&nbsp;

Bob Delk turned 99 years old in August 2021. He grew up north of Peabody where he attended country school at the unincorporated community of Aulne, which today has a population of perhaps 50 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

After graduating from Peabody High School and getting married, he moved two miles north and two miles west of the place where he grew up and started farming with his wife’s family. “I did mechanic work, all the things a farmer has to do,” he said. He lived on that farm until 2016 when he moved to a house in Hillsboro.&nbsp;

Bob grew up in a musical family. “I idolized my dad,” Bob said. “He played violin and guitar. When I was 12, I decided I would like to play too. My dad showed me a few chords on a ukulele.”&nbsp;

The year was 1934. Eighty-seven years later, Bob is still playing.&nbsp;

In the early years, the Delk family had their own music group. Bob learned to play four string banjo and guitar. Father John played guitar and violin.&nbsp;

“My sister Betty played the piano and my mother Lydia played the flat guitar which is now called the dobro,” Bob said. They played at churches, schoolhouses, and community events in the region. Bob’s favorite musical group growing up was Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.&nbsp;

In 1943, Bob was invited to play with a group called the Peabody Plainsmen. That group, with various members, played together for some 60 years. Bob’s sister Betty would later marry one of the founders of the Peabody Plainsmen.&nbsp;

The group’s first gig was at the Marion County Fair in 1943. They performed at many communities across Kansas, including the Kansas State Fair. The group became widely known in central Kansas – so well known, in fact, that they attracted the attention of a namesake group in Texas.&nbsp;

“There was another group called the Plainsmen Quartet,” Bob said. “They wanted to sue us for taking their name but then they found out we had the name before they did, so we never heard any more about it.”&nbsp;

Later, Bob formed his own group called Bob and the Boys which lasted for some 25 years.&nbsp;

In 1976, Bob bought a Gibson Les Paul guitar that he still plays. Now he joins in jam sessions at the Hillsboro Senior Center and has played at the farmer’s market in Peabody.&nbsp;

Guitar is his instrument of choice. He plays songs from various genres such as gospel, big band, and country-western. He is not a singer but an instrumentalist. “I’ve always been part of a group,” he said. He has traveled with various groups throughout the central U.S, among them the Singspirationals and the Menno Brass Ensemble.&nbsp;

Bob and Aldene farmed and raised four children. In 1999, after 54 years of marriage, Aldene was killed in a tragic auto accident near Herington.&nbsp;

Bob later married Dorothy. They would travel to various festivals and events all over the U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;and beyond. Before she succumbed to cancer in 2017, Dorothy would travel with Bob to south Texas in the winter where he would jam several times a day with musicians there. Bob now lives in his own home at Hillsboro and continues to drive.&nbsp;

The family musical tradition continues. “Some of my grandsons and great-grandsons play guitar and other instruments and sing, and my nephew plays keyboard and trumpet,” Bob said. “I love music, I love people and I love to visit.”&nbsp;

“Music helps to keep you happy,” Bob said. We commend Bob Delk and his family for making a difference with his musical talents.&nbsp;&nbsp;He’s been playing music and making people happy for a lifetime.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630505960638.png" alt="Bob Delk turned 99 years old in August 2021. " />
 <figcaption>Bob Delk turned 99 years old in August 2021. </figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Music helps to keep you happy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;If that’s the case, the person who said it has been happy for a long time.&nbsp;Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas man who has turned 99 years old and is still playing music. Thanks to Marilyn Jones for this story idea and to writer Julie Govert Walter and the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging for their related article.&nbsp;Bob Delk turned 99 years old in August 2021. He grew up north of Peabody where he attended country school at the unincorporated community of Aulne, which today has a population of perhaps 50 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;After graduating from Peabody High School and getting married, he moved two miles north and two miles west of the place where he grew up and started farming with his wife’s family. “I did mechanic work, all the things a farmer has to do,” he said. He lived on that farm until 2016 when he moved to a house in Hillsboro.&nbsp;Bob grew up in a musical family. “I idolized my dad,” Bob said. “He played violin and guitar. When I was 12, I decided I would like to play too. My dad showed me a few chords on a ukulele.”&nbsp;The year was 1934. Eighty-seven years later, Bob is still playing.&nbsp;In the early years, the Delk family had their own music group. Bob learned to play four string banjo and guitar. Father John played guitar and violin.&nbsp;“My sister Betty played the piano and my mother Lydia played the flat guitar which is now called the dobro,” Bob said. They played at churches, schoolhouses, and community events in the region. Bob’s favorite musical group growing up was Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.&nbsp;In 1943, Bob was invited to play with a group called the Peabody Plainsmen. That group, with various members, played together for some 60 years. Bob’s sister Betty would later marry one of the founders of the Peabody Plainsmen.&nbsp;The group’s first gig was at the Marion County Fair in 1943. They performed at many communities across Kansas, including the Kansas State Fair. The group became widely known in central Kansas – so well known, in fact, that they attracted the attention of a namesake group in Texas.&nbsp;“There was another group called the Plainsmen Quartet,” Bob said. “They wanted to sue us for taking their name but then they found out we had the name before they did, so we never heard any more about it.”&nbsp;Later, Bob formed his own group called Bob and the Boys which lasted for some 25 years.&nbsp;In 1976, Bob bought a Gibson Les Paul guitar that he still plays. Now he joins in jam sessions at the Hillsboro Senior Center and has played at the farmer’s market in Peabody.&nbsp;Guitar is his instrument of choice. He plays songs from various genres such as gospel, big band, and country-western. He is not a singer but an instrumentalist. “I’ve always been part of a group,” he said. He has traveled with various groups throughout the central U.S, among them the Singspirationals and the Menno Brass Ensemble.&nbsp;Bob and Aldene farmed and raised four children. In 1999, after 54 years of marriage, Aldene was killed in a tragic auto accident near Herington.&nbsp;Bob later married Dorothy. They would travel to various festivals and events all over the U.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;and beyond. Before she succumbed to cancer in 2017, Dorothy would travel with Bob to south Texas in the winter where he would jam several times a day with musicians there. Bob now lives in his own home at Hillsboro and continues to drive.&nbsp;The family musical tradition continues. “Some of my grandsons and great-grandsons play guitar and other instruments and sing, and my nephew plays keyboard and trumpet,” Bob said. “I love music, I love people and I love to visit.”&nbsp;“Music helps to keep you happy,” Bob said. We commend Bob Delk and his family for making a difference with his musical talents.&nbsp;&nbsp;He’s been playing music and making people happy for a lifetime.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural:  Bob Delk, musician 

Two of the least-known freedoms protected by the First Amendment — 
the rights of assembly and petition — are being tested in today’s 
rancorous, confrontational social atmospherics.

With confrontation comes vexing problems, for both speakers who fear 
retaliation from opponents and the government officials who often must 
preside over meetings that run from contentious to violent.

Democracy requires robust but peaceable discussion

To be sure, more of us than seen in recent decades are speaking out 
peacefully, from those opposed to what they see as heavy-handed 
government <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/05/19/perspective-tide-may-be-turning-toward-religious-exemptions-from-vaccine-mandates/" target="_blank">enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions</a> to Black Lives Matter supporters calling for police reform.

Passions run high. The words, like the issues, are strong and 
challenging. But the process of self-governance calls for degrees of 
patience, tolerance and often — in the final push to a workable policy —
 compromise. The First Amendment itself provides protection when we 
“peaceably assemble” and “petition the Government for a redress of 
grievances.”

No strangers to the hot tempers, provocative speech and outright 
violence that accompanied political turmoil in their day — think 
Revolutionary War — the nation’s founders felt compelled to provide 
protections in the amendment for two contrary ideas: We can speak in 
tones, terms and words that provide for what the U.S. Supreme Court in 
1964 called “robust, uninhibited and wide open” discussion of public 
issues. But then the founders provided that conceptual counterweight 
word just before assembly and petition: “peaceably.”

While the First Amendment allows no government judgment about the 
content or viewpoint of what we say, we ought to be worthy of its 
protections by having something worth saying.

And it follows that if it was worth saying, it’s worth hearing — if only to be better prepared with a counterargument.

Far too often today, that entire thread that supports our core 
freedoms is lost in the heat of the moment — or in intentional 
disruption that, no matter how loudly one proclaims patriotism or waves a
 flag, is just as anti-American as any foreign foe.

We have “robust” public discussions on small and large issues, not just to vent our emotions as <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/03/news-new-state-anti-protest-laws-if-upheld-threaten-to-mute-our-first-amendment-freedoms/" target="_blank">a kind of civic therapy</a>,
 but to parse approaches, proposals and legislation and determine that 
which best serves the greatest number of our fellow citizens, hopefully 
in the shortest amount of time.

The “heckler’s veto” and intentionally packing meeting rooms with 
vocal opposition to intimidate public officeholders are tactics as old 
as time, but that does not make them valid in a participatory democracy.

Federal and state courts through the years have held that the public 
has a right to attend and speak at government meetings — but also have 
upheld the authority of public officials to set reasonable “time, place 
and manner” rules to ensure orderly sessions or deal with intentional 
disruption.

Such rules walk a fine line between protected free speech on matters 
of public interest and allowing government to carry out its 
responsibilities. Courts consistently have said government officials 
cannot restrict speakers because of their viewpoints, however 
controversial or critical.

“… when you assemble a number of men to have the 
advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men,
 all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their 
local interests, and their selfish views.” – Benjamin Franklin

But free speech protections do not cover threats of immediate violence — which may well include <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/news/we-know-who-you-are-group-seen-threatening-medical-professionals-outside-williamson-co-school-board-meeting" target="_blank">protesters threatening harm</a>
 to speakers in the parking lot following a meeting. Even more 
importantly, such threats have a multiplier effect, likely chilling 
speech far beyond the specific target. A new survey by the Freedom 
Forum, to be released Sept. 22, finds significant numbers of our fellow 
Americans today fear retaliation if they voice their opinions.

Let’s turn to Franklin again: As he was leaving the Constitutional 
Convention, he reportedly was asked what sort of government the 
delegates had created. His answer: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

For more than two centuries, we have kept that republic in no small 
degree because we have freely spoken to each other, secure from 
government interference or punishment — benefiting from that shared 
wisdom Franklin noted.

And, just as certainly, we have kept that republic because so many times we also have listened.

Gene Policinski is Freedom Forum senior fellow for the First Amendment. You can reach Gene at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. </figcaption>
 </figure>Two of the least-known freedoms protected by the First Amendment — 
the rights of assembly and petition — are being tested in today’s 
rancorous, confrontational social atmospherics.With confrontation comes vexing problems, for both speakers who fear 
retaliation from opponents and the government officials who often must 
preside over meetings that run from contentious to violent.<ul>
 <li>At a Salt Lake City area public meeting in May, protesters shouted down a speaker and <a href="https://kslnewsradio.com/1951526/11-people-charged-for-disrupting-granite-school-board-meeting/?" target="_blank">disrupted the meeting</a> with catcalls and loud insults, forcing the Granite School District board to adjourn.</li><li>In Loudoun County, Va., this summer, protests erupted over a 
proposed school policy of protection for transgender students. The 
online news operation LoudounNow reported disruption at a June board meeting led to the <a href="https://loudounnow.com/2021/06/22/one-injured-as-loudoun-school-board-meeting-crowd-erupts/" target="_blank">public being expelled</a>
 and an arrest for disorderly conduct. At an August meeting, small 
groups were admitted for comments, requiring some to wait outside in a 
rainstorm, with <a href="https://www.loudountimes.com/news/following-hours-of-public-comment-school-board-pushes-controversial-vote-to-wednesday/article_a1193428-fa47-11eb-832c-ab295935882e.html" target="_blank">no general audience present</a> — a new policy adopted after the June disorder.</li><li>In Anchorage, Alaska, hours of public testimony to a school board about mask policy repeatedly were <a href="https://www.alaskapublic.org/2021/08/04/outbursts-tears-and-jeers-dont-sway-asd-school-board-from-mask-mandate/" target="_blank">interrupted by shouting audience members</a>.
 Alaska Public Media reported that at least one person cursed at the 
board, with some shouting to board and administrators, “You’re going to 
jail!”</li><li>Anti-mask demonstrators heckled masked people, including doctors and
 nurses, leaving a Williamson County, Tenn., school board meeting Aug. 
10. One man was <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/news/we-know-who-you-are-group-seen-threatening-medical-professionals-outside-williamson-co-school-board-meeting" target="_blank">followed to his car</a> and had a person shout at him, “We will find you” and “We know who you are.”</li>
 </ul><h2>Democracy requires robust but peaceable discussion</h2>To be sure, more of us than seen in recent decades are speaking out 
peacefully, from those opposed to what they see as heavy-handed 
government <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/05/19/perspective-tide-may-be-turning-toward-religious-exemptions-from-vaccine-mandates/" target="_blank">enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions</a> to Black Lives Matter supporters calling for police reform.Passions run high. The words, like the issues, are strong and 
challenging. But the process of self-governance calls for degrees of 
patience, tolerance and often — in the final push to a workable policy —
 compromise. The First Amendment itself provides protection when we 
“peaceably assemble” and “petition the Government for a redress of 
grievances.”No strangers to the hot tempers, provocative speech and outright 
violence that accompanied political turmoil in their day — think 
Revolutionary War — the nation’s founders felt compelled to provide 
protections in the amendment for two contrary ideas: We can speak in 
tones, terms and words that provide for what the U.S. Supreme Court in 
1964 called “robust, uninhibited and wide open” discussion of public 
issues. But then the founders provided that conceptual counterweight 
word just before assembly and petition: “peaceably.”<h2>Speaking has a corollary: Listening</h2>While the First Amendment allows no government judgment about the 
content or viewpoint of what we say, we ought to be worthy of its 
protections by having something worth saying.And it follows that if it was worth saying, it’s worth hearing — if only to be better prepared with a counterargument.Far too often today, that entire thread that supports our core 
freedoms is lost in the heat of the moment — or in intentional 
disruption that, no matter how loudly one proclaims patriotism or waves a
 flag, is just as anti-American as any foreign foe.We have “robust” public discussions on small and large issues, not just to vent our emotions as <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2021/06/03/news-new-state-anti-protest-laws-if-upheld-threaten-to-mute-our-first-amendment-freedoms/" target="_blank">a kind of civic therapy</a>,
 but to parse approaches, proposals and legislation and determine that 
which best serves the greatest number of our fellow citizens, hopefully 
in the shortest amount of time.The “heckler’s veto” and intentionally packing meeting rooms with 
vocal opposition to intimidate public officeholders are tactics as old 
as time, but that does not make them valid in a participatory democracy.<h2>Where First Amendment protections end</h2>Federal and state courts through the years have held that the public 
has a right to attend and speak at government meetings — but also have 
upheld the authority of public officials to set reasonable “time, place 
and manner” rules to ensure orderly sessions or deal with intentional 
disruption.Such rules walk a fine line between protected free speech on matters 
of public interest and allowing government to carry out its 
responsibilities. Courts consistently have said government officials 
cannot restrict speakers because of their viewpoints, however 
controversial or critical.“… when you assemble a number of men to have the 
advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men,
 all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their 
local interests, and their selfish views.” – Benjamin FranklinBut free speech protections do not cover threats of immediate violence — which may well include <a href="https://www.newschannel5.com/news/we-know-who-you-are-group-seen-threatening-medical-professionals-outside-williamson-co-school-board-meeting" target="_blank">protesters threatening harm</a>
 to speakers in the parking lot following a meeting. Even more 
importantly, such threats have a multiplier effect, likely chilling 
speech far beyond the specific target. A new survey by the Freedom 
Forum, to be released Sept. 22, finds significant numbers of our fellow 
Americans today fear retaliation if they voice their opinions.Let’s turn to Franklin again: As he was leaving the Constitutional 
Convention, he reportedly was asked what sort of government the 
delegates had created. His answer: “A republic, if you can keep it.”For more than two centuries, we have kept that republic in no small 
degree because we have freely spoken to each other, secure from 
government interference or punishment — benefiting from that shared 
wisdom Franklin noted.And, just as certainly, we have kept that republic because so many times we also have listened.Gene Policinski is Freedom Forum senior fellow for the First Amendment. You can reach Gene at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Protect assembly, petition by preserving listening at public meetings

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau There were no surprises in the recently released 2020 census numbers that will be used to draw new lines for congressional and state senate and house districts. Kansas grew, but at a rate slower than the nation overall. Rural areas largely saw their populations dwindle while metros swelled, an ongoing trend since the industrial revolution. Overall, rural parts of the country lost 226,000 people in the past decade to urban and suburban places, which grew by more than 20 million. As a state, we’re slightly older and more diverse, overall. Beyond the obvious demographic shifts, the census numbers mean political power is shifting, too. This is worrisome not because the issues facing cities and towns are all that different from the challenges across the countryside. It’s because far too often a policy or program that works in one area is a total bust when expanded to another. Many of the challenges we face across the state are the same, from housing and childcare to taxes and labor shortages. The solutions to these are nearly as varied as the more than 2.9 million people who call Kansas home. But with fewer folks walking in the statehouse or the halls of Congress with rural backgrounds means there’s less understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in communities where the nearest neighbor might be a quarter-mile or more away. The rules and regulations that make sense in cities where people interact with one another more frequently are often ineffective or even counterproductive in less populated areas. While the proportional political power flowing to cities carries real risks for those of us who enjoy rural lifestyles, we still have a lot of capacity to shape the outcomes of laws. I don’t expect our big city citizens to wield their growing power over their country cousins with malice. But there’s only so many issues we have the time to fully grasp. Self-interest being what it is, we usually don’t stray too far outside our immediate neighborhood when trying to solve a problem. That’s why it’s so important to tell the story of farming and ranching, the benefits of rural living and, most importantly, why people who do none of those should listen. They’re not going to agree with you on everything, but through conversations with friends, family and business partners, greater understanding of rural issues and their solutions is possible. It’s also a good opportunity to talk about the quality of life available in the country and small towns. Most aren’t looking to give up their lives in the city, but in a world where it’s increasingly common to work anywhere, the choice of where workers live is everywhere. That means one of the primary drivers of urbanization is perhaps at its weakest point since the steam engine was invented. Technology alone won’t undo centuries of change quickly, but it’s certainly a welcome tool in reviving rural living. Not only does this mean access to jobs that allow people to stay in rural areas, but benefits like clean air and water, less stress and traffic and more privacy are certainly going to be enticing to some city folks as well. By the time the next census comes around, there’s a real chance the story will be about the dawning of the next rural migration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau There were no surprises in the recently released 2020 census numbers that will be used to draw new lines for congressional and state senate and house districts. Kansas grew, but at a rate slower than the nation overall. Rural areas largely saw their populations dwindle while metros swelled, an ongoing trend since the industrial revolution. Overall, rural parts of the country lost 226,000 people in the past decade to urban and suburban places, which grew by more than 20 million. As a state, we’re slightly older and more diverse, overall. Beyond the obvious demographic shifts, the census numbers mean political power is shifting, too. This is worrisome not because the issues facing cities and towns are all that different from the challenges across the countryside. It’s because far too often a policy or program that works in one area is a total bust when expanded to another. Many of the challenges we face across the state are the same, from housing and childcare to taxes and labor shortages. The solutions to these are nearly as varied as the more than 2.9 million people who call Kansas home. But with fewer folks walking in the statehouse or the halls of Congress with rural backgrounds means there’s less understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in communities where the nearest neighbor might be a quarter-mile or more away. The rules and regulations that make sense in cities where people interact with one another more frequently are often ineffective or even counterproductive in less populated areas. While the proportional political power flowing to cities carries real risks for those of us who enjoy rural lifestyles, we still have a lot of capacity to shape the outcomes of laws. I don’t expect our big city citizens to wield their growing power over their country cousins with malice. But there’s only so many issues we have the time to fully grasp. Self-interest being what it is, we usually don’t stray too far outside our immediate neighborhood when trying to solve a problem. That’s why it’s so important to tell the story of farming and ranching, the benefits of rural living and, most importantly, why people who do none of those should listen. They’re not going to agree with you on everything, but through conversations with friends, family and business partners, greater understanding of rural issues and their solutions is possible. It’s also a good opportunity to talk about the quality of life available in the country and small towns. Most aren’t looking to give up their lives in the city, but in a world where it’s increasingly common to work anywhere, the choice of where workers live is everywhere. That means one of the primary drivers of urbanization is perhaps at its weakest point since the steam engine was invented. Technology alone won’t undo centuries of change quickly, but it’s certainly a welcome tool in reviving rural living. Not only does this mean access to jobs that allow people to stay in rural areas, but benefits like clean air and water, less stress and traffic and more privacy are certainly going to be enticing to some city folks as well. By the time the next census comes around, there’s a real chance the story will be about the dawning of the next rural migration."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The next rural migration

Last spring, with COVID vaccine distributed widely, we anticipated a fall school start where children’s hugs rekindled long-separated friendships, teenagers high-fived favorite teachers and everyone could cheer the football team from the stands.&nbsp; It would be a return to in-person instruction and excitement for teaching and learning.

The fall, however, has erupted in an explosion of anger at school board and county commission meetings amidst rising COVID infections with spikes among children.&nbsp; All this has killed the expectation of a fully productive school year.

CDC guidelines require masks inside school buildings, on buses and during school activities.&nbsp; The Kansas State Department of Education has recommend following the CDC guidelines.&nbsp; In Topeka, Perry-Lecompton, Wichita and at least 10 other school districts that include about 35 percent of the state’s students, masks are required, in many other districts “strongly encouraged.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yet, in Wichita, among scores of protesters to a county-wide mask mandate at a Sedgwick County meeting, an irate man threatened to protest outside homes of county commissioners.&nbsp; In the Shawnee Mission school district, two parents have sued challenging&nbsp;the district’s COVID protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school district, upheld by a district court, is awaiting a Kansas Supreme Court hearing.

Nationally, the president of the American Federation of Teachers supports mandatory masks in schools.&nbsp; Eight states prohibit school districts from setting mask requirements while 14 states and the District of Columbia require masks be worn in schools.&nbsp; The remaining states have left the decision to each school district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the battle over mask mandates, just about everyone seems to be ignoring the real problem—COVID will not ultimately disappear.&nbsp; As long as the virus keeps circulating, it will keep evolving and vaccines will eventually become less effective while variants, like Delta, can become stronger.&nbsp; It’s not inconceivable that infection rates may grow so high that schools again will be closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

School mask (if considered dress code) and school vaccine mandates (12 are currently required for Kansas six-year-olds) have withstood legal challenges at the U. S. Supreme Court level.&nbsp; But more than a legal or political issue, the battle over safe schools is an ethical concern about how we live as Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

COVID frustration and anger are understandable, but public behavior should be civil and public schools should align with the direction of public officials.&nbsp;

In America, each of us have the choice to wear a mask or not; yet isn’t following the advice of health and education leaders the right thing to do?&nbsp;&nbsp;

What are we teaching our children when they see us shouting disrespectfully at public meetings or disregarding requests from schools?&nbsp; We are role-models to our children; that’s reason enough to make our behavior considerate.&nbsp;

There have been reports, although limited, that mask-wearing children are being bullied on the playground by the kids who don’t wear masks.&nbsp; This is a COVID-related safety issue that teachers shouldn’t have to deal with.&nbsp;

It’s only fair for those who refuse for their children to wear a mask to use another form of education such as online learning, home schooling or private schools that don’t require masks.

All of us should look at the reality of the situation and show gratitude for the ability to go back to in-person school, then focus on what we can do to fight COVID and hold our communities together.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Last spring, with COVID vaccine distributed widely, we anticipated a fall school start where children’s hugs rekindled long-separated friendships, teenagers high-fived favorite teachers and everyone could cheer the football team from the stands.&nbsp; It would be a return to in-person instruction and excitement for teaching and learning.The fall, however, has erupted in an explosion of anger at school board and county commission meetings amidst rising COVID infections with spikes among children.&nbsp; All this has killed the expectation of a fully productive school year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CDC guidelines require masks inside school buildings, on buses and during school activities.&nbsp; The Kansas State Department of Education has recommend following the CDC guidelines.&nbsp; In Topeka, Perry-Lecompton, Wichita and at least 10 other school districts that include about 35 percent of the state’s students, masks are required, in many other districts “strongly encouraged.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, in Wichita, among scores of protesters to a county-wide mask mandate at a Sedgwick County meeting, an irate man threatened to protest outside homes of county commissioners.&nbsp; In the Shawnee Mission school district, two parents have sued challenging&nbsp;the district’s COVID protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school district, upheld by a district court, is awaiting a Kansas Supreme Court hearing.Nationally, the president of the American Federation of Teachers supports mandatory masks in schools.&nbsp; Eight states prohibit school districts from setting mask requirements while 14 states and the District of Columbia require masks be worn in schools.&nbsp; The remaining states have left the decision to each school district.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the battle over mask mandates, just about everyone seems to be ignoring the real problem—COVID will not ultimately disappear.&nbsp; As long as the virus keeps circulating, it will keep evolving and vaccines will eventually become less effective while variants, like Delta, can become stronger.&nbsp; It’s not inconceivable that infection rates may grow so high that schools again will be closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;School mask (if considered dress code) and school vaccine mandates (12 are currently required for Kansas six-year-olds) have withstood legal challenges at the U. S. Supreme Court level.&nbsp; But more than a legal or political issue, the battle over safe schools is an ethical concern about how we live as Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;COVID frustration and anger are understandable, but public behavior should be civil and public schools should align with the direction of public officials.&nbsp;In America, each of us have the choice to wear a mask or not; yet isn’t following the advice of health and education leaders the right thing to do?&nbsp;&nbsp;What are we teaching our children when they see us shouting disrespectfully at public meetings or disregarding requests from schools?&nbsp; We are role-models to our children; that’s reason enough to make our behavior considerate.&nbsp;There have been reports, although limited, that mask-wearing children are being bullied on the playground by the kids who don’t wear masks.&nbsp; This is a COVID-related safety issue that teachers shouldn’t have to deal with.&nbsp;It’s only fair for those who refuse for their children to wear a mask to use another form of education such as online learning, home schooling or private schools that don’t require masks.All of us should look at the reality of the situation and show gratitude for the ability to go back to in-person school, then focus on what we can do to fight COVID and hold our communities together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Anger won’t stop school COVID spread 

Let’s meet some freedom fighters. These won’t be found in some jungle fighting a dictator. These fighters are working to achieve freedom from bad Internet service, and they are based in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Daniel Friesen is founder and chief innovation officer at IdeaTek in Buhler. He describes his company’s staff as freedom fighters for good Internet service, particularly in rural communities.&nbsp;

Daniel went to high school in Buhler. He was a tech-savvy kid. “When our teachers at the school got computers, they would ask me to set them up,” Daniel said.&nbsp;

In 1999, he and four high school friends started a computer repair business in Buhler with $250 in the basement of his parent’s house. The business was named IdeaTek.&nbsp;

Daniel continued the business in college while his four friends pursued other interests.&nbsp;He studied computer systems support at Hutchinson Community College and management information systems at Wichita State before pursuing the business full time in Buhler, where he and his wife and family live today.&nbsp;

Daniel served three terms as mayor of Buhler and is currently a Reno County Commissioner. He was a member of the Kansas Broadband Expansion Taskforce and the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Commission Competitive Infrastructure Working Group. Locally, he is a member of community foundation boards and trustee of the Buhler MB Church.&nbsp;

Back in 2005, Daniel transitioned IdeaTek from computers to the telecommunications business. IdeaTek pioneered fiber-to-the-home internet service in Buhler in 2007, followed by servicing nearby rural communities such as Bentley, population 530, and Yoder, population 194 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

The business continued to grow and change. Daniel transitioned from CEO to chief innovation officer.&nbsp;

“Today we are highly focused on high quality fiber optics,” Daniel said. “We are an internet service provider focused on underserved areas of the state of Kansas.”&nbsp;

“Everyone deserves high quality, robust broadband service. Geography shouldn’t be a limiting factor.”&nbsp;

The pandemic demonstrated the importance of broadband service for quality education, health care and more.&nbsp;

“We’re big proponents of competition,” Daniel said. “If you let the free market work, it will solve problems. Competition always benefits the consumer.”&nbsp;

Today, IdeaTek has grown to more than 120 employees. IdeaTek’s service area now reaches from Strong City to Liberal.&nbsp;

In 2020, federal CARES Act funding was allocated for broadband telecommunications in rural, underserved areas. IdeaTek took on several projects.&nbsp;

“That was a monumental lift,” Daniel said. In three months, IdeaTek reached out to serve 17 counties. Nearly 20 communities received fiber for the first time. The company deployed 20 cable plows and 39 bore machines to build 70 towers and 358 route miles.&nbsp;

In the end, the project involved 115,000 hours and 25,805 fiber miles with potential to serve 10,335 homes and businesses. The total investment was $18 million. “It was the most rewarding and challenging project we’ve done,” Daniel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The goal remains to reach underserved areas of Kansas. According to IdeaTek, Kansas ranks 28th in the nation for broadband connectivity - 173,000 Kansans do not have wired broadband services available in their home, and 26 percent of rural Americans lack access to broadband compared to only one percent of urban customers.&nbsp;

“We call ourselves Internet freedom fighters,” Daniel said. “We want to free people from poor Internet service.” The company website even describes a freedom fighter’s characteristics: passionate, tenacious, inventive, hyper-adaptable and trustworthy.&nbsp;

IdeaTek was named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing private companies. The company website says: “We’re&nbsp;small-town&nbsp;techies and&nbsp;Kansans at heart,&nbsp;passionate about helping&nbsp;rural communities thrive. If we can help make that happen by connecting community members and organizations with our&nbsp;fast, reliable internet,&nbsp;we are&nbsp;all about it.”&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ideatek.com/">www.IdeaTek.com</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time to say goodbye to these freedom fighters. They’re not fighting guerilla warfare in some jungle somewhere; they are fighting for better broadband service in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

We salute Daniel Friesen and all the people at IdeaTek in Buhler for making a difference with rural broadband advocacy and investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope they keep up the good fight.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629897872208.png" alt="Daniel Friesen,&nbsp;IdeaTek" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Friesen,&nbsp;IdeaTek</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Let’s meet some freedom fighters. These won’t be found in some jungle fighting a dictator. These fighters are working to achieve freedom from bad Internet service, and they are based in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Daniel Friesen is founder and chief innovation officer at IdeaTek in Buhler. He describes his company’s staff as freedom fighters for good Internet service, particularly in rural communities.&nbsp;Daniel went to high school in Buhler. He was a tech-savvy kid. “When our teachers at the school got computers, they would ask me to set them up,” Daniel said.&nbsp;In 1999, he and four high school friends started a computer repair business in Buhler with $250 in the basement of his parent’s house. The business was named IdeaTek.&nbsp;Daniel continued the business in college while his four friends pursued other interests.&nbsp;He studied computer systems support at Hutchinson Community College and management information systems at Wichita State before pursuing the business full time in Buhler, where he and his wife and family live today.&nbsp;Daniel served three terms as mayor of Buhler and is currently a Reno County Commissioner. He was a member of the Kansas Broadband Expansion Taskforce and the Federal Communications Commission’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Commission Competitive Infrastructure Working Group. Locally, he is a member of community foundation boards and trustee of the Buhler MB Church.&nbsp;Back in 2005, Daniel transitioned IdeaTek from computers to the telecommunications business. IdeaTek pioneered fiber-to-the-home internet service in Buhler in 2007, followed by servicing nearby rural communities such as Bentley, population 530, and Yoder, population 194 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;The business continued to grow and change. Daniel transitioned from CEO to chief innovation officer.&nbsp;“Today we are highly focused on high quality fiber optics,” Daniel said. “We are an internet service provider focused on underserved areas of the state of Kansas.”&nbsp;“Everyone deserves high quality, robust broadband service. Geography shouldn’t be a limiting factor.”&nbsp;The pandemic demonstrated the importance of broadband service for quality education, health care and more.&nbsp;“We’re big proponents of competition,” Daniel said. “If you let the free market work, it will solve problems. Competition always benefits the consumer.”&nbsp;Today, IdeaTek has grown to more than 120 employees. IdeaTek’s service area now reaches from Strong City to Liberal.&nbsp;In 2020, federal CARES Act funding was allocated for broadband telecommunications in rural, underserved areas. IdeaTek took on several projects.&nbsp;“That was a monumental lift,” Daniel said. In three months, IdeaTek reached out to serve 17 counties. Nearly 20 communities received fiber for the first time. The company deployed 20 cable plows and 39 bore machines to build 70 towers and 358 route miles.&nbsp;In the end, the project involved 115,000 hours and 25,805 fiber miles with potential to serve 10,335 homes and businesses. The total investment was $18 million. “It was the most rewarding and challenging project we’ve done,” Daniel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The goal remains to reach underserved areas of Kansas. According to IdeaTek, Kansas ranks 28th in the nation for broadband connectivity - 173,000 Kansans do not have wired broadband services available in their home, and 26 percent of rural Americans lack access to broadband compared to only one percent of urban customers.&nbsp;“We call ourselves Internet freedom fighters,” Daniel said. “We want to free people from poor Internet service.” The company website even describes a freedom fighter’s characteristics: passionate, tenacious, inventive, hyper-adaptable and trustworthy.&nbsp;IdeaTek was named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing private companies. The company website says: “We’re&nbsp;small-town&nbsp;techies and&nbsp;Kansans at heart,&nbsp;passionate about helping&nbsp;rural communities thrive. If we can help make that happen by connecting community members and organizations with our&nbsp;fast, reliable internet,&nbsp;we are&nbsp;all about it.”&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ideatek.com/">www.IdeaTek.com</a>.&nbsp;It’s time to say goodbye to these freedom fighters. They’re not fighting guerilla warfare in some jungle somewhere; they are fighting for better broadband service in rural Kansas.&nbsp;We salute Daniel Friesen and all the people at IdeaTek in Buhler for making a difference with rural broadband advocacy and investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope they keep up the good fight.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek 

This week, I received via Facebook Messenger, a recipe for Carp Cakes, fish cakes made from carp meat. I messaged fellow outdoor writer and host of the weekly radio program “What’s in Outdoors” Phil Taunton, to ask if he had ever eaten carp. Phil phoned me, and during our conversation, I was reminded of the story about the year Inman Lake first went dry.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Prior to 1900, more than 9000 surface acres of marshes existed in west central McPherson County. It’s said that ducks were so plentiful in those marshes that duck hunters would literally fill wagons with harvested ducks and haul them with teams of horses several miles north to the tiny town of Conway where they would be put on trains to be sold to restaurants in Kansas City. Around the turn of the century, the Blaze Fork drainage ditch was built to drain much of this marsh area, leaving behind the McPherson valley Wetlands and the largest NATURAL Lake in Kansas, Inman Lake.&nbsp;

During the late 1950’s, Inman Lake went dry for the first time ever, and after a coworker convinced me what a great story that would make if I could still find some witnesses from that era, I began knocking on doors. My first stop was at the home of Paul and Elverna Reimer, just southeast of the lake. Paul remembered that the Navy actually using the lake for some sort of maneuvers during World War II. He says you could hear boats and commotion at the lake, but the roads were all closed and guarded so none one ever really knew what was going on. He also remembers that while swimming there in the 20’s and 30’s, cold spots would be found throughout the lake, leading most to believe that Inman Lake was somehow spring fed. After the lake first dried up, the county decided those phantom springs must be plugged with mud and decided it was worth a shot to try to blast them open. (This was one of a couple stories everyone I spoke with agreed upon.)&nbsp; Norman Schmidt, who was just a young boy at the time and lived right along the lake, remembers barrels full of explosives being buried in the mud around the middle of the lake. He says a huge plume of mud shot skyward with each detonation, only to fall straight back down to the lakebed again, sealing the holes opened by the blast. As far as anyone remembers, no springs were every found, and the lake stayed dry. This was also possibly around the time Inman’s famous mythical swamp creature, Sink Hole Sam first appeared, perhaps shaken from his bed by all the fuss.

Although not a fishing hotspot in recent times, Inman Lake once held a decent population of both channel and flathead catfish, plus lots of carp and other rough fish. Naturally as the lake slowly dried up, all fish were forced to the remaining water. The bottom of the lake is black, oozy, sticky mire that remains nearly unnavigable for days and possibly weeks, even after being fully exposed to the sun, meaning any fish in that last pool of water would be all but lost. Norman Schmidt remembers helping his dad and several other guys harvest many of those remaining fish, mostly carp and rough fish, when the lake dried up the first time. They collected enough big wooden planks to make a plank sidewalk across the oozy mire by placing planks in front of them and slowly working their way to the remaining pool of water that teemed with fish. Norman says one poor fellow fell off the planks into the muck and became nearly hysterical before being rescued. Two flat bottom boats were also pulled along with them, and once they reached the middle, just enough water was poured into each boat to keep fish alive. “Gunny sacks” were filled with fish caught from the puddle and dumped into the boats, then the loaded boats were arduously dragged back toward the lakes edge and the plank sidewalk collected on the way. Norman remembers 75 or so people showing up to get some of the free rescued fish.

The other story remembered by everyone, was how the lake was farmed the year it first went dry. It seems at that time the lake was owned by four neighboring farmers. As I understand it, after it went dry, all four farmers fenced their portion of the dry lake bed and planted Milo. Memories vary as to whether a crop was harvested, but all agreed that several inches of rain in a short period filled the lake again just as the milo crop was ready to cut. The water was deep enough that only the milo heads protruded above the surface, and the ducks flocked to the lake in droves for the smorgasbord that could be had by merely floating along.&nbsp;

Listening to my elders who remembered Inman Lake in its heyday when boat races were run there and skiers enjoyed its waters, brought back many memories for them and many other stories; like the possibility the lake had gone dry one other time, and descriptions of the homemade chicken-wire contraptions used by fishermen to catch forty or fifty carp at a time from huge schools of carp that were common there (it seems lots of carp were eaten back then.) Even though Inman Lake is in no danger of going dry anytime soon, its like a friend recently told me; “Here in Kansas, we’re only ever about 30 days away from a drought.” &nbsp; 

Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevegilliland@idkcom.net

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>This week, I received via Facebook Messenger, a recipe for Carp Cakes, fish cakes made from carp meat. I messaged fellow outdoor writer and host of the weekly radio program “What’s in Outdoors” Phil Taunton, to ask if he had ever eaten carp. Phil phoned me, and during our conversation, I was reminded of the story about the year Inman Lake first went dry.&nbsp; &nbsp;Prior to 1900, more than 9000 surface acres of marshes existed in west central McPherson County. It’s said that ducks were so plentiful in those marshes that duck hunters would literally fill wagons with harvested ducks and haul them with teams of horses several miles north to the tiny town of Conway where they would be put on trains to be sold to restaurants in Kansas City. Around the turn of the century, the Blaze Fork drainage ditch was built to drain much of this marsh area, leaving behind the McPherson valley Wetlands and the largest NATURAL Lake in Kansas, Inman Lake.&nbsp;During the late 1950’s, Inman Lake went dry for the first time ever, and after a coworker convinced me what a great story that would make if I could still find some witnesses from that era, I began knocking on doors. My first stop was at the home of Paul and Elverna Reimer, just southeast of the lake. Paul remembered that the Navy actually using the lake for some sort of maneuvers during World War II. He says you could hear boats and commotion at the lake, but the roads were all closed and guarded so none one ever really knew what was going on. He also remembers that while swimming there in the 20’s and 30’s, cold spots would be found throughout the lake, leading most to believe that Inman Lake was somehow spring fed. After the lake first dried up, the county decided those phantom springs must be plugged with mud and decided it was worth a shot to try to blast them open. (This was one of a couple stories everyone I spoke with agreed upon.)&nbsp; Norman Schmidt, who was just a young boy at the time and lived right along the lake, remembers barrels full of explosives being buried in the mud around the middle of the lake. He says a huge plume of mud shot skyward with each detonation, only to fall straight back down to the lakebed again, sealing the holes opened by the blast. As far as anyone remembers, no springs were every found, and the lake stayed dry. This was also possibly around the time Inman’s famous mythical swamp creature, Sink Hole Sam first appeared, perhaps shaken from his bed by all the fuss.Although not a fishing hotspot in recent times, Inman Lake once held a decent population of both channel and flathead catfish, plus lots of carp and other rough fish. Naturally as the lake slowly dried up, all fish were forced to the remaining water. The bottom of the lake is black, oozy, sticky mire that remains nearly unnavigable for days and possibly weeks, even after being fully exposed to the sun, meaning any fish in that last pool of water would be all but lost. Norman Schmidt remembers helping his dad and several other guys harvest many of those remaining fish, mostly carp and rough fish, when the lake dried up the first time. They collected enough big wooden planks to make a plank sidewalk across the oozy mire by placing planks in front of them and slowly working their way to the remaining pool of water that teemed with fish. Norman says one poor fellow fell off the planks into the muck and became nearly hysterical before being rescued. Two flat bottom boats were also pulled along with them, and once they reached the middle, just enough water was poured into each boat to keep fish alive. “Gunny sacks” were filled with fish caught from the puddle and dumped into the boats, then the loaded boats were arduously dragged back toward the lakes edge and the plank sidewalk collected on the way. Norman remembers 75 or so people showing up to get some of the free rescued fish.The other story remembered by everyone, was how the lake was farmed the year it first went dry. It seems at that time the lake was owned by four neighboring farmers. As I understand it, after it went dry, all four farmers fenced their portion of the dry lake bed and planted Milo. Memories vary as to whether a crop was harvested, but all agreed that several inches of rain in a short period filled the lake again just as the milo crop was ready to cut. The water was deep enough that only the milo heads protruded above the surface, and the ducks flocked to the lake in droves for the smorgasbord that could be had by merely floating along.&nbsp;Listening to my elders who remembered Inman Lake in its heyday when boat races were run there and skiers enjoyed its waters, brought back many memories for them and many other stories; like the possibility the lake had gone dry one other time, and descriptions of the homemade chicken-wire contraptions used by fishermen to catch forty or fifty carp at a time from huge schools of carp that were common there (it seems lots of carp were eaten back then.) Even though Inman Lake is in no danger of going dry anytime soon, its like a friend recently told me; “Here in Kansas, we’re only ever about 30 days away from a drought.” &nbsp; Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevegilliland@idkcom.net

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: The year the lake went dry

Fort Hays State University exists to improve lives. Every day, I witness and experience our relentless focus on excellence and the unwavering resilience of my Fort Hays State colleagues. We work hard at supporting our students, faculty, and staff. We are responsible to one another and for one another. Together we build a better world.

By the time this Heart of the Tiger column is published, we will have welcomed our faculty, staff, and students back to campus. It is my pleasure to introduce to the community the newest members of our senior leadership team: Dr. Angela Pool-Funai, dean of the Graduate School, and Dr. Dan Blankenship, interim dean of the College of College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS).

Angela, a native of Houston, Texas, relocated to Hays from the high desert of southern Utah. Bryce Canyon National Park, by the way, is one of her favorite locales on the planet. I am adding that to my travel wish list.&nbsp;

Angela is a nearly empty-nester mom of five boys. She shared with me that she has gone from feeding an army to needing to relearn how to grocery shop for much smaller portions.&nbsp;

Angela and I share a love for boxing. Her other hobbies, I learned, are much more ambitious than mine. She is restoring a 1988 Ford Thunderbird that she affectionately refers to as her midlife crisis project. “I like working with my hands,” she said. “There are few things more gratifying to me than repairing something myself.”&nbsp;

Angela loves the outdoors. She can be seen biking around Ellis and enjoys taking her canoe out to explore the lakes and reservoirs in the area. She says that spending time on the water helps her decompress both mentally and physically.

A fun story Angela shared with me is that her first book was on ethics in fiscal administration (managing public resources in an ethical manner). The best compliment she received came from a student who told her that he expected to hate the book. Instead, he not only enjoyed reading it, he asked her to autograph his copy.

Angela comes from a non-traditional academic background, in that she had many years of experience as a staff member before joining the faculty. The role of Graduate School Dean connects both paths of her career by allowing her to work across disciplines and with all areas of the university. I loved and appreciated this about her background as well as her positive, creative, high energy.

Look for Angela at a Tiger football game as she is “pumped” for our first home game – as am I! She is also especially excited about a new virtual Lunch &amp; Learn series that the Graduate School is launching to stay engaged with all of our graduate students, both on campus and online. I love this.

“The people I have met at FHSU made me feel at home before I even stepped foot on campus. I'm thrilled to be part of Tiger Nation!” Angela shared. We are excited about her talents and very optimistic how her efforts will benefit our students and our university.

When long-standing and beloved dean, Paul Faber, retired after 38 years of dedicated service to FHSU, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, wisely decided to appoint an interim dean of the college for one year. Dr. Blankenship was a perfect match to fill that role. He&nbsp; serves a special niche in higher education, providing strategic leadership for universities wanting to keep an institution moving forward while taking a more thoughtful approach in transitioning leadership.

Dan came to Fort Hays State after serving for three years at Fort Valley State University in Georgia as dean of the College of Agriculture, then as vice provost for Academic Affairs and Director of Graduate Studies. He is very talented in keeping a university moving forward while creating processes for a successful transition for the leader selected to follow him. I feel very fortunate to have him on our team this year.&nbsp;

Fun facts about Dan include that he is a licensed pilot (for about 20 years), has flown various aircraft, and currently owns a Mooney aircraft.&nbsp;

Dan’s academic credentials include achieving faculty rank of professor of biology as well as earning tenure three times at three different institutions.&nbsp; He has been involved in liberal arts education most of his academic career and has delivered a keynote address to the faculty of Beijing Normal University in China and published in proceedings in Hong Kong, for example, on the application of a liberal arts education.&nbsp;

What I really love about Dan is that he is very committed to student access and success. He has an academic background as a faculty member and 20-plus years in administration, demonstrating that commitment through retention and graduation initiatives.

I asked Dan about his hopes for this academic year. “I’d like to see that the CAHSS becomes known for its initiative, creativity, and innovation – leading to better access by students to our programs and to be able to highlight the strengths of our programs,” he said. “I also would like us to find ways to better influence thought processes and thinking skills to help our constituents and students more critically analyze the world around us.”

I am so excited to welcome our newest senior leaders, Angela and Dan, to Fort Hays State as well as to our wonderful Ellis County neighborhood. Celebrating and sharing some of the newest members of Tiger Nation brings me great joy!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State University exists to improve lives. Every day, I witness and experience our relentless focus on excellence and the unwavering resilience of my Fort Hays State colleagues. We work hard at supporting our students, faculty, and staff. We are responsible to one another and for one another. Together we build a better world.By the time this Heart of the Tiger column is published, we will have welcomed our faculty, staff, and students back to campus. It is my pleasure to introduce to the community the newest members of our senior leadership team: Dr. Angela Pool-Funai, dean of the Graduate School, and Dr. Dan Blankenship, interim dean of the College of College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS).Angela, a native of Houston, Texas, relocated to Hays from the high desert of southern Utah. Bryce Canyon National Park, by the way, is one of her favorite locales on the planet. I am adding that to my travel wish list.&nbsp;Angela is a nearly empty-nester mom of five boys. She shared with me that she has gone from feeding an army to needing to relearn how to grocery shop for much smaller portions.&nbsp;Angela and I share a love for boxing. Her other hobbies, I learned, are much more ambitious than mine. She is restoring a 1988 Ford Thunderbird that she affectionately refers to as her midlife crisis project. “I like working with my hands,” she said. “There are few things more gratifying to me than repairing something myself.”&nbsp;Angela loves the outdoors. She can be seen biking around Ellis and enjoys taking her canoe out to explore the lakes and reservoirs in the area. She says that spending time on the water helps her decompress both mentally and physically.A fun story Angela shared with me is that her first book was on ethics in fiscal administration (managing public resources in an ethical manner). The best compliment she received came from a student who told her that he expected to hate the book. Instead, he not only enjoyed reading it, he asked her to autograph his copy.Angela comes from a non-traditional academic background, in that she had many years of experience as a staff member before joining the faculty. The role of Graduate School Dean connects both paths of her career by allowing her to work across disciplines and with all areas of the university. I loved and appreciated this about her background as well as her positive, creative, high energy.Look for Angela at a Tiger football game as she is “pumped” for our first home game – as am I! She is also especially excited about a new virtual Lunch &amp; Learn series that the Graduate School is launching to stay engaged with all of our graduate students, both on campus and online. I love this.“The people I have met at FHSU made me feel at home before I even stepped foot on campus. I'm thrilled to be part of Tiger Nation!” Angela shared. We are excited about her talents and very optimistic how her efforts will benefit our students and our university.When long-standing and beloved dean, Paul Faber, retired after 38 years of dedicated service to FHSU, Dr. Jill Arensdorf, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, wisely decided to appoint an interim dean of the college for one year. Dr. Blankenship was a perfect match to fill that role. He&nbsp; serves a special niche in higher education, providing strategic leadership for universities wanting to keep an institution moving forward while taking a more thoughtful approach in transitioning leadership.Dan came to Fort Hays State after serving for three years at Fort Valley State University in Georgia as dean of the College of Agriculture, then as vice provost for Academic Affairs and Director of Graduate Studies. He is very talented in keeping a university moving forward while creating processes for a successful transition for the leader selected to follow him. I feel very fortunate to have him on our team this year.&nbsp;Fun facts about Dan include that he is a licensed pilot (for about 20 years), has flown various aircraft, and currently owns a Mooney aircraft.&nbsp;Dan’s academic credentials include achieving faculty rank of professor of biology as well as earning tenure three times at three different institutions.&nbsp; He has been involved in liberal arts education most of his academic career and has delivered a keynote address to the faculty of Beijing Normal University in China and published in proceedings in Hong Kong, for example, on the application of a liberal arts education.&nbsp;What I really love about Dan is that he is very committed to student access and success. He has an academic background as a faculty member and 20-plus years in administration, demonstrating that commitment through retention and graduation initiatives.I asked Dan about his hopes for this academic year. “I’d like to see that the CAHSS becomes known for its initiative, creativity, and innovation – leading to better access by students to our programs and to be able to highlight the strengths of our programs,” he said. “I also would like us to find ways to better influence thought processes and thinking skills to help our constituents and students more critically analyze the world around us.”I am so excited to welcome our newest senior leaders, Angela and Dan, to Fort Hays State as well as to our wonderful Ellis County neighborhood. Celebrating and sharing some of the newest members of Tiger Nation brings me great joy!– end –

Opinion