By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

In recent days, I’ve been catching up on chores I decided to put on hold during our recent weather, which caused temperatures to plummet, the sky to appear gray and gloomy, and left many in the middle of the country to adjust energy consumption in the hopes of keeping the power on. 

Many of my chores that I’ve been tackling have been household related. I’ve spent a lot of time moving laundry from the washer to the dryer. It always amazes me how much dirty laundry a family of four can create. It also amazes me how quickly it can all pile up when you pause. As I’ve been chipping away at these piles, more and more of my laundry room floor, once covered by multiple hampers and piles of sorted dirty clothes, is beginning to reappear. This simple sign of progress truly makes me happy.

During the recent cold days, which kept our kids home from school because of extreme temperatures, I routinely bundled up in my layers and walked around our yard checking on things. I made sure to check on my beehives to ensure the insulation I had remained intact during the cold. I didn’t know if I had done enough to protect them and was concerned I would find my hives full of frozen, dead bees once everything began to thaw out. As the temperatures have risen and the warm sun has returned, I have noticed the bees are venturing out and flying in the warmth of the afternoons now. It’s a sight many may take for granted — let alone notice — but for me it is a simple sign promising sweet treats later this summer.

While driving throughout our area, I have also noticed that the wheat fields we planted in the fall are showing hints of green. While I’ve learned over the years wheat is tough and can survive the cold —  especially if there’s a layer of snow to insulate it — I worried that it might have been too cold for too long this year. Needless to say, the hints of green that I am viewing through the windshield as I drive past are a welcome color to see. The plants still have many months to go, but this simple sign provides me with some assurance we will have a crop to harvest this summer.

The farm ponds in our area that recently froze over are slowly melting as well. The thick ice that covered the ponds and remained for an impressive number of days is now slowly dripping away, allowing the geese to return to swimming in the water instead of huddling on the ice. 

The one pond in our neighborhood, which became a community meeting place for hockey and skating enthusiasts, has almost completely melted showing only a few thin floating sheets of ice serving as receipts for the recent brutal cold. The homemade hockey rink that offered many freezing days and nights full of men and boys burning off energy during some serious games while others huddled near a fire to watch the events unfold has now been deconstructed and put away.

The view of the pond now is that of hundreds, if not thousands, of geese floating on the water and enjoying the warmth of the sunlight. The image of the congregation of people on the ice during the recent freezing, dark days I have etched in my mind along with the views of these birds returning to the water in the sunlight is a simple sign of community gatherings throughout a variety of degrees.

It’s strange to think that simple signs are all around us daily. May we all occasionally notice these signs and allow them to energize and power us as we move forward and return to our normal routines following the brutal cold.

"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="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher In recent days, I’ve been catching up on chores I decided to put on hold during our recent weather, which caused temperatures to plummet, the sky to appear gray and gloomy, and left many in the middle of the country to adjust energy consumption in the hopes of keeping the power on. Many of my chores that I’ve been tackling have been household related. I’ve spent a lot of time moving laundry from the washer to the dryer. It always amazes me how much dirty laundry a family of four can create. It also amazes me how quickly it can all pile up when you pause. As I’ve been chipping away at these piles, more and more of my laundry room floor, once covered by multiple hampers and piles of sorted dirty clothes, is beginning to reappear. This simple sign of progress truly makes me happy.During the recent cold days, which kept our kids home from school because of extreme temperatures, I routinely bundled up in my layers and walked around our yard checking on things. I made sure to check on my beehives to ensure the insulation I had remained intact during the cold. I didn’t know if I had done enough to protect them and was concerned I would find my hives full of frozen, dead bees once everything began to thaw out. As the temperatures have risen and the warm sun has returned, I have noticed the bees are venturing out and flying in the warmth of the afternoons now. It’s a sight many may take for granted — let alone notice — but for me it is a simple sign promising sweet treats later this summer.While driving throughout our area, I have also noticed that the wheat fields we planted in the fall are showing hints of green. While I’ve learned over the years wheat is tough and can survive the cold — especially if there’s a layer of snow to insulate it — I worried that it might have been too cold for too long this year. Needless to say, the hints of green that I am viewing through the windshield as I drive past are a welcome color to see. The plants still have many months to go, but this simple sign provides me with some assurance we will have a crop to harvest this summer.The farm ponds in our area that recently froze over are slowly melting as well. The thick ice that covered the ponds and remained for an impressive number of days is now slowly dripping away, allowing the geese to return to swimming in the water instead of huddling on the ice. The one pond in our neighborhood, which became a community meeting place for hockey and skating enthusiasts, has almost completely melted showing only a few thin floating sheets of ice serving as receipts for the recent brutal cold. The homemade hockey rink that offered many freezing days and nights full of men and boys burning off energy during some serious games while others huddled near a fire to watch the events unfold has now been deconstructed and put away.The view of the pond now is that of hundreds, if not thousands, of geese floating on the water and enjoying the warmth of the sunlight. The image of the congregation of people on the ice during the recent freezing, dark days I have etched in my mind along with the views of these birds returning to the water in the sunlight is a simple sign of community gatherings throughout a variety of degrees.It’s strange to think that simple signs are all around us daily. May we all occasionally notice these signs and allow them to energize and power us as we move forward and return to our normal routines following the brutal cold."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: Simple signs

Unlike hunting seasons, fishing never really ends here in Kansas. Yes, different times of the year bring with them differing success rates for different species, but there is good fishing to be had year around here in the sunflower state if you know where to go. The Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism puts together and maintains fishing reports and fishing forecasts to help you with that.&nbsp; I spoke with the KDWPT Fisheries Biologist in my area, Bryan Sowards and got a crash course in reading and interpreting their fishing reports and forecasts and learned more about how they put them together.

Kansas fishing reports and forecasts are found on the website, <a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com">www.ksoutdoors.com</a> Fishing reports are simply information gathered by biologists from fisherman, marinas etc. at each lake and reservoir about how best to catch each species of fish in that impoundment. FISHING REPORTS are updated weekly from March through October as information is received. Fish sampling occurs on all Federal Reservoirs and State Lakes, and on some community owned lakes and ponds, and annual FISHING FORECASTS are generated from that data. &nbsp;

There are three ways fish in lakes and reservoirs are sampled to obtain information for annual fishing forecasts. In late October large hoop nets are set along shorelines to sample populations of crappies and bluegills. The nets are left for one night and the number of fish trapped are counted and measured for the forecast report. To sample walleye, saugeye, wipers, stripers, white bass and catfish populations, gill nets are placed along shorelines for one night also in late October, and captured fish are counted and measured for the report. To sample largemouth bass, small mouth bass and spotted bass, a method known as electrofishing is used in the spring. Done from a boat, this technique electrifies water around the boat, temporarily stunning fish and allowing biologists to capture, weigh and measure them for the forecast report.&nbsp;

To access fishing REPORTS, go to the website, click on fishing, then on reports. From the list of regions, choose the region that contains the lake or reservoir you want to check, then click on the appropriate lake. To view fishing FORECASTS, click on forecasts, then from the list of fish species shown, click on the species you want to know about, then you will be given a choice of all lakes, ponds and reservoirs sampled for that species.&nbsp;

Down the left side of the forecast report is displayed a list of all lakes or reservoirs sampled for the species you chose. The first category will be “Density Rating” and is the number or fish over 8 inches found in each net or trap. The next two categories are “Preferred Rating “ and “Lunker Rating,” and display the number of fish&nbsp; over 10 inches and over 12 inches respectively found in each trap or net. The next category called “Biggest Fish” is simply the weight of the largest fish caught in the sample. The next category called “Biologists Rating” rates the impoundment as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor according to information available to the biologist, and it may not reflect all the other categories if information is known about the fish populations there that weren’t necessarily reflected in the samples captured. The last category is “3 Year Average,” and is the average number of fish over 8 inches captured over the last 3 years of sampling. The lakes are listed by the density rating; the more fish over 8 inches captured in sampling, the higher that lake is ranked.&nbsp;

Fishing reports and forecasts are obviously not infallible, but are both good tools to help fishermen decide where and how they might want to spend their time and efforts. Devout Kansas fishermen are already gearing up to catch hungry catfish when the ice thaws, and the opportunities will only grow from there, so grab a kid, a spouse or a friend and take someone fishing this year as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Unlike hunting seasons, fishing never really ends here in Kansas. Yes, different times of the year bring with them differing success rates for different species, but there is good fishing to be had year around here in the sunflower state if you know where to go. The Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism puts together and maintains fishing reports and fishing forecasts to help you with that.&nbsp; I spoke with the KDWPT Fisheries Biologist in my area, Bryan Sowards and got a crash course in reading and interpreting their fishing reports and forecasts and learned more about how they put them together.Kansas fishing reports and forecasts are found on the website, <a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com">www.ksoutdoors.com</a> Fishing reports are simply information gathered by biologists from fisherman, marinas etc. at each lake and reservoir about how best to catch each species of fish in that impoundment. FISHING REPORTS are updated weekly from March through October as information is received. Fish sampling occurs on all Federal Reservoirs and State Lakes, and on some community owned lakes and ponds, and annual FISHING FORECASTS are generated from that data. &nbsp;There are three ways fish in lakes and reservoirs are sampled to obtain information for annual fishing forecasts. In late October large hoop nets are set along shorelines to sample populations of crappies and bluegills. The nets are left for one night and the number of fish trapped are counted and measured for the forecast report. To sample walleye, saugeye, wipers, stripers, white bass and catfish populations, gill nets are placed along shorelines for one night also in late October, and captured fish are counted and measured for the report. To sample largemouth bass, small mouth bass and spotted bass, a method known as electrofishing is used in the spring. Done from a boat, this technique electrifies water around the boat, temporarily stunning fish and allowing biologists to capture, weigh and measure them for the forecast report.&nbsp;To access fishing REPORTS, go to the website, click on fishing, then on reports. From the list of regions, choose the region that contains the lake or reservoir you want to check, then click on the appropriate lake. To view fishing FORECASTS, click on forecasts, then from the list of fish species shown, click on the species you want to know about, then you will be given a choice of all lakes, ponds and reservoirs sampled for that species.&nbsp;Down the left side of the forecast report is displayed a list of all lakes or reservoirs sampled for the species you chose. The first category will be “Density Rating” and is the number or fish over 8 inches found in each net or trap. The next two categories are “Preferred Rating “ and “Lunker Rating,” and display the number of fish&nbsp; over 10 inches and over 12 inches respectively found in each trap or net. The next category called “Biggest Fish” is simply the weight of the largest fish caught in the sample. The next category called “Biologists Rating” rates the impoundment as Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor according to information available to the biologist, and it may not reflect all the other categories if information is known about the fish populations there that weren’t necessarily reflected in the samples captured. The last category is “3 Year Average,” and is the average number of fish over 8 inches captured over the last 3 years of sampling. The lakes are listed by the density rating; the more fish over 8 inches captured in sampling, the higher that lake is ranked.&nbsp;Fishing reports and forecasts are obviously not infallible, but are both good tools to help fishermen decide where and how they might want to spend their time and efforts. Devout Kansas fishermen are already gearing up to catch hungry catfish when the ice thaws, and the opportunities will only grow from there, so grab a kid, a spouse or a friend and take someone fishing this year as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Interpreting Kan. fishing reports, forecasts

This summer, thousands of Kansas teenagers will begin their first job working for a farmer or rancher.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those that are ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed.&nbsp;A 13-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before the next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday.&nbsp;

To help prepare some of those youth for the upcoming work season. The Extension districts: Midway, Cottonwood, Post Rock, Central Kansas, and River Valley will be hosting an in-person tractor safety class March 27th&nbsp;starting at 8:15 am at KanEquip, 704 E Kunkle Drive, Ellsworth.&nbsp;

This course will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations state that youth 14 and 15 years of age, who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The course will be held on Saturday, March 27, starting at 8:15 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cost of the program is 20 dollars to cover cost of materials for the course.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those wanting to enroll should visit and complete the <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_02oeNbK0P0hoWcC">“Tractor Safety Registration Form.”</a> Enrollment is due by Wednesday, March 24.

Another tractor safety course will be held virtually April 10 for those wishing to attend that way.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Prospective students can check availability and ask questions prior to registering by calling&nbsp;&nbsp;or emailing Craig Dinkel&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cadinkel@ksu.edu">cadinkel@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;Clinton Laflin&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cllaflin@ksu.edu">cllaflin@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;Justine Henderson<a href="mailto:jwh04@ksu.edu">jwh04@ksu.edu</a>, or Sandra Wick&nbsp;<a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu">swick@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&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>This summer, thousands of Kansas teenagers will begin their first job working for a farmer or rancher.&nbsp;&nbsp;For those that are ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed.&nbsp;A 13-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before the next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday.&nbsp;To help prepare some of those youth for the upcoming work season. The Extension districts: Midway, Cottonwood, Post Rock, Central Kansas, and River Valley will be hosting an in-person tractor safety class March 27th&nbsp;starting at 8:15 am at KanEquip, 704 E Kunkle Drive, Ellsworth.&nbsp;This course will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations state that youth 14 and 15 years of age, who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program.&nbsp;&nbsp;The course will be held on Saturday, March 27, starting at 8:15 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cost of the program is 20 dollars to cover cost of materials for the course.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those wanting to enroll should visit and complete the <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_02oeNbK0P0hoWcC">“Tractor Safety Registration Form.”</a> Enrollment is due by Wednesday, March 24.Another tractor safety course will be held virtually April 10 for those wishing to attend that way.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prospective students can check availability and ask questions prior to registering by calling&nbsp;&nbsp;or emailing Craig Dinkel&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cadinkel@ksu.edu">cadinkel@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;Clinton Laflin&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cllaflin@ksu.edu">cllaflin@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;Justine Henderson<a href="mailto:jwh04@ksu.edu">jwh04@ksu.edu</a>, or Sandra Wick&nbsp;<a href="mailto:swick@ksu.edu">swick@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&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: Tractor safety class offered

Oil traders and producers alike will be watching this week as producers from the "OPEC Plus" alliance meet to decide whether to relax the group's production cuts. Prices have rallied to pre-pandemic levels, but supplies are dwindling at their steepest rate in 20 years. Bloomberg reports the crude glut that piled up during the pandemic is vanishing fast, and the "OPEC Plus" group could decide to increase output.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices dropped $2 Friday, but will still post February gains of $8 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week and the month of March at $51.75 per barrel. Intent-to-drill notices for the month of February were down by more than half from totals for the month before and a year earlier. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 31 intents filed statewide last month. That's 110 intents statewide so far this year. Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties each reported on new intent-to-drill notice last month. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in the rig count in Western Kansas this week with 12, and increase of two rigs. East of Wichita, the count was three active rigs, down three from the week before. Operators reached total depth at one lease in Ellis County and one lease in Stafford County. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows an increase of four oil rigs to the active count of 402.&nbsp; Texas was up three while the count in New Mexico was up one. Kansas regulators okayed six new drilling permits last week, all of them in the western half of the state. That brings the running total this year to 100 permits for drilling at new locations in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says Kansas operators completed eleven wells last week, six of them east of Wichita, and five in Western Kansas. Those include a service well in Russell County and an oil well in Stafford County. After a magnitude 4.2 earthquake rumbled under the town of Manchester in northern Oklahoma on Friday (Feb. 19), regulators there locked down some oilfield activity over the following weekend. Three disposal wells within three miles of the epicenter were shut down under the directive, and another 13 wells were ordered to cut back disposal volumes by half. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission staff says that amounts to about 7,000 barrels of wastewater per day. Data supplied by the OCC shows 61 earthquakes of magnitude two or greater in January, the highest monthly total since May of last year. In part, officials credit these commission directives limiting wastewater disposal with the sharp decrease in the seismicity rate in the Sooner State. Oklahoma reached a monthly peak of nearly 948 earthquakes in March 2015. Local officials did not receive any reports of damage or injury from the Manchester quake. U.S. crude inventories jumped 1.3 million barrels last week. Stockpiles are marginally below the five-year average for this time of year. Crude production dropped by more than a million barrels per day last week. The Energy Information Administration says current output is just shy of 9.7 Million barrels per day. Compare that to a year ago, when output was a few barrels short of 13 million per day. EIA says weekly imports dropped by 1.3 million barrels per day. The four-week average for imports is down more than 13% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments plummeted during the recent cold snap. The Association of American Railroads reports just 8.148 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week ending February 20. That's down nearly 2,000 cars from the week before, and a nearly 40% drop from a year earlier. With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to winter weather, gasoline stockpiles have tightened and gas prices have skyrocketed. Triple-A reported the most expensive national average since October of 2019. Two-thirds of statewide averages were up by double-digits last week, with spikes of anywhere from ten to 22 cents a gallon. The average across Kansas on Thursday was over two forty-seven a gallon, an increase of 12 cents over last week. Pump prices are up to $2.55 a gallon across Hays and $2.57 in Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up is up more than two dollars from a week ago, up four dollars from last month, and nearly five dollars higher than last year at this time. Africa's biggest crude producer is playing hardball with one of the world's largest oil companies. A court in Nigeria has now frozen access to the bank accounts of Royal Dutch Shell. The action comes amid a legal dispute with a local producer over a pipeline deal six years ago. The dispute is just one among a growing list of legal entanglements related to Shell’s business in Nigeria. A buyer is demanding billions in damages, claiming Shell misrepresented the condition of the pipeline and under-counted crude volumes. Shell calls the lawsuit baseless and is working to overturn the court order. The government of Canada formalized some new winter safety rules for rail transport of dangerous goods including petroleum products. The new regulations include some common-sense items like risk assessments, stronger track inspection and maintenance programs, and new technology requirements. One will have an immediate impact on the bottom line of some operators. Trains hauling large quantities of crude oil or liquid petroleum gases will now face a speed limit across Canada. These trains can travel up to 35 mph in metro areas and 40 mph at all other places.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAROil traders and producers alike will be watching this week as producers from the "OPEC Plus" alliance meet to decide whether to relax the group's production cuts. Prices have rallied to pre-pandemic levels, but supplies are dwindling at their steepest rate in 20 years. Bloomberg reports the crude glut that piled up during the pandemic is vanishing fast, and the "OPEC Plus" group could decide to increase output.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices dropped $2 Friday, but will still post February gains of $8 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week and the month of March at $51.75 per barrel. Intent-to-drill notices for the month of February were down by more than half from totals for the month before and a year earlier. The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 31 intents filed statewide last month. That's 110 intents statewide so far this year. Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties each reported on new intent-to-drill notice last month. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight increase in the rig count in Western Kansas this week with 12, and increase of two rigs. East of Wichita, the count was three active rigs, down three from the week before. Operators reached total depth at one lease in Ellis County and one lease in Stafford County. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows an increase of four oil rigs to the active count of 402.&nbsp; Texas was up three while the count in New Mexico was up one. Kansas regulators okayed six new drilling permits last week, all of them in the western half of the state. That brings the running total this year to 100 permits for drilling at new locations in Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says Kansas operators completed eleven wells last week, six of them east of Wichita, and five in Western Kansas. Those include a service well in Russell County and an oil well in Stafford County. After a magnitude 4.2 earthquake rumbled under the town of Manchester in northern Oklahoma on Friday (Feb. 19), regulators there locked down some oilfield activity over the following weekend. Three disposal wells within three miles of the epicenter were shut down under the directive, and another 13 wells were ordered to cut back disposal volumes by half. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission staff says that amounts to about 7,000 barrels of wastewater per day. Data supplied by the OCC shows 61 earthquakes of magnitude two or greater in January, the highest monthly total since May of last year. In part, officials credit these commission directives limiting wastewater disposal with the sharp decrease in the seismicity rate in the Sooner State. Oklahoma reached a monthly peak of nearly 948 earthquakes in March 2015. Local officials did not receive any reports of damage or injury from the Manchester quake. U.S. crude inventories jumped 1.3 million barrels last week. Stockpiles are marginally below the five-year average for this time of year. Crude production dropped by more than a million barrels per day last week. The Energy Information Administration says current output is just shy of 9.7 Million barrels per day. Compare that to a year ago, when output was a few barrels short of 13 million per day. EIA says weekly imports dropped by 1.3 million barrels per day. The four-week average for imports is down more than 13% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail shipments plummeted during the recent cold snap. The Association of American Railroads reports just 8.148 tanker cars hauling petroleum for the week ending February 20. That's down nearly 2,000 cars from the week before, and a nearly 40% drop from a year earlier. With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Midwest refineries due to winter weather, gasoline stockpiles have tightened and gas prices have skyrocketed. Triple-A reported the most expensive national average since October of 2019. Two-thirds of statewide averages were up by double-digits last week, with spikes of anywhere from ten to 22 cents a gallon. The average across Kansas on Thursday was over two forty-seven a gallon, an increase of 12 cents over last week. Pump prices are up to $2.55 a gallon across Hays and $2.57 in Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up is up more than two dollars from a week ago, up four dollars from last month, and nearly five dollars higher than last year at this time. Africa's biggest crude producer is playing hardball with one of the world's largest oil companies. A court in Nigeria has now frozen access to the bank accounts of Royal Dutch Shell. The action comes amid a legal dispute with a local producer over a pipeline deal six years ago. The dispute is just one among a growing list of legal entanglements related to Shell’s business in Nigeria. A buyer is demanding billions in damages, claiming Shell misrepresented the condition of the pipeline and under-counted crude volumes. Shell calls the lawsuit baseless and is working to overturn the court order. The government of Canada formalized some new winter safety rules for rail transport of dangerous goods including petroleum products. The new regulations include some common-sense items like risk assessments, stronger track inspection and maintenance programs, and new technology requirements. One will have an immediate impact on the bottom line of some operators. Trains hauling large quantities of crude oil or liquid petroleum gases will now face a speed limit across Canada. These trains can travel up to 35 mph in metro areas and 40 mph at all other places.

News From the Oil Patch: OPEC+ decision could slow price rally

This week marked the seventh week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us.&nbsp; As we approach “turn-around” which is March 5th; Friday, February 26th&nbsp;was the last day for committees to hear and work bills before the half-way point of the 2021 session.&nbsp;

ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT SIGNED INTO LAW-SB15

Small businesses throughout Kansas have felt a crushing impact of COVID-19, including government stay-at-home orders and mandated closures of “non-essential” businesses, as well as other restrictions.&nbsp; Three weeks ago, the Kansas Senate took action to assist these businesses by passing the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program, which updates&nbsp;the field of membership requirements of credit unions and allowing privilege tax deductions on agricultural real estate loans and single-family residence loans. The bill was supported by a wide coalition of stakeholders in Kansas, including bankers, the restaurant and hospitality industry, and those in agriculture, all who share a mutual interest in boosting our economy by giving low interest loans to Kansas businesses who have struggled during the pandemic. Following the Senate passage of SB15, the House passed the same bill, 122-1, which sent it directly to the governor, who signed it on Thursday.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – SB19 – US Highway 77 as the CPL Allen E Oatney and SP4 Gene A Myers Memorial Highway - Marshall County

On Wednesday, February 24th, the Senate Transportation Committee heard SB19 which is a carry-over bill from last year which passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee and full Senate (38-0) and due to our early departure due to the virus was left in the House Transportation Committee.&nbsp; SP4 Gene Myers was killed in action on June 9, 1969 and CPL Allen E. Oatney on June 22, 1970.&nbsp; The 5-mile stretch from Waterville and Blue Rapids will honor their memory.&nbsp; The signs will be placed by Kansas Department of Transportation later this year. A sign unveiling and celebration honoring these men will be held in conjunction with the sign placement.&nbsp; You can find testimony from Rep Lisa Mosher, Jerry and Janet Zayas, myself and David Blatt, a friend of SP4 Meyers who was with him on June 9th, 1969 during the battle which took his life.&nbsp;&nbsp; To view – go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>,;&nbsp; then Committees tab, Standing, Senate, Transportation (small tab 2), Committee Testimony, click on 2/24/2021,&nbsp; (then the 4th&nbsp;small tab) – here you will see all the testimony for SB19 – I encourage you to read them all especially Mr. Blatt who explains even after 50 years how important it is not to forget the ultimate sacrifice our young men made for their country.&nbsp;

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - KANSAS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT (KEMA)

In January, the legislature extended and strengthened the limitations on the governor’s powers that were originally created last June. The action also gave the legislature time to take a deeper dive into the Kansas Emergency Management Act and craft long-term solutions that would modernize our statutes, specifically as they related to statewide public health situations.

Senate Bill 273, which was passed out of committee late Thursday evening after several amendments were considered. It is a comprehensive bill meant to provide clarity to our statutes, provide important limitations on the governor’s power, and ensure that checks and balances are always in place.&nbsp; Early next week, the Senate will consider the bill.&nbsp; Although the March 31st&nbsp;deadline is still a month away, the House will have its own version, and the governor will need time to review the final bill that is adopted.

KANSAS INSURANCE DEPARTMENT – NEW WEBSITE

The Kansas Legislature established the Kansas Insurance Department in 1871. The first Superintendent of Insurance, later changed to Commissioner of Insurance in 1927, was William C. Webb. There have been twenty-seven Commissioners to lead The Kansas Insurance Department, including current Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. The longest-serving Commissioner was Frank Sullivan, who served from 1947-1971. In 2017, the Kansas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 23, which merged the Kansas Securities Commission with the Kansas Insurance Department. Prior to the 2017 Legislation, the Securities Commission was an executive branch agency that reported to the Governor. Established in 1911, Kansas became the first state to pass a law regulating the sale of investments. Following the great stock market crash of 1929, the federal government began to regulate investment activity with the passage of the Securities Act of 1933, and the creation of the&nbsp;U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 1934.&nbsp; Insurance and securities have changed over the years but the responsibility of The Kansas Insurance Department to the people of Kansas remains unchanged.&nbsp; The Kansas Insurance Department’s new website is:&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">https://insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;and the staff can be reached at 785 296-3071.

WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;– Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings.

<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>&nbsp;– Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well.

Kansas Legislature website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;- has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, and past sessions

Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/Fergusons" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/Fergusons</a>&nbsp;is an online career exploration and planning resource provided by the State Library of Kansas. It provides detailed and up-to-date profiles of thousands of today’s most popular jobs. Included: an undergraduate and graduate school finder, databases for internships and apprenticeships, planning timelines that cover education to career, and a database of sample resumes and cover letters.&nbsp;&nbsp;New:&nbsp;workplace predictions for 2021, how to dress for video interviews, and how to deal with work from home stress.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KANSAS -&nbsp;www.kansas.gov

You can find a wealth of information at this well-designed website which focuses on Kansas with topics of business, education, government, residents and services with links to agencies and staff to help answer any question you might have.&nbsp; Webfile will take you directly to the Department of Revenue to file your taxes; Form finder will take you to the Secretary of State’s office for all types of forms for businesses; Learning Quest will direct you to the State Treasurer’s Office; the three branches of Government; and Plan your Trip to Kansas will open to the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An additional way to contact me is at my updated website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>.&nbsp; There is an updated newsletter each week plus photos added occasionally.&nbsp; Jeff Metzler, my 2020 Intern, has made links of committees and reports and photos when available.&nbsp; There is also an email link to me as an added way to reach me in addition to the Senate email.&nbsp;

Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters this week.&nbsp; It is easy to “get into the weed” on pieces of legislation that seem on the surface to have universal appeal, but for those who want to pursue a more in-depth analysis of the ones which did not have such agreement, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;and pull up “Bills &amp; Laws,” then “Senate Bills,” before scrolling to the desired number and hitting “SN” (Supplemental Notes) for a general explanation which is written by the Legislative research &amp; reviser staff.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785 296-7389</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Kansas District senator.&nbsp;The 36th District includes&nbsp;Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>March 1, 2021SENATE HIGHLIGHTSThis week marked the seventh week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us.&nbsp; As we approach “turn-around” which is March 5th; Friday, February 26th&nbsp;was the last day for committees to hear and work bills before the half-way point of the 2021 session.&nbsp;ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT SIGNED INTO LAW-SB15Small businesses throughout Kansas have felt a crushing impact of COVID-19, including government stay-at-home orders and mandated closures of “non-essential” businesses, as well as other restrictions.&nbsp; Three weeks ago, the Kansas Senate took action to assist these businesses by passing the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program, which updates&nbsp;the field of membership requirements of credit unions and allowing privilege tax deductions on agricultural real estate loans and single-family residence loans. The bill was supported by a wide coalition of stakeholders in Kansas, including bankers, the restaurant and hospitality industry, and those in agriculture, all who share a mutual interest in boosting our economy by giving low interest loans to Kansas businesses who have struggled during the pandemic. Following the Senate passage of SB15, the House passed the same bill, 122-1, which sent it directly to the governor, who signed it on Thursday.TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – SB19 – US Highway 77 as the CPL Allen E Oatney and SP4 Gene A Myers Memorial Highway - Marshall CountyOn Wednesday, February 24th, the Senate Transportation Committee heard SB19 which is a carry-over bill from last year which passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee and full Senate (38-0) and due to our early departure due to the virus was left in the House Transportation Committee.&nbsp; SP4 Gene Myers was killed in action on June 9, 1969 and CPL Allen E. Oatney on June 22, 1970.&nbsp; The 5-mile stretch from Waterville and Blue Rapids will honor their memory.&nbsp; The signs will be placed by Kansas Department of Transportation later this year. A sign unveiling and celebration honoring these men will be held in conjunction with the sign placement.&nbsp; You can find testimony from Rep Lisa Mosher, Jerry and Janet Zayas, myself and David Blatt, a friend of SP4 Meyers who was with him on June 9th, 1969 during the battle which took his life.&nbsp;&nbsp; To view – go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">http://www.kslegislature.org</a>,;&nbsp; then Committees tab, Standing, Senate, Transportation (small tab 2), Committee Testimony, click on 2/24/2021,&nbsp; (then the 4th&nbsp;small tab) – here you will see all the testimony for SB19 – I encourage you to read them all especially Mr. Blatt who explains even after 50 years how important it is not to forget the ultimate sacrifice our young men made for their country.&nbsp;JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - KANSAS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT (KEMA)In January, the legislature extended and strengthened the limitations on the governor’s powers that were originally created last June. The action also gave the legislature time to take a deeper dive into the Kansas Emergency Management Act and craft long-term solutions that would modernize our statutes, specifically as they related to statewide public health situations.Senate Bill 273, which was passed out of committee late Thursday evening after several amendments were considered. It is a comprehensive bill meant to provide clarity to our statutes, provide important limitations on the governor’s power, and ensure that checks and balances are always in place.&nbsp; Early next week, the Senate will consider the bill.&nbsp; Although the March 31st&nbsp;deadline is still a month away, the House will have its own version, and the governor will need time to review the final bill that is adopted.KANSAS INSURANCE DEPARTMENT – NEW WEBSITEThe Kansas Legislature established the Kansas Insurance Department in 1871. The first Superintendent of Insurance, later changed to Commissioner of Insurance in 1927, was William C. Webb. There have been twenty-seven Commissioners to lead The Kansas Insurance Department, including current Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. The longest-serving Commissioner was Frank Sullivan, who served from 1947-1971. In 2017, the Kansas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 23, which merged the Kansas Securities Commission with the Kansas Insurance Department. Prior to the 2017 Legislation, the Securities Commission was an executive branch agency that reported to the Governor. Established in 1911, Kansas became the first state to pass a law regulating the sale of investments. Following the great stock market crash of 1929, the federal government began to regulate investment activity with the passage of the Securities Act of 1933, and the creation of the&nbsp;U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 1934.&nbsp; Insurance and securities have changed over the years but the responsibility of The Kansas Insurance Department to the people of Kansas remains unchanged.&nbsp; The Kansas Insurance Department’s new website is:&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">https://insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;and the staff can be reached at 785 296-3071.WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature YouTube</a>&nbsp;– Here you can follow the legislature live as it happens, or access archives of past sessions and committee meetings.<a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/" target="_blank">Kansas Legislature Audio</a>&nbsp;– Here you can listen in on session or committees when they are in session, or access prior committee meetings, as well.Kansas Legislature website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;- has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, and past sessionsKANSAS STATE LIBRARY INFORMATIONFerguson’s Career Guidance Center&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/Fergusons" target="_blank">https://kslib.info/Fergusons</a>&nbsp;is an online career exploration and planning resource provided by the State Library of Kansas. It provides detailed and up-to-date profiles of thousands of today’s most popular jobs. Included: an undergraduate and graduate school finder, databases for internships and apprenticeships, planning timelines that cover education to career, and a database of sample resumes and cover letters.&nbsp;&nbsp;New:&nbsp;workplace predictions for 2021, how to dress for video interviews, and how to deal with work from home stress.VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF KANSAS -&nbsp;www.kansas.govYou can find a wealth of information at this well-designed website which focuses on Kansas with topics of business, education, government, residents and services with links to agencies and staff to help answer any question you might have.&nbsp; Webfile will take you directly to the Department of Revenue to file your taxes; Form finder will take you to the Secretary of State’s office for all types of forms for businesses; Learning Quest will direct you to the State Treasurer’s Office; the three branches of Government; and Plan your Trip to Kansas will open to the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEW WEBSITEAn additional way to contact me is at my updated website –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>.&nbsp; There is an updated newsletter each week plus photos added occasionally.&nbsp; Jeff Metzler, my 2020 Intern, has made links of committees and reports and photos when available.&nbsp; There is also an email link to me as an added way to reach me in addition to the Senate email.&nbsp;Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters this week.&nbsp; It is easy to “get into the weed” on pieces of legislation that seem on the surface to have universal appeal, but for those who want to pursue a more in-depth analysis of the ones which did not have such agreement, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;and pull up “Bills &amp; Laws,” then “Senate Bills,” before scrolling to the desired number and hitting “SN” (Supplemental Notes) for a general explanation which is written by the Legislative research &amp; reviser staff.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785 296-7389</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Kansas District senator.&nbsp;The 36th District includes&nbsp;Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties.

BOWERS: Senate Scene, Week 7

Last week was the final week for the standing committees and subcommittees to report their budget proposals to the full Senate Ways &amp; Means committee for work on the 2021 &amp; 2022 budgets. A few of the reports the committee is considering are social services, higher education, and judicial budgets.

Social service agencies were given additional funds last year only to have the Governor line item veto the funding. One particular group that was targeted by Governor Kelly was a very modest raise in salaries for the people that work at the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community. Our committee heard last year about the challenges that the IDD community faces in retaining their very good and hardworking staff, when they are only able to pay an hourly wage that is less than fast food restaurants. We heard testimony that they were losing good people to Chick-Fil-A because they were paying $12 an hour. The subcommittee recommended that we find a way to adjust these salaries for the IDD community. I do have a bill in the Ways &amp; Means committee that would address these salary issues, so the Governor will not be able to continue balancing the state budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens.

There are many concerns for the Ways and Means Committee including higher education. Governor Kelly has made huge cuts to the higher education budget. The Kansas courts are also one of the budgets struggling to keep pace with their salaries, especially in the clerical type of positions. With the COVID virus limiting the work in the courts, their docket fees have fallen and reduced their revenues by approximately $5 million. The subcommittees have recommended we try to find funds for both areas when we work our Omnibus bill later this session.

On Monday the Senate was closed for the funeral of one of our colleagues, Bud Estes, from the 38th District in Southwest Kansas. Bud grew up In Bucklin, Kansas and lived in Dodge City. Bud was a strong advocate for Western Kansas and will be greatly missed.

It is an honor and pleasure to serve the 40th Senate District of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov. You may also call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785 296-7399, or my cell number is 785 899-4700.

Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is state senator of the Kansas 40th Dist.

The 40th Senate District includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties, and a portion of Phillips County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610490291573.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>March 1, 2021Last week was the final week for the standing committees and subcommittees to report their budget proposals to the full Senate Ways &amp; Means committee for work on the 2021 &amp; 2022 budgets. A few of the reports the committee is considering are social services, higher education, and judicial budgets.Social service agencies were given additional funds last year only to have the Governor line item veto the funding. One particular group that was targeted by Governor Kelly was a very modest raise in salaries for the people that work at the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community. Our committee heard last year about the challenges that the IDD community faces in retaining their very good and hardworking staff, when they are only able to pay an hourly wage that is less than fast food restaurants. We heard testimony that they were losing good people to Chick-Fil-A because they were paying $12 an hour. The subcommittee recommended that we find a way to adjust these salaries for the IDD community. I do have a bill in the Ways &amp; Means committee that would address these salary issues, so the Governor will not be able to continue balancing the state budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens.There are many concerns for the Ways and Means Committee including higher education. Governor Kelly has made huge cuts to the higher education budget. The Kansas courts are also one of the budgets struggling to keep pace with their salaries, especially in the clerical type of positions. With the COVID virus limiting the work in the courts, their docket fees have fallen and reduced their revenues by approximately $5 million. The subcommittees have recommended we try to find funds for both areas when we work our Omnibus bill later this session.On Monday the Senate was closed for the funeral of one of our colleagues, Bud Estes, from the 38th District in Southwest Kansas. Bud grew up In Bucklin, Kansas and lived in Dodge City. Bud was a strong advocate for Western Kansas and will be greatly missed.It is an honor and pleasure to serve the 40th Senate District of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov. You may also call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785 296-7399, or my cell number is 785 899-4700.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is state senator of the Kansas 40th Dist.The 40th Senate District includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties, and a portion of Phillips County.

BILLINGER: Senate Update, March 1

The natural aging process offers challenges to many people. While we know from listening to the news and our personal experiences, staying active is a key component in maintaining or regaining health. But if you have noticed that your strength, flexibility or balance isn’t what it used to be you may want to consider signing up for a strength training program offered in the Cottonwood Extension District soon.&nbsp;

“Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” is designed to increase an aging adult’s access to a safe, structured, and effective strength training program. Over 8 weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance. During each session, a prescribed set of 8 upper and lower body strengthening exercises are done along with warm-ups and cool-down stretches. Participants are made to feel comfortable regardless of their current fitness level so they can safely participate and gradually build the strength beneficial to health.

The 8-week program is set to begin soon in Great Bend and Ellis. I will be leading Stay Strong Stay Healthy beginning Tuesday, March 16th and ending May 6th at the Great Bend Activity Center. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The Ellis class will be led by Berny Unruh, and it starts Tuesday, March 9th and ends April 29th. The registration fee for these workshops is $20 and may be paid at either the Great Bend or Hays office by March 5th. Class size is limited to please enroll soon.

K-State Research &amp; Extension has partnered with Missouri Cooperative Extension to bring the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program to our state. We are excited that the Great Bend Recreation Commission and the Ellis Rec. is allowing us to use their facilities for these classes.

Participant will need to complete a pre-assessment prior to the first class. Call Berny or me if you have any specific questions about the “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” workshop or to set up your pre-assessment. I look forward to seeing you soon!&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. " />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. </figcaption>
 </figure>The natural aging process offers challenges to many people. While we know from listening to the news and our personal experiences, staying active is a key component in maintaining or regaining health. But if you have noticed that your strength, flexibility or balance isn’t what it used to be you may want to consider signing up for a strength training program offered in the Cottonwood Extension District soon.&nbsp;“Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” is designed to increase an aging adult’s access to a safe, structured, and effective strength training program. Over 8 weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance. During each session, a prescribed set of 8 upper and lower body strengthening exercises are done along with warm-ups and cool-down stretches. Participants are made to feel comfortable regardless of their current fitness level so they can safely participate and gradually build the strength beneficial to health.The 8-week program is set to begin soon in Great Bend and Ellis. I will be leading Stay Strong Stay Healthy beginning Tuesday, March 16th and ending May 6th at the Great Bend Activity Center. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The Ellis class will be led by Berny Unruh, and it starts Tuesday, March 9th and ends April 29th. The registration fee for these workshops is $20 and may be paid at either the Great Bend or Hays office by March 5th. Class size is limited to please enroll soon.K-State Research &amp; Extension has partnered with Missouri Cooperative Extension to bring the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program to our state. We are excited that the Great Bend Recreation Commission and the Ellis Rec. is allowing us to use their facilities for these classes.Participant will need to complete a pre-assessment prior to the first class. Call Berny or me if you have any specific questions about the “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” workshop or to set up your pre-assessment. I look forward to seeing you soon!&nbsp;Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: 'Stay Strong, Stay Healthy' workshops

A couple of weeks ago, I came across a video on a Facebook post that really hit my heart. You have heard me talk a lot about kindness in the last year and the message and video from Brady Burks, a farmer from Lebanon, KS provided additional perspective.

With Brady’s permission, I am going to share his words from the post.

Middle America's take on a Super Bowl Commercial.&nbsp;

Recently there was a Super Bowl commercial filmed in our tiny town with a big name star. I understand the commercial brought with it animosity over a seemingly hypocritical message of "Unity." I get that argument; I see why people would scoff at the commercial. But, instead of taking that commercial to heart, politically, I decided to focus on what really made me happy and that was the spotlight on rural America and our tiny town right here in the MIDDLE.&nbsp;

However, a few weeks later the commercial was pulled because the star of the commercial made some poor choices. The commercial went from political talk, to now even more animosity over the star getting in trouble. Now the spotlight wasn't on middle America at all. It seemed as though the fad was over.&nbsp;

So, I decided Middle America should just make its own Super Bowl Commercial, with real people! Filming it just so happened to collide with winter weather seen only once in a generation... making this project all that more special to me.&nbsp;

You see, rural America is important. Not just when it's convenient for a message. Not just when it makes you feel good to feel sorry for us working in the cold weather. (We knew what we signed up for.) WE have a story worth telling, and are willing to hear your story even if we live totally different lifestyles. I am a firm believer if you don't tell your story, someone else will. For what its worth, this is just a snipped of "Our Story."

Unity starts with YOU. WE can sit around all day and talk about who is the most unifying or we can be about unifying.&nbsp;

I can do things you cannot You can do things I cannot; Together, we can do great things!

I think at the end of the day the above sums it up. It takes all kinds of kinds. Work hard and be nice. You might thank a farmer and rancher while you're at it, but you might just thank an American while you're at it because after all we are UNITED! WE THE PEOPLE

Thanks, Brady for letting me share your eloquently written words that said what was on my heart this week. If you would like to check out “Middle America’s Commercial”, follow the link and give him a moment at

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1622950351/videos/10222302348220591/">https://www.facebook.com/1622950351/videos/10222302348220591/</a>

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>A couple of weeks ago, I came across a video on a Facebook post that really hit my heart. You have heard me talk a lot about kindness in the last year and the message and video from Brady Burks, a farmer from Lebanon, KS provided additional perspective.With Brady’s permission, I am going to share his words from the post.---------Middle America's take on a Super Bowl Commercial.&nbsp;Recently there was a Super Bowl commercial filmed in our tiny town with a big name star. I understand the commercial brought with it animosity over a seemingly hypocritical message of "Unity." I get that argument; I see why people would scoff at the commercial. But, instead of taking that commercial to heart, politically, I decided to focus on what really made me happy and that was the spotlight on rural America and our tiny town right here in the MIDDLE.&nbsp;However, a few weeks later the commercial was pulled because the star of the commercial made some poor choices. The commercial went from political talk, to now even more animosity over the star getting in trouble. Now the spotlight wasn't on middle America at all. It seemed as though the fad was over.&nbsp;So, I decided Middle America should just make its own Super Bowl Commercial, with real people! Filming it just so happened to collide with winter weather seen only once in a generation... making this project all that more special to me.&nbsp;You see, rural America is important. Not just when it's convenient for a message. Not just when it makes you feel good to feel sorry for us working in the cold weather. (We knew what we signed up for.) WE have a story worth telling, and are willing to hear your story even if we live totally different lifestyles. I am a firm believer if you don't tell your story, someone else will. For what its worth, this is just a snipped of "Our Story."As for the unity portion:Unity starts with YOU. WE can sit around all day and talk about who is the most unifying or we can be about unifying.&nbsp;Lastly, I will leave you with this:I can do things you cannot You can do things I cannot; Together, we can do great things!- Mother Teresa&nbsp;I think at the end of the day the above sums it up. It takes all kinds of kinds. Work hard and be nice. You might thank a farmer and rancher while you're at it, but you might just thank an American while you're at it because after all we are UNITED! WE THE PEOPLEThanks, Brady for letting me share your eloquently written words that said what was on my heart this week. If you would like to check out “Middle America’s Commercial”, follow the link and give him a moment at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1622950351/videos/10222302348220591/">https://www.facebook.com/1622950351/videos/10222302348220591/</a>Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Middle America's take on Super Bowl ad

I recently wrote a column discussing how baseless claims of widespread and systematic voter fraud hurt democracy in Kansas.&nbsp;

Readers statewide sent me thoughtful feedback. Some was positive, like the Republican county clerk who thanked me for defending local election officials. I want to engage here, though, with common themes from the negative feedback.&nbsp;

One theme: Kansans don’t trust our elections.&nbsp;

Any mistrust of our elections is worrisome. However, the mistrustful are still the minority. The 2020&nbsp;FOX News&nbsp;Voter Analysis Survey showed that 68 percent of Kansans were very or somewhat confident that votes in “the presidential election in the U.S” would be “counted accurately.” Only 6 percent had no confidence. Sixty-three percent of Kansans were very or somewhat confident that ineligible persons “will not be allowed to vote.” Only 13 percent had no confidence.&nbsp;

Another theme: Voter fraud is common in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Readers differed on their “proof” for this fraud. Some suggested that the fraud is so well hidden in Kansas—without explaining how—that it is unprovable. Others broadly claimed that the fraud is obvious but intentionally ignored by the media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some readers commented that Democratic victories in Johnson County prove that fraud occurred. Political outcomes that we dislike do not prove fraud. Both parties lose elections. That doesn’t prove that either is a victim of electoral “cancel culture” or that elections are fraudulent.&nbsp;

One reader cited the growing Latino vote in Southwest Kansas as evidence of fraud. Diversity among voters in diverse communities doesn’t prove fraud either.&nbsp;

Usually, credible evidence is essential for proving claims, and lack of evidence doesn’t mean conspiracy or ignorance. Plaintiffs bear the burden of proof, not defendants—at least in court, if not politics.&nbsp;

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab told&nbsp;KSNT News&nbsp;in November that “Kansas is not experiencing any issues with voter fraud.” If you don’t believe him, contact his office at 785-296-4575 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sos@ks.gov">sos@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Voter fraud accusations and their proposed solutions have always been political, no matter how real fraud has been historically. These claims have always involved political winners and losers.&nbsp;

Circa 1800, the rich routinely accused middle class white men of lying about their wealth to gain suffrage in states with economic restrictions on voting. The solution: task local tax assessors with creating the first voter registration systems, and allow them often unsupervised power to disenfranchise eligible middle class citizens.&nbsp;

Fraud claims later became a weapon for anti-city politics. Many states only required voter registration in cities, ignoring potential fraud in rural communities. In the 1920’s, Kansas only applied voter registration to cities of over 2,000 people.&nbsp;

One reader commented that “we can’t ignore people who think that Kansas elections are a sham.” True. Mistrust is alarming.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But how much should we cater to that mistrust?&nbsp;&nbsp;

How strictly will we limit voting in Kansas to secure an already secure system?&nbsp;

Was defending Kris Kobach’s unconstitutional voter registration law worth the potential $4 million bill put on Kansas taxpayers?&nbsp;&nbsp;

If Senator Jerry Moran gets a more conservative primary challenger in 2022, is losing his congressional seniority worth punishing him for voting to accept the Electoral College results?&nbsp;

The bigger problem here is not that a vocal minority mistrusts our elections. It’s that the politics industry feeds that mistrust intentionally and strategically, with no regard for its bigger consequences.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>I recently wrote a column discussing how baseless claims of widespread and systematic voter fraud hurt democracy in Kansas.&nbsp;Readers statewide sent me thoughtful feedback. Some was positive, like the Republican county clerk who thanked me for defending local election officials. I want to engage here, though, with common themes from the negative feedback.&nbsp;One theme: Kansans don’t trust our elections.&nbsp;Any mistrust of our elections is worrisome. However, the mistrustful are still the minority. The 2020&nbsp;FOX News&nbsp;Voter Analysis Survey showed that 68 percent of Kansans were very or somewhat confident that votes in “the presidential election in the U.S” would be “counted accurately.” Only 6 percent had no confidence. Sixty-three percent of Kansans were very or somewhat confident that ineligible persons “will not be allowed to vote.” Only 13 percent had no confidence.&nbsp;Another theme: Voter fraud is common in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Readers differed on their “proof” for this fraud. Some suggested that the fraud is so well hidden in Kansas—without explaining how—that it is unprovable. Others broadly claimed that the fraud is obvious but intentionally ignored by the media.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some readers commented that Democratic victories in Johnson County prove that fraud occurred. Political outcomes that we dislike do not prove fraud. Both parties lose elections. That doesn’t prove that either is a victim of electoral “cancel culture” or that elections are fraudulent.&nbsp;One reader cited the growing Latino vote in Southwest Kansas as evidence of fraud. Diversity among voters in diverse communities doesn’t prove fraud either.&nbsp;Usually, credible evidence is essential for proving claims, and lack of evidence doesn’t mean conspiracy or ignorance. Plaintiffs bear the burden of proof, not defendants—at least in court, if not politics.&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab told&nbsp;KSNT News&nbsp;in November that “Kansas is not experiencing any issues with voter fraud.” If you don’t believe him, contact his office at 785-296-4575 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sos@ks.gov">sos@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another theme: Denying politics.&nbsp;Voter fraud accusations and their proposed solutions have always been political, no matter how real fraud has been historically. These claims have always involved political winners and losers.&nbsp;Circa 1800, the rich routinely accused middle class white men of lying about their wealth to gain suffrage in states with economic restrictions on voting. The solution: task local tax assessors with creating the first voter registration systems, and allow them often unsupervised power to disenfranchise eligible middle class citizens.&nbsp;Fraud claims later became a weapon for anti-city politics. Many states only required voter registration in cities, ignoring potential fraud in rural communities. In the 1920’s, Kansas only applied voter registration to cities of over 2,000 people.&nbsp;One reader commented that “we can’t ignore people who think that Kansas elections are a sham.” True. Mistrust is alarming.&nbsp;&nbsp;But how much should we cater to that mistrust?&nbsp;&nbsp;How strictly will we limit voting in Kansas to secure an already secure system?&nbsp;Was defending Kris Kobach’s unconstitutional voter registration law worth the potential $4 million bill put on Kansas taxpayers?&nbsp;&nbsp;If Senator Jerry Moran gets a more conservative primary challenger in 2022, is losing his congressional seniority worth punishing him for voting to accept the Electoral College results?&nbsp;The bigger problem here is not that a vocal minority mistrusts our elections. It’s that the politics industry feeds that mistrust intentionally and strategically, with no regard for its bigger consequences.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.

INIGHT KANSAS: Where's the beef in voter fraud claims in Kan.? 

During the 1960s, there was an oil boom in Morrow County, Ohio, where we lived, and either there were no regulations on anything or no one followed them, because oil rigs appeared on tiny podunk patches of ground barely big enough to contain the equipment, and the drilling rigs were so thick that at night the countryside looked like the Emerald City. 

A company drilled a well on our place and told dad they hit oil, but one morning we awoke to find everything gone, oil tank and oil included, without him every seeing a cent. The area was left a mess, with lengths of oil well pipe, huge wooden timbers and chunks of steel cable laying everywhere in the weeds. Dad decided he was going to get something from them for our trouble, so, thinking surely they would come back and clean up their mess, he hooked the tractor onto several long oil well pipes and drug them to the other end of the farm and deposited them along a fencerow out of sight.&nbsp;

One of our favorite winter pastimes was rabbit hunting. We didn’t have a dog so we’d just wonder through the woods and along fencerows looking for tracks and rootin’ through weed and briar patches to kick out rabbits hiding therein. One snowy Saturday afternoon my buddy Ralph and I departed on a rabbit hunting excursion that followed our usual route, starting behind the barn and turning right at the end of a short pasture, then following a drainage ditch that was overgrown on both sides with all manner of briers, blackberries and other stellar rabbit hiding places. Ralph carried his old scratched and beat-up 12-gauge single-shot that broke into 2 pieces instead of hinging open like it was supposed to. Several inches of soft snow made for slow going, but the snow made rabbit tracks show-up like chocolate chips in pancakes. 

The drainage ditch ran for a couple hundred yards and where it ended against the next fencerow was where the high-jacked oil well pipes resided. Rabbit tracks littered the ground all around the pipes; one pipe in particular had a highway of tracks going into one end but none going out the other.&nbsp; A quick glance inside showed complete darkness, telling us Brer rabbit was certainly holed up inside. Eureka! But it seemed like a terrible waste of good rabbit meat to shoot him in the pipe and not be able to get him out. Surely pounding on the outside of the pipe would get him moving. With Ralph standing near one end, his old 12-gauge canon at the ready, I proceeded to jump around on the pipe. I tap-danced, kicked, beat and pounded all up-and-down one end of the pipe, but nothing. Since we couldn’t actually see him in there, maybe he was facing the other direction, we thought, so we traded ends and tried again, still nothing. Somewhere we found a long stick of some sort that reached part way through the pipe. While Ralph stood on guard, I poked and prodded from both ends, but still nothing! Curses, we were getting’ nowhere! Then suddenly I had a two-word epiphany that would solve our problem; John Deere!

We hiked back to the barn, started the old JD 3010 with a loader on front and headed through the snow back to the pipe. As we chugged along, we could almost taste the freshly fried rabbit, as surely no cottontail alive could keep its footing inside an oil well pipe with one end hoisted toward the sky. I swung the tractor around in front of the offending pipe, slid the loader bucket beneath it and lifted it a few feet in the air, all the while awaiting the thunder of Ralph’s old 12 gauge as Brer came sliding out the other end. Nothing. So, I hoisted the pipe even higher, and still nothing. What, had we found a bionic bunny with 4-wheel drive? I dropped the pipe back into the snow, pulled it away from the fence and slid the bucket under the other end. 

This would surely do it, we figured. Once again, I raised the pipe, awaiting the roar of the 12 gauge, and once again, nothing. I tried it all; jerking the pipe up and down, dropping it onto the ground with a thud, even sticking one loader tine into the end and whipping it up-and-down like a symphony conductor’s baton, all with the same results…nothing! If ole’ Brer was in there, I suppose by then he was either dead or passed out from fright. It was about then the realization hit us that whatever was blocking the pipe might not be a rabbit at all, but a clod of dirt dad scooped up when he drug the pipe to its new home, a nest of some sort or maybe a dead possum. Lucky for us it was not a skunk!&nbsp; Anyway, whatever was in there was either inanimate or dead and was not going to taste real good fried, so we accepted defeat and moved on.&nbsp;

Guys stake down old barrels in lakes as lairs for catfish, often noodling big flatheads out of them during the summer. Maybe we should have looked into renting out our oil well pipes to neighbors as “cottontail condos,” accepting a bunny nor two each year as payment.&nbsp; With all the forgotten, left-behind oil well pipes there must have been scattered throughout that county, we could have had dozens, perhaps hundreds of cottontail condo rentals. We could have become real estate moguls while&nbsp; still in high school! Yup, I can see it all now; R&amp;S (Ralph and Steve) Cottontail Condos, the full taste of the wild for only half the work! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>During the 1960s, there was an oil boom in Morrow County, Ohio, where we lived, and either there were no regulations on anything or no one followed them, because oil rigs appeared on tiny podunk patches of ground barely big enough to contain the equipment, and the drilling rigs were so thick that at night the countryside looked like the Emerald City. A company drilled a well on our place and told dad they hit oil, but one morning we awoke to find everything gone, oil tank and oil included, without him every seeing a cent. The area was left a mess, with lengths of oil well pipe, huge wooden timbers and chunks of steel cable laying everywhere in the weeds. Dad decided he was going to get something from them for our trouble, so, thinking surely they would come back and clean up their mess, he hooked the tractor onto several long oil well pipes and drug them to the other end of the farm and deposited them along a fencerow out of sight.&nbsp;One of our favorite winter pastimes was rabbit hunting. We didn’t have a dog so we’d just wonder through the woods and along fencerows looking for tracks and rootin’ through weed and briar patches to kick out rabbits hiding therein. One snowy Saturday afternoon my buddy Ralph and I departed on a rabbit hunting excursion that followed our usual route, starting behind the barn and turning right at the end of a short pasture, then following a drainage ditch that was overgrown on both sides with all manner of briers, blackberries and other stellar rabbit hiding places. Ralph carried his old scratched and beat-up 12-gauge single-shot that broke into 2 pieces instead of hinging open like it was supposed to. Several inches of soft snow made for slow going, but the snow made rabbit tracks show-up like chocolate chips in pancakes. The drainage ditch ran for a couple hundred yards and where it ended against the next fencerow was where the high-jacked oil well pipes resided. Rabbit tracks littered the ground all around the pipes; one pipe in particular had a highway of tracks going into one end but none going out the other.&nbsp; A quick glance inside showed complete darkness, telling us Brer rabbit was certainly holed up inside. Eureka! But it seemed like a terrible waste of good rabbit meat to shoot him in the pipe and not be able to get him out. Surely pounding on the outside of the pipe would get him moving. With Ralph standing near one end, his old 12-gauge canon at the ready, I proceeded to jump around on the pipe. I tap-danced, kicked, beat and pounded all up-and-down one end of the pipe, but nothing. Since we couldn’t actually see him in there, maybe he was facing the other direction, we thought, so we traded ends and tried again, still nothing. Somewhere we found a long stick of some sort that reached part way through the pipe. While Ralph stood on guard, I poked and prodded from both ends, but still nothing! Curses, we were getting’ nowhere! Then suddenly I had a two-word epiphany that would solve our problem; John Deere!We hiked back to the barn, started the old JD 3010 with a loader on front and headed through the snow back to the pipe. As we chugged along, we could almost taste the freshly fried rabbit, as surely no cottontail alive could keep its footing inside an oil well pipe with one end hoisted toward the sky. I swung the tractor around in front of the offending pipe, slid the loader bucket beneath it and lifted it a few feet in the air, all the while awaiting the thunder of Ralph’s old 12 gauge as Brer came sliding out the other end. Nothing. So, I hoisted the pipe even higher, and still nothing. What, had we found a bionic bunny with 4-wheel drive? I dropped the pipe back into the snow, pulled it away from the fence and slid the bucket under the other end. This would surely do it, we figured. Once again, I raised the pipe, awaiting the roar of the 12 gauge, and once again, nothing. I tried it all; jerking the pipe up and down, dropping it onto the ground with a thud, even sticking one loader tine into the end and whipping it up-and-down like a symphony conductor’s baton, all with the same results…nothing! If ole’ Brer was in there, I suppose by then he was either dead or passed out from fright. It was about then the realization hit us that whatever was blocking the pipe might not be a rabbit at all, but a clod of dirt dad scooped up when he drug the pipe to its new home, a nest of some sort or maybe a dead possum. Lucky for us it was not a skunk!&nbsp; Anyway, whatever was in there was either inanimate or dead and was not going to taste real good fried, so we accepted defeat and moved on.&nbsp;Guys stake down old barrels in lakes as lairs for catfish, often noodling big flatheads out of them during the summer. Maybe we should have looked into renting out our oil well pipes to neighbors as “cottontail condos,” accepting a bunny nor two each year as payment.&nbsp; With all the forgotten, left-behind oil well pipes there must have been scattered throughout that county, we could have had dozens, perhaps hundreds of cottontail condo rentals. We could have become real estate moguls while&nbsp; still in high school! Yup, I can see it all now; R&amp;S (Ralph and Steve) Cottontail Condos, the full taste of the wild for only half the work! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Farm kid rabbit huntin’

When Governor Laura Kelly introduced her budget to the Legislature in early January, the cornerstone of her budget is the reamortization of the unfunded liability for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement system (KPERS).&nbsp; She had introduced this notion twice before and it was rejected by the legislature.&nbsp; Since Governor Kelly’s budget is contingent on refinancing the unfunded liability, we in the House Appropriations Committee have been dissecting all parts of the Governor’s budget in order to balance without this particular provision. I have consistently maintained a platform of being fiscally conservative, especially in my role as House Appropriations Chairman.&nbsp; However, the refinance of the unfunded liability does nothing but increase our debt load and it fails to fund our pension system and only dismisses the promises that we have made.&nbsp; The plan to

refinance does nothing but perpetuate an ongoing problem.&nbsp; We have made great strides in recent years in addressing the needs for KPERS and this proposal does nothing but add an additional $7.4 billion onto the taxpayers of Kansas by refinancing for an additional fifteen years.

Even the board of directors, who has the authority to refinance if they choose to do so, has publicly spoke against the Governor’s proposal to refinance KPERS.

Late last week, House Bill 2405 was introduced for the reamortization of KPERS in the House Appropriations Committee and this bill has been referred to the House Insurance and Pensions Committee.&nbsp; I am certain that even if this bill would be passed out of committee, it will suffer the same fate as before and fail on the House floor.

This week the House Appropriations Committee continued with numerous budget recommendations from the budget committees.&nbsp; We are nearing the end of this process and should be constructing our budget around the middle of March after we return from the midway point of the session, referenced as “Turnaround.”&nbsp;

One of the more notable budget committee recommendations came from the budget of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp; The recommendation from the committee is that if no bill passes regarding Medicaid Expansion then the $19 million that the Governor had proposed in her budget for Medicaid Expansion and directs that money to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).&nbsp; One of the bills we passed out of committee was House Bill 2214, which transfers land from the Department of Corrections to the city of Beloit, Kansas.

<a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a>On Tuesday, February 23, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on five bills, all of these bills passed Wednesday and are on their way to the Kansas State Senate.</a>

One of those bills that we debated and voted on is House Bill 2237, which would extend the sunset on the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ).&nbsp; When ROZ was first enacted the program was to sunset after the tax year of 2021.&nbsp; This bill extends the sunset to 2023.&nbsp; The bill also extends the annual reporting requirements to the House and Senate Taxation Committees which would include how many are participating in the program.&nbsp; In the current fiscal year, the budget for ROZ is $950,000, all from the Economic Development Initiatives Fund which is funded by the Kansas Lottery money.&nbsp; This money is used to fund the obligations of the student loan forgiveness component of the ROZ program and the bill continues these obligations through fiscal year 2026. This bill passed the House, 107-16.

On Thursday, we debated House Bill 2093, which increases the criminal penalty for fleeing or eluding a police officer when operating a stolen vehicle.&nbsp; This bill passed the House, 124-0.

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.

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="Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House, R-Bunker Hill" />
 <figcaption>Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House, R-Bunker Hill</figcaption>
 </figure>February 26, 2021Reamortization of KPERSWhen Governor Laura Kelly introduced her budget to the Legislature in early January, the cornerstone of her budget is the reamortization of the unfunded liability for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement system (KPERS).&nbsp; She had introduced this notion twice before and it was rejected by the legislature.&nbsp; Since Governor Kelly’s budget is contingent on refinancing the unfunded liability, we in the House Appropriations Committee have been dissecting all parts of the Governor’s budget in order to balance without this particular provision. I have consistently maintained a platform of being fiscally conservative, especially in my role as House Appropriations Chairman.&nbsp; However, the refinance of the unfunded liability does nothing but increase our debt load and it fails to fund our pension system and only dismisses the promises that we have made.&nbsp; The plan torefinance does nothing but perpetuate an ongoing problem.&nbsp; We have made great strides in recent years in addressing the needs for KPERS and this proposal does nothing but add an additional $7.4 billion onto the taxpayers of Kansas by refinancing for an additional fifteen years.Even the board of directors, who has the authority to refinance if they choose to do so, has publicly spoke against the Governor’s proposal to refinance KPERS.Late last week, House Bill 2405 was introduced for the reamortization of KPERS in the House Appropriations Committee and this bill has been referred to the House Insurance and Pensions Committee.&nbsp; I am certain that even if this bill would be passed out of committee, it will suffer the same fate as before and fail on the House floor.Appropriations CommitteeThis week the House Appropriations Committee continued with numerous budget recommendations from the budget committees.&nbsp; We are nearing the end of this process and should be constructing our budget around the middle of March after we return from the midway point of the session, referenced as “Turnaround.”&nbsp;One of the more notable budget committee recommendations came from the budget of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp; The recommendation from the committee is that if no bill passes regarding Medicaid Expansion then the $19 million that the Governor had proposed in her budget for Medicaid Expansion and directs that money to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).&nbsp; One of the bills we passed out of committee was House Bill 2214, which transfers land from the Department of Corrections to the city of Beloit, Kansas.Bills Passed the House<a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a>On Tuesday, February 23, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on five bills, all of these bills passed Wednesday and are on their way to the Kansas State Senate.</a>One of those bills that we debated and voted on is House Bill 2237, which would extend the sunset on the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ).&nbsp; When ROZ was first enacted the program was to sunset after the tax year of 2021.&nbsp; This bill extends the sunset to 2023.&nbsp; The bill also extends the annual reporting requirements to the House and Senate Taxation Committees which would include how many are participating in the program.&nbsp; In the current fiscal year, the budget for ROZ is $950,000, all from the Economic Development Initiatives Fund which is funded by the Kansas Lottery money.&nbsp; This money is used to fund the obligations of the student loan forgiveness component of the ROZ program and the bill continues these obligations through fiscal year 2026. This bill passed the House, 107-16.On Thursday, we debated House Bill 2093, which increases the criminal penalty for fleeing or eluding a police officer when operating a stolen vehicle.&nbsp; This bill passed the House, 124-0.I voted “yes” on both bills.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;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home Feb. 26

As the month of February progresses, so does our United Way Campus Campaign at Fort Hays State University. We have had one successful food truck Fridays with Smokin Co. BBQ and a birthday challenge. Since I turned 60 earlier this month, staff thought it would be fun to offer a challenge: Anyone who donates $60 or more to the United Way Campus Campaign will be eligible to win a prize from local businesses.

A special thank you to the following local businesses for supporting the United Way Campus Campaign, which is all about improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good: Anhelo Massage &amp; Wellness; CJ Snaps; Flowers by Frances; Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market; PoPt Gourmet Popcorn; Stephanie Jacobs, All the Rage Studios; and The Inn at 117.

Speaking of advancing the common good, let me highlight just a few of our campus colleagues who responded when we asked, “What’s Your United Way Story?”

Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation, has been a proud American Red Cross blood donor since his days as a Fort Hays State undergraduate. He has a vivid recollection of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp), walking all new members to the blood drive at the Memorial Union. “As new members, we were all encouraged to donate at the same time as a team-building experience. Giving blood is such an easy way to give back to the community. In giving just one hour of your time, a donor can help save up to three lives. I am proud to have donated 65 times since 1994.”

FHSU senior Audra Boerger, a marketing major from McPherson and a VIP Ambassador on campus, worked for Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services through FHSU and Dane G. Hansen’s internship program last summer. Boerger said she was moved by her experience at Options, a United Way-supported agency. “After my program was over, I found a passion in helping survivors find the resources that they need and aiding them through their healing journey. Through the volunteer work I have done; I feel like I make an impact in a way that I cannot even begin to comprehend. The survivors are the ones who are important, and my job is to make them feel that way.”

Over the years, several of our students have really enjoyed their service with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ellis County. One of those current volunteers is Amari Angram-Boldin, a senior Tiger football player from Pahokee, Fla. He said that he can identify with some of the children in the program after growing up the oldest of three children in a one-parent household. “When I considered volunteering, I instantly thought about how badly I wanted a big brother as a role model growing up. I look at it as an opportunity to pay back and make an impact in a kid’s life, because I know how happy it made me when older guys would take me under their wings when I was a child.”

Amy Schaffer, FHSU’s compliance officer, volunteers as a board member for the United Way because she has seen how the organization brings people, agencies and donations together to make the biggest impact. “I have always worked in jobs where I assist people going through difficult situations and often, I would connect them to a United Way agency to get additional support. I saw how the United Way partner agencies helped provide resources to help the person move forward, whether it was shelter, food, mentoring services or financial assistance. Since I joined the board, I have also seen how the United Way brings resources together to help bring positive changes to our community.”

Through its core grief support groups, the Center for Life Experience, Inc. (CFLE) provides peer-to-peer support for individuals dealing with loss. Thanks to funding from individuals and organizations such as the United Way, CFLE continues to work for hope and healing within our community. Dawne Leiker, an academic advisor in the Department of Informatics, serves as president of the executive board of CFLE. “I’m very grateful for the investment that United Way has made in our organization. It has helped us transition to a community-based 501c3, where we can be more responsive to our community’s needs. Peer-to-peer grief support is now so very critical, as many people are facing devastating losses throughout the pandemic. Thanks to United Way for supporting our mission!”

Janette Meis, communications specialist in the Office of the President, first became involved with the United Way in the late ’90s when she was the director of CASA of the High Plains, a member agency. “Since then I have been a long-time donor and now am involved with the Wonder Women League (WWL), which operates under the United Way. The WWL celebrates the power of women in this community who give not only money, but time and service for others. I’m proud to be associated with so many wonderful women and the work that we do.”

Justin Greenleaf, associate professor of leadership studies, volunteers for the United Way because the organization works for the common good of our community. “The United Way is able to address problems facing Ellis County in ways that I would not be able to alone. Through a systems-level approach, they provide support where it is needed most.”

FHSU junior Kellyn Wahlmeier, a communication sciences and disorders major from Colby and a VIP Ambassador , shared that she was surprised by how much she gained from serving as a big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “It's time that I get to spend away from school, focusing on making someone else's day just a little bit brighter.”

I cannot think of a better sentiment than that – serving with love and fueled by the financial resources and shared mission of United Way agencies makes our communities better. It also consistently makes “someone else’s day just a little bit brighter.” For me, focusing on activities that can positively change the lives of other people is why I get up every morning with a smile and a purpose.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>As the month of February progresses, so does our United Way Campus Campaign at Fort Hays State University. We have had one successful food truck Fridays with Smokin Co. BBQ and a birthday challenge. Since I turned 60 earlier this month, staff thought it would be fun to offer a challenge: Anyone who donates $60 or more to the United Way Campus Campaign will be eligible to win a prize from local businesses.A special thank you to the following local businesses for supporting the United Way Campus Campaign, which is all about improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good: Anhelo Massage &amp; Wellness; CJ Snaps; Flowers by Frances; Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market; PoPt Gourmet Popcorn; Stephanie Jacobs, All the Rage Studios; and The Inn at 117.Speaking of advancing the common good, let me highlight just a few of our campus colleagues who responded when we asked, “What’s Your United Way Story?”Jason Williby, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation, has been a proud American Red Cross blood donor since his days as a Fort Hays State undergraduate. He has a vivid recollection of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp), walking all new members to the blood drive at the Memorial Union. “As new members, we were all encouraged to donate at the same time as a team-building experience. Giving blood is such an easy way to give back to the community. In giving just one hour of your time, a donor can help save up to three lives. I am proud to have donated 65 times since 1994.”FHSU senior Audra Boerger, a marketing major from McPherson and a VIP Ambassador on campus, worked for Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services through FHSU and Dane G. Hansen’s internship program last summer. Boerger said she was moved by her experience at Options, a United Way-supported agency. “After my program was over, I found a passion in helping survivors find the resources that they need and aiding them through their healing journey. Through the volunteer work I have done; I feel like I make an impact in a way that I cannot even begin to comprehend. The survivors are the ones who are important, and my job is to make them feel that way.”Over the years, several of our students have really enjoyed their service with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ellis County. One of those current volunteers is Amari Angram-Boldin, a senior Tiger football player from Pahokee, Fla. He said that he can identify with some of the children in the program after growing up the oldest of three children in a one-parent household. “When I considered volunteering, I instantly thought about how badly I wanted a big brother as a role model growing up. I look at it as an opportunity to pay back and make an impact in a kid’s life, because I know how happy it made me when older guys would take me under their wings when I was a child.”Amy Schaffer, FHSU’s compliance officer, volunteers as a board member for the United Way because she has seen how the organization brings people, agencies and donations together to make the biggest impact. “I have always worked in jobs where I assist people going through difficult situations and often, I would connect them to a United Way agency to get additional support. I saw how the United Way partner agencies helped provide resources to help the person move forward, whether it was shelter, food, mentoring services or financial assistance. Since I joined the board, I have also seen how the United Way brings resources together to help bring positive changes to our community.”Through its core grief support groups, the Center for Life Experience, Inc. (CFLE) provides peer-to-peer support for individuals dealing with loss. Thanks to funding from individuals and organizations such as the United Way, CFLE continues to work for hope and healing within our community. Dawne Leiker, an academic advisor in the Department of Informatics, serves as president of the executive board of CFLE. “I’m very grateful for the investment that United Way has made in our organization. It has helped us transition to a community-based 501c3, where we can be more responsive to our community’s needs. Peer-to-peer grief support is now so very critical, as many people are facing devastating losses throughout the pandemic. Thanks to United Way for supporting our mission!”Janette Meis, communications specialist in the Office of the President, first became involved with the United Way in the late ’90s when she was the director of CASA of the High Plains, a member agency. “Since then I have been a long-time donor and now am involved with the Wonder Women League (WWL), which operates under the United Way. The WWL celebrates the power of women in this community who give not only money, but time and service for others. I’m proud to be associated with so many wonderful women and the work that we do.”Justin Greenleaf, associate professor of leadership studies, volunteers for the United Way because the organization works for the common good of our community. “The United Way is able to address problems facing Ellis County in ways that I would not be able to alone. Through a systems-level approach, they provide support where it is needed most.”FHSU junior Kellyn Wahlmeier, a communication sciences and disorders major from Colby and a VIP Ambassador , shared that she was surprised by how much she gained from serving as a big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “It's time that I get to spend away from school, focusing on making someone else's day just a little bit brighter.”I cannot think of a better sentiment than that – serving with love and fueled by the financial resources and shared mission of United Way agencies makes our communities better. It also consistently makes “someone else’s day just a little bit brighter.” For me, focusing on activities that can positively change the lives of other people is why I get up every morning with a smile and a purpose.

MASON: Making someone else’s day a little bit brighter

I am deeply concerned about our foster care system in Kansas.&nbsp; I’ve met with foster parents in my district and they recounted the poor communication between agencies, the lack of respite care for foster parents and foster kids being returned to parents despite numerous positive drug tests.&nbsp; News reports and testimony to legislative committees have laid out an even bleaker picture of the foster care system in Kansas. There are stories on multiple placements (one child having 130 placements), children sleeping in offices overnight, children running away from placements with the state having no idea where a child was located, and foster care children aging into the corrections system. A 2019 survey found that 1 in 3 Kansas inmates had been in foster care.&nbsp; This breaks my heart – but I have some good news.&nbsp;

The House voted on House Bill 2115 on Thursday of this past week which came as a result of recommendations from the Legislature’s Special Committee on Foster Care Oversight. The bill establishes the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight.&nbsp; It makes sure eyes remain on the administration’s management of the system and on long-term improvements for children in foster care.&nbsp; They will be doing things like reviewing child welfare data and study how the programs and services impact the children.&nbsp; They will dive into how DCF, KDHE &amp; KDADS as they impact children.&nbsp; The House passed the bill 118-4 and it now goes to the Senate for consideration.

There is so much to be done to fix the foster care system, but this is the start to calling for accountability. &nbsp; I have met with foster parents here in Hays and the list of issues is long and frankly, very distressing.&nbsp; We have failed our most precious resource – our children.&nbsp; HB 2115 is just the beginning. &nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578522379850.jpeg" alt="111th District State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays" />
 <figcaption>111th District State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Help and Change Coming For Foster Kids</h2>I am deeply concerned about our foster care system in Kansas.&nbsp; I’ve met with foster parents in my district and they recounted the poor communication between agencies, the lack of respite care for foster parents and foster kids being returned to parents despite numerous positive drug tests.&nbsp; News reports and testimony to legislative committees have laid out an even bleaker picture of the foster care system in Kansas. There are stories on multiple placements (one child having 130 placements), children sleeping in offices overnight, children running away from placements with the state having no idea where a child was located, and foster care children aging into the corrections system. A 2019 survey found that 1 in 3 Kansas inmates had been in foster care.&nbsp; This breaks my heart – but I have some good news.&nbsp;The House voted on House Bill 2115 on Thursday of this past week which came as a result of recommendations from the Legislature’s Special Committee on Foster Care Oversight. The bill establishes the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight.&nbsp; It makes sure eyes remain on the administration’s management of the system and on long-term improvements for children in foster care.&nbsp; They will be doing things like reviewing child welfare data and study how the programs and services impact the children.&nbsp; They will dive into how DCF, KDHE &amp; KDADS as they impact children.&nbsp; The House passed the bill 118-4 and it now goes to the Senate for consideration.There is so much to be done to fix the foster care system, but this is the start to calling for accountability. &nbsp; I have met with foster parents here in Hays and the list of issues is long and frankly, very distressing.&nbsp; We have failed our most precious resource – our children.&nbsp; HB 2115 is just the beginning. &nbsp;111th District State Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays

WASINGER: Barb's Blog, Feb. 23

By ED CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association

In mid-February, an arctic blast swept
across Kansas and the nation and gave America a
preview of what an “existential threat” looks like.
Not the kind of fear-mongering “12-years to the
end of the earth” threat by the likes of U.S.
Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and fed
to Americans by President Biden as he issues job-
killing executive orders.


The threat we saw in February took away people’s power, heat, and clean water. The
blame lies with those who irresponsibly push not-ready-for-primetime renewable energy, like
wind and solar power, to make up a greater share of our energy grids.


There is a lot of conflicting information about electricity blackouts across the nation.
The root cause of the blackouts in Kansas and across the nation is national and state policy that
has prioritized the adoption of unreliable wind/solar energy over reliable energy.


For the last decade-plus energy policy in Kansas and the U.S. has been focused on
mandating or subsidizing as much wind and solar as possible.


The focus on wind has come above all at the expense of coal, natural gas, and nuclear
which has the resiliency advantage of being able to store large quantities of fuel onsite.


Because intermittent wind and solar can always go near zero, as we saw in mid-
February, they don't replace the cost of reliable power plants, they add to the cost of reliable
power plants. This is why the more wind and solar grids are used, the higher their electricity
prices.


To lessen the price increases from unreliable wind/solar energy, governments try to get
away with as few reliable power plants online as they can. The expense and distraction of
accommodating unreliable wind/solar energy takes away money and focus from resiliency.


While we don't know yet what exactly caused certain natural gas and coal plants to go
down, we know with 100% certainty that natural gas and coal plants can easily run in far more
adverse conditions than what was experienced in mid-February. And we know with 100%
certainty that even if no wind turbines had frozen they would have been nearly useless during
large portions of the weather in mid-February.


To expose the foolishness of the idea that fossil fuels could not handle the cold
temperatures in Texas, it helps to look at facts. In Texas, a spike in demand during cold
temperatures led to devastating blackouts. In Alberta, Canada, a spike in demand during far
colder temperatures led to very little disruption. Why? Alberta has a reliable grid with 43%
coal and 49% natural gas.


If you are looking at the facts, the obvious lesson here is: stop subsidizing and
mandating unreliable wind/solar energy, which are often useless when you need them most--
and do a better job at managing reliable energy sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear.


Instead of acknowledging the reality that
unreliable wind/solar energy can't keep us warm
or powered in the winter and that the "100%
renewable" direction is disastrous, advocates of
unreliable wind/solar energy are instead implying
that no source of electricity can be relied upon, so
no need to single out wind.


This is, of course, not correct. We know how to produce enough low-cost, reliable
electricity for every situation. You build reliable power plants, including those with on-site fuel
storage--such as coal and nuclear. You place a premium on reliability and resilience. That's it.


Several areas across the country, including Kansas, had an electricity crisis during bad
winter weather because they did not focus enough on building reliable power plants and
infrastructure. They were obsessed with getting as much unreliable wind/solar electricity as
possible. Let's all learn from this mistake.


Plans to subsidize wind/solar energy should change. Biden’s energy plan calls for nearly
100% solar and wind electricity by 2035! Everyone should be asking how the Biden plan would
have fared in mid-February.


Kansas and America need to totally change direction in energy policy toward one of
energy freedom.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584027001010.png" alt="Ed Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association." />
 <figcaption>Ed Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ED CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association In mid-February, an arctic blast swept
across Kansas and the nation and gave America a
preview of what an “existential threat” looks like.
Not the kind of fear-mongering “12-years to the
end of the earth” threat by the likes of U.S.
Representative Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and fed
to Americans by President Biden as he issues job-
killing executive orders.
The threat we saw in February took away people’s power, heat, and clean water. The
blame lies with those who irresponsibly push not-ready-for-primetime renewable energy, like
wind and solar power, to make up a greater share of our energy grids.
There is a lot of conflicting information about electricity blackouts across the nation.
The root cause of the blackouts in Kansas and across the nation is national and state policy that
has prioritized the adoption of unreliable wind/solar energy over reliable energy.
For the last decade-plus energy policy in Kansas and the U.S. has been focused on
mandating or subsidizing as much wind and solar as possible.
The focus on wind has come above all at the expense of coal, natural gas, and nuclear
which has the resiliency advantage of being able to store large quantities of fuel onsite.
Because intermittent wind and solar can always go near zero, as we saw in mid-
February, they don't replace the cost of reliable power plants, they add to the cost of reliable
power plants. This is why the more wind and solar grids are used, the higher their electricity
prices.
To lessen the price increases from unreliable wind/solar energy, governments try to get
away with as few reliable power plants online as they can. The expense and distraction of
accommodating unreliable wind/solar energy takes away money and focus from resiliency.
While we don't know yet what exactly caused certain natural gas and coal plants to go
down, we know with 100% certainty that natural gas and coal plants can easily run in far more
adverse conditions than what was experienced in mid-February. And we know with 100%
certainty that even if no wind turbines had frozen they would have been nearly useless during
large portions of the weather in mid-February.
To expose the foolishness of the idea that fossil fuels could not handle the cold
temperatures in Texas, it helps to look at facts. In Texas, a spike in demand during cold
temperatures led to devastating blackouts. In Alberta, Canada, a spike in demand during far
colder temperatures led to very little disruption. Why? Alberta has a reliable grid with 43%
coal and 49% natural gas.
If you are looking at the facts, the obvious lesson here is: stop subsidizing and
mandating unreliable wind/solar energy, which are often useless when you need them most--
and do a better job at managing reliable energy sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear.
Instead of acknowledging the reality that
unreliable wind/solar energy can't keep us warm
or powered in the winter and that the "100%
renewable" direction is disastrous, advocates of
unreliable wind/solar energy are instead implying
that no source of electricity can be relied upon, so
no need to single out wind.
This is, of course, not correct. We know how to produce enough low-cost, reliable
electricity for every situation. You build reliable power plants, including those with on-site fuel
storage--such as coal and nuclear. You place a premium on reliability and resilience. That's it.
Several areas across the country, including Kansas, had an electricity crisis during bad
winter weather because they did not focus enough on building reliable power plants and
infrastructure. They were obsessed with getting as much unreliable wind/solar electricity as
possible. Let's all learn from this mistake.
Plans to subsidize wind/solar energy should change. Biden’s energy plan calls for nearly
100% solar and wind electricity by 2035! Everyone should be asking how the Biden plan would
have fared in mid-February.
Kansas and America need to totally change direction in energy policy toward one of
energy freedom.

CROSS: The perils of 'electrifying everything'

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

Our first beef calves of the season arrived a few days into February. Each day into calving season temperatures grew colder, and our lives transitioned from normal routines to the highly vigilant survival mode required to weather the arctic storm. 

My quiet moments during this bitterly cold stretch have been filled with reflections on the farming and ranching lifestyle. Calving through a storm is hard work that takes a kind of deep, character-refining strength.

It takes strong logic to overcome a pull on your heartstrings that comes when you take a brand new calf away from a momma cow minutes after it is born. Farmers do this because they know that no matter how hard the cow tries to clean up her baby, she will never get it dry enough by herself in frigid temperatures. Spending a few hours under a heat lamp keeps the baby warm until she is dry enough to survive in the cold.

It takes strong purpose to put the needs of the herd before your own comfort. During the run-on days of the storm, farmers miss meals, delay bathroom breaks, ditch their gloves and lose the feeling their hands while milking a cow to teach a calf to nurse. They ruin clothing, end up with soiled vehicles, and may even sacrifice their bathtubs to the needs of the newborns.

It takes physical strength to chop through the layers of ice in water tanks or safely wrestle a 50-pound calf into the passenger seat of your pickup to move it to the warming shed. Farmers don’t give a second thought to the bruise forming on their leg from a baby calves’ flailing legs or the soreness in their muscles after long physical days because aches and pains seem like a small price to pay to protect the herd.  

It takes mental strength to wake at all hours of the night after a scarce 30-minute nap and reach a state of alertness to identify signs of distress during a frequent pen checks. Farmers make constant rounds day and night in the cold because they know that a cow may have a quick or a difficult labor. Being vigilant helps farmers to provide needed assistance as quickly as possible.  

It takes emotional strength not to feel weighed down with guilt when a calf is born in subzero temperatures and you just did not get there quick enough to save it. Farmers do not have the luxury of dwelling on what went wrong. They have to get back to helping their remaining animals and trying their best not to lose another one.

Calving through a storm is hard, but it is the kind of hard that’s worthwhile.

My most surprising reflection is that this storm has made me better. I feel a little bit like leaving the gym after a strength training session. My mind and body are exhausted, but I feel joy, peace and contentment. What looked so daunting at the beginning was overcome through perseverance and exercising logic, selflessness, compassion, wisdom and humility.

You may never have the chance to help a farm or ranch survive a calving season storm, but we all have storms in our lives. Opportunity to exercise our character by putting the needs of others before our own comfort; taking the uncomfortable steps to help others who cannot help themselves; and forgiving ourselves or letting go of things beyond our control. And we all have the strength to weather these storms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherOur first beef calves of the season arrived a few days into February. Each day into calving season temperatures grew colder, and our lives transitioned from normal routines to the highly vigilant survival mode required to weather the arctic storm. My quiet moments during this bitterly cold stretch have been filled with reflections on the farming and ranching lifestyle. Calving through a storm is hard work that takes a kind of deep, character-refining strength.It takes strong logic to overcome a pull on your heartstrings that comes when you take a brand new calf away from a momma cow minutes after it is born. Farmers do this because they know that no matter how hard the cow tries to clean up her baby, she will never get it dry enough by herself in frigid temperatures. Spending a few hours under a heat lamp keeps the baby warm until she is dry enough to survive in the cold.It takes strong purpose to put the needs of the herd before your own comfort. During the run-on days of the storm, farmers miss meals, delay bathroom breaks, ditch their gloves and lose the feeling their hands while milking a cow to teach a calf to nurse. They ruin clothing, end up with soiled vehicles, and may even sacrifice their bathtubs to the needs of the newborns.It takes physical strength to chop through the layers of ice in water tanks or safely wrestle a 50-pound calf into the passenger seat of your pickup to move it to the warming shed. Farmers don’t give a second thought to the bruise forming on their leg from a baby calves’ flailing legs or the soreness in their muscles after long physical days because aches and pains seem like a small price to pay to protect the herd. It takes mental strength to wake at all hours of the night after a scarce 30-minute nap and reach a state of alertness to identify signs of distress during a frequent pen checks. Farmers make constant rounds day and night in the cold because they know that a cow may have a quick or a difficult labor. Being vigilant helps farmers to provide needed assistance as quickly as possible. It takes emotional strength not to feel weighed down with guilt when a calf is born in subzero temperatures and you just did not get there quick enough to save it. Farmers do not have the luxury of dwelling on what went wrong. They have to get back to helping their remaining animals and trying their best not to lose another one.Calving through a storm is hard, but it is the kind of hard that’s worthwhile.My most surprising reflection is that this storm has made me better. I feel a little bit like leaving the gym after a strength training session. My mind and body are exhausted, but I feel joy, peace and contentment. What looked so daunting at the beginning was overcome through perseverance and exercising logic, selflessness, compassion, wisdom and humility.You may never have the chance to help a farm or ranch survive a calving season storm, but we all have storms in our lives. Opportunity to exercise our character by putting the needs of others before our own comfort; taking the uncomfortable steps to help others who cannot help themselves; and forgiving ourselves or letting go of things beyond our control. And we all have the strength to weather these storms."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The strength to weather storms

I never feel like I catch as many coyotes as I should, so now that we had a little snow on the ground, I decided to drive around to a few properties where I’d had coyote traps this year to see if there were tracks in the snow. I drove across a couple fields of soybean stubble to a spot clear in the middle of a section where the bean stubble bordered an overgrown pasture. 

At one end of the field was the deep drainage ditch known locally as the “big ditch,” and several game trails going down the far side of the ditch and ending up in front of me on the other side were covered with fresh coyote tracks in the snow. I set snares in 3 of the trails, and the second morning one snare held the body of a coyote so terribly infected with mange that it was barely recognizable. The poor critter hardly had enough fur on its entire body to cover a pair of ear muffs.

After a discussion with my wife during which I whole-heartedly disputed a story she had heard about mange being intentionally introduced, I did some research. I found story-after-story and record-after-record verifying that fact. Between 1883 and 1918, Montana paid over $340,000 in bounties for the killing of more than 80,000 wolves. Seeking a cheaper method of control, for wolves and coyotes, a 1905 Montana law provided for the capture of a number of wild wolves and coyotes that were then intentionally infected with Sarcoptic mange and released back into the wild.&nbsp;

Sarcoptic Mange is a disease found in canines, both wild and domestic, caused by Sarcoptic Mites. These parasitic mites burrow into the skin, causing intense scratching and resulting hair loss, weakness and very possibly death as the infected animal loses most or all of its fur and becomes too weak to hunt. The hair loss usually begins on the tail and hind legs then slowly works its way across the animal’s entire body. Cold temperatures will not kill the mites as they are burrowed into the skin, so the mites won’t die until the coyote dies. Mange is highly treatable in domestic canines but obviously not in wild foxes, wolves and coyotes, thus it can wreak havoc with wild populations. I think most trappers here in the Midwest catch a few coyotes with mange every year. It’s not entirely known what kind of survival rate to expect, but that seems to be highly determined by winter conditions in the area. Our local conservation officer pointed out to me that despite some periods of frigid temperatures and a few snow storms, the last several winters have been fairly mild here in Kansas, possible allowing some infected animals to survive. It’s also thought that young coyote pups contracting mange will most certainly die. Mange is very transmittable from one animal to another, and the higher the wild population of that particular species, the more chances to transmit the disease. Coyotes are very family-oriented and live in family groups, so the mites have ample opportunities to spread throughout the entire family group.&nbsp;

Human infections of mange are extremely rare and short lived and are easily treated medically. Also, mange from wildlife very rarely transfers to domestic animals or livestock. Despite the rare likelihood of transmission, hunters and trappers should handle infected animals with gloves and should throw away or disinfect those gloves afterward. Carcasses of dead mange-infected animals can be buried or burned, or at very least left someplace where dogs or wild canines will not feed on them.

Most people take a dim view of coyotes because they can be such ruthless predators, so when trappers talk of disease problems among the coyote population most folks barely bat an eye. As stated above, the larger the coyote population, the easier it is for disease to get a foothold. Trapping is proven to be a very effective tool in controlling predator populations, and thus helping to control diseases. Besides, as a trapper I like trying to match wits with the wily buggers; I’m often unsuccessful, but I like trying. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>I never feel like I catch as many coyotes as I should, so now that we had a little snow on the ground, I decided to drive around to a few properties where I’d had coyote traps this year to see if there were tracks in the snow. I drove across a couple fields of soybean stubble to a spot clear in the middle of a section where the bean stubble bordered an overgrown pasture. At one end of the field was the deep drainage ditch known locally as the “big ditch,” and several game trails going down the far side of the ditch and ending up in front of me on the other side were covered with fresh coyote tracks in the snow. I set snares in 3 of the trails, and the second morning one snare held the body of a coyote so terribly infected with mange that it was barely recognizable. The poor critter hardly had enough fur on its entire body to cover a pair of ear muffs.After a discussion with my wife during which I whole-heartedly disputed a story she had heard about mange being intentionally introduced, I did some research. I found story-after-story and record-after-record verifying that fact. Between 1883 and 1918, Montana paid over $340,000 in bounties for the killing of more than 80,000 wolves. Seeking a cheaper method of control, for wolves and coyotes, a 1905 Montana law provided for the capture of a number of wild wolves and coyotes that were then intentionally infected with Sarcoptic mange and released back into the wild.&nbsp;Sarcoptic Mange is a disease found in canines, both wild and domestic, caused by Sarcoptic Mites. These parasitic mites burrow into the skin, causing intense scratching and resulting hair loss, weakness and very possibly death as the infected animal loses most or all of its fur and becomes too weak to hunt. The hair loss usually begins on the tail and hind legs then slowly works its way across the animal’s entire body. Cold temperatures will not kill the mites as they are burrowed into the skin, so the mites won’t die until the coyote dies. Mange is highly treatable in domestic canines but obviously not in wild foxes, wolves and coyotes, thus it can wreak havoc with wild populations. I think most trappers here in the Midwest catch a few coyotes with mange every year. It’s not entirely known what kind of survival rate to expect, but that seems to be highly determined by winter conditions in the area. Our local conservation officer pointed out to me that despite some periods of frigid temperatures and a few snow storms, the last several winters have been fairly mild here in Kansas, possible allowing some infected animals to survive. It’s also thought that young coyote pups contracting mange will most certainly die. Mange is very transmittable from one animal to another, and the higher the wild population of that particular species, the more chances to transmit the disease. Coyotes are very family-oriented and live in family groups, so the mites have ample opportunities to spread throughout the entire family group.&nbsp;Human infections of mange are extremely rare and short lived and are easily treated medically. Also, mange from wildlife very rarely transfers to domestic animals or livestock. Despite the rare likelihood of transmission, hunters and trappers should handle infected animals with gloves and should throw away or disinfect those gloves afterward. Carcasses of dead mange-infected animals can be buried or burned, or at very least left someplace where dogs or wild canines will not feed on them.Most people take a dim view of coyotes because they can be such ruthless predators, so when trappers talk of disease problems among the coyote population most folks barely bat an eye. As stated above, the larger the coyote population, the easier it is for disease to get a foothold. Trapping is proven to be a very effective tool in controlling predator populations, and thus helping to control diseases. Besides, as a trapper I like trying to match wits with the wily buggers; I’m often unsuccessful, but I like trying. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at syevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Mange, mange go away

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Operators continue to enjoy the highest prices in more than a year. U.S. crude futures prices jumped more than 3 percent Monday, topping $61 a barrel for the first time since early January of last year. By noon, the near-month contract for light sweet crude was up nearly $2 at $61.13 per barrel. London Brent was also up 3 percent at $64.65 per barrel. The government says gasoline inventories are increasing, signaling decreasing demand. But prices continue to rise at pumps across the country, largely due to spiking crude-oil prices. The Energy Information Administration says total motor gasoline inventories increased by 700,000 barrels last week and are about 1% above the five year average for this time of year. But gasoline prices have already topped last year's more than three dozen states. The motor club AAA said the gasoline price spike kept up with spiking crude-oil prices, and predicted both would soon top the highest prices of last year. The national average price at the pump last week was just over $2.57. Nearly 40 state average pump prices had already topped last year's highs, with half of those seeing double-digit increases. Kansas was the tenth cheapest state in the U.S. last week, with an average of just over $2.35 per gallon. That's up nearly eight cents over a week ago, and eighteen cents a gallon higher than a month ago. Filling up your 15-gallon tank cost just over $36, up more than a dollar from last week and nearly two dollars more than last month.&nbsp; Cold weather wreaked havoc in the oil patch last week. Output was down by more than two million barrels per day as the coldest weather in 30 years hits states that aren't used to it. Quoting unnamed traders and company executives, Bloomberg reported supply losses in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, along with the Eagle Ford play in southern Texas and the Anadarko basin in Oklahoma.&nbsp; The cold snap was good news for small natural gas producers. The freeze is giving a rare boost to a market that’s never recovered from a crash more than a ten years ago. As Texas output is disrupted by frozen pipes, prices have surged more than 4,000% in Oklahoma. &nbsp; The Rig Count in Kansas last week was unchanged statewide, down one east of Wichita and up one in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes that operators have now reached total depth at new well in Ellis County and another in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports the national rig count was unchanged. The count of oil rigs was up one, while the gas rig count was down one. Texas and North Dakota were each up one rig, while Louisiana and Alaska both dropped by one.&nbsp; There were just four new permits filed last week in Kansas. All of them were in counties east of Wichita. That's 94 permits for drilling at new locations in Kansas so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 16 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, eight of them east of Wichita and eight in Western Kansas, including two in Ellis County. The government says U.S. crude-oil stockpiles dropped by 7.3 million barrels during the week ending February 12. The Energy Information Administration reports inventories are right at the five-year average for this time of year. EIA reports U.S. crude imports rose 41,000 barrels per day last week. We currently import an average of 5.9 million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, imports have averaged 13% less than the same four-week period last year. U.S. crude-oil production dropped below 11 million barrels per day last week, and remains more than two million barrels per day behind year-ago totals. In a monthly report, the government predicts total shale production in the U.S. will continue to decline. Output from the seven major shale plays tracked by EIA will drop 77,000 barrels per day in March, to just over 7.5 million barrels per day. That would mark the sixth consecutive monthly decline. Shale production accounts for roughly three-fourths of U.S. crude-oil production. Regulators in North Dakota say production continues to drop in the #2 U.S. crude-producing state. The Department of Mineral Resources reported output of 1.19 million barrels per day in December, down nearly 35,000 barrels per day from the month before. Declining production in North Dakota has helped the state meet its environmental goals. In its latest report, DMR reported a 93 percent gas-capture rate. That means of all the natural gas produced at oil wells in North Dakota, only seven percent was vented or burned at the well head. During it's initial oil boom, the state's operators flared four times that amount. Last year marked the first in which the U.S. was a net petroleum exporter, exporting more petroleum than we imported on an annual basis. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says declining imports drove the shift, but now predicts we will return to net importer status for the next two years. In it's Short Term Energy Outlook, the government predicts U.S. petroleum consumption will continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, growing by seven percent this year and another five percent next year.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Operators continue to enjoy the highest prices in more than a year. U.S. crude futures prices jumped more than 3 percent Monday, topping $61 a barrel for the first time since early January of last year. By noon, the near-month contract for light sweet crude was up nearly $2 at $61.13 per barrel. London Brent was also up 3 percent at $64.65 per barrel. The government says gasoline inventories are increasing, signaling decreasing demand. But prices continue to rise at pumps across the country, largely due to spiking crude-oil prices. The Energy Information Administration says total motor gasoline inventories increased by 700,000 barrels last week and are about 1% above the five year average for this time of year. But gasoline prices have already topped last year's more than three dozen states. The motor club AAA said the gasoline price spike kept up with spiking crude-oil prices, and predicted both would soon top the highest prices of last year. The national average price at the pump last week was just over $2.57. Nearly 40 state average pump prices had already topped last year's highs, with half of those seeing double-digit increases. Kansas was the tenth cheapest state in the U.S. last week, with an average of just over $2.35 per gallon. That's up nearly eight cents over a week ago, and eighteen cents a gallon higher than a month ago. Filling up your 15-gallon tank cost just over $36, up more than a dollar from last week and nearly two dollars more than last month.&nbsp; Cold weather wreaked havoc in the oil patch last week. Output was down by more than two million barrels per day as the coldest weather in 30 years hits states that aren't used to it. Quoting unnamed traders and company executives, Bloomberg reported supply losses in the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, along with the Eagle Ford play in southern Texas and the Anadarko basin in Oklahoma.&nbsp; The cold snap was good news for small natural gas producers. The freeze is giving a rare boost to a market that’s never recovered from a crash more than a ten years ago. As Texas output is disrupted by frozen pipes, prices have surged more than 4,000% in Oklahoma. &nbsp; The Rig Count in Kansas last week was unchanged statewide, down one east of Wichita and up one in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service notes that operators have now reached total depth at new well in Ellis County and another in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports the national rig count was unchanged. The count of oil rigs was up one, while the gas rig count was down one. Texas and North Dakota were each up one rig, while Louisiana and Alaska both dropped by one.&nbsp; There were just four new permits filed last week in Kansas. All of them were in counties east of Wichita. That's 94 permits for drilling at new locations in Kansas so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 16 newly-completed wells across Kansas last week, eight of them east of Wichita and eight in Western Kansas, including two in Ellis County. The government says U.S. crude-oil stockpiles dropped by 7.3 million barrels during the week ending February 12. The Energy Information Administration reports inventories are right at the five-year average for this time of year. EIA reports U.S. crude imports rose 41,000 barrels per day last week. We currently import an average of 5.9 million barrels per day. Over the last four weeks, imports have averaged 13% less than the same four-week period last year. U.S. crude-oil production dropped below 11 million barrels per day last week, and remains more than two million barrels per day behind year-ago totals. In a monthly report, the government predicts total shale production in the U.S. will continue to decline. Output from the seven major shale plays tracked by EIA will drop 77,000 barrels per day in March, to just over 7.5 million barrels per day. That would mark the sixth consecutive monthly decline. Shale production accounts for roughly three-fourths of U.S. crude-oil production. Regulators in North Dakota say production continues to drop in the #2 U.S. crude-producing state. The Department of Mineral Resources reported output of 1.19 million barrels per day in December, down nearly 35,000 barrels per day from the month before. Declining production in North Dakota has helped the state meet its environmental goals. In its latest report, DMR reported a 93 percent gas-capture rate. That means of all the natural gas produced at oil wells in North Dakota, only seven percent was vented or burned at the well head. During it's initial oil boom, the state's operators flared four times that amount. Last year marked the first in which the U.S. was a net petroleum exporter, exporting more petroleum than we imported on an annual basis. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says declining imports drove the shift, but now predicts we will return to net importer status for the next two years. In it's Short Term Energy Outlook, the government predicts U.S. petroleum consumption will continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, growing by seven percent this year and another five percent next year.

News From the Oil Patch: Oil, gasoline prices reach 13-month highs

One of the most neglected tools for vegetable gardeners is a soil thermometer. Soil temperature is a much better measure of when to plant than air temperature or the calendar. Planting when soil is too cool can cause some seeds to rot and transplants to sit there. A number of vegetables can germinate and grow at cool temperatures. For example, peas will germinate and grow well at a soil temperature of 40 F. Though lettuce, parsnips, and spinach can sprout at a soil temperature of 35 F, they prefer at least 45 F for best germination and growth. &nbsp;Radishes also do well at a soil temperature of 45 F. &nbsp;Even if the seeds of these cool-season crops are planted below the recommended soil temperature, the seed will rarely rot. Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, sweet corn, and beans are different. &nbsp;They prefer at least 55 F for germination (or transplanting), but others such as peppers, cucumbers, melons, and sweet potatoes need it even warmer, about 60 F. &nbsp;If planted when soils are too cool, they likely will rot before germinating. Taking soil temperature accurately is a bit of a science. First, use a metal soil thermometer, which is sold in many garden, auto parts, and hardware stores. Take temperature 2.5 inches deep at about 10 to 11 a.m. Temperature variations throughout the day and night affect soil temperature, with the lowest readings after dawn and the warmest around mid-afternoon. The late-morning reading gives a good average temperature. If taking the soil temperature at this time is not practical, take a reading before you leave for work and a second when you return home and use the average. Also be sure to get a consistent reading for four to five days in a row before planting, and make sure a cold snap is not predicted.An excellent guide sheet on this subject is published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and is titled “Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination.” It can be found <a href="https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/soiltemps.pdf">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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>One of the most neglected tools for vegetable gardeners is a soil thermometer. Soil temperature is a much better measure of when to plant than air temperature or the calendar. Planting when soil is too cool can cause some seeds to rot and transplants to sit there. A number of vegetables can germinate and grow at cool temperatures. For example, peas will germinate and grow well at a soil temperature of 40 F. Though lettuce, parsnips, and spinach can sprout at a soil temperature of 35 F, they prefer at least 45 F for best germination and growth. &nbsp;Radishes also do well at a soil temperature of 45 F. &nbsp;Even if the seeds of these cool-season crops are planted below the recommended soil temperature, the seed will rarely rot. Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, sweet corn, and beans are different. &nbsp;They prefer at least 55 F for germination (or transplanting), but others such as peppers, cucumbers, melons, and sweet potatoes need it even warmer, about 60 F. &nbsp;If planted when soils are too cool, they likely will rot before germinating. Taking soil temperature accurately is a bit of a science. First, use a metal soil thermometer, which is sold in many garden, auto parts, and hardware stores. Take temperature 2.5 inches deep at about 10 to 11 a.m. Temperature variations throughout the day and night affect soil temperature, with the lowest readings after dawn and the warmest around mid-afternoon. The late-morning reading gives a good average temperature. If taking the soil temperature at this time is not practical, take a reading before you leave for work and a second when you return home and use the average. Also be sure to get a consistent reading for four to five days in a row before planting, and make sure a cold snap is not predicted.An excellent guide sheet on this subject is published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and is titled “Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination.” It can be found <a href="https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/soiltemps.pdf">HERE</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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;

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