In “The Caregiver Helpbook”, the author shares these flight attendant’s instructions, “If the oxygen masks drop down, put on your oxygen mask first before helping others”. If you don’t help yourself first, you may not be able to help others. This scenario is also true with caregiving.&nbsp;

Did you know that during this last year, caregivers provided about 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care to someone they love? Roughly 80% of the care that is provided at home is delivered by family members. A big concern is that often the caregivers forget to take care of themselves.&nbsp;

Last month, I was able to attend a virtual class offered by Extension agents from the Southwest area. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. The class included information on helping to reduce stress and learn to relax, communicating effectively, helping make tough decisions, and learning to set goals and problem solve.&nbsp;

If you are a caregiver, consider joining an upcoming class to be offered for six consecutive Thursdays, Jan. 14, through Feb. 18, from 1:30 to 3 pm. The class will cost $5 and includes a Caregiver Helpbook that is covered by grant funds. Class size is limited, so don’t delay signing up. The link to register for the class is: <a href="https://bit.ly/tools4care">https://bit.ly/tools4care</a> If you know a caregiver who could benefit from this class, please share the information with them.&nbsp;

Are there other things that we can do to support caregivers? There certainly are:&nbsp;

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>In “The Caregiver Helpbook”, the author shares these flight attendant’s instructions, “If the oxygen masks drop down, put on your oxygen mask first before helping others”. If you don’t help yourself first, you may not be able to help others. This scenario is also true with caregiving.&nbsp;Did you know that during this last year, caregivers provided about 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care to someone they love? Roughly 80% of the care that is provided at home is delivered by family members. A big concern is that often the caregivers forget to take care of themselves.&nbsp;Last month, I was able to attend a virtual class offered by Extension agents from the Southwest area. The Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. The class included information on helping to reduce stress and learn to relax, communicating effectively, helping make tough decisions, and learning to set goals and problem solve.&nbsp;If you are a caregiver, consider joining an upcoming class to be offered for six consecutive Thursdays, Jan. 14, through Feb. 18, from 1:30 to 3 pm. The class will cost $5 and includes a Caregiver Helpbook that is covered by grant funds. Class size is limited, so don’t delay signing up. The link to register for the class is: <a href="https://bit.ly/tools4care">https://bit.ly/tools4care</a> If you know a caregiver who could benefit from this class, please share the information with them.&nbsp;Are there other things that we can do to support caregivers? There certainly are:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Offer to help them with daily tasks. Running an errand or picking up a few groceries can be a big relief to the caregiver.&nbsp;</li><li>Give them a break. Stay with the care receiver while the care giver goes to the doctor for a routine checkup.</li><li>Bring a simple meal for them. The simpler and easier it is to re-heat or eat the better.</li><li>Send a card of encouragement to the caregiver and offer some positive words of encouragement to them.&nbsp;</li><li>Help them find local resources for support with their situation.</li><li>Call them on the phone frequently.</li><li>Encourage them to take time for themselves. Thinking of their own health is not selfish. Taking care of themselves benefits everyone.</li>
 </ul>	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Taking care of caregivers

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

High school football is a family affair in rural Kansas. On Friday nights, moms and dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors and community members gather at the high school stadium for the weekly football game. It becomes a unifying community event. Today we’ll learn more about a Kansas family with a remarkable, multi-generational record of success in high school football.&nbsp;

Last week we learned about Roger Barta, the legendary high school football coach who led the Smith Center Redmen to the nation’s longest high school winning streak. Not only did Roger have a great career, he also coached his son Brooks, who was a tough player and an outstanding athlete at Smith Center, a rural community of 1,665 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Brooks went on to play college ball at K-State. These were the bad old days of K-State football, when the team was mired in a 27-game winless streak that would lead to the team being identified by Sports Illustrated as Futility U. But shortly after Brooks Barta arrived on campus, so did another gentleman by the name of Bill Snyder. Things began to change.&nbsp;

“The time and effort (that was required) probably doubled under coach Snyder,” Brooks said. Barta met the challenge of this demanding new work ethic and he saw the results.&nbsp;

Brooks was a four-year starter and a three-time co-captain under coach Snyder. He received First Team All-Big 8 honors and helped the Wildcats to a 7-4 record in 1991, their winningest season since 1954. He was the team leader in tackles all four years.&nbsp;

Brooks’ hometown, Smith Center, is in northern Kansas just about 15 miles south of the Nebraska line. Growing up that close to Nebraska, Brooks was well aware that Nebraska had long been the dominant football program. When NU played in Manhattan, the stadium would be more red than purple as Nebraska fans made the trip to watch another win over K-State.&nbsp;

But under coach Snyder, the balance of power began to shift. “In one game, we were ahead of Nebraska by a couple of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and we were earning respect,” Brooks said. He and his teammates laid the foundation of what has been called “the greatest turnaround in college football history” – and it’s not one to be taken lightly.&nbsp;

Brooks Barta finished his career ranking second in school history in career tackles (436) and career assisted tackles (281). He was also an achiever in the classroom. An Academic All-American and four-time First Team All-Big 8 selection, he compiled a 3.25 GPA in math education and twice received the K-State Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award.&nbsp;

Brooks taught and coached at Abilene for three years and earned a National Football Foundation scholarship for getting his master’s degree in administration. In 1996, he accepted the head coaching position at Holton High School.&nbsp;

At Holton, he has achieved a remarkable level of success. His teams have won three state championships and made it to the state championship game seven times. What have been the keys to his success?&nbsp;

“I played for great coaches who had a great relationship with their players,” Brooks said. “Toughness, intelligence and team: Those are the three foundations we use,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a team game. We ask a lot of our kids and we want them to have a good experience. We make all our kids feel valued. It’s important for the parents to see their little boys grow into young men.&nbsp;

“Holton is a great place to raise our family,” Brooks said. His wife Tonya is president of Farmers State Bank in Holton. They have a son Mason and a daughter Tabor who are both students at K-State.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

High school football is a family affair, with family and community members coming together to support the team. We commend Roger and Brooks Barta and their families for making a difference with excellence in coaching, and in teaching young men the lessons of life.&nbsp;

And there’s more. The Bartas have another generation of football success within their family. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608734773017.png" alt="Brooks Barta" />
 <figcaption>Brooks Barta</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentHigh school football is a family affair in rural Kansas. On Friday nights, moms and dads, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbors and community members gather at the high school stadium for the weekly football game. It becomes a unifying community event. Today we’ll learn more about a Kansas family with a remarkable, multi-generational record of success in high school football.&nbsp;Last week we learned about Roger Barta, the legendary high school football coach who led the Smith Center Redmen to the nation’s longest high school winning streak. Not only did Roger have a great career, he also coached his son Brooks, who was a tough player and an outstanding athlete at Smith Center, a rural community of 1,665 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Brooks went on to play college ball at K-State. These were the bad old days of K-State football, when the team was mired in a 27-game winless streak that would lead to the team being identified by Sports Illustrated as Futility U. But shortly after Brooks Barta arrived on campus, so did another gentleman by the name of Bill Snyder. Things began to change.&nbsp;“The time and effort (that was required) probably doubled under coach Snyder,” Brooks said. Barta met the challenge of this demanding new work ethic and he saw the results.&nbsp;Brooks was a four-year starter and a three-time co-captain under coach Snyder. He received First Team All-Big 8 honors and helped the Wildcats to a 7-4 record in 1991, their winningest season since 1954. He was the team leader in tackles all four years.&nbsp;Brooks’ hometown, Smith Center, is in northern Kansas just about 15 miles south of the Nebraska line. Growing up that close to Nebraska, Brooks was well aware that Nebraska had long been the dominant football program. When NU played in Manhattan, the stadium would be more red than purple as Nebraska fans made the trip to watch another win over K-State.&nbsp;But under coach Snyder, the balance of power began to shift. “In one game, we were ahead of Nebraska by a couple of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and we were earning respect,” Brooks said. He and his teammates laid the foundation of what has been called “the greatest turnaround in college football history” – and it’s not one to be taken lightly.&nbsp;Brooks Barta finished his career ranking second in school history in career tackles (436) and career assisted tackles (281). He was also an achiever in the classroom. An Academic All-American and four-time First Team All-Big 8 selection, he compiled a 3.25 GPA in math education and twice received the K-State Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award.&nbsp;Brooks taught and coached at Abilene for three years and earned a National Football Foundation scholarship for getting his master’s degree in administration. In 1996, he accepted the head coaching position at Holton High School.&nbsp;At Holton, he has achieved a remarkable level of success. His teams have won three state championships and made it to the state championship game seven times. What have been the keys to his success?&nbsp;“I played for great coaches who had a great relationship with their players,” Brooks said. “Toughness, intelligence and team: Those are the three foundations we use,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a team game. We ask a lot of our kids and we want them to have a good experience. We make all our kids feel valued. It’s important for the parents to see their little boys grow into young men.&nbsp;“Holton is a great place to raise our family,” Brooks said. His wife Tonya is president of Farmers State Bank in Holton. They have a son Mason and a daughter Tabor who are both students at K-State.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;High school football is a family affair, with family and community members coming together to support the team. We commend Roger and Brooks Barta and their families for making a difference with excellence in coaching, and in teaching young men the lessons of life.&nbsp;And there’s more. The Bartas have another generation of football success within their family. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Brooks Barta, football family, part 2 

With in-person interactions across the state severely limited due to the continuing pandemic, staying connected can be quite challenging. The Cottonwood Extension District in Barton and Ellis County has several social media accounts and other digital resources available, including a quarterly newsletter. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, in addition to our website, <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

The Cottonwood Extension District is part of the land-grant university—Cooperative Extension System, better known as K-State Research &amp; Extension. We are part of Kansas State University the College of Agriculture and the College of Health and Human Sciences. Our goal is to bring the university to the people, through unbiased research-based information and education. Primarily in the core areas of Family, Consumer Sciences and Wellness, 4-H Youth Development, Community Development, Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources.&nbsp;

Cottonwood District has an active Facebook page providing current updates, videos, events and activities hosted by us <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood/">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood/</a>&nbsp; This year during both the Barton and Ellis County Fairs the style revues and junior livestock shows were posted on Facebook Live. &nbsp;

Cottonwood District has become active on Twitter posting current news and updates mainly in agriculture and horticulture--videos, events, activities and upcoming programs. You can follow the Cottonwood Extension District on Twitter at @CottonwoodExt. Also the two agriculture agents in the district have Twitter accounts. Alicia Boor’s Twitter account focuses primarily on livestock and forage production at @lishboor and Stacy Campbell’s Twitter account focuses primarily on crop production at @scampbel_stacy.

Within the last year the Cottonwood District has started a YouTube channel in an effort to try and reach more folks with our research based information and education. A few short and informative videos are posted as well as some in depth programs and presentations on specific topics. Stay tuned to this channel <a href="https://bit.ly/3nlUOG2">https://bit.ly/3nlUOG2</a> we will continue to add more content.&nbsp;

Last but not least, Cottonwood Extension District puts out a digital quarterly newsletter. We send out an email notification to those that have subscribed to our newsletter when it is available. If you would like to subscribe to the quarterly newsletter let our Hays Office Professional, Theresa Meis know, she can be contacted at <a href="mailto:tam3@ksu.edu">tam3@ksu.edu</a>. You can also access the newsletter on our web site at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

Be sure to check out these social media and digital resources and get them book marked or subscribe to these free resources!&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, if after hours please leave a voice-mail for a return call.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>With in-person interactions across the state severely limited due to the continuing pandemic, staying connected can be quite challenging. The Cottonwood Extension District in Barton and Ellis County has several social media accounts and other digital resources available, including a quarterly newsletter. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, in addition to our website, <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;The Cottonwood Extension District is part of the land-grant university—Cooperative Extension System, better known as K-State Research &amp; Extension. We are part of Kansas State University the College of Agriculture and the College of Health and Human Sciences. Our goal is to bring the university to the people, through unbiased research-based information and education. Primarily in the core areas of Family, Consumer Sciences and Wellness, 4-H Youth Development, Community Development, Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources.&nbsp;Cottonwood District has an active Facebook page providing current updates, videos, events and activities hosted by us <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood/">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood/</a>&nbsp; This year during both the Barton and Ellis County Fairs the style revues and junior livestock shows were posted on Facebook Live. &nbsp;Cottonwood District has become active on Twitter posting current news and updates mainly in agriculture and horticulture--videos, events, activities and upcoming programs. You can follow the Cottonwood Extension District on Twitter at @CottonwoodExt. Also the two agriculture agents in the district have Twitter accounts. Alicia Boor’s Twitter account focuses primarily on livestock and forage production at @lishboor and Stacy Campbell’s Twitter account focuses primarily on crop production at @scampbel_stacy.Within the last year the Cottonwood District has started a YouTube channel in an effort to try and reach more folks with our research based information and education. A few short and informative videos are posted as well as some in depth programs and presentations on specific topics. Stay tuned to this channel <a href="https://bit.ly/3nlUOG2">https://bit.ly/3nlUOG2</a> we will continue to add more content.&nbsp;Last but not least, Cottonwood Extension District puts out a digital quarterly newsletter. We send out an email notification to those that have subscribed to our newsletter when it is available. If you would like to subscribe to the quarterly newsletter let our Hays Office Professional, Theresa Meis know, she can be contacted at <a href="mailto:tam3@ksu.edu">tam3@ksu.edu</a>. You can also access the newsletter on our web site at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;Be sure to check out these social media and digital resources and get them book marked or subscribe to these free resources!&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, if after hours please leave a voice-mail for a return call.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Stay connected to Extension with social media, digital resources

Does your family have a tradition that has continued for many, many years?

As a child I knew that Christmas Eve was spent at the Rasmussen’s for a Swedish supper, Christmas morning was at our own house and later on Christmas Day we were at Grandma Pachta’s house for roast duck and dumplings. Many of our family members lived within 15 miles of each other so it all worked. Eventually the traditions had to change. However, there is still someone who brings Lutfisk to the family Christmas gathering!&nbsp;

Traditions often give us a feeling that even though some things have changed, there are still things that we know will always be the same. Traditions can give us that sense of security that everything is going to be alright.&nbsp;

In a Utah State University Extension publication, “Strengthening Family Ties - A Workbook of Activities Designed to Strengthen Family Relationships”, there are activities related to five areas of family functioning including: Building Trust, Family Support, Kindness, Communication, and Working Together. &nbsp;

One activity is to identify what family traditions exist and decide what new ones might be started to ensure family stability.&nbsp;

1. Give everyone in your family a piece of paper and ask them to list the traditions in your family. These can include some things done every day and others done only once a year.&nbsp;

2. Then compare lists. It might be surprising to hear what traditions others think are important.&nbsp;

3. Evaluate. Are there some everyone would like to do more? Are there some that are no longer enjoyable.

4. Add to the list. Is there something you would like to become a new tradition? Is there anything you would like your family to be known for? Starting new traditions can be especially important when the family situation has changed - such as when a new step-family has been formed.

Continue to re-evaluate. Over the years there may be changes that need to be made. Make sure that your family does not outgrow the tradition. Research is clear that children who feel securely attached and have strong family relationships have healthier relationships and better mental health later in life.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>	Does your family have a tradition that has continued for many, many years? As a child I knew that Christmas Eve was spent at the Rasmussen’s for a Swedish supper, Christmas morning was at our own house and later on Christmas Day we were at Grandma Pachta’s house for roast duck and dumplings. Many of our family members lived within 15 miles of each other so it all worked. Eventually the traditions had to change. However, there is still someone who brings Lutfisk to the family Christmas gathering!&nbsp;Traditions often give us a feeling that even though some things have changed, there are still things that we know will always be the same. Traditions can give us that sense of security that everything is going to be alright.&nbsp;In a Utah State University Extension publication, “Strengthening Family Ties - A Workbook of Activities Designed to Strengthen Family Relationships”, there are activities related to five areas of family functioning including: Building Trust, Family Support, Kindness, Communication, and Working Together. &nbsp;One activity is to identify what family traditions exist and decide what new ones might be started to ensure family stability.&nbsp;1. Give everyone in your family a piece of paper and ask them to list the traditions in your family. These can include some things done every day and others done only once a year.&nbsp;2. Then compare lists. It might be surprising to hear what traditions others think are important.&nbsp;3. Evaluate. Are there some everyone would like to do more? Are there some that are no longer enjoyable.4. Add to the list. Is there something you would like to become a new tradition? Is there anything you would like your family to be known for? Starting new traditions can be especially important when the family situation has changed - such as when a new step-family has been formed.Continue to re-evaluate. Over the years there may be changes that need to be made. Make sure that your family does not outgrow the tradition. Research is clear that children who feel securely attached and have strong family relationships have healthier relationships and better mental health later in life.&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Family traditions

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

This past year has been a hard one. Though we are close to the renewed hopes of a new year, we still face what could be the hardest days of 2020 for some.

No matter what you are celebrating this season — Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Festivus – most plans have likely been altered. Some people have been lucky to experience only minor inconveniences or shifts, while others are facing a total breakdown of holiday celebrations and family traditions.

My heart goes out to people who are struggling with this change. I was once just like you.

When I was 12 years old, my oldest brother enlisted in the Navy and left for basic training near Chicago just before Thanksgiving. Since the base was only a five-hour drive from home, our family was able to participate in a Christmas Adopt-a-Sailor program to spend the day with him.  

Looking back, I had a lot of pre-teen anxiety about the effects this had on our holiday celebration and family traditions. It was the first time we ever changed our family routine, and I was convinced the changes were going to ruin Christmas. We had to shorten our visits with extended family on Christmas Eve so we could get a few hours of sleep before our 3 a.m. departure. We would not be opening presents around the tree on Christmas morning. It all just felt wrong.

Our Christmas in downtown Chicago ended up being a great adventure. The city was like a ghost town. The only restaurant open was a two-story McDonald’s, and my siblings and I were so proud to rack up a $30 total, which makes me laugh now as it would be a bargain for a family of six today. We visited an equally deserted Navy Pier where our entertainment became exploring a water gunboat and chatting with the on-duty firefighters staffing it. We ended the day watching the latest James Bond movie at the theater since it was the only thing we could find open.  

This odd and presumably ruined holiday ended up being one of our most memorable Christmases. The highlights of the day were not presents, which I cannot even remember if we exchanged, or cool experiences. The greatness of the day came from the spoiled plans, laughter and shared experience of making memories together.

We didn’t know it at the time, but this was the last Christmas we spent together as a family. Ten months later, my middle bother died in a car accident; my oldest brother was away from home for six years in the Navy; and my sister and I became adults with our own careers and families to work around for the holidays.

I will not pretend that my family’s Chicago Christmas was magical, tradition worthy or even worth repeating. However, I am grateful for the time it gave us together and the way it mentally prepared me for the hard lesson of life’s changes.

If you are anxious about how the holidays will turn out for your family and friends, I can share from experience that a break from tradition isn’t the worst thing that can happen. Even if you are sad, mad or disappointed about the circumstances, you can still make memories and celebrate with loved ones. It will give you something to talk about in future years when you are enjoying your holiday celebrations and family traditions.

"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/2020/6/1592834709793.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher This past year has been a hard one. Though we are close to the renewed hopes of a new year, we still face what could be the hardest days of 2020 for some.No matter what you are celebrating this season — Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Festivus – most plans have likely been altered. Some people have been lucky to experience only minor inconveniences or shifts, while others are facing a total breakdown of holiday celebrations and family traditions.My heart goes out to people who are struggling with this change. I was once just like you.When I was 12 years old, my oldest brother enlisted in the Navy and left for basic training near Chicago just before Thanksgiving. Since the base was only a five-hour drive from home, our family was able to participate in a Christmas Adopt-a-Sailor program to spend the day with him. Looking back, I had a lot of pre-teen anxiety about the effects this had on our holiday celebration and family traditions. It was the first time we ever changed our family routine, and I was convinced the changes were going to ruin Christmas. We had to shorten our visits with extended family on Christmas Eve so we could get a few hours of sleep before our 3 a.m. departure. We would not be opening presents around the tree on Christmas morning. It all just felt wrong.Our Christmas in downtown Chicago ended up being a great adventure. The city was like a ghost town. The only restaurant open was a two-story McDonald’s, and my siblings and I were so proud to rack up a $30 total, which makes me laugh now as it would be a bargain for a family of six today. We visited an equally deserted Navy Pier where our entertainment became exploring a water gunboat and chatting with the on-duty firefighters staffing it. We ended the day watching the latest James Bond movie at the theater since it was the only thing we could find open. This odd and presumably ruined holiday ended up being one of our most memorable Christmases. The highlights of the day were not presents, which I cannot even remember if we exchanged, or cool experiences. The greatness of the day came from the spoiled plans, laughter and shared experience of making memories together.We didn’t know it at the time, but this was the last Christmas we spent together as a family. Ten months later, my middle bother died in a car accident; my oldest brother was away from home for six years in the Navy; and my sister and I became adults with our own careers and families to work around for the holidays.I will not pretend that my family’s Chicago Christmas was magical, tradition worthy or even worth repeating. However, I am grateful for the time it gave us together and the way it mentally prepared me for the hard lesson of life’s changes.If you are anxious about how the holidays will turn out for your family and friends, I can share from experience that a break from tradition isn’t the worst thing that can happen. Even if you are sad, mad or disappointed about the circumstances, you can still make memories and celebrate with loved ones. It will give you something to talk about in future years when you are enjoying your holiday celebrations and family traditions."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: Breaking tradition

Crude oil prices settled above $49 on Friday, but reversed course on Monday on news that a new strain of the coronavirus could once again stop a lot of international travel. In late morning trading Monday, the benchmark Nymex contract was down nearly four percent to $47.31 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was fetching $39.25 per barrel. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the rig count is up slightly in eastern Kansas, where there were eleven active rigs, and down slightly in Western Kansas, where there were eight rigs on the active list. Baker Hughes reported 346 active drilling rigs across the U.S. last week. The count in New Mexico was up six rigs, while Texas was up three. Regulators in Kansas approved 20 new drilling permits in Kansas last week. Eighteen of them were in eastern Kansas. There have been 468 new permits filed so far this year. Operators completed eleven wells in Kansas last week including two in Barton County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the total so far this year is 776 completed wells. Contrary inventory reports highlighted an unusual week in the oil patch. The Energy Information Administration reported a drawdown in U.S. crude inventories, even as the American Petroleum Institute reported increasing stockpiles. API on Tuesday reported an increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories of nearly two million barrels. Analysts had expected a drawdown of nearly two million barrels. But EIA on Wednesday said U.S. stockpiles dropped by more than three million barrels to just over five hundred million. EIA says inventories are about ten percent above the five year average for this time of year. U.S. crude production is slowing down, but remained above 11 million barrels per day for a third straight week. For the week ending December 11, output was down more than 100,000 barrels from the week before at 11.1 million barrels per day. The government reported U.S. crude imports of 5.4 million barrels per day, down more than a million barrels from the week before. Average imports for the last four weeks were 12 percent lower than the same four weeks last year. Tribal leaders in Oklahoma are sending out a slew of new tax bills to oil-and-gas operators in the state, and the Attorney General is not happy about it. Members of the so-called "Five Tribes" are asserting civil jurisdiction in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling which held that the Creek Reservation was never disestablished. The territory in dispute covers about one third of Oklahoma. One local lawmaker says the tribes are asking for what amounts to another eight percent gross production tax. AG Mike Hunter says the tribes have no jurisdiction to levy taxes and fees, and is urging tribal leaders to stop. A state judge in Texas says the state's oil regulator cannot waive environmental rules and fees. In a rare rebuke, the Railroad Commission of Texas was barred from enforcing a series of emergency rule-waivers announced in May to help Texas drillers cope with low prices. A District Court Judge faulted the agency for failing to give adequate public notice.&nbsp; A sporting-goods company is taking heat in the Lone Star State for refusing to produce jackets for an oil-and-gas company. Innovex Downhole Solutions says it was recently denied an order of jackets by The North Face because they are in the oil and gas business, even though they've done business in the past. The story is escalating statewide on the air and online. Some are comparing the state's largest industry to porn or tobacco. Others are pointing out the irony of a recreation company badmouthing the industry that creates and delivers their products. Production in America's number-two crude-producing state has declined slightly. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports output of over 1.2 million barrels per day in October, the latest numbers available. The tally is down 236 barrels per day from the September total. The state continues to exceed its gas-capture goals, topping 93% for the second month in a row. That means operators are burning or venting only seven percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. The government says total fuel consumption for the week of Thanksgiving was down 11 percent from the holiday period a year earlier. Jet fuel use was down by about half. The Energy Information Administration says we used two million barrels per day of jet fuel for the holiday week in 2019, but that dropped by more than 900,000 barrels per day this year. Analysts say the number of flights departing U.S. airports dropped 37% compared to Thanksgiving week 2019. Weekly oil-by-rail shipments are down. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,485 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week that ended December 12th. That's down 225 cars from a week earlier, and a decline of more than 16 percent year-over-year. Year-to-date totals indicate a decline of about 14% in total U.S. oil-by-rail shipments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARCrude oil prices settled above $49 on Friday, but reversed course on Monday on news that a new strain of the coronavirus could once again stop a lot of international travel. In late morning trading Monday, the benchmark Nymex contract was down nearly four percent to $47.31 per barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson was fetching $39.25 per barrel. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the rig count is up slightly in eastern Kansas, where there were eleven active rigs, and down slightly in Western Kansas, where there were eight rigs on the active list. Baker Hughes reported 346 active drilling rigs across the U.S. last week. The count in New Mexico was up six rigs, while Texas was up three. Regulators in Kansas approved 20 new drilling permits in Kansas last week. Eighteen of them were in eastern Kansas. There have been 468 new permits filed so far this year. Operators completed eleven wells in Kansas last week including two in Barton County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says the total so far this year is 776 completed wells. Contrary inventory reports highlighted an unusual week in the oil patch. The Energy Information Administration reported a drawdown in U.S. crude inventories, even as the American Petroleum Institute reported increasing stockpiles. API on Tuesday reported an increase in U.S. crude-oil inventories of nearly two million barrels. Analysts had expected a drawdown of nearly two million barrels. But EIA on Wednesday said U.S. stockpiles dropped by more than three million barrels to just over five hundred million. EIA says inventories are about ten percent above the five year average for this time of year. U.S. crude production is slowing down, but remained above 11 million barrels per day for a third straight week. For the week ending December 11, output was down more than 100,000 barrels from the week before at 11.1 million barrels per day. The government reported U.S. crude imports of 5.4 million barrels per day, down more than a million barrels from the week before. Average imports for the last four weeks were 12 percent lower than the same four weeks last year. Tribal leaders in Oklahoma are sending out a slew of new tax bills to oil-and-gas operators in the state, and the Attorney General is not happy about it. Members of the so-called "Five Tribes" are asserting civil jurisdiction in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling which held that the Creek Reservation was never disestablished. The territory in dispute covers about one third of Oklahoma. One local lawmaker says the tribes are asking for what amounts to another eight percent gross production tax. AG Mike Hunter says the tribes have no jurisdiction to levy taxes and fees, and is urging tribal leaders to stop. A state judge in Texas says the state's oil regulator cannot waive environmental rules and fees. In a rare rebuke, the Railroad Commission of Texas was barred from enforcing a series of emergency rule-waivers announced in May to help Texas drillers cope with low prices. A District Court Judge faulted the agency for failing to give adequate public notice.&nbsp; A sporting-goods company is taking heat in the Lone Star State for refusing to produce jackets for an oil-and-gas company. Innovex Downhole Solutions says it was recently denied an order of jackets by The North Face because they are in the oil and gas business, even though they've done business in the past. The story is escalating statewide on the air and online. Some are comparing the state's largest industry to porn or tobacco. Others are pointing out the irony of a recreation company badmouthing the industry that creates and delivers their products. Production in America's number-two crude-producing state has declined slightly. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports output of over 1.2 million barrels per day in October, the latest numbers available. The tally is down 236 barrels per day from the September total. The state continues to exceed its gas-capture goals, topping 93% for the second month in a row. That means operators are burning or venting only seven percent of the natural gas produced at oil wells. The government says total fuel consumption for the week of Thanksgiving was down 11 percent from the holiday period a year earlier. Jet fuel use was down by about half. The Energy Information Administration says we used two million barrels per day of jet fuel for the holiday week in 2019, but that dropped by more than 900,000 barrels per day this year. Analysts say the number of flights departing U.S. airports dropped 37% compared to Thanksgiving week 2019. Weekly oil-by-rail shipments are down. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,485 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week that ended December 12th. That's down 225 cars from a week earlier, and a decline of more than 16 percent year-over-year. Year-to-date totals indicate a decline of about 14% in total U.S. oil-by-rail shipments.

News From the Oil Patch: New virus strain halts oil price rally

In the midst of the holiday season and the increased access to sweets, many people may be observing a less than ideal change in their personal body conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While people may strive for a skinnier physique, holding a thin body condition over the winter may create deficits for&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;heading into calving season.&nbsp;

“Thin cows have a higher maintenance requirement in the winter than cows in adequate condition because they have to work harder to stay warm,”&nbsp;

To assess the herd, veterinarian Bob Larson suggests ranchers periodically check them and even take pictures of the herd to help monitor changes over time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In any group, I expect some variation in the condition, but ideally I want almost all the cows to be in a moderate body condition,” Larson said. “And if they are, then I know that I am managing the group pretty well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

If&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;ranchers notice that there are thin cows in the herd, they may need to evaluate the situation further to see if there is a pattern tied to their age or access to feed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The number of cows in the herd will creep up if, for example, they are getting pushed out of the feed bunk and not getting the protein supplementation they need,”. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Experts agree that two feet of bunk space per head is a minimum amount of space needed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“If you only allocate a foot and a half on a single-sided feed bunk, the big cows will push out the thinner, smaller cows that really need the feed,” Weaber said. He prefers to place the feed bunk in the middle of the pasture so&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;can access the feed from both sides. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Big cubes fed on the ground will allow the&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;to have easy access because you can spread it out, but there is more feed waste and sanitation issues that come with that strategy,” veterinarian Brad White said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

White suggested producers look at ways to segregate the thin cows.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Grouping the thin cows together can be a powerful tool in giving them the extra feed they need ahead of calving season,”. The challenge, he added, may lie in where they are located and the ease of separating them for feeding. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He added: “The cow’s maintenance cost is the lowest it is going to be right now and that makes it a good time to put some weight on her rather than waiting to do it later.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

White gave an example: “If I have 100 days, I could target the cows to gain two pounds per day. That will give them about 200 pounds of gain.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

The bottom line, White said, is to “do the math for your herd and then figure out if it is just a couple individuals that need to gain weight or the entire group, because that answer will drastically change the decision you make and what options are available.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the midst of the holiday season and the increased access to sweets, many people may be observing a less than ideal change in their personal body conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;While people may strive for a skinnier physique, holding a thin body condition over the winter may create deficits for&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;heading into calving season.&nbsp;“Thin cows have a higher maintenance requirement in the winter than cows in adequate condition because they have to work harder to stay warm,”&nbsp;To assess the herd, veterinarian Bob Larson suggests ranchers periodically check them and even take pictures of the herd to help monitor changes over time.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In any group, I expect some variation in the condition, but ideally I want almost all the cows to be in a moderate body condition,” Larson said. “And if they are, then I know that I am managing the group pretty well.”&nbsp;&nbsp;If&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;ranchers notice that there are thin cows in the herd, they may need to evaluate the situation further to see if there is a pattern tied to their age or access to feed.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The number of cows in the herd will creep up if, for example, they are getting pushed out of the feed bunk and not getting the protein supplementation they need,”. &nbsp;&nbsp;Experts agree that two feet of bunk space per head is a minimum amount of space needed. &nbsp;&nbsp;“If you only allocate a foot and a half on a single-sided feed bunk, the big cows will push out the thinner, smaller cows that really need the feed,” Weaber said. He prefers to place the feed bunk in the middle of the pasture so&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;can access the feed from both sides. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Big cubes fed on the ground will allow the&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;to have easy access because you can spread it out, but there is more feed waste and sanitation issues that come with that strategy,” veterinarian Brad White said. &nbsp;&nbsp;White suggested producers look at ways to segregate the thin cows.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Grouping the thin cows together can be a powerful tool in giving them the extra feed they need ahead of calving season,”. The challenge, he added, may lie in where they are located and the ease of separating them for feeding. &nbsp;&nbsp;He added: “The cow’s maintenance cost is the lowest it is going to be right now and that makes it a good time to put some weight on her rather than waiting to do it later.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;White gave an example: “If I have 100 days, I could target the cows to gain two pounds per day. That will give them about 200 pounds of gain.” &nbsp;&nbsp;The bottom line, White said, is to “do the math for your herd and then figure out if it is just a couple individuals that need to gain weight or the entire group, because that answer will drastically change the decision you make and what options are available.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

BOOR: Winter conditions pose challenges for livestock

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District 
Sulfur (S) deficiency in wheat has become more common in Kansas, particularly in no-till wheat. The reasons for this is a reduction in sulfur being emitted to the atmosphere and cooler soil temperatures because of no-till, which slows S mineralization in the soil. Some crops in the rotation, such as soybean, can take up significant amounts of S.&nbsp;

In wheat plants S-deficiency is yellow and stunted and is observed in patches in the field, especially in areas where there has been previous soil erosion or soil movement. The patchy S-deficient areas of the field are often found on hilltops or side slopes where erosion has occurred and soil organic matter is reduced, or where leaching is more pronounced. Wheat in areas where topsoil was removed or significant cuts were made (i.e. terraced or leveled fields).&nbsp;

Sulfur deficiency in growing crops is often mistaken for nitrogen (N) deficiency. However, unlike N deficiency, older leaves show firing and yellowing, with S deficiency, the pale yellow symptoms appear first on the younger/uppermost leaves. Plants with S deficiency eventually become uniformly chlorotic (yellow leaves).

Sulfur deficiencies have been showing up early in the spring, shortly after green-up, before organic S is mineralized from soil organic matter, and before wheat roots can grow into the subsoil to utilize any available S (sulfate) accumulations. Deficiencies of S are often difficult to identify because the chlorosis is not always obvious. Crops lacking S also may be stunted, thin-stemmed, and spindly. In the case of wheat, maturity is delayed. Winter annual weed competition is also enhanced due to the slower growth and lack of tillering.

Sulfate is relatively soluble, it tends to leach down into the subsoil. In many Kansas soils, it will accumulate in the B horizon (subsoil) in two forms. Clay surfaces and coatings will retain some sulfate, and sulfate will also be present in the subsoil as gypsum (calcium sulfate).

A soil test for available sulfate-S in the soil profile is available. For proper interpretation of this test, soil organic matter, soil texture, the crop to be grown, and the expected yield level all need to be considered. Accurate estimates of S needs cannot be made from a surface sample alone. Since sulfate is mobile, a 24-inch sampling depth is needed. However, due to the relatively high demand for S during the rapid vegetative growth phase of wheat, and relatively shallow rooting by the wheat crop at this time, the S measured in the deeper, subsoil levels by the test may not be available to wheat in the early spring, especially where soils are cold.

There are many S-containing fertilizer materials. Several dry materials are available that can be blended with other fertilizers for winter/spring topdressing. However, some of these products are best used in pre-plant applications because they are slow in becoming plant available in the spring for topdressing. For more information on choosing the right S fertilizer material, go to <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> scroll down the home page to timely topics.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608148059809.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District 
Sulfur (S) deficiency in wheat has become more common in Kansas, particularly in no-till wheat. The reasons for this is a reduction in sulfur being emitted to the atmosphere and cooler soil temperatures because of no-till, which slows S mineralization in the soil. Some crops in the rotation, such as soybean, can take up significant amounts of S.&nbsp;In wheat plants S-deficiency is yellow and stunted and is observed in patches in the field, especially in areas where there has been previous soil erosion or soil movement. The patchy S-deficient areas of the field are often found on hilltops or side slopes where erosion has occurred and soil organic matter is reduced, or where leaching is more pronounced. Wheat in areas where topsoil was removed or significant cuts were made (i.e. terraced or leveled fields).&nbsp;Sulfur deficiency in growing crops is often mistaken for nitrogen (N) deficiency. However, unlike N deficiency, older leaves show firing and yellowing, with S deficiency, the pale yellow symptoms appear first on the younger/uppermost leaves. Plants with S deficiency eventually become uniformly chlorotic (yellow leaves).Sulfur deficiencies have been showing up early in the spring, shortly after green-up, before organic S is mineralized from soil organic matter, and before wheat roots can grow into the subsoil to utilize any available S (sulfate) accumulations. Deficiencies of S are often difficult to identify because the chlorosis is not always obvious. Crops lacking S also may be stunted, thin-stemmed, and spindly. In the case of wheat, maturity is delayed. Winter annual weed competition is also enhanced due to the slower growth and lack of tillering.Sulfate is relatively soluble, it tends to leach down into the subsoil. In many Kansas soils, it will accumulate in the B horizon (subsoil) in two forms. Clay surfaces and coatings will retain some sulfate, and sulfate will also be present in the subsoil as gypsum (calcium sulfate).A soil test for available sulfate-S in the soil profile is available. For proper interpretation of this test, soil organic matter, soil texture, the crop to be grown, and the expected yield level all need to be considered. Accurate estimates of S needs cannot be made from a surface sample alone. Since sulfate is mobile, a 24-inch sampling depth is needed. However, due to the relatively high demand for S during the rapid vegetative growth phase of wheat, and relatively shallow rooting by the wheat crop at this time, the S measured in the deeper, subsoil levels by the test may not be available to wheat in the early spring, especially where soils are cold.There are many S-containing fertilizer materials. Several dry materials are available that can be blended with other fertilizers for winter/spring topdressing. However, some of these products are best used in pre-plant applications because they are slow in becoming plant available in the spring for topdressing. For more information on choosing the right S fertilizer material, go to <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> scroll down the home page to timely topics.&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, if after hours please leave a voice-mail for a return call.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Sulfur deficiency in wheat

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

There are two legendary football coaches who are retired and living in Manhattan, Kansas. One is Bill Snyder, a multiple-time national coach of the year and a member of the National College Football Hall of Fame.&nbsp;

The other is a legendary high school football coach who led his team to the longest winning streak in the nation while coaching in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Roger Barta is the retired high school football coach who set these records in Smith Center, Kansas. His accomplishments were so noteworthy that an East Coast writer spent a year in Kansas to write about them. In 2010, the book chronicling these achievements was published.&nbsp;

Roger Barta and his wife Pam grew up in the rural community of Plainville, population 1,903 people. Now, that’s rural. In high school, Roger played quarterback but couldn’t continue football due to injury. After graduating from Fort Hays State and earning a master’s in Georgia, he embarked on a high school teaching and coaching career. In 1978, he took his first and only head coaching job in Smith Center.&nbsp;

That was the beginning of a phenomenal career. Roger Barta built a coaching staff and a power football system which would develop into a juggernaut, with tremendous community support.&nbsp;

His won-loss record was excellent, and then came the streak of consecutive winning games. One win turned into two, and then five and 10 and more. A state championship was achieved, and then another and another.&nbsp;

One day in 2007, the Smith Center Redmen played Plainville and got on a roll. A series of Plainville turnovers and Smith Center offensive strikes snowballed into a rout. In a set of circumstances that Coach Barta regrets today, the Redmen scored 72 points – in the first quarter. This broke a national record set back in 1925 and propelled Smith Center into the national spotlight.&nbsp;

One of the national sportswriters who followed this story was a New York Times reporter named Joe Drape. He visited Smith Center to report on it and found himself intrigued with this remarkable coach and community.&nbsp;

Joe returned to New York, but something about the community stayed with him. He thought about Coach Barta and the lives the coach had touched. He thought about the winning streak and the challenges of the upcoming season, after a highly touted senior class graduated.&nbsp;

Joe had the unlikely idea to move his wife and young son from New York to Kansas for a year to follow the football season. He did so and chronicled the remarkable season that followed.&nbsp;

Coach Barta shaped this group of unheralded underclassmen into a powerful team once again. After some early-season close calls, the team came together and finished undefeated with Smith Center’s fifth consecutive state championship. Eventually, the winning streak would extend to 79 games – the longest high school victory streak in the nation.&nbsp;

The best-selling book is titled “Our Boys - A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.”&nbsp;

“Our Boys” is about rural life as well as football. In the end, the book is about Coach Barta and the values he instills. Coach Barta teaches the simple values of hard work, dedication and love. “We talk about getting a little better each day,” he said, “about being the best we can be, about being a team.” He tells his players, “We need to respect each other, and then like each other, and then love each other. And when we have chemistry, that’s when together we are champions.”&nbsp;

Coach Barta said, “None of this is about football. What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something.” After retiring, Coach Barta and Pam retired to Manhattan.&nbsp;

Hard work, high values, and getting better every day. That sounds like another legendary coach who is retired and living in Manhattan. We commend Bill Snyder and Roger Barta for making a difference in their community and in the lives of so many young people.&nbsp;

And there’s more. Roger’s son Brooks would follow in his father’s footsteps of outstanding coaching. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Correction 9:40 a.m. Sunday to reflect Barta began at Smith Center in 1978.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608128340534.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 8.18.42 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 8.18.42 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development There are two legendary football coaches who are retired and living in Manhattan, Kansas. One is Bill Snyder, a multiple-time national coach of the year and a member of the National College Football Hall of Fame.&nbsp;The other is a legendary high school football coach who led his team to the longest winning streak in the nation while coaching in rural Kansas.&nbsp;Roger Barta is the retired high school football coach who set these records in Smith Center, Kansas. His accomplishments were so noteworthy that an East Coast writer spent a year in Kansas to write about them. In 2010, the book chronicling these achievements was published.&nbsp;Roger Barta and his wife Pam grew up in the rural community of Plainville, population 1,903 people. Now, that’s rural. In high school, Roger played quarterback but couldn’t continue football due to injury. After graduating from Fort Hays State and earning a master’s in Georgia, he embarked on a high school teaching and coaching career. In 1978, he took his first and only head coaching job in Smith Center.&nbsp;That was the beginning of a phenomenal career. Roger Barta built a coaching staff and a power football system which would develop into a juggernaut, with tremendous community support.&nbsp;His won-loss record was excellent, and then came the streak of consecutive winning games. One win turned into two, and then five and 10 and more. A state championship was achieved, and then another and another.&nbsp;One day in 2007, the Smith Center Redmen played Plainville and got on a roll. A series of Plainville turnovers and Smith Center offensive strikes snowballed into a rout. In a set of circumstances that Coach Barta regrets today, the Redmen scored 72 points – in the first quarter. This broke a national record set back in 1925 and propelled Smith Center into the national spotlight.&nbsp;One of the national sportswriters who followed this story was a New York Times reporter named Joe Drape. He visited Smith Center to report on it and found himself intrigued with this remarkable coach and community.&nbsp;Joe returned to New York, but something about the community stayed with him. He thought about Coach Barta and the lives the coach had touched. He thought about the winning streak and the challenges of the upcoming season, after a highly touted senior class graduated.&nbsp;Joe had the unlikely idea to move his wife and young son from New York to Kansas for a year to follow the football season. He did so and chronicled the remarkable season that followed.&nbsp;Coach Barta shaped this group of unheralded underclassmen into a powerful team once again. After some early-season close calls, the team came together and finished undefeated with Smith Center’s fifth consecutive state championship. Eventually, the winning streak would extend to 79 games – the longest high school victory streak in the nation.&nbsp;The best-selling book is titled “Our Boys - A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.”&nbsp;“Our Boys” is about rural life as well as football. In the end, the book is about Coach Barta and the values he instills. Coach Barta teaches the simple values of hard work, dedication and love. “We talk about getting a little better each day,” he said, “about being the best we can be, about being a team.” He tells his players, “We need to respect each other, and then like each other, and then love each other. And when we have chemistry, that’s when together we are champions.”&nbsp;Coach Barta said, “None of this is about football. What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something.” After retiring, Coach Barta and Pam retired to Manhattan.&nbsp;Hard work, high values, and getting better every day. That sounds like another legendary coach who is retired and living in Manhattan. We commend Bill Snyder and Roger Barta for making a difference in their community and in the lives of so many young people.&nbsp;And there’s more. Roger’s son Brooks would follow in his father’s footsteps of outstanding coaching. We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;Correction 9:40 a.m. Sunday to reflect Barta began at Smith Center in 1978.

Now That’s Rural: Roger Barta, football family, part 1 

Our nation’s annual Bill of Rights Day had a bit more reality for 
more of us in 2020 than in most years, even though it passed again with 
little-to-no notice from most of us.

The day was created in 1941 to celebrate the Dec. 15, 1791 
ratification by the states of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. 
Constitution. But it quickly faded from view: Its first planned 
celebration was effectively lost to history in the days following of the
 Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II.

The first 10 amendments spell out our rights. They start with the 
First Amendment’s protection of five core freedoms: Religion, speech, 
press, assembly and petition.

Nine more amendments guarantee a range of rights, from gun ownership 
to freedom from unreasonable search and seizure to trial by jury, and 
reserve all powers not delegated to the federal government to the people
 or the states.

If we are honest about it, Bill of Rights Day won’t ever become the 
major focus of holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or even 
Labor Day — the timing between Thanksgiving and winter holidays is 
awkward, for one thing. Much like Constitution Day, in September, it’s 
not likely to inspire public displays of patriotism, or even a modest 
number of fireworks displays.

Still, we should be inclined to give it a national nod, or at least a
 momentary pause to celebrate the freedoms and rights that define who we
 are as a nation. And then there may be years such as 2020, when those 
rights and freedoms come into play in unique and varied ways.

Consider: This year has seen more public discussion of government and
 social policies and practices than in decades. Freedoms at the low end 
of public identity — assembly and petition — now rival their First 
Amendment and Bill of Rights brethren on the nation’s political stage 
and are driving real change.

Among the examples: Ongoing demonstrations and events rooted in the Black Lives Matter movement. Supporters of President Donald J. Trump
 taking to the streets over his loud but unproven claims of election 
fraud. COVID-19 pandemic restrictions leading to legal challenges over 
the extent to which religious liberty shields civil disobedience.

Even outside the realm of government and politics, which was most on 
the minds of the nation’s founders in proposing both the Constitution 
and the amendments, we see the power of free expression and protection 
of core rights to produce change.

Sports teams are private enterprises and thus have their own First 
Amendment rights to speak in the marketplace of ideas, which in past 
years has stymied most attempts to force changes in names seen by many 
as racist and bigoted.

Even Indigenous Peoples, who have been denied legal protections, 
perhaps more than any others in our nation’s history, have been able to 
demonstrate, write and assemble in protest. Behold The Washington 
Football Team (formerly the Redskins) and what may become The Cleveland 
Baseball Team (soon to be the former Indians).

After a mind-numbing series of deaths involving Black men and women 
and police, people across the nation have taken to American’s 
traditional public forum — the streets — in massive numbers to demand 
racial justice and new approaches to law enforcement, much of the energy
 driven by the May death of George Floyd while being arrested by Minneapolis police.

Results? Just days ago, the Minneapolis City Council shifted $8 
million in police funding to other services such as mental health crisis
 response teams and anti-violence training. Those who opposed those cuts
 were able to make their voices heard as well: No cuts were made in the 
numbers of officers in the city.

National Football League games this season are marked by TV 
commercials calling for racial equity. League fields are now marked with
 two slogans: “It Takes All Of Us” on one, “End Racism” on the other. 
Players literally speak with their feet: the “My Cause, My Cleats” 
campaign displays players’ individual civic causes on their shoes.

The First Amendment and the Bill of Rights certainly do not figure 
directly in much of the nation’s ongoing conversations with itself. But 
those rights and freedoms underpin the confidence to have those 
conversations — however blunt, acrimonious and challenging they 
certainly can be.

Even if you’re not inclined to celebrate legal concepts and governing
 documents, the Bill of Rights — that cumulative blueprint for freedoms 
led off by the First Amendment — merits a hearty “huzzah” now and again.

Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>Our nation’s annual Bill of Rights Day had a bit more reality for 
more of us in 2020 than in most years, even though it passed again with 
little-to-no notice from most of us.The day was created in 1941 to celebrate the Dec. 15, 1791 
ratification by the states of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. 
Constitution. But it quickly faded from view: Its first planned 
celebration was effectively lost to history in the days following of the
 Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II.The first 10 amendments spell out our rights. They start with the 
First Amendment’s protection of five core freedoms: Religion, speech, 
press, assembly and petition.Nine more amendments guarantee a range of rights, from gun ownership 
to freedom from unreasonable search and seizure to trial by jury, and 
reserve all powers not delegated to the federal government to the people
 or the states.If we are honest about it, Bill of Rights Day won’t ever become the 
major focus of holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or even 
Labor Day — the timing between Thanksgiving and winter holidays is 
awkward, for one thing. Much like Constitution Day, in September, it’s 
not likely to inspire public displays of patriotism, or even a modest 
number of fireworks displays.Still, we should be inclined to give it a national nod, or at least a
 momentary pause to celebrate the freedoms and rights that define who we
 are as a nation. And then there may be years such as 2020, when those 
rights and freedoms come into play in unique and varied ways.Consider: This year has seen more public discussion of government and
 social policies and practices than in decades. Freedoms at the low end 
of public identity — assembly and petition — now rival their First 
Amendment and Bill of Rights brethren on the nation’s political stage 
and are driving real change.Among the examples: Ongoing demonstrations and events rooted in the Black Lives Matter movement. Supporters of President Donald J. Trump
 taking to the streets over his loud but unproven claims of election 
fraud. COVID-19 pandemic restrictions leading to legal challenges over 
the extent to which religious liberty shields civil disobedience.Even outside the realm of government and politics, which was most on 
the minds of the nation’s founders in proposing both the Constitution 
and the amendments, we see the power of free expression and protection 
of core rights to produce change.Sports teams are private enterprises and thus have their own First 
Amendment rights to speak in the marketplace of ideas, which in past 
years has stymied most attempts to force changes in names seen by many 
as racist and bigoted.Even Indigenous Peoples, who have been denied legal protections, 
perhaps more than any others in our nation’s history, have been able to 
demonstrate, write and assemble in protest. Behold The Washington 
Football Team (formerly the Redskins) and what may become The Cleveland 
Baseball Team (soon to be the former Indians).After a mind-numbing series of deaths involving Black men and women 
and police, people across the nation have taken to American’s 
traditional public forum — the streets — in massive numbers to demand 
racial justice and new approaches to law enforcement, much of the energy
 driven by the May death of George Floyd while being arrested by Minneapolis police.Results? Just days ago, the Minneapolis City Council shifted $8 
million in police funding to other services such as mental health crisis
 response teams and anti-violence training. Those who opposed those cuts
 were able to make their voices heard as well: No cuts were made in the 
numbers of officers in the city.National Football League games this season are marked by TV 
commercials calling for racial equity. League fields are now marked with
 two slogans: “It Takes All Of Us” on one, “End Racism” on the other. 
Players literally speak with their feet: the “My Cause, My Cleats” 
campaign displays players’ individual civic causes on their shoes.The First Amendment and the Bill of Rights certainly do not figure 
directly in much of the nation’s ongoing conversations with itself. But 
those rights and freedoms underpin the confidence to have those 
conversations — however blunt, acrimonious and challenging they 
certainly can be.Even if you’re not inclined to celebrate legal concepts and governing
 documents, the Bill of Rights — that cumulative blueprint for freedoms 
led off by the First Amendment — merits a hearty “huzzah” now and again.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: The ‘right’ day to celebrate our freedom

Political reform has been on my mind lately. I even considered writing this column about why Kansas should adopt ballot initiatives, also known as referendums or ballot measures.&nbsp;

But let’s get real. The Kansas Legislature probably won’t consent to giving average voters — you — that much power.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 24 states without initiatives. All of our neighboring states have initiatives, as do most western and Plains states.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over a century ago, the Populist and Progressive movements championed the initiative as a tool to weaken the sway that the wealthy and special interests held over politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That was an era when corruption was often more blatant than today. If monied interests had bought off a legislature and if politicians catered primarily to those interests, then giving farmers and workers the power to make laws themselves seemed the ultimate check on politicians.&nbsp;

However, Kansas never adopted that reform. Kansans today are not allowed to propose laws themselves for the ballot and then vote directly on those proposals. Kansans only vote on state policy directly if supermajorities of the Legislature allow you to vote on their preferred amendments to the state constitution.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Politicians in the Kansas Legislature hold all of the power right now. When their priorities and preferences don’t reflect the will of the people, Kansans have no power to directly intervene into the policy process.&nbsp;

You might think that Topeka should support the initiative process. If you support putting less power in the hands of government and promoting local control, then letting Kansans make laws themselves seems a downright conservative way to accomplish both.&nbsp;

Politics is fundamentally about power, and using power to promote your own opinions. And many Kansas politicians can probably rationalize why they shouldn’t give you their power.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maybe they view their own elections as “mandates” for their own vague buzzword agendas that they predictably claim are also your agenda.&nbsp;

Or maybe there is that tired “we live in a republic, not a democracy” argument. Newsflash: republics are democracies, and America is both. But that’s a different column.&nbsp;

Maybe some of them think that you don’t know enough about policy to make policy yourself. Or that you won’t “see the big picture,” whatever that means.&nbsp;

There are also the arguments that politicians don’t say publicly. Letting Kansans express their values and desires directly through the ballot initiative means that Kansans might do things that politicians don’t want. Like legalize marijuana, expand Medicaid, raise the minimum wage, or set your own tax rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Interest groups and lobbyists probably wouldn’t like initiatives either. Right now, getting what they want means courting 165 legislators in Topeka—not persuading average Kansans to make policy favorable to them.&nbsp;

Here is the brutal bottom line: Why would legislators weaken their control over you? Why would they make winning harder for themselves? What would they get for giving you more power?&nbsp;

Bluntly, initiatives seem like pure losing for politicians. And frankly, there is no organized public pressure in Kansas for initiatives. Election challengers ignore the issue. There is no clear political penalty for opposing initiatives or giving them half-hearted, noncommittal lip service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If citizens want initiatives, they need to demand the process loudly. Until that basic political calculus for politicians changes, don’t expect them to give Kansans that much power anytime soon.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Political reform has been on my mind lately. I even considered writing this column about why Kansas should adopt ballot initiatives, also known as referendums or ballot measures.&nbsp;But let’s get real. The Kansas Legislature probably won’t consent to giving average voters — you — that much power.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas is one of 24 states without initiatives. All of our neighboring states have initiatives, as do most western and Plains states.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over a century ago, the Populist and Progressive movements championed the initiative as a tool to weaken the sway that the wealthy and special interests held over politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;That was an era when corruption was often more blatant than today. If monied interests had bought off a legislature and if politicians catered primarily to those interests, then giving farmers and workers the power to make laws themselves seemed the ultimate check on politicians.&nbsp;However, Kansas never adopted that reform. Kansans today are not allowed to propose laws themselves for the ballot and then vote directly on those proposals. Kansans only vote on state policy directly if supermajorities of the Legislature allow you to vote on their preferred amendments to the state constitution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Politicians in the Kansas Legislature hold all of the power right now. When their priorities and preferences don’t reflect the will of the people, Kansans have no power to directly intervene into the policy process.&nbsp;You might think that Topeka should support the initiative process. If you support putting less power in the hands of government and promoting local control, then letting Kansans make laws themselves seems a downright conservative way to accomplish both.&nbsp;But that’s not reality.&nbsp;Politics is fundamentally about power, and using power to promote your own opinions. And many Kansas politicians can probably rationalize why they shouldn’t give you their power.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe they view their own elections as “mandates” for their own vague buzzword agendas that they predictably claim are also your agenda.&nbsp;Or maybe there is that tired “we live in a republic, not a democracy” argument. Newsflash: republics are democracies, and America is both. But that’s a different column.&nbsp;Maybe some of them think that you don’t know enough about policy to make policy yourself. Or that you won’t “see the big picture,” whatever that means.&nbsp;There are also the arguments that politicians don’t say publicly. Letting Kansans express their values and desires directly through the ballot initiative means that Kansans might do things that politicians don’t want. Like legalize marijuana, expand Medicaid, raise the minimum wage, or set your own tax rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest groups and lobbyists probably wouldn’t like initiatives either. Right now, getting what they want means courting 165 legislators in Topeka—not persuading average Kansans to make policy favorable to them.&nbsp;Here is the brutal bottom line: Why would legislators weaken their control over you? Why would they make winning harder for themselves? What would they get for giving you more power?&nbsp;Bluntly, initiatives seem like pure losing for politicians. And frankly, there is no organized public pressure in Kansas for initiatives. Election challengers ignore the issue. There is no clear political penalty for opposing initiatives or giving them half-hearted, noncommittal lip service.&nbsp;&nbsp;If citizens want initiatives, they need to demand the process loudly. Until that basic political calculus for politicians changes, don’t expect them to give Kansans that much power anytime soon.&nbsp;Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Too much democracy for Kan. politicians to handle? 

Hostesses often worry about what to feed guests with special dietary needs at holiday time. This is especially true for a guest with a strong allergy to wheat, for example, or someone with insulin-dependent diabetes. Providing several simple whole food choices and staying away from so many highly processed foods is the best plan I can offer.&nbsp;

Most health problems accumulate from what we do day in and day out. Take for example, someone on a restricted fat and cholesterol diet for coronary heart disease. The newest dietary guidelines from the American Heart Association emphasize this point. They recommend that it is the total diet over several days or a week rather than what one eats in any given meal or even on a given day. This allows for some flexibility in choosing a variety of foods that are both nutritious and delicious.

While a calorie-laden Christmas dinner certainly does not help someone maintain or lose weight, it is a good time to exercise a little control. If you find yourself in the midst of holiday binge, just slow down your eating, refuse the seconds and talk more. If it is a buffet, move away from the food and sip on a low-calorie beverage.

As a hostess, you can be considerate of your guests’ dietary needs by providing some alternatives. For a person allergic to the gluten protein in wheat, provide a rice or corn dish. Make a rice crust for the pumpkin pie or consider making a crustless pumpkin pie as a healthier alternative.

If guests with special dietary needs will be spending several days with you, invite them to help with the meal planning and perhaps even prepare one of their favorite dishes. The best advice is to not make a big deal out of the differences but focus on simple whole food choices.

Feel free to contact me for a copy of several healthy holiday recipes including the crustless pumpkin pie I referred to above.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593016082485.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hostesses often worry about what to feed guests with special dietary needs at holiday time. This is especially true for a guest with a strong allergy to wheat, for example, or someone with insulin-dependent diabetes. Providing several simple whole food choices and staying away from so many highly processed foods is the best plan I can offer.&nbsp;Most health problems accumulate from what we do day in and day out. Take for example, someone on a restricted fat and cholesterol diet for coronary heart disease. The newest dietary guidelines from the American Heart Association emphasize this point. They recommend that it is the total diet over several days or a week rather than what one eats in any given meal or even on a given day. This allows for some flexibility in choosing a variety of foods that are both nutritious and delicious.While a calorie-laden Christmas dinner certainly does not help someone maintain or lose weight, it is a good time to exercise a little control. If you find yourself in the midst of holiday binge, just slow down your eating, refuse the seconds and talk more. If it is a buffet, move away from the food and sip on a low-calorie beverage.As a hostess, you can be considerate of your guests’ dietary needs by providing some alternatives. For a person allergic to the gluten protein in wheat, provide a rice or corn dish. Make a rice crust for the pumpkin pie or consider making a crustless pumpkin pie as a healthier alternative.If guests with special dietary needs will be spending several days with you, invite them to help with the meal planning and perhaps even prepare one of their favorite dishes. The best advice is to not make a big deal out of the differences but focus on simple whole food choices.Feel free to contact me for a copy of several healthy holiday recipes including the crustless pumpkin pie I referred to above.Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Accommodating special diets during the holidays

John Dewey once said that “democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.” Fort Hays State University embraces this sentiment through its long-standing commitment to civic engagement in our local community, region, state – and even across the globe.&nbsp;

In fact, I will be bold and claim bragging rights on this – thanks to the fortitude of many too numerous to mention. This commitment shows up in an abundance of ways.

Accounting students offer free income tax preparation. Students studying communication sciences and disorders offer free hearing screening clinics. Leadership 310 students design local community projects of their choice in conjunction with an existing organization. Course activities include recognizing a community problem, working with other concerned citizens to develop a plan of action and implementing that plan. One such project is our beautiful downtown pavilion.

Our Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers 55 and over with children with special or exceptional needs. Our Senior Companion Program connects volunteers of the same age with adults needing support to remain independent. These few examples do not even scratch the surface of our commitment to doing good and serving others.

As I reflect upon how proud I am of the deep impact made by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, I think of one service project in particular that warms my heart every December. Teaming Up for Tots (TUFT) is the yearly construction and assembly project of wooden toys that are given to local children who otherwise might not receive a Christmas gift.

Dr. Duane Renfrow, associate professor of applied technology, explained to me how this all got started.

“Making Christmas toys for the TUFT organization was the brainchild of former Applied Technology chair, Dr. Fred Ruda, in 1990. For the past 31 years, in partnership with the Ellis County community, the Department of Applied Technology has designed and built up to 250 wooden toys each year. These toys are given to local children – through TUFT,” Renfrow said. “A variety of toys have been built through the years, including: jeeps, bug boxes, helicopters, cameras, excavators, pickups, fire trucks, piggy banks, race cars and dump trucks, to name a few. With the untimely passing of Dr. Ruda in 2012, the department decided to name the activity in his honor and call it the Dr. Fred P. Ruda TUFT Day.”

From 1990 through 1997, Ruda was in charge of organizing this event with the help of the department’s Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) members. In 1998, Renfrow was tasked with this activity and has been responsible for the development of 18 of the 31 toys.

After taking over the event, Renfrow procured the opportunity to engage students in the fundamentals of TUFT. Weeks – and even months – before the public assembly day, Renfrow formulates the parameters of the toy to be built. Students from Renfrow’s Materials, Processes and Production class research toy designs and bring their ideas to class for a brainstorming session. Several designs are chosen, and prototypes are made. Once the toy design is decided upon, the manufacturing process is developed, jigs and fixtures are built, and materials are pre-processed.&nbsp;

On assembly day, the university and community are invited to come help. In the early years in Davis Hall, there were typically about 30 people involved on assembly day. Since the department moved to the Center for Applied Technology, 125 to 130 people have attended. The variety of people who show up to help include alumni of the department, university staff and faculty and community folks ranging in age from 5-year-old youngsters to men in their 80s – and all age groups in between. Eighty-three-year-old Don Barton, a retired FHSU employee, has only missed one year of toy building. That’s 30 years of dedication to Teaming Up For Tots!

Jobs on the assembly day include sanding, gluing, running parts from station to station, attaching wheels, assembling parts and finishing. Some who have experience even get to operate some of the machines.

This activity is much bigger than just making toys. In addition to demonstrating support for local children, this activity unites the community, as businesses and individuals make donations and volunteer time to make a difference in the lives of others.

Unfortunately, with our current health concerns looming because of the pandemic, this year prevented the “open-to-the-public event.” But have no fear, like many other FHSU activities, the event, though reimagined, still resulted in 150 little pickup trucks for the TUFT organization!

Thank you, Applied Technology faculty and students for bringing joy to little children on Christmas morning – and for setting another example of how Fort Hays State University consistently demonstrates the inspiring ways we enrich our communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>John Dewey once said that “democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.” Fort Hays State University embraces this sentiment through its long-standing commitment to civic engagement in our local community, region, state – and even across the globe.&nbsp;In fact, I will be bold and claim bragging rights on this – thanks to the fortitude of many too numerous to mention. This commitment shows up in an abundance of ways.Accounting students offer free income tax preparation. Students studying communication sciences and disorders offer free hearing screening clinics. Leadership 310 students design local community projects of their choice in conjunction with an existing organization. Course activities include recognizing a community problem, working with other concerned citizens to develop a plan of action and implementing that plan. One such project is our beautiful downtown pavilion.Our Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers 55 and over with children with special or exceptional needs. Our Senior Companion Program connects volunteers of the same age with adults needing support to remain independent. These few examples do not even scratch the surface of our commitment to doing good and serving others.As I reflect upon how proud I am of the deep impact made by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, I think of one service project in particular that warms my heart every December. Teaming Up for Tots (TUFT) is the yearly construction and assembly project of wooden toys that are given to local children who otherwise might not receive a Christmas gift.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607955139705.jpeg" alt="In this 2006 photo at the Teaming Up for Tots event at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Fred Ruda gets help from his grandson, 5-year-old Keith Millershaski, in dipping the front-end loaders into a container of Danish oil." />
 <figcaption>In this 2006 photo at the Teaming Up for Tots event at Fort Hays State University, Dr. Fred Ruda gets help from his grandson, 5-year-old Keith Millershaski, in dipping the front-end loaders into a container of Danish oil.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Duane Renfrow, associate professor of applied technology, explained to me how this all got started.“Making Christmas toys for the TUFT organization was the brainchild of former Applied Technology chair, Dr. Fred Ruda, in 1990. For the past 31 years, in partnership with the Ellis County community, the Department of Applied Technology has designed and built up to 250 wooden toys each year. These toys are given to local children – through TUFT,” Renfrow said. “A variety of toys have been built through the years, including: jeeps, bug boxes, helicopters, cameras, excavators, pickups, fire trucks, piggy banks, race cars and dump trucks, to name a few. With the untimely passing of Dr. Ruda in 2012, the department decided to name the activity in his honor and call it the Dr. Fred P. Ruda TUFT Day.”From 1990 through 1997, Ruda was in charge of organizing this event with the help of the department’s Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) members. In 1998, Renfrow was tasked with this activity and has been responsible for the development of 18 of the 31 toys.After taking over the event, Renfrow procured the opportunity to engage students in the fundamentals of TUFT. Weeks – and even months – before the public assembly day, Renfrow formulates the parameters of the toy to be built. Students from Renfrow’s Materials, Processes and Production class research toy designs and bring their ideas to class for a brainstorming session. Several designs are chosen, and prototypes are made. Once the toy design is decided upon, the manufacturing process is developed, jigs and fixtures are built, and materials are pre-processed.&nbsp;On assembly day, the university and community are invited to come help. In the early years in Davis Hall, there were typically about 30 people involved on assembly day. Since the department moved to the Center for Applied Technology, 125 to 130 people have attended. The variety of people who show up to help include alumni of the department, university staff and faculty and community folks ranging in age from 5-year-old youngsters to men in their 80s – and all age groups in between. Eighty-three-year-old Don Barton, a retired FHSU employee, has only missed one year of toy building. That’s 30 years of dedication to Teaming Up For Tots!Jobs on the assembly day include sanding, gluing, running parts from station to station, attaching wheels, assembling parts and finishing. Some who have experience even get to operate some of the machines.This activity is much bigger than just making toys. In addition to demonstrating support for local children, this activity unites the community, as businesses and individuals make donations and volunteer time to make a difference in the lives of others.Unfortunately, with our current health concerns looming because of the pandemic, this year prevented the “open-to-the-public event.” But have no fear, like many other FHSU activities, the event, though reimagined, still resulted in 150 little pickup trucks for the TUFT organization!Thank you, Applied Technology faculty and students for bringing joy to little children on Christmas morning – and for setting another example of how Fort Hays State University consistently demonstrates the inspiring ways we enrich our communities.

MASON: Helping hands abound at FHSU

As Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ.

Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree.

Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches.

Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free.

We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come.

Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy.

I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do.

Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts.

I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen.

I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon.

While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>As Christmas draws closer, I can’t help but think of the many holiday traditions my family has generally followed over the years. Some are strange, some are widely shared, but they’re all unique markers of how we spend our time together marking the birth of Christ.Perhaps the most fleeting tradition was when my brother and I were younger, and our parents would affix bells to our bedroom doors on Christmas Eve. It was an early-warning system for Santa to scramble back up the chimney, or at least alert my parents that someone was trying to sneak a peek into their stockings or get a glimpse of any new presents under the tree.Another staple of Christmas was always finding the right red cedar in some forgotten corner of a pasture, where it had escaped fire just long enough to be cut down, hauled home and adorned with ornaments. In addition to adding a festive fragrance, it was always the center of attention on Christmas morning with a bounty of gifts beneath its branches.Of course, the tree hunt itself was a tradition prone to the occasional hiccup, like the time we got stuck before finding the perfect tree. I was young enough I don’t remember all the particulars of exactly how we got stuck, I just know the winch on my father’s Toyota FJ40 wasn’t enough to break us free.We sat there for what seem like hours as he walked to my grandparents’ house to fetch my grandfather and a tractor. He might have been gone all of 30 minutes before returning with his head a little lower. My grandfather, however, was grinning ear to ear knowing the story would become fodder around the dinner table for years to come.Stories weren’t the only traditions around the table either. Every Christmas Eve featured shrimp cocktail for dinner, a legacy from my mother’s family. The next night, prime rib was the ritual delicacy.I know most of these customs are shared widely, with the exception of the shrimp cocktail, and I recognize how fortunate I am to have a family with the time and resources to devote to such endeavors. As a kid, I equated Christmas with gift-giving because that’s what kids do.Now that I’m older and have a family of my own, I’ve come to treasure not the gifts themselves, rather the time together they represent. I’ve forgotten most of the toys, clothes and other tokens I’ve received over the years, save for a smattering of sentimental gifts. While gift giving is still a central tradition, I’m more interested in seeing the reactions of others opening their gifts.I’m also more cognizant of the work necessary for traditions to develop and flourish. Like everything else, Christmas as I know it didn’t just happen. My parents, with my mom doing the heavy lifting, spent countless hours planning, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping and organizing to make those traditions happen.I count these moments among the greatest gifts I’ve received. My wife and I have passed down some unchanged, mixed others from both our families and created some out of whole cloth. This year may require some tweaks to certain traditions, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on what’s important and evaluate if anything could be improved upon.While we will still exchange gifts, this year has made me ever more thankful for our traditions. Even if they will be modified, it’s a reminder that presence is far more rewarding than presents. For that, I’m forever grateful for the gift of tradition."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: Gift of tradition

I took this picture this morning (Dec. 12) in Pfeifer. My children woke to such a pretty sight of snow on the ground. Excited, they looked through every window of our house and anxiously awaited until they could go out and play in the snow! They asked me to take a picture of our church because as my 4-year-old daughter said, “It is so pretty sprinkled with snow.” As I snapped the picture, a mourning dove flew into the frame! When my children and I looked at the picture, I told them that it was a sign. A sign of HOPE that PEACE would come again in this crazy world that has unfolded and changed our lives this past year.&nbsp; Again, I didn’t know who to contact for something like this and I don’t know if you can even use things like these but I thought in these times of such constant change and uncertainty, everyone could use a sign of HOPE! Thank you.&nbsp; Emily Billinger, Pfeifer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607957580195.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>I took this picture this morning (Dec. 12) in Pfeifer. My children woke to such a pretty sight of snow on the ground. Excited, they looked through every window of our house and anxiously awaited until they could go out and play in the snow! They asked me to take a picture of our church because as my 4-year-old daughter said, “It is so pretty sprinkled with snow.” As I snapped the picture, a mourning dove flew into the frame! When my children and I looked at the picture, I told them that it was a sign. A sign of HOPE that PEACE would come again in this crazy world that has unfolded and changed our lives this past year.&nbsp; Again, I didn’t know who to contact for something like this and I don’t know if you can even use things like these but I thought in these times of such constant change and uncertainty, everyone could use a sign of HOPE! Thank you.&nbsp; Emily Billinger, Pfeifer<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
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LETTER: A picture of hope

Crude prices reached ten-month highs last week, reflecting optimism spawned by new vaccine developments, despite dramatic increases in U.S. crude stockpiles. The benchmark Nymex futures contract briefly topped $46 a barrel, while Brent crude in London was flirting with the $50 mark. Kansas Common crude at CHS reached $37 a barrel for the first time since late February. Monday's price in McPherson was down slightly to $36.75 per barrel.

With crude-oil prices at their highest price point in months, average gasoline prices are also on the rise, despite falling U.S. demand. The national average was nearly $2.16 a gallon last week, up a nickel from a month ago. At $1.94 per gallon, Kansas is among sixteen states with average pump prices below two dollars. Prices remain at $1.99 a gallon in Great Bend, for a third-straight month. Prices in Hays are cheaper but on the rise, with $1.93/gallon still available at a couple of stations. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about half a dollar more than a month ago, but about four dollars less than a year ago.

For the week ending December 10, there were eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and nine West of Wichita, which is up one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a total of 57 rigs available across Kansas, 17 of them active, compared to 107 available and 43 active rigs a year ago. Operators reached total depth this week at one well in Barton County and one in Ellis County.

Baker Hughes reported an increase of 12 oil rigs for a total rig count of 338 nationwide. Texas was up six and the count in Wyoming was up four.

Regulators in the Sunflower State granted 12 new drilling permits last week, nine of them east of Wichita and three in Western Kansas. That makes 448 new permits year-to-date. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports one newly-completed well in eastern Kansas last week and three west of Wichita. That's 765 completions so far this year statewide.

The government reports domestic crude-oil stockpiles increased over 15-million barrels last week. At over 503 million barrels, U.S. inventories are about 11 percent above the five-year average for this time of year.

The Energy Information Administration estimates U.S. crude-oil production in November was 11.2 million barrels per day, an increase of 300,000 barrels per day from September. The government said worldwide consumption was down more than six million barrels per day year-over-year, but was up two million barrels from the average for the third-quarter of 2020. EIA's weekly production tally was over 11.1 million barrels per day last week. 

U.S. crude imports increased by over a million barrels per day. The government says that over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly 11% less than the same four-week period last year.

The United States imported more crude oil and petroleum products than it exported in May and June of this year, reversing a 15-year-long trend. After being a net exporter for seven consecutive months the US became a net importer again in May and June, according to a government report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY JOHN P. TRETBARCrude prices reached ten-month highs last week, reflecting optimism spawned by new vaccine developments, despite dramatic increases in U.S. crude stockpiles. The benchmark Nymex futures contract briefly topped $46 a barrel, while Brent crude in London was flirting with the $50 mark. Kansas Common crude at CHS reached $37 a barrel for the first time since late February. Monday's price in McPherson was down slightly to $36.75 per barrel.With crude-oil prices at their highest price point in months, average gasoline prices are also on the rise, despite falling U.S. demand. The national average was nearly $2.16 a gallon last week, up a nickel from a month ago. At $1.94 per gallon, Kansas is among sixteen states with average pump prices below two dollars. Prices remain at $1.99 a gallon in Great Bend, for a third-straight month. Prices in Hays are cheaper but on the rise, with $1.93/gallon still available at a couple of stations. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about half a dollar more than a month ago, but about four dollars less than a year ago.For the week ending December 10, there were eight active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and nine West of Wichita, which is up one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a total of 57 rigs available across Kansas, 17 of them active, compared to 107 available and 43 active rigs a year ago. Operators reached total depth this week at one well in Barton County and one in Ellis County.Baker Hughes reported an increase of 12 oil rigs for a total rig count of 338 nationwide. Texas was up six and the count in Wyoming was up four.Regulators in the Sunflower State granted 12 new drilling permits last week, nine of them east of Wichita and three in Western Kansas. That makes 448 new permits year-to-date. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports one newly-completed well in eastern Kansas last week and three west of Wichita. That's 765 completions so far this year statewide.The government reports domestic crude-oil stockpiles increased over 15-million barrels last week. At over 503 million barrels, U.S. inventories are about 11 percent above the five-year average for this time of year.The Energy Information Administration estimates U.S. crude-oil production in November was 11.2 million barrels per day, an increase of 300,000 barrels per day from September. The government said worldwide consumption was down more than six million barrels per day year-over-year, but was up two million barrels from the average for the third-quarter of 2020. EIA's weekly production tally was over 11.1 million barrels per day last week. U.S. crude imports increased by over a million barrels per day. The government says that over the last four weeks, imports averaged nearly 11% less than the same four-week period last year.The United States imported more crude oil and petroleum products than it exported in May and June of this year, reversing a 15-year-long trend. After being a net exporter for seven consecutive months the US became a net importer again in May and June, according to a government report.Oil-by-rail deliveries rose nearly 30% week over week, but remain nearly 14% behind last year's totals. The Association of American Railroads reports 11,710 rail tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products during the week ending December 5. A new Trump administration decision has cleared the way for oil and gas drilling on more than 200,000 acres of the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota. The decision to open up the previously protected badlands acreage was celebrated by North Dakota's congressional delegation, but disparaged by local conservationists. The decision has been on the table dating back to the presidency of George W. Bush. The final version substantially shrinks the amount of "roadless" land shielded from surface drilling work.Drooping oil field activity is having a significant impact on the Oklahoma economy. State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said total collections are two percent below a year ago, with gross production taxes on oil and gas down by half. The state's oil patch has shed 20,000 jobs in the past two years. Production tax receipts have been lower year-over-year for 15 consecutive months, but have trended lower since late 2018.The world's largest crude exporter is cutting prices to the U.S. but raising them to it's biggest customers in Asia. Saudi Aramco raised all pricing for January to Asia after OPEC and allies agreed to a gradual increase in production starting next month. The OPEC-Plus deal reduced the total production increases, from nearly two million to half a million barrels per day.For the fourth time in a month, Saudi oil infrastructure has come under fire amid that kingdom's years-long civil war in Yemen. Authorities say a remote-controlled, bomb-laden boat slammed into a tanker sparking an explosion and fire early Monday. The incident closed the Saudi's most important shipping point. The sailors on board were safely evacuated with no injuries.

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