America's government is totally out of control period.  When it gets turned around, if ever, is anybody's guess.

I have heard or read on the news a hundred times by Republicans "wait until the 2022 election" at which time we will take back congress and then in 2024 we will take back the White House."  That's a big if. 

Before making my case in this letter to the editor, let me say I do not want to be an alarmist or conspiracy theorist.  Ask anybody who knows me personally they will tell you I'm an optimistic kind of guy, but what I see going on, optimism is not at the top of my list.

I contend this country is on its way to becoming a one party government.  In the past several months I've had four published letters.  The first one was all about the evils of voting Democrat in the 2020 national election and that has come true considering the many radical extreme leftist liberal and progressive agendas that have already been put in place.

That letter was followed by the many Democrat plans years ahead of time to steal the 2020 election, then a letter that this same party can do anything without accountability, and the most recent one was about this party having one standard of justice (virtually non-existent), while Republicans have a completely different one.

What it comes down to is that we are no longer a democratic republic.  We are like a third world country and I repeat, potentially on the way to a one party government in control of all three branches of our government as is the case currently.

A major factor to consider is the total lack of integrity in our elections.  I've seen multiple sources that clearly show voter fraud.  Speaking of inequality of justice, courts completely turned their backs on constitutionally filed lawsuits.  Votes last two elections in favor of the Democrat Party had no legal limits.  Voters could do anything. The courts could care less.

Our Supreme Court was anything but supreme.  It turned its back and ran for the hills to avoid investigation as they turned up their nose at Trump, and clearly supported Democrats.  Think about it readers!  If the highest court in the land won't protect our constitution as per elections, where do we go from here?

We can hope SCOTUS eventually gets involved, but there's no guarantee.  Even if they do, and find massive fraud, my opinion is they won't have the spine to do anything about it.  

What about the current invasion at our borders with millions coming illegally at the invitation of our very own President Biden who will, with just the stroke of a pen probably, give illegals amnesty, then citizenship, then the right to vote.  As sad as it may be, foreigners may have a lot to do with Democrats forever controlling this country.

Look for me to have a succeeding letter to the editor shortly.  There's lots more to this issue.

Les Knoll, Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>America's government is totally out of control period. When it gets turned around, if ever, is anybody's guess.I have heard or read on the news a hundred times by Republicans "wait until the 2022 election" at which time we will take back congress and then in 2024 we will take back the White House." That's a big if. Before making my case in this letter to the editor, let me say I do not want to be an alarmist or conspiracy theorist. Ask anybody who knows me personally they will tell you I'm an optimistic kind of guy, but what I see going on, optimism is not at the top of my list.I contend this country is on its way to becoming a one party government. In the past several months I've had four published letters. The first one was all about the evils of voting Democrat in the 2020 national election and that has come true considering the many radical extreme leftist liberal and progressive agendas that have already been put in place.That letter was followed by the many Democrat plans years ahead of time to steal the 2020 election, then a letter that this same party can do anything without accountability, and the most recent one was about this party having one standard of justice (virtually non-existent), while Republicans have a completely different one.What it comes down to is that we are no longer a democratic republic. We are like a third world country and I repeat, potentially on the way to a one party government in control of all three branches of our government as is the case currently.A major factor to consider is the total lack of integrity in our elections. I've seen multiple sources that clearly show voter fraud. Speaking of inequality of justice, courts completely turned their backs on constitutionally filed lawsuits. Votes last two elections in favor of the Democrat Party had no legal limits. Voters could do anything. The courts could care less.Our Supreme Court was anything but supreme. It turned its back and ran for the hills to avoid investigation as they turned up their nose at Trump, and clearly supported Democrats. Think about it readers! If the highest court in the land won't protect our constitution as per elections, where do we go from here?We can hope SCOTUS eventually gets involved, but there's no guarantee. Even if they do, and find massive fraud, my opinion is they won't have the spine to do anything about it. What about the current invasion at our borders with millions coming illegally at the invitation of our very own President Biden who will, with just the stroke of a pen probably, give illegals amnesty, then citizenship, then the right to vote. As sad as it may be, foreigners may have a lot to do with Democrats forever controlling this country.Look for me to have a succeeding letter to the editor shortly. There's lots more to this issue.Les Knoll, Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

LETTER: America is in free fall

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

A perfect spring day has a bright blue sky, just the right amount of heat, a light breeze and an almost unnoticeable humidity. It’s always a welcome sight after winter, but especially after Mother Nature treats everyone to two weeks of below-freezing temperatures. All of that is on top of months of pandemic-induced cabin fever.

Yes, it’s safe to say I’m ready for spring for all the usual reasons: green grass, blooming flowers and trees, longer days and anticipation of summer. But this year the normal sense of renewal that comes with a dose of spring is heightened by the widespread distribution of vaccines that will let us return to living our lives in a more normal fashion.

At this point, all of this will happen sooner rather than later. Somethings are never going back the way they were before. That’s good for some things, like remote work or more people buying their food directly from farmers and ranchers. These are the benefits that will stay with us long after everyone has had their chance to get a shot.

For everything else to return, however, getting needles in every willing arm as fast as possible is the ticket back to the good life. I understand why some people are wary of taking one of these shots. Two of the three vaccines are based on a relatively new technology, and they were developed four times faster than any previous inoculation.

Again, I understand wanting to be cautious, but I believe the rapid development of these vaccines is an achievement to be celebrated. A combination of government incentives and private enterprise combined to deliver doses of a safe and effective antidote to a modern-day plague in less than a year.

It will take more time to see the full benefits of these vaccines, but early results in reducing the risk of death and hospitalizations are encouraging. Anecdotal reports from friends and family who’ve received their shots have also been positive. This is a revolutionary development in humans’ fight against disease.

That message has been somewhat muddled because caution and mitigation efforts are still necessary. Vaccine supply constraints and the lead time needed before they’re fully effective require continued vigilance. But production is ramping up, and so is the pace of doses going into arms. But with each passing day we’re getting closer to reaching critical mass, closer to the end of this pandemic.

Closer to hearing the hum of a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. Closer to watching the latest movie in a theater. Closer to boarding airplanes and collecting passport stamps. Closer to concerts, sporting events and celebrations disrupted over the past year.

Just as a good dose of spring makes us quickly forget the chill of winter, a shot or two this season will get us to the other side of the pandemic by summer. And I expect it will be as glorious as feeling a shot of sunshine during a perfect spring day.

"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/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauA perfect spring day has a bright blue sky, just the right amount of heat, a light breeze and an almost unnoticeable humidity. It’s always a welcome sight after winter, but especially after Mother Nature treats everyone to two weeks of below-freezing temperatures. All of that is on top of months of pandemic-induced cabin fever.Yes, it’s safe to say I’m ready for spring for all the usual reasons: green grass, blooming flowers and trees, longer days and anticipation of summer. But this year the normal sense of renewal that comes with a dose of spring is heightened by the widespread distribution of vaccines that will let us return to living our lives in a more normal fashion.At this point, all of this will happen sooner rather than later. Somethings are never going back the way they were before. That’s good for some things, like remote work or more people buying their food directly from farmers and ranchers. These are the benefits that will stay with us long after everyone has had their chance to get a shot.For everything else to return, however, getting needles in every willing arm as fast as possible is the ticket back to the good life. I understand why some people are wary of taking one of these shots. Two of the three vaccines are based on a relatively new technology, and they were developed four times faster than any previous inoculation.Again, I understand wanting to be cautious, but I believe the rapid development of these vaccines is an achievement to be celebrated. A combination of government incentives and private enterprise combined to deliver doses of a safe and effective antidote to a modern-day plague in less than a year.It will take more time to see the full benefits of these vaccines, but early results in reducing the risk of death and hospitalizations are encouraging. Anecdotal reports from friends and family who’ve received their shots have also been positive. This is a revolutionary development in humans’ fight against disease.That message has been somewhat muddled because caution and mitigation efforts are still necessary. Vaccine supply constraints and the lead time needed before they’re fully effective require continued vigilance. But production is ramping up, and so is the pace of doses going into arms. But with each passing day we’re getting closer to reaching critical mass, closer to the end of this pandemic.Closer to hearing the hum of a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. Closer to watching the latest movie in a theater. Closer to boarding airplanes and collecting passport stamps. Closer to concerts, sporting events and celebrations disrupted over the past year.Just as a good dose of spring makes us quickly forget the chill of winter, a shot or two this season will get us to the other side of the pandemic by summer. And I expect it will be as glorious as feeling a shot of sunshine during a perfect spring day."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: Shots of spring

I went on this trip knowing full well I’d be resigned to using an alias in place of my friends name here in this story, and that I might be referring to our destination as “somewhere southwest of Cleveland.” You see, die-hard fishermen would as soon rat out their own mother as divulge the location of their honey holes. With that in mind, and even though I was forced to ride blindfolded, and was spun around three times at each stop before removing it, I am comfortable telling you we were at one of Kansas’ major reservoirs.

Gizzard Shad are the bait fish present in most major water impoundments in the US, and the dynamite sport fishing here in Kansas owes its soul to these lowly prey fish. However, shad are hyper- sensitive to oxygen levels in the water and die easily when O2 levels get low. During cold winters when ice covers lakes and reservoirs for a long time, restricted sunlight interrupts photosynthesis which in turn means a disruption in oxygen production by plants in the lakes, often causing a major die-off of gizzard shad.&nbsp;

Such was the case this past winter, as ice remained thick on Kansas lakes, reservoirs and ponds for a couple weeks, resulting in lots of shad dying and either dropping to the bottom of the lake immediately, or floating up to be frozen in the ice.&nbsp; When the ice finally thaws, all those dead shad are washed against shorelines and into backwater bays. The abnormally warm days like we are having now, warm those shallow backwaters first, so the catfish will eventually swarm into them by boat loads for the feast. Its all in the timing; knowing or figuring out when the fish are there.&nbsp;

The best baits to catch early season catfish are pieces of dead shad or other fish, shad gizzards which can be cut from dead shad found along the shore or commercial baits that smell like shad or shad parts. Catfish feed on the bottom by scent, so baits should be fished on the bottom or just slightly above. The most common way to rig for catching early season cats’ is to start with a large, heavy, slip sinker that is loose on the line allowing it to lay on the bottom while the hook and bait can be picked up and carried a short distance by the catfish before setting the hook. Place the sinker a couple feet above the hook, using a swivel to keep it from going any lower on the line. The bait you choose will determine what hook to use; if using a solid bait that can be hooked on a regular hook, a large bait hook or circle hook should be used. If using a dip bait or punch bait that is thinner, treble hooks or hooks made especially for those baits will work best. Since you’ll be fishing in shallow water for these early feeders, you can often fish from the bank or don waders to get you a little farther out. Once the bait is cast as far out as you can toss it, allow lots of slack in the line as these guys will usually pick up the bait and swim a short way before finally inhaling it. Watch and feel your line and when a fish takes up all the slack, vigorously set the hook to be certain to sink it into their boney mouth.

We tried fishing a couple shallow backwaters by wading out far enough to get our bait to the middle of the bay, but a combination of leaky waders and seemingly no catfish there, sent us to the nearest boat dock to launch his boat and try our luck on the lake proper. The lake was too choppy for us to get anywhere but the dam, so we tried our luck at finding some crappie over a brush pile in front of the dam, again with nothing to show for our efforts. We loaded the boat and drove down below the gates at the spillway to fish a short while there before heading home. I landed one nice 18-inch channel cat and my friend found a big freshwater drum before calling it a day.&nbsp;

On years when all the above conditions align, this same scenario will play out on any large lake filled with shad and catfish. It was a fun early outing; we saw a couple bald eagles, stocked up on plenty of free sunshine-administered vitamin D and were “wowed” as usual by all of God’s Creation. So, get out this spring and take a kid fishing as you 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>I went on this trip knowing full well I’d be resigned to using an alias in place of my friends name here in this story, and that I might be referring to our destination as “somewhere southwest of Cleveland.” You see, die-hard fishermen would as soon rat out their own mother as divulge the location of their honey holes. With that in mind, and even though I was forced to ride blindfolded, and was spun around three times at each stop before removing it, I am comfortable telling you we were at one of Kansas’ major reservoirs.Gizzard Shad are the bait fish present in most major water impoundments in the US, and the dynamite sport fishing here in Kansas owes its soul to these lowly prey fish. However, shad are hyper- sensitive to oxygen levels in the water and die easily when O2 levels get low. During cold winters when ice covers lakes and reservoirs for a long time, restricted sunlight interrupts photosynthesis which in turn means a disruption in oxygen production by plants in the lakes, often causing a major die-off of gizzard shad.&nbsp;Such was the case this past winter, as ice remained thick on Kansas lakes, reservoirs and ponds for a couple weeks, resulting in lots of shad dying and either dropping to the bottom of the lake immediately, or floating up to be frozen in the ice.&nbsp; When the ice finally thaws, all those dead shad are washed against shorelines and into backwater bays. The abnormally warm days like we are having now, warm those shallow backwaters first, so the catfish will eventually swarm into them by boat loads for the feast. Its all in the timing; knowing or figuring out when the fish are there.&nbsp;The best baits to catch early season catfish are pieces of dead shad or other fish, shad gizzards which can be cut from dead shad found along the shore or commercial baits that smell like shad or shad parts. Catfish feed on the bottom by scent, so baits should be fished on the bottom or just slightly above. The most common way to rig for catching early season cats’ is to start with a large, heavy, slip sinker that is loose on the line allowing it to lay on the bottom while the hook and bait can be picked up and carried a short distance by the catfish before setting the hook. Place the sinker a couple feet above the hook, using a swivel to keep it from going any lower on the line. The bait you choose will determine what hook to use; if using a solid bait that can be hooked on a regular hook, a large bait hook or circle hook should be used. If using a dip bait or punch bait that is thinner, treble hooks or hooks made especially for those baits will work best. Since you’ll be fishing in shallow water for these early feeders, you can often fish from the bank or don waders to get you a little farther out. Once the bait is cast as far out as you can toss it, allow lots of slack in the line as these guys will usually pick up the bait and swim a short way before finally inhaling it. Watch and feel your line and when a fish takes up all the slack, vigorously set the hook to be certain to sink it into their boney mouth.We tried fishing a couple shallow backwaters by wading out far enough to get our bait to the middle of the bay, but a combination of leaky waders and seemingly no catfish there, sent us to the nearest boat dock to launch his boat and try our luck on the lake proper. The lake was too choppy for us to get anywhere but the dam, so we tried our luck at finding some crappie over a brush pile in front of the dam, again with nothing to show for our efforts. We loaded the boat and drove down below the gates at the spillway to fish a short while there before heading home. I landed one nice 18-inch channel cat and my friend found a big freshwater drum before calling it a day.&nbsp;On years when all the above conditions align, this same scenario will play out on any large lake filled with shad and catfish. It was a fun early outing; we saw a couple bald eagles, stocked up on plenty of free sunshine-administered vitamin D and were “wowed” as usual by all of God’s Creation. So, get out this spring and take a kid fishing as you Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Hooking early Kansas cats’

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Now is the time to finalize plans for kochia (aka fireweed) control. Recent research suggests that kochia can begin emerging in early February with most kochia emerging by early April. Kochia seedlings emerge in dense populations and have dense hairs that make adequate post herbicide coverage and adsorption difficult, with disappointing results. In addition, glyphosate-resistant kochia is prevalent across western Kansas, making kochia control even more challenging. For these reasons, it is important to apply pre-emergence herbicides in late winter or early spring to control this weed before it emerges.&nbsp;

Herbicide program components to effectively manage kochia at germination

To successfully manage kochia, an herbicide program needs two components:

Precipitation events during late winter are often too small to activate longer residual herbicides, but dicamba may control kochia for 4 to 6 weeks until the longer residual herbicide is incorporated.

The best timing to apply herbicides for kochia control is generally January through the first week of March but prior to kochia emergence, which can vary depending on weather conditions. Later applications, for example, at the time of burndown, are more likely to occur after kochia emergence, which increases the risk of control failure.&nbsp;

If it is difficult for a grower to apply pre-emerge herbicides in early Spring. A Fall-applied treatment can also be effective to help ensure timely application, and good control, however, they are not likely to effectively control later flushes of kochia.

The duration of a fall applied herbicide in early December and combined with a spring pre-emerge application in late February has achieved greater than 80% control of kochia in Kansas. These treatments were conducted in Tribune and Garden City by K-State Weed Science specialist. They used three different treatments and each one was equally effective. They were ATZ + Clarity + Sharpen; ATZ + Clarity + Zidua; and Atrazine + Clarity.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615301123518.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictNow is the time to finalize plans for kochia (aka fireweed) control. Recent research suggests that kochia can begin emerging in early February with most kochia emerging by early April. Kochia seedlings emerge in dense populations and have dense hairs that make adequate post herbicide coverage and adsorption difficult, with disappointing results. In addition, glyphosate-resistant kochia is prevalent across western Kansas, making kochia control even more challenging. For these reasons, it is important to apply pre-emergence herbicides in late winter or early spring to control this weed before it emerges.&nbsp;Herbicide program components to effectively manage kochia at germinationTo successfully manage kochia, an herbicide program needs two components:<ol>
 <li>a very soluble and effective herbicide that can be incorporated with very little precipitation, such as dicamba; and</li><li>an herbicide that has longer residual activity, which will require perhaps 0.75 inches or more precipitation for adequate incorporation, such as atrazine.</li>
 </ol>Precipitation events during late winter are often too small to activate longer residual herbicides, but dicamba may control kochia for 4 to 6 weeks until the longer residual herbicide is incorporated.The best timing to apply herbicides for kochia control is generally January through the first week of March but prior to kochia emergence, which can vary depending on weather conditions. Later applications, for example, at the time of burndown, are more likely to occur after kochia emergence, which increases the risk of control failure.&nbsp;If it is difficult for a grower to apply pre-emerge herbicides in early Spring. A Fall-applied treatment can also be effective to help ensure timely application, and good control, however, they are not likely to effectively control later flushes of kochia.The duration of a fall applied herbicide in early December and combined with a spring pre-emerge application in late February has achieved greater than 80% control of kochia in Kansas. These treatments were conducted in Tribune and Garden City by K-State Weed Science specialist. They used three different treatments and each one was equally effective. They were ATZ + Clarity + Sharpen; ATZ + Clarity + Zidua; and Atrazine + Clarity.&nbsp;Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Pre-plant herbicide applications for kochia control

Crude prices retreated on Monday, after a wild ride last week, followed by a missile attack on the world's largest crude terminal over the weekend. Crude prices surged above $71 a barrel in Asian trading after the attack in Saudi Arabia Sunday. Bloomberg said output appeared to be unaffected after the missiles and drones were intercepted.&nbsp; The OPEC+ alliance decided to extend its current output cuts. And the Saudis say they will continue their additional, voluntary production limits. The announcements sent crude prices through the roof last week, with the U.S. and international benchmarks jumping more than three percent. U.S. Crude prices continue their roller coaster ride. Benchmark prices topped $66 a barrel on Friday, marking a $4 gain on the week, after $3 losses the week before, and $3 gains the week before that. Prices were retreating Monday.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices have spiked more than $5 in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $56.25 per barrel after jumping more than $2 on Friday. The rig count in Kansas is up 20 percent. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 14 in western Kansas, which is up two. Operators are about to spud a new well on a lease in Ellis County and another in Stafford County.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 403 active drilling rigs nationwide as of Friday, an increase of one oil rig over the count last week. Texas was up five rigs, but Louisiana was down two, and both New Mexico and North Dakota were down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 13 newly completed wells in eastern Kansas last week and six west of Wichita. That's 116 completed wells across Kansas so far this year. We're seeing completion activity this week on five leases in Barton County, and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators approved 22 new drilling permits last week, six in eastern Kansas and 16 west of Wichita, including two new permits in Russell County and two in Stafford County. So far this year, we've seen 122 permits for drilling at new locations in The Sunflower State. National gasoline prices continued to increase, rising nine cents last week and 30 cents in the month of February. AAA says the average across the U.S. Thursday was just over $2.74 a gallon, the most expensive daily national average since August of 2019. Prices across Kansas over the last month have jumped more than 36 cents to a statewide average just over $2.57 a gallon. We spotted $2.54 at several locations in Hays Thursday and $2.57 across Great Bend. The cost of filling up a 15-gallon tank is up more than four dollars from a month ago and up more than eight dollars compared to six months ago. A new federal report pegs Kansas crude oil production last year at just under 28 million barrels, or 76,000 barrels per day. Last year, most Kansas producers shut in most Kansas production due to low prices. That dropped annual production 17 percent from the year before, when total output in the Sunflower State reached nearly 34 million barrels, or about 93,000 barrels per day. The new totals from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show total U.S. output last year reached just 11.3 million barrels per day, down more than 940,000 barrels per day from the year before. U.S. crude inventories rose by 12.6 million barrels last week to nearly 485 million barrels. That's about three percent above the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude production dropped below ten million barrels per day for the second week in a row, marking the first time that's happened since September. A year ago this week, operators set the all-time record for domestic production over 13 million barrels per day. The government reported an increase in U.S. crude imports of nearly two million barrels per day last week, but said the four-week average remains nearly 13% below the same period last year. Oil-by-rail totals for the week ending February 27 rose more than 2,000 tanker cars from the week before, but the totals are down more than 22% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail in Canada, which is widely expected to spike without additional pipeline capacity, was up more than 1,000 tanker cars last week, but remains 16% below the totals from a year ago. Total U.S. freight shipments by rail plummeted in February. The Association of American Railroads said in a statement that total rail traffic dipped more than four percent, despite strong numbers in grain and intermodal shipments. AAR said harsh winter weather hit wide swaths of the country, wreaking havoc on all forms of transportation, including rail. The top trade group for the oil patch has also been among the top advocates against government action concerning climate change. But the American Petroleum Institute is now reportedly considering a move toward carbon pricing to limit emissions. The Chamber of Commerce embraced market-based emissions limits earlier this year, and several of API's largest members already support plans involving carbon taxes and rebates. Bloomberg reports the API is considering a draft policy statement which could receive a vote later this week.&nbsp; The world’s largest oil company may soon dispose of some huge assets as a way of maintaining its $75 billion annual dividend payments. Almost all that goes to the Saudi government. That payout – the biggest of any listed company in the world – became harder to sustain after the coronavirus pandemic caused crude prices to plunge last year. Aramco is studying at least seven non-binding bids from companies interested in taking a stake in the crude giant's oil pipelines. Bloomberg reports infrastructure funds are flush with capital, and are looking for predictable investments. This sale could be one of the biggest infrastructure deals this year. After years of rising output turned Canada into the world’s fourth-largest crude producer, expansion projects there have nearly halted on the heels of two market crashes since 2014. Bloomberg reports oil sands producers in Western Canada next month will conduct major maintenance and overhauls, idling nearly half a million barrels per day of production.&nbsp; It started some weeks back when the sporting goods company The North Face refused to fill an order for 400 jackets from an oil and gas company. The Colorado firm reportedly didn’t want to be associated with an industry that doesn’t meet its brand standards. As we pointed out then, the jackets, and almost every else The North Face sells, are made with nylon, polyester and polyurethane, all of which come from petroleum. So, the Colorado Oil and Gas Association decided to have some fun with the situation. It bestowed its first-ever “Extraordinary Customer Award” on The North Face, saying it appreciates the company for its abundant use of oil and gas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices retreated on Monday, after a wild ride last week, followed by a missile attack on the world's largest crude terminal over the weekend. Crude prices surged above $71 a barrel in Asian trading after the attack in Saudi Arabia Sunday. Bloomberg said output appeared to be unaffected after the missiles and drones were intercepted.&nbsp; The OPEC+ alliance decided to extend its current output cuts. And the Saudis say they will continue their additional, voluntary production limits. The announcements sent crude prices through the roof last week, with the U.S. and international benchmarks jumping more than three percent. U.S. Crude prices continue their roller coaster ride. Benchmark prices topped $66 a barrel on Friday, marking a $4 gain on the week, after $3 losses the week before, and $3 gains the week before that. Prices were retreating Monday.&nbsp; Kansas crude prices have spiked more than $5 in the last week. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $56.25 per barrel after jumping more than $2 on Friday. The rig count in Kansas is up 20 percent. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 14 in western Kansas, which is up two. Operators are about to spud a new well on a lease in Ellis County and another in Stafford County.&nbsp; Baker Hughes reports 403 active drilling rigs nationwide as of Friday, an increase of one oil rig over the count last week. Texas was up five rigs, but Louisiana was down two, and both New Mexico and North Dakota were down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 13 newly completed wells in eastern Kansas last week and six west of Wichita. That's 116 completed wells across Kansas so far this year. We're seeing completion activity this week on five leases in Barton County, and one each in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators approved 22 new drilling permits last week, six in eastern Kansas and 16 west of Wichita, including two new permits in Russell County and two in Stafford County. So far this year, we've seen 122 permits for drilling at new locations in The Sunflower State. National gasoline prices continued to increase, rising nine cents last week and 30 cents in the month of February. AAA says the average across the U.S. Thursday was just over $2.74 a gallon, the most expensive daily national average since August of 2019. Prices across Kansas over the last month have jumped more than 36 cents to a statewide average just over $2.57 a gallon. We spotted $2.54 at several locations in Hays Thursday and $2.57 across Great Bend. The cost of filling up a 15-gallon tank is up more than four dollars from a month ago and up more than eight dollars compared to six months ago. A new federal report pegs Kansas crude oil production last year at just under 28 million barrels, or 76,000 barrels per day. Last year, most Kansas producers shut in most Kansas production due to low prices. That dropped annual production 17 percent from the year before, when total output in the Sunflower State reached nearly 34 million barrels, or about 93,000 barrels per day. The new totals from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show total U.S. output last year reached just 11.3 million barrels per day, down more than 940,000 barrels per day from the year before. U.S. crude inventories rose by 12.6 million barrels last week to nearly 485 million barrels. That's about three percent above the five-year seasonal average. U.S. crude production dropped below ten million barrels per day for the second week in a row, marking the first time that's happened since September. A year ago this week, operators set the all-time record for domestic production over 13 million barrels per day. The government reported an increase in U.S. crude imports of nearly two million barrels per day last week, but said the four-week average remains nearly 13% below the same period last year. Oil-by-rail totals for the week ending February 27 rose more than 2,000 tanker cars from the week before, but the totals are down more than 22% from a year ago. Oil-by-rail in Canada, which is widely expected to spike without additional pipeline capacity, was up more than 1,000 tanker cars last week, but remains 16% below the totals from a year ago. Total U.S. freight shipments by rail plummeted in February. The Association of American Railroads said in a statement that total rail traffic dipped more than four percent, despite strong numbers in grain and intermodal shipments. AAR said harsh winter weather hit wide swaths of the country, wreaking havoc on all forms of transportation, including rail. The top trade group for the oil patch has also been among the top advocates against government action concerning climate change. But the American Petroleum Institute is now reportedly considering a move toward carbon pricing to limit emissions. The Chamber of Commerce embraced market-based emissions limits earlier this year, and several of API's largest members already support plans involving carbon taxes and rebates. Bloomberg reports the API is considering a draft policy statement which could receive a vote later this week.&nbsp; The world’s largest oil company may soon dispose of some huge assets as a way of maintaining its $75 billion annual dividend payments. Almost all that goes to the Saudi government. That payout – the biggest of any listed company in the world – became harder to sustain after the coronavirus pandemic caused crude prices to plunge last year. Aramco is studying at least seven non-binding bids from companies interested in taking a stake in the crude giant's oil pipelines. Bloomberg reports infrastructure funds are flush with capital, and are looking for predictable investments. This sale could be one of the biggest infrastructure deals this year. After years of rising output turned Canada into the world’s fourth-largest crude producer, expansion projects there have nearly halted on the heels of two market crashes since 2014. Bloomberg reports oil sands producers in Western Canada next month will conduct major maintenance and overhauls, idling nearly half a million barrels per day of production.&nbsp; It started some weeks back when the sporting goods company The North Face refused to fill an order for 400 jackets from an oil and gas company. The Colorado firm reportedly didn’t want to be associated with an industry that doesn’t meet its brand standards. As we pointed out then, the jackets, and almost every else The North Face sells, are made with nylon, polyester and polyurethane, all of which come from petroleum. So, the Colorado Oil and Gas Association decided to have some fun with the situation. It bestowed its first-ever “Extraordinary Customer Award” on The North Face, saying it appreciates the company for its abundant use of oil and gas.

News From the Oil Patch: The ups and downs of crude pricing

Grassy sandbur is the “sticker” plant that looks like grass. It will often invade thin lawns, especially in dry years. Therefore, the best control for this weed is a thick, healthy lawn.

However, if your lawn is thin this spring and grassy sandbur was a problem last year, use a preemergence herbicide before the sandbur comes up. However, not all preemergence herbicides are effective. The three products that can help minimize grassy sandbur are oryzalin, pendimethalin, and prodiamine. Oryzalin is sold under the trade name Weed Impede. &nbsp; It can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Oryzalin is also sold as a combination product with benefin as Green Light Amaze. &nbsp;As with oryzalin alone, it can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Apply Amaze or an oryzalin product about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom. Pendimethalin is sold commercially as Pendulum as well as several other names. On the homeowner side, it is sold as Scotts Halts. Pendimethalin is best applied as a split application with the first half applied about April 15 and the second about June 1. Alternatively, make the first application when redbud trees approach full bloom and the second six weeks later. Prodiamine is sold under the commercial name of Barricade. &nbsp;It is also sold as a homeowner product Howard Johnson Crabgrass Control Plus with 0.37 Prodiamine &nbsp;00-00-07. &nbsp;It can be used on all our common lawn grasses. Apply as is done for oryzalin, about April 15 or when redbud trees approach full bloom. Only one application is needed per year. None of the “weed preventers” will give complete control but each should help. Quinclorac (Drive) can provide some postemergence control especially if the sandbur is in the seedling stage. Quinclorac is also found in several combination products that control both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass such as one of the following. • Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max + Crabgrass Control • BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer • Monterey Crab-E-Rad Plus • Fertilome Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer • Trimec Crabgrass Plus Lawn Weed Killer • Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed Killer • Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Again, the best control for grassy sandbur is a healthy, thick lawn. 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." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Grassy sandbur is the “sticker” plant that looks like grass. It will often invade thin lawns, especially in dry years. Therefore, the best control for this weed is a thick, healthy lawn. However, if your lawn is thin this spring and grassy sandbur was a problem last year, use a preemergence herbicide before the sandbur comes up. However, not all preemergence herbicides are effective. The three products that can help minimize grassy sandbur are oryzalin, pendimethalin, and prodiamine. Oryzalin is sold under the trade name Weed Impede. &nbsp; It can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Oryzalin is also sold as a combination product with benefin as Green Light Amaze. &nbsp;As with oryzalin alone, it can be used on all warm-season grasses as well as tall fescue. It should not be used on cool-season grasses other than tall fescue such as Kentucky bluegrass. Apply Amaze or an oryzalin product about April 15 when redbud trees approach full bloom. Pendimethalin is sold commercially as Pendulum as well as several other names. On the homeowner side, it is sold as Scotts Halts. Pendimethalin is best applied as a split application with the first half applied about April 15 and the second about June 1. Alternatively, make the first application when redbud trees approach full bloom and the second six weeks later. Prodiamine is sold under the commercial name of Barricade. &nbsp;It is also sold as a homeowner product Howard Johnson Crabgrass Control Plus with 0.37 Prodiamine &nbsp;00-00-07. &nbsp;It can be used on all our common lawn grasses. Apply as is done for oryzalin, about April 15 or when redbud trees approach full bloom. Only one application is needed per year. None of the “weed preventers” will give complete control but each should help. Quinclorac (Drive) can provide some postemergence control especially if the sandbur is in the seedling stage. Quinclorac is also found in several combination products that control both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass such as one of the following. • Ortho Weed-B-Gon Max + Crabgrass Control • BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer • Monterey Crab-E-Rad Plus • Fertilome Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer • Trimec Crabgrass Plus Lawn Weed Killer • Bonide Weed Beater Plus Crabgrass &amp; Broadleaf Weed Killer • Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Again, the best control for grassy sandbur is a healthy, thick lawn. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Controlling grassy sandbur 'stickers'

Friday marked a critical deadline known as “turnaround,” marking the official halfway point for the 2021 Legislative session. It was a busy week for the Senate, as we spent three full days debating and voting on and passing 89 bills ahead of the Turnaround deadline. After being on the floor all day Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the Legislature will break until March 10th&nbsp;to give clerical staff time to process the significant amount of paperwork resulting from this week.&nbsp; By “turnaround,” a bill, with few exceptions, must have passed its Chamber of origin in order to be considered by the other Chamber before session is over for the year. When the Senate returns on Wednesday, the focus will be to consider bills passed by the House Chamber and bills exempt from the Turnaround deadline.

FLOOR ACTION THIS WEEK– March 1st&nbsp;-&nbsp;3rd

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb20/" target="_blank">SB 20</a>&nbsp;designates a portion of United States Hwy 69 as the Senator Dennis Wilson Memorial Highway.&nbsp; <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb26/" target="_blank">SB 26</a>&nbsp;designates&nbsp;a portion of K-7 as the Senator Bud Burke Memorial Highway. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb89/" target="_blank">SB 89</a>&nbsp;would amend law on securing loads on vehicles to create an exemption for trucks, trailers, or semitrailers when hauling agricultural forage commodities intrastate from the place of production to a market or storage.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2049/" target="_blank">Sub for HB 2049</a>&nbsp;prohibits a public agency that is the subject of an audit pursuant to the statute or any other law from charging a fee for copies of or access to certain records requested by the legislative division of post audit. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb19/" target="_blank">SB 19</a>&nbsp;designates a portion of United States Hwy 77 as the CPL Allen E Oatney and SP4 Gene A Myers Memorial highway.&nbsp; This bill renames the highway stretch between Blue Rapids &amp; Waterville.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb51/" target="_blank">SB 51</a>&nbsp;would direct the State Department of Education and the Department for Children and Families (DCF) to collaboratively prepare the Kansas Foster Care Children Annual Academic Report Card..

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb62/" target="_blank">SB 62</a>&nbsp;would amend state standards for free school-administered vision screenings.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb83/" target="_blank">SB 83</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions in the statute governing the State Child Death Review Board regarding confidentiality of information acquired by and records of the Board. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb86/" target="_blank">SB 86</a>&nbsp;conforms certain KPERS provisions with the federal CARES act. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb106/" target="_blank">SB 106</a>&nbsp;would enact the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) and repeal the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (ULONA), as well as other current laws regarding notaries. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb120/" target="_blank">SB 120</a>&nbsp;would establish the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb126/" target="_blank">SB 126</a>&nbsp;would amend the Club and Drinking Establishment Act by authorizing the sale of alcoholic liquor by specific organizations (such as American Legion locations) for special events. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb142/" target="_blank">SB 142</a>&nbsp;would require an operator of any vessel to require every person on such vessel age 12 or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while aboard.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb143/" target="_blank">SB 143</a>&nbsp;would update and rearrange definitions regarding grain and grain warehouses.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb159/" target="_blank">SB 159</a>&nbsp;pays certain claims against the state submitted by the joint committee on special claims against the state. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb160/" target="_blank">SB 160</a>&nbsp;updates the valuation process for illegally commercialized fish and mussels and update the reference to the American Fisheries Society guidelines.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb175/" target="_blank">SB 175</a>&nbsp;would enact the Rural Emergency Hospital Act and create a category of licensure to enable certain Kansas hospitals to receive federal health care reimbursement.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb261/" target="_blank">SB 261</a>&nbsp;would establish the Asbestos Remediation Fund. The bill would also require the Secretary of KDHE to remit all moneys received to the State Treasurer. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2022/" target="_blank">HB 2022</a>&nbsp;would amend law concerning the filing of complaints and investigations pertaining to abandoned wells and responsible parties for plugging abandoned wells

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb23/" target="_blank">SB 23</a>&nbsp;provides for abatement of property tax for certain buildings or improvements destroyed or substantially destroyed by natural disaster.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb63/" target="_blank">SB 63</a>&nbsp;would amend law regarding the providing of ACT college entrance exams and Workkeys assessments to school students. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb71/" target="_blank">SB 71</a>&nbsp;would authorize nonrefundable income tax credits contributions to the Eisenhower Foundation. The bill is intended to support the efforts of the Eisenhower Foundation to improve the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb72/" target="_blank">SB 72</a>&nbsp; would require any continuing education courses required of appraisers for retaining their status on the list of eligible appraisers that are not offered by the Property Valuation Division, Department of Revenue, to be courses approved by the Kansas Real Estate Appraisal Board

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb78/" target="_blank">SB 78</a>&nbsp;would amend several provisions in the Insurance Code pertaining to service contracts, surplus lines insurance, the Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, the Utilization Review Organization Act.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb84/" target="_blank">Sub for SB 84</a>&nbsp;would allow sports wagering in the state of Kansas. Under the bill, sports wagering would be operated through the state-owned casinos as part of the Expanded Lottery Act adopted in 2007.&nbsp; The bill contains several provisions to fund programs to help those who are addicted to gambling.&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb90/" target="_blank">SB 90</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Kansas Rural Housing Incentive District Act which creates economic incentives in rural communities by allowing vertical renovations of buildings for residential purposes.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb91/" target="_blank">SB 91</a>&nbsp;would allow a company to transfer up to 50 percent of the tax credits received from the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) to another company or individual per year.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb98/" target="_blank">SB 98</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to judicial review of property tax disputes and membership of the State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA).

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb101/" target="_blank">SB 101</a>&nbsp;would amend the definition and regulate the operations of electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes).

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb102/" target="_blank">SB 102</a>&nbsp;requires earlier notice of anticipated release from custody of a person who may be a sexually violent predator to the attorney general.

SB 104&nbsp;would amend law in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children governing the entry of a court order directing a child to remain in a present or future placement if certain conditions, outlined in continuing law, are met. The bill would make entry of such an order mandatory rather than permissive.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb116/" target="_blank">SB 116</a>&nbsp;authorize the Secretary of Transportation to let construction of any modernization or expansion project under the Eisenhower Program that would utilize federal stimulus funds regardless of whether at least one phase of each of the remaining T-Works modernization and expansion projects has been let. SB 119&nbsp;would amend law related to the list of eligible county appraisers, appraisal standards, Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) administration, and property valuation appeals.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb122/" target="_blank">SB 122</a>&nbsp;would amend various sections within the Kansas Rules of Evidence (Rules) related to the authentication of records and documents. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb124/" target="_blank">SB 124</a>&nbsp;would supplement, amend and reauthorize the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds program.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb127/" target="_blank">SB 127</a>&nbsp;would amend laws related to driver’s licenses. The bill would add a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to the driver’s licenses that could be renewed online (except if the CDL has a hazardous materials endorsement). The bill would extend the maximum age for online application for renewal of a driver’s license from less than age 50 to less than age 65. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb131/" target="_blank">SB 131</a>&nbsp;authorize funeral escorts to reasonably direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic to allow funeral processions to pass through intersections and disregard traffic control devices, notwithstanding any state law, city ordinance, or county resolution relating to traffic control devices or right-of-way provisions. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb147/" target="_blank">SB 147</a>&nbsp;would provide a sales tax exemption for purchases made by nonprofit integrated community care organizations.

SB 167&nbsp;would expand the definition of “authorized emergency vehicle” to include a vehicle operated by an authorized person for an electric or natural gas public utility or telecommunications carrier or video service provider.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb170/" target="_blank">SB 170</a>&nbsp;would remove the sunset date for the Advisory Committee on Trauma (ACT) of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb178/" target="_blank">SB 178</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions governing organization and supervision in the Kansas Banking Code.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb185/" target="_blank">SB 185</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to adopt rules and regulations, establish a sign language interpreter registration process and provide guidelines for communication access services.

SB 238&nbsp;would amend statutes related to the regulation of professional counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors and master’s level psychologists.

A full description of each bill can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;as well as the Final Action vote on each measure.

KDOL ADDS ADDITIONAL CONTACT CENTER STAFF AND EXPANDED CALL CENTER HOURS

Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department of Labor is upgrading the agency’s server capacity and adding more availability, staff and support at the contact center which is experiencing ongoing increases in call volume from claimants who are in need of speaking with customer service agents to help with their claims.&nbsp; More than 500 customer service agents with the plan to have these agents deploying on the phones between mid-March and mid-April. The first 77 of these agents will begin supporting the contact center by the beginning of next week. Starting this weekend, contact center representatives will be available on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Sundays between 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm; and starting next Monday, March 8, weekday hours will be extended from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm. The agency’s busiest times for the contact center are between the hours of 8:00 – 9:00 am and 1:00 – 2:00 pm, daily. If possible, claimants should avoid calling during these hours. KDOL’s highest call volume day of the week are typically Mondays, the lowest is Friday. Amelia, KDOL’s chat bot, which can be accessed through the agency’s web site, can also answer many claimant questions. For more information, or to apply for unemployment benefits, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getkansasbenefits.gov%2F&amp;amp;data=02%7C01%7CGerald.Grasso%40ks.gov%7Cc3838715b7c144c254d108d84a2213fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637340857511954020&amp;amp;sdata=LOs8f1AIXBe84rJutKJEE0Tlml%2FsFoRuCbH1DbaeFgI%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.GetKansasBenefits.gov</a>

The State of Kansas&nbsp;has over $400 million dollars in unclaimed property waiting for the rightful owner to find and claim. Unclaimed property stats from July 1, 2018 to March 6, 2021 include 2,843,577 searches, $59,528,991.61 returned with the average claim paid at $207.25.&nbsp; These holdings at the Treasurer’s office include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds (utilities), royalties, insurance proceeds and even safe deposit box contents.&nbsp; To search for your name, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasastatetreasurer.com/" target="_blank">www.kansasastatetreasurer.com</a>&nbsp;and enter your name or business name to see if your name is on this list.&nbsp; Senate District #36 has over 1000 entries in the thirteen counties it covers.&nbsp; If you would like more personal assistance, call 800-432-0386 or 785-296-4165.

Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

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.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>MARCH 8, 2021SENATE HIGHLIGHTSFriday marked a critical deadline known as “turnaround,” marking the official halfway point for the 2021 Legislative session. It was a busy week for the Senate, as we spent three full days debating and voting on and passing 89 bills ahead of the Turnaround deadline. After being on the floor all day Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the Legislature will break until March 10th&nbsp;to give clerical staff time to process the significant amount of paperwork resulting from this week.&nbsp; By “turnaround,” a bill, with few exceptions, must have passed its Chamber of origin in order to be considered by the other Chamber before session is over for the year. When the Senate returns on Wednesday, the focus will be to consider bills passed by the House Chamber and bills exempt from the Turnaround deadline.FLOOR ACTION THIS WEEK– March 1st&nbsp;-&nbsp;3rd<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb20/" target="_blank">SB 20</a>&nbsp;designates a portion of United States Hwy 69 as the Senator Dennis Wilson Memorial Highway.&nbsp; <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb26/" target="_blank">SB 26</a>&nbsp;designates&nbsp;a portion of K-7 as the Senator Bud Burke Memorial Highway. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb89/" target="_blank">SB 89</a>&nbsp;would amend law on securing loads on vehicles to create an exemption for trucks, trailers, or semitrailers when hauling agricultural forage commodities intrastate from the place of production to a market or storage.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2049/" target="_blank">Sub for HB 2049</a>&nbsp;prohibits a public agency that is the subject of an audit pursuant to the statute or any other law from charging a fee for copies of or access to certain records requested by the legislative division of post audit. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb19/" target="_blank">SB 19</a>&nbsp;designates a portion of United States Hwy 77 as the CPL Allen E Oatney and SP4 Gene A Myers Memorial highway.&nbsp; This bill renames the highway stretch between Blue Rapids &amp; Waterville.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb51/" target="_blank">SB 51</a>&nbsp;would direct the State Department of Education and the Department for Children and Families (DCF) to collaboratively prepare the Kansas Foster Care Children Annual Academic Report Card..<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb62/" target="_blank">SB 62</a>&nbsp;would amend state standards for free school-administered vision screenings.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb83/" target="_blank">SB 83</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions in the statute governing the State Child Death Review Board regarding confidentiality of information acquired by and records of the Board. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb86/" target="_blank">SB 86</a>&nbsp;conforms certain KPERS provisions with the federal CARES act. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb106/" target="_blank">SB 106</a>&nbsp;would enact the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) and repeal the Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (ULONA), as well as other current laws regarding notaries. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb120/" target="_blank">SB 120</a>&nbsp;would establish the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb126/" target="_blank">SB 126</a>&nbsp;would amend the Club and Drinking Establishment Act by authorizing the sale of alcoholic liquor by specific organizations (such as American Legion locations) for special events. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb142/" target="_blank">SB 142</a>&nbsp;would require an operator of any vessel to require every person on such vessel age 12 or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while aboard.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb143/" target="_blank">SB 143</a>&nbsp;would update and rearrange definitions regarding grain and grain warehouses.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb159/" target="_blank">SB 159</a>&nbsp;pays certain claims against the state submitted by the joint committee on special claims against the state. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb160/" target="_blank">SB 160</a>&nbsp;updates the valuation process for illegally commercialized fish and mussels and update the reference to the American Fisheries Society guidelines.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb175/" target="_blank">SB 175</a>&nbsp;would enact the Rural Emergency Hospital Act and create a category of licensure to enable certain Kansas hospitals to receive federal health care reimbursement.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb261/" target="_blank">SB 261</a>&nbsp;would establish the Asbestos Remediation Fund. The bill would also require the Secretary of KDHE to remit all moneys received to the State Treasurer. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2022/" target="_blank">HB 2022</a>&nbsp;would amend law concerning the filing of complaints and investigations pertaining to abandoned wells and responsible parties for plugging abandoned wells<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb23/" target="_blank">SB 23</a>&nbsp;provides for abatement of property tax for certain buildings or improvements destroyed or substantially destroyed by natural disaster.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb63/" target="_blank">SB 63</a>&nbsp;would amend law regarding the providing of ACT college entrance exams and Workkeys assessments to school students. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb71/" target="_blank">SB 71</a>&nbsp;would authorize nonrefundable income tax credits contributions to the Eisenhower Foundation. The bill is intended to support the efforts of the Eisenhower Foundation to improve the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb72/" target="_blank">SB 72</a>&nbsp; would require any continuing education courses required of appraisers for retaining their status on the list of eligible appraisers that are not offered by the Property Valuation Division, Department of Revenue, to be courses approved by the Kansas Real Estate Appraisal Board<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb78/" target="_blank">SB 78</a>&nbsp;would amend several provisions in the Insurance Code pertaining to service contracts, surplus lines insurance, the Standard Nonforfeiture Law for Individual Deferred Annuities, the Utilization Review Organization Act.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb84/" target="_blank">Sub for SB 84</a>&nbsp;would allow sports wagering in the state of Kansas. Under the bill, sports wagering would be operated through the state-owned casinos as part of the Expanded Lottery Act adopted in 2007.&nbsp; The bill contains several provisions to fund programs to help those who are addicted to gambling.&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb90/" target="_blank">SB 90</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Kansas Rural Housing Incentive District Act which creates economic incentives in rural communities by allowing vertical renovations of buildings for residential purposes.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb91/" target="_blank">SB 91</a>&nbsp;would allow a company to transfer up to 50 percent of the tax credits received from the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) to another company or individual per year.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb98/" target="_blank">SB 98</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to judicial review of property tax disputes and membership of the State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA).<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb101/" target="_blank">SB 101</a>&nbsp;would amend the definition and regulate the operations of electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes).<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb102/" target="_blank">SB 102</a>&nbsp;requires earlier notice of anticipated release from custody of a person who may be a sexually violent predator to the attorney general.SB 104&nbsp;would amend law in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children governing the entry of a court order directing a child to remain in a present or future placement if certain conditions, outlined in continuing law, are met. The bill would make entry of such an order mandatory rather than permissive.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb116/" target="_blank">SB 116</a>&nbsp;authorize the Secretary of Transportation to let construction of any modernization or expansion project under the Eisenhower Program that would utilize federal stimulus funds regardless of whether at least one phase of each of the remaining T-Works modernization and expansion projects has been let. SB 119&nbsp;would amend law related to the list of eligible county appraisers, appraisal standards, Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) administration, and property valuation appeals.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb122/" target="_blank">SB 122</a>&nbsp;would amend various sections within the Kansas Rules of Evidence (Rules) related to the authentication of records and documents. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb124/" target="_blank">SB 124</a>&nbsp;would supplement, amend and reauthorize the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds program.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb127/" target="_blank">SB 127</a>&nbsp;would amend laws related to driver’s licenses. The bill would add a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to the driver’s licenses that could be renewed online (except if the CDL has a hazardous materials endorsement). The bill would extend the maximum age for online application for renewal of a driver’s license from less than age 50 to less than age 65. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb131/" target="_blank">SB 131</a>&nbsp;authorize funeral escorts to reasonably direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic to allow funeral processions to pass through intersections and disregard traffic control devices, notwithstanding any state law, city ordinance, or county resolution relating to traffic control devices or right-of-way provisions. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb147/" target="_blank">SB 147</a>&nbsp;would provide a sales tax exemption for purchases made by nonprofit integrated community care organizations.SB 167&nbsp;would expand the definition of “authorized emergency vehicle” to include a vehicle operated by an authorized person for an electric or natural gas public utility or telecommunications carrier or video service provider.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb170/" target="_blank">SB 170</a>&nbsp;would remove the sunset date for the Advisory Committee on Trauma (ACT) of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb178/" target="_blank">SB 178</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions governing organization and supervision in the Kansas Banking Code.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb185/" target="_blank">SB 185</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to adopt rules and regulations, establish a sign language interpreter registration process and provide guidelines for communication access services.SB 238&nbsp;would amend statutes related to the regulation of professional counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors and master’s level psychologists.A full description of each bill can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>&nbsp;as well as the Final Action vote on each measure.KDOL ADDS ADDITIONAL CONTACT CENTER STAFF AND EXPANDED CALL CENTER HOURSGovernor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department of Labor is upgrading the agency’s server capacity and adding more availability, staff and support at the contact center which is experiencing ongoing increases in call volume from claimants who are in need of speaking with customer service agents to help with their claims.&nbsp; More than 500 customer service agents with the plan to have these agents deploying on the phones between mid-March and mid-April. The first 77 of these agents will begin supporting the contact center by the beginning of next week. Starting this weekend, contact center representatives will be available on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Sundays between 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm; and starting next Monday, March 8, weekday hours will be extended from 8:00 am until 9:00 pm. The agency’s busiest times for the contact center are between the hours of 8:00 – 9:00 am and 1:00 – 2:00 pm, daily. If possible, claimants should avoid calling during these hours. KDOL’s highest call volume day of the week are typically Mondays, the lowest is Friday. Amelia, KDOL’s chat bot, which can be accessed through the agency’s web site, can also answer many claimant questions. For more information, or to apply for unemployment benefits, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getkansasbenefits.gov%2F&amp;amp;data=02%7C01%7CGerald.Grasso%40ks.gov%7Cc3838715b7c144c254d108d84a2213fc%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637340857511954020&amp;amp;sdata=LOs8f1AIXBe84rJutKJEE0Tlml%2FsFoRuCbH1DbaeFgI%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.GetKansasBenefits.gov</a>UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IN KANSASThe State of Kansas&nbsp;has over $400 million dollars in unclaimed property waiting for the rightful owner to find and claim. Unclaimed property stats from July 1, 2018 to March 6, 2021 include 2,843,577 searches, $59,528,991.61 returned with the average claim paid at $207.25.&nbsp; These holdings at the Treasurer’s office include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds (utilities), royalties, insurance proceeds and even safe deposit box contents.&nbsp; To search for your name, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasastatetreasurer.com/" target="_blank">www.kansasastatetreasurer.com</a>&nbsp;and enter your name or business name to see if your name is on this list.&nbsp; Senate District #36 has over 1000 entries in the thirteen counties it covers.&nbsp; If you would like more personal assistance, call 800-432-0386 or 785-296-4165.THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.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 8

One of the most used applications for connecting people in 2021 is Zoom. It has been used to take the place of the classroom or transform a traditional classroom into a virtual one. Zoom has literally turned thousands of meeting rooms and classrooms into pandemic safe areas.&nbsp;

Prior to the pandemic, my schedule at work often included one or two Zoom meetings per week. Now, it is not uncommon to have one or two (or more) Zoom sessions each day. My Zoom sessions vary from our Cottonwood team meetings to classes I am teaching or taking. I have literally visited Washington DC, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Rochester, New York through virtual conferences during the past year. While I missed l face-to-face networking and experiencing the culture of traveling to a different part of the country, I did receive valuable ideas to incorporate in my work here in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;

If you would like to learn more about Zoom mark your calendar for Friday, March 12th, and join me at 1:00 PM via Zoom of course. I have set up the Zoom link and you will need to e-mail me at&nbsp; <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> so that I can send you that link. Megan Hammeke, from the Great Bend Recreation Center, is teaming up with me to help lead this session. Our goal is to cover the basics of the Zoom platform and help you navigate the features it offers.&nbsp;

Even though Zoom was launched in 2013 under the direction of Eric Yuan, the capacity of hosting a Zoom meeting was just 15 people. By 2015, that number mushroomed to a thousand. Statistics show that in March 2020 that two million people used Zoom every day. I think back to the days, back in 2006, when our son, Adam, spent a year teaching in Slovakia. We were thrilled to have a decent connection for our phone call (no video) once a week via Skype. Technology has certainly come a long way. Now we enjoy regular family meetings via Zoom since our kids and grandkids do not live in Great Bend.&nbsp;

We would love to have a nice sized group of folks who are wanting to learn more about Zoom join us on the 12th. All you need is a computer, ipad, or smart phone and an internet connection. You will be able to join from the comfort of your home. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about our Zoom session. I hope to “see” you on the 12th!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend Office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&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 in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the most used applications for connecting people in 2021 is Zoom. It has been used to take the place of the classroom or transform a traditional classroom into a virtual one. Zoom has literally turned thousands of meeting rooms and classrooms into pandemic safe areas.&nbsp;Prior to the pandemic, my schedule at work often included one or two Zoom meetings per week. Now, it is not uncommon to have one or two (or more) Zoom sessions each day. My Zoom sessions vary from our Cottonwood team meetings to classes I am teaching or taking. I have literally visited Washington DC, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Rochester, New York through virtual conferences during the past year. While I missed l face-to-face networking and experiencing the culture of traveling to a different part of the country, I did receive valuable ideas to incorporate in my work here in the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;If you would like to learn more about Zoom mark your calendar for Friday, March 12th, and join me at 1:00 PM via Zoom of course. I have set up the Zoom link and you will need to e-mail me at&nbsp; <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a> so that I can send you that link. Megan Hammeke, from the Great Bend Recreation Center, is teaming up with me to help lead this session. Our goal is to cover the basics of the Zoom platform and help you navigate the features it offers.&nbsp;Even though Zoom was launched in 2013 under the direction of Eric Yuan, the capacity of hosting a Zoom meeting was just 15 people. By 2015, that number mushroomed to a thousand. Statistics show that in March 2020 that two million people used Zoom every day. I think back to the days, back in 2006, when our son, Adam, spent a year teaching in Slovakia. We were thrilled to have a decent connection for our phone call (no video) once a week via Skype. Technology has certainly come a long way. Now we enjoy regular family meetings via Zoom since our kids and grandkids do not live in Great Bend.&nbsp;We would love to have a nice sized group of folks who are wanting to learn more about Zoom join us on the 12th. All you need is a computer, ipad, or smart phone and an internet connection. You will be able to join from the comfort of your home. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions about our Zoom session. I hope to “see” you on the 12th!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend Office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Learning more about the world of Zoom

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

“Bring your best.” Perhaps you received that advice from a schoolteacher or coach. Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas farmer who has built a business by bringing the best of his family’s products to farmers markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gail and Sue Johnson are owners of Johnson Farms Country Market, which specializes in producing and selling produce, canned items, and baked goods at local farmers markets. Gail grew up on a farm near Bennington. Sue’s family lived at Burdick and Enterprise before she and Gail were married.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sue became a nurse, and Gail worked as a lab technician at a plant in Salina. In 1999, they bought a farm near Hope. “Our families both had big gardens growing up,” Gail said. They put in a garden at their new place. One day they stopped at the farmers market in Abilene. “We thought that would be fun to do,” Gail said.&nbsp;

They set up a stand to sell their garden vegetables at the weekly farmers market in Abilene, and it went well. Then they added some jams and jellies. When they wanted to make and sell pickles from their cucumbers, they needed a license and an approved kitchen. “Our first commercial kitchen was in 2015,” Gail said.&nbsp;

Sue’s mom and grandma had an old German family recipe for bierocks, and people said they were good enough to sell. The bierocks are now their No. 1 seller.&nbsp;

The business is called Johnson Farms Country Market, with products sold at a series of community-based farmers markets throughout the year. The Johnsons go to a regular circuit of farmers markets. Salina has a market on Tuesday, Abilene has a market on Wednesday, Junction City has a market on Thursday, and on Saturday there are markets in Abilene and Manhattan.&nbsp;

The Johnsons also sell products at the Prairieland Market, a cooperatively owned grocery store in Salina, and the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise.&nbsp;

Today, Johnson Farms Country Market sells bierocks, cinnamon rolls, cookies, maple bars, banana bread, fruit pies, salsa and more. “These days, most of our produce is needed for our baked goods,” Gail said. “We source everything we can locally.” Fruit pies include such flavors as strawberry, rhubarb, gooseberry, peach, blueberry, red raspberry and more.&nbsp;

“The chocolate chip cookies are our own recipe,” Gail said. One of their cooking secrets is to use a mix of cake and bread flour. “We might make a hundred dozen cookies in a week,” he said. That also meant that Sue might be up baking until 3 or 4 in the morning before the market.&nbsp;

“We had a family meeting and had to decide if we would try to expand further or not,” Gail said. They chose to pursue the growth opportunities. In early 2020, Gail retired and went full-time into the business. A new 42 x 64 Morton building was constructed to house an expanded commercial kitchen with space for delivery vans. “Our five kids all help, plus a daughter-in-law,” Gail said. Their daughters also produce arts and craft items.&nbsp;

When COVID-19 hit in spring 2020, farmers markets and other businesses shut down. Then food workers were deemed essential, and markets reopened, with added sanitation and socially distanced spacing. “Andrea from A&amp;H Farms is our market manager in Manhattan, and she’s done a great job,” Gail said.&nbsp;

What is the key to success in direct marketing through farmer’s markets? “You have to offer a really good product and be at the market consistently,” Gail said. “Almost everything we make from scratch. My wife will not cook anything out of a can or a box. People love our pie crust.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“My wife is very picky about what comes out of our kitchen,” he said. “We pride ourselves in bringing the best products that we can to the farmer’s markets.” That’s key to this business near the rural community of Hope, population 368 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“Bring your best.” It’s good advice for farmers markets and for life. We commend Gail and Sue Johnson for making a difference with their crops and kitchens, and for bringing out the best.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614780169559.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Bring your best.” Perhaps you received that advice from a schoolteacher or coach. Today we’ll meet a rural Kansas farmer who has built a business by bringing the best of his family’s products to farmers markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gail and Sue Johnson are owners of Johnson Farms Country Market, which specializes in producing and selling produce, canned items, and baked goods at local farmers markets. Gail grew up on a farm near Bennington. Sue’s family lived at Burdick and Enterprise before she and Gail were married.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sue became a nurse, and Gail worked as a lab technician at a plant in Salina. In 1999, they bought a farm near Hope. “Our families both had big gardens growing up,” Gail said. They put in a garden at their new place. One day they stopped at the farmers market in Abilene. “We thought that would be fun to do,” Gail said.&nbsp;They set up a stand to sell their garden vegetables at the weekly farmers market in Abilene, and it went well. Then they added some jams and jellies. When they wanted to make and sell pickles from their cucumbers, they needed a license and an approved kitchen. “Our first commercial kitchen was in 2015,” Gail said.&nbsp;Sue’s mom and grandma had an old German family recipe for bierocks, and people said they were good enough to sell. The bierocks are now their No. 1 seller.&nbsp;The business is called Johnson Farms Country Market, with products sold at a series of community-based farmers markets throughout the year. The Johnsons go to a regular circuit of farmers markets. Salina has a market on Tuesday, Abilene has a market on Wednesday, Junction City has a market on Thursday, and on Saturday there are markets in Abilene and Manhattan.&nbsp;The Johnsons also sell products at the Prairieland Market, a cooperatively owned grocery store in Salina, and the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise.&nbsp;Today, Johnson Farms Country Market sells bierocks, cinnamon rolls, cookies, maple bars, banana bread, fruit pies, salsa and more. “These days, most of our produce is needed for our baked goods,” Gail said. “We source everything we can locally.” Fruit pies include such flavors as strawberry, rhubarb, gooseberry, peach, blueberry, red raspberry and more.&nbsp;“The chocolate chip cookies are our own recipe,” Gail said. One of their cooking secrets is to use a mix of cake and bread flour. “We might make a hundred dozen cookies in a week,” he said. That also meant that Sue might be up baking until 3 or 4 in the morning before the market.&nbsp;“We had a family meeting and had to decide if we would try to expand further or not,” Gail said. They chose to pursue the growth opportunities. In early 2020, Gail retired and went full-time into the business. A new 42 x 64 Morton building was constructed to house an expanded commercial kitchen with space for delivery vans. “Our five kids all help, plus a daughter-in-law,” Gail said. Their daughters also produce arts and craft items.&nbsp;When COVID-19 hit in spring 2020, farmers markets and other businesses shut down. Then food workers were deemed essential, and markets reopened, with added sanitation and socially distanced spacing. “Andrea from A&amp;H Farms is our market manager in Manhattan, and she’s done a great job,” Gail said.&nbsp;What is the key to success in direct marketing through farmer’s markets? “You have to offer a really good product and be at the market consistently,” Gail said. “Almost everything we make from scratch. My wife will not cook anything out of a can or a box. People love our pie crust.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My wife is very picky about what comes out of our kitchen,” he said. “We pride ourselves in bringing the best products that we can to the farmer’s markets.” That’s key to this business near the rural community of Hope, population 368 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“Bring your best.” It’s good advice for farmers markets and for life. We commend Gail and Sue Johnson for making a difference with their crops and kitchens, and for bringing out the best.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Gail & Sue Johnson, Johnson Farms Country Market

BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Do farmers feed the world? In one sense, absolutely. But farm products go through a vast and complex system before they are consumed. Today we’ll learn about an entrepreneurial Kansas farmer who increased his product’s value by taking it directly to the consumer.&nbsp;

Last week we met Leon Winfrey, who farms and runs an outfitting business in southwest Kansas. Years ago, he was in his tractor listening to Paul Harvey on the radio and heard an ad with a line stating that “farmers feed the world.” Leon thought to himself, “I don’t feed the world. I feed my banker, and the fertilizer company, and the seed company.”&nbsp;&nbsp;His crop income was going entirely to pay these high-cost suppliers, and corn prices were low.&nbsp;

“In my hunting business, when my costs go up, I increase my price,” Leon said. “But with my corn, I haul it to town and the grain elevator tells me what price I have to take.” He researched some alternatives, one of which was growing corn for human food such as tortillas.&nbsp;

With research in hand, he went to his banker and told him he wanted to build his own tortilla factory. “I’ll bet,” the banker replied with a laugh. “Well, here’s the price of field corn, and here’s the price of corn when sold as a tortilla,” Leon pointed out. “When would you like the money?” the banker replied.&nbsp;

“I had a very good banker. He was willing to stick his neck out to support us,” Leon said.&nbsp;

With such support, Leon constructed a building, bought corn processing equipment, and started raising white, food-grade corn. He named his business Southwest Tortillas.&nbsp;

When a consultant named Pete came from California to set up the tortilla equipment, he was amazed with Leon’s corn. “I’ve never seen corn this beautiful,” Pete said. “How do you do it?” Leon explained that he grew and harvested the corn locally himself and had his own facility to clean and size the corn before cooking.&nbsp;

Pete moved on to his next job at a tortilla factory in Texas and told the plant operator there about Leon’s high-quality corn. The plant operator told Leon that he wanted to try some of it, so Leon shipped it to Texas. The plant operator tried the corn and was thrilled with the results. “You have the best corn in the world,” he told Leon. “These are the best tortillas I have ever made.” For several years, Leon shipped corn to that tortilla factory and others. Now he uses his corn exclusively in his own plant.&nbsp;

“The goal at Southwest Tortillas is to produce a premium product from our field to your table,” Leon said. The corn is cooked in 1,000-pound cooking tanks at a temperature of 195 degrees and then steeps for 12 hours. At that time, the corn is ground into a dough called masa. Then a very thin six-inch tortilla is rolled out by the tortilla machines and run through an oven at 550 degrees. After that, the tortilla is cut into fourths and fried to become Pedro’s Gourmet Corn Chips.&nbsp;

His chips are available at restaurants and local grocery stores at rural communities in the region, such as the store at Meade, population 1,721 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Leon has also shipped them across the country for people who have tried them and want more. He said their local production makes it possible for them to achieve high quality control. “This is a small family-run business with just a couple of outside employees,” he said.&nbsp;

Leon also created his own brand of salsa using fresh ingredients to go with his chips. He credited the American Institute of Baking and food scientists at Kansas State University for helping with food labeling and processing.&nbsp;

Farmers produce crops to feed the world, but the value of those crops goes right back out along the way. We commend Leon Winfrey for making a difference by retaining value in his crop by marketing it directly to consumers. Such alternatives can make a world of difference.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614175987538.png" alt="Leon Winfrey" />
 <figcaption>Leon Winfrey</figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentDo farmers feed the world? In one sense, absolutely. But farm products go through a vast and complex system before they are consumed. Today we’ll learn about an entrepreneurial Kansas farmer who increased his product’s value by taking it directly to the consumer.&nbsp;Last week we met Leon Winfrey, who farms and runs an outfitting business in southwest Kansas. Years ago, he was in his tractor listening to Paul Harvey on the radio and heard an ad with a line stating that “farmers feed the world.” Leon thought to himself, “I don’t feed the world. I feed my banker, and the fertilizer company, and the seed company.”&nbsp;&nbsp;His crop income was going entirely to pay these high-cost suppliers, and corn prices were low.&nbsp;“In my hunting business, when my costs go up, I increase my price,” Leon said. “But with my corn, I haul it to town and the grain elevator tells me what price I have to take.” He researched some alternatives, one of which was growing corn for human food such as tortillas.&nbsp;With research in hand, he went to his banker and told him he wanted to build his own tortilla factory. “I’ll bet,” the banker replied with a laugh. “Well, here’s the price of field corn, and here’s the price of corn when sold as a tortilla,” Leon pointed out. “When would you like the money?” the banker replied.&nbsp;“I had a very good banker. He was willing to stick his neck out to support us,” Leon said.&nbsp;With such support, Leon constructed a building, bought corn processing equipment, and started raising white, food-grade corn. He named his business Southwest Tortillas.&nbsp;When a consultant named Pete came from California to set up the tortilla equipment, he was amazed with Leon’s corn. “I’ve never seen corn this beautiful,” Pete said. “How do you do it?” Leon explained that he grew and harvested the corn locally himself and had his own facility to clean and size the corn before cooking.&nbsp;Pete moved on to his next job at a tortilla factory in Texas and told the plant operator there about Leon’s high-quality corn. The plant operator told Leon that he wanted to try some of it, so Leon shipped it to Texas. The plant operator tried the corn and was thrilled with the results. “You have the best corn in the world,” he told Leon. “These are the best tortillas I have ever made.” For several years, Leon shipped corn to that tortilla factory and others. Now he uses his corn exclusively in his own plant.&nbsp;“The goal at Southwest Tortillas is to produce a premium product from our field to your table,” Leon said. The corn is cooked in 1,000-pound cooking tanks at a temperature of 195 degrees and then steeps for 12 hours. At that time, the corn is ground into a dough called masa. Then a very thin six-inch tortilla is rolled out by the tortilla machines and run through an oven at 550 degrees. After that, the tortilla is cut into fourths and fried to become Pedro’s Gourmet Corn Chips.&nbsp;His chips are available at restaurants and local grocery stores at rural communities in the region, such as the store at Meade, population 1,721 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Leon has also shipped them across the country for people who have tried them and want more. He said their local production makes it possible for them to achieve high quality control. “This is a small family-run business with just a couple of outside employees,” he said.&nbsp;Leon also created his own brand of salsa using fresh ingredients to go with his chips. He credited the American Institute of Baking and food scientists at Kansas State University for helping with food labeling and processing.&nbsp;Farmers produce crops to feed the world, but the value of those crops goes right back out along the way. We commend Leon Winfrey for making a difference by retaining value in his crop by marketing it directly to consumers. Such alternatives can make a world of difference.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Leon Winfrey, Southwest Tortillas 

Crabgrass preventers are another name for pre-emergence herbicides that prevent crabgrass seeds from developing into mature plants. Many people have a somewhat foggy idea of how they work and assume they kill the weed seed. &nbsp;Such is not the case. They do not kill the seed or even keep the seed from germinating but rather kill the young plant after it germinates. &nbsp;Therefore, they do not prevent germination but prevent emergence. Crabgrass preventers are just that – preventers. With few exceptions they have no effect on existing crabgrass plants, so they must be applied before germination. Additionally, preventers do not last forever once applied to the soil. &nbsp;Microorganisms and natural processes begin to gradually break them down soon after they are applied. If some products are applied too early, they may have lost much of their strength by the time they are needed. Most crabgrass preventers are fairly ineffective after about 60 days, but there is considerable variation among products. (Dimension and Barricade last longer. See below.)​

For most of Kansas, crabgrass typically begins to germinate around May 1 or a little later. April 15 is normally a good target date for applying preventer because it gives active ingredients time to evenly disperse in the soil before crabgrass germination starts. &nbsp;Even better, base timing on the bloom of ornamental plants. The Eastern Redbud tree is a good choice for this purpose. When the trees in your area approach full bloom, apply crabgrass preventer. A follow-up application will be needed about 8 weeks later unless you are using Dimension or Barricade. Products that do require a follow-up application include pendimethalin (Scotts Halts) and Team (Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control). Dimension and Barricade are the only two products that give season-long control of crabgrass from a single application. In fact, they can be applied much earlier than April 15 and still have sufficient residual strength to last the season. Barricade can even be applied in the fall for crabgrass control the next season. Dimension can be applied as early as March 1. Because of the added flexibility in timing, these products are favorites of lawn care companies who have many customers to service in the spring. Though Dimension is usually not applied as early as Barricade, it is the herbicide of choice if it must be applied later than recommended. It is the exception to the rule that pre-emergence herbicides do not kill existing weeds. Dimension can kill crabgrass as long as it is young (two- to three-leaf stage). Dimension is also the best choice if treating a lawn that was planted late last fall.

Normally a pre-emergence herbicide is not recommended unless the lawn has been mowed two to four times. But Dimension is kind to young tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass seedlings and some formulations can be applied as early as two weeks after the first sign of germination. However, read the label of the specific product you wish to use to ensure that this use is allowed. Lawns established in the fall can be safely treated with Dimension the following spring even if they have not been mowed. Note that products containing Dimension and Barricade may use the common name rather than the trade name. The common chemical name for Dimension is dithiopyr and for Barricade is prodiamine. Remember, when using any pesticide, read the label and follow instructions carefully. We recommend crabgrass preventers be applied before fertilizer so that the grass isn’t encouraged to put on too much growth too early. However, it may be difficult to find products that contain preemergents without fertilizer. Those that don’t contain fertilizer are listed below. I didn’t find any products containing Barricade that did not also have a fertilizer. If anyone knows of other products that should be listed, let us know and we will publish them in a later newsletter. Pendimethalin&nbsp; &nbsp;- Scotts Halts Team (Benefin + Trifluralin)&nbsp; &nbsp;- Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control Dimension&nbsp; &nbsp;- Hi-Yield Turf &amp; Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper&nbsp; &nbsp;- Bonide Crabgrass &amp; Weed Preventer&nbsp; &nbsp;- Green Light Crabgrass Preventer 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>Crabgrass preventers are another name for pre-emergence herbicides that prevent crabgrass seeds from developing into mature plants. Many people have a somewhat foggy idea of how they work and assume they kill the weed seed. &nbsp;Such is not the case. They do not kill the seed or even keep the seed from germinating but rather kill the young plant after it germinates. &nbsp;Therefore, they do not prevent germination but prevent emergence. Crabgrass preventers are just that – preventers. With few exceptions they have no effect on existing crabgrass plants, so they must be applied before germination. Additionally, preventers do not last forever once applied to the soil. &nbsp;Microorganisms and natural processes begin to gradually break them down soon after they are applied. If some products are applied too early, they may have lost much of their strength by the time they are needed. Most crabgrass preventers are fairly ineffective after about 60 days, but there is considerable variation among products. (Dimension and Barricade last longer. See below.)​For most of Kansas, crabgrass typically begins to germinate around May 1 or a little later. April 15 is normally a good target date for applying preventer because it gives active ingredients time to evenly disperse in the soil before crabgrass germination starts. &nbsp;Even better, base timing on the bloom of ornamental plants. The Eastern Redbud tree is a good choice for this purpose. When the trees in your area approach full bloom, apply crabgrass preventer. A follow-up application will be needed about 8 weeks later unless you are using Dimension or Barricade. Products that do require a follow-up application include pendimethalin (Scotts Halts) and Team (Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control). Dimension and Barricade are the only two products that give season-long control of crabgrass from a single application. In fact, they can be applied much earlier than April 15 and still have sufficient residual strength to last the season. Barricade can even be applied in the fall for crabgrass control the next season. Dimension can be applied as early as March 1. Because of the added flexibility in timing, these products are favorites of lawn care companies who have many customers to service in the spring. Though Dimension is usually not applied as early as Barricade, it is the herbicide of choice if it must be applied later than recommended. It is the exception to the rule that pre-emergence herbicides do not kill existing weeds. Dimension can kill crabgrass as long as it is young (two- to three-leaf stage). Dimension is also the best choice if treating a lawn that was planted late last fall. Normally a pre-emergence herbicide is not recommended unless the lawn has been mowed two to four times. But Dimension is kind to young tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass seedlings and some formulations can be applied as early as two weeks after the first sign of germination. However, read the label of the specific product you wish to use to ensure that this use is allowed. Lawns established in the fall can be safely treated with Dimension the following spring even if they have not been mowed. Note that products containing Dimension and Barricade may use the common name rather than the trade name. The common chemical name for Dimension is dithiopyr and for Barricade is prodiamine. Remember, when using any pesticide, read the label and follow instructions carefully. We recommend crabgrass preventers be applied before fertilizer so that the grass isn’t encouraged to put on too much growth too early. However, it may be difficult to find products that contain preemergents without fertilizer. Those that don’t contain fertilizer are listed below. I didn’t find any products containing Barricade that did not also have a fertilizer. If anyone knows of other products that should be listed, let us know and we will publish them in a later newsletter. Pendimethalin&nbsp; &nbsp;- Scotts Halts Team (Benefin + Trifluralin)&nbsp; &nbsp;- Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control Dimension&nbsp; &nbsp;- Hi-Yield Turf &amp; Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper&nbsp; &nbsp;- Bonide Crabgrass &amp; Weed Preventer&nbsp; &nbsp;- Green Light Crabgrass Preventer Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Applying crabgrass preventers

Late last week in the K-12 Education Budget Committee, House Bill 2119 was passed out for full debate on the House Floor.&nbsp; HB 2119 contains the provisions for the Student Empowerment Act, which provides for an educational savings account for at-risk students that is equal to the annual base state aid.&nbsp; All school districts are held harmless for the first three years and will receive the base state aid, plus weightings, attributable to the student.

HB 2119 also removes remote and hybrid students from eligibility and delays implementation until 2022.&nbsp; This bill also offers a tax credit scholarship program to include free and reduced lunch students from any public school.&nbsp; This program is capped at $10 million and in 2020 there were 632 students participating in the program with a maximum scholarship rate of $8,000.&nbsp; Also, the total amount of funding for K-12 Education in Governor Kelly’s budget, which is $5.7 billion, has been inserted into HB 2119.

The bill also provides for the Kansas Department of Education to expend $5 million for the School Safety and Security grants.&nbsp; These are grants that have been provided in previous years for school safety, and in the budget for 2021 this was an allotment by the Governor.&nbsp; It also provides money for the Language Assessment Program for the School for the Deaf in 2022.&nbsp;

There is also an inclusion of $500 for teacher salary bonuses for teachers who provided instruction during the 2021 school year.&nbsp; There is also a provision where there is a maximum of remote learning hours of 240 each year.&nbsp; We are anticipating a debate in the house when we return.

On Wednesday of this week, the House debated bills regarding emergency declarations.&nbsp; House Bill 2416 modifies the procedure for declaring and extending a state of disaster emergency and limits the powers of the Governor during a state of disaster emergency. It also stipulates that the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) and the Legislature to take certain action related to a state of disaster emergency and prohibits the Governor or the State Board of Education from closing private schools during a state of disaster emergency.&nbsp; The bill strengthens the oversight role of the Legislature during a disaster and that local control is retained.&nbsp; We also debated House Bill 2183 which prohibits the Governor, the Executive and Judicial branches from altering election laws or procedures and maintains approval to the Legislative Coordinating Council.

<a>Addressing Utility Bill Concerns</a>

On Wednesday, the House and Senate expeditiously debated House Substitute for Senate Bill 88, which assists our cities across the state due to the increases in utilities from the extreme cold weather that we experienced in February.

This bill creates the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program for the purpose of providing loans to cities for extraordinary electric or natural gas costs incurred during the extreme winter weather event of February 2021. The program would be administered by the State Treasurer and would allow up to $100 million in idle fund balances to be loaned to cities that could only be used for the amount of extraordinary electric or natural gas costs incurred and not for any other utility costs previously budgeted for by the city. The interest charged would be 2 percent below the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) market rate with a minimum interest rate of 0.25 percent. The interest rate on the loan would be recalculated on the first business day of January of each year. The term of the loan could not exceed ten years. The State Treasurer could accept or reject an application based on the State Treasurer’s evaluation of whether the city meets the requirements of the program.

The State Treasurer would be required to provide an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature identifying the cities that are participating in the program, the amount of money loaned, and the amount of money still available for loan on or before January 1, 2022, and each January thereafter. The Legislature would be required to review the loan program on or after January 1, 2024.

Since the idle fund balance is used as the funding source for the loans, it is assumed that State General Fund resources would be needed to backfill idle fund balances if a city were to default on a loan. The bill would require the PMIB, at the direction of the State Treasurer, to make deposits of up to $100 million of idle funds to cities qualifying for the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program.

This bill passed the House, 124-0, and the Senate 38-1.&nbsp; The Governor signed the bill Wednesday night.

Bills Passed the House – Turnaround

<a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a>This week, the House debated more than sixty bills before we go on break for the midpoint of the Legislative Session, commonly referred to as “Turnaround.&nbsp; Here are a few of the bills we debated:</a>

House Bill 2045 revises the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Act with respect to the definition of qualified securities, tax credit limitations and amounts, investor requirements and extending the date that the tax credits may be allowed.&nbsp;

House Bill 2058 allows for reciprocity to recognize out-of-state concealed carry licenses.

We also discussed House Bill 2196, which addresses many of the issues and concerns with unemployment benefits.&nbsp; This bill would hold employers harmless for fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits and they would not be charged for any benefits paid from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

On Thursday we debated Senate Bill 13, which establishes notice and public hearing requirements prior to approval of property tax increases by some local entities.&nbsp; It would also discontinue the city and county tax lid, prohibits valuations increases of real estate solely as a result of normal repair, replacement or maintenance of an existing structure, and establishes a payment plan for the payment of delinquent or even non-delinquent property taxes.

We also had a debate on House Bill 2405 regarding the issuance of bonds for the unfunded liability for KPERS.

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="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>March 5, 2021K-12 Education BillLate last week in the K-12 Education Budget Committee, House Bill 2119 was passed out for full debate on the House Floor.&nbsp; HB 2119 contains the provisions for the Student Empowerment Act, which provides for an educational savings account for at-risk students that is equal to the annual base state aid.&nbsp; All school districts are held harmless for the first three years and will receive the base state aid, plus weightings, attributable to the student.HB 2119 also removes remote and hybrid students from eligibility and delays implementation until 2022.&nbsp; This bill also offers a tax credit scholarship program to include free and reduced lunch students from any public school.&nbsp; This program is capped at $10 million and in 2020 there were 632 students participating in the program with a maximum scholarship rate of $8,000.&nbsp; Also, the total amount of funding for K-12 Education in Governor Kelly’s budget, which is $5.7 billion, has been inserted into HB 2119.The bill also provides for the Kansas Department of Education to expend $5 million for the School Safety and Security grants.&nbsp; These are grants that have been provided in previous years for school safety, and in the budget for 2021 this was an allotment by the Governor.&nbsp; It also provides money for the Language Assessment Program for the School for the Deaf in 2022.&nbsp;There is also an inclusion of $500 for teacher salary bonuses for teachers who provided instruction during the 2021 school year.&nbsp; There is also a provision where there is a maximum of remote learning hours of 240 each year.&nbsp; We are anticipating a debate in the house when we return.Emergency Disaster OrdersOn Wednesday of this week, the House debated bills regarding emergency declarations.&nbsp; House Bill 2416 modifies the procedure for declaring and extending a state of disaster emergency and limits the powers of the Governor during a state of disaster emergency. It also stipulates that the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) and the Legislature to take certain action related to a state of disaster emergency and prohibits the Governor or the State Board of Education from closing private schools during a state of disaster emergency.&nbsp; The bill strengthens the oversight role of the Legislature during a disaster and that local control is retained.&nbsp; We also debated House Bill 2183 which prohibits the Governor, the Executive and Judicial branches from altering election laws or procedures and maintains approval to the Legislative Coordinating Council.<a>Addressing Utility Bill Concerns</a>On Wednesday, the House and Senate expeditiously debated House Substitute for Senate Bill 88, which assists our cities across the state due to the increases in utilities from the extreme cold weather that we experienced in February.This bill creates the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program for the purpose of providing loans to cities for extraordinary electric or natural gas costs incurred during the extreme winter weather event of February 2021. The program would be administered by the State Treasurer and would allow up to $100 million in idle fund balances to be loaned to cities that could only be used for the amount of extraordinary electric or natural gas costs incurred and not for any other utility costs previously budgeted for by the city. The interest charged would be 2 percent below the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) market rate with a minimum interest rate of 0.25 percent. The interest rate on the loan would be recalculated on the first business day of January of each year. The term of the loan could not exceed ten years. The State Treasurer could accept or reject an application based on the State Treasurer’s evaluation of whether the city meets the requirements of the program.The State Treasurer would be required to provide an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature identifying the cities that are participating in the program, the amount of money loaned, and the amount of money still available for loan on or before January 1, 2022, and each January thereafter. The Legislature would be required to review the loan program on or after January 1, 2024.Since the idle fund balance is used as the funding source for the loans, it is assumed that State General Fund resources would be needed to backfill idle fund balances if a city were to default on a loan. The bill would require the PMIB, at the direction of the State Treasurer, to make deposits of up to $100 million of idle funds to cities qualifying for the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program.This bill passed the House, 124-0, and the Senate 38-1.&nbsp; The Governor signed the bill Wednesday night.Bills Passed the House – Turnaround<a></a><a></a><a></a><a></a><a>This week, the House debated more than sixty bills before we go on break for the midpoint of the Legislative Session, commonly referred to as “Turnaround.&nbsp; Here are a few of the bills we debated:</a>House Bill 2045 revises the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Act with respect to the definition of qualified securities, tax credit limitations and amounts, investor requirements and extending the date that the tax credits may be allowed.&nbsp;House Bill 2058 allows for reciprocity to recognize out-of-state concealed carry licenses.We also discussed House Bill 2196, which addresses many of the issues and concerns with unemployment benefits.&nbsp; This bill would hold employers harmless for fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits and they would not be charged for any benefits paid from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2020.On Thursday we debated Senate Bill 13, which establishes notice and public hearing requirements prior to approval of property tax increases by some local entities.&nbsp; It would also discontinue the city and county tax lid, prohibits valuations increases of real estate solely as a result of normal repair, replacement or maintenance of an existing structure, and establishes a payment plan for the payment of delinquent or even non-delinquent property taxes.We also had a debate on House Bill 2405 regarding the issuance of bonds for the unfunded liability for KPERS.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, March 5

Currently proposed legislation for at-risk public school students is an ill-considered mistake. At this writing, part of a bill moving through the Kansas House, if passed in its present form, would set poor precedents for school choice and is fraught with unintended consequences.

The existing law allows low-income K-12 students, who are designated at high risk by their schools and attend the 100 lowest performing schools, to receive as much as $8,000 in state scholarships for private schooling.&nbsp; The funds are made possible through tax credits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The proposed bill increases the number of scholarship recipients by allowing qualifying students in any school to receive scholarship funding.&nbsp; In addition, it assigns the approximate per pupil $4,500 per year of base state funding to “individual savings accounts” and allows these students to draw down their funds yearly to use for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Since about 50 percent of Kansas students receive free or reduced fee lunches, this could result in a major decrease in current school funding.&nbsp;

However well intended, the bill is quite disturbing on multiple levels.

First.&nbsp; The bill has been sold to the public as a victory for school choice that has been denied Kansas families and their children.&nbsp; While most can agree that “choice” is good, the lack of school choice in Kansas is a misnomer leading to inaccurate beliefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Depending on the school district, parents have many choices within the public school system among them—home schooling, remote learning, traditional schools and charter schools.&nbsp; Parents also may pay out-of-pocket and send their children to private schools.

Second.&nbsp; Any tax credit at the state level draws resources away from the general fund.&nbsp; Even though the tax credit is capped currently at $10 million, in a COVID induced contracting economy, do we really want to pull any tax dollars away from the general fund?&nbsp; The real benefit of tax credit scholarships goes to wealthy individuals, who may claim their scholarship donation as a state tax write-off, not middle- and lower-earning Kansans, who, by virtue of their income level, cannot benefit from such tax-avoidance opportunities.

Third. Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers has written that the tax credit part of the bill alone would likely cost the state more than $12 million per year to administer.&nbsp; In the current economy, do we really want more burden on taxpayers?

Fourth.&nbsp; Kansas has many private secular and religious schools that provide strong learning environments, but the current bill opens the door to misuse of state funds. The tax credit part of the bill requires private schools to be accredited, yet even though these schools meet initial accreditation standards, they are not prevented from having selective admissions.&nbsp; Neither are private schools monitored regularly, as public schools are, to ensure that they continue to maintain on-going, high-quality standards.&nbsp; The education savings account part of the bill allows state funds to be used at non-accredited private schools that are not regulated by the Kansas State Department of Education.

In its current state, this legislation is bad for Kansas.&nbsp; Its faults are so numerous, onerous and down-right indefensible that major revisions probably cannot repair it.&nbsp; Our legislators need to t step back and give more thought to fair and appropriate ways that the state can provide equitable educational opportunities to low income, low performing students.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Currently proposed legislation for at-risk public school students is an ill-considered mistake. At this writing, part of a bill moving through the Kansas House, if passed in its present form, would set poor precedents for school choice and is fraught with unintended consequences.The existing law allows low-income K-12 students, who are designated at high risk by their schools and attend the 100 lowest performing schools, to receive as much as $8,000 in state scholarships for private schooling.&nbsp; The funds are made possible through tax credits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proposed bill increases the number of scholarship recipients by allowing qualifying students in any school to receive scholarship funding.&nbsp; In addition, it assigns the approximate per pupil $4,500 per year of base state funding to “individual savings accounts” and allows these students to draw down their funds yearly to use for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Since about 50 percent of Kansas students receive free or reduced fee lunches, this could result in a major decrease in current school funding.&nbsp;However well intended, the bill is quite disturbing on multiple levels.First.&nbsp; The bill has been sold to the public as a victory for school choice that has been denied Kansas families and their children.&nbsp; While most can agree that “choice” is good, the lack of school choice in Kansas is a misnomer leading to inaccurate beliefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on the school district, parents have many choices within the public school system among them—home schooling, remote learning, traditional schools and charter schools.&nbsp; Parents also may pay out-of-pocket and send their children to private schools.Second.&nbsp; Any tax credit at the state level draws resources away from the general fund.&nbsp; Even though the tax credit is capped currently at $10 million, in a COVID induced contracting economy, do we really want to pull any tax dollars away from the general fund?&nbsp; The real benefit of tax credit scholarships goes to wealthy individuals, who may claim their scholarship donation as a state tax write-off, not middle- and lower-earning Kansans, who, by virtue of their income level, cannot benefit from such tax-avoidance opportunities.Third. Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers has written that the tax credit part of the bill alone would likely cost the state more than $12 million per year to administer.&nbsp; In the current economy, do we really want more burden on taxpayers?Fourth.&nbsp; Kansas has many private secular and religious schools that provide strong learning environments, but the current bill opens the door to misuse of state funds. The tax credit part of the bill requires private schools to be accredited, yet even though these schools meet initial accreditation standards, they are not prevented from having selective admissions.&nbsp; Neither are private schools monitored regularly, as public schools are, to ensure that they continue to maintain on-going, high-quality standards.&nbsp; The education savings account part of the bill allows state funds to be used at non-accredited private schools that are not regulated by the Kansas State Department of Education.In its current state, this legislation is bad for Kansas.&nbsp; Its faults are so numerous, onerous and down-right indefensible that major revisions probably cannot repair it.&nbsp; Our legislators need to t step back and give more thought to fair and appropriate ways that the state can provide equitable educational opportunities to low income, low performing students.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: State scholarships create more problems than solutions

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.

<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!

<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;

<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;

Opinion