By LAURA ALLEN Write-in candidate for Ellis County Clerk

As we near the general election, I want to emphasize how important it is for each and every one of us&nbsp;to exercise our right to vote, and to do so, regardless of the incompetence of our current County Clerk’s office.&nbsp;

Yesterday advance ballots began arriving in mailboxes.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9220856-bca1-443f-a89a-7a8dd0ee0bbb"> It was brought to my attention that the Senate races were incorrectly listed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Instead of a section for Kansas State Senator, there are 2 sections for United States Senator. At the very least, we should have ballots that correctly list the offices for which candidates are running. This can be fixed.&nbsp; As I understand it, the Clerk’s office will have corrected ballots by Monday, October 19. But at what cost? Financially and in confidence? Any remedy now will be at the will of the Secretary of State, who will decide how the incorrect ballots will be handled.&nbsp; It is embarrassing that the state has to specify how to fix the clerk’s error.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After noticing the initial glaring mistake, I looked closer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another mistake is that this ballot does not include proper verbiage in the President/Vice President section. The United States of America votes using an Electoral College. Your vote is given to electors, who then cast our state’s votes through the electoral college. Kansas Statute 25-616 specifies that the ballot states we are voting for electors, not for the candidate. The Ellis County Clerk and Deputy Clerk have ignored this requirement completely.

Yet another mistake is that the Clerk’s office employees have initialed the bottom of each ballot. This violates Kansas Statute 25-4608, stating that “a unique mark shall be of such a manner so as not to identify any individual ballot and shall be consistent on every ballot delivered to a voter in the voting place”. Kansas guarantees the right to vote in private. By personalizing ballots with, essentially, their names, the clerk’s office has created the possibility that ballots are identifiable. This is completely unacceptable.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At great expense, these errors can be corrected. But, can you have confidence in your clerk’s office when errors are consistently made? Deputy Clerk Bobbi Dreiling recently offered incorrect information on who was able to vote. How many people has she told, incorrectly, over the past 8 years, they could not vote? How much will it cost the county to reprint these ballots, because your elected officials didn’t proofread?&nbsp; In 2018 voting machines were not calibrated, causing election results to be questioned.&nbsp;

At what point do we say enough is enough? It is time to fix an office riddled&nbsp;with mistakes and constant issues.&nbsp;Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk. We have an opportunity to make sure our Clerk’s office is run with deference to the law and the citizens it serves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our Ellis County Clerk and her Deputy Clerk have continuously jeopardized the integrity of our most basic right to participate in our government. Hold them accountable, and tell them “Enough is enough”. Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Laura Allen, write-in candidate, Ellis County Clerk

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA ALLEN Write-in candidate for Ellis County ClerkAs we near the general election, I want to emphasize how important it is for each and every one of us&nbsp;to exercise our right to vote, and to do so, regardless of the incompetence of our current County Clerk’s office.&nbsp;Yesterday advance ballots began arriving in mailboxes.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f9220856-bca1-443f-a89a-7a8dd0ee0bbb"> It was brought to my attention that the Senate races were incorrectly listed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>Instead of a section for Kansas State Senator, there are 2 sections for United States Senator. At the very least, we should have ballots that correctly list the offices for which candidates are running. This can be fixed.&nbsp; As I understand it, the Clerk’s office will have corrected ballots by Monday, October 19. But at what cost? Financially and in confidence? Any remedy now will be at the will of the Secretary of State, who will decide how the incorrect ballots will be handled.&nbsp; It is embarrassing that the state has to specify how to fix the clerk’s error.&nbsp;&nbsp;After noticing the initial glaring mistake, I looked closer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another mistake is that this ballot does not include proper verbiage in the President/Vice President section. The United States of America votes using an Electoral College. Your vote is given to electors, who then cast our state’s votes through the electoral college. Kansas Statute 25-616 specifies that the ballot states we are voting for electors, not for the candidate. The Ellis County Clerk and Deputy Clerk have ignored this requirement completely.Yet another mistake is that the Clerk’s office employees have initialed the bottom of each ballot. This violates Kansas Statute 25-4608, stating that “a unique mark shall be of such a manner so as not to identify any individual ballot and shall be consistent on every ballot delivered to a voter in the voting place”. Kansas guarantees the right to vote in private. By personalizing ballots with, essentially, their names, the clerk’s office has created the possibility that ballots are identifiable. This is completely unacceptable.&nbsp;&nbsp;At great expense, these errors can be corrected. But, can you have confidence in your clerk’s office when errors are consistently made? Deputy Clerk Bobbi Dreiling recently offered incorrect information on who was able to vote. How many people has she told, incorrectly, over the past 8 years, they could not vote? How much will it cost the county to reprint these ballots, because your elected officials didn’t proofread?&nbsp; In 2018 voting machines were not calibrated, causing election results to be questioned.&nbsp;At what point do we say enough is enough? It is time to fix an office riddled&nbsp;with mistakes and constant issues.&nbsp;Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk. We have an opportunity to make sure our Clerk’s office is run with deference to the law and the citizens it serves.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Ellis County Clerk and her Deputy Clerk have continuously jeopardized the integrity of our most basic right to participate in our government. Hold them accountable, and tell them “Enough is enough”. Write in Laura Allen for Ellis County Clerk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Laura Allen, write-in candidate, Ellis County Clerk

LETTER: Ballot errors call into question election integrity

COVID-19 is threatening the way Kansas schools do their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Randy Watson, state education commissioner, told members of the Kansas Association of School Boards recently that the way schools deliver education currently is “not sustainable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although 1A to small 4A schools are returning to traditional five-day-a-week on-site classes because they can keep class sizes to fewer than 15 and require masks and social distancing, most larger schools are obliged to operate differently.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are using all online, remote or hybrid models where students alternate attending on-site for part of the week and study remotely the remainder of the week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas is not alone in this. These school schedules are in operation from California to South Carolina to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Outside the small on-site schools, almost no one is satisfied.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students not only miss their friends and the social learning that comes with that; they have trouble working successfully with remote learning and often need at home help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, the adults in their lives are either overextended from working at home and supporting their children’s learning or work outside the home and cannot be there to help their children.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teachers are extremely overloaded with instruction for both on-site and remote lessons while grappling with new distance-learning technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;Administrators are overwhelmed with the details involved in implementing the changes and constant fluctuation in school-wide COVID-19 infections, plus everyone wants a stable football schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;People just wish things to get back to normal, but they can’t completely.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The education system was totally unprepared for COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the midst of a statewide teacher shortage, schools hadn’t fully recovered from the Brownback years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teachers and students didn’t have new learning technology or know how to use it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Class sizes in city schools could push the high 20s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Schools needed better health safety protection including more effective HVAC air filtering.

Pressed to meet the COVID-19 challenge, Watson has offered ways to get back on-site fulltime:&nbsp;&nbsp;Use school gyms and libraries and community venues like churches for classrooms to provide enough social distancing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Assign non-teaching personnel, retired teachers and substitutes as teachers for the added classrooms and provide district contingency funds for one year and federal COVID-19 funding to cover the added expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watson should be commended for working within existing financial resources to bring traditional schooling back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional support will come from Governor Kelly’s new Office of Broadband Development with $49 million of CARES Act funding, some of which will benefit the estimated 156,000 Kansas students who lack online access to complete their assignments.&nbsp;&nbsp;CARES Act funding also will also improve school cleaning and PPE.&nbsp;

Even with these improvements there are not enough extant resources to run hybrid models successfully or return to safe on-site learning for medium-to-large schools while the pandemic rages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither are there enough instructional resources to restore the academic achievement students lost while at home this spring and summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There’s no easy solution—it’s wrong to return to fulltime school without following COVID-19 safety rules and it’s wrong to make everyday people—children, parents, teachers, school administrators--endure an unmanageable situation because of COVID-19’s effect on schools.

Next week, U.S. Senate Republicans plan to bring to a vote additional stimulus legislation that includes help for public schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;While it won’t solve all the problems, All Kansans should press our legislators to back this funding.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>COVID-19 is threatening the way Kansas schools do their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Randy Watson, state education commissioner, told members of the Kansas Association of School Boards recently that the way schools deliver education currently is “not sustainable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Although 1A to small 4A schools are returning to traditional five-day-a-week on-site classes because they can keep class sizes to fewer than 15 and require masks and social distancing, most larger schools are obliged to operate differently.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are using all online, remote or hybrid models where students alternate attending on-site for part of the week and study remotely the remainder of the week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas is not alone in this. These school schedules are in operation from California to South Carolina to comply with COVID-19 safety measures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside the small on-site schools, almost no one is satisfied.&nbsp;&nbsp;Students not only miss their friends and the social learning that comes with that; they have trouble working successfully with remote learning and often need at home help.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, the adults in their lives are either overextended from working at home and supporting their children’s learning or work outside the home and cannot be there to help their children.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teachers are extremely overloaded with instruction for both on-site and remote lessons while grappling with new distance-learning technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;Administrators are overwhelmed with the details involved in implementing the changes and constant fluctuation in school-wide COVID-19 infections, plus everyone wants a stable football schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;People just wish things to get back to normal, but they can’t completely.&nbsp;&nbsp;The education system was totally unprepared for COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the midst of a statewide teacher shortage, schools hadn’t fully recovered from the Brownback years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teachers and students didn’t have new learning technology or know how to use it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Class sizes in city schools could push the high 20s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Schools needed better health safety protection including more effective HVAC air filtering.Pressed to meet the COVID-19 challenge, Watson has offered ways to get back on-site fulltime:&nbsp;&nbsp;Use school gyms and libraries and community venues like churches for classrooms to provide enough social distancing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Assign non-teaching personnel, retired teachers and substitutes as teachers for the added classrooms and provide district contingency funds for one year and federal COVID-19 funding to cover the added expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Watson should be commended for working within existing financial resources to bring traditional schooling back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional support will come from Governor Kelly’s new Office of Broadband Development with $49 million of CARES Act funding, some of which will benefit the estimated 156,000 Kansas students who lack online access to complete their assignments.&nbsp;&nbsp;CARES Act funding also will also improve school cleaning and PPE.&nbsp;Even with these improvements there are not enough extant resources to run hybrid models successfully or return to safe on-site learning for medium-to-large schools while the pandemic rages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither are there enough instructional resources to restore the academic achievement students lost while at home this spring and summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;There’s no easy solution—it’s wrong to return to fulltime school without following COVID-19 safety rules and it’s wrong to make everyday people—children, parents, teachers, school administrators--endure an unmanageable situation because of COVID-19’s effect on schools.Next week, U.S. Senate Republicans plan to bring to a vote additional stimulus legislation that includes help for public schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;While it won’t solve all the problems, All Kansans should press our legislators to back this funding.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Living with COVID-19 is challenging Kan. schools

By EDWARD CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association

We stand at a critical juncture in the life of our nation and our state.&nbsp; We face what could be a very consequential election cycle. &nbsp;

Due to political agendas targeting oil and natural gas production, federal and state debate over taxes, regulatory issues, and energy policy often puts the oil and gas industry in the crosshairs.&nbsp; In addition, activist groups continue to work to obstruct energy development under a false belief that oil and gas production and use are incompatible with environmental progress. &nbsp;

Increasing taxes and regulations results in fewer jobs because businesses spend their resources on tax burdens and regulatory compliance instead of job creation.&nbsp; When tax expenditures and regulatory costs increase more than the real economy, the results are destructive to economic growth.&nbsp; The wrong governmental policy framework generates wrong policy. &nbsp;

	That’s not only bad politics; it’s bad policy and an example of what happens when political orthodoxy drives energy policy. &nbsp;

The oil and natural gas industry can be part of the solution to our nation’s energy policy challenges.&nbsp; As a result of America’s unique private property and free market system, our nation’s energy landscape has dramatically improved; we’ve gone from energy scarcity to energy abundance and we lead the world in emission reductions.&nbsp; Entrepreneurs in the private sector and smart, state-led policies have created and continue to drive American energy leadership.&nbsp; And no state is a better example of what good energy policy can mean than Kansas.

	For decades Kansas has been at the forefront of all aspects of the American energy sector and continues to be a leader.&nbsp; The men and women of Kansas have long demonstrated that developing energy resources that promote economic growth need not come at the expense of the state’s stunning beauty, delicate ecosystems, and other natural resources.

I think lawmakers and regulators in Washington could learn much from how Kansas’ oil and natural gas industry, state regulators, and Kansans from every part of the state work together to create energy policies that encourage safe and responsible energy development, protect the environment, and provide economic growth.

	The upcoming elections could be a very consequential moment for our future.&nbsp; In a political climate rife with hyperbolic rhetoric and unsubstantiated claims, the choices for the American people are becoming clear.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Inexpensive energy is necessary for economic advancement by the world’s poor and for recovery from the staggering economic effects of COVID-19.&nbsp; Ideological opposition to fossil fuels is an anti-human stance that views ordinary people not as problem-solving sources of ingenuity but as only mouths to feed, producing environmental damage.&nbsp;

The U.S. has a unique opportunity to show the world how energy abundance can be used as a positive force to lift people up, which is different than a philosophy of embracing a zero-emissions world. &nbsp;

We should work to ensure more people have access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy.&nbsp; Because to rise out of poverty and enjoy health and safety, people need more energy, not less. &nbsp;

&nbsp;American energy policy is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue.&nbsp; It is an American prosperity and leadership issue.&nbsp; The American people want, expect, and deserve elected leaders who will place what’s best for our state and nation’s economy and energy future above partisan ideology and political posturing.

Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584027001010.png" alt="Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association." />
 <figcaption>Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>By EDWARD CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas AssociationWe stand at a critical juncture in the life of our nation and our state.&nbsp; We face what could be a very consequential election cycle. &nbsp;Due to political agendas targeting oil and natural gas production, federal and state debate over taxes, regulatory issues, and energy policy often puts the oil and gas industry in the crosshairs.&nbsp; In addition, activist groups continue to work to obstruct energy development under a false belief that oil and gas production and use are incompatible with environmental progress. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Increasing taxes and regulations results in fewer jobs because businesses spend their resources on tax burdens and regulatory compliance instead of job creation.&nbsp; When tax expenditures and regulatory costs increase more than the real economy, the results are destructive to economic growth.&nbsp; The wrong governmental policy framework generates wrong policy. &nbsp;	That’s not only bad politics; it’s bad policy and an example of what happens when political orthodoxy drives energy policy. &nbsp;The oil and natural gas industry can be part of the solution to our nation’s energy policy challenges.&nbsp; As a result of America’s unique private property and free market system, our nation’s energy landscape has dramatically improved; we’ve gone from energy scarcity to energy abundance and we lead the world in emission reductions.&nbsp; Entrepreneurs in the private sector and smart, state-led policies have created and continue to drive American energy leadership.&nbsp; And no state is a better example of what good energy policy can mean than Kansas.	For decades Kansas has been at the forefront of all aspects of the American energy sector and continues to be a leader.&nbsp; The men and women of Kansas have long demonstrated that developing energy resources that promote economic growth need not come at the expense of the state’s stunning beauty, delicate ecosystems, and other natural resources.I think lawmakers and regulators in Washington could learn much from how Kansas’ oil and natural gas industry, state regulators, and Kansans from every part of the state work together to create energy policies that encourage safe and responsible energy development, protect the environment, and provide economic growth.	The upcoming elections could be a very consequential moment for our future.&nbsp; In a political climate rife with hyperbolic rhetoric and unsubstantiated claims, the choices for the American people are becoming clear.&nbsp; &nbsp;Inexpensive energy is necessary for economic advancement by the world’s poor and for recovery from the staggering economic effects of COVID-19.&nbsp; Ideological opposition to fossil fuels is an anti-human stance that views ordinary people not as problem-solving sources of ingenuity but as only mouths to feed, producing environmental damage.&nbsp;The U.S. has a unique opportunity to show the world how energy abundance can be used as a positive force to lift people up, which is different than a philosophy of embracing a zero-emissions world. &nbsp;We should work to ensure more people have access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy.&nbsp; Because to rise out of poverty and enjoy health and safety, people need more energy, not less. &nbsp;&nbsp;American energy policy is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue.&nbsp; It is an American prosperity and leadership issue.&nbsp; The American people want, expect, and deserve elected leaders who will place what’s best for our state and nation’s economy and energy future above partisan ideology and political posturing.Edward Cross is president of the&nbsp;Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.

CROSS: A consequential moment is at hand

Late October to early November is the most effective time to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Dandelions usually produce a flush of new plants in late September, and the winter annual weeds henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October.

These young plants are small and easily controlled with herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Out) that contain 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. Even established dandelions are more easily controlled now than in the spring because they are actively moving materials from the top portion of the plant to the roots in the fall. &nbsp;Herbicides will translocate to the roots as well and will kill the plant from the roots up.​

Choose a day that is 50 degrees or higher. The better the weed is growing, the more weed killer will be moved from the leaves to the roots. Cold temperatures will slow this process, but these products will still work at lower temperatures.

Weed Free Zone (also sold under the name of Speed Zone) contains the three active ingredients mentioned above, plus carfentrazone. It will give a quicker response than the other products mentioned especially as temperatures move below 50 degrees. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure> Late October to early November is the most effective time to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Dandelions usually produce a flush of new plants in late September, and the winter annual weeds henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October. These young plants are small and easily controlled with herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed-Out) that contain 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. Even established dandelions are more easily controlled now than in the spring because they are actively moving materials from the top portion of the plant to the roots in the fall. &nbsp;Herbicides will translocate to the roots as well and will kill the plant from the roots up.​ Choose a day that is 50 degrees or higher. The better the weed is growing, the more weed killer will be moved from the leaves to the roots. Cold temperatures will slow this process, but these products will still work at lower temperatures.Weed Free Zone (also sold under the name of Speed Zone) contains the three active ingredients mentioned above, plus carfentrazone. It will give a quicker response than the other products mentioned especially as temperatures move below 50 degrees. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Controlling broadleaf weeds in lawns

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Choosing the best cover crop for a particular cropping system can be difficult. Many factors are involved when selecting the most appropriate cover crop. The <a href="http://mccc.msu.edu/">Midwest Cover Crops Council</a> (MCCC) has released an improved <a href="http://mccc.msu.edu/covercroptool/">cover crop selection tool</a> to help farmers determine the best types of cover crops for their fields. The MCCC is made up of representatives from 12 Midwest states, the Canadian province of Ontario, and select universities, including Kansas and Kansas State University.

With this tool, users select their state/province and county and then select the goals they have for cover crops — erosion control, nitrogen scavenger, fighting weeds, providing forage, etc. They also can provide information about the cash crops they are planting and drainage data for their fields, which is optional. The tool offers the best cover crop options for the specified conditions. Clicking on the cover crops brings up data sheets that offer more information about each crop, including seeding rates, termination methods, performance and cultural traits, and more. The tool is very easy to use and can provide as much or as little information as you choose.

The updated tool includes more accurate seeding dates for each county based on 30-year National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration frost date data; changes to seeding dates and rates to align with new research; and is now mobile-friendly and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The MCCC recently held a live, one-hour webinar on Sept. 23rd to demonstrate the new tool and answer questions. To view the recorded version of the webinar, and/or access the tool, go to <a href="http://mccc.msu.edu/selector-tool/">mccc.msu.edu/selector-tool/.</a>

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 you can leave a voice mail.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602607406824.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictChoosing the best cover crop for a particular cropping system can be difficult. Many factors are involved when selecting the most appropriate cover crop. The <a href="http://mccc.msu.edu/">Midwest Cover Crops Council</a> (MCCC) has released an improved <a href="http://mccc.msu.edu/covercroptool/">cover crop selection tool</a> to help farmers determine the best types of cover crops for their fields. The MCCC is made up of representatives from 12 Midwest states, the Canadian province of Ontario, and select universities, including Kansas and Kansas State University.With this tool, users select their state/province and county and then select the goals they have for cover crops — erosion control, nitrogen scavenger, fighting weeds, providing forage, etc. They also can provide information about the cash crops they are planting and drainage data for their fields, which is optional. The tool offers the best cover crop options for the specified conditions. Clicking on the cover crops brings up data sheets that offer more information about each crop, including seeding rates, termination methods, performance and cultural traits, and more. The tool is very easy to use and can provide as much or as little information as you choose.The updated tool includes more accurate seeding dates for each county based on 30-year National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration frost date data; changes to seeding dates and rates to align with new research; and is now mobile-friendly and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.The MCCC recently held a live, one-hour webinar on Sept. 23rd to demonstrate the new tool and answer questions. To view the recorded version of the webinar, and/or access the tool, go to <a href="http://mccc.msu.edu/selector-tool/">mccc.msu.edu/selector-tool/.</a>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 you can leave a voice mail.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Updated cover crop selection tool available

October is noted as Indoor Air Quality Awareness month. This is such an important topic so today seems like the perfect time to share some updated information on this subject.

We spend the majority of our time inside; 90 percent of it, in fact. However, mold, mildew, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, radon, dust, asbestos and other indoor air pollutants can make some days you spend inside miserable. Indoor air pollution is a high contributor to illnesses. These pollutants cause acute and chronic problems such as allergies, asthma, headaches, nausea and even cancer. Americans lose millions of dollars each year in medical costs, lost workdays and decreased productivity due to illnesses caused by poor indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality can actually be worse than outdoor air quality. Many buildings are built or remodeled so tightly that fresh air is prevented from entering and circulating. That is complicated by the use of many furnishings, appliances, products and decorations that can negatively affect indoor air quality. Of course, the obvious signs of poor indoor air quality include unusual or noticeable odors. This may be attributed to moving into a new home, using new furniture, or using hobby products. Feeling noticeably healthier when you are outside is a definite clue that the air you are breathing inside your home may not be healthy.

Factors that impact air quality include lack of air movement, dirty or faulty heating or air conditioning equipment, damaged flue pipes or chimneys, unvented combustion for fossil fuel appliances, excessive humidity and the presence of mold and mildew. Many common household items can pollute the air as well. With cooler temps in the forecast, now is the perfect time to make sure your furnace is working properly, so that carbon monoxide is not an issue.&nbsp;

Remember too, that now is a good time to test the radon level in your home. We have short term radon test kits available for $6.50 at both the Hays and Great Bend offices. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind knowing the radon level in your home.

All of the windy days we have had lately can certainly create an uptick in allergy symptoms inside as well as outside. Let’s hope for some rain to settle the dust soon! But not too much rain at one time, because then the mold questions will start coming in!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>October is noted as Indoor Air Quality Awareness month. This is such an important topic so today seems like the perfect time to share some updated information on this subject.We spend the majority of our time inside; 90 percent of it, in fact. However, mold, mildew, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, radon, dust, asbestos and other indoor air pollutants can make some days you spend inside miserable. Indoor air pollution is a high contributor to illnesses. These pollutants cause acute and chronic problems such as allergies, asthma, headaches, nausea and even cancer. Americans lose millions of dollars each year in medical costs, lost workdays and decreased productivity due to illnesses caused by poor indoor air quality.Indoor air quality can actually be worse than outdoor air quality. Many buildings are built or remodeled so tightly that fresh air is prevented from entering and circulating. That is complicated by the use of many furnishings, appliances, products and decorations that can negatively affect indoor air quality. Of course, the obvious signs of poor indoor air quality include unusual or noticeable odors. This may be attributed to moving into a new home, using new furniture, or using hobby products. Feeling noticeably healthier when you are outside is a definite clue that the air you are breathing inside your home may not be healthy.Factors that impact air quality include lack of air movement, dirty or faulty heating or air conditioning equipment, damaged flue pipes or chimneys, unvented combustion for fossil fuel appliances, excessive humidity and the presence of mold and mildew. Many common household items can pollute the air as well. With cooler temps in the forecast, now is the perfect time to make sure your furnace is working properly, so that carbon monoxide is not an issue.&nbsp;Remember too, that now is a good time to test the radon level in your home. We have short term radon test kits available for $6.50 at both the Hays and Great Bend offices. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind knowing the radon level in your home.All of the windy days we have had lately can certainly create an uptick in allergy symptoms inside as well as outside. Let’s hope for some rain to settle the dust soon! But not too much rain at one time, because then the mold questions will start coming in!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

KRUG: Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

After a few days of blaming our service provider for a shaky internet connection, I recently discovered the real problem was the decade-old Wi-Fi router when it quit transmitting signal in the middle of a workday. I uttered a few choice words as I pulled out my phone and checked a local store for a viable replacement.

I decided to go ahead and replace the modem as well since it predated the router. I found a decently priced combo, drove across town and back, then said a few more words while getting the whole thing set up. All told, it took just under an hour to complete.

It was a minor inconvenience, and I had access to several workarounds if I wasn’t able to buy a new router immediately. I could have taken the old-fashioned route of connecting a computer directly to the modem like our caveman ancestors did. I also could have used my phone as a hotspot.

In any event, the mild annoyance I encountered pales in comparison to the struggle of thousands of Kansans who lack any connectivity options at all. The pandemic has put a spotlight on just how important fast, reliable internet is for the state to prosper.

Education, health care, business, entertainment and work are all possible uses in connected households. Kansas will spend $50 million in CARES Act funding to hook up an estimated 70,000 households to broadband, defined as download speeds of 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 megabits per second.

It’s a step in the right direction, but the 67 projects across the state will only scratch the surface of connecting every home, business, school and health facility to modern technology. The hard part in any network is always making the last-mile delivery.

In cities where density means a mile of fiberoptic cable can give a company access to tens of thousands of potential customers or a wireless transceiver can cover multiple blocks, private companies will readily invest.

But on the outskirts of town where there are fewer people and greater distances, the potential profit goes down. It evaporates entirely when you start looking at farms and ranches across Kansas that are miles apart. There’s a reason only 4 percent of urban Americans lack access to broadband while nearly 40 percent of their rural counterparts are searching for signal.

The goal of connecting Kansas may seem too hard, too expensive, too slow, but I can guarantee you it’s worth all the, toil, trouble and time. Imagine where our state would be today if large swaths of the countryside lacked access to electricity or phone service.

Broadband internet is the latest in a string of societal advances that will require a mix of solutions for everyone to gain access. While it’s tempting to just dust off the template used to light up every home in America for broadband, that misses the reality of the current technology.

Fiber, wireless or beams from space are all options for increasing connectivity. Government action, like tax incentives, grants or regulation also has a role to play.

Broadband access isn’t a silver bullet for rural revitalization, but it will open up tremendous opportunities for farmers, ranchers and others who want to live in wide-open spaces but still feel connected to the rest of the world.

Someday I hope everyone gets to experience the joy of hurriedly replacing a bad router in the middle of a workday. The sooner the better.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauAfter a few days of blaming our service provider for a shaky internet connection, I recently discovered the real problem was the decade-old Wi-Fi router when it quit transmitting signal in the middle of a workday. I uttered a few choice words as I pulled out my phone and checked a local store for a viable replacement.I decided to go ahead and replace the modem as well since it predated the router. I found a decently priced combo, drove across town and back, then said a few more words while getting the whole thing set up. All told, it took just under an hour to complete.It was a minor inconvenience, and I had access to several workarounds if I wasn’t able to buy a new router immediately. I could have taken the old-fashioned route of connecting a computer directly to the modem like our caveman ancestors did. I also could have used my phone as a hotspot.In any event, the mild annoyance I encountered pales in comparison to the struggle of thousands of Kansans who lack any connectivity options at all. The pandemic has put a spotlight on just how important fast, reliable internet is for the state to prosper.Education, health care, business, entertainment and work are all possible uses in connected households. Kansas will spend $50 million in CARES Act funding to hook up an estimated 70,000 households to broadband, defined as download speeds of 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 megabits per second.It’s a step in the right direction, but the 67 projects across the state will only scratch the surface of connecting every home, business, school and health facility to modern technology. The hard part in any network is always making the last-mile delivery.In cities where density means a mile of fiberoptic cable can give a company access to tens of thousands of potential customers or a wireless transceiver can cover multiple blocks, private companies will readily invest.But on the outskirts of town where there are fewer people and greater distances, the potential profit goes down. It evaporates entirely when you start looking at farms and ranches across Kansas that are miles apart. There’s a reason only 4 percent of urban Americans lack access to broadband while nearly 40 percent of their rural counterparts are searching for signal.The goal of connecting Kansas may seem too hard, too expensive, too slow, but I can guarantee you it’s worth all the, toil, trouble and time. Imagine where our state would be today if large swaths of the countryside lacked access to electricity or phone service.Broadband internet is the latest in a string of societal advances that will require a mix of solutions for everyone to gain access. While it’s tempting to just dust off the template used to light up every home in America for broadband, that misses the reality of the current technology.Fiber, wireless or beams from space are all options for increasing connectivity. Government action, like tax incentives, grants or regulation also has a role to play.Broadband access isn’t a silver bullet for rural revitalization, but it will open up tremendous opportunities for farmers, ranchers and others who want to live in wide-open spaces but still feel connected to the rest of the world.Someday I hope everyone gets to experience the joy of hurriedly replacing a bad router in the middle of a workday. The sooner the better."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: Connecting Kansas

When I was originally ask to write a recurring article, the column initially was called Gray Matters.&nbsp; It was a double entradre—grey matter as in brain matter; but more especially, older Americans (with grey hair), really do matter.&nbsp; I think if had to summarize my relationship with my clients, it would be that:&nbsp; you matter.&nbsp; You are important.&nbsp; What you think is important; it matters.&nbsp; What you have experienced matters. What you want, matters. Your role in our society, regardless of your age, matters.&nbsp; Hence the theme of all my article—Grey Matters.

I recently read that "fewer than 1% of our population works hard to divide us, to pit people against one another for their selfish aim." &nbsp;

We have elections at our doorsteps.&nbsp; Much of the election advertisements are trying to pit us against each other. &nbsp;

It seems that each election the voter turnout is slight – generally less than 50% of the registered voters. Yet the vote decides who is going to govern us.&nbsp; That power to govern includes state and local taxation; education of our children; health care; Medicare benefits; Social Security benefits; how to deal with pandemics; providing for our safety and our security; and creating laws and policies that will support or devastate our economy. &nbsp;

It includes the power to wage, or not to wage, war; to give and take away our freedoms; to control the very fabric of our day-to-day lives. &nbsp;

Yet, we still have people who do not vote. &nbsp;

I remember a conversation with my grandparents from when I was young.&nbsp; In a particular election, my grandfather was going to vote for one political party; my grandmother the other.&nbsp; They decided not to vote, under the excuse, "We just cancel each other out."&nbsp; Voting is so much important than that. I understand that now.&nbsp;

I have an agenda when I vote.&nbsp; I want my rights and my clients’ rights to be protected.&nbsp; I want my clients not to worry about healthcare.&nbsp; I want there to be adequate and affordable health services for them. &nbsp;

I want them to have financial security.&nbsp; I want their businesses, farms, retirement, Social Security, and Medicare to be protected.&nbsp; I want them to be safe in their homes; I want them to be safe outside their homes. &nbsp;

I also want certain fundamental rights protected for those who may be of limited means or maybe a member of a minority group, as well as those who have a not so popular religion or lifestyle.&nbsp; I do not want mob rule to control us.&nbsp; I want to be sure that we have all the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill of Rights – including free speech, the right to vote, privacy, and a free press. &nbsp;

So, that is my agenda.&nbsp; That is my test. &nbsp;

Let me add something that my grandfather taught me – do not trust someone who continues to lie, no matter how big or small the lie.&nbsp; Walk away from that person.&nbsp; That too is part of my litmus test of a candidate, and whether I will support that candidate. Regardless of what that candidate proclaims as his/her beliefs, if the candidate lies, I am out of there.

Some encourage us not to vote. They make it more difficult to vote. They imply that as older Americans we somehow don’t matter. &nbsp;

I am one of the greys now.&nbsp; Greys Matter. You matter. Your vote matters.

Create your own agenda, your own litmus test. Your agenda may be a lot different than mine. That is fine. We will not cancel each other out. Vote for the person that most matches your agenda. Vote for someone you trust; someone who has earned that trust. No candidate is perfect, but we cannot just give up by not voting.&nbsp; Vote in person or by mail.&nbsp; Call the County Clerk in your county if you have questions.

Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578498921842.png" alt="Randy Clinkscales" />
 <figcaption>Randy Clinkscales</figcaption>
 </figure>When I was originally ask to write a recurring article, the column initially was called Gray Matters.&nbsp; It was a double entradre—grey matter as in brain matter; but more especially, older Americans (with grey hair), really do matter.&nbsp; I think if had to summarize my relationship with my clients, it would be that:&nbsp; you matter.&nbsp; You are important.&nbsp; What you think is important; it matters.&nbsp; What you have experienced matters. What you want, matters. Your role in our society, regardless of your age, matters.&nbsp; Hence the theme of all my article—Grey Matters.I recently read that "fewer than 1% of our population works hard to divide us, to pit people against one another for their selfish aim." &nbsp;We have elections at our doorsteps.&nbsp; Much of the election advertisements are trying to pit us against each other. &nbsp;It seems that each election the voter turnout is slight – generally less than 50% of the registered voters. Yet the vote decides who is going to govern us.&nbsp; That power to govern includes state and local taxation; education of our children; health care; Medicare benefits; Social Security benefits; how to deal with pandemics; providing for our safety and our security; and creating laws and policies that will support or devastate our economy. &nbsp;It includes the power to wage, or not to wage, war; to give and take away our freedoms; to control the very fabric of our day-to-day lives. &nbsp;Yet, we still have people who do not vote. &nbsp;I remember a conversation with my grandparents from when I was young.&nbsp; In a particular election, my grandfather was going to vote for one political party; my grandmother the other.&nbsp; They decided not to vote, under the excuse, "We just cancel each other out."&nbsp; Voting is so much important than that. I understand that now.&nbsp;I have an agenda when I vote.&nbsp; I want my rights and my clients’ rights to be protected.&nbsp; I want my clients not to worry about healthcare.&nbsp; I want there to be adequate and affordable health services for them. &nbsp;I want them to have financial security.&nbsp; I want their businesses, farms, retirement, Social Security, and Medicare to be protected.&nbsp; I want them to be safe in their homes; I want them to be safe outside their homes. &nbsp;I also want certain fundamental rights protected for those who may be of limited means or maybe a member of a minority group, as well as those who have a not so popular religion or lifestyle.&nbsp; I do not want mob rule to control us.&nbsp; I want to be sure that we have all the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill of Rights – including free speech, the right to vote, privacy, and a free press. &nbsp;So, that is my agenda.&nbsp; That is my test. &nbsp;Let me add something that my grandfather taught me – do not trust someone who continues to lie, no matter how big or small the lie.&nbsp; Walk away from that person.&nbsp; That too is part of my litmus test of a candidate, and whether I will support that candidate. Regardless of what that candidate proclaims as his/her beliefs, if the candidate lies, I am out of there.Some encourage us not to vote. They make it more difficult to vote. They imply that as older Americans we somehow don’t matter. &nbsp;I am one of the greys now.&nbsp; Greys Matter. You matter. Your vote matters.Create your own agenda, your own litmus test. Your agenda may be a lot different than mine. That is fine. We will not cancel each other out. Vote for the person that most matches your agenda. Vote for someone you trust; someone who has earned that trust. No candidate is perfect, but we cannot just give up by not voting.&nbsp; Vote in person or by mail.&nbsp; Call the County Clerk in your county if you have questions.We greys matter.&nbsp; Vote.Randy Clinkscales of Clinkscales Elder Law Practice, PA, Hays, 
Kansas, is an elder care attorney, practicing in western Kansas. To 
contact him, please send an email to randy@clinkscaleslaw.com. 
Disclaimer: The information in the column is for general information 
purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is different 
and outcomes depend on the fact of each case and the then applicable 
law. For specific questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

CLINKSCALES: Grey really does matter — vote

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30.75 a barrel, which is $3.50 higher than a week ago, but about $15 less than a year ago at this time. U.S. motorists are enjoying the cheapest autumn gasoline prices in four years, and analysts say it's going to get cheaper. Some stations in Hays were down to $1.94 or less for a gallon of regular last week. We spotted $1.99 across Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about a dime less than last week, a dime more than last month, and about five dollars less than last year at this time. The AAA auto club says the statewide average in Kansas is $1.95 a gallon. We are one of eleven states below two dollars. Nationwide, the average pump price is just over $2.18 a gallon.&nbsp; That's the cheapest start to the month of October since 2016. The active rig count in Kansas is up slightly. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one, and seven west of Wichita, which is up three for the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County, and they're about to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators reached total depth at new wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties last week and are evaluating the results. Baker Hughes reports 269 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decrease of one natural gas rig. The count in Texas was up three. New Mexico was up one. Canada reports 80 active drilling rigs, up five for the week. Kansas regulators approved another five drilling permits last week, all of them west of Wichita. That's 326 new permits so far this year, compared to more than 800 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells across Kansas for the week, six of them in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 676 wells across the state so far this year, down 37% from the total a year ago at this time. EIA says weekly production increased last week by 215-thousand barrels per day over the week before, but remains more than a million barrels per day behind the average from a year earlier. Production for the week ending October 2 averaged 10.96 million [["ten point nine six million"]] barrels per day. EIA reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by half a million barrels last week, dipping just below 493 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year average.&nbsp; The government reports crude imports increased last week by 600-thousand barrels per day, but the four week average remains 19 percent below the same four-week period last year. The government now predicts a slight increase in crude prices for the fourth quarter of 2020, and says prices could rise another five dollars next year. The Energy Information Administration's Short Term Energy Outlook reports U.S. production has been rising steadily since reaching a two-and-a-half-year low in May. The latest confirmed production totals are from July, when we averaged 11 million barrels per day, up half a million barrels per day from June. The government's latest estimate pegs September production at 11.2 million [["eleven point two million"]] barrels per day. The quarterly energy survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reveals some dire expectations within the oil patch. Over a quarter of the companies surveyed do not expect global oil demand to return to pre-Covid levels until the second quarter of next year. Most don't expect oil demand to fully rebound for up to two years.&nbsp; There is mixed news from the nation's number two oil producer. Chevron's market value surpassed that of Exxon Mobil for the first time last week, as it closed a $4.1 billion all-stock deal for Noble Energy. But the company is now making all of its employees worldwide reapply for their jobs. About 15% of them are expected to get pink slips, including 700 in Houston. The layoffs are set to start October 23rd. A strike that shut down about 8% of Norway’s oil and gas output will end after successful mediation talks. Bloomberg reports the settlement will restore production at six fields already shut down by the dispute and prevent an escalation to another six over the weekend. Those facilities pump about 130,000 barrels of crude oil and 43 million cubic meters of gas a day. It also averts the shutdown next week of Norway’s largest oil field.&nbsp; The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a request from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration to allow the state, and not tribal nations, to regulate environmental issues on lands that may be inside historical tribal reservation boundaries. Stitt requested the authority in July, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains a Muskogee/Creek Indian reservation.&nbsp; The U.S. set all-time records last year in the production, consumption and export of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says dry natural gas production increased by ten percent, consumption was up three percent, and exports were up by nearly 30%. The Association of American Railroads says total freight traffic in September was down one percent from a year ago. Some freight categories saw increases, including grain shipments, which were up nearly 28%. Weekly oil-by-rail totals are down nearly 13% from a year ago. For the week ending October 3, AAR reports a total of 10,428 rail cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products, down more than 400 cars from the last report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30.75 a barrel, which is $3.50 higher than a week ago, but about $15 less than a year ago at this time. U.S. motorists are enjoying the cheapest autumn gasoline prices in four years, and analysts say it's going to get cheaper. Some stations in Hays were down to $1.94 or less for a gallon of regular last week. We spotted $1.99 across Great Bend. Your 15-gallon fill-up will cost you about a dime less than last week, a dime more than last month, and about five dollars less than last year at this time. The AAA auto club says the statewide average in Kansas is $1.95 a gallon. We are one of eleven states below two dollars. Nationwide, the average pump price is just over $2.18 a gallon.&nbsp; That's the cheapest start to the month of October since 2016. The active rig count in Kansas is up slightly. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one, and seven west of Wichita, which is up three for the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County, and they're about to spud a new well in Barton County. Operators reached total depth at new wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties last week and are evaluating the results. Baker Hughes reports 269 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of four oil rigs and a decrease of one natural gas rig. The count in Texas was up three. New Mexico was up one. Canada reports 80 active drilling rigs, up five for the week. Kansas regulators approved another five drilling permits last week, all of them west of Wichita. That's 326 new permits so far this year, compared to more than 800 a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports seven completed wells across Kansas for the week, six of them in Western Kansas, including one in Ellis County. Operators have completed 676 wells across the state so far this year, down 37% from the total a year ago at this time. EIA says weekly production increased last week by 215-thousand barrels per day over the week before, but remains more than a million barrels per day behind the average from a year earlier. Production for the week ending October 2 averaged 10.96 million [["ten point nine six million"]] barrels per day. EIA reports U.S. crude inventories dropped by half a million barrels last week, dipping just below 493 million barrels. Stockpiles are about 12% above the five-year average.&nbsp; The government reports crude imports increased last week by 600-thousand barrels per day, but the four week average remains 19 percent below the same four-week period last year. The government now predicts a slight increase in crude prices for the fourth quarter of 2020, and says prices could rise another five dollars next year. The Energy Information Administration's Short Term Energy Outlook reports U.S. production has been rising steadily since reaching a two-and-a-half-year low in May. The latest confirmed production totals are from July, when we averaged 11 million barrels per day, up half a million barrels per day from June. The government's latest estimate pegs September production at 11.2 million [["eleven point two million"]] barrels per day. The quarterly energy survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reveals some dire expectations within the oil patch. Over a quarter of the companies surveyed do not expect global oil demand to return to pre-Covid levels until the second quarter of next year. Most don't expect oil demand to fully rebound for up to two years.&nbsp; There is mixed news from the nation's number two oil producer. Chevron's market value surpassed that of Exxon Mobil for the first time last week, as it closed a $4.1 billion all-stock deal for Noble Energy. But the company is now making all of its employees worldwide reapply for their jobs. About 15% of them are expected to get pink slips, including 700 in Houston. The layoffs are set to start October 23rd. A strike that shut down about 8% of Norway’s oil and gas output will end after successful mediation talks. Bloomberg reports the settlement will restore production at six fields already shut down by the dispute and prevent an escalation to another six over the weekend. Those facilities pump about 130,000 barrels of crude oil and 43 million cubic meters of gas a day. It also averts the shutdown next week of Norway’s largest oil field.&nbsp; The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a request from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration to allow the state, and not tribal nations, to regulate environmental issues on lands that may be inside historical tribal reservation boundaries. Stitt requested the authority in July, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains a Muskogee/Creek Indian reservation.&nbsp; The U.S. set all-time records last year in the production, consumption and export of natural gas. The Energy Information Administration says dry natural gas production increased by ten percent, consumption was up three percent, and exports were up by nearly 30%. The Association of American Railroads says total freight traffic in September was down one percent from a year ago. Some freight categories saw increases, including grain shipments, which were up nearly 28%. Weekly oil-by-rail totals are down nearly 13% from a year ago. For the week ending October 3, AAR reports a total of 10,428 rail cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products, down more than 400 cars from the last report.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude prices still low, but rising

Thank you: 
I want to thank everyone who took the time to research the candidates during the Primary Election and make the choice that best represents what you, the great citizens of Ellis County, wanted. I am so humbled to accept the nomination to represent the Republican Party and as the nominee and hope to earn the support from all citizens for Ellis County Treasurer for the General Election, November 3rd. Being one of the newest faces to the Ellis County Organization since being hired back in 2017, I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy being a servant to the public. I thrive on being able to bring a fresh eye and the perspective of 30+ years of Private Sector knowledge to move Ellis County forward.

About me: 
For those who are new to my information, here is a brief history of who I am and what I am about. I grew up in Hays and have raised my family here. I have a beautiful wife, my high school sweetheart, whom I have been married to for over 31 years, three children and a granddaughter with another granddaughter on the way! I am a graduate of Thomas More Prep and NCK-Tech with a degree in Marketing Management. For a time, I worked as a financial advisor, a job which I enjoyed doing very much. At the time, I had two small children at home, a wife who was working very hard for us as well, and I was traveling a lot. My family is the most important thing in my life, so, I gave up the job as a financial advisor and worked as a salesman for Pepsi for 25 years before taking another job at E.A. Sween Co. as a District Manager over 3 states in the Midwest with over a five million dollar budget and managed several employees. I thoroughly enjoyed and produced great results working for the company. However, as I was traveling all over the country and the company was wanting to expand my territory, an opportunity arose at Ellis County in September of 2017 for which I applied and was hired for. This short time with Ellis County has really opened this lifelong Conservative’s eyes to local politics and the good I could do to help the County that has been my family’s roots for generations. 
I currently work for Ellis County as the Landfill Foreman as a supervisor of a division of Public Works and have been for three years now. In my short time at my current job, my team and I have taken a forward-thinking approach to our Landfill. We’ve implemented measures to make sure the Landfill is fully funded, planned for the future, put money in reserves to cover capital expenses, State Statute closure estimates, and future growth as my division is not covered by taxpayer dollars from the General Fund. The Landfill is fee based as an Enterprise Fund. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment during our yearly inspections have said that, “…this is one of the cleanest and most efficient landfills in the State.” I pride myself on order, planning, and management. We have greatly reduced the need for overtime, purchased land for the next 150 years of expansion, put plans and actions in place to speed up/increase accuracy and put safety measures in place for everyone who uses the Landfill. We have replaced the polycarbonate container that caught fire during the night from spontaneous combustion(which is defined as: the ignition of organic matter without apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid oxidation.) that burned the small shop south of the office that held the household hazardous waste that citizens bring out daily with a fireproof/explosion proof concrete vault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hdnews.net/news/20191001/landfill-building-total-loss-after-oily-rags-spontaneously-combust">https://www.hdnews.net/…/landfill-building-total-loss-after…</a>. I have presented my budget line for line to the Ellis County Commission every year since I started (2017) just like every department does and will continue to do. If you ever have any questions about these operations on any topic whatsoever, please give me a call or come see me and we can go over anything you want in as much detail, together.

Training: 
I completely agree with what Treasurer Schlegel said back in her Questions and Answers interview with the Hays Daily News back in October of 2016 where “Part of what’s so great about our country is that school teachers, homemakers, anyone with life experience who wants to, can run for office. And the country knows these people need training. They anticipate we’re going to have sheriffs, we’re going to have doctors, we’re going to have homemakers, and we need to be able to educate all of them on how to be a good treasurer. And that statutory continuing education provides that. I think my opponent depends on most people not knowing that and thinking that no one else can do this but me. The fact of the matter is someone else can…&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252F7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984.html&amp;h=AT0Bf0O1AsLj31qpRKinWwICXRsMN4NJgsc31OlmIov3FOxKMRqBffjIUO8slFBGJ0D2nVCiCkoc7oKLX15RZwyoNtSPJYP2x9rb0ernn6rrZ4pWe7L9ltQjJBDTXIBf_YosxpSN-R25lO4nc8in5W0v7J1UExkxSzjcjyDgGz_IGOHbXIhUPNQSOdES1MBJdSLqAwW_j3zyX9HcMezAzUMtcT9wmBsBgsoTCOCnLqD0rzABXRNeFToyOSHsMyQSurWSDFjGT_IV9nqmcWHle1-laz2-PG3bsiyFpPD2KZcyys9opyD10mLjIFAMQs2rWE0qU19UiIZ8IvbJJLWzEer73WcQHRQ9qKz-GVcovQxgudEEG-r5MQ8U3MH7QdhDSeRsQNxHfZ0FAD7e1gox8SIwctGvnnP2W4exj2KGbjziohbhc7JO0ARM6okJUgvu-zjuTvkdvdu2yBt0G1P2oJg0d4nzGsXguomB6mMHj4rMqLXuTg5e7KPjV40xwSEZKuUaWE9dQo8zxymjYMMhpCXzbrnhM-UWCUo7CTlikW6a_x3MzGFVCVh57rqVkvJIVzMrq_-IeZjPrqHzy7AF0TA3RxbHWUeG8T3qxd6evOoEsU8h6tICWQYs_MLgpsFRAWXC4LH9pin1I4w">https://www.hdnews.net/7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984…</a>” She is totally right. The training and continuing education that was able to lift her from no experience to experienced was done with our wonderful educational opportunities granted to her by the State and Federal levels. Local government is a great way for citizens to get in and get to work quick with no experience, but a drive to work hard and work for the citizens. 
Another excellent point that she made back in April of 2017 in one of her letters to the editor titled “Why not go with the people’s choice?” at the Hays Daily News was the transition period before the duly elected Treasurer takes office. “Of the eight treasurers I have spoken to, all of them expressed, in their opinion, the most effective transition would result if I, the treasurer-elect, took office early, a common, statewide practice in situations like this. They all labeled this “a non-partisan issue,” since the election already has occurred.&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252Ff37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422.html&amp;h=AT1_5knEU8nEi9x7jApdyq8ZrG5LIVBLsbaE2sBPJ5QvE0ofBkV7o2MPZpTbHCNqFxMm4R46swr43F4ahH6oZMqlf7oxfNx362G486h5jPPPEX7BfLWkKaR6-ZNk-HlGqrMxm8iaaeYaGglkLAtVvYX11XGjmZvTiDloQIhAi2-GblqeVIEWQbTKBsBU5h-fw8dvUtjMV7G_HQeHhNDd7lt9ZUVB6I4jOCZQoRlyWcEFGLDk2Pqd6OCxB9s-RDCyW1Hh-ChHbFA91lc0WdaqyZKykSGszYxoy6vKCWgLGgYL2Isibe9lRuSWXKQi7IaJOfkmkE1Qnttd6hlskHogilFY9AJ-Amq0c5uhv6VaK3uN77SoZ6cast70ieonX3DZtj5QG3pQaWS7WPRCVph4v3-eWc2T53yZJmRLeV5kJQovpK1wQ1DJF55iys_t4PYPu7XzQxBTtu1QkxNaNWsmaXjwajhP4WMk1KN88lf6g02GITzHMlpsFidqs7qN9eHb_-GiFpiLmXlZ38EXBZB_TenuUL60UlzZ6rOBf_w0cwLo6nM18VDALTO0S2BZy281kHiiXns4tpqRstjVbCFg-xpuVDetmRC4rcZuDeyDfSsHuR853_t0gjDW_YaKcDmkbE_IkqtCsZgFydY">https://www.hdnews.net/f37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422…</a>” I am glad, whomever the people choose in November, that you would be willing to extend the same courtesy you sought coming in.

Why I am Running: 
I am running for office to help ensure the Treasury Department makes sound investments with taxpayer money, help decrease spending, and bring back the trust and professionalism to a public office. I want to increase efficiency within the Treasury department, and I will work full-time ensuring accuracy and ease of transactions without increased cost to the taxpayers. The people want someone who will get the job done, do it right, save them money, and be 100% reliable. I know how the County Government system operates, know the current budgeting situation, and know it is going to take all elected officials and staff working together to keep Ellis County moving forward, both effectively and efficiently. I am also looking to wrangle in some spending that I believe is unnecessary for the taxpayer to cover. For example, the actual total spent in 2019 for the line items in the budget for Rental-Cars, Planes, Bus and Subsistence (Hotels, Food, etc.) was $10,592.00. I believe in trainings and networking with others, but not at a cost that extensive when Ellis County owns a car available to all employees to use for necessary travel and other items that can be toned down quite a bit, it is a bit excessive. Small changes like adjusting that spending and other areas, including working every single day (all day) with staff by their side, going to commission meetings, attending every department head meeting, and looking at ways to enhance the citizens experience in the Treasury. I have looked at adding Kiosks to the lobby to tackle two issues I see as a taxpayer: 1) Time- Our citizens are busy and need a flexible time outside of 8am-4pm during the week to get their tags/taxes done. 2) Workload- The kiosk will not replace any employees and should also help ease some of the long wait times and workload for staff allowing for speed and accuracy. Johnson and Sedgwick counties have had wait times reduced by 30%. This is just an example of one of the ideas I want to explore should I be elected in November. I also want to ensure a sense of job security to the staff. Since 2017, of the 9 positions in the Treasury, 9 people have turned over. Of course, the staff will say they are happy, they are scared to upset the power hungry and lose their job. As a team, we can work together to restore trust, professionalism, civil dialogue, and getting the job done while saving the taxpayers money, their time, and letting them focus on what matters most to them. I do not spend a dime without ensuring it is in the best interest of the people I serve. I am not doing this for the money or for anybody else. I am doing this because I believe that I can represent the citizens of Ellis County honestly, steadfastly, fiscally responsibly, professionally, and humbly to do the job that is required and help save for the future growth of our great County.

You have all shown me such kindness and guidance during my first ever run for public office. It just goes to show that the 120 signs (had to buy 20 more thanks to the wind!) and talking and listening to the people is all it took to make a difference.

Thank you all and God Bless you. 
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a message on my Facebook page or email voteruderfortreasurer@gmail.com. Remember to Vote Nov. 3rd!

Vern Ruder 
Republican Candidate for Ellis County Treasurer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589824071248.png" alt="Ruder" />
 <figcaption>Ruder</figcaption>
 </figure>By VERN RUDERThank you: 
I want to thank everyone who took the time to research the candidates during the Primary Election and make the choice that best represents what you, the great citizens of Ellis County, wanted. I am so humbled to accept the nomination to represent the Republican Party and as the nominee and hope to earn the support from all citizens for Ellis County Treasurer for the General Election, November 3rd. Being one of the newest faces to the Ellis County Organization since being hired back in 2017, I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy being a servant to the public. I thrive on being able to bring a fresh eye and the perspective of 30+ years of Private Sector knowledge to move Ellis County forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About me: 
For those who are new to my information, here is a brief history of who I am and what I am about. I grew up in Hays and have raised my family here. I have a beautiful wife, my high school sweetheart, whom I have been married to for over 31 years, three children and a granddaughter with another granddaughter on the way! I am a graduate of Thomas More Prep and NCK-Tech with a degree in Marketing Management. For a time, I worked as a financial advisor, a job which I enjoyed doing very much. At the time, I had two small children at home, a wife who was working very hard for us as well, and I was traveling a lot. My family is the most important thing in my life, so, I gave up the job as a financial advisor and worked as a salesman for Pepsi for 25 years before taking another job at E.A. Sween Co. as a District Manager over 3 states in the Midwest with over a five million dollar budget and managed several employees. I thoroughly enjoyed and produced great results working for the company. However, as I was traveling all over the country and the company was wanting to expand my territory, an opportunity arose at Ellis County in September of 2017 for which I applied and was hired for. This short time with Ellis County has really opened this lifelong Conservative’s eyes to local politics and the good I could do to help the County that has been my family’s roots for generations. 
I currently work for Ellis County as the Landfill Foreman as a supervisor of a division of Public Works and have been for three years now. In my short time at my current job, my team and I have taken a forward-thinking approach to our Landfill. We’ve implemented measures to make sure the Landfill is fully funded, planned for the future, put money in reserves to cover capital expenses, State Statute closure estimates, and future growth as my division is not covered by taxpayer dollars from the General Fund. The Landfill is fee based as an Enterprise Fund. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment during our yearly inspections have said that, “…this is one of the cleanest and most efficient landfills in the State.” I pride myself on order, planning, and management. We have greatly reduced the need for overtime, purchased land for the next 150 years of expansion, put plans and actions in place to speed up/increase accuracy and put safety measures in place for everyone who uses the Landfill. We have replaced the polycarbonate container that caught fire during the night from spontaneous combustion(which is defined as: the ignition of organic matter without apparent cause, typically through heat generated internally by rapid oxidation.) that burned the small shop south of the office that held the household hazardous waste that citizens bring out daily with a fireproof/explosion proof concrete vault.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hdnews.net/news/20191001/landfill-building-total-loss-after-oily-rags-spontaneously-combust">https://www.hdnews.net/…/landfill-building-total-loss-after…</a>. I have presented my budget line for line to the Ellis County Commission every year since I started (2017) just like every department does and will continue to do. If you ever have any questions about these operations on any topic whatsoever, please give me a call or come see me and we can go over anything you want in as much detail, together.Training: 
I completely agree with what Treasurer Schlegel said back in her Questions and Answers interview with the Hays Daily News back in October of 2016 where “Part of what’s so great about our country is that school teachers, homemakers, anyone with life experience who wants to, can run for office. And the country knows these people need training. They anticipate we’re going to have sheriffs, we’re going to have doctors, we’re going to have homemakers, and we need to be able to educate all of them on how to be a good treasurer. And that statutory continuing education provides that. I think my opponent depends on most people not knowing that and thinking that no one else can do this but me. The fact of the matter is someone else can…&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252F7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984.html&amp;h=AT0Bf0O1AsLj31qpRKinWwICXRsMN4NJgsc31OlmIov3FOxKMRqBffjIUO8slFBGJ0D2nVCiCkoc7oKLX15RZwyoNtSPJYP2x9rb0ernn6rrZ4pWe7L9ltQjJBDTXIBf_YosxpSN-R25lO4nc8in5W0v7J1UExkxSzjcjyDgGz_IGOHbXIhUPNQSOdES1MBJdSLqAwW_j3zyX9HcMezAzUMtcT9wmBsBgsoTCOCnLqD0rzABXRNeFToyOSHsMyQSurWSDFjGT_IV9nqmcWHle1-laz2-PG3bsiyFpPD2KZcyys9opyD10mLjIFAMQs2rWE0qU19UiIZ8IvbJJLWzEer73WcQHRQ9qKz-GVcovQxgudEEG-r5MQ8U3MH7QdhDSeRsQNxHfZ0FAD7e1gox8SIwctGvnnP2W4exj2KGbjziohbhc7JO0ARM6okJUgvu-zjuTvkdvdu2yBt0G1P2oJg0d4nzGsXguomB6mMHj4rMqLXuTg5e7KPjV40xwSEZKuUaWE9dQo8zxymjYMMhpCXzbrnhM-UWCUo7CTlikW6a_x3MzGFVCVh57rqVkvJIVzMrq_-IeZjPrqHzy7AF0TA3RxbHWUeG8T3qxd6evOoEsU8h6tICWQYs_MLgpsFRAWXC4LH9pin1I4w">https://www.hdnews.net/7e9fd535-377a-58d8-ae27-8515978cf984…</a>” She is totally right. The training and continuing education that was able to lift her from no experience to experienced was done with our wonderful educational opportunities granted to her by the State and Federal levels. Local government is a great way for citizens to get in and get to work quick with no experience, but a drive to work hard and work for the citizens. 
Another excellent point that she made back in April of 2017 in one of her letters to the editor titled “Why not go with the people’s choice?” at the Hays Daily News was the transition period before the duly elected Treasurer takes office. “Of the eight treasurers I have spoken to, all of them expressed, in their opinion, the most effective transition would result if I, the treasurer-elect, took office early, a common, statewide practice in situations like this. They all labeled this “a non-partisan issue,” since the election already has occurred.&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.hdnews.net%252Ff37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422.html&amp;h=AT1_5knEU8nEi9x7jApdyq8ZrG5LIVBLsbaE2sBPJ5QvE0ofBkV7o2MPZpTbHCNqFxMm4R46swr43F4ahH6oZMqlf7oxfNx362G486h5jPPPEX7BfLWkKaR6-ZNk-HlGqrMxm8iaaeYaGglkLAtVvYX11XGjmZvTiDloQIhAi2-GblqeVIEWQbTKBsBU5h-fw8dvUtjMV7G_HQeHhNDd7lt9ZUVB6I4jOCZQoRlyWcEFGLDk2Pqd6OCxB9s-RDCyW1Hh-ChHbFA91lc0WdaqyZKykSGszYxoy6vKCWgLGgYL2Isibe9lRuSWXKQi7IaJOfkmkE1Qnttd6hlskHogilFY9AJ-Amq0c5uhv6VaK3uN77SoZ6cast70ieonX3DZtj5QG3pQaWS7WPRCVph4v3-eWc2T53yZJmRLeV5kJQovpK1wQ1DJF55iys_t4PYPu7XzQxBTtu1QkxNaNWsmaXjwajhP4WMk1KN88lf6g02GITzHMlpsFidqs7qN9eHb_-GiFpiLmXlZ38EXBZB_TenuUL60UlzZ6rOBf_w0cwLo6nM18VDALTO0S2BZy281kHiiXns4tpqRstjVbCFg-xpuVDetmRC4rcZuDeyDfSsHuR853_t0gjDW_YaKcDmkbE_IkqtCsZgFydY">https://www.hdnews.net/f37555ba-db99-5078-accd-0b1003045422…</a>” I am glad, whomever the people choose in November, that you would be willing to extend the same courtesy you sought coming in.Why I am Running: 
I am running for office to help ensure the Treasury Department makes sound investments with taxpayer money, help decrease spending, and bring back the trust and professionalism to a public office. I want to increase efficiency within the Treasury department, and I will work full-time ensuring accuracy and ease of transactions without increased cost to the taxpayers. The people want someone who will get the job done, do it right, save them money, and be 100% reliable. I know how the County Government system operates, know the current budgeting situation, and know it is going to take all elected officials and staff working together to keep Ellis County moving forward, both effectively and efficiently. I am also looking to wrangle in some spending that I believe is unnecessary for the taxpayer to cover. For example, the actual total spent in 2019 for the line items in the budget for Rental-Cars, Planes, Bus and Subsistence (Hotels, Food, etc.) was $10,592.00. I believe in trainings and networking with others, but not at a cost that extensive when Ellis County owns a car available to all employees to use for necessary travel and other items that can be toned down quite a bit, it is a bit excessive. Small changes like adjusting that spending and other areas, including working every single day (all day) with staff by their side, going to commission meetings, attending every department head meeting, and looking at ways to enhance the citizens experience in the Treasury. I have looked at adding Kiosks to the lobby to tackle two issues I see as a taxpayer: 1) Time- Our citizens are busy and need a flexible time outside of 8am-4pm during the week to get their tags/taxes done. 2) Workload- The kiosk will not replace any employees and should also help ease some of the long wait times and workload for staff allowing for speed and accuracy. Johnson and Sedgwick counties have had wait times reduced by 30%. This is just an example of one of the ideas I want to explore should I be elected in November. I also want to ensure a sense of job security to the staff. Since 2017, of the 9 positions in the Treasury, 9 people have turned over. Of course, the staff will say they are happy, they are scared to upset the power hungry and lose their job. As a team, we can work together to restore trust, professionalism, civil dialogue, and getting the job done while saving the taxpayers money, their time, and letting them focus on what matters most to them. I do not spend a dime without ensuring it is in the best interest of the people I serve. I am not doing this for the money or for anybody else. I am doing this because I believe that I can represent the citizens of Ellis County honestly, steadfastly, fiscally responsibly, professionally, and humbly to do the job that is required and help save for the future growth of our great County.You have all shown me such kindness and guidance during my first ever run for public office. It just goes to show that the 120 signs (had to buy 20 more thanks to the wind!) and talking and listening to the people is all it took to make a difference.Thank you all and God Bless you. 
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a message on my Facebook page or email voteruderfortreasurer@gmail.com. Remember to Vote Nov. 3rd!Vern Ruder 
Republican Candidate for Ellis County Treasurer

LETTER: Ruder discusses run for treasurer's office

Is the glass half empty or half full? It is believed that those who see the glass as half full tend to be more optimistic and those who see the glass as half empty are more pessimistic. Of course, there will be those who say, “You should be just glad to have a glass and have something to drink!”.

I have enjoyed several webinars through Illinois Extension that focused on being positive and aging. Extensive research has shown that optimism improves well-being and physical health. Studies also show that resilience and optimism are associated with greater longevity. Another study found that when employees are positive, there is a 12% increase in productivity.

Are there things we can do to stay positive? Yes, there are. However, I have found that some of the suggestions on the list have been much more difficult to do the last six months. That means we will just have to work a little harder on staying positive.

The first suggestion is to be around positive people and those who support you. While it is not possible to always be around positive people, be aware of those who bring out the best in you versus those who bring out the worst in you. If possible, find a way to limit the time you have to spend with the difficult people.

Laugh and surround yourself with things that help relieve stress. Doctors tell us that the physiological effects of laughter affect every part of the body. When we laugh, the heart rate and blood pressure speed up. Afterward, these sink below the previous levels and we feel a sense of relaxation. Author, Norman Cousins, was faced with a life-threatening disease but when he had a good belly laugh it allowed him to least two hours of pain-free relief.&nbsp;

Another suggestion is to practice positive self-talk. We most likely all have negative thoughts and self-talk, but it is possible to train your brain to turn it around. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done it before” try “It’s an opportunity to try something new.” Positive self-talk does take practice but we can mold ourselves through our thoughts. If you don’t listen to and believe what you have to say, then who should you listen to?&nbsp;

One last thought is to practice being grateful. Work to find the small things that make you happy. At the end of the day, try to list three things that you are thankful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal or record them in a gratitude app. If you take the time to do this, it will become obvious there are many, many things to be thankful for. If life becomes difficult, look back at your gratitude journal and savor the memories.&nbsp;

Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at&nbsp;<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>Is the glass half empty or half full? It is believed that those who see the glass as half full tend to be more optimistic and those who see the glass as half empty are more pessimistic. Of course, there will be those who say, “You should be just glad to have a glass and have something to drink!”.I have enjoyed several webinars through Illinois Extension that focused on being positive and aging. Extensive research has shown that optimism improves well-being and physical health. Studies also show that resilience and optimism are associated with greater longevity. Another study found that when employees are positive, there is a 12% increase in productivity.Are there things we can do to stay positive? Yes, there are. However, I have found that some of the suggestions on the list have been much more difficult to do the last six months. That means we will just have to work a little harder on staying positive.The first suggestion is to be around positive people and those who support you. While it is not possible to always be around positive people, be aware of those who bring out the best in you versus those who bring out the worst in you. If possible, find a way to limit the time you have to spend with the difficult people.Laugh and surround yourself with things that help relieve stress. Doctors tell us that the physiological effects of laughter affect every part of the body. When we laugh, the heart rate and blood pressure speed up. Afterward, these sink below the previous levels and we feel a sense of relaxation. Author, Norman Cousins, was faced with a life-threatening disease but when he had a good belly laugh it allowed him to least two hours of pain-free relief.&nbsp;Another suggestion is to practice positive self-talk. We most likely all have negative thoughts and self-talk, but it is possible to train your brain to turn it around. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done it before” try “It’s an opportunity to try something new.” Positive self-talk does take practice but we can mold ourselves through our thoughts. If you don’t listen to and believe what you have to say, then who should you listen to?&nbsp;One last thought is to practice being grateful. Work to find the small things that make you happy. At the end of the day, try to list three things that you are thankful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal or record them in a gratitude app. If you take the time to do this, it will become obvious there are many, many things to be thankful for. If life becomes difficult, look back at your gratitude journal and savor the memories.&nbsp;Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Positive thinking

By MAREN E. TURNER AARP Kansas

The internet is full of 
information, some of it accurate and helpful, and some of it misleading 
or false. So how do you make sure you’re getting accurate information 
before you share it with your friends and family?

<a href="https://www.aarp.org/">AARP</a> is proud to be a trusted source of information and has worked with <a href="https://www.poynter.org/mediawise-for-seniors/">MediaWise for Seniors</a> to share tips on how to help ensure you get accurate information and stop the spread of misinformation.

The internet and social 
media can be very helpful. You can stay connected with loved ones, take 
care of important business, watch your favorite movies or learn a new 
hobby. The possibilities are seemingly endless. How do you separate 
what’s accurate and what’s not comes down to some important steps.

It’s critical that before 
you click that “share” button, you pause and consider the source and 
intent of the information and do some fact checking. Take an active role
 to ensure that what you share is accurate and report any 
misinformation. That way you can help slow the spread of misinformation 
and prevent it from misleading others.

Some misinformation is harmless, but some is malicious and created solely to take your money and/or steal your identity.

What should you watch out 
for when looking for accurate information and what actions should you 
take to find out if something isn’t true?

First, pause. Approach 
what you read with healthy skepticism and think critically about what 
you encounter online. This simple act can slow the spread of 
misinformation.

Second, consider. Read the
 whole story to look for details and original reporting. Does the 
content tell you who, what, where, when and why? Does what you’re 
reading make you feel a sense of urgency, excitement, anger, worry, 
vindication, or defensiveness? A strong emotional reaction signals that 
you should do some research.

Third, track down the facts using a set of three questions developed by the <a href="https://sheg.stanford.edu/">Stanford History Education Group</a>: 1) Who’s behind the information; 2) What’s the evidence; and 3) What are other sources saying?

Making sure you have accurate information is important before you share it. According to <a href="https://www.journalism.org/2019/06/05/many-americans-say-made-up-news-is-a-critical-problem-that-needs-to-be-fixed/">a Pew Research survey</a>,
 52% of Americans have shared misinformation, and “a vast majority of 
them said they didn’t know it was made up when they did so.”

Before you share, remember
 to pause, consider and then track down the facts. We can all be 
susceptible to falling for misinformation, but these steps are key to 
sorting fact from fiction. Look for additional resources and information
 provided by AARP and other trusted sources to make sure what you have 
is accurate.

Maren E. Turner, PhD, MS, is director of AARP Kansas. She is a gerontologist, visiting/adjunct professor, published author and a regular contributor to television, radio and print media. She is a past and current gubernatorial appointee to health related groups and has served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions. She is a graduate of Leadership Kansas and is a past University of Kansas Woman of Distinction. Turner has a BS in mental health and counseling, an MS in developmental psychology, an MA in human development, a graduate certificate in gerontology, and a PhD in applied behavioral science.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/13/how-kansans-can-help-stop-the-spread-of-misinformation/">Courtesy the Kansas Reflector</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602603972651.png" alt="AARP volunteer Ann Garvin speaks about AARP Kansas volunteer activities at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library in March 2019. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>AARP volunteer Ann Garvin speaks about AARP Kansas volunteer activities at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library in March 2019. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MAREN E. TURNER AARP KansasThe internet is full of 
information, some of it accurate and helpful, and some of it misleading 
or false. So how do you make sure you’re getting accurate information 
before you share it with your friends and family?<a href="https://www.aarp.org/">AARP</a> is proud to be a trusted source of information and has worked with <a href="https://www.poynter.org/mediawise-for-seniors/">MediaWise for Seniors</a> to share tips on how to help ensure you get accurate information and stop the spread of misinformation.The internet and social 
media can be very helpful. You can stay connected with loved ones, take 
care of important business, watch your favorite movies or learn a new 
hobby. The possibilities are seemingly endless. How do you separate 
what’s accurate and what’s not comes down to some important steps.It’s critical that before 
you click that “share” button, you pause and consider the source and 
intent of the information and do some fact checking. Take an active role
 to ensure that what you share is accurate and report any 
misinformation. That way you can help slow the spread of misinformation 
and prevent it from misleading others.Some misinformation is harmless, but some is malicious and created solely to take your money and/or steal your identity.What should you watch out 
for when looking for accurate information and what actions should you 
take to find out if something isn’t true?First, pause. Approach 
what you read with healthy skepticism and think critically about what 
you encounter online. This simple act can slow the spread of 
misinformation.Second, consider. Read the
 whole story to look for details and original reporting. Does the 
content tell you who, what, where, when and why? Does what you’re 
reading make you feel a sense of urgency, excitement, anger, worry, 
vindication, or defensiveness? A strong emotional reaction signals that 
you should do some research.Third, track down the facts using a set of three questions developed by the <a href="https://sheg.stanford.edu/">Stanford History Education Group</a>: 1) Who’s behind the information; 2) What’s the evidence; and 3) What are other sources saying?Making sure you have accurate information is important before you share it. According to <a href="https://www.journalism.org/2019/06/05/many-americans-say-made-up-news-is-a-critical-problem-that-needs-to-be-fixed/">a Pew Research survey</a>,
 52% of Americans have shared misinformation, and “a vast majority of 
them said they didn’t know it was made up when they did so.”Before you share, remember
 to pause, consider and then track down the facts. We can all be 
susceptible to falling for misinformation, but these steps are key to 
sorting fact from fiction. Look for additional resources and information
 provided by AARP and other trusted sources to make sure what you have 
is accurate.Maren E. Turner, PhD, MS, is director of AARP Kansas. She is a gerontologist, visiting/adjunct professor, published author and a regular contributor to television, radio and print media. She is a past and current gubernatorial appointee to health related groups and has served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions. She is a graduate of Leadership Kansas and is a past University of Kansas Woman of Distinction. Turner has a BS in mental health and counseling, an MS in developmental psychology, an MA in human development, a graduate certificate in gerontology, and a PhD in applied behavioral science.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/13/how-kansans-can-help-stop-the-spread-of-misinformation/">Courtesy the Kansas Reflector</a>

OPINION: How Kansans can help stop misinformation spread

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

A blue ribbon. For millions of 4-H youth through the years, blue ribbons have been awarded in recognition of a high-quality project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For Joni Albers, the founder of the Hungry Gardens in California, her first blue ribbon helped launch a lifelong interest in horticulture. She is now using those skills to produce healthy food for urban neighbors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Originally from Hoxie, Joni’s roots go deep in rural Kansas. Her grandparents were dairy farmers, and her family always had a large garden. “My mother got me started in gardening,” Joni said. “I had my first garden at 6 years old.”&nbsp;

She was also a member of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club. In her first year, she took her homegrown green beans to the Sheridan County Fair and won a blue ribbon. “That started it all,” she said. Joni was active in 4-H, taking on projects such as sewing, art, bucket calf, and woodworking, but horticulture was her favorite.&nbsp;

Joni went to college in Denver and worked as a designer before taking a technology position in New York City. When her company allowed her to transfer to California, Joni settled in Sun Valley.&nbsp;

Unlike in New York City, she now had some land. “I wanted to garden as I had in my youth,” Joni said. She started a small garden, but the garden space quickly grew. Soon she had about 4,000 square feet, and her neighbors were interested in her produce.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Locally grown products were hard to come by in the region. “There was one produce stand in the area, but it was only open one day a week, and they didn’t have locally grown produce,” Joni said.&nbsp;

She decided to launch her own business as an urban produce farm. She named it the Hungry Gardens. She uses innovative technology to communicate with customers and focuses on heirloom produce.&nbsp;

These are not plain, everyday tomatoes, for example. “Healthy food and culinary experiences underpin everything we grow at the Hungry Gardens,” her website says.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I try to find the rarest heirloom vegetables,” Joni said. “We specialize in growing unique vegetables that are not available commercially but have historical and indigenous value.”&nbsp;

For example, Joni offers many products which I hadn’t heard of, such as cinnamon basil, blacktail watermelons, red noodle beans, tigger melons, violet sparkle peppers, thai lime, pineapple sage, cucamelons, and many more. She works with various partners, including several chefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to provide an experience for people, and give them new things to try,” Joni said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her market is hyperlocal, and she offers pickup and delivery. Hungry Gardens also offers seedlings for such items as heirloom tomatoes, squash, zucchini and flowers.&nbsp;

Some cities have used community-supported agriculture, where consumers pay a fee and receive whatever produce happens to be in season. Joni goes a step further by enabling consumers to select their products. “I allow consumers to curate their own boxes,” Joni said. “That means they get what they really want.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

She updates the inventory of fresh products each day, and her customers get to choose among the freshest items.&nbsp;

Joni uses an iPhone app called Cropswap, to offer Heirloom CropBoxes by subscription. These include a variety of heirloom vegetables not offered on her website. The boxes come with scannable codes that connect to recipes from area chefs, plus ideas for preparation of these unusual products.&nbsp;

It’s a remarkable business, inspired by Joni’s early days as a 4-H’er at the rural community of Hoxie, population 1,201 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Her products are only available in California, but you can learn about her company by going to<a href="http://www.hungrygardens.com/">www.hungrygardens.com</a>.&nbsp;

A blue ribbon. For 4-H youth, it symbolizes a high level of achievement. For Joni Albers, that first blue ribbon also helped inspire a lifelong interest in horticulture which has now become an innovative business. We commend Joni Albers of the Hungry Gardens for making a difference with her entrepreneurial approach to produce. In her case, a blue ribbon helped encourage a green thumb.&nbsp;

Thanks to K-State Research and Extension Twin Creeks District Director Stacy Brown for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602076590355.png" alt="Screen Shot 2020-10-07 at 8.16.15 AM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2020-10-07 at 8.16.15 AM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;A blue ribbon. For millions of 4-H youth through the years, blue ribbons have been awarded in recognition of a high-quality project.&nbsp;&nbsp;For Joni Albers, the founder of the Hungry Gardens in California, her first blue ribbon helped launch a lifelong interest in horticulture. She is now using those skills to produce healthy food for urban neighbors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Originally from Hoxie, Joni’s roots go deep in rural Kansas. Her grandparents were dairy farmers, and her family always had a large garden. “My mother got me started in gardening,” Joni said. “I had my first garden at 6 years old.”&nbsp;She was also a member of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club. In her first year, she took her homegrown green beans to the Sheridan County Fair and won a blue ribbon. “That started it all,” she said. Joni was active in 4-H, taking on projects such as sewing, art, bucket calf, and woodworking, but horticulture was her favorite.&nbsp;Joni went to college in Denver and worked as a designer before taking a technology position in New York City. When her company allowed her to transfer to California, Joni settled in Sun Valley.&nbsp;Unlike in New York City, she now had some land. “I wanted to garden as I had in my youth,” Joni said. She started a small garden, but the garden space quickly grew. Soon she had about 4,000 square feet, and her neighbors were interested in her produce.&nbsp;&nbsp;Locally grown products were hard to come by in the region. “There was one produce stand in the area, but it was only open one day a week, and they didn’t have locally grown produce,” Joni said.&nbsp;She decided to launch her own business as an urban produce farm. She named it the Hungry Gardens. She uses innovative technology to communicate with customers and focuses on heirloom produce.&nbsp;These are not plain, everyday tomatoes, for example. “Healthy food and culinary experiences underpin everything we grow at the Hungry Gardens,” her website says.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I try to find the rarest heirloom vegetables,” Joni said. “We specialize in growing unique vegetables that are not available commercially but have historical and indigenous value.”&nbsp;For example, Joni offers many products which I hadn’t heard of, such as cinnamon basil, blacktail watermelons, red noodle beans, tigger melons, violet sparkle peppers, thai lime, pineapple sage, cucamelons, and many more. She works with various partners, including several chefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I want to provide an experience for people, and give them new things to try,” Joni said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her market is hyperlocal, and she offers pickup and delivery. Hungry Gardens also offers seedlings for such items as heirloom tomatoes, squash, zucchini and flowers.&nbsp;Some cities have used community-supported agriculture, where consumers pay a fee and receive whatever produce happens to be in season. Joni goes a step further by enabling consumers to select their products. “I allow consumers to curate their own boxes,” Joni said. “That means they get what they really want.”&nbsp;&nbsp;She updates the inventory of fresh products each day, and her customers get to choose among the freshest items.&nbsp;Joni uses an iPhone app called Cropswap, to offer Heirloom CropBoxes by subscription. These include a variety of heirloom vegetables not offered on her website. The boxes come with scannable codes that connect to recipes from area chefs, plus ideas for preparation of these unusual products.&nbsp;It’s a remarkable business, inspired by Joni’s early days as a 4-H’er at the rural community of Hoxie, population 1,201 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Her products are only available in California, but you can learn about her company by going to<a href="http://www.hungrygardens.com/">www.hungrygardens.com</a>.&nbsp;A blue ribbon. For 4-H youth, it symbolizes a high level of achievement. For Joni Albers, that first blue ribbon also helped inspire a lifelong interest in horticulture which has now become an innovative business. We commend Joni Albers of the Hungry Gardens for making a difference with her entrepreneurial approach to produce. In her case, a blue ribbon helped encourage a green thumb.&nbsp;Thanks to K-State Research and Extension Twin Creeks District Director Stacy Brown for this story idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Joni Albers, Hungry Gardens 

By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/07/a-kansas-history-professor-sees-troubling-deeply-problematic-danger-signs-for-the-united-states/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A couple of weeks ago on a pleasant Tuesday afternoon, Andrew Denning was walking his dog and talking with me about fascism.

Denning is a <a href="https://history.ku.edu/andrew-denning">history professor at the University of Kansas</a>
 who specializes in 20th century Europe. I’d called him because I 
haven’t read enough books about World War II and was hoping he could 
give me a crash course on what regular people did as fascists took over.
 Did people in Germany go about their daily lives, worried but paralyzed
 by their inability to fully grasp what was happening, and how much 
worse it could get, as Nazis came to power?

It wasn’t just Germany, Denning reminded me. It was Italy’s Mussolini who <a href="https://time.com/5556242/what-is-fascism/">gave us the term “fascism.”</a> And there were fascist movements between the two World Wars in France and Great Britain as well.

“In the United States, <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/americans-hold-nazi-rally-in-madison-square-garden">tens of thousands of American Nazis</a>
 were going to Madison Square Garden,” he said. “Why does fascism 
succeed in consolidating power in Italy or Germany but doesn’t in France
 or Great Britain or the United States in the same time period?”

Like Jay Steinmetz at Fort Hays State University, who I’d spoken with a couple of weeks earlier about <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/23/were-so-close-to-civil-war-everyone-can-smell-the-smoke/">protest movements in the United States</a>,
 Denning said what we’re seeing around the world in recent years follows
 more of a “populist authoritarian” playbook, which can be used by 
dictators on the left (Hugo Chavez in Venezuela) but in recent years has
 been more widespread on the right (he cited Putin in Russia, Orbán in 
Hungary, Bolsonaro in Brazil and Erdogan in Turkey).

Denning said there were reasons for concern in the United States.

“The rise of armed 
paramilitary groups showing up to ‘help police’ and ‘protect property,’ 
blurring line between agents of the state who enforce the law — the 
police, the military, the National Guard — with paramilitary groups. 
That’s where there is, I think, some danger,” he said.

All summer, we’ve seen reports of armed vigilante groups showing up to do <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/30/politics/vigilante-group-activity-kenosha/index.html">exactly what he was describing</a>.

“The ways political 
figures and members of the media have either tolerated or spoken 
approvingly of either threats or acts of violence by paramilitary groups
 in pursuit of, or defense of, political goals is quite troubling as 
well,” he added.

A couple of hours after we spoke, the president made his now infamous comments about the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/trump-tells-far-right-group-to-stand-back-and-stand-by-in-presidential-debate/">Proud Boys</a> and urged his supporters “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/biden-says-hell-support-election-outcome-but-trump-urges-supporters-to-watch-very-carefully/">to go into the polls and watch very carefully</a>.”

Nationwide concern about 
that Proud Boys comment lasted all of two days before it was swamped by 
the president’s COVID-19 diagnosis and Washington sank into whole new 
layers of crisis.

None of that had happened when I spoke to Denning. But each crashing wave of chaos brought echoes of what he’d told me.

“What’s troubling about 
the current situation in the United States is a real sense of internal 
disorder,” he said, “and political factions lined up against one another
 which are certain the other political faction does not have best 
interest of the country at heart and so is incapable or unable to rule. 
That’s something we would want to pay attention to in the American 
context if we want to avoid something like a fascist revolution or a 
rising authoritarian regime.”

As in, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/05/i-just-dont-trust-the-system-any-more-voters-on-edge-as-election-nears/">questioning the legitimacy of elections</a>.

“The view that, ‘If my 
side wins, the election was just and the will of people, but if my side 
loses, something was corrupt and the winner was cheating’ — that doesn’t
 lead to a sense of legitimate governance,” Denning said. “When one side
 totally disavows the right of the other side to rule, that becomes 
deeply problematic because then there’s an inability to separate the 
instruments of the state from political parties.”

Those instruments of the 
state — which we all chip in for, trusting that they’ll keep us safe, 
healthy, educated, fed and transported, among many other functions that 
by their nature are politically neutral — should be separate from 
political parties in a democracy like ours. Sure, presidents appoint 
partisans to lead government agencies, but the whole idea of “peaceful 
transfer of power” means the foundational work that keeps our country 
operating can continue regardless of who is president.

“The state has immense power — to tax, to seize property, to imprison, to commit violence,” Denning noted.

He said the modern state 
holds “a monopoly on legitimate violence,” such as the death penalty. 
“This requires a sense that the state is just,” he said, and not the arm
 of one political party.

Regardless of the 
president’s state of health or mind on this day, we didn’t get here 
because of just one man. And we didn’t get here in just four years.

The particular warning of 
history, Denning had told me, is that “small political questions,” such 
as when different wings of a party disagree about tactics and 
strategies, are what divide and fracture coalitions that can challenge 
authoritarian aspirations.

It’s only the big political questions that matter now.

C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602087913589.jpeg" alt="Andrew S. Denning / KU" />
 <figcaption>Andrew S. Denning / KU</figcaption>
 </figure>By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/07/a-kansas-history-professor-sees-troubling-deeply-problematic-danger-signs-for-the-united-states/">Kansas Reflector</a>A couple of weeks ago on a pleasant Tuesday afternoon, Andrew Denning was walking his dog and talking with me about fascism.Denning is a <a href="https://history.ku.edu/andrew-denning">history professor at the University of Kansas</a>
 who specializes in 20th century Europe. I’d called him because I 
haven’t read enough books about World War II and was hoping he could 
give me a crash course on what regular people did as fascists took over.
 Did people in Germany go about their daily lives, worried but paralyzed
 by their inability to fully grasp what was happening, and how much 
worse it could get, as Nazis came to power?It wasn’t just Germany, Denning reminded me. It was Italy’s Mussolini who <a href="https://time.com/5556242/what-is-fascism/">gave us the term “fascism.”</a> And there were fascist movements between the two World Wars in France and Great Britain as well.“In the United States, <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/americans-hold-nazi-rally-in-madison-square-garden">tens of thousands of American Nazis</a>
 were going to Madison Square Garden,” he said. “Why does fascism 
succeed in consolidating power in Italy or Germany but doesn’t in France
 or Great Britain or the United States in the same time period?”Like Jay Steinmetz at Fort Hays State University, who I’d spoken with a couple of weeks earlier about <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/23/were-so-close-to-civil-war-everyone-can-smell-the-smoke/">protest movements in the United States</a>,
 Denning said what we’re seeing around the world in recent years follows
 more of a “populist authoritarian” playbook, which can be used by 
dictators on the left (Hugo Chavez in Venezuela) but in recent years has
 been more widespread on the right (he cited Putin in Russia, Orbán in 
Hungary, Bolsonaro in Brazil and Erdogan in Turkey).Denning said there were reasons for concern in the United States.“The rise of armed 
paramilitary groups showing up to ‘help police’ and ‘protect property,’ 
blurring line between agents of the state who enforce the law — the 
police, the military, the National Guard — with paramilitary groups. 
That’s where there is, I think, some danger,” he said.All summer, we’ve seen reports of armed vigilante groups showing up to do <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/30/politics/vigilante-group-activity-kenosha/index.html">exactly what he was describing</a>.“The ways political 
figures and members of the media have either tolerated or spoken 
approvingly of either threats or acts of violence by paramilitary groups
 in pursuit of, or defense of, political goals is quite troubling as 
well,” he added.A couple of hours after we spoke, the president made his now infamous comments about the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/trump-tells-far-right-group-to-stand-back-and-stand-by-in-presidential-debate/">Proud Boys</a> and urged his supporters “<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/30/biden-says-hell-support-election-outcome-but-trump-urges-supporters-to-watch-very-carefully/">to go into the polls and watch very carefully</a>.”Nationwide concern about 
that Proud Boys comment lasted all of two days before it was swamped by 
the president’s COVID-19 diagnosis and Washington sank into whole new 
layers of crisis.None of that had happened when I spoke to Denning. But each crashing wave of chaos brought echoes of what he’d told me.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602087979233.png" alt="Denning recommended 2017’s “On Tyranny,” by the Yale history professor Timothy Snyder, as “a primer for action for thinking about authoritarianism.” He also suggested Robert O. Paxton’s 2005 “The Anatomy of Fascism.” (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Denning recommended 2017’s “On Tyranny,” by the Yale history professor Timothy Snyder, as “a primer for action for thinking about authoritarianism.” He also suggested Robert O. Paxton’s 2005 “The Anatomy of Fascism.” (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>“What’s troubling about 
the current situation in the United States is a real sense of internal 
disorder,” he said, “and political factions lined up against one another
 which are certain the other political faction does not have best 
interest of the country at heart and so is incapable or unable to rule. 
That’s something we would want to pay attention to in the American 
context if we want to avoid something like a fascist revolution or a 
rising authoritarian regime.”As in, <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/05/i-just-dont-trust-the-system-any-more-voters-on-edge-as-election-nears/">questioning the legitimacy of elections</a>.“The view that, ‘If my 
side wins, the election was just and the will of people, but if my side 
loses, something was corrupt and the winner was cheating’ — that doesn’t
 lead to a sense of legitimate governance,” Denning said. “When one side
 totally disavows the right of the other side to rule, that becomes 
deeply problematic because then there’s an inability to separate the 
instruments of the state from political parties.”Those instruments of the 
state — which we all chip in for, trusting that they’ll keep us safe, 
healthy, educated, fed and transported, among many other functions that 
by their nature are politically neutral — should be separate from 
political parties in a democracy like ours. Sure, presidents appoint 
partisans to lead government agencies, but the whole idea of “peaceful 
transfer of power” means the foundational work that keeps our country 
operating can continue regardless of who is president.“The state has immense power — to tax, to seize property, to imprison, to commit violence,” Denning noted.He said the modern state 
holds “a monopoly on legitimate violence,” such as the death penalty. 
“This requires a sense that the state is just,” he said, and not the arm
 of one political party.Regardless of the 
president’s state of health or mind on this day, we didn’t get here 
because of just one man. And we didn’t get here in just four years.The particular warning of 
history, Denning had told me, is that “small political questions,” such 
as when different wings of a party disagree about tactics and 
strategies, are what divide and fracture coalitions that can challenge 
authoritarian aspirations.It’s only the big political questions that matter now.C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

OPINION: Kan. professor sees ‘troubling’ danger signs for US

By KAITI DINGES Executive Director of Jana’s Campaign

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence is one of society’s largest social problems and it hides in plain sight. DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and share resources.&nbsp;

Nationally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced gender-based violence by an intimate partner or ex-intimate partner (CDC, 2019).&nbsp;

Domestic violence is a leading contributor of injuries, chronic health issues, high-risk health behaviors, and creates a significant strain on the healthcare system. Growing evidence shows the long-term impact of emotional and mental trauma from violence carries an additional likelihood of disease and illness.&nbsp;

Domestic violence takes on many forms. It can be verbal, emotional, psychological, digital, sexual, and/or physical abuse. It can be extreme jealousy, possessiveness, unwanted touching, coercion, and excessive arguments.&nbsp;

And it is ALL about power and control.&nbsp;

Domestic violence occurs in every community across the country, and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status.&nbsp;

In Kansas alone, domestic violence claimed 37 lives in 2018 (KBI, 2018).&nbsp;

Throughout the month of October, Jana’s Campaign pledges to share 31 facts about domestic violence on our social media accounts.&nbsp;

Our hope is that you increase your understanding of this complex issue and utilize the information to become a part of the collective voice of individuals, families, activists, institutions, and systems who are working to prevent domestic violence.&nbsp;

To access this information, please follow Jana’s Campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.&nbsp;

Violence is a learned behavior, and we can unlearn violence. The only way we can create a society that does not accept violence, is to become educated on the issue and then start a conversation about what we know. While I know these conversations can be uncomfortable, I also know that no social issue has been solved by not talking about it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578075822734.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAITI DINGES Executive Director of Jana’s CampaignOctober is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is one of society’s largest social problems and it hides in plain sight. DVAM is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and share resources.&nbsp;Nationally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced gender-based violence by an intimate partner or ex-intimate partner (CDC, 2019).&nbsp;Domestic violence is a leading contributor of injuries, chronic health issues, high-risk health behaviors, and creates a significant strain on the healthcare system. Growing evidence shows the long-term impact of emotional and mental trauma from violence carries an additional likelihood of disease and illness.&nbsp;Domestic violence takes on many forms. It can be verbal, emotional, psychological, digital, sexual, and/or physical abuse. It can be extreme jealousy, possessiveness, unwanted touching, coercion, and excessive arguments.&nbsp;And it is ALL about power and control.&nbsp;Domestic violence occurs in every community across the country, and can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status.&nbsp;In Kansas alone, domestic violence claimed 37 lives in 2018 (KBI, 2018).&nbsp;Throughout the month of October, Jana’s Campaign pledges to share 31 facts about domestic violence on our social media accounts.&nbsp;A fact per day.&nbsp;Our hope is that you increase your understanding of this complex issue and utilize the information to become a part of the collective voice of individuals, families, activists, institutions, and systems who are working to prevent domestic violence.&nbsp;To access this information, please follow Jana’s Campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.&nbsp;Violence is a learned behavior, and we can unlearn violence. The only way we can create a society that does not accept violence, is to become educated on the issue and then start a conversation about what we know. While I know these conversations can be uncomfortable, I also know that no social issue has been solved by not talking about it.

Opinion