The deadline for any letters to Hays Post related to the upcoming general election is 5 p.m. Friday.

Send letters to <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

The deadline for any letters to Hays Post related to the upcoming general election is 5 p.m. Friday.Send letters to <a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Deadline for election-related letters is Friday

I love the fact the Fort Hays State University provides our students with so many powerful outside-of-the-classroom learning opportunities. Take for example our extraordinarily successful financial planning team – which just placed third in the nation. Our success is clearly attributed to a drive for excellence from our faculty and the talents of our students. That’s powerful!

Meet this year’s team: Seth Thompson, a junior from Salina, majoring in accounting and finance, and two finance majors, who alos are members of our cross country and track and feld teams –&nbsp; freshman Kaden Wren from Scott City and junior Ethan Lang, a graduate of Hays’ Thomas More Prep-Marian. These dedicated students are advised by Dr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.

The annual Financial Planning Challenge is sponsored by the Financial Planning Association (FPA), an association for financial planning professionals.

According to Dr. Glenn, the competition takes an extraordinary amount of work, and many times students who compete have not completed all of their financial planning coursework.

“I look for students who are highly motivated to dig deeper into the financial planning coursework, who are self-starters with a strong competitive spirit – students who are willing to put in the extra time and effort it takes to successfully compete against the top schools in the nation,” she said.

Take for example Kaden Wren. As a freshman, he had not taken classes that covered many of these financial planning concepts that were part of the competition. No problem. He researched the concepts on his own.

“I really enjoyed the challenge of learning these concepts and using them in a real-world situation,”&nbsp; Kaden said. “I believe this will greatly benefit my academic and professional career in the future.”&nbsp;

In the first phase of the competition, all student teams are given profiles for two hypothetical clients and must prepare a comprehensive financial plan. They cannot get assistance from their professors.

“To help them prepare for the competition, we provide them with examples of previously written case studies, so they know how to format their case, but we are not allowed to provide any planning suggestions,” Dr. Glenn said. “The team really must dig in and research the best options for the given case study.”

Seth found it interesting that “one of the things that stood out to me in this case study was how it catered to our unique circumstances in last year’s ‘coronaconomy.’ ”

“Our clients were travel bloggers who invested heavily in Tesla stock and liked Robinhood and Bitcoin,” Seth said. “It kind of shed some light on the recent jump in retail investors and how we can meet their needs. I felt like this profile of client will become much more popular in the future, which will help translate into our future careers.”

A team of judges determines the top eight written financial plans from phase one. Those teams, and only those teams, move on to the elite eight, which includes phases two and three of the competition. The eight teams selected to move forward this year were Edinboro University, Fort Hays State, Illinois State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University, Texas Tech University, the University of Arizona, and Western Kentucky University. In 14 years of competition, our team has made the elite eight 13 times. Incredible!

Phase two requires the team to present three areas of their financial planning recommendations, one of which must be retirement planning.

“The students have 20 minutes, which is a very short amount of time, to showcase their communication skills. They present to a team of judges who are instructed not to interact with the students,” Dr. Glenn explained. “Essentially, they are presenting to a client who is not interacting back with them. It’s very challenging to have a client conversation without verbal or nonverbal cues, but our team did exceptionally well with this challenge.”&nbsp;

To prepare for phase two of the challenge, Dr. Glenn had the team practice a few times with her, and then she called in reinforcements from and colleagues to provide the students with feedback on how to improve.

Phase three is the “How Do I Know?” game show portion of the competition. Teams are quizzed Jeopardy-style on six areas of financial planning: insurance, investments, income tax, retirement planning, estate planning, and fundamentals. They are given 45 seconds to answer questions, with the points increasing with the difficulty of the questions.&nbsp;

To prepare for this final phase, the team must be studying regularly for any number of possible questions that might be asked regarding the topics. Sometimes the team members will audit classes that they are not currently enrolled in just to gain the knowledge for the competition. Now, that is dedication!

Dr. Tom Johansen is responsible for starting and leading this annual challenge for Fort Hays State. He handed over the program to Dr. Glenn and is very proud of her continued success coaching our students. In addition to earning a spot in the elite eight 13 of the 14 years of competition, collectively our Tiger team touts an impressive record: three national championships, one runner-up, four third-place finishes, and three fourth-place efforts. FHSU also owns a fifth- and a seventh-place national finish.

As for our current winners – they are back to their studies with ambitions, dreams, and goals. Seth is working toward certification as both a financial analyst and a financial planner, and Ethan plans on opening up his own firm shortly after graduation – a goal shared by Kaden.&nbsp;

Dr. Glenn advises all her students to build their network of contacts in the industry before they graduate.

“Reach out and ask people in your field about their experiences in the profession and the advice they wish they knew starting out,” she says. “Seek out mentors who can help you develop your skills, who can connect you with others who may have job openings.”

Dr. Glenn points out that “there are a lot of professionals out there who would love to guide new graduates as they start their professional journey. Connect with them on LinkedIn, call and ask them if they would want to join you for coffee and chat about their experiences. More than likely, they will say yes.”

I look forward to continuing to follow the success of our financial planning team members, and more importantly, how all our alumni use their education to improve lives.&nbsp;

<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 fact the Fort Hays State University provides our students with so many powerful outside-of-the-classroom learning opportunities. Take for example our extraordinarily successful financial planning team – which just placed third in the nation. Our success is clearly attributed to a drive for excellence from our faculty and the talents of our students. That’s powerful!Meet this year’s team: Seth Thompson, a junior from Salina, majoring in accounting and finance, and two finance majors, who alos are members of our cross country and track and feld teams –&nbsp; freshman Kaden Wren from Scott City and junior Ethan Lang, a graduate of Hays’ Thomas More Prep-Marian. These dedicated students are advised by Dr. Christina Glenn, assistant professor of economics, finance, and accounting.The annual Financial Planning Challenge is sponsored by the Financial Planning Association (FPA), an association for financial planning professionals.According to Dr. Glenn, the competition takes an extraordinary amount of work, and many times students who compete have not completed all of their financial planning coursework.“I look for students who are highly motivated to dig deeper into the financial planning coursework, who are self-starters with a strong competitive spirit – students who are willing to put in the extra time and effort it takes to successfully compete against the top schools in the nation,” she said.Take for example Kaden Wren. As a freshman, he had not taken classes that covered many of these financial planning concepts that were part of the competition. No problem. He researched the concepts on his own.“I really enjoyed the challenge of learning these concepts and using them in a real-world situation,”&nbsp; Kaden said. “I believe this will greatly benefit my academic and professional career in the future.”&nbsp;In the first phase of the competition, all student teams are given profiles for two hypothetical clients and must prepare a comprehensive financial plan. They cannot get assistance from their professors.“To help them prepare for the competition, we provide them with examples of previously written case studies, so they know how to format their case, but we are not allowed to provide any planning suggestions,” Dr. Glenn said. “The team really must dig in and research the best options for the given case study.”Seth found it interesting that “one of the things that stood out to me in this case study was how it catered to our unique circumstances in last year’s ‘coronaconomy.’ ”“Our clients were travel bloggers who invested heavily in Tesla stock and liked Robinhood and Bitcoin,” Seth said. “It kind of shed some light on the recent jump in retail investors and how we can meet their needs. I felt like this profile of client will become much more popular in the future, which will help translate into our future careers.”A team of judges determines the top eight written financial plans from phase one. Those teams, and only those teams, move on to the elite eight, which includes phases two and three of the competition. The eight teams selected to move forward this year were Edinboro University, Fort Hays State, Illinois State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University, Texas Tech University, the University of Arizona, and Western Kentucky University. In 14 years of competition, our team has made the elite eight 13 times. Incredible!Phase two requires the team to present three areas of their financial planning recommendations, one of which must be retirement planning.“The students have 20 minutes, which is a very short amount of time, to showcase their communication skills. They present to a team of judges who are instructed not to interact with the students,” Dr. Glenn explained. “Essentially, they are presenting to a client who is not interacting back with them. It’s very challenging to have a client conversation without verbal or nonverbal cues, but our team did exceptionally well with this challenge.”&nbsp;To prepare for phase two of the challenge, Dr. Glenn had the team practice a few times with her, and then she called in reinforcements from and colleagues to provide the students with feedback on how to improve.Phase three is the “How Do I Know?” game show portion of the competition. Teams are quizzed Jeopardy-style on six areas of financial planning: insurance, investments, income tax, retirement planning, estate planning, and fundamentals. They are given 45 seconds to answer questions, with the points increasing with the difficulty of the questions.&nbsp;To prepare for this final phase, the team must be studying regularly for any number of possible questions that might be asked regarding the topics. Sometimes the team members will audit classes that they are not currently enrolled in just to gain the knowledge for the competition. Now, that is dedication!Dr. Tom Johansen is responsible for starting and leading this annual challenge for Fort Hays State. He handed over the program to Dr. Glenn and is very proud of her continued success coaching our students. In addition to earning a spot in the elite eight 13 of the 14 years of competition, collectively our Tiger team touts an impressive record: three national championships, one runner-up, four third-place finishes, and three fourth-place efforts. FHSU also owns a fifth- and a seventh-place national finish.As for our current winners – they are back to their studies with ambitions, dreams, and goals. Seth is working toward certification as both a financial analyst and a financial planner, and Ethan plans on opening up his own firm shortly after graduation – a goal shared by Kaden.&nbsp;Dr. Glenn advises all her students to build their network of contacts in the industry before they graduate.“Reach out and ask people in your field about their experiences in the profession and the advice they wish they knew starting out,” she says. “Seek out mentors who can help you develop your skills, who can connect you with others who may have job openings.”Dr. Glenn points out that “there are a lot of professionals out there who would love to guide new graduates as they start their professional journey. Connect with them on LinkedIn, call and ask them if they would want to join you for coffee and chat about their experiences. More than likely, they will say yes.”I look forward to continuing to follow the success of our financial planning team members, and more importantly, how all our alumni use their education to improve lives.&nbsp;

MASON: FHSU students can plan with the best

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am the fifth generation to farm one of our pieces of ground, which is quite a heritage to live up to. I have often wondered what it would be like to not be tied to a place, a way of living and a lifestyle. Those thoughts are very fleeting because who I am is very much tied to the land and the history associated with it. Like my ancestors I have a passion for farming and ranching. I know I am not alone in my thoughts, in fact, I am very much in the majority when it comes to farmers and ranchers. Often our farms have been in our families for generations, the land is part of us. It defines who we are. I know my family has put decades and generations of blood, sweat and tears into building what we have, and I do not want to be the last generation, but it all might be in jeopardy if we lose stepped-up basis, and important tool family farms and ranches use to pass assets on to the next generation. I also suspect my feelings go beyond the farm and echo up and down Main Street in our towns. I can think of lumberyards, grocery stores, clothing stores and many other local multigenerational businesses our communities depend on that are facing the same danger of being swallowed up to pay taxes if we do not make our voices heard. We have all heard that farmers live poor and die rich, and never has that been truer than when it comes to the farm itself. Often bought 100 years or more ago for much less than it is worth today, especially if you are like me and farm next to a growing urban population. My great-grandparents, grandparents and parents paid their taxes and yet we are told simply because we will inherit the farm we have to pay even more in taxes, it does not make sense. We do not want to sell our heritage, but we could have to choose between selling or going into more debt. With already tight margins that is not going to work, and it could bring on my very worst fear, the end of our family farm. I do not mean to be gloom and doom, but it is definitely time that each of us get involved and tell our story. Even if our legislators support our views and share them, it is time for them to hear from each of you. It is also time to get involved with Kansas Farm Bureau. Our family farms are in the crosshairs for this massive tax increase because we are such a small percentage of the population and therefore and easy target. Singularly our voices are important, and we should make them heard. However, we are much more effective when we band together. Kansas Farm Bureau is that collective voice that represents all types and sizes of agriculture. The call to action is now and we must all join together to protect our way of life and our heritage.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher I am the fifth generation to farm one of our pieces of ground, which is quite a heritage to live up to. I have often wondered what it would be like to not be tied to a place, a way of living and a lifestyle. Those thoughts are very fleeting because who I am is very much tied to the land and the history associated with it. Like my ancestors I have a passion for farming and ranching. I know I am not alone in my thoughts, in fact, I am very much in the majority when it comes to farmers and ranchers. Often our farms have been in our families for generations, the land is part of us. It defines who we are. I know my family has put decades and generations of blood, sweat and tears into building what we have, and I do not want to be the last generation, but it all might be in jeopardy if we lose stepped-up basis, and important tool family farms and ranches use to pass assets on to the next generation. I also suspect my feelings go beyond the farm and echo up and down Main Street in our towns. I can think of lumberyards, grocery stores, clothing stores and many other local multigenerational businesses our communities depend on that are facing the same danger of being swallowed up to pay taxes if we do not make our voices heard. We have all heard that farmers live poor and die rich, and never has that been truer than when it comes to the farm itself. Often bought 100 years or more ago for much less than it is worth today, especially if you are like me and farm next to a growing urban population. My great-grandparents, grandparents and parents paid their taxes and yet we are told simply because we will inherit the farm we have to pay even more in taxes, it does not make sense. We do not want to sell our heritage, but we could have to choose between selling or going into more debt. With already tight margins that is not going to work, and it could bring on my very worst fear, the end of our family farm. I do not mean to be gloom and doom, but it is definitely time that each of us get involved and tell our story. Even if our legislators support our views and share them, it is time for them to hear from each of you. It is also time to get involved with Kansas Farm Bureau. Our family farms are in the crosshairs for this massive tax increase because we are such a small percentage of the population and therefore and easy target. Singularly our voices are important, and we should make them heard. However, we are much more effective when we band together. Kansas Farm Bureau is that collective voice that represents all types and sizes of agriculture. The call to action is now and we must all join together to protect our way of life and our heritage."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: Stepping up for the family farm

Sometimes as I conjure up Google or check Fox News or the 7-day weather forecast on my smart phone, all while sitting in the Walmart parking lot, I wonder how we ever survived with phones that were only made to talk on. Then it hits me; we survived quite well, thank you very much.

The other day I went to fill the deer feeder in the draw below our high-rise deer blind which we built several years ago. As I’ve stated before in other columns, if it were only me hunting, I probably would not have gone to such lengths. But the hunting and outdoor experiences it has provided Joyce and I and other family members has made it all worthwhile. So, how would I hunt deer if I were only me hunting? &nbsp; &nbsp;

For those of you new to deer hunting that don’t have a blind from which to hunt, or for those of you wanting to try hunting deer for the first time but are not sure how to proceed without a blind, let me give you some tips from my experience.

&nbsp;Mr. Webster defines the word camouflage as “a disguise or deception; to disguise in order to conceal.” Camouflage does not have to make something or someone entirely disappear, it just has to make them blend in, and it does that by breaking up their outline. Examples of that would be sitting against a tree or sitting behind or under some broken overhanging limbs. Both choices camouflage you by breaking up the outline of your body. I have harvested more deer from a folding camp chair tucked beneath a cedar tree than from any other way. Joyce harvested her first deer ever as she sat on a camp chair behind a log in a big thick tree row. My point is that in the absence of a blind of some description, nature will provide you everything you need if you just learn to see it.&nbsp;

The most important element of hunting is to position yourself where there is game. So, when deciding upon a deer hunting location, choose a spot near a well-used deer trail, where deer enter and exit a woodlot etc. If you’re bow hunting, you want to be as close to the trail as possible, but if rifle hunting, choose a spot away from the trail seventy-five to a hundred yards or so. Then pay attention to where the sun will be in relation to you. You do not want the sun shining directly on you or in your eyes when it rises or sets, making it hard to see ahead of you as it shines into your eyes or lighting you up like a Christmas tree as it shines on you. Next, look around you for anything that will conceal your form, like a broken-over or uprooted tree, a tree with large broken limbs that hang to the ground or a big cedar tree with long outstretched branches. Once you have found a natural blind, figure out how best to use it. Prune and remove limbs and branches until you can tuck yourself into whatever concealment you’ve chosen. Prune away only enough to allow you entrance and to give yourself an open shooting lane. Use your imagination and move limbs and branches around if necessary to accomplish what you need. If you are firearm hunting, find a way to support your firearm. If none exists naturally in your new natural blind, a couple 1-inch x 2-inch pieces of lumber bolted together near one end opens up into an “x” to make a cheap and dandy shooting stick to cradle your gun. Your seat can be whatever you want. If you’re young you can probably get away with sitting on a log, but my choice is a cheap folding camp chair that gives me a back to lean against. It’s not always possible, but choosing to tuck yourself in amongst the branches of a big cedar tree will often help protect you from the north and west wind also, and the strong, pungent cedar scent will be a natural cover-scent.&nbsp;

There are still plenty of ways to conceal yourself to harvest a Kansas deer without a hunting blind or tree stand. Be creative; tree limbs stacked against a fence, a piece of camouflage fabric stretched around some fence posts, even digging yourself down into an old round hay bale at the edge of a field will all fill the bill. The end result might even be more fulfilling knowing you used what God provided to fill your freezer. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Sometimes as I conjure up Google or check Fox News or the 7-day weather forecast on my smart phone, all while sitting in the Walmart parking lot, I wonder how we ever survived with phones that were only made to talk on. Then it hits me; we survived quite well, thank you very much.The other day I went to fill the deer feeder in the draw below our high-rise deer blind which we built several years ago. As I’ve stated before in other columns, if it were only me hunting, I probably would not have gone to such lengths. But the hunting and outdoor experiences it has provided Joyce and I and other family members has made it all worthwhile. So, how would I hunt deer if I were only me hunting? &nbsp; &nbsp;For those of you new to deer hunting that don’t have a blind from which to hunt, or for those of you wanting to try hunting deer for the first time but are not sure how to proceed without a blind, let me give you some tips from my experience.&nbsp;Mr. Webster defines the word camouflage as “a disguise or deception; to disguise in order to conceal.” Camouflage does not have to make something or someone entirely disappear, it just has to make them blend in, and it does that by breaking up their outline. Examples of that would be sitting against a tree or sitting behind or under some broken overhanging limbs. Both choices camouflage you by breaking up the outline of your body. I have harvested more deer from a folding camp chair tucked beneath a cedar tree than from any other way. Joyce harvested her first deer ever as she sat on a camp chair behind a log in a big thick tree row. My point is that in the absence of a blind of some description, nature will provide you everything you need if you just learn to see it.&nbsp;The most important element of hunting is to position yourself where there is game. So, when deciding upon a deer hunting location, choose a spot near a well-used deer trail, where deer enter and exit a woodlot etc. If you’re bow hunting, you want to be as close to the trail as possible, but if rifle hunting, choose a spot away from the trail seventy-five to a hundred yards or so. Then pay attention to where the sun will be in relation to you. You do not want the sun shining directly on you or in your eyes when it rises or sets, making it hard to see ahead of you as it shines into your eyes or lighting you up like a Christmas tree as it shines on you. Next, look around you for anything that will conceal your form, like a broken-over or uprooted tree, a tree with large broken limbs that hang to the ground or a big cedar tree with long outstretched branches. Once you have found a natural blind, figure out how best to use it. Prune and remove limbs and branches until you can tuck yourself into whatever concealment you’ve chosen. Prune away only enough to allow you entrance and to give yourself an open shooting lane. Use your imagination and move limbs and branches around if necessary to accomplish what you need. If you are firearm hunting, find a way to support your firearm. If none exists naturally in your new natural blind, a couple 1-inch x 2-inch pieces of lumber bolted together near one end opens up into an “x” to make a cheap and dandy shooting stick to cradle your gun. Your seat can be whatever you want. If you’re young you can probably get away with sitting on a log, but my choice is a cheap folding camp chair that gives me a back to lean against. It’s not always possible, but choosing to tuck yourself in amongst the branches of a big cedar tree will often help protect you from the north and west wind also, and the strong, pungent cedar scent will be a natural cover-scent.&nbsp;There are still plenty of ways to conceal yourself to harvest a Kansas deer without a hunting blind or tree stand. Be creative; tree limbs stacked against a fence, a piece of camouflage fabric stretched around some fence posts, even digging yourself down into an old round hay bale at the edge of a field will all fill the bill. The end result might even be more fulfilling knowing you used what God provided to fill your freezer. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Deer hunting, old school

By Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University&nbsp;

The airline pilot happened to be in Amsterdam but he had a question. He sent a text to a friend and asked, “When is the world’s fair?”&nbsp;&nbsp;The friend texted the dates in his reply.&nbsp;

The pilot said, “Good, I want to be sure I make it back to Kansas for it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The self-proclaimed world’s fair to which he referred is a remarkable community fair in rural Kansas. &nbsp;

Last week we learned about a century-long collection of fair books. Those fair books were produced for the annual Kincaid Farmers Free Fair, known today as the Kincaid World’s Fair or Kincaid Free Fair for short. Gary Holloway is the president of the Kincaid fair board.&nbsp;

From newspaper accounts, it appears that the first Kincaid fair was held in 1907. “Of my grandparents, one was 8 (years old) and the other was 5 (at that time),” Gary said. It began as a Farmer’s Institute and corn growing contest, in an effort by local businessmen to attract attention and generate business from the railroad.&nbsp;

Since that time, the fair has been held every year, except when cancelled due to World War II and due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This year, the fair theme is “110 years and going strong.”&nbsp;

Gary Holloway’s family was always involved in helping with the fair. He grew up on the farm near Kincaid, went away to college and worked in business before coming back to the farm. He and his wife raised two sons, one of whom went to K-State and is coming back to the farm with his family also. “My grandchildren will be the fifth generation to be involved with the fair,” Gary said.&nbsp;

The Kincaid fair, by the way, is separate from the Anderson County Fair, which is in July and at which 4-Hers qualify to go the state fair. The Kincaid fair was in late September, after the state fair is over.&nbsp;

“Growing up, my brother and I always had two of every kind of livestock,” Gary said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One we sold at the county fair and the other we saved for the Kincaid fair.”&nbsp;

As president of the fair board, Gary works with experienced volunteers. “Dozens of volunteers make this possible,” he said. “Everybody knows what to do at the fair and they just do it. There’s no egos.”&nbsp;

“We have to have stuff for kids to enjoy,” he said.

When the tentatively-scheduled 2021 carnival company cancelled, the fair board arranged for multiple bounce houses to be available for kids every night.&nbsp;

The Kincaid Free Fair includes lots of exhibits and a remarkable set of related activities. In addition to the exhibit judging, there’s a kids cash grab, pedal tractor pull, bean feed, pony pull, cornhole tournament, pie baking contest, 5K run, antique farm machinery show, horseshoe pitching contest, horse show, voting for a fair queen, car show, barbecue smoke-off competition, and more. The annual parade has sometimes drawn as many as 4,000 people.&nbsp;

“We’ve had as many as eight marching bands in the parade from communities around the region,” Gary said. Thanks to sponsors, the entertainment is provided free to the public. “It’s called the free fair because we’ve never charged for entertainment,” Gary said.&nbsp;

Along the way, the fair began to be referred to as the world’s fair, and it brings people back to the community from all over. “This is the homecoming event that we come home to,” Gary said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s amazing to find this in a rural community such as Kincaid, population 122 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“This is a reunion,” Gary said. “These things were important to us growing up, and we want our grandkids to have a great experience too.”&nbsp;

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

There was an airline pilot who grew up in this region and happened to be in Amsterdam when he texted Gary Holloway and asked about the world’s fair. Gary knew exactly what he meant. We commend Gary Holloway and all those involved with the Kincaid Free Fair for their commitment and community spirit.&nbsp;&nbsp;It makes a world of difference.&nbsp;

For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

By Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University&nbsp;The airline pilot happened to be in Amsterdam but he had a question. He sent a text to a friend and asked, “When is the world’s fair?”&nbsp;&nbsp;The friend texted the dates in his reply.&nbsp;The pilot said, “Good, I want to be sure I make it back to Kansas for it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The self-proclaimed world’s fair to which he referred is a remarkable community fair in rural Kansas. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623560862487.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson " />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson </figcaption>
 </figure>Last week we learned about a century-long collection of fair books. Those fair books were produced for the annual Kincaid Farmers Free Fair, known today as the Kincaid World’s Fair or Kincaid Free Fair for short. Gary Holloway is the president of the Kincaid fair board.&nbsp;From newspaper accounts, it appears that the first Kincaid fair was held in 1907. “Of my grandparents, one was 8 (years old) and the other was 5 (at that time),” Gary said. It began as a Farmer’s Institute and corn growing contest, in an effort by local businessmen to attract attention and generate business from the railroad.&nbsp;Since that time, the fair has been held every year, except when cancelled due to World War II and due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This year, the fair theme is “110 years and going strong.”&nbsp;Gary Holloway’s family was always involved in helping with the fair. He grew up on the farm near Kincaid, went away to college and worked in business before coming back to the farm. He and his wife raised two sons, one of whom went to K-State and is coming back to the farm with his family also. “My grandchildren will be the fifth generation to be involved with the fair,” Gary said.&nbsp;The Kincaid fair, by the way, is separate from the Anderson County Fair, which is in July and at which 4-Hers qualify to go the state fair. The Kincaid fair was in late September, after the state fair is over.&nbsp;“Growing up, my brother and I always had two of every kind of livestock,” Gary said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“One we sold at the county fair and the other we saved for the Kincaid fair.”&nbsp;As president of the fair board, Gary works with experienced volunteers. “Dozens of volunteers make this possible,” he said. “Everybody knows what to do at the fair and they just do it. There’s no egos.”&nbsp;“We have to have stuff for kids to enjoy,” he said.When the tentatively-scheduled 2021 carnival company cancelled, the fair board arranged for multiple bounce houses to be available for kids every night.&nbsp;The Kincaid Free Fair includes lots of exhibits and a remarkable set of related activities. In addition to the exhibit judging, there’s a kids cash grab, pedal tractor pull, bean feed, pony pull, cornhole tournament, pie baking contest, 5K run, antique farm machinery show, horseshoe pitching contest, horse show, voting for a fair queen, car show, barbecue smoke-off competition, and more. The annual parade has sometimes drawn as many as 4,000 people.&nbsp;“We’ve had as many as eight marching bands in the parade from communities around the region,” Gary said. Thanks to sponsors, the entertainment is provided free to the public. “It’s called the free fair because we’ve never charged for entertainment,” Gary said.&nbsp;Along the way, the fair began to be referred to as the world’s fair, and it brings people back to the community from all over. “This is the homecoming event that we come home to,” Gary said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s amazing to find this in a rural community such as Kincaid, population 122 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“This is a reunion,” Gary said. “These things were important to us growing up, and we want our grandkids to have a great experience too.”&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kincaidfair.com/" target="_blank">www.kincaidfair.com</a>.&nbsp;There was an airline pilot who grew up in this region and happened to be in Amsterdam when he texted Gary Holloway and asked about the world’s fair. Gary knew exactly what he meant. We commend Gary Holloway and all those involved with the Kincaid Free Fair for their commitment and community spirit.&nbsp;&nbsp;It makes a world of difference.&nbsp;For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Now That’s Rural: Gary Holloway, Kincaid Free Fair 

After nearly a half-century of political struggle, the right to abortion in the United States, at least as a constitutional matter, may come to an end in 2022. What would follow that is anyone’s guess—but Kansas will probably be at the center of it.

True, the “end of abortion”—mean the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that decided the U.S. Constitution encompassed a right to privacy, which guaranteed American women the freedom to choose abortion—has been predicted before. But now, with a state law directly challenging Roe on the docket and a 6-3 Republican majority on the Supreme Court, the end of abortion as a constitutional right is more likely than ever.

Why might Kansas play a central role in abortion’s endgame? Because if the Supreme Court overturns Roe in the early summer of 2022, that would make abortion a purely state matter. And while some states have laws in place which greatly restrict or criminalize abortion, none of those laws would face an immediate political referendum. But in Kansas, they would.

On August 2, 2022, the “Value Them Both” constitutional amendment will be on the ballot. This would eliminate from the Kansas state constitution language which has been interpreted as guaranteeing “bodily integrity” to Kansans, and thus the right of Kansas women to choose to access abortion services. Many assume that this anti-abortion rights amendment will pass easily.

But that is an assumption made while Roe v. Wade is still national law. What if it wasn’t? Then the passage of this amendment would take away a freedom defined by the Kansas State Supreme Court, with no similar guarantees on the national level remaining. How will that affect voters?

Will the prospect, after so many years, of writing legally unchallengable state bans of abortion fire up moderate Republicans, increasing turnout in what will otherwise be an election with no major Republican contests to draw them to the ballot? Or will the prospect of an old ideological fight finally becoming “real” cause some otherwise committed abortion opponents to become fearful of alienating woman voters in November? Similar questions could be asked of Democrats: would the end of Roe before the August election inspire them in their fight, or leave them hopeless?

Kansas may well see enormous amounts of money from organizations both opposed to and supportive of women accessing abortion services flooding into the state. Campaigns for the state legislature could be transformed by the amendment election, as might the gubernatorial race.

Governor Laura Kelly’s desire to run a re-election campaign focused on the state’s COVID-19 recovery might be derailed, with her instead campaigning on her veto pen being necessary to prevent the legislature from writing total abortion bans. Similarly, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who has relied on that same line about “bodily integrity” to defend the freedom to refuse masks and vaccinations, might have to reverse his rhetoric, and denounce his previous pro-choice language, if he doesn’t want the amendment’s possible success to work against him.

The decision of the U.S. Supreme Court is months away, and Roe v. Wade’s elimination isn’t guaranteed. Still, those who pushed this amendment set up Kansas, perhaps unintentionally, to be at the heart of a possible 2022 abortion endgame in America. Politicians and voters best prepare.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita, KS

After nearly a half-century of political struggle, the right to abortion in the United States, at least as a constitutional matter, may come to an end in 2022. What would follow that is anyone’s guess—but Kansas will probably be at the center of it.True, the “end of abortion”—mean the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that decided the U.S. Constitution encompassed a right to privacy, which guaranteed American women the freedom to choose abortion—has been predicted before. But now, with a state law directly challenging Roe on the docket and a 6-3 Republican majority on the Supreme Court, the end of abortion as a constitutional right is more likely than ever.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita, KS." />
 <figcaption>Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita, KS.</figcaption>
 </figure>Why might Kansas play a central role in abortion’s endgame? Because if the Supreme Court overturns Roe in the early summer of 2022, that would make abortion a purely state matter. And while some states have laws in place which greatly restrict or criminalize abortion, none of those laws would face an immediate political referendum. But in Kansas, they would.On August 2, 2022, the “Value Them Both” constitutional amendment will be on the ballot. This would eliminate from the Kansas state constitution language which has been interpreted as guaranteeing “bodily integrity” to Kansans, and thus the right of Kansas women to choose to access abortion services. Many assume that this anti-abortion rights amendment will pass easily.But that is an assumption made while Roe v. Wade is still national law. What if it wasn’t? Then the passage of this amendment would take away a freedom defined by the Kansas State Supreme Court, with no similar guarantees on the national level remaining. How will that affect voters?Will the prospect, after so many years, of writing legally unchallengable state bans of abortion fire up moderate Republicans, increasing turnout in what will otherwise be an election with no major Republican contests to draw them to the ballot? Or will the prospect of an old ideological fight finally becoming “real” cause some otherwise committed abortion opponents to become fearful of alienating woman voters in November? Similar questions could be asked of Democrats: would the end of Roe before the August election inspire them in their fight, or leave them hopeless?Kansas may well see enormous amounts of money from organizations both opposed to and supportive of women accessing abortion services flooding into the state. Campaigns for the state legislature could be transformed by the amendment election, as might the gubernatorial race.Governor Laura Kelly’s desire to run a re-election campaign focused on the state’s COVID-19 recovery might be derailed, with her instead campaigning on her veto pen being necessary to prevent the legislature from writing total abortion bans. Similarly, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who has relied on that same line about “bodily integrity” to defend the freedom to refuse masks and vaccinations, might have to reverse his rhetoric, and denounce his previous pro-choice language, if he doesn’t want the amendment’s possible success to work against him.The decision of the U.S. Supreme Court is months away, and Roe v. Wade’s elimination isn’t guaranteed. Still, those who pushed this amendment set up Kansas, perhaps unintentionally, to be at the heart of a possible 2022 abortion endgame in America. Politicians and voters best prepare.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita, KS

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas and America’s abortion endgame

My grandparents received exactly one paycheck per year, usually in mid-August when they took calves to market. I was probably 5- or 6-years-old the first time I got to go to the sale and sit in the grandstand as the cattle were auctioned off in lots. I don’t remember much from the sale, other than the auctioneer’s cadence was pleasing even if it didn’t make much sense to me. It was the conversation with my grandparents as we were leaving the parking lot that’s stayed with me. It was a good year, and my grandmother said she’d picked up a nice check at the cashier’s office.

Upon hearing the word check, the most obvious question spilled forth from my mouth. “How much was it?” I asked. My grandfather stared at the road while my grandmother flatly stated, “We don’t talk about money.” End of conversation. I accompanied my grandparents to lots of sales over the next several years, and the routine was always the same. We’d go to the auction, stop at a restaurant on the way home and, in the good years, I’d come home with a new pair of boots. True to my grandmother’s word, we never talked about money. Years of careful observation eventually allowed me to decipher the general workings of the business side, even if I lacked access to the actual accounting of dollars and cents. By the time I was a teenager, I generally understood the success of the ranch depended on a delicate balance of controlling expenses in down years and setting something aside in the good ones. This all has been running through my mind lately after seeing a consumer post on social media believing ranchers have it easy because their only outlays are minimal, just some mineral and vaccines. He believed grass was free. A couple of questions popped into my mind when I saw that. One, where can one find this free grass? Two, how much does the average consumer know about the business side of agriculture? I know the answer to the first, and I suspect the answer to the second question would scare me. One of the biggest misconceptions about the business of agriculture is that corporations are taking over and displacing family farms. There’s no doubt there are some large corporate farms, but the rise in corporations is driven primarily by family farms and ranches. These are still mom and pop operations choosing to incorporate for any number of reasons, from liability protection and enhanced management to transition and tax planning. It’s a recognition of what’s always been true — agriculture is a business and those who grow our food are its leaders. We tend to gloss over those facts by calling farming and ranching a lifestyle. While it’s undoubtedly true, it also obscures some of the most difficult work those in agriculture do. To grow a crop or raise livestock requires an extensive set of skills, ranging from finance and marketing to logistics and recordkeeping. Even with managing what they can control, farmers and ranchers are still at the mercy of markets and Mother Nature. Those are tough partners, thankfully our food in in the hands of business professionals.

My grandparents received exactly one paycheck per year, usually in mid-August when they took calves to market. I was probably 5- or 6-years-old the first time I got to go to the sale and sit in the grandstand as the cattle were auctioned off in lots. I don’t remember much from the sale, other than the auctioneer’s cadence was pleasing even if it didn’t make much sense to me. It was the conversation with my grandparents as we were leaving the parking lot that’s stayed with me. It was a good year, and my grandmother said she’d picked up a nice check at the cashier’s office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure> Upon hearing the word check, the most obvious question spilled forth from my mouth. “How much was it?” I asked. My grandfather stared at the road while my grandmother flatly stated, “We don’t talk about money.” End of conversation. I accompanied my grandparents to lots of sales over the next several years, and the routine was always the same. We’d go to the auction, stop at a restaurant on the way home and, in the good years, I’d come home with a new pair of boots. True to my grandmother’s word, we never talked about money. Years of careful observation eventually allowed me to decipher the general workings of the business side, even if I lacked access to the actual accounting of dollars and cents. By the time I was a teenager, I generally understood the success of the ranch depended on a delicate balance of controlling expenses in down years and setting something aside in the good ones. This all has been running through my mind lately after seeing a consumer post on social media believing ranchers have it easy because their only outlays are minimal, just some mineral and vaccines. He believed grass was free. A couple of questions popped into my mind when I saw that. One, where can one find this free grass? Two, how much does the average consumer know about the business side of agriculture? I know the answer to the first, and I suspect the answer to the second question would scare me. One of the biggest misconceptions about the business of agriculture is that corporations are taking over and displacing family farms. There’s no doubt there are some large corporate farms, but the rise in corporations is driven primarily by family farms and ranches. These are still mom and pop operations choosing to incorporate for any number of reasons, from liability protection and enhanced management to transition and tax planning. It’s a recognition of what’s always been true — agriculture is a business and those who grow our food are its leaders. We tend to gloss over those facts by calling farming and ranching a lifestyle. While it’s undoubtedly true, it also obscures some of the most difficult work those in agriculture do. To grow a crop or raise livestock requires an extensive set of skills, ranging from finance and marketing to logistics and recordkeeping. Even with managing what they can control, farmers and ranchers are still at the mercy of markets and Mother Nature. Those are tough partners, thankfully our food in in the hands of business professionals."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;

The Business of Farming

The first few years Joyce and I were married, I traveled to southwestern Kansas to hunt deer on ground operated by her uncle.

After three or four years, she accompanied me for the first time, and one particular evening decided to tag along for the evening hunt. She comes from a mostly non-hunting family, so she didn’t have a tag or carry a gun.

We were tucked into a clump of weeds at the edge of an overgrown patch surrounding a wheat field. Before us lay miles of short-cropped pasture riddled with deep brushy draws and craggy hills. I could tell she was seriously questioning her decision to sit with me there in the middle of nowhere, and wondering what on God’s green earth we were doing.

I pointed to a steep rise a few hundred yards away and told her to watch closely because deer would soon be coming up and over that hill. I will take to my grave the look on her face as one-by-one mule deer began popping up and over that rise just as I’d predicted. She was hooked, and today has harvested a handful of Kansas deer herself, one of which hangs on our wall and was taken from almost the exact spot we sat that first night.

A spouse’s transition to accompanying you on the hunt may not happen overnight. Let me share some things that have helped Joyce and I become hunting partners.

First and foremost, be patient. Anyone acquainted with me knows that patience is not one of my virtues, but I’m learning to be more patient when it comes to explaining outdoor things to Joyce.

Whether it’s pointing out coyote tracks or telling her about a deer scrape, I have to remind myself that it’s the same principle as if she were trying to teach me to crochet (now there’s a mental picture!)

We definitely hunt deer differently when we’re together than I did before she accompanied me. Before we hunted together, I’d simply tuck myself under the overhanging boughs of a cedar, or climb into the rubble of a fallen tree.

Now, we are always in our elevated blind which offers protection from the elements and allows for muffled conversations.  I just have to swallow my pride when she shoulders her “bag” containing a book, snacks, a drink, etc. My advice here is to buy a pop-up blind or put together some sort of shelter for you to hunt from as a “couple.” Trust me; it won’t detract from your masculinity! 

My first deer gun was a little SKS military rifle chambered for rounds in 7.62 x 39; probably the absolute smallest I’d recommend for harvesting Kansas deer, but the recoil is minimal.

When Joyce decided she wanted her own deer rifle, I gave her the little SKS and moved up to a .270 for myself. I sometimes wish she felt comfortable with something a little bigger that packs more knock-down power, but the SKS fits her well, she’s comfortable with it and well-placed shots from that little bugger have cleanly harvested both whitetail and muleys’ here in Kansas.

My advice on guns for your spouse is to let her shoot a few then allow her to decide what gun she feels most comfortable shooting. Whatever you do, don’t “over-gun” her.

The same applies for shotguns too. If your spouse is short and petite like mine, a youth model may fit her best. Remember, she must enjoy shooting if you expect her to remain a hunting partner.

One of the first year’s we deer hunted seriously together, opening morning was brutally cold and windy. Joyce had been dressing in whatever we had in the closet that kept her warm. 

She got terribly cold that morning ,and we actually went to town over lunch and bought her a really good insulated sweatshirt that’s still part of her regular deer hunting ensemble today.

After that, we took her shopping for good quality boots, gloves, insulated coveralls and whatever else she needed to stay warm and comfortable. Don’t scrimp on hunting apparel for your new hunting buddy! Take her shopping and let her get what fits her best. Don’t be afraid to offer your suggestions, but let her choose. For a little more money, she can even choose from lines of hunting apparel specially tailored just for women. 

 My final piece of advice is to lighten-up a little when hunting with a spouse. If she gets cold before you, let her go to the pickup and warm-up; if she gets bored and wants to read her book or throw in the towel for the morning before you, let her do it.

Don’t be afraid to point out to her other things about nature as you sit there either, like the antics of a noisy squirrel in the tree next door, or the silent, graceful air show put on by a hunting hawk. Nature will provide the entertainment if you just look for it. 

All these things also apply when hunting with a son, daughter or grandchild. The more enjoyable and satisfying you can make their entry level experiences, the more likely they are to stick with it and to help carry-on your hunting traditions.

Please remember it’s never too soon or too late to take a son, daughter, grandchild or spouse to the deer blind, the pheasant field, the duck lease or the farm pond and help them Explore Kansas Outdoors with you!

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

The first few years Joyce and I were married, I traveled to southwestern Kansas to hunt deer on ground operated by her uncle.After three or four years, she accompanied me for the first time, and one particular evening decided to tag along for the evening hunt. She comes from a mostly non-hunting family, so she didn’t have a tag or carry a gun.We were tucked into a clump of weeds at the edge of an overgrown patch surrounding a wheat field. Before us lay miles of short-cropped pasture riddled with deep brushy draws and craggy hills. I could tell she was seriously questioning her decision to sit with me there in the middle of nowhere, and wondering what on God’s green earth we were doing.I pointed to a steep rise a few hundred yards away and told her to watch closely because deer would soon be coming up and over that hill. I will take to my grave the look on her face as one-by-one mule deer began popping up and over that rise just as I’d predicted. She was hooked, and today has harvested a handful of Kansas deer herself, one of which hangs on our wall and was taken from almost the exact spot we sat that first night.A spouse’s transition to accompanying you on the hunt may not happen overnight. Let me share some things that have helped Joyce and I become hunting partners.First and foremost, be patient. Anyone acquainted with me knows that patience is not one of my virtues, but I’m learning to be more patient when it comes to explaining outdoor things to Joyce.Whether it’s pointing out coyote tracks or telling her about a deer scrape, I have to remind myself that it’s the same principle as if she were trying to teach me to crochet (now there’s a mental picture!)We definitely hunt deer differently when we’re together than I did before she accompanied me. Before we hunted together, I’d simply tuck myself under the overhanging boughs of a cedar, or climb into the rubble of a fallen tree.Now, we are always in our elevated blind which offers protection from the elements and allows for muffled conversations. I just have to swallow my pride when she shoulders her “bag” containing a book, snacks, a drink, etc. My advice here is to buy a pop-up blind or put together some sort of shelter for you to hunt from as a “couple.” Trust me; it won’t detract from your masculinity! My first deer gun was a little SKS military rifle chambered for rounds in 7.62 x 39; probably the absolute smallest I’d recommend for harvesting Kansas deer, but the recoil is minimal.When Joyce decided she wanted her own deer rifle, I gave her the little SKS and moved up to a .270 for myself. I sometimes wish she felt comfortable with something a little bigger that packs more knock-down power, but the SKS fits her well, she’s comfortable with it and well-placed shots from that little bugger have cleanly harvested both whitetail and muleys’ here in Kansas.My advice on guns for your spouse is to let her shoot a few then allow her to decide what gun she feels most comfortable shooting. Whatever you do, don’t “over-gun” her.The same applies for shotguns too. If your spouse is short and petite like mine, a youth model may fit her best. Remember, she must enjoy shooting if you expect her to remain a hunting partner.One of the first year’s we deer hunted seriously together, opening morning was brutally cold and windy. Joyce had been dressing in whatever we had in the closet that kept her warm. She got terribly cold that morning ,and we actually went to town over lunch and bought her a really good insulated sweatshirt that’s still part of her regular deer hunting ensemble today.After that, we took her shopping for good quality boots, gloves, insulated coveralls and whatever else she needed to stay warm and comfortable. Don’t scrimp on hunting apparel for your new hunting buddy! Take her shopping and let her get what fits her best. Don’t be afraid to offer your suggestions, but let her choose. For a little more money, she can even choose from lines of hunting apparel specially tailored just for women. My final piece of advice is to lighten-up a little when hunting with a spouse. If she gets cold before you, let her go to the pickup and warm-up; if she gets bored and wants to read her book or throw in the towel for the morning before you, let her do it.Don’t be afraid to point out to her other things about nature as you sit there either, like the antics of a noisy squirrel in the tree next door, or the silent, graceful air show put on by a hunting hawk. Nature will provide the entertainment if you just look for it. All these things also apply when hunting with a son, daughter or grandchild. The more enjoyable and satisfying you can make their entry level experiences, the more likely they are to stick with it and to help carry-on your hunting traditions.Please remember it’s never too soon or too late to take a son, daughter, grandchild or spouse to the deer blind, the pheasant field, the duck lease or the farm pond and help them Explore Kansas Outdoors with you!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

GILLILAND: Hunting with Her 

By Patrick Miller, University of Kansas, and Michael Smith, Emporia State University

Our friend and&nbsp;Insight&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;co-contributor, Dr. Burdett “Bird” Loomis, died on Sept. 25, 2021. Though he never sought elected office, Burdett epitomized a life well-lived in public service. His passing leaves a gigantic hole in civic life in Kansas.

We knew Burdett best as a public citizen who wrote about politics and mentored students. We cannot do him full justice here. His local political activism, scholarly research, love of art for political expression, and myriad other aspects of this multifaceted man could be separate columns themselves.

In over 30 years as a political science professor at the University of Kansas, Burdett taught, mentored students, and published research. But describing his job tasks doesn’t do him justice.

Political science today is often focused on making broad conclusions about politics using “big data” and statistics. But, Burdett was gloriously old school in his approach to understanding politics, relishing in the dramatic trees of political life when others often preferred the forest. He was a storyteller who appreciated real human connections with those involved in the politics industry. If they were lucky, they got an invitation to his house for a cocktail and conversation.

Burdett’s commentary about Kansas politics came with an extra deep layer of understanding because he actually knew many people left, right, and center that he talked about—governors, legislators, key activists and lobbyists. He knew their personalities, motives, and sometimes even their fears. That deep memory of Kansas politics cannot be replaced.

Burdett was realistically honest about politics. He liked to quote an old-fashioned cartoon character named “Mr. Dooley,” who said, “politics ain’t beanbag.”

Nonetheless, he was fundamentally civil about politics. Though occasionally sarcastic and often pointed, he genuinely believed that people who disagree can compromise for the public good to make life better for more people without dwelling on point-scoring theatrics, profiteering, or ego.

He appreciated honest disagreement and, as he once told a colleague, had little appetite for “jerks,” whether he agreed with them or not. He could be genuine friends with people he shared nothing in common with politically, and critique ideas without demeaning the person—a skill that many have lost.

In recent years, Burdett often lamented to us that detailed policymaking and the maximal public good have lost much of their centrality in politics. He feared what that meant for Kansas’s future. That was always a sad conversation to have, but it revealed his core concerns as a public citizen.

Burdett’s legacy will also live on through his students, many of whom have shared stories on social media since his passing about how he helped shape their life trajectories.

He was especially proud of his work running the KU Political Science Department’s internship programs for Washington and Topeka. Hundreds of students completed his program over the decades, including several from other Kansas universities. Many went on to careers in public life as elected officials, policy professionals, advocates and activists, and career public servants. And many of them credit Burdett’s mentoring through the internship program with putting them on that course to public service.

This was Bird in a nutshell—loving politics (as he once knew it) and passionately advocating for an honest and smart political process that elevated the common good. He is irreplaceable, but we know that political life in our state is better for his involvement.

By Patrick Miller, University of Kansas, and Michael Smith, Emporia State University<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632695608718.png" alt="Burdett Loomis " />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis </figcaption>
 </figure>Our friend and&nbsp;Insight&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;co-contributor, Dr. Burdett “Bird” Loomis, died on Sept. 25, 2021. Though he never sought elected office, Burdett epitomized a life well-lived in public service. His passing leaves a gigantic hole in civic life in Kansas.We knew Burdett best as a public citizen who wrote about politics and mentored students. We cannot do him full justice here. His local political activism, scholarly research, love of art for political expression, and myriad other aspects of this multifaceted man could be separate columns themselves.In over 30 years as a political science professor at the University of Kansas, Burdett taught, mentored students, and published research. But describing his job tasks doesn’t do him justice.Political science today is often focused on making broad conclusions about politics using “big data” and statistics. But, Burdett was gloriously old school in his approach to understanding politics, relishing in the dramatic trees of political life when others often preferred the forest. He was a storyteller who appreciated real human connections with those involved in the politics industry. If they were lucky, they got an invitation to his house for a cocktail and conversation.Burdett’s commentary about Kansas politics came with an extra deep layer of understanding because he actually knew many people left, right, and center that he talked about—governors, legislators, key activists and lobbyists. He knew their personalities, motives, and sometimes even their fears. That deep memory of Kansas politics cannot be replaced.Burdett was realistically honest about politics. He liked to quote an old-fashioned cartoon character named “Mr. Dooley,” who said, “politics ain’t beanbag.”Nonetheless, he was fundamentally civil about politics. Though occasionally sarcastic and often pointed, he genuinely believed that people who disagree can compromise for the public good to make life better for more people without dwelling on point-scoring theatrics, profiteering, or ego.He appreciated honest disagreement and, as he once told a colleague, had little appetite for “jerks,” whether he agreed with them or not. He could be genuine friends with people he shared nothing in common with politically, and critique ideas without demeaning the person—a skill that many have lost.In recent years, Burdett often lamented to us that detailed policymaking and the maximal public good have lost much of their centrality in politics. He feared what that meant for Kansas’s future. That was always a sad conversation to have, but it revealed his core concerns as a public citizen.Burdett’s legacy will also live on through his students, many of whom have shared stories on social media since his passing about how he helped shape their life trajectories.He was especially proud of his work running the KU Political Science Department’s internship programs for Washington and Topeka. Hundreds of students completed his program over the decades, including several from other Kansas universities. Many went on to careers in public life as elected officials, policy professionals, advocates and activists, and career public servants. And many of them credit Burdett’s mentoring through the internship program with putting them on that course to public service.This was Bird in a nutshell—loving politics (as he once knew it) and passionately advocating for an honest and smart political process that elevated the common good. He is irreplaceable, but we know that political life in our state is better for his involvement.

INSIGHT: Remembering Burdett Loomis the public citizen

By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation Service One of the biggest concerns I hear about cover crops in dryland cropping systems is that they use moisture that is needed for the next cash crop. I will concede that cover crops use moisture, just like any living, growing green plant. But do they use any more moisture than what is typically lost during the fallow period anyway.

Research from USDA-ARS Great Plains Research Centers and Kansas State University Research and Extension show that only about 25% of the moisture received during a fallow period is captured and stored in the soil. This varies depending on the type and amount of tillage done, weather conditions, soil type and so on. The rest is lost through runoff, evaporation, transpiration from weeds and deep percolation below the root zone. Based on those losses, a field that receives 20 inches of moisture during the fallow period will only gain about 5 inches of soil moisture for the next cash crop and 15 inches is just lost. 

The question then becomes, can we grow a cover crop on the moisture we are losing anyway to help decrease evaporation, improve infiltration rates, increase water holding capacity and provide other soil health benefits? I believe that we can If the cover crop mix is properly designed, and planted and terminated timely

Millets are a good base for summer cover crop mixes planted into wheat stubble. These low water use, shallow rooted species grow and mature quickly once they are established. Because of the small seed size, they need be planted no more than about an inch deep. With the small seed size a few pounds go a long way in the mix, so they are very economical to use. 

Adding a pound or two deep rooted species like radishes or sunflower will help break compaction layers that most cropped fields have. A legume, like sunn hemp, could also be added if allowed to grow long enough to fix nitrogen. 

I prefer to plant these mixes as soon after harvest as soon as possible if there is enough soil moisture to get the seeds to geminate and come up. If not, the planting can be delayed up to mid-August. Most of these mixes are designed to die after a hard freeze but if conditions become dry, or if a large flush of volunteer wheat comes up, the cover crop should be terminated earlier to limit its moisture use.

I like planting cover crops in the fall, behind grain sorghum and corn if they can be planted prior to November 1st. Winter cereal grains like wheat, triticale, rye and barley provide a good base for these mixes. Adding a pound or two of turnips and radishes will help break up compaction layers. A legume, like winter peas, or a vetch, could be added to help fix some nitrogen. 

After November 1st I would delay the planting until early spring and use oats as the base of the mix. If growing conditions are favorable, and the field is going to wheat the next fall, I would delay termination of these mixes to about the early heading stage. If another fall crop is going to be planted that spring, or If conditions become dry, you may want to terminate earlier.

Consider the economics when incorporating cover crops into you cropping system and figure your all your costs and returns. It takes money to establish a cover crop, but that cost may be offset with less spray and/or tillage passes during the fallow period. Other economic gains can be made by potentially grazing the cover crop and increased weed suppression.

We have several producers in western Kansas successfully incorporating cover crops in their fallow cropping systems. As a rule, their cash crop yields haven’t decreased and some years they have seen dramatic increases. The key to their success is paying attention to detail, using the right cover crop mix, and planting and terminating in a timely manner based on the weather and field conditions.

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

Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the 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 Service One of the biggest concerns I hear about cover crops in dryland cropping systems is that they use moisture that is needed for the next cash crop. I will concede that cover crops use moisture, just like any living, growing green plant. But do they use any more moisture than what is typically lost during the fallow period anyway.Research from USDA-ARS Great Plains Research Centers and Kansas State University Research and Extension show that only about 25% of the moisture received during a fallow period is captured and stored in the soil. This varies depending on the type and amount of tillage done, weather conditions, soil type and so on. The rest is lost through runoff, evaporation, transpiration from weeds and deep percolation below the root zone. Based on those losses, a field that receives 20 inches of moisture during the fallow period will only gain about 5 inches of soil moisture for the next cash crop and 15 inches is just lost. The question then becomes, can we grow a cover crop on the moisture we are losing anyway to help decrease evaporation, improve infiltration rates, increase water holding capacity and provide other soil health benefits? I believe that we can If the cover crop mix is properly designed, and planted and terminated timelyMillets are a good base for summer cover crop mixes planted into wheat stubble. These low water use, shallow rooted species grow and mature quickly once they are established. Because of the small seed size, they need be planted no more than about an inch deep. With the small seed size a few pounds go a long way in the mix, so they are very economical to use. Adding a pound or two deep rooted species like radishes or sunflower will help break compaction layers that most cropped fields have. A legume, like sunn hemp, could also be added if allowed to grow long enough to fix nitrogen. I prefer to plant these mixes as soon after harvest as soon as possible if there is enough soil moisture to get the seeds to geminate and come up. If not, the planting can be delayed up to mid-August. Most of these mixes are designed to die after a hard freeze but if conditions become dry, or if a large flush of volunteer wheat comes up, the cover crop should be terminated earlier to limit its moisture use.I like planting cover crops in the fall, behind grain sorghum and corn if they can be planted prior to November 1st. Winter cereal grains like wheat, triticale, rye and barley provide a good base for these mixes. Adding a pound or two of turnips and radishes will help break up compaction layers. A legume, like winter peas, or a vetch, could be added to help fix some nitrogen. After November 1st I would delay the planting until early spring and use oats as the base of the mix. If growing conditions are favorable, and the field is going to wheat the next fall, I would delay termination of these mixes to about the early heading stage. If another fall crop is going to be planted that spring, or If conditions become dry, you may want to terminate earlier.Consider the economics when incorporating cover crops into you cropping system and figure your all your costs and returns. It takes money to establish a cover crop, but that cost may be offset with less spray and/or tillage passes during the fallow period. Other economic gains can be made by potentially grazing the cover crop and increased weed suppression.We have several producers in western Kansas successfully incorporating cover crops in their fallow cropping systems. As a rule, their cash crop yields haven’t decreased and some years they have seen dramatic increases. The key to their success is paying attention to detail, using the right cover crop mix, and planting and terminating in a timely manner based on the weather and field conditions.For more information about this or other soil health practices you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.Dale Younker is a soil health specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jetmore.

YOUNKER: Cover crops in dryland cropping systems

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

University of Nebraska Extension educators and weed specialists want to make the agriculture industry aware of recent developments regarding the herbicide Roundup™.

While variations on the Roundup name have been used for a variety of different herbicides marketed by Bayer (formerly Monsanto), this article discusses only the Roundup formulations that contain glyphosate as their active ingredient. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), in its glyphosate interim registration review, published in January 2020, found “that there are no risks to human health from the current registered uses of glyphosate and that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” In 2021, the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/food/system/files/2021-06/pesticides_aas_agg_report_202106.pdf">European Union’s (EU) Assessment Group on Glyphosate</a> (AGG) determined that when used according to label directions, “a classification of glyphosate with regard to carcinogenicity is not justified.”

Other regulatory agencies have come to similar conclusions, indicating that when used properly and according to directions, <a href="https://geneticliteracyproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/GlyphosateInfographic_GLP.pdf">glyphosate poses little risk to human health</a>.

Over the past several years, however, glyphosate has been the subject of much litigation after the International Agency for Research on Cancer found it to be “probably carcinogenic to humans” in a hazard assessment that did not consider real-world exposure levels.

Bayer has recently announced steps it plans to take in an effort to put Roundup litigation behind it:

· Petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court in August to review Hardeman v. Monsanto, in which the plaintiff was awarded monetary damages after alleging Roundup caused his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If the court were to grant review, it would likely render a final verdict sometime in 2022.

· Plans to replace its glyphosate products in the lawn and garden market with products containing alternative active ingredients. According to Bayer, “This move is being made exclusively to manage litigation risk and not because of any safety concerns.” The company expects this process to begin in 2023. Glyphosate formulations for the professional and agricultural sectors will remain available. This means that while Bayer will stop selling glyphosate products at the average box store, the chemistry will still be available to farmers and trained professionals.

As a crop protection tool, glyphosate is invaluable. To continue the safe and effective use of Roundup products in the market, Bayer plans to hold discussions with US EPA regarding labels to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing and applying Roundup products. The company will also set up a new website with scientific studies regarding Roundup and its safety. Bayer is exploring a scientific advisory composed of scientific experts that are not affiliated with Bayer to review scientific information on safety regarding Roundup.

Bayer provides an announcement regarding this situation at the links listed below. 

· Bayer Provides Update on Path to Closure of Roundup™ Litigation <a href="https://www.media.bayer.com/baynews/baynews.nsf/id/Bayer-Provides-Update-on-Path-to-Closure-of-Roundup-Litigation">https://www.media.bayer.com/baynews/baynews.nsf/id/Bayer-Provides-Update-on-Path-to-Closure-of-Roundup-Litigation </a> · Five-Point Plan to Close the Roundup™ Litigation - <a href="https://www.bayer.com/en/roundup-litigation-five-point-plan">https://www.bayer.com/en/roundup-litigation-five-point-plan</a>

(Information provided by Jennifer Weisbrod and Greg Puckett, Assistant Extension Educators and Amit Jhala, Extension Weed Management Specialist with University of Nebraska – Lincoln.)

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593022262288.png" alt="(Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictUniversity of Nebraska Extension educators and weed specialists want to make the agriculture industry aware of recent developments regarding the herbicide Roundup™. While variations on the Roundup name have been used for a variety of different herbicides marketed by Bayer (formerly Monsanto), this article discusses only the Roundup formulations that contain glyphosate as their active ingredient. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), in its glyphosate interim registration review, published in January 2020, found “that there are no risks to human health from the current registered uses of glyphosate and that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” In 2021, the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/food/system/files/2021-06/pesticides_aas_agg_report_202106.pdf">European Union’s (EU) Assessment Group on Glyphosate</a> (AGG) determined that when used according to label directions, “a classification of glyphosate with regard to carcinogenicity is not justified.”Other regulatory agencies have come to similar conclusions, indicating that when used properly and according to directions, <a href="https://geneticliteracyproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/GlyphosateInfographic_GLP.pdf">glyphosate poses little risk to human health</a>.Over the past several years, however, glyphosate has been the subject of much litigation after the International Agency for Research on Cancer found it to be “probably carcinogenic to humans” in a hazard assessment that did not consider real-world exposure levels.Bayer has recently announced steps it plans to take in an effort to put Roundup litigation behind it:· Petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court in August to review Hardeman v. Monsanto, in which the plaintiff was awarded monetary damages after alleging Roundup caused his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If the court were to grant review, it would likely render a final verdict sometime in 2022.· Plans to replace its glyphosate products in the lawn and garden market with products containing alternative active ingredients. According to Bayer, “This move is being made exclusively to manage litigation risk and not because of any safety concerns.” The company expects this process to begin in 2023. Glyphosate formulations for the professional and agricultural sectors will remain available. This means that while Bayer will stop selling glyphosate products at the average box store, the chemistry will still be available to farmers and trained professionals.As a crop protection tool, glyphosate is invaluable. To continue the safe and effective use of Roundup products in the market, Bayer plans to hold discussions with US EPA regarding labels to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing and applying Roundup products. The company will also set up a new website with scientific studies regarding Roundup and its safety. Bayer is exploring a scientific advisory composed of scientific experts that are not affiliated with Bayer to review scientific information on safety regarding Roundup.Bayer provides an announcement regarding this situation at the links listed below. · Bayer Provides Update on Path to Closure of Roundup™ Litigation <a href="https://www.media.bayer.com/baynews/baynews.nsf/id/Bayer-Provides-Update-on-Path-to-Closure-of-Roundup-Litigation">https://www.media.bayer.com/baynews/baynews.nsf/id/Bayer-Provides-Update-on-Path-to-Closure-of-Roundup-Litigation </a> · Five-Point Plan to Close the Roundup™ Litigation - <a href="https://www.bayer.com/en/roundup-litigation-five-point-plan">https://www.bayer.com/en/roundup-litigation-five-point-plan</a>(Information provided by Jennifer Weisbrod and Greg Puckett, Assistant Extension Educators and Amit Jhala, Extension Weed Management Specialist with University of Nebraska – Lincoln.)Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Update on Roundup brand herbicides

“Built to last.” That’s a phrase we often use to describe something built with the careful craftsmanship and solid materials of yesteryear – something that stands the test of time, like a solid old school building from decades ago.&nbsp;

Today we’ll learn about a group of volunteers who have taken such a building and repurposed it for their community’s modern use. Thanks to K-State’s Dr. Steve Smethers for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jack Donaldson is one of the founders of the community center in Kincaid. Jack grew up in the nearby community of Selma where he went to grade school. He went on to high school at Kincaid and married Ann who also attended Kincaid before the high school closed in 1967. At that time, it was converted to a junior high school which then closed in 2005.&nbsp;

Jack had a career in the trucking and construction industries. Then he and Ann opened a bed and breakfast in Moran. In 2016, they retired back to Kincaid.&nbsp;

After the school closed, the building had been purchased by a couple from Utah. They were unable to do anything with it and donated it back to the city.&nbsp;

The mayor approached Jack about the building, which remains city-owned. “It was built as a WPA project back in the ‘30s,” Jack said. “It was very sturdy, built to last.”&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, he said, “instead of 2 x 6 floor joists, it had full 2 x 16 floor joists.”&nbsp;

As president of the high school alumni association, Jack checked with alumni. They gathered the donations needed to pay back taxes and create a museum in the old school building. A volunteer board of directors was created to raise operating funds.&nbsp;

Today the Kincaid Community Center serves as the site of the city library, senior citizen nutrition center and community museum.

“A lady named Jennifer Gum-Fowler took over the library in what had been the school library upstairs, and that’s now part of the southeast Kansas library system,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The large science and biology classroom has been converted to the museum for Kincaid, housing lots of artifacts from the community.

“We have most of the annual yearbooks,” Jack said.&nbsp;

Artifacts donated for display include a 1936 baby buggy, a treadle sewing machine, quilts, old-time items such as feed sack dresses, a collection of fair books dating to 1909 and much more. Ann spent many days repainting rooms in the old building.&nbsp;

A smaller classroom has been converted into a museum for the even smaller rural communities in the region, including Selma, Bush City, and Lone Elm – population 25 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

The old ag classroom and shop is now an exercise room, complete with exercise bikes and other equipment.

“The ag teacher had taken lots of pictures of his students’ projects,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those are now posted on the walls around the room. “There are probably more than 650 pictures.”&nbsp;

Meeting space is available for rent to the public. The former school kitchen is available for caterers.

“We get some money from the township, but otherwise the museum has to support itself through donations and rentals,” Ann said.

“People are good about donating,” Ann said. “Everybody pulls together.”&nbsp;

“The city clerk will open the museum to the public when notified,” Ann said.

“A lot of people have helped to do this,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information, search for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kincaid-High-School-Community-Center-622691321690651">Kincaid High School Community Center </a>on Facebook.&nbsp;

Built to last. That’s how Jack Donaldson described the structure of the old Kincaid High School building. Now he and others have helped convert that structure to a community center that serves the needs of the community today. We commend Jack and Ann Donaldson and the many other donors and volunteers who support the museum. They are making a difference that lasts.&nbsp;

And there’s more. Remember the collection of fair books dating back to 1909? Those fair books were from the free fair that’s been held in Kincaid for more than a century. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141281633.png" alt="Ron Wilson " />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson </figcaption>
 </figure>By Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University&nbsp;“Built to last.” That’s a phrase we often use to describe something built with the careful craftsmanship and solid materials of yesteryear – something that stands the test of time, like a solid old school building from decades ago.&nbsp;Today we’ll learn about a group of volunteers who have taken such a building and repurposed it for their community’s modern use. Thanks to K-State’s Dr. Steve Smethers for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jack Donaldson is one of the founders of the community center in Kincaid. Jack grew up in the nearby community of Selma where he went to grade school. He went on to high school at Kincaid and married Ann who also attended Kincaid before the high school closed in 1967. At that time, it was converted to a junior high school which then closed in 2005.&nbsp;Jack had a career in the trucking and construction industries. Then he and Ann opened a bed and breakfast in Moran. In 2016, they retired back to Kincaid.&nbsp;After the school closed, the building had been purchased by a couple from Utah. They were unable to do anything with it and donated it back to the city.&nbsp;The mayor approached Jack about the building, which remains city-owned. “It was built as a WPA project back in the ‘30s,” Jack said. “It was very sturdy, built to last.”&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, he said, “instead of 2 x 6 floor joists, it had full 2 x 16 floor joists.”&nbsp;As president of the high school alumni association, Jack checked with alumni. They gathered the donations needed to pay back taxes and create a museum in the old school building. A volunteer board of directors was created to raise operating funds.&nbsp;Today the Kincaid Community Center serves as the site of the city library, senior citizen nutrition center and community museum.“A lady named Jennifer Gum-Fowler took over the library in what had been the school library upstairs, and that’s now part of the southeast Kansas library system,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The large science and biology classroom has been converted to the museum for Kincaid, housing lots of artifacts from the community.“We have most of the annual yearbooks,” Jack said.&nbsp;Artifacts donated for display include a 1936 baby buggy, a treadle sewing machine, quilts, old-time items such as feed sack dresses, a collection of fair books dating to 1909 and much more. Ann spent many days repainting rooms in the old building.&nbsp;A smaller classroom has been converted into a museum for the even smaller rural communities in the region, including Selma, Bush City, and Lone Elm – population 25 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;The old ag classroom and shop is now an exercise room, complete with exercise bikes and other equipment.“The ag teacher had taken lots of pictures of his students’ projects,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those are now posted on the walls around the room. “There are probably more than 650 pictures.”&nbsp;Meeting space is available for rent to the public. The former school kitchen is available for caterers.“We get some money from the township, but otherwise the museum has to support itself through donations and rentals,” Ann said.Several ladies clubs help raise money.“People are good about donating,” Ann said. “Everybody pulls together.”&nbsp;The museum is open by appointment.“The city clerk will open the museum to the public when notified,” Ann said.“A lot of people have helped to do this,” Jack said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, search for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kincaid-High-School-Community-Center-622691321690651">Kincaid High School Community Center </a>on Facebook.&nbsp;Built to last. That’s how Jack Donaldson described the structure of the old Kincaid High School building. Now he and others have helped convert that structure to a community center that serves the needs of the community today. We commend Jack and Ann Donaldson and the many other donors and volunteers who support the museum. They are making a difference that lasts.&nbsp;And there’s more. Remember the collection of fair books dating back to 1909? Those fair books were from the free fair that’s been held in Kincaid for more than a century. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Jack and Ann Donaldson, Kincaid Community Center 

It is rare these days to find a political message cutting across the usual red-blue partisan divide--but I saw one this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking out at me from the back of a pickup truck was a small bumper sticker, featuring an image of a Native American in full headdress, looking stoic and sad.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message read, “Trust the Government.”&nbsp;&nbsp;I took the message as sarcastic, telling us “the Government” is not trustworthy due to this country’s sad history of mistreating Native American peoples.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message is a little different from others we hear these days.&nbsp;&nbsp;More often we hear someone condemning critical race theory and vaccines together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, this one relies on our country’s tough history regarding race as a reason to distrust all things related to government. This is an interesting twist, but still terrible advice.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, Native Americans need to get vaccinated for COVID right away.

A new report from the Brookings Institution shows the cost of non-vaccination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Titled “American Indians and Alaska Natives are dying of COVID-19 at shocking rates,”&nbsp;the report points out that among Native Americans, more of the deaths are among the young than among other races.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet many celebrated elders have died too.&nbsp;&nbsp;These statistics are often hidden because in many states, the American Indian-Alaskan Native population is replaced with an asterisk due to its small size.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brookings researchers dug out the terrible truth: of all ethnicities, the first Americans are&nbsp;the&nbsp;hardest-hit by COVID deaths, as a percentage of population.

&nbsp;The Brookings paper notes many states in which the Native American COVID deaths are much higher than those of whites as a percentage of population-- ten times higher in New Mexico, for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;The news is better in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;A September 23 article in the&nbsp;Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;concluded that Native American vaccination rates in Kansas are about the same as for the population as a whole.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, author Andrew Bahl found that this population has a “traditional mistrust of government,” and that bureaucratic red tape makes vaccination more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is exactly why conspiracy theories about “the government” miss the mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ours is a complex, overlapping system of federal, state, and local authority, plus for-profit and nonprofit entities working on government contracts, and so on and so forth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What we have here is not&nbsp;the&nbsp;government at all, but&nbsp;governments--and their interrelationships sure can make things complicated.

From the Bureau of Indian Affairs to state and local authorities, not enough is being done to address this crisis, and the problem appears worse in other states than it is here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet as Bahl noted, American Indians--for very good reason--are still very distrustful of anything related to government, and may refuse vaccination for this reason.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet today’s U.S. Center for Disease Control, state, and local public health authorities have little to do with this country’s horrible history regarding Native Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;To refuse vaccination or promulgate conspiracy theories that say otherwise is to cause more preventable deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We must face our country’s history honestly, but today, the culpability of our governments for Native Americans’ COVID deaths are happening because we are doing too little, not too much.&nbsp;

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576785940426.png" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>It is rare these days to find a political message cutting across the usual red-blue partisan divide--but I saw one this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking out at me from the back of a pickup truck was a small bumper sticker, featuring an image of a Native American in full headdress, looking stoic and sad.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message read, “Trust the Government.”&nbsp;&nbsp;I took the message as sarcastic, telling us “the Government” is not trustworthy due to this country’s sad history of mistreating Native American peoples.&nbsp;&nbsp;The message is a little different from others we hear these days.&nbsp;&nbsp;More often we hear someone condemning critical race theory and vaccines together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, this one relies on our country’s tough history regarding race as a reason to distrust all things related to government. This is an interesting twist, but still terrible advice.&nbsp;&nbsp;In fact, Native Americans need to get vaccinated for COVID right away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A new report from the Brookings Institution shows the cost of non-vaccination.&nbsp;&nbsp;Titled “American Indians and Alaska Natives are dying of COVID-19 at shocking rates,”&nbsp;the report points out that among Native Americans, more of the deaths are among the young than among other races.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet many celebrated elders have died too.&nbsp;&nbsp;These statistics are often hidden because in many states, the American Indian-Alaskan Native population is replaced with an asterisk due to its small size.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brookings researchers dug out the terrible truth: of all ethnicities, the first Americans are&nbsp;the&nbsp;hardest-hit by COVID deaths, as a percentage of population.&nbsp;The Brookings paper notes many states in which the Native American COVID deaths are much higher than those of whites as a percentage of population-- ten times higher in New Mexico, for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;The news is better in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;A September 23 article in the&nbsp;Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;concluded that Native American vaccination rates in Kansas are about the same as for the population as a whole.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, author Andrew Bahl found that this population has a “traditional mistrust of government,” and that bureaucratic red tape makes vaccination more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is exactly why conspiracy theories about “the government” miss the mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ours is a complex, overlapping system of federal, state, and local authority, plus for-profit and nonprofit entities working on government contracts, and so on and so forth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What we have here is not&nbsp;the&nbsp;government at all, but&nbsp;governments--and their interrelationships sure can make things complicated.From the Bureau of Indian Affairs to state and local authorities, not enough is being done to address this crisis, and the problem appears worse in other states than it is here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet as Bahl noted, American Indians--for very good reason--are still very distrustful of anything related to government, and may refuse vaccination for this reason.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet today’s U.S. Center for Disease Control, state, and local public health authorities have little to do with this country’s horrible history regarding Native Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;To refuse vaccination or promulgate conspiracy theories that say otherwise is to cause more preventable deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We must face our country’s history honestly, but today, the culpability of our governments for Native Americans’ COVID deaths are happening because we are doing too little, not too much.&nbsp;Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Vaccine hesitancy among Native Americans deadly

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher Happy National Cooperatives Month! As a cooperative communicator, October is full of educating people about and emphasizing the benefits of cooperative membership. Last year at this time, I wrote in this column about the history and value of cooperatives. To recap, we are fortunate to have robust, mature, and stabile cooperatives build on the foresight of our ancestors. During my recent travels to the Baltics with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program, building my cooperative knowledge was one of several highlights. A little context is important here. The Baltic countries all have relatively “young” farms started from scratch with a history of less than three decades because they were only liberated from the USSR in the early 1990s. That liberation came with the collapse of their existing system of agriculture, supply chain as the USSR utilized collective farms where the state mandated regions specialize in a few pieces of the system. In the Baltics the freedom to own land, farm independently and conduct free-market business has been tempered by the challenges of lack of infrastructure and capital, and inexperienced farmers and landowners. It should not have been surprising but my jaw dropped the first time a farmer shared that they were the proud member of a 2-year-old grain cooperative with 30 members. The farmer was also excited to share they were one of 10 farms starting a beef cattle cooperative. Even small cooperatives in Kansas have seven or eight decades of history and dozens to hundreds of members. I was primed with all kind of questions when we arrived at our first cooperative. It was the closest opportunity I would get to travel back in time and question my organization’s founders. I was not disappointed as both the general manager and chair of the board, who was also one of the founders, were both there to meet with our group. There were many similarities with us, like sourcing seed and fertilizer for members, grain storage and constantly exploring opportunities to add value for members. We also saw farmers having coffee, confirming that is a universal ritual of cooperatives. We all laughed when the chair told us we could not leave without discussing crop yields and land prices as he couldn’t return empty-handed to his neighbors. In contrast, we observed how being new altered their business. The cooperative had rented a barge and took on risk for grain until it reached northern Africa. It was exploring processing grain for domestic demand that was not being met. We were also reminded that their farmers had real skin in the game because they didn’t have past sales to build equity and capital. Their farmers had to buy-in with a membership fee assessed on how much ground they farmed. One of my most important take-aways for the trip came from this visit. I was curious about how they market the idea of cooperative membership to get people to buy-in. The chair’s response was a bit shocking. He said it was easy to sell the cooperative but they don’t really actively seek new members. He went on to say they could sign-up new members who would benefit from the cooperative but not be a good fit for the community. Their core group of members are neighbors who want to work together, not just for their own profitability but for the community. They are a small committed group. They work together, socialize together and grow together. Having that community mindset is more important than any other benefit when seeking or evaluating new members. Farmers in the Baltics reminded me that cooperatives are all about community. They are a community of people who act, risk their resources, and do things that benefit themselves and their neighbors, children and the industry. That mindset of working toward a common good and investing in the community not for shellfish gain sometimes feels absent in our lives here. As we celebrate Cooperatives Month, I challenge us all move away from the complacency that comes with our well-established roles in the community. Maybe taking new eyes to your community will help you to see needs and find ways to build something new or at least supporting something for the greater good.

"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 Happy National Cooperatives Month! As a cooperative communicator, October is full of educating people about and emphasizing the benefits of cooperative membership. Last year at this time, I wrote in this column about the history and value of cooperatives. To recap, we are fortunate to have robust, mature, and stabile cooperatives build on the foresight of our ancestors. During my recent travels to the Baltics with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program, building my cooperative knowledge was one of several highlights. A little context is important here. The Baltic countries all have relatively “young” farms started from scratch with a history of less than three decades because they were only liberated from the USSR in the early 1990s. That liberation came with the collapse of their existing system of agriculture, supply chain as the USSR utilized collective farms where the state mandated regions specialize in a few pieces of the system. In the Baltics the freedom to own land, farm independently and conduct free-market business has been tempered by the challenges of lack of infrastructure and capital, and inexperienced farmers and landowners. It should not have been surprising but my jaw dropped the first time a farmer shared that they were the proud member of a 2-year-old grain cooperative with 30 members. The farmer was also excited to share they were one of 10 farms starting a beef cattle cooperative. Even small cooperatives in Kansas have seven or eight decades of history and dozens to hundreds of members. I was primed with all kind of questions when we arrived at our first cooperative. It was the closest opportunity I would get to travel back in time and question my organization’s founders. I was not disappointed as both the general manager and chair of the board, who was also one of the founders, were both there to meet with our group. There were many similarities with us, like sourcing seed and fertilizer for members, grain storage and constantly exploring opportunities to add value for members. We also saw farmers having coffee, confirming that is a universal ritual of cooperatives. We all laughed when the chair told us we could not leave without discussing crop yields and land prices as he couldn’t return empty-handed to his neighbors. In contrast, we observed how being new altered their business. The cooperative had rented a barge and took on risk for grain until it reached northern Africa. It was exploring processing grain for domestic demand that was not being met. We were also reminded that their farmers had real skin in the game because they didn’t have past sales to build equity and capital. Their farmers had to buy-in with a membership fee assessed on how much ground they farmed. One of my most important take-aways for the trip came from this visit. I was curious about how they market the idea of cooperative membership to get people to buy-in. The chair’s response was a bit shocking. He said it was easy to sell the cooperative but they don’t really actively seek new members. He went on to say they could sign-up new members who would benefit from the cooperative but not be a good fit for the community. Their core group of members are neighbors who want to work together, not just for their own profitability but for the community. They are a small committed group. They work together, socialize together and grow together. Having that community mindset is more important than any other benefit when seeking or evaluating new members. Farmers in the Baltics reminded me that cooperatives are all about community. They are a community of people who act, risk their resources, and do things that benefit themselves and their neighbors, children and the industry. That mindset of working toward a common good and investing in the community not for shellfish gain sometimes feels absent in our lives here. As we celebrate Cooperatives Month, I challenge us all move away from the complacency that comes with our well-established roles in the community. Maybe taking new eyes to your community will help you to see needs and find ways to build something new or at least supporting something for the greater good."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: Cooperative communities

I have been intrigued for several years with Ethan Lang, a junior majoring in finance. From his freshman year forward, I have heard parts of his story of entrepreneurialism and strong work ethic. Ethan was introduced as an ambassador of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at the fall RCOBE Awards Ceremony, where he received several scholarships. So I reached out to Ethan to let him know how impressed I have been with his accomplishments and to learn a little more about him.

I was first introduced to Ethan weeks before he began his freshman year as a resident of the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall. At the time, I was involved in conversations around the programming for Hansen Hall, a living and learning community that creates opportunities for residents to travel, compete, win awards, learn from successful entrepreneurs, and develop skills to advance their careers. It was then I learned a new freshman, Ethan Lang, was managing an investment account and had started a popular blog to share information with his peers. I couldn’t wait for this young man to move in and make an impact at FHSU. That is exactly what he has been doing ever since.

Ethan grew up in Hays and chose to continue his education at FHSU because of our outstanding financial planning program – a concentration within the finance major. He was particularly excited to take classes such as retirement planning, insurance planning, and estate planning.

Ethan shared with me that he became interested in personal finance and investing early in high school when his dad opened an investment account for 15-year-old Ethan.&nbsp;

“I started investing in stocks and tried to learn everything I could, and I definitely made mistakes along the way,” Ethan said. “I ended up buying a course about day trading and thought I was going to 'get rich quick'. I thought I was smarter than everyone else, and I'd be retired in my late 20s, sitting on a beach. To say the least, I was widely wrong. I made money on the first few trades, but my luck ran out. I lost over 40 percent of my portfolio in a day on a call option.”

Ethan explained that at the time, his portfolio was $500, so that loss was $200.

“But it was devastating to me, and I knew something had to change,” he explained. “I went back to square one and started educating myself, and this time, the right way. I consumed all of the information I could. I read books, watched YouTube videos, and listened to podcasts about personal finance and investing, trying to learn the right way of doing things. And you know what? I started to figure it out.”

Ethan soon started a blog and an Instagram page to share what he was learning.

“I didn't want anyone to go through what I did, falling into these 'get-rich-quick' schemes,” he said. “I decided to make it a business and call it, ‘Making Cents of Finance.’ To my surprise, people actually loved it.”

Ethan shared with me that his definition of entrepreneurship means helping and bringing value to others.

“I’m going to open up my own financial planning firm in Hays upon graduation, and of course, I’ll charge for my services,” he said. “But I’ll always focus on providing more value to the person on the other side of that table, even if they don’t decide to work with me.”

Last year, Ethan placed first at the Faulkner Challenge, an annual business pitch competition. He won $6,000 which he invested back into his business. Given his passion to share knowledge, part of that money funded the Young Wealth Podcast, where Ethan interviews guests who built wealth at a young age, so Ethan – as well as his listeners – can learn from them.

Ethan’s Instagram account has over 240,000 followers. Along with his Young Wealth Podcast, he manages other platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. All platforms share the goal of educating the next generation about personal finance.

Ethan is a member of the 2021 financial planning team. Recently, the team made the Elite Eight in the National Financial Planning Challenge and finished third overall. By the way, this is the 13th time in 14 years of competition that we have had one of the top teams in the country.

Ethan is also president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) and is helping create an entrepreneurship club at FHSU to further help more aspiring entrepreneurs. He is a member of the Tiger track and cross country teams, where he is an MIAA league champion, an NCAA Division II All-American, and a three-time school record holder.

Our students inspire me every day. I am encouraged by their caring hearts for helping others, their thirst for knowledge, and their dreams for building a better world. &nbsp;

<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 have been intrigued for several years with Ethan Lang, a junior majoring in finance. From his freshman year forward, I have heard parts of his story of entrepreneurialism and strong work ethic. Ethan was introduced as an ambassador of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at the fall RCOBE Awards Ceremony, where he received several scholarships. So I reached out to Ethan to let him know how impressed I have been with his accomplishments and to learn a little more about him.I was first introduced to Ethan weeks before he began his freshman year as a resident of the Dane G. Hansen Scholarship Hall. At the time, I was involved in conversations around the programming for Hansen Hall, a living and learning community that creates opportunities for residents to travel, compete, win awards, learn from successful entrepreneurs, and develop skills to advance their careers. It was then I learned a new freshman, Ethan Lang, was managing an investment account and had started a popular blog to share information with his peers. I couldn’t wait for this young man to move in and make an impact at FHSU. That is exactly what he has been doing ever since.Ethan grew up in Hays and chose to continue his education at FHSU because of our outstanding financial planning program – a concentration within the finance major. He was particularly excited to take classes such as retirement planning, insurance planning, and estate planning.Ethan shared with me that he became interested in personal finance and investing early in high school when his dad opened an investment account for 15-year-old Ethan.&nbsp;“I started investing in stocks and tried to learn everything I could, and I definitely made mistakes along the way,” Ethan said. “I ended up buying a course about day trading and thought I was going to 'get rich quick'. I thought I was smarter than everyone else, and I'd be retired in my late 20s, sitting on a beach. To say the least, I was widely wrong. I made money on the first few trades, but my luck ran out. I lost over 40 percent of my portfolio in a day on a call option.”Ethan explained that at the time, his portfolio was $500, so that loss was $200.“But it was devastating to me, and I knew something had to change,” he explained. “I went back to square one and started educating myself, and this time, the right way. I consumed all of the information I could. I read books, watched YouTube videos, and listened to podcasts about personal finance and investing, trying to learn the right way of doing things. And you know what? I started to figure it out.”Ethan soon started a blog and an Instagram page to share what he was learning.“I didn't want anyone to go through what I did, falling into these 'get-rich-quick' schemes,” he said. “I decided to make it a business and call it, ‘Making Cents of Finance.’ To my surprise, people actually loved it.”Ethan shared with me that his definition of entrepreneurship means helping and bringing value to others.“I’m going to open up my own financial planning firm in Hays upon graduation, and of course, I’ll charge for my services,” he said. “But I’ll always focus on providing more value to the person on the other side of that table, even if they don’t decide to work with me.”Last year, Ethan placed first at the Faulkner Challenge, an annual business pitch competition. He won $6,000 which he invested back into his business. Given his passion to share knowledge, part of that money funded the Young Wealth Podcast, where Ethan interviews guests who built wealth at a young age, so Ethan – as well as his listeners – can learn from them.Ethan’s Instagram account has over 240,000 followers. Along with his Young Wealth Podcast, he manages other platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. All platforms share the goal of educating the next generation about personal finance.Ethan is a member of the 2021 financial planning team. Recently, the team made the Elite Eight in the National Financial Planning Challenge and finished third overall. By the way, this is the 13th time in 14 years of competition that we have had one of the top teams in the country.Ethan is also president of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) and is helping create an entrepreneurship club at FHSU to further help more aspiring entrepreneurs. He is a member of the Tiger track and cross country teams, where he is an MIAA league champion, an NCAA Division II All-American, and a three-time school record holder.Our students inspire me every day. I am encouraged by their caring hearts for helping others, their thirst for knowledge, and their dreams for building a better world. &nbsp;

Opinion