This past Tuesday, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on Substitute House Bill 2397, which is the state budget for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 and some details for the 2023 and 2024 budgets.

Here are some of the details of the budget bill for fiscal years 2021 and 2022. In fiscal year 2021, there were adjustments made from the budget that was passed during last years legislative session. We also addressed some of the allotments that were made by Governor Kelly when the fiscal year began on July 1, 2020.

We addressed the needs of our nursing care facilities by adding additional funds for these facilities, which was needed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also included an increase in the daily reimbursement rates for the Community Based Services for the Intellectual/Developmental Disability waiver.

Due to the pandemic, our court system saw a reduction in revenue since most court proceedings did not happen, so we backfilled the lost revenue for the courts.

In fiscal year 2022, we had the same additional funding for the nursing care facilities. We also provided additional funding for the Senior Care Act to keep our senior citizens in their homes. We also did not reamortize the unfunded liability for KPERS. We also provided for a statewide program for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

There were two notable amendments during the debate. One, introduced by a Democrat member, was a 2% cut on State General Fund Spending in all areas, which passed and I voted, “yes.” The other was to add Medicaid Expansion in the Budget. This amendment failed because Medicaid Expansion is substantive legislation that should not be added to the budget since it is only valid for the years of the stated budgets and no additional funding in the out years was provided. I voted, “no.”

The budget bill passed, 71-52, and I voted, “yes.”

Since I returned home for the Easter break, I have received many calls, texts, and messages regarding the proposed Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership and an Executive Order by President Biden that is perceived as a land grab by the Federal Government. This would include twenty-five counties in Kansas, five of those counties are in the 109th House District.

The intended purpose of this order is to protect 30% of the US land and 30% of US oceans by 2030. After receiving these messages from many constituents, I have had discussions with both Governor Laura Kelly and US Senator Moran’s office. I have expressed my concern regarding the potential affects of this Executive Order and it is one I do not support. There was a meeting about a week ago in Mankato regarding this matter and another scheduled for April 11 in Vesper. I will continue to monitor the developments and work with Governor Kelly and Senator Moran.

This past week, the House debated nearly twenty-five bills before the Easter break. Here are some of the bills that we debated:

House Bill 2119, which includes the full funding for K-12 Education. This bill also includes the creation and expansion of school choice options.

Senate Bill 159 which is the standard Claims Against the State Bill, with the addition of a reimbursement to an individual for deer antlers.

House Substitute for Senate Bill 84 would incorporate changes with gaming in Kansas. This bill would allow for sports wagering in Kansas, implements iLottery, and allows for a revote in Sedgwick County for slot machines. This bill failed on the House Floor.

House Bill 2448 permits the Secretary for Children and Families to license certain family foster homes where a former foster care youth with juvenile adjudications resides.

We will be returning to Topeka on Tuesday and will be working with the Senate on bills, which are referred to as conference committees. During these meetings, the House and the Senate negotiate on the differences in the respective bills that passed each chamber. Once an agreement is made, then both chambers vote on the Conference Committee Report, and, if passed in both chambers, it will then go on to Governor Kelly to sign into law or veto. We are planned to adjourn April 9 and then return to what is referred to as veto-session on May 3.

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

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

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

Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/s/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_109.pdf">109th Kansas House District</a>&nbsp;state representative and chairman of the Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;

The 109th District includes&nbsp;Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties, and portions of Barton, Jewell, Lincoln and Rush counties.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577788173848.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>April 5, 2021Budget Passes the HouseThis past Tuesday, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on Substitute House Bill 2397, which is the state budget for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 and some details for the 2023 and 2024 budgets.Here are some of the details of the budget bill for fiscal years 2021 and 2022. In fiscal year 2021, there were adjustments made from the budget that was passed during last years legislative session. We also addressed some of the allotments that were made by Governor Kelly when the fiscal year began on July 1, 2020.We addressed the needs of our nursing care facilities by adding additional funds for these facilities, which was needed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also included an increase in the daily reimbursement rates for the Community Based Services for the Intellectual/Developmental Disability waiver.Due to the pandemic, our court system saw a reduction in revenue since most court proceedings did not happen, so we backfilled the lost revenue for the courts.In fiscal year 2022, we had the same additional funding for the nursing care facilities. We also provided additional funding for the Senior Care Act to keep our senior citizens in their homes. We also did not reamortize the unfunded liability for KPERS. We also provided for a statewide program for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.There were two notable amendments during the debate. One, introduced by a Democrat member, was a 2% cut on State General Fund Spending in all areas, which passed and I voted, “yes.” The other was to add Medicaid Expansion in the Budget. This amendment failed because Medicaid Expansion is substantive legislation that should not be added to the budget since it is only valid for the years of the stated budgets and no additional funding in the out years was provided. I voted, “no.”The budget bill passed, 71-52, and I voted, “yes.”30/30 Federal PlanSince I returned home for the Easter break, I have received many calls, texts, and messages regarding the proposed Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership and an Executive Order by President Biden that is perceived as a land grab by the Federal Government. This would include twenty-five counties in Kansas, five of those counties are in the 109th House District.The intended purpose of this order is to protect 30% of the US land and 30% of US oceans by 2030. After receiving these messages from many constituents, I have had discussions with both Governor Laura Kelly and US Senator Moran’s office. I have expressed my concern regarding the potential affects of this Executive Order and it is one I do not support. There was a meeting about a week ago in Mankato regarding this matter and another scheduled for April 11 in Vesper. I will continue to monitor the developments and work with Governor Kelly and Senator Moran.More Bills In the HouseThis past week, the House debated nearly twenty-five bills before the Easter break. Here are some of the bills that we debated:House Bill 2119, which includes the full funding for K-12 Education. This bill also includes the creation and expansion of school choice options.Senate Bill 159 which is the standard Claims Against the State Bill, with the addition of a reimbursement to an individual for deer antlers.House Substitute for Senate Bill 84 would incorporate changes with gaming in Kansas. This bill would allow for sports wagering in Kansas, implements iLottery, and allows for a revote in Sedgwick County for slot machines. This bill failed on the House Floor.House Bill 2448 permits the Secretary for Children and Families to license certain family foster homes where a former foster care youth with juvenile adjudications resides.We will be returning to Topeka on Tuesday and will be working with the Senate on bills, which are referred to as conference committees. During these meetings, the House and the Senate negotiate on the differences in the respective bills that passed each chamber. Once an agreement is made, then both chambers vote on the Conference Committee Report, and, if passed in both chambers, it will then go on to Governor Kelly to sign into law or veto. We are planned to adjourn April 9 and then return to what is referred to as veto-session on May 3.Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/s/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_109.pdf">109th Kansas House District</a>&nbsp;state representative and chairman of the Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;The 109th District includes&nbsp;Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties, and portions of Barton, Jewell, Lincoln and Rush counties.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, April 5

First Adjournment is scheduled for Friday then we will be off for the remainder of April and back for the “veto” session beginning on May 2nd. We were on the floor last week passing both house and senate bills and this week we will have a number of conference committees; these are made up of select members of the house and senate to work out differences in bills and then both houses need to pass the bills for them to go on to the Governor for either signage or veto. Here are some of the things that happened last week”

On March 24th, the Governor announced her intent to issue another statewide mask mandate by Executive Order despite a decline in new COVID cases. The House responded quickly with passage of House Resolution 6015 on a vote of 84-39. The resolution urges the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) to revoke an Executive Order that mandates masks if the order is issued when the Legislature is adjourned. On April 1, less than a day after the Legislature adjourned for the Easter holiday, Governor Kelly issued EO 21-14, a new statewide mask mandate.

Senate Bill 40, which the Governor recently signed into law, grants the Legislature the authority to revoke Executive Orders while they are in session. However, when the Legislature is adjourned, that authority is granted to the LCC. The LCC met April 1 to review the 13 new executive orders issued by the Governor. The members of LCC voted 5-2 to revoke the order calling for a statewide mask mandate.

What’s this mean? Revoking the order will allow our local elected officials to continue to decide what’s best for our communities rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach across the state. Data shows the local approach has proven successful. In November, the Governor issued her last statewide mask mandate saying there was a “worrying spike” in cases. At that time, Kansas had 5,217 new cases and a 7-day average of 2,430 new cases. Recent numbers showed Kansas with only 36 new cases and a 7-day average of 216 cases.

Kansans have banded together for over a year to successfully reduce the spread of COVID – and they’ve done so during a time when most counties had opted out of the Governor’s mask mandate. With cases dropping and no data to support the need for another statewide mandate, the best approach has proven to be local control.

House Advances Full Funding for Schools, Support for At-Risk Learners

This past week the House debated House Bill 2119 regarding K-12 education. The bill contains full funding for our schools in compliance with the Kansas Supreme Court’s Gannon ruling and is identical to the school funding levels contained in the Governor’s Budget Report. The bill also contains funding for the School Safety and Security Grants and expansion of the Mental Health Intervention Team Pilot Program, both which were allotted by the Governor.

Additionally, HB 2119 creates more options for at-risk students and their families by creating Educational Savings Accounts and broadening the state’s existing Tax Credit Scholarship Program. These policy provisions are targeted at helping at-risk learners – no matter where they live - access added opportunities so they can bridge academic achievement gaps.

HB 2119 now goes to the Senate for consideration in the budget conference process.

This K-12 budget bill does little for our school districts in the 110th legislative district, but I did support it as it provided full funding that was in the Governor’s budget. The conference committee will work on an agreement as the house and senate versions are quite a bit different.

I have received a few emails and calls about HB 2119 and would be glad to discuss it and explain why I voted the way I did. In the legislative process there is back and forth and much of the time the first version of a bill is no where near what the final bill is.

Tax Cuts for Families, Small Businesses Heads to Governor’s Desk

In 2017, the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, which provided tax relief to American families and businesses. While this legislation brought American workers bigger paychecks, enhanced economic opportunity, and yielded historic job growth, Kansans experienced an unintended tax increase. Kansas is a “rolling conformity” state, so federal tax changes are adopted automatically, which resulted in an unintended tax increase. Senate Bill 50 provides Kansans with the tax relief that was intended by the federal Act. This week, the Legislature sent this bill to the Governor’s desk.

In addition to remedying the unintended tax increase, the bill also:

• Increases the standard deductions for all Kansans.

• Allows individuals and small businesses the option to itemize on their state tax returns regardless of whether they itemize on their federal tax return.

• Levels the playing field for Kansas brick-and-mortar businesses by requiring online retailers who are located out-of-state to remit sales tax to the state on purchases ordered for delivery to Kansas.

• Protects victims of identity theft from owing Kansas income tax on unemployment compensation that was fraudulently obtained by another individual.

Many states across the country have had to change their tax codes similarly in the wake of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Texas, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are among the states – like Kansas – that realized their laws needed to be changed so taxpayers would not be penalized because of federal changes in tax policy.

Governor Kelly has previously used her veto power to prevent tax relief for Kansans - HB 2033 (2020) and SB 22 (2019). With Senate Bill 50, the governor has a new opportunity to bring our state in line with other states, giving taxpayers in Kansas access to the same tax benefits as taxpayers in other states.

This is another bill where the house and senate versions are quite a bit different, but many parts of this bill have been discussed for three sessions.

The House advanced its budget bill, House Bill 2397, this week. The bill includes:

• Reducing the size of government, with a 2 percent across-the-board cut.

• Rejecting the Governor’s policy recommendation for reamortizing KPERS. The Governor’s budget would create $4.6 billion in debt in exchange for $158 million to finance her budget.

• Restoring cuts to critical programs, including $42.2 million for the Evidence-Based Juvenile Programs. These programs help keep Kansas children out of incarceration and in the community receiving services from programs with proven results. The Governor’s recommendation was to make cuts to these programs.

• Restoring funding for a provider reimbursement rate increase for those who care for some of our most vulnerable citizens, those on the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Intellectual/Developmental Disability (HCBS I/DD) waiver. The Governor cut this item.

• Increasing funding support to nursing home facilities, continuing the rate increase that was put in place due to the COVID pandemic.

• Helping keep Kansas courts open and funded by replacing lost fee fund revenue, which was not received during closures resulting from the COVID pandemic.

• Providing additional funds for the Board of Regents, including funding for deferred maintenance, refunding classes previously offered as in-person, and continuing support for technical education.

• Supporting Kansas seniors with increased funding for the Kansas Senior Care Act.

• Prioritizing mental health services, with additional funding for the Community Mental Health Center grants.

• Fully financing the funding needs of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Governor did not allocate the additional $19 million needed for the program.

The budget now goes to the Senate for its consideration and will likely be in Conference Committee next week to reconcile the House and Senate budget bills. It will be interesting to see what the final version is. We will get a better idea when the consensus revenue numbers are released later this month.

Extending Telemedicine Practices, Business &amp; Healthcare Liability Protections

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, out-of-state physicians were authorized to help treat Kansans via telemedicine through the issuance of an emergency license to practice medicine. On Tuesday, the legislature passed House Bill 283, effectively extending that authorization to practice via telemedicine by one year, expiring on March 31, 2022.

The bill also extends immunity to liability related to COVID-19 for Kansas businesses and healthcare providers through March 31, 2022, given that they have taken reasonable steps to prevent the sprea d of COVID.

Had the Legislature not acted on this bill, these provisions would have expired on March 31.

If you would like to contact me: my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: ken.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. When you call or write you might hear from Terry Bernatis, my assistant during the session.

It is my honor to be your representative.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek(part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog(part),&nbsp;Lookout(part) and Wheatland(part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City(part) and Nicodemus(part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581437228209.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>4-5-21Hello from Topeka. First Adjournment is scheduled for Friday then we will be off for the remainder of April and back for the “veto” session beginning on May 2nd. We were on the floor last week passing both house and senate bills and this week we will have a number of conference committees; these are made up of select members of the house and senate to work out differences in bills and then both houses need to pass the bills for them to go on to the Governor for either signage or veto. Here are some of the things that happened last week”Protecting Local Control on MasksOn March 24th, the Governor announced her intent to issue another statewide mask mandate by Executive Order despite a decline in new COVID cases. The House responded quickly with passage of House Resolution 6015 on a vote of 84-39. The resolution urges the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) to revoke an Executive Order that mandates masks if the order is issued when the Legislature is adjourned. On April 1, less than a day after the Legislature adjourned for the Easter holiday, Governor Kelly issued EO 21-14, a new statewide mask mandate.Senate Bill 40, which the Governor recently signed into law, grants the Legislature the authority to revoke Executive Orders while they are in session. However, when the Legislature is adjourned, that authority is granted to the LCC. The LCC met April 1 to review the 13 new executive orders issued by the Governor. The members of LCC voted 5-2 to revoke the order calling for a statewide mask mandate.What’s this mean? Revoking the order will allow our local elected officials to continue to decide what’s best for our communities rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach across the state. Data shows the local approach has proven successful. In November, the Governor issued her last statewide mask mandate saying there was a “worrying spike” in cases. At that time, Kansas had 5,217 new cases and a 7-day average of 2,430 new cases. Recent numbers showed Kansas with only 36 new cases and a 7-day average of 216 cases.Kansans have banded together for over a year to successfully reduce the spread of COVID – and they’ve done so during a time when most counties had opted out of the Governor’s mask mandate. With cases dropping and no data to support the need for another statewide mandate, the best approach has proven to be local control.House Advances Full Funding for Schools, Support for At-Risk LearnersThis past week the House debated House Bill 2119 regarding K-12 education. The bill contains full funding for our schools in compliance with the Kansas Supreme Court’s Gannon ruling and is identical to the school funding levels contained in the Governor’s Budget Report. The bill also contains funding for the School Safety and Security Grants and expansion of the Mental Health Intervention Team Pilot Program, both which were allotted by the Governor.Additionally, HB 2119 creates more options for at-risk students and their families by creating Educational Savings Accounts and broadening the state’s existing Tax Credit Scholarship Program. These policy provisions are targeted at helping at-risk learners – no matter where they live - access added opportunities so they can bridge academic achievement gaps.HB 2119 now goes to the Senate for consideration in the budget conference process.This K-12 budget bill does little for our school districts in the 110th legislative district, but I did support it as it provided full funding that was in the Governor’s budget. The conference committee will work on an agreement as the house and senate versions are quite a bit different.I have received a few emails and calls about HB 2119 and would be glad to discuss it and explain why I voted the way I did. In the legislative process there is back and forth and much of the time the first version of a bill is no where near what the final bill is.Tax Cuts for Families, Small Businesses Heads to Governor’s DeskIn 2017, the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, which provided tax relief to American families and businesses. While this legislation brought American workers bigger paychecks, enhanced economic opportunity, and yielded historic job growth, Kansans experienced an unintended tax increase. Kansas is a “rolling conformity” state, so federal tax changes are adopted automatically, which resulted in an unintended tax increase. Senate Bill 50 provides Kansans with the tax relief that was intended by the federal Act. This week, the Legislature sent this bill to the Governor’s desk.In addition to remedying the unintended tax increase, the bill also:• Increases the standard deductions for all Kansans.• Allows individuals and small businesses the option to itemize on their state tax returns regardless of whether they itemize on their federal tax return.• Levels the playing field for Kansas brick-and-mortar businesses by requiring online retailers who are located out-of-state to remit sales tax to the state on purchases ordered for delivery to Kansas.• Protects victims of identity theft from owing Kansas income tax on unemployment compensation that was fraudulently obtained by another individual.Many states across the country have had to change their tax codes similarly in the wake of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Texas, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are among the states – like Kansas – that realized their laws needed to be changed so taxpayers would not be penalized because of federal changes in tax policy.Governor Kelly has previously used her veto power to prevent tax relief for Kansans - HB 2033 (2020) and SB 22 (2019). With Senate Bill 50, the governor has a new opportunity to bring our state in line with other states, giving taxpayers in Kansas access to the same tax benefits as taxpayers in other states.This is another bill where the house and senate versions are quite a bit different, but many parts of this bill have been discussed for three sessions.House Advances BudgetThe House advanced its budget bill, House Bill 2397, this week. The bill includes:• Reducing the size of government, with a 2 percent across-the-board cut.• Rejecting the Governor’s policy recommendation for reamortizing KPERS. The Governor’s budget would create $4.6 billion in debt in exchange for $158 million to finance her budget.• Restoring cuts to critical programs, including $42.2 million for the Evidence-Based Juvenile Programs. These programs help keep Kansas children out of incarceration and in the community receiving services from programs with proven results. The Governor’s recommendation was to make cuts to these programs.• Restoring funding for a provider reimbursement rate increase for those who care for some of our most vulnerable citizens, those on the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Intellectual/Developmental Disability (HCBS I/DD) waiver. The Governor cut this item.• Increasing funding support to nursing home facilities, continuing the rate increase that was put in place due to the COVID pandemic.• Helping keep Kansas courts open and funded by replacing lost fee fund revenue, which was not received during closures resulting from the COVID pandemic.• Providing additional funds for the Board of Regents, including funding for deferred maintenance, refunding classes previously offered as in-person, and continuing support for technical education.• Supporting Kansas seniors with increased funding for the Kansas Senior Care Act.• Prioritizing mental health services, with additional funding for the Community Mental Health Center grants.• Fully financing the funding needs of the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Governor did not allocate the additional $19 million needed for the program.The budget now goes to the Senate for its consideration and will likely be in Conference Committee next week to reconcile the House and Senate budget bills. It will be interesting to see what the final version is. We will get a better idea when the consensus revenue numbers are released later this month.Extending Telemedicine Practices, Business &amp; Healthcare Liability ProtectionsAt the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, out-of-state physicians were authorized to help treat Kansans via telemedicine through the issuance of an emergency license to practice medicine. On Tuesday, the legislature passed House Bill 283, effectively extending that authorization to practice via telemedicine by one year, expiring on March 31, 2022.The bill also extends immunity to liability related to COVID-19 for Kansas businesses and healthcare providers through March 31, 2022, given that they have taken reasonable steps to prevent the sprea d of COVID.Had the Legislature not acted on this bill, these provisions would have expired on March 31.If you would like to contact me: my office is still located in Room: 149-S. My phone number is (785) 296- 7463 and email is: ken.rahje@house.ks.gov and you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416. When you call or write you might hear from Terry Bernatis, my assistant during the session.It is my honor to be your representative.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek(part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog(part),&nbsp;Lookout(part) and Wheatland(part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City(part) and Nicodemus(part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

RAHJES REPORT: April 5 

Our friends from other states tease us “flatlanders” about riding our tandem bike in Kansas.&nbsp; Obviously, they have never traveled to the northwest part of Barton county and other parts of the state. I also like to point out that we may not have as many hills but we have lots of wind!&nbsp; So far, this spring has been full of windy days so we plan our rides to head in to the wind first and then enjoy a tailwind on the way home. &nbsp;

As part of the Be Well Barton County task force we are happy to report that bike sharrows have been freshly applied on parts of Patton Road and Broadway, with more planned. Some bright signage with bicycles on them, are well placed to remind drivers of the importance of sharing the road. A special thanks to Jason Cauley, and the city street department in Great Bend, for these improvements. When I am in Hays, where our other District Extension Office is located, I see sharrows and designated bike lanes throughout the town. Now we just need motorists and bicyclists to pay attention to the rules of the road to prevent accidents.

This is a great time to encourage safe bicycling so keep reading for some important reminders. &nbsp;

Many parents ask at what age a child is old enough to ride in the street rather than a neighborhood sidewalk.&nbsp; There isn’t a one-size-fits-all age.&nbsp; A child’s maturity level is the main factor.&nbsp; Other factors are:&nbsp; the size of the community, traffic patterns and congestion, and whether it is a residential area or a business district.&nbsp; A smaller community can seem peaceful and safe, but may have periods when safety is compromised – for example, after a ball game, during a community festival, or at harvest time.

Our Great Bend Pilot club is teaming up with my husband, John, and me to produce a short bicycle safety video that will be shared with area schools before the school year ends. Pilot club has provided many helmets for youngsters in our community since they have a special interest in preventing head injuries among young riders.

	Now go out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather with a family bike ride!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620) 793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593016082485.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Our friends from other states tease us “flatlanders” about riding our tandem bike in Kansas.&nbsp; Obviously, they have never traveled to the northwest part of Barton county and other parts of the state. I also like to point out that we may not have as many hills but we have lots of wind!&nbsp; So far, this spring has been full of windy days so we plan our rides to head in to the wind first and then enjoy a tailwind on the way home. &nbsp;As part of the Be Well Barton County task force we are happy to report that bike sharrows have been freshly applied on parts of Patton Road and Broadway, with more planned. Some bright signage with bicycles on them, are well placed to remind drivers of the importance of sharing the road. A special thanks to Jason Cauley, and the city street department in Great Bend, for these improvements. When I am in Hays, where our other District Extension Office is located, I see sharrows and designated bike lanes throughout the town. Now we just need motorists and bicyclists to pay attention to the rules of the road to prevent accidents.This is a great time to encourage safe bicycling so keep reading for some important reminders. &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Consider a helmet a necessity, rather than an extra. Without a helmet, riders who sustain an injury are 14 times more likely to become a fatality.&nbsp; Choose one that meets or exceeds safety standards established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.&nbsp; Make sure the helmet fits, rather than one a child will grow into.&nbsp; Replace the helmet if an accident occurs or if the helmet is badly jarred or cracked.</li><li>Ride with the traffic, rather than facing the traffic.&nbsp; Consider adding a rear-view mirror to your bicycle gear.&nbsp; I have one that attaches to my helmet so I can constantly monitor the traffic behind us.</li><li>Obey traffic signals just like motor vehicles.&nbsp; Use hand signals to let others know your intentions.</li><li>Stay alert and keep your mind on your riding.&nbsp; This should be the same advice for many people in cars.&nbsp; Too many times we have been in close calls with drivers who are on cell phones or just inattentive to the traffic around them.</li>
 </ul>Many parents ask at what age a child is old enough to ride in the street rather than a neighborhood sidewalk.&nbsp; There isn’t a one-size-fits-all age.&nbsp; A child’s maturity level is the main factor.&nbsp; Other factors are:&nbsp; the size of the community, traffic patterns and congestion, and whether it is a residential area or a business district.&nbsp; A smaller community can seem peaceful and safe, but may have periods when safety is compromised – for example, after a ball game, during a community festival, or at harvest time.Our Great Bend Pilot club is teaming up with my husband, John, and me to produce a short bicycle safety video that will be shared with area schools before the school year ends. Pilot club has provided many helmets for youngsters in our community since they have a special interest in preventing head injuries among young riders.	Now go out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather with a family bike ride!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620) 793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>

KRUG: Bicycle safety revisited

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

Bullseye! That’s what we say when we hit the target right in the center. Today we’ll meet a couple of first-generation farmers who are using the name Bullseye and hitting their target of producing and marketing value-added agricultural products.&nbsp;

Laurie and Joel Bruce are the owners of Bruce’s Bullseye Farms near Augusta. Laurie grew up at Potwin. She met Joel while working in El Dorado, and they married, moving to follow his job in the pipeline industry.&nbsp;

“We came back to Kansas,” Laurie said. “This is where we wanted to put down our roots.”&nbsp;

Joel got a job with Kansas Gas Service. After being a stay-at-home mom, Laurie earned an education degree at Wichita State and became a teacher.&nbsp;

They knew they wanted to live in the country. In 2000, they bought a house and one acre in Butler County. In 2013, they bought an 80-acre tract and expanded that a few years later.&nbsp;

“We got a horse and did hay and crops on shares with a neighbor,” Laurie said. That first horse was named Bullseye. “He was a great horse,“ Laurie said. “Now we have a small cowherd.”&nbsp;

Joel and Laurie were befriended by an older lady living nearby. “She gave me some sand plum jelly,” Laurie said.&nbsp;

“I told her, ‘That’s the best jelly I’ve ever had.’ She asked me if I’d like to learn how to make it and I said, ‘Sure,’” Laurie said. “She showed me everything, from how to pick them, how to clean them, how to process them, and even where to find them growing wild.”&nbsp;

In 2016, Joel and Laurie moved to the farm outside Augusta. She continued to make sand plum jelly.&nbsp;

Soon after that, a friend of Laurie’s invited her to sell some of her jelly at a fall pumpkin patch nearby. “Oh no,” Laurie said. “I’ll just come give some away.” Her friend insisted that she would set up a table and Laurie should come try to sell her product. “I brought 50 jars of sand plum jelly and two dozen loaves of pumpkin bread, and I sold out of all of it,” Laurie said. “That’s when I realized there was demand for these types of products.” She started making other types of jams and jellies as well.&nbsp;

Laurie and Joel launched their own value-added products business. They decided to name it Bruce’s Bullseye Farms, in honor of their first horse and the fact that Joel is a hunter. In their early days of marriage, Joel’s deer hunting helped put meat on the table.&nbsp;

Today, Bruce’s Bullseye Farms offers a line of homemade jams and jellies, including the original sand plum jelly. The company also offers other products such as apple pie jam, candied&nbsp;jalapeños, apple butter, sunflower-seed cookies, and a sweet and spicy spread that Laurie calls Ozsome sauce. “I love the Wizard of Oz,” Laurie said.&nbsp;

Laurie wants to promote other entrepreneurs as well. She offers other people’s products such as local honey and BBQ sauce. She also assembles and ships gift baskets.&nbsp;

The Bruces continue to expand their business. They’ve purchased a commercial building in nearby Leon. In addition to the wild sand plums, Laurie purchased 65 sand plum bare root trees from the Kansas Forest Service and planted them orchard style.&nbsp;

“We want to sell everything we can from our own farm,” Laurie said. “We want to offer farm-to-fork food products.” Their business benefited when listed on the Shop Kansas Farms website during the pandemic. They have also joined the From the Land of Kansas program of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;

“We’ve shipped products coast to coast, from California to Florida,” Laurie said. It’s an impressive record for a woman from the rural community of Potwin, population 449 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.brucesbullseyefarms.com/">www.brucesbullseyefarms.com</a>.&nbsp;

Bullseye. That was the name of the Bruces’ first horse and it became the name of their business. We commend Laurie and Joel Bruce for making a difference with value-added entrepreneurship. I think they’re hitting the bullseye.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617197728782.png" alt="Laurie Bruce" />
 <figcaption>Laurie Bruce</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Bullseye! That’s what we say when we hit the target right in the center. Today we’ll meet a couple of first-generation farmers who are using the name Bullseye and hitting their target of producing and marketing value-added agricultural products.&nbsp;Laurie and Joel Bruce are the owners of Bruce’s Bullseye Farms near Augusta. Laurie grew up at Potwin. She met Joel while working in El Dorado, and they married, moving to follow his job in the pipeline industry.&nbsp;“We came back to Kansas,” Laurie said. “This is where we wanted to put down our roots.”&nbsp;Joel got a job with Kansas Gas Service. After being a stay-at-home mom, Laurie earned an education degree at Wichita State and became a teacher.&nbsp;They knew they wanted to live in the country. In 2000, they bought a house and one acre in Butler County. In 2013, they bought an 80-acre tract and expanded that a few years later.&nbsp;“We got a horse and did hay and crops on shares with a neighbor,” Laurie said. That first horse was named Bullseye. “He was a great horse,“ Laurie said. “Now we have a small cowherd.”&nbsp;Joel and Laurie were befriended by an older lady living nearby. “She gave me some sand plum jelly,” Laurie said.&nbsp;“I told her, ‘That’s the best jelly I’ve ever had.’ She asked me if I’d like to learn how to make it and I said, ‘Sure,’” Laurie said. “She showed me everything, from how to pick them, how to clean them, how to process them, and even where to find them growing wild.”&nbsp;In 2016, Joel and Laurie moved to the farm outside Augusta. She continued to make sand plum jelly.&nbsp;Soon after that, a friend of Laurie’s invited her to sell some of her jelly at a fall pumpkin patch nearby. “Oh no,” Laurie said. “I’ll just come give some away.” Her friend insisted that she would set up a table and Laurie should come try to sell her product. “I brought 50 jars of sand plum jelly and two dozen loaves of pumpkin bread, and I sold out of all of it,” Laurie said. “That’s when I realized there was demand for these types of products.” She started making other types of jams and jellies as well.&nbsp;Laurie and Joel launched their own value-added products business. They decided to name it Bruce’s Bullseye Farms, in honor of their first horse and the fact that Joel is a hunter. In their early days of marriage, Joel’s deer hunting helped put meat on the table.&nbsp;Today, Bruce’s Bullseye Farms offers a line of homemade jams and jellies, including the original sand plum jelly. The company also offers other products such as apple pie jam, candied&nbsp;jalapeños, apple butter, sunflower-seed cookies, and a sweet and spicy spread that Laurie calls Ozsome sauce. “I love the Wizard of Oz,” Laurie said.&nbsp;Laurie wants to promote other entrepreneurs as well. She offers other people’s products such as local honey and BBQ sauce. She also assembles and ships gift baskets.&nbsp;The Bruces continue to expand their business. They’ve purchased a commercial building in nearby Leon. In addition to the wild sand plums, Laurie purchased 65 sand plum bare root trees from the Kansas Forest Service and planted them orchard style.&nbsp;“We want to sell everything we can from our own farm,” Laurie said. “We want to offer farm-to-fork food products.” Their business benefited when listed on the Shop Kansas Farms website during the pandemic. They have also joined the From the Land of Kansas program of the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;“We’ve shipped products coast to coast, from California to Florida,” Laurie said. It’s an impressive record for a woman from the rural community of Potwin, population 449 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.brucesbullseyefarms.com/">www.brucesbullseyefarms.com</a>.&nbsp;Bullseye. That was the name of the Bruces’ first horse and it became the name of their business. We commend Laurie and Joel Bruce for making a difference with value-added entrepreneurship. I think they’re hitting the bullseye.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Laurie Bruce, Bruce’s Bullseye Farms 

I’m tired y’all. I am tired of the hatefulness, divisiveness, rudeness, mask or no mask, vaccinate or no vaccinate, the “I KNOW I’m right so you must be stupid” attitudes. I am so tired of it all.

This past year has been hard on all of us. I take pride in my ability to be resilient and have a glass half-full mentality but I’m tired. I worry about family, friends, co-workers, my 4-H and all youth, and our communities, and it is exhausting.

One of the things that I do appreciate of the past year is the frequency with which I see reminders about mental health resources. Ongoing stresses can springboard a whole new level of depression, anxiety, fear, and frustrations. Reaching out for assistance can be the hardest but most important step in finding a path to understanding and working through all the stuff that can overwhelm us. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else; if you are feeling overwhelmed, it is very real! Reach out to a school counselor or adviser; reach out to your pastor, reach out to a good friend, reach out to professional resources.&nbsp;

As a friend, you don’t need to solve someone else’s problem, just be there to listen or sit through the moment. One of my favorite memes features Winnie the Pooh and Piglet.&nbsp;

“Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Piglet.

“No,” said Pooh after a bit. “No, I don’t think I do.”

“That’s okay,” said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.

“What are you doing?” asked Pooh.

“Nothing, really,” said Piglet. “Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don’t feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days, either.”

“But goodness,” continued Piglet, “Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you’ve got someone there for you. And I’ll always be here for you, Pooh.”

And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs…..he thought that his best friend had never been more right.

We can all make a difference in someone’s life. It can be as simple as holding a door, supporting a friend as they seek professional resources, performing a random act of kindness, or just sitting with someone as they work through their Difficult Day.

One of my favorite things as a 4-H agent is when a young person asks, “Do you have a minute?” and I realize that maybe I’m not so tired after all.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I’m tired y’all. I am tired of the hatefulness, divisiveness, rudeness, mask or no mask, vaccinate or no vaccinate, the “I KNOW I’m right so you must be stupid” attitudes. I am so tired of it all.This past year has been hard on all of us. I take pride in my ability to be resilient and have a glass half-full mentality but I’m tired. I worry about family, friends, co-workers, my 4-H and all youth, and our communities, and it is exhausting.One of the things that I do appreciate of the past year is the frequency with which I see reminders about mental health resources. Ongoing stresses can springboard a whole new level of depression, anxiety, fear, and frustrations. Reaching out for assistance can be the hardest but most important step in finding a path to understanding and working through all the stuff that can overwhelm us. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else; if you are feeling overwhelmed, it is very real! Reach out to a school counselor or adviser; reach out to your pastor, reach out to a good friend, reach out to professional resources.&nbsp;As a friend, you don’t need to solve someone else’s problem, just be there to listen or sit through the moment. One of my favorite memes features Winnie the Pooh and Piglet.&nbsp;“Today was a Difficult Day," said PoohThere was a pause.“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Piglet.“No,” said Pooh after a bit. “No, I don’t think I do.”“That’s okay,” said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.“What are you doing?” asked Pooh.“Nothing, really,” said Piglet. “Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don’t feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days, either.”“But goodness,” continued Piglet, “Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you’ve got someone there for you. And I’ll always be here for you, Pooh.”And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs…..he thought that his best friend had never been more right.We can all make a difference in someone’s life. It can be as simple as holding a door, supporting a friend as they seek professional resources, performing a random act of kindness, or just sitting with someone as they work through their Difficult Day.One of my favorite things as a 4-H agent is when a young person asks, “Do you have a minute?” and I realize that maybe I’m not so tired after all.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at <a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a> or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 'I'm tired, y'all'

Proposed Program for Kansas students lacks needed oversight

Key Words:&nbsp; education savings account (ESA), tax credits, scholarships for at-risk students, program oversight, Kansas State Treasurer

In its current state, a bill before the Kansas legislature to help at-risk students might actually put at-risk students at greater risk.

More opportunities for low income students who are behind academically is something virtually all Kansas endorse.&nbsp; However, problems arise when legislation proposes to award state tax dollars to private enterprise, in this case private schooling.

At this writing, House Bill 2119 has undergone additions and revisions as in HB2067, but the proposed legislation remains designed to increase tax-credit funded scholarships for students designated high-risk by their schools.&nbsp; At the same time, the legislation would allow state tax dollars to be parceled into Education Savings Accounts of approximately $4,500 per year (the base per pupil funding) for high-poverty, under-achieving students who may draw on the funds for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Those needs can cover a range of services from transportation to a private school, to textbooks to online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even though Kansas is known for having strong private schools, when Kansas children will be impacted by any state legislation, it’s best to follow advice of the late U. S. President Ronald Reagan and “trust but verify.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among its many flaws, one significantly troubling aspect of the legislation is oversight of private schools. Kansas has approximately 130 registered accredited and 29 unaccredited private schools.&nbsp; Unaccredited private schools have been eliminated from the legislation as it currently reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Accredited private schools follow guidelines set by the Kansas State Board of Education and file brief yearly reports.&nbsp; However, the current proposed legislation assigns no additional oversight for the new ESA program from KSDE.

Instead, the state treasurer is assigned the responsibility to approve these private schools and oversee the program by to auditing one accredited private school per year, drawn randomly.&nbsp; Therefore, it would take decades to audit each school in the program, if the number of schools remains stable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moreover, the legislation does not require any review beyond the audit by the treasurer’s office nor is the treasurer’s staff trained to review student achievement, curriculum standards or teachers as part of school oversight, which is important to protect our state’s children.

Even though many private schools apply their own rigorous hiring standards, Kansas public school teachers must hold a college degree, undergo a state and federal background check and meet other requirements.&nbsp; Private schools are not required to apply any of the Kansas certification/licensure standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Further, this legislation provides no review of tax dollars qualified students may spend on additional educational services.&nbsp; “Trusting” without safeguards means taking big chances when dispersing Kansas tax dollars to pay private tuition or services for any K-12 student.&nbsp;

If passed, this legislation would set up a second, parallel oversight system for high risk students—KDSE for those students in public schools and the state treasurer’s office for students qualified and requesting to use state funds for private school tuition or educational services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The revised HB2119/HB2067 assumes a lot of “trust” and is short on “verification” that assures students and the tax paying public are protected.&nbsp;

Why would we set up, and pay for, audit-only oversight for an ESA program through the state treasurer and thus avoid transparency and accountability?&nbsp; Why would we exclude KSDE, an entity that is accountable and has governance conveyed from the voters in each community?&nbsp; We shouldn’t.&nbsp; This legislation should not become law.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Proposed Program for Kansas students lacks needed oversight</h2>Key Words:&nbsp; education savings account (ESA), tax credits, scholarships for at-risk students, program oversight, Kansas State TreasurerIn its current state, a bill before the Kansas legislature to help at-risk students might actually put at-risk students at greater risk.More opportunities for low income students who are behind academically is something virtually all Kansas endorse.&nbsp; However, problems arise when legislation proposes to award state tax dollars to private enterprise, in this case private schooling.At this writing, House Bill 2119 has undergone additions and revisions as in HB2067, but the proposed legislation remains designed to increase tax-credit funded scholarships for students designated high-risk by their schools.&nbsp; At the same time, the legislation would allow state tax dollars to be parceled into Education Savings Accounts of approximately $4,500 per year (the base per pupil funding) for high-poverty, under-achieving students who may draw on the funds for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Those needs can cover a range of services from transportation to a private school, to textbooks to online learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though Kansas is known for having strong private schools, when Kansas children will be impacted by any state legislation, it’s best to follow advice of the late U. S. President Ronald Reagan and “trust but verify.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among its many flaws, one significantly troubling aspect of the legislation is oversight of private schools. Kansas has approximately 130 registered accredited and 29 unaccredited private schools.&nbsp; Unaccredited private schools have been eliminated from the legislation as it currently reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;Accredited private schools follow guidelines set by the Kansas State Board of Education and file brief yearly reports.&nbsp; However, the current proposed legislation assigns no additional oversight for the new ESA program from KSDE.Instead, the state treasurer is assigned the responsibility to approve these private schools and oversee the program by to auditing one accredited private school per year, drawn randomly.&nbsp; Therefore, it would take decades to audit each school in the program, if the number of schools remains stable.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, the legislation does not require any review beyond the audit by the treasurer’s office nor is the treasurer’s staff trained to review student achievement, curriculum standards or teachers as part of school oversight, which is important to protect our state’s children.Even though many private schools apply their own rigorous hiring standards, Kansas public school teachers must hold a college degree, undergo a state and federal background check and meet other requirements.&nbsp; Private schools are not required to apply any of the Kansas certification/licensure standards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, this legislation provides no review of tax dollars qualified students may spend on additional educational services.&nbsp; “Trusting” without safeguards means taking big chances when dispersing Kansas tax dollars to pay private tuition or services for any K-12 student.&nbsp;If passed, this legislation would set up a second, parallel oversight system for high risk students—KDSE for those students in public schools and the state treasurer’s office for students qualified and requesting to use state funds for private school tuition or educational services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The revised HB2119/HB2067 assumes a lot of “trust” and is short on “verification” that assures students and the tax paying public are protected.&nbsp;Why would we set up, and pay for, audit-only oversight for an ESA program through the state treasurer and thus avoid transparency and accountability?&nbsp; Why would we exclude KSDE, an entity that is accountable and has governance conveyed from the voters in each community?&nbsp; We shouldn’t.&nbsp; This legislation should not become law.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Education savings accounts could place students at risk

The Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo is coming out to the Expo grounds April 7 to 9. The three-day event will have programs, vendors, and a chance to meet up and see what’s new in farming and ranching. Together, with K-State Research and Extension, we will be giving informative programs, and listen to the various specialists discuss what is new in their fields of study. We will also have a virtual option available for those that are interested in attending virtually. You can contact the office for further details!&nbsp;

On Wednesday, April 7th at 1 PM, join KSRE along with the Great Bend Coop at the Wheat Plot tour. The plot is located north of the Expo grounds at Barton County Road and 50 AVE. Romulo Lollato, K-State Research and Extension’s Wheat and Forage Specialist will be present to discuss the 2021 Wheat plot for Barton County that is on location. He will discuss his current issues and future items to be on the lookout for this year in wheat.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will also be available to answer any questions that producers have.&nbsp;

April 8th at 1 pm will be Hemp research update by Jason Griffin, Professor &amp; Director, John C. Pair Horticultural Center, Kansas State University, Dept. Horticulture &amp; Natural Resources. Jason leads the Hemp research that Kansas State University conducted in 2020 that he will report on as well as give an update on what they will be researching in 2021. He will also be available for questions after his presentation.&nbsp;

On Friday, April 9th&nbsp;at 1 pm, Anthony Zukoff will be in Expo 3 discussing&nbsp;Alfalfa&nbsp;weevil insecticide resistance and some notes on cryptic alfalfa pests. Anthony leads the extension entomology program at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Garden City.&nbsp;&nbsp;He focuses on all things insect-related with an emphasis on current and emerging pest issues facing crop production in Western Kansas.&nbsp;

Whatever your interests are when it comes to farming, there is a subject and specialist that can help you with information. Our specialists are happy to come out and share the latest information and research to help you be able to succeed at your farm. Join us during the lunch hour at the Great Bend Farm and Ranch show April 7 to 9 for all of K-State Research and Extension’s programming.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo is coming out to the Expo grounds April 7 to 9. The three-day event will have programs, vendors, and a chance to meet up and see what’s new in farming and ranching. Together, with K-State Research and Extension, we will be giving informative programs, and listen to the various specialists discuss what is new in their fields of study. We will also have a virtual option available for those that are interested in attending virtually. You can contact the office for further details!&nbsp;On Wednesday, April 7th at 1 PM, join KSRE along with the Great Bend Coop at the Wheat Plot tour. The plot is located north of the Expo grounds at Barton County Road and 50 AVE. Romulo Lollato, K-State Research and Extension’s Wheat and Forage Specialist will be present to discuss the 2021 Wheat plot for Barton County that is on location. He will discuss his current issues and future items to be on the lookout for this year in wheat.&nbsp;&nbsp;He will also be available to answer any questions that producers have.&nbsp;April 8th at 1 pm will be Hemp research update by Jason Griffin, Professor &amp; Director, John C. Pair Horticultural Center, Kansas State University, Dept. Horticulture &amp; Natural Resources. Jason leads the Hemp research that Kansas State University conducted in 2020 that he will report on as well as give an update on what they will be researching in 2021. He will also be available for questions after his presentation.&nbsp;On Friday, April 9th&nbsp;at 1 pm, Anthony Zukoff will be in Expo 3 discussing&nbsp;Alfalfa&nbsp;weevil insecticide resistance and some notes on cryptic alfalfa pests. Anthony leads the extension entomology program at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Garden City.&nbsp;&nbsp;He focuses on all things insect-related with an emphasis on current and emerging pest issues facing crop production in Western Kansas.&nbsp;Whatever your interests are when it comes to farming, there is a subject and specialist that can help you with information. Our specialists are happy to come out and share the latest information and research to help you be able to succeed at your farm. Join us during the lunch hour at the Great Bend Farm and Ranch show April 7 to 9 for all of K-State Research and Extension’s programming.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Great Bend farm and ranch show on the way

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like spring around our central Kansas farm. The cattle pastures have been burned and fresh grass is now growing in preparation for summer grazing. There’s been increased talk of where we will be planting our crops that will be harvested later in the fall. We’ve finished up servicing our planter and have made room in our shed for the seed order that we anticipate arriving in a few days. Soon, the corn will go into the ground, followed by the popcorn, soybeans and, finally, sorghum. Like clockwork, it’s an annual process that is guaranteed to take place on the farm.

After many cold and dreary days of rain and snow drizzle, the sun is also more present, which is helping the wheat fields transform into a beautiful and vibrant green. The daffodils are making their yearly appearance, and some of my fruit trees have also begun to flower. 

My apricot trees are always the first to bud and blossom every spring. More often than not, a late freeze will zap the blossoms, and I mourn the loss of the promise of fresh, sweet apricots in the summer. 

Last year I celebrated the beauty of the apricot blossoms in the early days of the pandemic. My kids had just started their remote learning, which would last the rest of the school year, and I was working fulltime from home. On my 30-second “commute” from my office in our shop down to the house, I celebrated the sight of the apricot blossoms and the hope it provided me for later in the summer. A few days later, a freeze destroyed all hope. As dramatic as it sounds, it was very 2020.

A few days ago, as I drove into our yard, I couldn’t help but notice that one of my apricot trees has, like clockwork, once again begun to bud and blossom. The beautifully arranged dots of pink flowers set against the warm browns of the tree bark are always a sight I look forward to seeing following a cold and gray winter. As I approached the tree to get a better look at the tiny, beautiful flowers, I began to hear a small humming sound. 

As I got closer, the humming turned into a collective buzz, and I soon realized that the fruit tree was occupied by thousands of busy honeybees collecting nectar and pollen. As I stood beneath a branch to witness the flying workers hurriedly move from flower to flower, the hope of a sweet summer once again entered my mind. While I briefly reminded myself of last year’s brutal disappointment, I allowed the steady buzz of the working honeybees to convince me that there is still a chance that this year’s outcome will be different and that there is still a chance that this summer will welcome something sweet.

While there are many days still ahead before I can guarantee a fruit crop, the presence of the honeybees have at least convinced me that this year’s outcome looks much more promising than last year’s. And for that I am thankful.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherIt’s beginning to look and feel a lot like spring around our central Kansas farm. The cattle pastures have been burned and fresh grass is now growing in preparation for summer grazing. There’s been increased talk of where we will be planting our crops that will be harvested later in the fall. We’ve finished up servicing our planter and have made room in our shed for the seed order that we anticipate arriving in a few days. Soon, the corn will go into the ground, followed by the popcorn, soybeans and, finally, sorghum. Like clockwork, it’s an annual process that is guaranteed to take place on the farm.After many cold and dreary days of rain and snow drizzle, the sun is also more present, which is helping the wheat fields transform into a beautiful and vibrant green. The daffodils are making their yearly appearance, and some of my fruit trees have also begun to flower. My apricot trees are always the first to bud and blossom every spring. More often than not, a late freeze will zap the blossoms, and I mourn the loss of the promise of fresh, sweet apricots in the summer. Last year I celebrated the beauty of the apricot blossoms in the early days of the pandemic. My kids had just started their remote learning, which would last the rest of the school year, and I was working fulltime from home. On my 30-second “commute” from my office in our shop down to the house, I celebrated the sight of the apricot blossoms and the hope it provided me for later in the summer. A few days later, a freeze destroyed all hope. As dramatic as it sounds, it was very 2020.A few days ago, as I drove into our yard, I couldn’t help but notice that one of my apricot trees has, like clockwork, once again begun to bud and blossom. The beautifully arranged dots of pink flowers set against the warm browns of the tree bark are always a sight I look forward to seeing following a cold and gray winter. As I approached the tree to get a better look at the tiny, beautiful flowers, I began to hear a small humming sound. As I got closer, the humming turned into a collective buzz, and I soon realized that the fruit tree was occupied by thousands of busy honeybees collecting nectar and pollen. As I stood beneath a branch to witness the flying workers hurriedly move from flower to flower, the hope of a sweet summer once again entered my mind. While I briefly reminded myself of last year’s brutal disappointment, I allowed the steady buzz of the working honeybees to convince me that there is still a chance that this year’s outcome will be different and that there is still a chance that this summer will welcome something sweet.While there are many days still ahead before I can guarantee a fruit crop, the presence of the honeybees have at least convinced me that this year’s outcome looks much more promising than last year’s. And for that I am thankful.What a difference a year can make."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Blooms of promise

We often are asked whether it is good to mow lower in the spring. The answer is yes and no. It doesn’t hurt to mow lower than normal the first mowing or two. 

As a matter of fact, it can actually speed green-up by removing old, dead grass and allowing the soil to warm up more quickly. &nbsp;But the mowing height should be raised to normal after the first or second cutting to discourage crabgrass and encourage deep rooting. Crabgrass seed must have light to germinate, and a high mowing height will help shade the soil. &nbsp;Also, root depth and mowing height are related on upright growing grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass — the higher the height of cut, the deeper the root system. A deeper root system means a more drought-resistant turf. So, how low should you go on the first cutting? On tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, you can mow as low as 1 to 1½ inches. Be careful you don't go so low that you scalp the turf. &nbsp; After that, raise the mowing height for Kentucky bluegrass to 2 to 3 inches but 3 to 3½ inches for tall fescue. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>We often are asked whether it is good to mow lower in the spring. The answer is yes and no. It doesn’t hurt to mow lower than normal the first mowing or two. As a matter of fact, it can actually speed green-up by removing old, dead grass and allowing the soil to warm up more quickly. &nbsp;But the mowing height should be raised to normal after the first or second cutting to discourage crabgrass and encourage deep rooting. Crabgrass seed must have light to germinate, and a high mowing height will help shade the soil. &nbsp;Also, root depth and mowing height are related on upright growing grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass — the higher the height of cut, the deeper the root system. A deeper root system means a more drought-resistant turf. So, how low should you go on the first cutting? On tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, you can mow as low as 1 to 1½ inches. Be careful you don't go so low that you scalp the turf. &nbsp; After that, raise the mowing height for Kentucky bluegrass to 2 to 3 inches but 3 to 3½ inches for tall fescue. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: How low should you go?

Tugboat captains blared their horns Monday as that huge container ship blocking 10 percent of the world's sea commerce was finally re-floated, six days after wedging itself into the mud along the Suez Canal. But, as so often happens, there are those on the internet who are not happy with the end of their memes. On Twitter, "PUT IT BACK" has become a trending topic in the United States. 

Heavy dirt-movers and multiple tugboats were aided by high tides, high winds, and a full moon Sunday night and Monday morning, as the EVERGIVEN finally regained buoyancy and was able to resume it's course northward through the Suez Canal. Now the ship's owners, its insurers, and its lawyers are bracing for a raft of lawsuits. There were over 300 ships waiting in line to use the canal on Sunday. Analysts say that backlog could be with us for days if not weeks. The traffic jam delayed billions of dollars in trade every day, causing some big problems for regional hot spots Syria and Lebanon, where fuel shortages have already prompted rationing and blackouts.

Kansas Crude prices during the month of March have been up and down, between a low of $48 a barrel and a high of $56.25.  But Kansas Common starts this week at $51.25, which is just 25 cents more than the price at the start of the month.

Oil-by-rail shipments across the U.S. showed another weekly increase. Operators moved 11,639 petroleum tanker cars during the week ending March 20, up 260 cars from the week before. That's down nearly 4 percent from a year ago, marking the smallest year-over-year decline since since January. 

Baker Hughes on Friday reported 417 active drilling rigs across the country, an increase six oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported a 40% drop in its weekly Rig Count in Kansas. There's one active drilling rig in the eastern half of the state, down five from the week before. In Western Kansas, there are 11 active rigs, down three.

Regulators okayed 33 new drilling permits last week across Kansas, 26 of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas. That's 188 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 26 newly-completed wells across the state, all of them in Western Kansas, including two in Barton County. That's 159 completed wells so far this year, compared to more than 300 by the end of the first quarter last year, as prices plunged and operators began shutting down production.

The Kansas Geological Society earlier this year recognized and named four new oil and gas fields in Kansas. One of them is the Kay field in Ellis County, targeting the Lansing-Kansas City formation. The Kay#1 well is operated by TDI Incorporated.

The government reported the fifth consecutive weekly increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of over 502 million barrels last week, up by nearly two million barrels. That's about six percent above the five-year seasonal average.

The government reports an increase in weekly U.S. crude-oil production of 94,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. EIA reports an average of 10.86 million barrels per day for the week ending March 19.  A year ago this week, domestic output was just shy of 13 million barrels per day.

The four-week average for U.S. crude imports remains about 13 percent less than reports from the same four weeks last year. EIA reports average imports last week were up 41,000 barrels per day over the week before at 5.9 million barrels per day. 

A huge railroad merger should make it easier to move Canadian crude to the Gulf Coast, and refined products from there into Mexico. Canadian Pacific Railway is buying Kansas City Southern. The $25 BILLION stock-and-cash deal would create the Calgary-based "Canadian Pacific Kansas City," which is touted as the first rail network connecting the US, Mexico and Canada. The integrated company would boast 20,000 miles of rail network stretching from the Alberta oil sands through central Mexico. The merged railroad would represent the smallest of the six major freight haulers in the United States. Reaction has been mixed. The Premier of Alberta Province said the deal was a win for crude oil export capacity from Western Canada following the cancellation of the Keystone pipeline expansion project. But some longtime crude-by-rail exporters don't expect it will make much difference, with most oil-by-rail in the region already shipping via the new company's biggest competitor, Canadian National Railway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARTugboat captains blared their horns Monday as that huge container ship blocking 10 percent of the world's sea commerce was finally re-floated, six days after wedging itself into the mud along the Suez Canal. But, as so often happens, there are those on the internet who are not happy with the end of their memes. On Twitter, "PUT IT BACK" has become a trending topic in the United States. Heavy dirt-movers and multiple tugboats were aided by high tides, high winds, and a full moon Sunday night and Monday morning, as the EVERGIVEN finally regained buoyancy and was able to resume it's course northward through the Suez Canal. Now the ship's owners, its insurers, and its lawyers are bracing for a raft of lawsuits. There were over 300 ships waiting in line to use the canal on Sunday. Analysts say that backlog could be with us for days if not weeks. The traffic jam delayed billions of dollars in trade every day, causing some big problems for regional hot spots Syria and Lebanon, where fuel shortages have already prompted rationing and blackouts.Kansas Crude prices during the month of March have been up and down, between a low of $48 a barrel and a high of $56.25. But Kansas Common starts this week at $51.25, which is just 25 cents more than the price at the start of the month.Oil-by-rail shipments across the U.S. showed another weekly increase. Operators moved 11,639 petroleum tanker cars during the week ending March 20, up 260 cars from the week before. That's down nearly 4 percent from a year ago, marking the smallest year-over-year decline since since January. Baker Hughes on Friday reported 417 active drilling rigs across the country, an increase six oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three for the week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported a 40% drop in its weekly Rig Count in Kansas. There's one active drilling rig in the eastern half of the state, down five from the week before. In Western Kansas, there are 11 active rigs, down three.Regulators okayed 33 new drilling permits last week across Kansas, 26 of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas. That's 188 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 26 newly-completed wells across the state, all of them in Western Kansas, including two in Barton County. That's 159 completed wells so far this year, compared to more than 300 by the end of the first quarter last year, as prices plunged and operators began shutting down production.The Kansas Geological Society earlier this year recognized and named four new oil and gas fields in Kansas. One of them is the Kay field in Ellis County, targeting the Lansing-Kansas City formation. The Kay#1 well is operated by TDI Incorporated.The government reported the fifth consecutive weekly increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles of over 502 million barrels last week, up by nearly two million barrels. That's about six percent above the five-year seasonal average.The government reports an increase in weekly U.S. crude-oil production of 94,000 barrels per day compared to the week before. EIA reports an average of 10.86 million barrels per day for the week ending March 19. A year ago this week, domestic output was just shy of 13 million barrels per day.The four-week average for U.S. crude imports remains about 13 percent less than reports from the same four weeks last year. EIA reports average imports last week were up 41,000 barrels per day over the week before at 5.9 million barrels per day. A huge railroad merger should make it easier to move Canadian crude to the Gulf Coast, and refined products from there into Mexico. Canadian Pacific Railway is buying Kansas City Southern. The $25 BILLION stock-and-cash deal would create the Calgary-based "Canadian Pacific Kansas City," which is touted as the first rail network connecting the US, Mexico and Canada. The integrated company would boast 20,000 miles of rail network stretching from the Alberta oil sands through central Mexico. The merged railroad would represent the smallest of the six major freight haulers in the United States. Reaction has been mixed. The Premier of Alberta Province said the deal was a win for crude oil export capacity from Western Canada following the cancellation of the Keystone pipeline expansion project. But some longtime crude-by-rail exporters don't expect it will make much difference, with most oil-by-rail in the region already shipping via the new company's biggest competitor, Canadian National Railway.

News From the Oil Patch: Ship freed; internet demands 'PUT IT BACK'

Would you like to hear a yarn? Today, we’ll meet a Kansas family that has established a farm of specialty animals producing fiber that can be woven into yarn and other products.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Collen and Mike McGee are the owners of Rowantree Farm near Abilene. Collen grew up in Washington state, served in the military, and joined the civil service after military retirement. Then she met and married Mike, who also served in the Army.&nbsp;

“In 2014, Fort Riley called,” Collen said. She had the opportunity to join the public affairs office, and Mike had the opportunity to be a counselor at Fort Riley, so they drove to Kansas. “Our first stop was at Milford Lake,” Collen recalled. “We said, ‘Yes, we could live here.’”&nbsp;

Collen and Mike decided they wanted a more rural lifestyle, so they found a place to live outside of Abilene. It had a building and livestock pens where they began their farm. The McGees named their farm Rowantree Farm, which is a play on Collen’s maiden name of Roundtree.&nbsp;

“We wanted animals that fit our size and age,” Collen said. In other words, they wanted animals that had value but were smaller and more manageable than big cows, for example. Specifically, they are raising Pygora and Cashmere goats and Babydoll Southdown sheep that produce high quality fiber. They also raise chickens and eggs.&nbsp;

Pygoras are sometimes called “the versatile goat with the luxurious coat.” Pygora goats are a cross between pygmy goats and angora goats. They are specifically bred to produce fine cashmere fiber for hand spinning.&nbsp;

Southdown sheep originated in the South “Downs” of Sussex County, England, and came to the United States in 1803. Through the years, they were bred for larger size and meat production. Babydoll Southdowns are the small-framed, diminutive version of the breed that resemble the original sheep from old England. These sheep will be 18 to 24 inches tall when full grown. Babydoll wool blends especially well with Pygora and cashmere fibers.&nbsp;

“My mom had owned a yarn shop in Washington state after my dad retired,” Collen said. Producing fiber allowed Collen to reconnect with these roots.&nbsp;

“There is a resurgence in fiber arts,” Collen said. “Gen Xers and Millennials want to be makers of real things.” Collen and Mike shear their sheep and goats to harvest the fiber for processing and use. “My husband started playing with it and found he liked it too,” Collen said. “He’s now the dye guy.”&nbsp;

The McGees sell yarn, eggs, fiber for spinning, drop spindles and&nbsp;needle felting kits. In non-pandemic times, they host school tours and daycare groups at the farm. They are also working on opening their own fiber mill and on-farm store. “There’s room in the industry for another mill, because there are six- to nine-month delays in getting fiber processed,” Collen said. Rowantree Farm is a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://fromthelandofkansas.com/">From the Land of Kansas</a>&nbsp;program sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;

In January 2021, Collen helped start a Kansas Fiber Producers Association that meets as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook group</a>. This umbrella group is composed of producers who harvest fiber from a variety of animals such as sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and rabbits.&nbsp;

In early May, the group is planning its first-ever Homestead Hop for people to visit various farms and see local, small producers. For more information, watch for upcoming posts about the Homestead Hop on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook Group’s page</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therowantreefarm/">Rowantree Farm page on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;

Rowantree Farm is located out in the country, situated between the rural communities of Abilene, population 6,844 people; Buckeye, population 413; and Detroit, population 178 people. Now, that’s rural. For more information, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rowantreefarm.business.site/">Rowantree Farm website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The story of the McGees is not just any yarn. It is the true story of a couple who started their own farm to grow fiber which could become spun into actual yarn. Now they are adding value by reaching out to other fiber producers and starting a mini-mill of their own. We commend Collen and Mike McGee of Rowantree Farm for making a difference with their fiber farm and fiber arts. I’m glad that they can weave these ideas together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616591087695.png" alt="Collen and Mike McGee" />
 <figcaption>Collen and Mike McGee</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Would you like to hear a yarn? Today, we’ll meet a Kansas family that has established a farm of specialty animals producing fiber that can be woven into yarn and other products.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Collen and Mike McGee are the owners of Rowantree Farm near Abilene. Collen grew up in Washington state, served in the military, and joined the civil service after military retirement. Then she met and married Mike, who also served in the Army.&nbsp;“In 2014, Fort Riley called,” Collen said. She had the opportunity to join the public affairs office, and Mike had the opportunity to be a counselor at Fort Riley, so they drove to Kansas. “Our first stop was at Milford Lake,” Collen recalled. “We said, ‘Yes, we could live here.’”&nbsp;Collen and Mike decided they wanted a more rural lifestyle, so they found a place to live outside of Abilene. It had a building and livestock pens where they began their farm. The McGees named their farm Rowantree Farm, which is a play on Collen’s maiden name of Roundtree.&nbsp;“We wanted animals that fit our size and age,” Collen said. In other words, they wanted animals that had value but were smaller and more manageable than big cows, for example. Specifically, they are raising Pygora and Cashmere goats and Babydoll Southdown sheep that produce high quality fiber. They also raise chickens and eggs.&nbsp;Pygoras are sometimes called “the versatile goat with the luxurious coat.” Pygora goats are a cross between pygmy goats and angora goats. They are specifically bred to produce fine cashmere fiber for hand spinning.&nbsp;Southdown sheep originated in the South “Downs” of Sussex County, England, and came to the United States in 1803. Through the years, they were bred for larger size and meat production. Babydoll Southdowns are the small-framed, diminutive version of the breed that resemble the original sheep from old England. These sheep will be 18 to 24 inches tall when full grown. Babydoll wool blends especially well with Pygora and cashmere fibers.&nbsp;“My mom had owned a yarn shop in Washington state after my dad retired,” Collen said. Producing fiber allowed Collen to reconnect with these roots.&nbsp;“There is a resurgence in fiber arts,” Collen said. “Gen Xers and Millennials want to be makers of real things.” Collen and Mike shear their sheep and goats to harvest the fiber for processing and use. “My husband started playing with it and found he liked it too,” Collen said. “He’s now the dye guy.”&nbsp;The McGees sell yarn, eggs, fiber for spinning, drop spindles and&nbsp;needle felting kits. In non-pandemic times, they host school tours and daycare groups at the farm. They are also working on opening their own fiber mill and on-farm store. “There’s room in the industry for another mill, because there are six- to nine-month delays in getting fiber processed,” Collen said. Rowantree Farm is a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://fromthelandofkansas.com/">From the Land of Kansas</a>&nbsp;program sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;In January 2021, Collen helped start a Kansas Fiber Producers Association that meets as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook group</a>. This umbrella group is composed of producers who harvest fiber from a variety of animals such as sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and rabbits.&nbsp;In early May, the group is planning its first-ever Homestead Hop for people to visit various farms and see local, small producers. For more information, watch for upcoming posts about the Homestead Hop on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/232962661716906">Facebook Group’s page</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/therowantreefarm/">Rowantree Farm page on Facebook</a>.&nbsp;Rowantree Farm is located out in the country, situated between the rural communities of Abilene, population 6,844 people; Buckeye, population 413; and Detroit, population 178 people. Now, that’s rural. For more information, go to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rowantreefarm.business.site/">Rowantree Farm website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The story of the McGees is not just any yarn. It is the true story of a couple who started their own farm to grow fiber which could become spun into actual yarn. Now they are adding value by reaching out to other fiber producers and starting a mini-mill of their own. We commend Collen and Mike McGee of Rowantree Farm for making a difference with their fiber farm and fiber arts. I’m glad that they can weave these ideas together.

Now That’s Rural: Collen and Mike McGee, Rowantree Farm 

House Budget Passes Appropriations Committee

Late last week, the House Appropriations Committee finalized our budget bill and passed it for debate on the House floor.&nbsp; Substitute for House Bill 2397 includes adjusted funding for the current fiscal year of 2021 and the complete funding for fiscal year 2022.

The adjusted fiscal year 2021 budget totals $19.9 billion, including $8 billion from the State General Fund.&nbsp; Some of the areas that we addressed beyond the Governor’s recommended budget are providing an increase for the daily reimbursement rate for nursing care facilities and increasing the provider reimbursement rates for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Intellectual/Developmental Disability waiver.&nbsp;

We also included $7.4 million for the Judicial Branch due to the loss of docket fees this past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The adjustments that we made in the fiscal year 2022 budget were deleting the reamoritization of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, which was an amount that we needed to add back in since the Governor proposed this measure, however, it did not pass the Legislature.&nbsp;

We also included $10 million to the Board of Regents who will then distribute those funds to the public universities in Kansas for reimbursements for tuition to students if they were enrolled in an in-person class that went virtual.&nbsp;&nbsp; We also provided $3 million for the Senior Care Act services, which was allotted by the Governor in 2021.&nbsp;

We have not debated the bill yet on the House Floor, although, I contend that we will have that debate next week.

The House Federal and State Affairs committee on Wednesday, passed out of their committee the House version allowing for the legalization of sports wagering in the state of Kansas.&nbsp; This bill would allow for sports wagering to be administered through the Kansas Lottery, where the Senate version has it at the state-owned casinos.&nbsp; There was much discussion on the reduction of the current tax rate for the slot machines that are allowed at the racing facilities in the state of Kansas, however, in this bill the current tax rate remains at 38%.&nbsp;

The one addition that would affect the racing facilities would be the facility in the Wichita area.&nbsp; An amendment was passed to allow Sedgwick county to have a revote on allowing for slot machines at parimutuel facility. In the House bill, there is also the inclusion on ILottery.&nbsp; This bill now awaits debate on the House Floor.

The House has spent much of our time this week passing bills out of our committees since the last day to meet for committees is Friday, March 26.&nbsp; We also debated numerous bills on the House Floor and will continue to debate bills in the House Chamber everyday next week.&nbsp; Here are some of the bills that we debated this week:

House Bill 2406 would allow for cities and counties the option of expanding or restricting retail sales of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages.&nbsp; This bill also changes the restricted hours for Sunday liquor sales to 9 am to 8 pm.&nbsp; The bill also eliminates the restriction of sales on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.&nbsp; The bill passed the House, 80-42.

House Substitute for Senate Bill 63 enacts the “Back to School Act” which requires school districts to provide a full-time, in-person attendance option for all students beginning March 31, 2021.&nbsp; This bill passed, 77-46.

The next bill was Senate Bill 24, which would create the Kansas Energy Choice Act.&nbsp; This act would prohibit a municipality from taking any action that would limit a customer’s uses of a service from a public utility based upon the source of energy to be delivered to the customer.&nbsp; This bill passed the House, 93-29.

For these three bills, I voted, “yes” on all three.

Anytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov" target="_blank">troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577788173848.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>March 26, 2021House Budget Passes Appropriations CommitteeLate last week, the House Appropriations Committee finalized our budget bill and passed it for debate on the House floor.&nbsp; Substitute for House Bill 2397 includes adjusted funding for the current fiscal year of 2021 and the complete funding for fiscal year 2022.The adjusted fiscal year 2021 budget totals $19.9 billion, including $8 billion from the State General Fund.&nbsp; Some of the areas that we addressed beyond the Governor’s recommended budget are providing an increase for the daily reimbursement rate for nursing care facilities and increasing the provider reimbursement rates for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Intellectual/Developmental Disability waiver.&nbsp;We also included $7.4 million for the Judicial Branch due to the loss of docket fees this past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.The adjustments that we made in the fiscal year 2022 budget were deleting the reamoritization of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, which was an amount that we needed to add back in since the Governor proposed this measure, however, it did not pass the Legislature.&nbsp;We also included $10 million to the Board of Regents who will then distribute those funds to the public universities in Kansas for reimbursements for tuition to students if they were enrolled in an in-person class that went virtual.&nbsp;&nbsp; We also provided $3 million for the Senior Care Act services, which was allotted by the Governor in 2021.&nbsp;We have not debated the bill yet on the House Floor, although, I contend that we will have that debate next week.Sports Wagering and Gaming BillThe House Federal and State Affairs committee on Wednesday, passed out of their committee the House version allowing for the legalization of sports wagering in the state of Kansas.&nbsp; This bill would allow for sports wagering to be administered through the Kansas Lottery, where the Senate version has it at the state-owned casinos.&nbsp; There was much discussion on the reduction of the current tax rate for the slot machines that are allowed at the racing facilities in the state of Kansas, however, in this bill the current tax rate remains at 38%.&nbsp;The one addition that would affect the racing facilities would be the facility in the Wichita area.&nbsp; An amendment was passed to allow Sedgwick county to have a revote on allowing for slot machines at parimutuel facility. In the House bill, there is also the inclusion on ILottery.&nbsp; This bill now awaits debate on the House Floor.<a>Bills Passed the House</a>The House has spent much of our time this week passing bills out of our committees since the last day to meet for committees is Friday, March 26.&nbsp; We also debated numerous bills on the House Floor and will continue to debate bills in the House Chamber everyday next week.&nbsp; Here are some of the bills that we debated this week:House Bill 2406 would allow for cities and counties the option of expanding or restricting retail sales of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages.&nbsp; This bill also changes the restricted hours for Sunday liquor sales to 9 am to 8 pm.&nbsp; The bill also eliminates the restriction of sales on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.&nbsp; The bill passed the House, 80-42.House Substitute for Senate Bill 63 enacts the “Back to School Act” which requires school districts to provide a full-time, in-person attendance option for all students beginning March 31, 2021.&nbsp; This bill passed, 77-46.The next bill was Senate Bill 24, which would create the Kansas Energy Choice Act.&nbsp; This act would prohibit a municipality from taking any action that would limit a customer’s uses of a service from a public utility based upon the source of energy to be delivered to the customer.&nbsp; This bill passed the House, 93-29.For these three bills, I voted, “yes” on all three.Contact InformationAnytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov" target="_blank">troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp; Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions.&nbsp; I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Troy L. Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/s/pdf/district_maps/district_map_h_109.pdf">109th Kansas House District</a>&nbsp;state representative and chairman of the Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;The 109th District includes&nbsp;Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties, and portions of Barton, Jewell, Lincoln and Rush counties.&nbsp;

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