Fall is a good time to control weedy brome species, such as downy brome, Japanese brome and Cheat. This article will discuss some identifying characteristics of downy brome, as well as control measures.

Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) is native to the Mediterranean area and was introduced to New York and Pennsylvania during the late 1800’s. It can be found throughout Kansas in upland settings, often in over-grazed pastures. Downy brome is a winter annual grass that typically emerges in the fall, but can also emerge in early spring (Figure 1). It produces seeds in late spring and is typically the first of the common weedy bromes to flower in spring.&nbsp;

Key identifying features of downy brome and other weedy brome species are shown in Table 1. Seedling leaves have a clockwise twist and are covered with soft hairs. The closed sheath is also covered with soft hairs. The ligule is a fringed membrane. Mature plants can reach up to 2 feet tall with leaves up to 5 inches long. Mature leaves also have long short hairs on both surfaces. Downy brome produces an extensive root system that reaches up to 4 feet deep and is very efficient at withdrawing water from the soil.

The inflorescence or seed head is in an open, droopy, loose branching clusters of seed heads about 7 inches long. Each spikelet contains 4-8 seeds. Spikelets are tipped with an awn approximately 0.75 inches long. The awns facilitate seed dispersal by attaching to animals’ coats and may cause injury to the mouths and eyes of grazing animals.

There is some evidence that once established in a native area, downy brome cannot be dislodged. However, it is possible to control downy brome in winter annual crops such as wheat or canola. Control in wheat is critical, as data suggest that downy brome infestations of approximately 9 plants per square foot can reduce wheat yields 20 to 40%.

Few herbicides labeled for winter wheat will provide excellent control of downy brome and cheat grass. However, fall applications of herbicides such as Olympus, Outrider, or PowerFlex generally provide greater suppression than spring applications. Acceptable control of downy brome and cheat can be achieved by planting Clearfield or CoAxium varieties and applying Beyond or Aggressor herbicides, respectively.

Controlling downy brome in rotational crops is an excellent integrated management strategy. For example, grass weeds are more easily controlled in roundup ready winter canola or with fall or early spring applications of glyphosate before planting a summer crop.

Information provided by Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Specialist.

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430, if after hours please leave a voice-mail for a return call.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607374280839.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fall is a good time to control weedy brome species, such as downy brome, Japanese brome and Cheat. This article will discuss some identifying characteristics of downy brome, as well as control measures.Ecology of downy bromeDowny brome (Bromus tectorum) is native to the Mediterranean area and was introduced to New York and Pennsylvania during the late 1800’s. It can be found throughout Kansas in upland settings, often in over-grazed pastures. Downy brome is a winter annual grass that typically emerges in the fall, but can also emerge in early spring (Figure 1). It produces seeds in late spring and is typically the first of the common weedy bromes to flower in spring.&nbsp;IdentificationKey identifying features of downy brome and other weedy brome species are shown in Table 1. Seedling leaves have a clockwise twist and are covered with soft hairs. The closed sheath is also covered with soft hairs. The ligule is a fringed membrane. Mature plants can reach up to 2 feet tall with leaves up to 5 inches long. Mature leaves also have long short hairs on both surfaces. Downy brome produces an extensive root system that reaches up to 4 feet deep and is very efficient at withdrawing water from the soil.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607373624342.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The inflorescence or seed head is in an open, droopy, loose branching clusters of seed heads about 7 inches long. Each spikelet contains 4-8 seeds. Spikelets are tipped with an awn approximately 0.75 inches long. The awns facilitate seed dispersal by attaching to animals’ coats and may cause injury to the mouths and eyes of grazing animals.ManagementThere is some evidence that once established in a native area, downy brome cannot be dislodged. However, it is possible to control downy brome in winter annual crops such as wheat or canola. Control in wheat is critical, as data suggest that downy brome infestations of approximately 9 plants per square foot can reduce wheat yields 20 to 40%.Few herbicides labeled for winter wheat will provide excellent control of downy brome and cheat grass. However, fall applications of herbicides such as Olympus, Outrider, or PowerFlex generally provide greater suppression than spring applications. Acceptable control of downy brome and cheat can be achieved by planting Clearfield or CoAxium varieties and applying Beyond or Aggressor herbicides, respectively.Controlling downy brome in rotational crops is an excellent integrated management strategy. For example, grass weeds are more easily controlled in roundup ready winter canola or with fall or early spring applications of glyphosate before planting a summer crop.Information provided by Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Specialist.Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430, if after hours please leave a voice-mail for a return call.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Battling downy brome

Is an air fryer the best thing for your family? There is not an easy answer to that question. Each year there seems to be a new kitchen appliance on the market and a decision has to be made about the value of that gadget for you or for the family. The participants in the five “Healthier Options with an Air Fryer” presentations over the last month shared their experiences but still had many questions.

Before purchasing an air fryer, it would be helpful to understand how the appliance works and the features that are available with the different brands and models. Air fryers cook food by circulating extremely hot air around the food. In some models the unit contains a basket to hold food, an electric heating element and a fan to circulate the hot air. There are other models that resemble a toaster oven or a small tabletop oven but there is still a fan to circulate hot air.&nbsp;

During our class, the first topic of discussion was to list the advantages and the disadvantages of this small appliance. The first item on the benefit list is they can provide a healthier alternative to conventional frying because they use little or no oil during the cooking process. They also are easy to clean and most are easy to operate. Using this small appliance will eliminate having to heat up the big oven especially in the summer. In most cases, the food does cook faster.&nbsp;

However, those who owned or had used the air fryer also voiced concerns. For those with small kitchens and not much countertop space, it is necessary to move the small appliance to the pantry or to another space to store it when not in use. For those with large families, it might be necessary to prepare two or more batches of the food if the appliance is not large enough. The biggest complaint from our audience was that the booklet that comes with the appliance lacked complete instructions for how to use it and there were very few recipes included.&nbsp;

&nbsp;One lesson learned was that if you have a convection oven or a toaster oven with the convection feature then you already have an “air fryer”. With a convection oven it is usually thought that the food is “baked”, but really it operates the same as the air fryer appliance. Another reminder is that with any new item in the kitchen, it will take time to learn the tricks but with practice it will become easier. &nbsp;

If you were unable to attend the Healthy Cooking with an Air Fryer presentations but would like the information and recipes from the class, please contact me at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a> or call the Extension Office at 785-628-9430 and we would be glad to share the information with you.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Is an air fryer the best thing for your family? There is not an easy answer to that question. Each year there seems to be a new kitchen appliance on the market and a decision has to be made about the value of that gadget for you or for the family. The participants in the five “Healthier Options with an Air Fryer” presentations over the last month shared their experiences but still had many questions.Before purchasing an air fryer, it would be helpful to understand how the appliance works and the features that are available with the different brands and models. Air fryers cook food by circulating extremely hot air around the food. In some models the unit contains a basket to hold food, an electric heating element and a fan to circulate the hot air. There are other models that resemble a toaster oven or a small tabletop oven but there is still a fan to circulate hot air.&nbsp;During our class, the first topic of discussion was to list the advantages and the disadvantages of this small appliance. The first item on the benefit list is they can provide a healthier alternative to conventional frying because they use little or no oil during the cooking process. They also are easy to clean and most are easy to operate. Using this small appliance will eliminate having to heat up the big oven especially in the summer. In most cases, the food does cook faster.&nbsp;However, those who owned or had used the air fryer also voiced concerns. For those with small kitchens and not much countertop space, it is necessary to move the small appliance to the pantry or to another space to store it when not in use. For those with large families, it might be necessary to prepare two or more batches of the food if the appliance is not large enough. The biggest complaint from our audience was that the booklet that comes with the appliance lacked complete instructions for how to use it and there were very few recipes included.&nbsp;&nbsp;One lesson learned was that if you have a convection oven or a toaster oven with the convection feature then you already have an “air fryer”. With a convection oven it is usually thought that the food is “baked”, but really it operates the same as the air fryer appliance. Another reminder is that with any new item in the kitchen, it will take time to learn the tricks but with practice it will become easier. &nbsp;If you were unable to attend the Healthy Cooking with an Air Fryer presentations but would like the information and recipes from the class, please contact me at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a> or call the Extension Office at 785-628-9430 and we would be glad to share the information with you.&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Tell me more about air fryers

If selecting a cut Christmas tree, watch for these signs that the tree is too far gone.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

• Needles are a dull, grayish-green color • Needles fail to ooze pitch when broken apart and squeezed • Needles feel stiff and brittle • Needles pull easily off tree

Once you have your tree home, recut the trunk about one inch above the original cut. This will open up clogged, water-conducting tissues. Immediately place the trunk in warm water. Locate the tree in as cool a spot as possible. Avoid areas near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and heat ducts as the heat will result in excess water loss. Make sure the reservoir stays filled. If the reservoir loses enough water that the bottom of the trunk is exposed, the trunk will need to be recut.

Adding aspirins, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water reservoir have not been shown to prolong the life of a tree.​If you choose a living Christmas tree, be sure to dig the planting hole before the ground freezes. &nbsp;Mulch the hole and backfill soil to keep them from freezing. Live trees should not be kept inside for more than three days. Longer periods may cause them to lose dormancy resulting in severe injury when planted outside. 

You may wish to tag the tree at the nursery and then pick it up a couple days before Christmas. After Christmas, move the tree to an unheated garage for several days to acclimatize it to outside temperatures. After planting, water well and leave some mulch in place to prevent the soil water from freezing and becoming unavailable for plant uptake. Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>If selecting a cut Christmas tree, watch for these signs that the tree is too far gone.&nbsp; &nbsp; • Needles are a dull, grayish-green color • Needles fail to ooze pitch when broken apart and squeezed • Needles feel stiff and brittle • Needles pull easily off treeOnce you have your tree home, recut the trunk about one inch above the original cut. This will open up clogged, water-conducting tissues. Immediately place the trunk in warm water. Locate the tree in as cool a spot as possible. Avoid areas near fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and heat ducts as the heat will result in excess water loss. Make sure the reservoir stays filled. If the reservoir loses enough water that the bottom of the trunk is exposed, the trunk will need to be recut. Adding aspirins, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water reservoir have not been shown to prolong the life of a tree.​If you choose a living Christmas tree, be sure to dig the planting hole before the ground freezes. &nbsp;Mulch the hole and backfill soil to keep them from freezing. Live trees should not be kept inside for more than three days. Longer periods may cause them to lose dormancy resulting in severe injury when planted outside. You may wish to tag the tree at the nursery and then pick it up a couple days before Christmas. After Christmas, move the tree to an unheated garage for several days to acclimatize it to outside temperatures. After planting, water well and leave some mulch in place to prevent the soil water from freezing and becoming unavailable for plant uptake. 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: When a Christmas tree is too far gone

“Whatever happened to the moderate Republicans of Kansas?” That’s a question I was asked this past week, and it’s not a new one. Similar questions have been asked all across America, as we have seen supporters of both parties — but especially on the Republican side over the course of Donald Trump’s presidency — become unified and defiant in a way they haven’t been in many decades. Here in Kansas, that shift away from moderation poses special complications.

Most students of politics in Kansas have long seen the parties as fairly crude instruments — organizations that roughly reflected the preferences of diverse voters, but which could also be carefully managed. The primary managers, in strongly Republican Kansas, were those moderate voters who faithfully supported the GOP, but also often rewarded those who dissented from any strict ideological line, thus keeping Kansas’s majority party somewhat flexible.

Ed Flentje, a long-time Wichita State University professor who wrote columns like this one for years, regularly presented this as the great virtue of Kansas politics: that the state’s Republican majority was divided enough that many of its representatives could move either left or right as the times warranted, thus allowing the party to adapt, innovate, and pursue good government policies, even progressive ones on occasion, without threatening its political stability.

In the introduction to a recent collection of his newspaper writings, Flentje remains confident that the patterns he often defended still hold. Though the “Brownback Revolution” took the Kansas Republican party, and thus the state, in an immoderately right-ward direction for a time, he sees that as a historical aberration, and believes the moderate Republican faction--who were essential to Governor Laura Kelly’s election in 2018--will continue to provide balance.

He may be right. But given that the 2020 election delivered a Republican majority to the Kansas House pretty much the same as the one which existed when Sam Brownback was first elected governor a decade ago, and that similarly defiant, un-moderate, Trump-centric campaigns led to Republican wins in Congress and state legislatures across the nation, perhaps it is the election of Kelly that will someday be seen as an aberration from the new, 21st-century style of party politics.

What is that style? It is, most of all, a nationalized one. Regional variations that once characterized American politics are dying out. Flentje and others long presumed that state parties were capable of local adaptation, but that is becoming difficult. Instead, in a centralizing world of instantaneous communication, party leaders and funders are quick to rally around ideological slights and crusades, whether real or perceived--and apparently many voters, fearful of being represented by their ideological opponents (or so their news feeds depict them), follow along.

Of course, 2020 was just one election. Who knows how the Republican party will evolve once Trump, whose constant Twitter declarations overwhelmed potential intra-party factions, is out of the White House? Still, we may need to start assuming that nationalized, polarized, and deeply divided parties are all we have for turning voter preferences into successful public policies.

That isn’t necessarily impossible; parliamentary democracies, with their “loyal opposition” and “shadow governments,” do it all the time. But in Republican-heavy Kansas, where deal-making moderates were so central to the whole idea of good government, nothing may be more important than figuring out how to legislate when moderate voters no longer elect to send a sufficient number of dissenters and adapters to Topeka to enable it to work as it once did.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Whatever happened to the moderate Republicans of Kansas?” That’s a question I was asked this past week, and it’s not a new one. Similar questions have been asked all across America, as we have seen supporters of both parties — but especially on the Republican side over the course of Donald Trump’s presidency — become unified and defiant in a way they haven’t been in many decades. Here in Kansas, that shift away from moderation poses special complications.Most students of politics in Kansas have long seen the parties as fairly crude instruments — organizations that roughly reflected the preferences of diverse voters, but which could also be carefully managed. The primary managers, in strongly Republican Kansas, were those moderate voters who faithfully supported the GOP, but also often rewarded those who dissented from any strict ideological line, thus keeping Kansas’s majority party somewhat flexible.Ed Flentje, a long-time Wichita State University professor who wrote columns like this one for years, regularly presented this as the great virtue of Kansas politics: that the state’s Republican majority was divided enough that many of its representatives could move either left or right as the times warranted, thus allowing the party to adapt, innovate, and pursue good government policies, even progressive ones on occasion, without threatening its political stability.In the introduction to a recent collection of his newspaper writings, Flentje remains confident that the patterns he often defended still hold. Though the “Brownback Revolution” took the Kansas Republican party, and thus the state, in an immoderately right-ward direction for a time, he sees that as a historical aberration, and believes the moderate Republican faction--who were essential to Governor Laura Kelly’s election in 2018--will continue to provide balance.He may be right. But given that the 2020 election delivered a Republican majority to the Kansas House pretty much the same as the one which existed when Sam Brownback was first elected governor a decade ago, and that similarly defiant, un-moderate, Trump-centric campaigns led to Republican wins in Congress and state legislatures across the nation, perhaps it is the election of Kelly that will someday be seen as an aberration from the new, 21st-century style of party politics.What is that style? It is, most of all, a nationalized one. Regional variations that once characterized American politics are dying out. Flentje and others long presumed that state parties were capable of local adaptation, but that is becoming difficult. Instead, in a centralizing world of instantaneous communication, party leaders and funders are quick to rally around ideological slights and crusades, whether real or perceived--and apparently many voters, fearful of being represented by their ideological opponents (or so their news feeds depict them), follow along.Of course, 2020 was just one election. Who knows how the Republican party will evolve once Trump, whose constant Twitter declarations overwhelmed potential intra-party factions, is out of the White House? Still, we may need to start assuming that nationalized, polarized, and deeply divided parties are all we have for turning voter preferences into successful public policies.That isn’t necessarily impossible; parliamentary democracies, with their “loyal opposition” and “shadow governments,” do it all the time. But in Republican-heavy Kansas, where deal-making moderates were so central to the whole idea of good government, nothing may be more important than figuring out how to legislate when moderate voters no longer elect to send a sufficient number of dissenters and adapters to Topeka to enable it to work as it once did.Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Can state function without Moderate Republicans?

It doesn’t seem possible that it has been three years since our Cottonwood Extension District formed, joining the K-State Research &amp; Extension operations for Barton and Ellis Counties. As our team of seven agents and two support staff work hard to bring research based, non-biased information to lifelong learners in our area, I am excited report some of the successes of 2020.

I hope you have had an opportunity to utilize our services in the past year. 2020 provided many challenges for families, but some neat learning opportunities were created by those challenges. As virtual meetings and educational programs became the norm, participants, young and old, adapted to the world of technology.&nbsp;

Perhaps your family is involved in 4-H or an after-school program. If so, we have two experienced agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlichting, leading the youth development program in the Cottonwood District. If you visit the Kansas 4-H web site you will find links to the Clover classroom with project challenges in photography, pollinators and communication, with more to come in 2021. &nbsp;

Our District Agriculture and Natural Resource agents. Alicia Boor and Stacy Campbell, have specialized to focus on livestock programming and crops respectively. Both Alicia and Stacy have produced teaching videos related to hot topics that are posted on our Cottonwood District Face book page.

Master gardeners in Ellis and Barton Counties receive guidance from our District Horticulture Agent, Lauren Fick. Lauren has worked hard to provide a fresh new look on our web sites’ horticulture page. She also prides herself in answering yard, garden and tree questions in a timely manner.&nbsp;

And finally, Berny Unruh and I are committed to bringing Extension educational programming related to nutrition, health and wellness, food safety, family resource management, aging issues, and family life in general. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop that focuses on strength, balance and flexibility, reached 70 individuals district wide in 2020. More workshops are scheduled for 2021.

I would be remiss not to mention our two experienced office professionals. Brenda Walton, in the Great Bend office, takes the lead with the finances for the district while Theresa Meis, in the Hays office, focuses on communicating our efforts through newsletters and our web site. Both Brenda and Theresa handle a multitude of other duties that keep our offices running smoothly.&nbsp;

It is great news that K-State Research and Extension has answers to many of life’s questions, typically at no or low cost. Unlike what you might find through a Google search, the answers we provide are research based and non-biased. I hope you will take a look at our Cottonwood web site and like our Cottonwood Facebook page. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming programs.&nbsp;

While our Cottonwood Executive Board remains the same for next year, it is not too early to consider stepping up and running for a position during 2021. There will be two positions on the ballot in both Barton and Ellis Counties next year. If you have questions about what serving on our board would entail, feel free to give me a call.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593016082485.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>It doesn’t seem possible that it has been three years since our Cottonwood Extension District formed, joining the K-State Research &amp; Extension operations for Barton and Ellis Counties. As our team of seven agents and two support staff work hard to bring research based, non-biased information to lifelong learners in our area, I am excited report some of the successes of 2020.I hope you have had an opportunity to utilize our services in the past year. 2020 provided many challenges for families, but some neat learning opportunities were created by those challenges. As virtual meetings and educational programs became the norm, participants, young and old, adapted to the world of technology.&nbsp;Perhaps your family is involved in 4-H or an after-school program. If so, we have two experienced agents, Michelle Beran and Susan Schlichting, leading the youth development program in the Cottonwood District. If you visit the Kansas 4-H web site you will find links to the Clover classroom with project challenges in photography, pollinators and communication, with more to come in 2021. &nbsp;Our District Agriculture and Natural Resource agents. Alicia Boor and Stacy Campbell, have specialized to focus on livestock programming and crops respectively. Both Alicia and Stacy have produced teaching videos related to hot topics that are posted on our Cottonwood District Face book page.Master gardeners in Ellis and Barton Counties receive guidance from our District Horticulture Agent, Lauren Fick. Lauren has worked hard to provide a fresh new look on our web sites’ horticulture page. She also prides herself in answering yard, garden and tree questions in a timely manner.&nbsp;And finally, Berny Unruh and I are committed to bringing Extension educational programming related to nutrition, health and wellness, food safety, family resource management, aging issues, and family life in general. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop that focuses on strength, balance and flexibility, reached 70 individuals district wide in 2020. More workshops are scheduled for 2021.I would be remiss not to mention our two experienced office professionals. Brenda Walton, in the Great Bend office, takes the lead with the finances for the district while Theresa Meis, in the Hays office, focuses on communicating our efforts through newsletters and our web site. Both Brenda and Theresa handle a multitude of other duties that keep our offices running smoothly.&nbsp;It is great news that K-State Research and Extension has answers to many of life’s questions, typically at no or low cost. Unlike what you might find through a Google search, the answers we provide are research based and non-biased. I hope you will take a look at our Cottonwood web site and like our Cottonwood Facebook page. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming programs.&nbsp;While our Cottonwood Executive Board remains the same for next year, it is not too early to consider stepping up and running for a position during 2021. There will be two positions on the ballot in both Barton and Ellis Counties next year. If you have questions about what serving on our board would entail, feel free to give me a call.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Cottonwood Extension District making an impact

By TREY DANIEL Georgia Rights, Responsibility, Respect Project

The practice of Religious Freedom, like most other spheres of human 
activity, has been radically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Recently more than <a href="https://abc11.com/united-house-of-prayer-for-all-people-charlotte-covid-19-church/8128891/" target="_blank">200 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths were linked to a church</a>
 in Charlotte, N.C., which held large gatherings over a week in early 
October reportedly without enforcing proper coronavirus safety 
precautions.

This is not the first time such an outbreak has been identified. 
Other significant COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced to religious 
services, including <a href="https://people.com/health/49-cases-of-coronavirus-so-far-linked-to-small-church-event-in-maine/" target="_blank">one at a Maine church</a> and <a href="https://people.com/health/40-members-alabama-church-get-coronavirus-after-revival/" target="_blank">another in Alabama</a>.
 This is the first time, however, that linkage was disclosed after a 
Supreme Court decision last week that turned back new COVID-19 
restrictions on places of worship in New York state.

In last week’s decision, just moments before midnight on Thanksgiving Eve, the Supreme Court — including newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett
 — considered a challenge by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to 
pandemic restrictions on religious gatherings. The 5-4 decision blocked 
orders imposed by New York state that sharply limited the number of 
attendees at religious services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unsigned opinion asserted that the orders violated the Free 
Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because they “single out houses 
of worship for especially harsh treatment.” Hardware stores, 
acupuncturists and liquor stores were among establishments immune from 
similar restrictions.

As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the country, many 
of us are being asked to follow stricter guidelines, including travel 
restrictions, banning of contact sports and wearing a mask.

Should these same guidelines be placed on religious organizations? Will the decision in the <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. v. Cuomo</a> change the course on religion cases, now that conservative Barrett has replaced the late liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Does the decision give free rein to religious organizations to ignore government regulations of all kinds?

Tracking the issue in a series of orders and legal rulings in Kentucky gives us much to examine. On Nov. 18, Gov. Andy Beshear
 issued a temporary school-related restraining order and unveiled new 
restrictions that, if approved, could apply until mid-December for 
restaurants, bars, gyms, offices, indoor gatherings, weddings and 
funerals.

An executive order was then signed by Beshear requiring all schools 
to halt in-person classes starting Nov. 23, allowing elementary schools 
to reopen after Dec. 7 if their county is not in the state’s “red zone,”
 with middle and high schools unable to reopen until after Jan. 4.

Two days later, Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s 
office joined a lawsuit filed by Danville Christian Academy, which took 
issue with the orders applying to private, religious schools in 
Kentucky. The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order.

<a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2020/11/26/judge-rules-kentuckys-religious-schools-can-have-in-person-classes/" target="_blank">U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove</a>
 ruled that religious and private schools were exempt because the order 
“infringes on their constitutional rights.” However, the U.S Court of 
Appeals for the Sixth Circuit <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2020/11/29/kentucky-coronavirus-appeals-court-ruling-religious-schools/6436082002/" target="_blank">struck down that temporary restraining order</a>,
 saying the Beshear order is broadly applicable and does not 
discriminate against a certain group. They also say they are “not in a 
position to second-guess the governor’s determination regarding the 
health and safety of the commonwealth at this point in time.”

Cameron, tweeting after the Court of Appeals’ decision, called it 
“frightening that the governor believes he can suspend religious 
liberty.”

Cameron continued, “We’re disappointed with the Sixth Circuit’s 
ruling allowing the governor to close religious schools, but we’re 
already hard at work to take this matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 
governor is not above the law and we urge him to drop this ill-conceived
 appeal and to halt his attacks on religious freedom.”

One thing seems to be certain, whether it is New York, Kentucky or 
North Carolina — the U.S. Supreme Court will be busy sorting out all of 
these matters as COVID-19 cases continue to rise during the holiday 
season.

When the Supreme Court faced similar pandemic cases before Ginsburg 
died, the court ruled in favor of restrictions. Given Barrett’s 
background and testimony at her confirmation hearings, it’s clear she 
will be a protector of religious causes — perhaps tilting the scales 
long-term in such cases. But at what cost?

Trey Daniel is the education manager of the Georgia Rights, 
Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the 
Religious Freedom Center. His email address is: <a href="mailto:tdaniel@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">tdaniel@freedomforum.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596246031094.jpeg" alt="Freedom Forum Georgia 3Rs.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Freedom Forum Georgia 3Rs.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By TREY DANIEL Georgia Rights, Responsibility, Respect Project The practice of Religious Freedom, like most other spheres of human 
activity, has been radically affected by the coronavirus pandemic.Recently more than <a href="https://abc11.com/united-house-of-prayer-for-all-people-charlotte-covid-19-church/8128891/" target="_blank">200 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths were linked to a church</a>
 in Charlotte, N.C., which held large gatherings over a week in early 
October reportedly without enforcing proper coronavirus safety 
precautions.This is not the first time such an outbreak has been identified. 
Other significant COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced to religious 
services, including <a href="https://people.com/health/49-cases-of-coronavirus-so-far-linked-to-small-church-event-in-maine/" target="_blank">one at a Maine church</a> and <a href="https://people.com/health/40-members-alabama-church-get-coronavirus-after-revival/" target="_blank">another in Alabama</a>.
 This is the first time, however, that linkage was disclosed after a 
Supreme Court decision last week that turned back new COVID-19 
restrictions on places of worship in New York state.In last week’s decision, just moments before midnight on Thanksgiving Eve, the Supreme Court — including newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett
 — considered a challenge by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn to 
pandemic restrictions on religious gatherings. The 5-4 decision blocked 
orders imposed by New York state that sharply limited the number of 
attendees at religious services because of the COVID-19 pandemic.The unsigned opinion asserted that the orders violated the Free 
Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because they “single out houses 
of worship for especially harsh treatment.” Hardware stores, 
acupuncturists and liquor stores were among establishments immune from 
similar restrictions.As coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the country, many 
of us are being asked to follow stricter guidelines, including travel 
restrictions, banning of contact sports and wearing a mask.Should these same guidelines be placed on religious organizations? Will the decision in the <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf" target="_blank">Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. v. Cuomo</a> change the course on religion cases, now that conservative Barrett has replaced the late liberal Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Does the decision give free rein to religious organizations to ignore government regulations of all kinds?Tracking the issue in a series of orders and legal rulings in Kentucky gives us much to examine. On Nov. 18, Gov. Andy Beshear
 issued a temporary school-related restraining order and unveiled new 
restrictions that, if approved, could apply until mid-December for 
restaurants, bars, gyms, offices, indoor gatherings, weddings and 
funerals.An executive order was then signed by Beshear requiring all schools 
to halt in-person classes starting Nov. 23, allowing elementary schools 
to reopen after Dec. 7 if their county is not in the state’s “red zone,”
 with middle and high schools unable to reopen until after Jan. 4.Two days later, Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s 
office joined a lawsuit filed by Danville Christian Academy, which took 
issue with the orders applying to private, religious schools in 
Kentucky. The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order.<a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2020/11/26/judge-rules-kentuckys-religious-schools-can-have-in-person-classes/" target="_blank">U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove</a>
 ruled that religious and private schools were exempt because the order 
“infringes on their constitutional rights.” However, the U.S Court of 
Appeals for the Sixth Circuit <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2020/11/29/kentucky-coronavirus-appeals-court-ruling-religious-schools/6436082002/" target="_blank">struck down that temporary restraining order</a>,
 saying the Beshear order is broadly applicable and does not 
discriminate against a certain group. They also say they are “not in a 
position to second-guess the governor’s determination regarding the 
health and safety of the commonwealth at this point in time.”Cameron, tweeting after the Court of Appeals’ decision, called it 
“frightening that the governor believes he can suspend religious 
liberty.”Cameron continued, “We’re disappointed with the Sixth Circuit’s 
ruling allowing the governor to close religious schools, but we’re 
already hard at work to take this matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 
governor is not above the law and we urge him to drop this ill-conceived
 appeal and to halt his attacks on religious freedom.”One thing seems to be certain, whether it is New York, Kentucky or 
North Carolina — the U.S. Supreme Court will be busy sorting out all of 
these matters as COVID-19 cases continue to rise during the holiday 
season.When the Supreme Court faced similar pandemic cases before Ginsburg 
died, the court ruled in favor of restrictions. Given Barrett’s 
background and testimony at her confirmation hearings, it’s clear she 
will be a protector of religious causes — perhaps tilting the scales 
long-term in such cases. But at what cost?Trey Daniel is the education manager of the Georgia Rights, 
Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the 
Religious Freedom Center. His email address is: <a href="mailto:tdaniel@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">tdaniel@freedomforum.org.</a>

FIRST FIVE: Religious freedom in the age of a global pandemic

In my letter to the editor I will make my case that at this point in time the Democrat Party is the worst political party ever in American history.&nbsp; The corruption is massive and unprecedented.&nbsp; To begin with let's look at our current national election where our president and even some congressional candidates are yet to be determined.&nbsp; The election was supposed to be determined over a week ago.&nbsp; Seventy some million Trump voters believe the election is being stolen by Democrats, and their minions.&nbsp; The means to steal this year's election were put into motion years ago.&nbsp; Four very important things took place.&nbsp; 1) Democrats have always pushed for open borders with the hope illegals would vote and help steal elections.&nbsp; 2) Dems have pushed and pushed to eliminate photo IDs or any kind of verification when voting. 3) Dems have filed hundreds of lawsuits over the years forcing states to change election voting laws that makes it easier to commit voter fraud. And, 4) the millions of mail in ballots sent out months ago to every warm body in America (even cold ones) was a scheme to encourage voter fraud and steal the the election through cheating and chaos.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dems, with the help of 95% of America's media, claim there is no evidence of voter fraud.&nbsp; The voter fraud is all over the place and will come out after Republican lawsuits that are all within the law and our constitution.&nbsp; Mark my words, the fraud is massive. especially as it relates to election software.&nbsp; A prominent no nonsense female lawyer by the name of Sydney Powell said it's like bursting out of a fire hose and she can prove the fraud.&nbsp; To further prove my point about corruption, let's look at the three years and 35 million taxpayer monies spent by Dems to destroy a Trump presidency. Top dogs like Barack Hussein Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary and multiple FBI personnel&nbsp; could end up paying a big price, even possible prison time.&nbsp; The claim Trump colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election was a complete falsehood in that there was never ever any evidence. The attempted coup was corruption at its worst. In fact, it was treason and there's overwhelming evidence to prove the attempted coup by the people just mentioned. Never before in our history has an outgoing president tried to overthrow an incoming president's right to the White House. That's what many banana republics and third world countries do quite often.&nbsp; It boggles the mind that corrupt Joe Biden could even be the Democrat's presidential candidate. What is all of this going to look like as history is written and recorded? As if the false Trump/Russia collusion story wasn't enough to stop the corruption. the House of Representatives controlled by Democrats conjured up a false reason to impeach Trump. After weeks of ludicrous left wing testimony, it all ended up to be a hoax, and another black eye for the party.&nbsp; Democrats Pelosi, Nadler and Schiff told one lie after another during the process.&nbsp; Part of the reason for the impeachment was to protect Vice President Biden, who under Obama, was put in charge of our relations with Ukraine.&nbsp; Biden was caught on TV for God and all of us to see and hear him say that "SOB" Ukraine official investigating my son Hunter's energy company gets fired or the country does not get a billion in foreign aid of U.S. taxpayer monies. Instead Dems tried to implicate Trump over some words he had with Ukraine's new president, none of which amounted to anything regarding impeachment. Hunter Biden was raking in millions for being on the Ukraine Burisma board of directors with absolutely no experience.&nbsp; The energy company, of course, was expecting something from VP Biden in return by putting his son on the board.&nbsp; Just one reason Biden Sr. is known as "quid pro Joe."&nbsp; Yup, massive corruption of "you line my pockets and I will line yours with U.S. taxpayer dollars." "Quid pro Joe" denies he knows anything about the his son and brother's businesses overseas.&nbsp; That's an outright lie. There's overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The point about Biden I am trying to make is that the Democrat Party may have chosen a candidate for president as the most corrupt politician in American history.&nbsp; That furthers my argument that we act like a third world country with the worst political party ever.&nbsp; Based on what I presented thus far in the way of facts (not opinion) does any open minded sane person think it is beyond reason for Democrats not to try stealing elections if they could?&nbsp; It all begs the question "how in the world does a political party and individuals within it get away with virtually anything and everything?"&nbsp; How in the world and in the Good Lord's name can this be happening in a country known for being the most democratic and Christian on planet earth?&nbsp; We may have to strike the word Christian. Now we know, with massive corruption in the last four years and previous eight, why our president Barack Hussein said "we are no longer a Christian nation." Speaking of religion, I would suggest many give considerable thought about what to say to powers above when it's time to leave planet earth.&nbsp; And, as a Christian myself, I'm as serious as one can be about this issue.&nbsp; These "united states" of America have been corrupted to the core. That is evident as one looks at the treatment Democrats get versus Republicans.&nbsp; I'm appalled at the unequal justice.&nbsp; Nobody's paying a price for the massive corruption unless you consider the criminal behavior our president has had to put up with for four years.&nbsp; It's a miracle Donald J. Trump still stands! Not only does Trump daily have to withstand the onslaught of a political party and their media, there are many other forces out to destroy him like Democrat billionaire donors, Big Tech, big banks, academia, and what is called the "deep state" and "establishment."&nbsp; Ninety five percent of media is in the tank for Joe Biden as president and spends 100% of its time attacking Trump.&nbsp; If Biden wins the presidency he can thank our corrupt media which succeeded in getting over half of Biden voters to literally hate Donald J. Trump, and even his family.&nbsp; &nbsp;If 73 some million who voted for Trump just love the man, why such pathological hate from Democrats?&nbsp; When millions upon millions choose our president on the basis of Biden being likeable and Trump not, we have become a third world country.&nbsp; America's media decides who our president will be and not you and I as voters. Our founders are turning over in their graves! In the tank for Biden polls were so far off, all pollsters should forever be a thing of the past.&nbsp;&nbsp; Media is the enemy of the people. It hid Biden in a basement never ever going to him to explain his corruption.&nbsp; There were a dozen questions every voter needed to know about Biden's radical agendas and platform should he become president, but in the tank Biden journalists acted as if they didn't even care.&nbsp; Nor did media ever report on the incredible Trump accomplishments that in four years exceeded Biden's 47 years as a politician living on the taxpayer's dime. Media isn't even a friend to its own Democrat base. Who among us wants to be indoctrinated and brainwashed? Who among us wants to be fed negative and false information from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed?&nbsp; Who among us wants to be kept in the dark about what is really going on in the realm of American politics and government? Who among us wants a new president that might face impeachment the minute he takes office? Let's face it readers, common sense alone leads most of us Americans to believe Biden could not possibly become our president without voter fraud.&nbsp; He didn't even campaign much for the job. He hid out in his basement to avoid his notorious gaffes and many signs of old age cognitive impairment.&nbsp; He is a corrupt politician and except for media his chances to win should be logically and mathematically impossible.&nbsp;&nbsp; Who in their right mind wants Biden's radical agendas like socialism, open borders, higher taxes, elimination&nbsp; of gas and oil, defunding the police, or putting in place a scheme that would prevent a Republican from ever occupying&nbsp; the White House again or Republicans controlling congress?&nbsp; And, let's not forget unrestricted barbaric abortions like partial birth abortions, even killing a baby that survives an abortion. I don't think most Americans want our most sacred document known as the Constitution completely changed or eliminated altogether.&nbsp; Communist China and good old Russia would love for all of that to happen.&nbsp; There is every indication that should Biden win he would shortly thereafter turn over the most powerful political office in the world to his running mate Kamala Harris. She has been dubbed the most far left liberal voting senator in congress. It's all a scheme to get a minority and female, not directly chosen by voters, into the White House nefariously. On the other hand, we have a president Trump setting historical records all over the place and having many rallies clearly showing millions of Americans just love the man. Common sense alone speaks volumes when we look at the big picture! Some reputable people are claiming Trump not only won the election, but won in a landslide.&nbsp; Only time will tell whether we are truly a democratic republic, or a third world country.&nbsp;

Les Knoll lives in Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LES KNOLLIn my letter to the editor I will make my case that at this point in time the Democrat Party is the worst political party ever in American history.&nbsp; The corruption is massive and unprecedented.&nbsp; To begin with let's look at our current national election where our president and even some congressional candidates are yet to be determined.&nbsp; The election was supposed to be determined over a week ago.&nbsp; Seventy some million Trump voters believe the election is being stolen by Democrats, and their minions.&nbsp; The means to steal this year's election were put into motion years ago.&nbsp; Four very important things took place.&nbsp; 1) Democrats have always pushed for open borders with the hope illegals would vote and help steal elections.&nbsp; 2) Dems have pushed and pushed to eliminate photo IDs or any kind of verification when voting. 3) Dems have filed hundreds of lawsuits over the years forcing states to change election voting laws that makes it easier to commit voter fraud. And, 4) the millions of mail in ballots sent out months ago to every warm body in America (even cold ones) was a scheme to encourage voter fraud and steal the the election through cheating and chaos.&nbsp;&nbsp; Dems, with the help of 95% of America's media, claim there is no evidence of voter fraud.&nbsp; The voter fraud is all over the place and will come out after Republican lawsuits that are all within the law and our constitution.&nbsp; Mark my words, the fraud is massive. especially as it relates to election software.&nbsp; A prominent no nonsense female lawyer by the name of Sydney Powell said it's like bursting out of a fire hose and she can prove the fraud.&nbsp; To further prove my point about corruption, let's look at the three years and 35 million taxpayer monies spent by Dems to destroy a Trump presidency. Top dogs like Barack Hussein Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary and multiple FBI personnel&nbsp; could end up paying a big price, even possible prison time.&nbsp; The claim Trump colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election was a complete falsehood in that there was never ever any evidence. The attempted coup was corruption at its worst. In fact, it was treason and there's overwhelming evidence to prove the attempted coup by the people just mentioned. Never before in our history has an outgoing president tried to overthrow an incoming president's right to the White House. That's what many banana republics and third world countries do quite often.&nbsp; It boggles the mind that corrupt Joe Biden could even be the Democrat's presidential candidate. What is all of this going to look like as history is written and recorded? As if the false Trump/Russia collusion story wasn't enough to stop the corruption. the House of Representatives controlled by Democrats conjured up a false reason to impeach Trump. After weeks of ludicrous left wing testimony, it all ended up to be a hoax, and another black eye for the party.&nbsp; Democrats Pelosi, Nadler and Schiff told one lie after another during the process.&nbsp; Part of the reason for the impeachment was to protect Vice President Biden, who under Obama, was put in charge of our relations with Ukraine.&nbsp; Biden was caught on TV for God and all of us to see and hear him say that "SOB" Ukraine official investigating my son Hunter's energy company gets fired or the country does not get a billion in foreign aid of U.S. taxpayer monies. Instead Dems tried to implicate Trump over some words he had with Ukraine's new president, none of which amounted to anything regarding impeachment. Hunter Biden was raking in millions for being on the Ukraine Burisma board of directors with absolutely no experience.&nbsp; The energy company, of course, was expecting something from VP Biden in return by putting his son on the board.&nbsp; Just one reason Biden Sr. is known as "quid pro Joe."&nbsp; Yup, massive corruption of "you line my pockets and I will line yours with U.S. taxpayer dollars." "Quid pro Joe" denies he knows anything about the his son and brother's businesses overseas.&nbsp; That's an outright lie. There's overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The point about Biden I am trying to make is that the Democrat Party may have chosen a candidate for president as the most corrupt politician in American history.&nbsp; That furthers my argument that we act like a third world country with the worst political party ever.&nbsp; Based on what I presented thus far in the way of facts (not opinion) does any open minded sane person think it is beyond reason for Democrats not to try stealing elections if they could?&nbsp; It all begs the question "how in the world does a political party and individuals within it get away with virtually anything and everything?"&nbsp; How in the world and in the Good Lord's name can this be happening in a country known for being the most democratic and Christian on planet earth?&nbsp; We may have to strike the word Christian. Now we know, with massive corruption in the last four years and previous eight, why our president Barack Hussein said "we are no longer a Christian nation." Speaking of religion, I would suggest many give considerable thought about what to say to powers above when it's time to leave planet earth.&nbsp; And, as a Christian myself, I'm as serious as one can be about this issue.&nbsp; These "united states" of America have been corrupted to the core. That is evident as one looks at the treatment Democrats get versus Republicans.&nbsp; I'm appalled at the unequal justice.&nbsp; Nobody's paying a price for the massive corruption unless you consider the criminal behavior our president has had to put up with for four years.&nbsp; It's a miracle Donald J. Trump still stands! Not only does Trump daily have to withstand the onslaught of a political party and their media, there are many other forces out to destroy him like Democrat billionaire donors, Big Tech, big banks, academia, and what is called the "deep state" and "establishment."&nbsp; Ninety five percent of media is in the tank for Joe Biden as president and spends 100% of its time attacking Trump.&nbsp; If Biden wins the presidency he can thank our corrupt media which succeeded in getting over half of Biden voters to literally hate Donald J. Trump, and even his family.&nbsp; &nbsp;If 73 some million who voted for Trump just love the man, why such pathological hate from Democrats?&nbsp; When millions upon millions choose our president on the basis of Biden being likeable and Trump not, we have become a third world country.&nbsp; America's media decides who our president will be and not you and I as voters. Our founders are turning over in their graves! In the tank for Biden polls were so far off, all pollsters should forever be a thing of the past.&nbsp;&nbsp; Media is the enemy of the people. It hid Biden in a basement never ever going to him to explain his corruption.&nbsp; There were a dozen questions every voter needed to know about Biden's radical agendas and platform should he become president, but in the tank Biden journalists acted as if they didn't even care.&nbsp; Nor did media ever report on the incredible Trump accomplishments that in four years exceeded Biden's 47 years as a politician living on the taxpayer's dime. Media isn't even a friend to its own Democrat base. Who among us wants to be indoctrinated and brainwashed? Who among us wants to be fed negative and false information from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed?&nbsp; Who among us wants to be kept in the dark about what is really going on in the realm of American politics and government? Who among us wants a new president that might face impeachment the minute he takes office? Let's face it readers, common sense alone leads most of us Americans to believe Biden could not possibly become our president without voter fraud.&nbsp; He didn't even campaign much for the job. He hid out in his basement to avoid his notorious gaffes and many signs of old age cognitive impairment.&nbsp; He is a corrupt politician and except for media his chances to win should be logically and mathematically impossible.&nbsp;&nbsp; Who in their right mind wants Biden's radical agendas like socialism, open borders, higher taxes, elimination&nbsp; of gas and oil, defunding the police, or putting in place a scheme that would prevent a Republican from ever occupying&nbsp; the White House again or Republicans controlling congress?&nbsp; And, let's not forget unrestricted barbaric abortions like partial birth abortions, even killing a baby that survives an abortion. I don't think most Americans want our most sacred document known as the Constitution completely changed or eliminated altogether.&nbsp; Communist China and good old Russia would love for all of that to happen.&nbsp; There is every indication that should Biden win he would shortly thereafter turn over the most powerful political office in the world to his running mate Kamala Harris. She has been dubbed the most far left liberal voting senator in congress. It's all a scheme to get a minority and female, not directly chosen by voters, into the White House nefariously. On the other hand, we have a president Trump setting historical records all over the place and having many rallies clearly showing millions of Americans just love the man. Common sense alone speaks volumes when we look at the big picture! Some reputable people are claiming Trump not only won the election, but won in a landslide.&nbsp; Only time will tell whether we are truly a democratic republic, or a third world country.&nbsp;Les Knoll lives in Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

LETTER: Have we become a third-world country?

Even though we approach this holiday season amidst the pandemic, I am constantly reminded of the power of always being joyful and thankful in all circumstances. Or, as Viktor Frankl said, “Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Inspired by Viktor Frankl, and frankly, so many colleagues and community members, I would like to offer just a few observations of the blessings that have continued to propel Fort Hays State University forward this year.

Our “in-the-trench” outreach efforts from our faculty and staff care teams kept students enrolled. The contributions of countless caring hearts stocked our Tiger food pantry and supplemented the student emergency fund. All across campus, I continue to see an ethic of care that is distinctively FHSU.

All areas of campus have had to adjust operations to open and operate the campus in as safe and effective a manner as possible. From our facilities staff to our students, faculty and emergency team, we have worked collectively to mitigate the risk of transmission of the coronavirus in the classroom. Our own campus proactive steps – including social distancing, hand hygiene, use of face coverings, monitoring our personal health and making the thoughtful decision to stay home if we feel unwell –have been embraced. We have also carefully monitored our capacity to isolate and quarantine on-campus students. As a result, our campus remains open.

Our online graduate education programs saw enrollment growth with an increase of 90 students this fall. Online graduate education has increased nine of the last 10 years.

The Kelly Center provided a record-breaking 4,084 personal counseling sessions last year, in addition to services in the following areas: alcohol and drug counseling services, student accessibility issues through learning disability testing and accommodations and academic counseling and peer tutoring. This year, they are on schedule to set a new record of wrap-around support services. A grant is expanding the Kelly Center’s reach to assist students enrolled in online classes and Zoom sessions.

I am deeply appreciative of our Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies staff, who continue to support both faculty and students with cutting-edge, engaging learning technologies. They have been working tirelessly, supporting Tigers throughout the United States and across the world – including making sure that students in China could access all of their class materials through their cell phones and creating tutorial videos in Mandarin to ensure students’ success.

The Higher Learning Commission approved a new master’s degree in athletic training. This is essential, as the industry standard now requires a master’s degree for entry-level professionals. We also launched online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in social work. Both programs exceeded their first-year enrollment goals this fall, as did our expanding computer science program.

We have teams of colleagues working on new cybersecurity initiatives and studying future possibilities of how artificial intelligence can help drive student success.

COVID couldn’t stop students and parents from seeing the value of our Academy of Mathematics and Science. This early entry college program offers an unparalleled academic experience for gifted and talented high school students from our own backyard and to students from all over the world. We welcomed a new class of 37 juniors this year.

Every day I watch our new Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success, powered by philanthropy, come to life. The center, scheduled for completion by fall 2021, is a one-stop shop for student success. From academic and career support to student health and counseling, the three-story building attached to the Memorial Union will feature student services for mind, body and soul.

The Journey Campaign, our most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, is on schedule to exceed our goal of $100 million by Homecoming 2021. Each and every gift means an education, a strong university, a bright future, lives changed and dreams made real for students. Incredible!

Our Tiger Auction for athletics was converted to a virtual event, and our fans did not let us down. Our philanthropists continued to fuel the success of our teams. Scholarships were honored, while coaches concentrated on meaningful practice sessions as well as structure and routine for the student-athletes. November arrived with the optimism of our student-athletes being able to return to play.

Despite the strains the pandemic placed on our community, an enduring point of pride remains the strong town-and-gown relationship we enjoy in Hays, America. Fort Hays State is blessed by a long legacy of strong leaders and a community that rallies its support around the university in many ways. Through it all, our caretaking of the present – while planning for the future – thrived.

The work we do matters. Like a pebble tossed in a pond, our impact ripples across families, communities and the world. Alphonse Karr said, “we can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses.” Amid an unprecedented year, I choose to rejoice – and remain forever grateful for the opportunity to work with my talented colleagues at this extraordinary university.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Even though we approach this holiday season amidst the pandemic, I am constantly reminded of the power of always being joyful and thankful in all circumstances. Or, as Viktor Frankl said, “Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”Inspired by Viktor Frankl, and frankly, so many colleagues and community members, I would like to offer just a few observations of the blessings that have continued to propel Fort Hays State University forward this year.Our “in-the-trench” outreach efforts from our faculty and staff care teams kept students enrolled. The contributions of countless caring hearts stocked our Tiger food pantry and supplemented the student emergency fund. All across campus, I continue to see an ethic of care that is distinctively FHSU.All areas of campus have had to adjust operations to open and operate the campus in as safe and effective a manner as possible. From our facilities staff to our students, faculty and emergency team, we have worked collectively to mitigate the risk of transmission of the coronavirus in the classroom. Our own campus proactive steps – including social distancing, hand hygiene, use of face coverings, monitoring our personal health and making the thoughtful decision to stay home if we feel unwell –have been embraced. We have also carefully monitored our capacity to isolate and quarantine on-campus students. As a result, our campus remains open.Our online graduate education programs saw enrollment growth with an increase of 90 students this fall. Online graduate education has increased nine of the last 10 years.The Kelly Center provided a record-breaking 4,084 personal counseling sessions last year, in addition to services in the following areas: alcohol and drug counseling services, student accessibility issues through learning disability testing and accommodations and academic counseling and peer tutoring. This year, they are on schedule to set a new record of wrap-around support services. A grant is expanding the Kelly Center’s reach to assist students enrolled in online classes and Zoom sessions.I am deeply appreciative of our Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies staff, who continue to support both faculty and students with cutting-edge, engaging learning technologies. They have been working tirelessly, supporting Tigers throughout the United States and across the world – including making sure that students in China could access all of their class materials through their cell phones and creating tutorial videos in Mandarin to ensure students’ success.The Higher Learning Commission approved a new master’s degree in athletic training. This is essential, as the industry standard now requires a master’s degree for entry-level professionals. We also launched online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in social work. Both programs exceeded their first-year enrollment goals this fall, as did our expanding computer science program.We have teams of colleagues working on new cybersecurity initiatives and studying future possibilities of how artificial intelligence can help drive student success.COVID couldn’t stop students and parents from seeing the value of our Academy of Mathematics and Science. This early entry college program offers an unparalleled academic experience for gifted and talented high school students from our own backyard and to students from all over the world. We welcomed a new class of 37 juniors this year.Every day I watch our new Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success, powered by philanthropy, come to life. The center, scheduled for completion by fall 2021, is a one-stop shop for student success. From academic and career support to student health and counseling, the three-story building attached to the Memorial Union will feature student services for mind, body and soul.The Journey Campaign, our most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, is on schedule to exceed our goal of $100 million by Homecoming 2021. Each and every gift means an education, a strong university, a bright future, lives changed and dreams made real for students. Incredible!Our Tiger Auction for athletics was converted to a virtual event, and our fans did not let us down. Our philanthropists continued to fuel the success of our teams. Scholarships were honored, while coaches concentrated on meaningful practice sessions as well as structure and routine for the student-athletes. November arrived with the optimism of our student-athletes being able to return to play.Despite the strains the pandemic placed on our community, an enduring point of pride remains the strong town-and-gown relationship we enjoy in Hays, America. Fort Hays State is blessed by a long legacy of strong leaders and a community that rallies its support around the university in many ways. Through it all, our caretaking of the present – while planning for the future – thrived.The work we do matters. Like a pebble tossed in a pond, our impact ripples across families, communities and the world. Alphonse Karr said, “we can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses.” Amid an unprecedented year, I choose to rejoice – and remain forever grateful for the opportunity to work with my talented colleagues at this extraordinary university.

MASON: FHSU’s greatest gift — remaining Tiger Strong

Kansas crude prices at CHS in McPherson ended the month at their highest level since March 5th, $35.50 per barrel. That's nearly ten dollars higher than a month ago, but ten dollars behind a year ago. The average price for Kansas Common crude during the month of November was $31.55 per barrel, compared to October's average of just over $29.69. The average was over $47 in November of last year. U.S. crude futures prices are retreating from nine-month highs dropping below $45 per barrel in morning trading Tuesday. Production cuts by the OPEC+ exporters are set to expire at the end of the year, but talks are underway to extend them. Reuters reports no consensus yet, after preliminary meetings Sunday. The cartel, along with Russia and other allies in the pact, may continue their existing output limits, but disagree on how long the deal should last. The Rig Count in Kansas was down about nine percent last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eleven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up two, and nine west of Wichita, which is down four for the week. Operators reached total depth last week on three Barton County wells and two in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on one lease in Barton County. Baker Hughes reported 320 active drilling rigs across the country last week, up ten oil rigs, with the counts in Texas and New Mexico up three. Kansas regulators approved 12 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, five of them east of Wichita, seven in Western Kansas. That makes 424 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported 18 newly-completed wells for the week, 750 so far this year. There were five in eastern Kansas and 13 west of Wichita, including one completion in Ellis County. Oil-by-rail shipments were up for the week but still behind the totals a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,908 rail tanker-cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products across the U.S.&nbsp; That's up 164 cars from a week earlier, but down nearly 15% from the same week last year.&nbsp; U.S. crude-oil production for the week ending November 20 averaged slightly below 11 million barrels per day, marking an increase over the week before of 81,000 barrels per day. But domestic production remains nearly two million barrels per day behind the output from the same period last year. U.S. crude oil inventories dropped by 800,000 barrels last week. The government says current stockpiles of more than 488 million barrels are about six percent above the five-year seasonal average. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. crude-oil imports declined slightly to just over five million barrels per day. The four-week average is down more than 12 percent from the same period last year. Colorado regulators gave final approval to some of the strictest oil-and-gas regulations in the country. The new rules include one requiring new wells be at least 2,000 feet from schools and homes. That rule has been labeled "unprecedented" by the state's largest oil-patch industry group, but environmental activists complain it has exceptions and loopholes, and in fact should be larger. Colorado joins Alaska in banning the routine venting and flaring of natural gas. The new regulations take effect January 15. A recent study by the Colorado School of Mines warns of the loss of from 2.5 to 4.5 billion dollars based on oil and gas that cannot be accessed. A Texas industry group reports a second consecutive month of oil-patch job growth in the Lone Star State. Exploration and production showed an increase of 600 jobs in October according to the Texas Oil and Gas Association. Texas oil-and-gas payroll reached a low point in August, but has increased by 21-hundred jobs since then. The state supports nearly 172,000 jobs in exploration and production.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude prices at CHS in McPherson ended the month at their highest level since March 5th, $35.50 per barrel. That's nearly ten dollars higher than a month ago, but ten dollars behind a year ago. The average price for Kansas Common crude during the month of November was $31.55 per barrel, compared to October's average of just over $29.69. The average was over $47 in November of last year. U.S. crude futures prices are retreating from nine-month highs dropping below $45 per barrel in morning trading Tuesday. Production cuts by the OPEC+ exporters are set to expire at the end of the year, but talks are underway to extend them. Reuters reports no consensus yet, after preliminary meetings Sunday. The cartel, along with Russia and other allies in the pact, may continue their existing output limits, but disagree on how long the deal should last. The Rig Count in Kansas was down about nine percent last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eleven active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, up two, and nine west of Wichita, which is down four for the week. Operators reached total depth last week on three Barton County wells and two in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on one lease in Barton County. Baker Hughes reported 320 active drilling rigs across the country last week, up ten oil rigs, with the counts in Texas and New Mexico up three. Kansas regulators approved 12 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, five of them east of Wichita, seven in Western Kansas. That makes 424 new permits so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported 18 newly-completed wells for the week, 750 so far this year. There were five in eastern Kansas and 13 west of Wichita, including one completion in Ellis County. Oil-by-rail shipments were up for the week but still behind the totals a year ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,908 rail tanker-cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products across the U.S.&nbsp; That's up 164 cars from a week earlier, but down nearly 15% from the same week last year.&nbsp; U.S. crude-oil production for the week ending November 20 averaged slightly below 11 million barrels per day, marking an increase over the week before of 81,000 barrels per day. But domestic production remains nearly two million barrels per day behind the output from the same period last year. U.S. crude oil inventories dropped by 800,000 barrels last week. The government says current stockpiles of more than 488 million barrels are about six percent above the five-year seasonal average. The Energy Information Administration reports U.S. crude-oil imports declined slightly to just over five million barrels per day. The four-week average is down more than 12 percent from the same period last year. Colorado regulators gave final approval to some of the strictest oil-and-gas regulations in the country. The new rules include one requiring new wells be at least 2,000 feet from schools and homes. That rule has been labeled "unprecedented" by the state's largest oil-patch industry group, but environmental activists complain it has exceptions and loopholes, and in fact should be larger. Colorado joins Alaska in banning the routine venting and flaring of natural gas. The new regulations take effect January 15. A recent study by the Colorado School of Mines warns of the loss of from 2.5 to 4.5 billion dollars based on oil and gas that cannot be accessed. A Texas industry group reports a second consecutive month of oil-patch job growth in the Lone Star State. Exploration and production showed an increase of 600 jobs in October according to the Texas Oil and Gas Association. Texas oil-and-gas payroll reached a low point in August, but has increased by 21-hundred jobs since then. The state supports nearly 172,000 jobs in exploration and production.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude prices highest since March

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

As the countdown to Christmas officially begins, the hustle and bustle of the season already has a different feel from holidays past. My family has decided that since our celebrations will be radically different — void of hustling across the Midwest and attending multiple family gatherings — we will slow our other traditional hustle and bustle as well.

For my family, who generally completes Christmas shopping in a mad dash just days before Christmas, we have already started squirreling away gifts for loved ones. Similar to that extra package of toilet paper I’ve routinely added to my grocery pick-up orders since last spring, we’ve actually done quite a bit of gift planning and early purchasing this year.

My husband and I have decided that all of our Christmas shopping will conclude by the end of this week. We’ve been quite intentional this year with gifting decisions. Supporting more local businesses, ordering items from stores offering curbside pick-up services and placing orders with Kansas producers who ship their products.

I have found myself utilizing Shop Kansas Farms on both Facebook and through their website at www.shopkansasfarms.com to see what kind of goodies I can find to share with loved ones this holiday season. 

The concept of Shop Kansas Farms is quite simple: providing a direct link between consumers and Kansas farm and ranch families who sell meat, dairy, veggies and other homegrown products. It’s been so fun to search through the interactive map of Kansas highlighting the people offering great products from their farms and ranches. 

The list is quite impressive and goes well beyond meat, milk and eggs. From pork rinds to popcorn, cheese curds to jams, beef, pork or lamb sticks to farm-roasted coffee, there’s so many goodies to find to make the perfect gift box to deliver to loved ones near or mail to loved ones afar.

It’s been enlightening for me to see so many farm and ranch families get creative with their marketing strategies, and how so many producers have pivoted the way they get their goods to consumers or have partnered with other producers to offer more options. It’s also been so fun to see how consumers view these interactions with farm and ranch families. 

People are connecting with others and learning about their neighbors. Kansans are supporting Kansans by placing orders and making product recommendations. Relationships are being built, and it’s all being done online during a time where practicing social distancing is needed. 

While many families like mine have decided to keep it simple this year and to resist the traditional hustle and bustle of the season, it’s so good to know that while we won’t be together in person, our family that’s scattered across the country can still receive our love through our hand-picked selections of local products that are grown and produced on Kansas farms and ranches just like mine. 

It’s a gift of love from Kansas I plan to continue to give well after we can once again gather with those whom we will dearly miss this year.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As the countdown to Christmas officially begins, the hustle and bustle of the season already has a different feel from holidays past. My family has decided that since our celebrations will be radically different — void of hustling across the Midwest and attending multiple family gatherings — we will slow our other traditional hustle and bustle as well.For my family, who generally completes Christmas shopping in a mad dash just days before Christmas, we have already started squirreling away gifts for loved ones. Similar to that extra package of toilet paper I’ve routinely added to my grocery pick-up orders since last spring, we’ve actually done quite a bit of gift planning and early purchasing this year.My husband and I have decided that all of our Christmas shopping will conclude by the end of this week. We’ve been quite intentional this year with gifting decisions. Supporting more local businesses, ordering items from stores offering curbside pick-up services and placing orders with Kansas producers who ship their products.I have found myself utilizing Shop Kansas Farms on both Facebook and through their website at www.shopkansasfarms.com to see what kind of goodies I can find to share with loved ones this holiday season. The concept of Shop Kansas Farms is quite simple: providing a direct link between consumers and Kansas farm and ranch families who sell meat, dairy, veggies and other homegrown products. It’s been so fun to search through the interactive map of Kansas highlighting the people offering great products from their farms and ranches. The list is quite impressive and goes well beyond meat, milk and eggs. From pork rinds to popcorn, cheese curds to jams, beef, pork or lamb sticks to farm-roasted coffee, there’s so many goodies to find to make the perfect gift box to deliver to loved ones near or mail to loved ones afar.It’s been enlightening for me to see so many farm and ranch families get creative with their marketing strategies, and how so many producers have pivoted the way they get their goods to consumers or have partnered with other producers to offer more options. It’s also been so fun to see how consumers view these interactions with farm and ranch families. People are connecting with others and learning about their neighbors. Kansans are supporting Kansans by placing orders and making product recommendations. Relationships are being built, and it’s all being done online during a time where practicing social distancing is needed. While many families like mine have decided to keep it simple this year and to resist the traditional hustle and bustle of the season, it’s so good to know that while we won’t be together in person, our family that’s scattered across the country can still receive our love through our hand-picked selections of local products that are grown and produced on Kansas farms and ranches just like mine. It’s a gift of love from Kansas I plan to continue to give well after we can once again gather with those whom we will dearly miss this year."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.

Kan. Farm Bureau Insight: With love, from Kansas

As all the various hunting seasons unfold here in Kansas, so do incidents involving illegal hunters, AKA poachers. As I worked on this week’s column, I stumbled upon this heart-felt letter sent to me by a reader a few years back, along with in-depth explanations of problems they have each year with poachers on their land. I felt the letter very applicable and worth sharing, so here is this week’s column entitled “Dear Poacher.”&nbsp;

	The time is soon approaching to fill your pickup gas tank, load up your “partner in crime”, and set out to fill your freezer, illegally, with venison, turkey, deer and pheasant.&nbsp; Although you may argue that all roads and right of ways belong to the public and the wildlife only belongs to the creator, let me argue a different point of view. As a landowner and a hunter, your style of hunting violates the work we have done to keep the wildlife healthy and available for our family and friends.&nbsp; Let me explain.

	This summer/fall particularly has been tough on the wildlife.&nbsp; Ponds have dried up and water sources have become scarce.&nbsp; Grain crops have failed to produce the usually yields.&nbsp; Habitat for wildlife has been destroyed by grazing and haying, leaving the animals looking for new cover and feed. &nbsp;

	This landowner has responded to this situation by establishing fresh water resources.&nbsp; We hauled water twice or more a week.&nbsp; Salt and mineral blocks were set out and food plots were planted and replanted several times.&nbsp; Windmills were left pumping in vacant pastures.&nbsp; Cattle were fenced out of future food sources.&nbsp; We shared our growing crops (mostly involuntarily).&nbsp; We maintained current orchards and planted additional orchards for wildlife.

	These things were not done to enhance your chances of success.&nbsp; They were done to ensure that deer, turkey, pheasant, and quail would continue to flourish and be available for our hunters, not only now, but for future generations.

	Therefore, we want to make the following promises:

All of the above are illegal.&nbsp; If caught, you risk losing your vehicle, your guns, your hunting privileges, and sometimes your job.&nbsp; A hefty fine is usually part of the package deal.

	We have worked very hard to help sustain and improve the quality and quantity of the wildlife in our area.&nbsp; As hunting seasons continue to open, do both of us a favor; hunt legally or stay at home.

Sincerely Reno County Land Owners.

This pretty well says it all…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>As all the various hunting seasons unfold here in Kansas, so do incidents involving illegal hunters, AKA poachers. As I worked on this week’s column, I stumbled upon this heart-felt letter sent to me by a reader a few years back, along with in-depth explanations of problems they have each year with poachers on their land. I felt the letter very applicable and worth sharing, so here is this week’s column entitled “Dear Poacher.”&nbsp;Dear Poacher,	The time is soon approaching to fill your pickup gas tank, load up your “partner in crime”, and set out to fill your freezer, illegally, with venison, turkey, deer and pheasant.&nbsp; Although you may argue that all roads and right of ways belong to the public and the wildlife only belongs to the creator, let me argue a different point of view. As a landowner and a hunter, your style of hunting violates the work we have done to keep the wildlife healthy and available for our family and friends.&nbsp; Let me explain.	This summer/fall particularly has been tough on the wildlife.&nbsp; Ponds have dried up and water sources have become scarce.&nbsp; Grain crops have failed to produce the usually yields.&nbsp; Habitat for wildlife has been destroyed by grazing and haying, leaving the animals looking for new cover and feed. &nbsp;	This landowner has responded to this situation by establishing fresh water resources.&nbsp; We hauled water twice or more a week.&nbsp; Salt and mineral blocks were set out and food plots were planted and replanted several times.&nbsp; Windmills were left pumping in vacant pastures.&nbsp; Cattle were fenced out of future food sources.&nbsp; We shared our growing crops (mostly involuntarily).&nbsp; We maintained current orchards and planted additional orchards for wildlife.	These things were not done to enhance your chances of success.&nbsp; They were done to ensure that deer, turkey, pheasant, and quail would continue to flourish and be available for our hunters, not only now, but for future generations.	Therefore, we want to make the following promises:<ul>
 <li>When you choose to road hunt, we will identify your vehicle and report it to law enforcement.&nbsp; Road hunting dishonors you, your family, and the traditions of ethical hunting, and tarnishes the names of hunters in general.</li><li>When you choose to spotlight and kill deer, law enforcement will be notified.&nbsp; By spotlighting, you are not only violating the law, you are putting a farmer’s property and livestock in jeopardy.</li><li>When you choose to hunt without permission, we will press charges of criminal trespass and encourage prosecution.&nbsp; You are providing inappropriate role models for those who are hunting with you and those who hear about it.&nbsp; Is a pheasant really worth a tarnished reputation?&nbsp; We promise to clearly mark our land with purple markers and post sufficient signs.</li>
 </ul>All of the above are illegal.&nbsp; If caught, you risk losing your vehicle, your guns, your hunting privileges, and sometimes your job.&nbsp; A hefty fine is usually part of the package deal.	We have worked very hard to help sustain and improve the quality and quantity of the wildlife in our area.&nbsp; As hunting seasons continue to open, do both of us a favor; hunt legally or stay at home.Sincerely Reno County Land Owners.This pretty well says it all…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Dear Poacher

The holidays are an excellent time to bring the family together for a game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Playing board games gets everyone in the same room and helps family members across generations connect and have a great time together. A program about “Bonding with Board Games” will be held via zoom on Wednesday, December 2nd&nbsp;at 12:10 pm. If you would like to join me, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-9430 for the zoom link.&nbsp;

Board games are inexpensive and have benefits well beyond the activity itself. Games are an entertaining and painless way to help kids build essential learning skills on the sly or by accidental learning, which means there’s no anxiety or resistance.

Some specifically chosen board games are excellent for young members of the family as they learn numbers and words. Research has documented a positive relationship between academic board games and improvement in the classroom. Older adults can also benefit from many of the same concepts that children do – stimulating the mind, fostering relationships and strengthening social skills.

In his book “Family Treasures: Creating Strong Families”, John DeFrain covers six qualities that strong, successful families around the world exhibit: enjoyable time together; appreciation and affection for each other; positive communication; spiritual well-being (values, beliefs, life skills); successful management of stress and crisis; and commitment to each other.

Hopefully your family will find a game that will be brought to the table many times during the year and not just played during the holiday season. Here are some things to have in mind when carving out time for a family game night:

• Avoid choosing a board game that is too hard for your kids’ ages, or one that everybody hates playing. Start by playing one that your youngest child definitely can play. After that, let the younger children team up with someone for a more challenging game.

• Schedule a regular day and time on the calendar for playing a board game. Designate the same day every week. Keep it short at the beginning and then add more time as desired.

• Make it a rule that technology must be set aside until your game night is over.

• Keep a stash of great board games around the house. You’ll be sure to find a taker when you ask, “Does anyone want to play a game?”

Bonding Thru Board Games is a research-based program with the goal of teaching family life interactions and bonding via playing board games.&nbsp;Sedgwick County Extension agents shared information on family game nights in a fact sheet that can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3401.pdf">https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3401.pdf</a>

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>The holidays are an excellent time to bring the family together for a game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Playing board games gets everyone in the same room and helps family members across generations connect and have a great time together. A program about “Bonding with Board Games” will be held via zoom on Wednesday, December 2nd&nbsp;at 12:10 pm. If you would like to join me, please contact me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-9430 for the zoom link.&nbsp;Board games are inexpensive and have benefits well beyond the activity itself. Games are an entertaining and painless way to help kids build essential learning skills on the sly or by accidental learning, which means there’s no anxiety or resistance.Some specifically chosen board games are excellent for young members of the family as they learn numbers and words. Research has documented a positive relationship between academic board games and improvement in the classroom. Older adults can also benefit from many of the same concepts that children do – stimulating the mind, fostering relationships and strengthening social skills.In his book “Family Treasures: Creating Strong Families”, John DeFrain covers six qualities that strong, successful families around the world exhibit: enjoyable time together; appreciation and affection for each other; positive communication; spiritual well-being (values, beliefs, life skills); successful management of stress and crisis; and commitment to each other.Hopefully your family will find a game that will be brought to the table many times during the year and not just played during the holiday season. Here are some things to have in mind when carving out time for a family game night:• Avoid choosing a board game that is too hard for your kids’ ages, or one that everybody hates playing. Start by playing one that your youngest child definitely can play. After that, let the younger children team up with someone for a more challenging game.• Schedule a regular day and time on the calendar for playing a board game. Designate the same day every week. Keep it short at the beginning and then add more time as desired.• Make it a rule that technology must be set aside until your game night is over.• Keep a stash of great board games around the house. You’ll be sure to find a taker when you ask, “Does anyone want to play a game?”Bonding Thru Board Games is a research-based program with the goal of teaching family life interactions and bonding via playing board games.&nbsp;Sedgwick County Extension agents shared information on family game nights in a fact sheet that can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3401.pdf">https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3401.pdf</a>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: Bonding through board games

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

“Hungry Hungry Heroes.” Hmm, that sounds like the game called Hungry Hungry Hippos. This variation on that name is one example of the creative ways that leaders in Mitchell County supported their communities during the pandemic with a collaboration called Mitchell County Strong.&nbsp;

Heather Hartman is Mitchell County director of community development. A Beloit native, she had been a small business owner in Mitchell County before becoming county community development director in 2012.&nbsp;

“When the pandemic hit, it was scary,” Heather said. “There were projections that 30% of locally owned small businesses would close.” Heather’s office in Beloit is co-located with two other offices: the Chamber of Commerce and the community foundation. “Each of us was a separate organization, but what we did would never have happened if we weren’t all here together,” Heather said.&nbsp;

As shutdown orders were being issued, the three directors of these units immediately met to discuss what could be done. “Our main goal was to help these businesses and nonprofit organizations stay afloat,” Heather said.&nbsp;

One of their board members had heard from Manhattan Running Company about Manhattan’s gift certificate program and disaster recovery fund through the Manhattan Community Foundation. These women decided to try something similar.&nbsp;

They launched a “Buy 1, Give 1” initiative through which people could buy a gift certificate to a store in Mitchell County, and MCS would match it with a grocery gift card to be donated to a local family in need. The initiative took off.&nbsp;

“We were trying to think of a name for this, and somebody posted a comment about how we were trying to keep Mitchell County strong,” Heather said. That became the name.&nbsp;

Mitchell County Strong, or MCS, became the title of this collaboration between the Solomon Valley Community Foundation,&nbsp;the Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce, and Solomon Valley Economic Development.&nbsp;

The gift card purchases immediately put much-needed revenue into local businesses and helped families who were struggling. “We sold more than $10,000 of gift cards in the first three days,” Heather said.&nbsp;

Other people wanted to help directly. A disaster relief fund was established at the community foundation. “Based on the advice we received from the ministerial alliance, we kept the application process really simple, and it worked,” Heather said.&nbsp;

MCS also recognized the need for businesses to use online marketing due to the pandemic. “Lots of our local businesses didn’t even have a website,” Heather said. The coalition organized an online store on which customers could buy gift cards from local businesses. MCS also offered a grocery assistance program plus mini-grants for local nonprofit organizations.&nbsp;

A local auctioneer with Hansen Auction Company agreed to conduct an online auction to benefit the project, while waiving the selling fee and donating the buyers’ fees to the disaster recovery fund.&nbsp;

MCS programs were county-wide, supporting stores in the county seat of Beloit plus rural communities such as Cawker City, population 469, Glen Elder, population 427, and Tipton, population 210 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Mitchell County Strong wanted to honor frontline workers, so its organizers invited the public to nominate a deserving person to receive a free lunch weekly. As a play on the Hungry Hungry Hippos name, they called the program Hungry Hungry Heroes.&nbsp;

“We thought people would nominate doctors and EMTs, but they also nominated their trash workers and grocery store clerks, which was great,” Heather said. MCS delivered a meal to a different winner each week.&nbsp;

A beautiful promotional video about Mitchell County was already being developed and is posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mitchellcountystrong.com/mitchell-co-welcome-home">on the website</a>.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the project generated more than $53,000 in gift card sales, $52,000 from the online auction, and $48,000 in partnership support. “We got more than $150,000 into the hands of our local citizens and businesses,” Heather said. Other than one early retirement, not a single local small business has been lost.&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mitchellcountystrong.com/">www.mitchellcountystrong.com</a>.&nbsp;

Hungry Hungry Heroes. That’s one example of a creative program to support community citizens. We commend Heather Hartman and her partners in Mitchell County who are making a difference with their creativity and commitment. They are Helping Helping Heroes.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606486918113.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;“Hungry Hungry Heroes.” Hmm, that sounds like the game called Hungry Hungry Hippos. This variation on that name is one example of the creative ways that leaders in Mitchell County supported their communities during the pandemic with a collaboration called Mitchell County Strong.&nbsp;Heather Hartman is Mitchell County director of community development. A Beloit native, she had been a small business owner in Mitchell County before becoming county community development director in 2012.&nbsp;“When the pandemic hit, it was scary,” Heather said. “There were projections that 30% of locally owned small businesses would close.” Heather’s office in Beloit is co-located with two other offices: the Chamber of Commerce and the community foundation. “Each of us was a separate organization, but what we did would never have happened if we weren’t all here together,” Heather said.&nbsp;As shutdown orders were being issued, the three directors of these units immediately met to discuss what could be done. “Our main goal was to help these businesses and nonprofit organizations stay afloat,” Heather said.&nbsp;One of their board members had heard from Manhattan Running Company about Manhattan’s gift certificate program and disaster recovery fund through the Manhattan Community Foundation. These women decided to try something similar.&nbsp;They launched a “Buy 1, Give 1” initiative through which people could buy a gift certificate to a store in Mitchell County, and MCS would match it with a grocery gift card to be donated to a local family in need. The initiative took off.&nbsp;“We were trying to think of a name for this, and somebody posted a comment about how we were trying to keep Mitchell County strong,” Heather said. That became the name.&nbsp;Mitchell County Strong, or MCS, became the title of this collaboration between the Solomon Valley Community Foundation,&nbsp;the Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce, and Solomon Valley Economic Development.&nbsp;The gift card purchases immediately put much-needed revenue into local businesses and helped families who were struggling. “We sold more than $10,000 of gift cards in the first three days,” Heather said.&nbsp;Other people wanted to help directly. A disaster relief fund was established at the community foundation. “Based on the advice we received from the ministerial alliance, we kept the application process really simple, and it worked,” Heather said.&nbsp;MCS also recognized the need for businesses to use online marketing due to the pandemic. “Lots of our local businesses didn’t even have a website,” Heather said. The coalition organized an online store on which customers could buy gift cards from local businesses. MCS also offered a grocery assistance program plus mini-grants for local nonprofit organizations.&nbsp;A local auctioneer with Hansen Auction Company agreed to conduct an online auction to benefit the project, while waiving the selling fee and donating the buyers’ fees to the disaster recovery fund.&nbsp;MCS programs were county-wide, supporting stores in the county seat of Beloit plus rural communities such as Cawker City, population 469, Glen Elder, population 427, and Tipton, population 210 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Mitchell County Strong wanted to honor frontline workers, so its organizers invited the public to nominate a deserving person to receive a free lunch weekly. As a play on the Hungry Hungry Hippos name, they called the program Hungry Hungry Heroes.&nbsp;“We thought people would nominate doctors and EMTs, but they also nominated their trash workers and grocery store clerks, which was great,” Heather said. MCS delivered a meal to a different winner each week.&nbsp;A beautiful promotional video about Mitchell County was already being developed and is posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mitchellcountystrong.com/mitchell-co-welcome-home">on the website</a>.&nbsp;Ultimately, the project generated more than $53,000 in gift card sales, $52,000 from the online auction, and $48,000 in partnership support. “We got more than $150,000 into the hands of our local citizens and businesses,” Heather said. Other than one early retirement, not a single local small business has been lost.&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mitchellcountystrong.com/">www.mitchellcountystrong.com</a>.&nbsp;Hungry Hungry Heroes. That’s one example of a creative program to support community citizens. We commend Heather Hartman and her partners in Mitchell County who are making a difference with their creativity and commitment. They are Helping Helping Heroes.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Heather Hartman, Mitchell County Strong 

The dust is beginning to settle on President-elect Biden’s victory, but Kansas Democrats remain glum. Promising U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier was defeated by about 12 points despite record spending, while Topeka Mayor Michelle de la Isla lost by nearly 15 points to state Treasurer Jake LaTurner in the 2nd&nbsp;U.S. House District. Even longtime Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley was defeated.

One bright spot for Democrats is Johnson County. The state’s most populous, prosperous and vote rich, JoCo favored Biden by 8 points. This is its first time to vote Democratic since Woodrow Wilson. Sharice Davids will serve a second term as the state’s lone Democrat in Congress, then face a far more daunting foe: Republican-led redistricting.&nbsp;

AP exit polls can help make sense of this, if used properly. Polls are prone to sampling problems, and even the best ones must include a margin of error, often ignored by reporters. They were not designed to predict the results of close elections. Misuse by the news media gives them a bad rap. They are far better tools for breaking down election results than for predicting them. The AP and the&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;provide exit polling data for each state, and Kansas’ results are revealing.&nbsp;

On many issues, the Kansans surveyed were closer to the Democrats. For example, the Cornavirus pandemic edged out the economy and jobs for top priority, 38% to 31%, though health care in general polled a dismal 8%. That last number alone can probably explain Bollier’s defeat—she made health care her signature issue. However, the “public option” polled at 65% support here. It would allow any American to buy into a government-run health care plan and is endorsed by Biden. Mask mandates to contain Coronavirus are also popular in Kansas: 74% of those surveyed support them. In addition, Kansans are worried about climate change: 64% of those surveyed are very or somewhat concerned, and 65% would increase federal spending on renewable energy.&nbsp;

Some pundits say that the #BlackLivesMatter movement hurt Democrats, but these polling numbers tell a different story. Asked about racism in U.S. society, 73% of Kansans thought it was very serious or somewhat serious, while 64% think racism is a serious problem in policing. In fact, 64% think the criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul or major changes.&nbsp;

Republicans owned the economy and jobs, with 84% of those who believe the economy and jobs should be the highest priority, favoring the GOP. By contrast, only 67% of those who believed the pandemic should be top priority favored the Democrats. This is typical. On nearly every issue, more voters agreed with Democrats but voted Republican, than vice-versa. The pattern even holds on outgoing President Trump’s signature issue, the border wall. Kansans are pretty closely divided on the matter, 53% in favor and 46% opposed, but 9% of voters who oppose it voted Republican anyway, while only 4% of who favor the wall voted Democratic. Tellingly, 67% of Kansans join Trump in advocating higher tariffs on imports. Again contradicting the pundits’ narrative, many Kansans frame these issues as being about jobs, not race.&nbsp;

Party label, the economy and jobs, and abortion rights are not going away, and all help Republicans here. However, there are many bright spots for progressives. Large majorities of Kansas voters surveyed acknowledge the seriousness of racism in general and specifically in policing, support a public option for health care, and express concern about climate change.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576785940426.png" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>The dust is beginning to settle on President-elect Biden’s victory, but Kansas Democrats remain glum. Promising U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier was defeated by about 12 points despite record spending, while Topeka Mayor Michelle de la Isla lost by nearly 15 points to state Treasurer Jake LaTurner in the 2nd&nbsp;U.S. House District. Even longtime Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley was defeated.One bright spot for Democrats is Johnson County. The state’s most populous, prosperous and vote rich, JoCo favored Biden by 8 points. This is its first time to vote Democratic since Woodrow Wilson. Sharice Davids will serve a second term as the state’s lone Democrat in Congress, then face a far more daunting foe: Republican-led redistricting.&nbsp;AP exit polls can help make sense of this, if used properly. Polls are prone to sampling problems, and even the best ones must include a margin of error, often ignored by reporters. They were not designed to predict the results of close elections. Misuse by the news media gives them a bad rap. They are far better tools for breaking down election results than for predicting them. The AP and the&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;provide exit polling data for each state, and Kansas’ results are revealing.&nbsp;On many issues, the Kansans surveyed were closer to the Democrats. For example, the Cornavirus pandemic edged out the economy and jobs for top priority, 38% to 31%, though health care in general polled a dismal 8%. That last number alone can probably explain Bollier’s defeat—she made health care her signature issue. However, the “public option” polled at 65% support here. It would allow any American to buy into a government-run health care plan and is endorsed by Biden. Mask mandates to contain Coronavirus are also popular in Kansas: 74% of those surveyed support them. In addition, Kansans are worried about climate change: 64% of those surveyed are very or somewhat concerned, and 65% would increase federal spending on renewable energy.&nbsp;Some pundits say that the #BlackLivesMatter movement hurt Democrats, but these polling numbers tell a different story. Asked about racism in U.S. society, 73% of Kansans thought it was very serious or somewhat serious, while 64% think racism is a serious problem in policing. In fact, 64% think the criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul or major changes.&nbsp;Republicans owned the economy and jobs, with 84% of those who believe the economy and jobs should be the highest priority, favoring the GOP. By contrast, only 67% of those who believed the pandemic should be top priority favored the Democrats. This is typical. On nearly every issue, more voters agreed with Democrats but voted Republican, than vice-versa. The pattern even holds on outgoing President Trump’s signature issue, the border wall. Kansans are pretty closely divided on the matter, 53% in favor and 46% opposed, but 9% of voters who oppose it voted Republican anyway, while only 4% of who favor the wall voted Democratic. Tellingly, 67% of Kansans join Trump in advocating higher tariffs on imports. Again contradicting the pundits’ narrative, many Kansans frame these issues as being about jobs, not race.&nbsp;Party label, the economy and jobs, and abortion rights are not going away, and all help Republicans here. However, there are many bright spots for progressives. Large majorities of Kansas voters surveyed acknowledge the seriousness of racism in general and specifically in policing, support a public option for health care, and express concern about climate change.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: GOP won on key issues, but not all issues

Most cattle producers will agree that hauling feed and delivering hay to the cattle in the winter can be labor intensive and expensive. Experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute point to grazing crop residues as one option to reduce feed expenses and minimize daily labor with proper planning and regular monitoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many producers have made grazing crop residues part of their management strategy because of the low winter feed costs associated with it,” said veterinarian Bob Larson. In Kansas, these residues are typically corn and sorghum. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To be successful, Larson said producers must plan for a water source, which may take extra labor to deliver it to the field where cattle are grazing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“A lot of times there isn’t a pond on the crop field, so you have to haul out a tank in a way that doesn’t tear up the field,” Larson said, adding that producers need to plan for the cattle congregating around the water source and potentially damaging the ground. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another step in preparing the field for gazing is making sure there is adequate fence to keep the cattle contained, said Bob Weaber, beef cattle specialist and head of the Northeast Kansas Research and Extension Center. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many of these fields are leased ground and they don’t always have good perimeter fencing on them,” Weaber said. “It isn’t uncommon to see cattle out grazing on stalks with a single-wire strand of electric fence surrounding them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weaber said it is especially important to check electric fence often so cows don’t get out, and he stressed the importance of having a reliable fence charger.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nutritionally speaking, Larson and Weaber agreed that cattle often select plant leaves and fallen corn ears when they first arrive on the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The leaves and fallen ears hold a higher quality energy content as compared to the stalks,” Larson said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To manage the crop residue resource, Weaber advised producers follow strip grazing protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Strip grazing allows producers to monitor how much of the field has been grazed and forces the cows to clean up a section before moving them off,” Weaber said, noting that it also allows producers to assess the body condition of the animals in the herd to make sure their nutritional needs are being met. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If strip grazing isn’t an option, Larson said cattle producers may need to consider additional supplementation as the winter months pass by.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The longer you leave cattle on crop residues, the quality of what they are consuming decreases while at the same time the nutritional demands for gestating, spring-calving cows goes up,” Larson said. “In that case, you may need to increase the protein supplementation as the season progresses.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Most cattle producers will agree that hauling feed and delivering hay to the cattle in the winter can be labor intensive and expensive. Experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute point to grazing crop residues as one option to reduce feed expenses and minimize daily labor with proper planning and regular monitoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Many producers have made grazing crop residues part of their management strategy because of the low winter feed costs associated with it,” said veterinarian Bob Larson. In Kansas, these residues are typically corn and sorghum. &nbsp;&nbsp;To be successful, Larson said producers must plan for a water source, which may take extra labor to deliver it to the field where cattle are grazing. &nbsp;&nbsp;“A lot of times there isn’t a pond on the crop field, so you have to haul out a tank in a way that doesn’t tear up the field,” Larson said, adding that producers need to plan for the cattle congregating around the water source and potentially damaging the ground. &nbsp;&nbsp;Another step in preparing the field for gazing is making sure there is adequate fence to keep the cattle contained, said Bob Weaber, beef cattle specialist and head of the Northeast Kansas Research and Extension Center. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Many of these fields are leased ground and they don’t always have good perimeter fencing on them,” Weaber said. “It isn’t uncommon to see cattle out grazing on stalks with a single-wire strand of electric fence surrounding them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Weaber said it is especially important to check electric fence often so cows don’t get out, and he stressed the importance of having a reliable fence charger.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nutritionally speaking, Larson and Weaber agreed that cattle often select plant leaves and fallen corn ears when they first arrive on the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The leaves and fallen ears hold a higher quality energy content as compared to the stalks,” Larson said. &nbsp;&nbsp;To manage the crop residue resource, Weaber advised producers follow strip grazing protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Strip grazing allows producers to monitor how much of the field has been grazed and forces the cows to clean up a section before moving them off,” Weaber said, noting that it also allows producers to assess the body condition of the animals in the herd to make sure their nutritional needs are being met. &nbsp;&nbsp;If strip grazing isn’t an option, Larson said cattle producers may need to consider additional supplementation as the winter months pass by.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The longer you leave cattle on crop residues, the quality of what they are consuming decreases while at the same time the nutritional demands for gestating, spring-calving cows goes up,” Larson said. “In that case, you may need to increase the protein supplementation as the season progresses.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

BOOR: Saving costs during winter cattle feeding

The best time to seed cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass is September because the turf has more time to mature before spring crabgrass germination and the heat stress of summer. Dormant seeding of turfgrass is sometimes used to help fill in bare spots of lawns that weren't overseeded in the fall. Dormant overseeding is done during the winter (December – February) when it is much too cold for germination.

As with any seeding program, good seed-soil contact is vital. Several methods can be used. One method is to seed when there has been a light snowfall of up to an inch. This is shallow enough that bare spots can still be seen. Spread seed by hand on areas that need thickening up. As the snow melts, it brings the seed into good contact with the soil where it will germinate in the spring. Another method is dependent on the surface of the soil being moist followed by freezing weather. As moist soil freezes and thaws, small pockets are formed on the wet, bare soil that is perfect for catching and holding seed. As the soil dries, the pockets collapse and cover the seed. A third method involves core aerating, verticutting, or hand raking and broadcasting seed immediately after. Of course, the soil must be dry enough and unfrozen for this to be practical. With any of the above methods, the seed germinates in the spring as early as possible. There will be limitations on what herbicides can be used for weed control. Tupersan (siduron) can be used as a crabgrass preventer on new seedings even before they have come up. Also, dithiopyr, found in Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper and Bonide Crabgrass &amp; Weed Preventer, can be used on tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass two weeks after germination. Dithiopyr is longer lasting and more effective than siduron. Other preemergence herbicides available to homeowners require that the turf be well established before application. 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>The best time to seed cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass is September because the turf has more time to mature before spring crabgrass germination and the heat stress of summer. Dormant seeding of turfgrass is sometimes used to help fill in bare spots of lawns that weren't overseeded in the fall. Dormant overseeding is done during the winter (December – February) when it is much too cold for germination.As with any seeding program, good seed-soil contact is vital. Several methods can be used. One method is to seed when there has been a light snowfall of up to an inch. This is shallow enough that bare spots can still be seen. Spread seed by hand on areas that need thickening up. As the snow melts, it brings the seed into good contact with the soil where it will germinate in the spring. Another method is dependent on the surface of the soil being moist followed by freezing weather. As moist soil freezes and thaws, small pockets are formed on the wet, bare soil that is perfect for catching and holding seed. As the soil dries, the pockets collapse and cover the seed. A third method involves core aerating, verticutting, or hand raking and broadcasting seed immediately after. Of course, the soil must be dry enough and unfrozen for this to be practical. With any of the above methods, the seed germinates in the spring as early as possible. There will be limitations on what herbicides can be used for weed control. Tupersan (siduron) can be used as a crabgrass preventer on new seedings even before they have come up. Also, dithiopyr, found in Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper and Bonide Crabgrass &amp; Weed Preventer, can be used on tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass two weeks after germination. Dithiopyr is longer lasting and more effective than siduron. Other preemergence herbicides available to homeowners require that the turf be well established before application. 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: Dormant seeding of turfgrass    

Buckle up, America. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito
 may well have pulled the “start” switch on the First Amendment’s legal 
equivalent of a popular carnival attraction, the Tilt-a-Whirl — a wild, 
spinning legislative ride propelled by a revolving wheel of judicial 
review.

In a speech Nov. 12 to the conservative Federalist Society, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/11/17/justice-alito-sees-danger-ahead-for-first-amendment-religion-and-speech-rights/" target="_blank">Alito offered a list</a> of grievances about the state of individual rights in America, with a special focus on the freedoms of religion and speech.

Alito was very critical of a 5-4 Supreme Court decision this summer 
that rejected a church’s objection to Nevada’s COVID-19-based 
restrictions on attendance at religious services. He pointed out that 
casinos in that state were limited to 50 percent capacity, while houses 
of worship were subject to a smaller, flat 50-person limit.

Rejecting this “disparate treatment should not have been a very tough
 call,” he said. “Take a quick look at the Constitution. You will see 
the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, which protects 
religious liberty. You will not find a craps clause, or a blackjack 
clause, or a slot machine clause.”

Noting that comedian George Carlin once identified 
“seven dirty words” not allowed to be spoken on television, Alito said 
that “today you can see shows on your TV screen in which the dialogue 
appears at times to consist almost entirely of those words … But it 
would be easy to put together a new list called ‘Things You Can’t Say If
 You Are a Student or a Professor at a College or University or an 
Employee of Many Big Corporations.’ And there wouldn’t be just seven 
items on that list. Seventy times seven would be closer.”

Following the court’s legalization of same-sex marriage, which he 
opposed, Alito predicted vilification of those opposing the decision. In
 his speech, Alito claimed that “You can’t say that marriage is a union 
between one man and one woman. Until very recently, that’s what the vast
 majority of Americans thought. Now it’s considered bigotry.”

A second justice, Clarence Thomas, has twice this year called for the court to revisit — and perhaps reverse — a landmark 1964 free speech and free press case, New York Times
 v. Sullivan, which generally rules out successful defamation lawsuits 
by political or public persons without evidence of “actual malice.”

A new, 6-3 conservative balance on the court may provide additional 
support for both Alito and Thomas and for the construction of new legal 
shields based on religious views against anti-discrimination laws. The 
court will rule next spring in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, involving
 that city’s attempt to withhold public funds from a Catholic social 
work group which refuses to consider same-sex couples when placing 
children for adoption.

Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress seem intent on reviewing 
First Amendment rights and special legal protections under Section 230 
of the Communications Decency Act, now enjoyed by Silicon Valley tech 
companies. The changes would target social media giants such as Twitter 
and Facebook and perhaps even attempt to reduce Google’s dominate 
position among search engines.

Advocates say changes and limits are needed to ensure diverse 
viewpoints. Removing some or all of those protections, the companies 
argue, would force them to adopt draconian restrictions on what we 
freely say online in these 21st century equivalents of the colonial 
public square.

Congress also is expected to quickly take up other complicated, 
“First Amendment-ish” aspects around free speech on the web — that is, 
balancing the need to fight misinformation and distortion of facts 
online with unfettered access by individuals to this new, electronic 
version of the public square.

A new conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court seems likely to
 heed Alito’s call to revisit both new and long-standing First Amendment
 rulings, particularly on religion and speech. State legislatures in 
more than 40 states seem bent on rewriting laws across a dizzying array 
of rulings, all aimed at restricting protest and assembly.

Freedom of the press will continue to be beset by both critics who 
would diminish its First Amendment protections and those advocates who 
would save independent American journalism by inserting government into 
the unprecedented role of at least a partial funder.

And within the First Amendment scholarly community itself, there is 
growing sentiment that the original 45 words, adopted in 1791, need to 
be reworked and revised to meet the challenges of a modern, 24/7 
globally connected planetary society.

Even the relatively new doctrine of “government speech” is gaining 
ground — that government itself has free speech rights, as in what 
slogans are banned from state-issued license plates, or which religious 
symbols are allowed in public spaces. As it happens, Justice Alito has 
played both a major role in court decisions advancing the doctrine, but 
also cautioning against its overuse.

For nearly 100 years, First Amendment law has been largely focused on
 protecting the free expression of individual viewpoints, particularly 
those considered “fringe” or “extreme.” Now in vogue: Claims to a 
“right” not to hear someone’s views.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>Buckle up, America. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito
 may well have pulled the “start” switch on the First Amendment’s legal 
equivalent of a popular carnival attraction, the Tilt-a-Whirl — a wild, 
spinning legislative ride propelled by a revolving wheel of judicial 
review.In a speech Nov. 12 to the conservative Federalist Society, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/11/17/justice-alito-sees-danger-ahead-for-first-amendment-religion-and-speech-rights/" target="_blank">Alito offered a list</a> of grievances about the state of individual rights in America, with a special focus on the freedoms of religion and speech.Alito was very critical of a 5-4 Supreme Court decision this summer 
that rejected a church’s objection to Nevada’s COVID-19-based 
restrictions on attendance at religious services. He pointed out that 
casinos in that state were limited to 50 percent capacity, while houses 
of worship were subject to a smaller, flat 50-person limit.Rejecting this “disparate treatment should not have been a very tough
 call,” he said. “Take a quick look at the Constitution. You will see 
the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, which protects 
religious liberty. You will not find a craps clause, or a blackjack 
clause, or a slot machine clause.”Noting that comedian George Carlin once identified 
“seven dirty words” not allowed to be spoken on television, Alito said 
that “today you can see shows on your TV screen in which the dialogue 
appears at times to consist almost entirely of those words … But it 
would be easy to put together a new list called ‘Things You Can’t Say If
 You Are a Student or a Professor at a College or University or an 
Employee of Many Big Corporations.’ And there wouldn’t be just seven 
items on that list. Seventy times seven would be closer.”Following the court’s legalization of same-sex marriage, which he 
opposed, Alito predicted vilification of those opposing the decision. In
 his speech, Alito claimed that “You can’t say that marriage is a union 
between one man and one woman. Until very recently, that’s what the vast
 majority of Americans thought. Now it’s considered bigotry.”A second justice, Clarence Thomas, has twice this year called for the court to revisit — and perhaps reverse — a landmark 1964 free speech and free press case, New York Times
 v. Sullivan, which generally rules out successful defamation lawsuits 
by political or public persons without evidence of “actual malice.”A new, 6-3 conservative balance on the court may provide additional 
support for both Alito and Thomas and for the construction of new legal 
shields based on religious views against anti-discrimination laws. The 
court will rule next spring in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, involving
 that city’s attempt to withhold public funds from a Catholic social 
work group which refuses to consider same-sex couples when placing 
children for adoption.Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress seem intent on reviewing 
First Amendment rights and special legal protections under Section 230 
of the Communications Decency Act, now enjoyed by Silicon Valley tech 
companies. The changes would target social media giants such as Twitter 
and Facebook and perhaps even attempt to reduce Google’s dominate 
position among search engines.Advocates say changes and limits are needed to ensure diverse 
viewpoints. Removing some or all of those protections, the companies 
argue, would force them to adopt draconian restrictions on what we 
freely say online in these 21st century equivalents of the colonial 
public square.Congress also is expected to quickly take up other complicated, 
“First Amendment-ish” aspects around free speech on the web — that is, 
balancing the need to fight misinformation and distortion of facts 
online with unfettered access by individuals to this new, electronic 
version of the public square.A new conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court seems likely to
 heed Alito’s call to revisit both new and long-standing First Amendment
 rulings, particularly on religion and speech. State legislatures in 
more than 40 states seem bent on rewriting laws across a dizzying array 
of rulings, all aimed at restricting protest and assembly.Freedom of the press will continue to be beset by both critics who 
would diminish its First Amendment protections and those advocates who 
would save independent American journalism by inserting government into 
the unprecedented role of at least a partial funder.And within the First Amendment scholarly community itself, there is 
growing sentiment that the original 45 words, adopted in 1791, need to 
be reworked and revised to meet the challenges of a modern, 24/7 
globally connected planetary society.Even the relatively new doctrine of “government speech” is gaining 
ground — that government itself has free speech rights, as in what 
slogans are banned from state-issued license plates, or which religious 
symbols are allowed in public spaces. As it happens, Justice Alito has 
played both a major role in court decisions advancing the doctrine, but 
also cautioning against its overuse.For nearly 100 years, First Amendment law has been largely focused on
 protecting the free expression of individual viewpoints, particularly 
those considered “fringe” or “extreme.” Now in vogue: Claims to a 
“right” not to hear someone’s views.Many of these new voices and approaches in the marketplace of ideas 
echo Alito’s basic pitch: It’s time for conservative views and limits to
 take over from what they see as overly broad, liberal expansions across
 the five freedoms.Keep both hands and feet firmly inside the whirling legal constructs,
 dear fellow citizens. And pay close attention to what people are saying
 in the upcoming debates over balancing our core freedoms with other 
values.Hang on through the ride and listen to the debates as if the very 
meaning and application of the First Amendment for the next generation 
depends on it — because it will.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

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