Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30 per barrel. That's down $1.25 from a week ago, up a dollar from the first of the month, but down $17 from a year ago. After posting their first weekly loss in three weeks, U.S. crude futures prices plunged on Monday. In afternoon trading the benchmark Nymex contract was down $1.34 to $38.51 per barrel. London Brent was down $1.37 to $40.40. Drilling activity in Kansas was up slightly last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports ten active drilling rigs in Western Kansas, up two for the week. The count east of Wichita was unchanged at five active rigs. Drilling is underway on two leases in Ellis County, where a third has reached total depth and is being evaluated. An operator in Stafford County is preparing to spud two new wells there. Baker Hughes reports 287 active drilling rigs across the country, an increase of six oil rigs. Texas added two rigs to the weekly count, while Oklahoma added one. Regulators approved 12 new permits to drill across Kansas last week, five of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and two in Stafford County. That's 358 permits for drilling at new locations statewide so far this year, compared to 876 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a newly completed well in Ellis County among 13 completions in Western Kansas last week. Add one east of Wichita for a statewide total of 14 newly completed wells for the week, 694 so far this year. The government said U.S. crude inventories dropped one million barrels last week to just over 488 million. The report came less than a day after the American Petroleum Institute reported a surprise increase in stockpiles of more than half a million barrels.&nbsp; U.S. production dipped below ten million barrels per day for the first time in six weeks. The Energy Information Administration reports average production last week of 9.86 million barrels per day, down 586,000 barrels per day from the week before. Output is down nearly three million barrels per day from a year ago at this time. EIA said imports were down 167,000 barrels per day last week to just over five million barrels per day. The four-week average is nearly 14% less than during the same four-week period last year. Oil by rail traffic was up slightly on the week, but remained 19% below last years tallies. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,293 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products during the week ending October 17. Oil by rail in Canada is down nearly thirty percent compared to a year ago. Lower gasoline demand is dropping gasoline prices for the majority of the country.&nbsp; Across the U.S., pump prices were a penny cheaper last week than a week earlier, two cents lower than a month ago, and nearly half a dollar below last year at this time. Triple-A says the national average Thursday was $2.16 a gallon, while the average across the Sunflower State was $1.93. Kansas was among 13 states across the U.S. with average prices below two dollars. It was selling for $1.99 across Great Bend, and $1.90 in Hays. Filling your 15-gallon tank with cost you nine dollars more than it did six months ago, but about five dollars less than last year at this time. The two sides in Libya's civil war appear to have completed their reconciliation. On Friday they signed a permanent cease-fire, although skepticism is already rising.&nbsp; The deal includes an order for all foreign mercenaries to leave the country, and sets the state for political talks next month. Libya descended into chaos in 2011, after an uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.&nbsp; Renewed production amid continuing low demand have prompted renewed concerns about U.S. crude-oil storage capacity. The Energy Information Administration reports the national totals are safe, but users have reached 77% of capacity at the storage hub in Cushing, Oklahoma. EIA reports on net stockpiles as a percentage of working storage capacity. That figure reached a high of 62 percent back in June, but has since dropped to 54%. Cushing is fast approaching the all-time high. The Oklahoma total reached 77% in the week ending June 19. The record of 83% of capacity was set May 1. ConocoPhillips agreed to buy Concho Resources for about $9.7 billion in stock, marking the largest shale industry deal since the collapse in energy demand earlier this year. Concho Resources was worth $32 billion just two years ago, but is selling for $9.7 billion in stock. The deal will create what Bloomberg calls a heavyweight driller in America’s most prolific oil field, rivaled only by the likes of Occidental Petroleum and Chevron.&nbsp; Native American tribes opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline have once again asked a federal judge to stop the flow of oil while the legal battle over the line’s future plays out. The tribes succeeded on their first attempt, only to have an appeals court overturn the shutdown order earlier this year. The Bismarck Tribune reports they are now asking the judge to clarify his order to satisfy the appeals court and once again shut down the pipeline. The court is awaiting a new environmental study to determine the risk the pipeline poses to the tribes' water supply. The study is expected to take more than a year to complete. Given pandemic lockdown restrictions around the globe, worldwide crude oil demand is shrinking. You can't even dock a crude-oil tanker in some ports, where users are instead winding down inventories built up since March. Demand for crude tankers has fallen more than 14% this year according to Lloyd's List Maritime Intelligence, which covers shipping news. Only about 80% of the international tanker fleet is currently in use according to Lloyd's List.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $30 per barrel. That's down $1.25 from a week ago, up a dollar from the first of the month, but down $17 from a year ago. After posting their first weekly loss in three weeks, U.S. crude futures prices plunged on Monday. In afternoon trading the benchmark Nymex contract was down $1.34 to $38.51 per barrel. London Brent was down $1.37 to $40.40. Drilling activity in Kansas was up slightly last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports ten active drilling rigs in Western Kansas, up two for the week. The count east of Wichita was unchanged at five active rigs. Drilling is underway on two leases in Ellis County, where a third has reached total depth and is being evaluated. An operator in Stafford County is preparing to spud two new wells there. Baker Hughes reports 287 active drilling rigs across the country, an increase of six oil rigs. Texas added two rigs to the weekly count, while Oklahoma added one. Regulators approved 12 new permits to drill across Kansas last week, five of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and two in Stafford County. That's 358 permits for drilling at new locations statewide so far this year, compared to 876 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a newly completed well in Ellis County among 13 completions in Western Kansas last week. Add one east of Wichita for a statewide total of 14 newly completed wells for the week, 694 so far this year. The government said U.S. crude inventories dropped one million barrels last week to just over 488 million. The report came less than a day after the American Petroleum Institute reported a surprise increase in stockpiles of more than half a million barrels.&nbsp; U.S. production dipped below ten million barrels per day for the first time in six weeks. The Energy Information Administration reports average production last week of 9.86 million barrels per day, down 586,000 barrels per day from the week before. Output is down nearly three million barrels per day from a year ago at this time. EIA said imports were down 167,000 barrels per day last week to just over five million barrels per day. The four-week average is nearly 14% less than during the same four-week period last year. Oil by rail traffic was up slightly on the week, but remained 19% below last years tallies. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,293 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products during the week ending October 17. Oil by rail in Canada is down nearly thirty percent compared to a year ago. Lower gasoline demand is dropping gasoline prices for the majority of the country.&nbsp; Across the U.S., pump prices were a penny cheaper last week than a week earlier, two cents lower than a month ago, and nearly half a dollar below last year at this time. Triple-A says the national average Thursday was $2.16 a gallon, while the average across the Sunflower State was $1.93. Kansas was among 13 states across the U.S. with average prices below two dollars. It was selling for $1.99 across Great Bend, and $1.90 in Hays. Filling your 15-gallon tank with cost you nine dollars more than it did six months ago, but about five dollars less than last year at this time. The two sides in Libya's civil war appear to have completed their reconciliation. On Friday they signed a permanent cease-fire, although skepticism is already rising.&nbsp; The deal includes an order for all foreign mercenaries to leave the country, and sets the state for political talks next month. Libya descended into chaos in 2011, after an uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.&nbsp; Renewed production amid continuing low demand have prompted renewed concerns about U.S. crude-oil storage capacity. The Energy Information Administration reports the national totals are safe, but users have reached 77% of capacity at the storage hub in Cushing, Oklahoma. EIA reports on net stockpiles as a percentage of working storage capacity. That figure reached a high of 62 percent back in June, but has since dropped to 54%. Cushing is fast approaching the all-time high. The Oklahoma total reached 77% in the week ending June 19. The record of 83% of capacity was set May 1. ConocoPhillips agreed to buy Concho Resources for about $9.7 billion in stock, marking the largest shale industry deal since the collapse in energy demand earlier this year. Concho Resources was worth $32 billion just two years ago, but is selling for $9.7 billion in stock. The deal will create what Bloomberg calls a heavyweight driller in America’s most prolific oil field, rivaled only by the likes of Occidental Petroleum and Chevron.&nbsp; Native American tribes opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline have once again asked a federal judge to stop the flow of oil while the legal battle over the line’s future plays out. The tribes succeeded on their first attempt, only to have an appeals court overturn the shutdown order earlier this year. The Bismarck Tribune reports they are now asking the judge to clarify his order to satisfy the appeals court and once again shut down the pipeline. The court is awaiting a new environmental study to determine the risk the pipeline poses to the tribes' water supply. The study is expected to take more than a year to complete. Given pandemic lockdown restrictions around the globe, worldwide crude oil demand is shrinking. You can't even dock a crude-oil tanker in some ports, where users are instead winding down inventories built up since March. Demand for crude tankers has fallen more than 14% this year according to Lloyd's List Maritime Intelligence, which covers shipping news. Only about 80% of the international tanker fleet is currently in use according to Lloyd's List.

News From the Oil Patch: Drilling activity up slightly

<a href="https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/index">By JIM RICHARDSON</a>

“Republicans shouldn’t thresh with Democrats.”

My father was imparting 
wisdom upon me, something he’d heard from his father, learned on their 
farm in Kansas. Wisdom that maybe we could use today.

I’d probably better 
translate. Back then farmers banded together to buy a threshing machine 
to be shared among neighboring farms during wheat harvest. This great 
communal tradition is laden with nostalgic memories of neighbor helping 
neighbor. The threshing picnic at the end of harvest is a rich icon of 
idyllic rural life. Friendship shown all around, we imagine.

Not so, my father was 
telling me. Peace among farmers meant politics shouldn’t rear its ugly 
head. Republicans should harvest with Republicans. Democrats with 
Democrats. Worked better that way. Even then politics was bad medicine 
on farms in Liberty and Freedom townships in Republic County.

Our current season of <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/23/were-so-close-to-civil-war-everyone-can-smell-the-smoke/">fire and brimstone</a>
 triggered this memory. Politics consumes us now, like a raging prairie 
fire we can’t outrun. We are at each others’ throats, treat our 
neighbors like traitors. We suspect people we’ve known all our lives are
 actually an alien species, not one of us. We’ve learned to hate them.

This partisan rancor is 
not new. My mother wrote about a neighbor who got so worked up at a 
political meeting at a nearby farm that he drove home and forgot his 
wife and children. So he had to go back to the barn at midnight, hitch 
up the horses to the buggy and go get them. And when her grandfather (a 
staunch Democrat) was sick and required a transfusion, he got it from 
Aunt Lila — a Republican. Republican blood in his veins! They never let 
him live it down.

What have we forgotten about how to deal with this recurring feverish malady?

Recently I read of a New 
York editor (a COVID refugee) who had moved to rural Pennsylvania. 
Things had changed for her. Gone was her comfortable bubble, life among 
reliably like-minded people with whom any political thought could be 
shared without fear. It was pure culture shock.

Welcome to our world. I 
live in a small town where no such ideologically segregated enclaves are
 possible. No, out of necessity we live and work with each other every 
day. (We may well think that some of our friends and neighbors are 
wackos, but if we are smart we just shut up about it.) We need them, 
they need us. I don’t debate politics with our plumber; tomorrow I may 
have a clogged drain.

More than cynical social 
utility is at work here. (I’m not naive; political differences can’t 
just be swept under the carpet.) Without ever knowing his politics I 
know that plumber as a good and decent person. So are lots of people in 
town who don’t share my politics. That’s OK. Politics is just one 
measure of our social bargaining. Mutual respect demands forbearance, 
shown in small acts of tolerance. The conservative coffee group gathers 
early in the coffee shop, but they are careful to make way in good time 
for the liberal coffee group that comes in later.

So perhaps America has not
 fallen from some imagined state of divine neighborly grace. (That 
probably never existed.) But we do seem to have forgotten the rules of 
co-existence that our grandparents practiced.

Something else may also be at work. If this societal truce has broken down (replaced by mutual contempt that verges on <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/07/a-kansas-history-professor-sees-troubling-deeply-problematic-danger-signs-for-the-united-states/">civil breakdown</a>)
 perhaps it is because we have let politics monopolize our lives. What 
is wrong here is not that politics is bad but that it has come to 
dominate — indeed obliterate — all other measures by which we know each 
other.

Political parties are in 
the business of winning. But if winning means vanquishing your neighbor 
down the street, then that’s not winning at all. Small-town politics is a
 paradox: You can’t really win by winning. We need each other too much, 
whatever our disagreements.

Our communities are built 
out of a multitude of shared experiences and values, respect and mutual 
need. Politics today threatens to silence all those other ways by which 
we&nbsp;define ourselves, to break those links that bind us together.

The day after the upcoming
 election we must set politics aside for a while. We must remember the 
rules of daily life by which a community — and a state — can grow and 
prosper. We must not let politics become the sole defining aspect of our
 public lives. It will be the end of us.

Jim Richardson is a photographer known for his work in rural Kansas and for his 35 years with National Geographic Magazine. Among other awards, he was named Kansan of the Year, has received the Governor’s Arts Award and an honorary doctorate from Kansas State University, and has been named an Honored Citizen by the people of Cuba, Kansas. He lives in Lindsborg with his wife Kathy, where they own Small World Gallery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603748511118.png" alt="Jim Richardson's "Voting Baby" photograph was taken in 1976 in Russell, Kansas, when Bob Dole was running for vice president with Gerald Ford. (Submitted by Jim Richardson to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Jim Richardson's "Voting Baby" photograph was taken in 1976 in Russell, Kansas, when Bob Dole was running for vice president with Gerald Ford. (Submitted by Jim Richardson to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/index">By JIM RICHARDSON</a>“Republicans shouldn’t thresh with Democrats.”My father was imparting 
wisdom upon me, something he’d heard from his father, learned on their 
farm in Kansas. Wisdom that maybe we could use today.I’d probably better 
translate. Back then farmers banded together to buy a threshing machine 
to be shared among neighboring farms during wheat harvest. This great 
communal tradition is laden with nostalgic memories of neighbor helping 
neighbor. The threshing picnic at the end of harvest is a rich icon of 
idyllic rural life. Friendship shown all around, we imagine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Not so, my father was 
telling me. Peace among farmers meant politics shouldn’t rear its ugly 
head. Republicans should harvest with Republicans. Democrats with 
Democrats. Worked better that way. Even then politics was bad medicine 
on farms in Liberty and Freedom townships in Republic County.Our current season of <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/09/23/were-so-close-to-civil-war-everyone-can-smell-the-smoke/">fire and brimstone</a>
 triggered this memory. Politics consumes us now, like a raging prairie 
fire we can’t outrun. We are at each others’ throats, treat our 
neighbors like traitors. We suspect people we’ve known all our lives are
 actually an alien species, not one of us. We’ve learned to hate them.This partisan rancor is 
not new. My mother wrote about a neighbor who got so worked up at a 
political meeting at a nearby farm that he drove home and forgot his 
wife and children. So he had to go back to the barn at midnight, hitch 
up the horses to the buggy and go get them. And when her grandfather (a 
staunch Democrat) was sick and required a transfusion, he got it from 
Aunt Lila — a Republican. Republican blood in his veins! They never let 
him live it down.What have we forgotten about how to deal with this recurring feverish malady?Recently I read of a New 
York editor (a COVID refugee) who had moved to rural Pennsylvania. 
Things had changed for her. Gone was her comfortable bubble, life among 
reliably like-minded people with whom any political thought could be 
shared without fear. It was pure culture shock.Welcome to our world. I 
live in a small town where no such ideologically segregated enclaves are
 possible. No, out of necessity we live and work with each other every 
day. (We may well think that some of our friends and neighbors are 
wackos, but if we are smart we just shut up about it.) We need them, 
they need us. I don’t debate politics with our plumber; tomorrow I may 
have a clogged drain.More than cynical social 
utility is at work here. (I’m not naive; political differences can’t 
just be swept under the carpet.) Without ever knowing his politics I 
know that plumber as a good and decent person. So are lots of people in 
town who don’t share my politics. That’s OK. Politics is just one 
measure of our social bargaining. Mutual respect demands forbearance, 
shown in small acts of tolerance. The conservative coffee group gathers 
early in the coffee shop, but they are careful to make way in good time 
for the liberal coffee group that comes in later.So perhaps America has not
 fallen from some imagined state of divine neighborly grace. (That 
probably never existed.) But we do seem to have forgotten the rules of 
co-existence that our grandparents practiced.Something else may also be at work. If this societal truce has broken down (replaced by mutual contempt that verges on <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/07/a-kansas-history-professor-sees-troubling-deeply-problematic-danger-signs-for-the-united-states/">civil breakdown</a>)
 perhaps it is because we have let politics monopolize our lives. What 
is wrong here is not that politics is bad but that it has come to 
dominate — indeed obliterate — all other measures by which we know each 
other.Political parties are in 
the business of winning. But if winning means vanquishing your neighbor 
down the street, then that’s not winning at all. Small-town politics is a
 paradox: You can’t really win by winning. We need each other too much, 
whatever our disagreements.Our communities are built 
out of a multitude of shared experiences and values, respect and mutual 
need. Politics today threatens to silence all those other ways by which 
we&nbsp;define ourselves, to break those links that bind us together.The day after the upcoming
 election we must set politics aside for a while. We must remember the 
rules of daily life by which a community — and a state — can grow and 
prosper. We must not let politics become the sole defining aspect of our
 public lives. It will be the end of us.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603748636131.jpeg" alt="Jim Richardson" />
 <figcaption>Jim Richardson</figcaption>
 </figure>Jim Richardson is a photographer known for his work in rural Kansas and for his 35 years with National Geographic Magazine. Among other awards, he was named Kansan of the Year, has received the Governor’s Arts Award and an honorary doctorate from Kansas State University, and has been named an Honored Citizen by the people of Cuba, Kansas. He lives in Lindsborg with his wife Kathy, where they own Small World Gallery.Courtesy the Kansas Reflector

OPINION: Kansans need each other too much to let politics monopolize our lives

The statistics are in that show 70 percent of U.S. households are now food preparation central for 80 percent of their families’ meals. This is up 40 percent from 2019 and likely not slowing down. COVID19 has certainly impacted “where” we are eating most of our meals. Whether you are a cook-from-scratch kind of person or rely on some pre-cooked products when putting a meal together keep reading for some sound advice.

When shopping the frozen food case, be aware that not all frozen foods are prepared the same. Don’t assume that all frozen foods are equal when it comes to preparing them for your families dinner. You may not realize that some frozen foods are not fully cooked or ready to eat, especially if they have browned breading, grill marks or other signs that normally show that a product has been cooked.&nbsp;

In a recent Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) observational study, 22 percent of participants said a not-ready-to-eat frozen chicken entrée was either cooked, partially cooked, or they weren’t sure that the product was in fact raw. The best advice is to read the cooking or preparation instructions on the package. This is specific to that product. The instructions may only have one cooking method or possibly multiple methods. Choose the one that best fits your schedule.

This information is important for all frozen foods whether they are vegetables or meat products. If the package states “not ready to eat” that means some form of cooking, baking or roasting must take place. Always use a food thermometer to check final temperatures.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood District – Great Bend office." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood District – Great Bend office.</figcaption>
 </figure>The statistics are in that show 70 percent of U.S. households are now food preparation central for 80 percent of their families’ meals. This is up 40 percent from 2019 and likely not slowing down. COVID19 has certainly impacted “where” we are eating most of our meals. Whether you are a cook-from-scratch kind of person or rely on some pre-cooked products when putting a meal together keep reading for some sound advice.When shopping the frozen food case, be aware that not all frozen foods are prepared the same. Don’t assume that all frozen foods are equal when it comes to preparing them for your families dinner. You may not realize that some frozen foods are not fully cooked or ready to eat, especially if they have browned breading, grill marks or other signs that normally show that a product has been cooked.&nbsp;In a recent Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) observational study, 22 percent of participants said a not-ready-to-eat frozen chicken entrée was either cooked, partially cooked, or they weren’t sure that the product was in fact raw. The best advice is to read the cooking or preparation instructions on the package. This is specific to that product. The instructions may only have one cooking method or possibly multiple methods. Choose the one that best fits your schedule.This information is important for all frozen foods whether they are vegetables or meat products. If the package states “not ready to eat” that means some form of cooking, baking or roasting must take place. Always use a food thermometer to check final temperatures.&nbsp;Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood District – Great Bend office. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

KRUG: Safely preparing frozen foods

Our information universe clearly has problems.

The recent emergence of the term “fake news” into the popular lexicon
 was quickly followed by a swath of articles discussing why the facts 
don’t change our minds, the importance of fact checking and critiques of
 the mainstream media.

In a period where facts can become a partisan issue, experts have 
started calling this the post-truth world. While they are not wrong, it 
raises the question: When have we ever lived in a truthful world?

A quick glance at American history shows a litany of falsehoods: 
Columbus “discovered” America — as if there weren’t millions of people 
already living here. Slavery was justified on the false claim that Black
 Americans were somehow “lesser” than white Americans. The limits on 
women’s rights were justified by pseudoscience “proving” them the weaker
 sex. Entire immigrant populations have been singled out on the lie of 
“otherness.” Disinformation targeting religions has led to persecution 
and hate crimes. People with Southern accents are “dumb” … and so many 
more.

Systems of power — people, organizations and governments — have 
always perpetuated the “fake news” that benefits them. Neither this nor 
widespread disinterest in the truth is a new problem. We also can’t tell
 this story without turning a critical eye on the history of the press. 
Look, for example, at press failures as they reported on AIDS in the 
1980s and the negative impact that coverage had and continues to have on
 the LGBTQ+ community. Mainstream media’s general acceptance of the Bush
 administration’s claim of weapons of mass destruction fueled wide 
public acceptance of war with Iraq.

Our information universe has a problematic history, but before we 
descend into hopelessness, delete our social media and cancel newspaper 
subscriptions, there is a positive side. All of the previously mentioned
 falsehoods were found with a simple scroll through social media that 
revealed an amazing amount of fact checking. Millions of citizen 
creators and amplifiers are sharing innovative images and short-form 
lessons on America attempting to make truth louder than lies.

The argument can be made that technology has allowed us, for the first time, to call for a truthful world.

The fuel behind this work is the First Amendment. The founders wrote a
 law better than they were, for an America they couldn’t possibly 
envision. The right of free expression, unequally applied for 200 years,
 has found equity in the digital age. At last, the microphone is big 
enough for 330 million voices. There is nothing in the First Amendment 
that requires us to tell the truth, but inherent in its creation was the
 idea of an informed citizenry. People informing people.

As we head into this election, the purpose of the press and the 
rights of citizen advocates becomes even more critical to the democratic
 process. From local elections to national protests, fact checking is 
becoming a political tool. Election campaigns have started to call fact 
checking itself into question as a tactic in election advertisements. 
The Women’s March, for example, has taken up fact checking as a form of 
protest by training citizen digital defenders to combat disinformation. 
With misinformation confusing the voting process and the social media 
swirl around the candidates, the need for factual information is more 
critical than ever.

If the data and opinion noise is overwhelming you, here are some 
media literacy tips to get you started sorting fact from fiction.

Media literacy, though, is about more than consuming what others have
 created. To be truly media literate, we must express ourselves about 
the information and content we have taken in.

The First Amendment places in the hands of the people the power to 
decide what to express. We have the right to lie, but we equally have 
the right to speak the truth. The question then becomes not do we live 
in a post-truth world, but do we want to live in a truthful one?

Jessi Hollis McCarthy is the outreach educator of the Freedom Forum. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:jmccarthy@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">jmccarthy@freedomforum.org</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603375658149.png" alt="Jessi Hollis McCarthy is the outreach educator of the Freedom Forum." />
 <figcaption>Jessi Hollis McCarthy is the outreach educator of the Freedom Forum.</figcaption>
 </figure>Our information universe clearly has problems.The recent emergence of the term “fake news” into the popular lexicon
 was quickly followed by a swath of articles discussing why the facts 
don’t change our minds, the importance of fact checking and critiques of
 the mainstream media.In a period where facts can become a partisan issue, experts have 
started calling this the post-truth world. While they are not wrong, it 
raises the question: When have we ever lived in a truthful world?A quick glance at American history shows a litany of falsehoods: 
Columbus “discovered” America — as if there weren’t millions of people 
already living here. Slavery was justified on the false claim that Black
 Americans were somehow “lesser” than white Americans. The limits on 
women’s rights were justified by pseudoscience “proving” them the weaker
 sex. Entire immigrant populations have been singled out on the lie of 
“otherness.” Disinformation targeting religions has led to persecution 
and hate crimes. People with Southern accents are “dumb” … and so many 
more.Systems of power — people, organizations and governments — have 
always perpetuated the “fake news” that benefits them. Neither this nor 
widespread disinterest in the truth is a new problem. We also can’t tell
 this story without turning a critical eye on the history of the press. 
Look, for example, at press failures as they reported on AIDS in the 
1980s and the negative impact that coverage had and continues to have on
 the LGBTQ+ community. Mainstream media’s general acceptance of the Bush
 administration’s claim of weapons of mass destruction fueled wide 
public acceptance of war with Iraq.Our information universe has a problematic history, but before we 
descend into hopelessness, delete our social media and cancel newspaper 
subscriptions, there is a positive side. All of the previously mentioned
 falsehoods were found with a simple scroll through social media that 
revealed an amazing amount of fact checking. Millions of citizen 
creators and amplifiers are sharing innovative images and short-form 
lessons on America attempting to make truth louder than lies.The argument can be made that technology has allowed us, for the first time, to call for a truthful world.The fuel behind this work is the First Amendment. The founders wrote a
 law better than they were, for an America they couldn’t possibly 
envision. The right of free expression, unequally applied for 200 years,
 has found equity in the digital age. At last, the microphone is big 
enough for 330 million voices. There is nothing in the First Amendment 
that requires us to tell the truth, but inherent in its creation was the
 idea of an informed citizenry. People informing people.As we head into this election, the purpose of the press and the 
rights of citizen advocates becomes even more critical to the democratic
 process. From local elections to national protests, fact checking is 
becoming a political tool. Election campaigns have started to call fact 
checking itself into question as a tactic in election advertisements. 
The Women’s March, for example, has taken up fact checking as a form of 
protest by training citizen digital defenders to combat disinformation. 
With misinformation confusing the voting process and the social media 
swirl around the candidates, the need for factual information is more 
critical than ever.If the data and opinion noise is overwhelming you, here are some 
media literacy tips to get you started sorting fact from fiction.<ul>
 <li>Know your rights — what do press and speech laws actually say is and is not protected?</li><li>Be yourself but know yourself — we are most likely to fall for fake stories that confirm our own biases.</li><li>Ask questions and compare multiple news or information sources to 
get the answer. Always double check the source or article type — avoid 
opinion pieces when searching for facts.</li><li>The story is rarely simple. Seek complexity instead of confirmation.
 The facts will not and should not always support your views.</li><li>Admit when you fall for fake news — you’re in good company. A vast 
number of American adults have fallen for a false story (including this 
author). Help others become good news consumers. A simple “You might 
want to double check that story; I think it might be fake” can do a 
world of good.</li>
 </ul>Media literacy, though, is about more than consuming what others have
 created. To be truly media literate, we must express ourselves about 
the information and content we have taken in.The First Amendment places in the hands of the people the power to 
decide what to express. We have the right to lie, but we equally have 
the right to speak the truth. The question then becomes not do we live 
in a post-truth world, but do we want to live in a truthful one?That decision is ours.Jessi Hollis McCarthy is the outreach educator of the Freedom Forum. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:jmccarthy@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">jmccarthy@freedomforum.org</a>.&nbsp;

FIRST FIVE: Do we live in a post-truth world?

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

Flour power! No, I’m not having a flashback to the 1960s. I’m referring to the kind of flour that comes from wheat and is used for baking bread.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When the pandemic hit in Spring 2020, and people were stuck at home, such flour was less available in stores. Then Kansas Wheat and the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry mobilized to provide a free flour distribution to Kansas families. Such generosity led to these entities being recognized as Ag Heroes by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Justin Gilpin is the chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat. Gordon Smith is head of K-State’s Grain Science and Industry Department. That department includes several facilities, including the Hal Ross Flour Mill. These entities came together to provide this flour distribution in June 2020.&nbsp;

Kansas Wheat is the product of a cooperative agreement between two organizations:&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Wheat Commission is a grower-funded, grower-governed organization working to secure the future of Kansas wheat in the global market through international trade, research, export system studies and continually improved varieties of wheat. Its mission is wheat-related research, education and market development. The KWC is funded by a voluntary, two-cent assessment on each bushel of wheat produced in Kansas.&nbsp;

The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is a dues-based, member-governed organization representing wheat growers in planning legislation, advising government and international agencies on matters affecting wheat, and providing grass-roots leadership to the United States’ wheat industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The two entities jointly support an integrated office with shared staff, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center which is owned by Kansas wheat farmers and is located on the campus of K-State. Nearby is the Hal Ross Flour Mill, a teaching facility for the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department. K-State is the only higher education institution in the world with degree programs in milling, baking, and feed science.&nbsp;

Both the wheat commission and wheat growers organizations are led by farmers who are elected to those positions. These are wheat producers from around Kansas, including rural communities such as Gypsum, population 405; Lebanon, population 218; and Muscotah, population 176 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

After the pandemic hit, there was a run on flour in the stores. College campuses closed, meaning that K-State’s flour mill also shut down. As the exceptional need for flour continued, Kansas Wheat and the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department responded. The Kansas Wheat Commission donated 20,000 pounds of wheat, all of which was locally grown. The Hal Ross Flour Mill was brought back online.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wheat was milled into flour and packaged into 10-pound bags. K-State President Richard Myers even assisted with the flour milling.&nbsp;

A drive-through flour distribution was scheduled for June 18. All the bags of flour were given away, free of charge. Any extra were to be donated to the Flint Hills Breadbasket and Harvesters, a community food network.&nbsp;

“Kansas wheat farmers were glad to help support this project,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Gilpin. “Wheat is a staple food for many Americans and this project by K-State will help put it in the hands of people in need.”&nbsp;

Smith said his department at K-State “has a long and distinguished record of domestic and international service. We greatly value being a part of the Kansas agricultural community and embrace any opportunity to help Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This summer’s flour production and distribution efforts were accomplished through the unselfish actions of faculty and staff, who look forward to the next occasion to serve,” he said.&nbsp;

As the Ag Hero nomination said: “This project was a truly collaborative effort of the wheat farming community to meet the needs of Kansans.”&nbsp;

Flour power. No, it’s not the 1960s. In this case, I’m referring to flour from Kansas-grown and milled wheat. We salute the people of the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department and of Kansas Wheat for making a difference with their initiative and generosity. They came together to provide flour to the people. Right on.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603290765990.png" alt="K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;Flour power! No, I’m not having a flashback to the 1960s. I’m referring to the kind of flour that comes from wheat and is used for baking bread.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the pandemic hit in Spring 2020, and people were stuck at home, such flour was less available in stores. Then Kansas Wheat and the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry mobilized to provide a free flour distribution to Kansas families. Such generosity led to these entities being recognized as Ag Heroes by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Justin Gilpin is the chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat. Gordon Smith is head of K-State’s Grain Science and Industry Department. That department includes several facilities, including the Hal Ross Flour Mill. These entities came together to provide this flour distribution in June 2020.&nbsp;Kansas Wheat is the product of a cooperative agreement between two organizations:&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat Commission is a grower-funded, grower-governed organization working to secure the future of Kansas wheat in the global market through international trade, research, export system studies and continually improved varieties of wheat. Its mission is wheat-related research, education and market development. The KWC is funded by a voluntary, two-cent assessment on each bushel of wheat produced in Kansas.&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is a dues-based, member-governed organization representing wheat growers in planning legislation, advising government and international agencies on matters affecting wheat, and providing grass-roots leadership to the United States’ wheat industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two entities jointly support an integrated office with shared staff, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center which is owned by Kansas wheat farmers and is located on the campus of K-State. Nearby is the Hal Ross Flour Mill, a teaching facility for the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department. K-State is the only higher education institution in the world with degree programs in milling, baking, and feed science.&nbsp;Both the wheat commission and wheat growers organizations are led by farmers who are elected to those positions. These are wheat producers from around Kansas, including rural communities such as Gypsum, population 405; Lebanon, population 218; and Muscotah, population 176 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;After the pandemic hit, there was a run on flour in the stores. College campuses closed, meaning that K-State’s flour mill also shut down. As the exceptional need for flour continued, Kansas Wheat and the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department responded. The Kansas Wheat Commission donated 20,000 pounds of wheat, all of which was locally grown. The Hal Ross Flour Mill was brought back online.&nbsp;&nbsp;The wheat was milled into flour and packaged into 10-pound bags. K-State President Richard Myers even assisted with the flour milling.&nbsp;A drive-through flour distribution was scheduled for June 18. All the bags of flour were given away, free of charge. Any extra were to be donated to the Flint Hills Breadbasket and Harvesters, a community food network.&nbsp;“Kansas wheat farmers were glad to help support this project,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Gilpin. “Wheat is a staple food for many Americans and this project by K-State will help put it in the hands of people in need.”&nbsp;Smith said his department at K-State “has a long and distinguished record of domestic and international service. We greatly value being a part of the Kansas agricultural community and embrace any opportunity to help Kansans.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This summer’s flour production and distribution efforts were accomplished through the unselfish actions of faculty and staff, who look forward to the next occasion to serve,” he said.&nbsp;As the Ag Hero nomination said: “This project was a truly collaborative effort of the wheat farming community to meet the needs of Kansans.”&nbsp;Flour power. No, it’s not the 1960s. In this case, I’m referring to flour from Kansas-grown and milled wheat. We salute the people of the K-State Grain Science and Industry Department and of Kansas Wheat for making a difference with their initiative and generosity. They came together to provide flour to the people. Right on.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Kansas Wheat and K-State Grain Science flour distribution 

Voters in Kansas have long been known as independent, intelligent and sensible when it comes to electing United States senators. But this year we see millions of dollars pouring in from places like California and New York with the goal of tricking Kansans into electing anti-gun extremist Barbara Bollier. This money is pushing an absolute lie that Bollier is a middle of the road independent.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, her votes and actions tell a different story.&nbsp;

Barbara Bollier was recently caught supporting a foreign draconian gun ban and confiscation program. She said, “It’s this amazing thing.” That’s not surprising. I served with Barbara in the Kansas Legislature and her voting record shows this was no passive comment. She has always focused on gun control and will continue to if she is elected to the U.S. Senate. In Topeka she pushed for radical confiscation laws that seize firearms without constitutional due process. There is nothing moderate about that.

Her record has earned the support of billionaire gun ban advocate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose group called her the gun control champion that Kansas deserves. Kansans deserve better. Kansans deserves a United States senator who will protect and defend our right to self-defense, not destroy it. We deserve someone who will confirm Supreme Court Justices who won’t twist the Second Amendment into allowing an Australian-style gun ban. This November, defending freedom means rejecting Barbara Bollier and electing Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

Travis Couture-Lovelady is a former Member of the Kansas House of Representatives&nbsp;and NRA Kansas State Director.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Voters in Kansas have long been known as independent, intelligent and sensible when it comes to electing United States senators. But this year we see millions of dollars pouring in from places like California and New York with the goal of tricking Kansans into electing anti-gun extremist Barbara Bollier. This money is pushing an absolute lie that Bollier is a middle of the road independent.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, her votes and actions tell a different story.&nbsp;Barbara Bollier was recently caught supporting a foreign draconian gun ban and confiscation program. She said, “It’s this amazing thing.” That’s not surprising. I served with Barbara in the Kansas Legislature and her voting record shows this was no passive comment. She has always focused on gun control and will continue to if she is elected to the U.S. Senate. In Topeka she pushed for radical confiscation laws that seize firearms without constitutional due process. There is nothing moderate about that. Her record has earned the support of billionaire gun ban advocate and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose group called her the gun control champion that Kansas deserves. Kansans deserve better. Kansans deserves a United States senator who will protect and defend our right to self-defense, not destroy it. We deserve someone who will confirm Supreme Court Justices who won’t twist the Second Amendment into allowing an Australian-style gun ban. This November, defending freedom means rejecting Barbara Bollier and electing Roger Marshall.&nbsp;Travis Couture-Lovelady is a former Member of the Kansas House of Representatives&nbsp;and NRA Kansas State Director.

LETTER: Bollier not the right choice for Kansas

By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/21/this-young-kansan-will-vote-despite-his-loss-of-faith-and-keep-working-no-matter-who-wins/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Santiago Vasquez will soon vote in his first presidential election.

“It feels awful,” says the
 young Kansan. “Honestly, I don’t think either candidate is equipped to 
fix any of the problems in our country.”

Vasquez says he’s lost faith in government institutions’ ability “to correct things in a meaningful way.”

He’s not alone in those 
feelings, but he’s had an unusual amount of first-hand experience with 
the particular brokenness exposed by this hellish year.

Born in Lima, Peru, 
Vasquez was a year old when his father came to the United States to 
finish a doctoral degree, and three when his family moved to Salina, 
where his parents are pastors at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaMielCovenantChurch/">La Miel Covenant Church</a>, which serves the Latino community.

“Just by the nature of the
 church, my father has to go deal with a lot of legal issues around 
immigration and a lot of people who are undocumented,” says Vasquez, 
adding that he is not religious but often helped his father with 
translations.

“From a young age, I’ve 
been exposed to families where kids are separated from their fathers. I 
know people who’ve had traumatic experiences crossing the border,” he 
says. “And I’ve watched people I’d known get deported.”

His interest in government
 and politics grew through high school debate and forensics at Salina 
High School South, and George Floyd’s death at the end of his senior 
year was a call to action.

Vasquez and other young people in Salina formed the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesunflowercoalition/">Sunflower Coalition</a>, began attending city commission meetings and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesunflowercoalition/photos/pcb.140653337701655/140653017701687/?type=3&amp;theater">drafted a proposal</a> for modest police reforms: a citizens’ review board and a ban on the department acquiring surplus military equipment.

When the city commission held a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU_WQFL1ktU">public study session on Sept. 21</a>,
 Vasquez and other coalition members faced a backlash from a room full 
of mostly white and unmasked people with what he describes as a “back 
the blue mentality.” During his time at the microphone, people jeered 
him.

“It was a very hostile environment to be in,” Vasquez says.

Commissioner Melissa Rose Hodges was so disturbed that she posted a Facebook message lamenting “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/melissarosehodges/posts/?ref=page_internal">the defensiveness, attempts at intimidation, and poor behavior</a>.”
 And Commissioner Trent Davis’ apology at the next week’s commission 
meeting is the latest episode of Kansas government must-see TV:

Tired of hearing opponents
 tell him he didn’t know what he was talking about, in late summer 
Vasquez enrolled in the Citizens’ Police Academy.

“I learned a whole lot of 
things,” he says, citing a litany of information about the department’s 
operations. But the experience mostly reinforced what he already knew.

“They repeatedly 
highlighted that the two biggest issues in Salina were drugs and 
homelessness,” he says. “They admitted they didn’t have a very good 
response to either.”

Vasquez is set to graduate
 from the academy this week, having spent every Wednesday evening 
driving back to Salina from Lawrence, where he’s now a freshman at the 
University of Kansas.

Three weeks after classes began, he caught COVID-19.

After being exposed by 
someone in their dorm, Vasquez and his roommates fielded mixed messages 
about whether they should stay put or move to the quarantine dorm, which
 Vasquez eventually did. By the time his own test came back positive, 
most of his fever, muscle pain and fatigue had passed.

Having the coronavirus 
“hit me in kind of a weird way,” he says, because both of his maternal 
grandparents in Peru had died of the same disease a few months earlier. 
He’s grateful he visited them in January. In February, his paternal 
grandfather died of causes unrelated to COVID.

He feels weighed down by 
the losses, and the fact that he could experience violence at the hands 
of his community at any time, even when government officials are around.

“It’s a lot to hold onto,” he says. “There are not a lot of people who can relate.”

He says he takes comfort 
in that he’s grown closer to his family. And his tone brightens when he 
talks about school. He likes his classes (all online) and is keeping his
 grades up, and he’s finding <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/05/lawrence-educators-teachable-moment-inspired-by-move-to-hybrid-instruction/">causes in Lawrence to help with</a>.

“I’m constantly fueled by the sense of anger,” he says.

But talking one-on-one, Vasquez doesn’t sound angry. He sounds like a better man than some of his fellow Kansans.

“I have a sense of duty to
 my community, to people who are like me, to people who are unlike me,” 
he says, citing wisdom he learned from his mother: “You shouldn’t do 
this kind of work because you hate your oppressors but because you love 
the people you’re helping.”

Talking to a young Kansan 
like Vasquez is supposed to make us elders feel hopeful that the 
future’s in the right hands. But we should never have let them graduate 
into a world of failed institutions.

“Settling for Biden is not how I wanted to open up my voting career,” Vasquez says.

He’ll do it because voting is important, he says.

“But we can’t wait for 
people above us to fix the country and the world,” he says. “No matter 
who wins, there is still a lot of work to be done. It’s up to the people
 around us and community organizing to move things forward.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291244206.png" alt="“You shouldn’t do this kind of work because you hate your oppressors but because you love the people you’re helping,” Santiago Vasquez says of the social justice work he has done with Salina's Sunflower Coalition. (Submitted by Santiago Vasquez to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>“You shouldn’t do this kind of work because you hate your oppressors but because you love the people you’re helping,” Santiago Vasquez says of the social justice work he has done with Salina's Sunflower Coalition. (Submitted by Santiago Vasquez to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/21/this-young-kansan-will-vote-despite-his-loss-of-faith-and-keep-working-no-matter-who-wins/">Kansas Reflector</a>Santiago Vasquez will soon vote in his first presidential election.“It feels awful,” says the
 young Kansan. “Honestly, I don’t think either candidate is equipped to 
fix any of the problems in our country.”Vasquez says he’s lost faith in government institutions’ ability “to correct things in a meaningful way.”He’s not alone in those 
feelings, but he’s had an unusual amount of first-hand experience with 
the particular brokenness exposed by this hellish year.Born in Lima, Peru, 
Vasquez was a year old when his father came to the United States to 
finish a doctoral degree, and three when his family moved to Salina, 
where his parents are pastors at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaMielCovenantChurch/">La Miel Covenant Church</a>, which serves the Latino community.“Just by the nature of the
 church, my father has to go deal with a lot of legal issues around 
immigration and a lot of people who are undocumented,” says Vasquez, 
adding that he is not religious but often helped his father with 
translations.“From a young age, I’ve 
been exposed to families where kids are separated from their fathers. I 
know people who’ve had traumatic experiences crossing the border,” he 
says. “And I’ve watched people I’d known get deported.”His interest in government
 and politics grew through high school debate and forensics at Salina 
High School South, and George Floyd’s death at the end of his senior 
year was a call to action.Vasquez and other young people in Salina formed the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesunflowercoalition/">Sunflower Coalition</a>, began attending city commission meetings and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesunflowercoalition/photos/pcb.140653337701655/140653017701687/?type=3&amp;theater">drafted a proposal</a> for modest police reforms: a citizens’ review board and a ban on the department acquiring surplus military equipment.When the city commission held a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU_WQFL1ktU">public study session on Sept. 21</a>,
 Vasquez and other coalition members faced a backlash from a room full 
of mostly white and unmasked people with what he describes as a “back 
the blue mentality.” During his time at the microphone, people jeered 
him.“It was a very hostile environment to be in,” Vasquez says.Commissioner Melissa Rose Hodges was so disturbed that she posted a Facebook message lamenting “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/melissarosehodges/posts/?ref=page_internal">the defensiveness, attempts at intimidation, and poor behavior</a>.”
 And Commissioner Trent Davis’ apology at the next week’s commission 
meeting is the latest episode of Kansas government must-see TV:<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g6hXhop5CZ4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tired of hearing opponents
 tell him he didn’t know what he was talking about, in late summer 
Vasquez enrolled in the Citizens’ Police Academy.“I learned a whole lot of 
things,” he says, citing a litany of information about the department’s 
operations. But the experience mostly reinforced what he already knew.“They repeatedly 
highlighted that the two biggest issues in Salina were drugs and 
homelessness,” he says. “They admitted they didn’t have a very good 
response to either.”Vasquez is set to graduate
 from the academy this week, having spent every Wednesday evening 
driving back to Salina from Lawrence, where he’s now a freshman at the 
University of Kansas.Three weeks after classes began, he caught COVID-19.After being exposed by 
someone in their dorm, Vasquez and his roommates fielded mixed messages 
about whether they should stay put or move to the quarantine dorm, which
 Vasquez eventually did. By the time his own test came back positive, 
most of his fever, muscle pain and fatigue had passed.Having the coronavirus 
“hit me in kind of a weird way,” he says, because both of his maternal 
grandparents in Peru had died of the same disease a few months earlier. 
He’s grateful he visited them in January. In February, his paternal 
grandfather died of causes unrelated to COVID.He feels weighed down by 
the losses, and the fact that he could experience violence at the hands 
of his community at any time, even when government officials are around.“It’s a lot to hold onto,” he says. “There are not a lot of people who can relate.”He says he takes comfort 
in that he’s grown closer to his family. And his tone brightens when he 
talks about school. He likes his classes (all online) and is keeping his
 grades up, and he’s finding <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/05/lawrence-educators-teachable-moment-inspired-by-move-to-hybrid-instruction/">causes in Lawrence to help with</a>.“I’m constantly fueled by the sense of anger,” he says.But talking one-on-one, Vasquez doesn’t sound angry. He sounds like a better man than some of his fellow Kansans.“I have a sense of duty to
 my community, to people who are like me, to people who are unlike me,” 
he says, citing wisdom he learned from his mother: “You shouldn’t do 
this kind of work because you hate your oppressors but because you love 
the people you’re helping.”Talking to a young Kansan 
like Vasquez is supposed to make us elders feel hopeful that the 
future’s in the right hands. But we should never have let them graduate 
into a world of failed institutions.“Settling for Biden is not how I wanted to open up my voting career,” Vasquez says.He’ll do it because voting is important, he says.“But we can’t wait for 
people above us to fix the country and the world,” he says. “No matter 
who wins, there is still a lot of work to be done. It’s up to the people
 around us and community organizing to move things forward.”C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

OPINION: This young Kansan will vote and keep working ‘no matter who wins’

Since the 2000 electoral mess, Republicans have advocated increased restrictions on voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;No official has been more vocal about this than former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, led by President Trump, Republicans are sounding the alarm about possible fraud, given the large number of mail-in and absentee ballots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats counter that Republican attempts to crack down are not based on fraud but rather suppression.&nbsp;&nbsp;They see an attempt to stop people from voting — specifically, people who tend to vote Democratic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Documented cases of fraud are exceedingly rare.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, Justin Levitt of Loyola-Marymount Law School found that that heavily-investigated elections had&nbsp;fraud rates between 0.0003 and 0.0025% — absolutely miniscule numbers. Here in Kansas, Kobach’s eight-year quest to root out fraud generated fewer than 20 prosecutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not one of this tiny number had knowingly committed fraud, none were illegal immigrants, and several were Republicans.

Democratic alarms about voter suppression may be exaggerations too.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a forthcoming book, my colleagues and I find that in general, suppressive voting laws like photo ID and proof of citizenship (the latter now unenforceable due to court rulings) lower voter turnout by roughly 2% — more in some cases, less in others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican voters are as likely to be turned away as Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rancor is based on a presumption that higher voter turnout benefits Democrats, while lower turnout benefits Republicans, and it just is not true.&nbsp;&nbsp;The same holds for measures to increase turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;A team of researchers from Stanford University recently studied states holding their elections by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their&nbsp;review of California, Washington state and Utah&nbsp;found that turnout increased by about 2%. Neither party benefitted from this increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The notable exception to this trend is felony disenfranchisement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Found mostly in the South, strict laws prohibiting those with a felony history from voting again lower both turnout and Democratic vote share, primarily due to their disproportionate impact on African-Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, those who complete their sentences (including completion of parole and probation) can restore their voting rights, but many never do because of misunderstanding or fear of prosecution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most felony pleas and convictions are for nonviolent offenses.

What are the key things to watch in 2020?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, most ballots are received and counted by the counties.&nbsp;Their ability to process the ballots is critical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some areas, particularly urban counties in other states have a long, difficult history of poorly managed elections and outdated voter rolls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent controversies regarding voting drop boxes in Wyandotte County raise concerns here, but plans are now in the works for additional drop boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, these counties need to be careful to count every eligible ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the long delay in counting ballots in battleground states means that we may need to be patient, given the lack of uniform applications of state law and procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, many states have laws that prevent counting mail-in votes until after polls close, which will produce significant delays. Likewise, the post-election day grace periods for mail-in ballots being received vary from state to state, with Kansas allowing three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can help by casting your ballot as soon as possible.

Next time, Kansans should look west.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colorado has become a national benchmark for fair, rigorous, bipartisan, carefully monitored elections, conducted by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas and most other states need to catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, the primary concern this year is ballots being rejected due to minor technicalities or clerical error.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence for fraud is minimal to nonexistent.&nbsp;

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579108824567.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Since the 2000 electoral mess, Republicans have advocated increased restrictions on voting.&nbsp;&nbsp;No official has been more vocal about this than former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.&nbsp;&nbsp;This year, led by President Trump, Republicans are sounding the alarm about possible fraud, given the large number of mail-in and absentee ballots.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats counter that Republican attempts to crack down are not based on fraud but rather suppression.&nbsp;&nbsp;They see an attempt to stop people from voting — specifically, people who tend to vote Democratic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who’s right and why?&nbsp;Documented cases of fraud are exceedingly rare.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, Justin Levitt of Loyola-Marymount Law School found that that heavily-investigated elections had&nbsp;fraud rates between 0.0003 and 0.0025% — absolutely miniscule numbers. Here in Kansas, Kobach’s eight-year quest to root out fraud generated fewer than 20 prosecutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not one of this tiny number had knowingly committed fraud, none were illegal immigrants, and several were Republicans.Democratic alarms about voter suppression may be exaggerations too.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a forthcoming book, my colleagues and I find that in general, suppressive voting laws like photo ID and proof of citizenship (the latter now unenforceable due to court rulings) lower voter turnout by roughly 2% — more in some cases, less in others.&nbsp;&nbsp;Republican voters are as likely to be turned away as Democrats.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rancor is based on a presumption that higher voter turnout benefits Democrats, while lower turnout benefits Republicans, and it just is not true.&nbsp;&nbsp;The same holds for measures to increase turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;A team of researchers from Stanford University recently studied states holding their elections by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their&nbsp;review of California, Washington state and Utah&nbsp;found that turnout increased by about 2%. Neither party benefitted from this increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;The notable exception to this trend is felony disenfranchisement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Found mostly in the South, strict laws prohibiting those with a felony history from voting again lower both turnout and Democratic vote share, primarily due to their disproportionate impact on African-Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, those who complete their sentences (including completion of parole and probation) can restore their voting rights, but many never do because of misunderstanding or fear of prosecution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most felony pleas and convictions are for nonviolent offenses.What are the key things to watch in 2020?&nbsp;&nbsp;First, most ballots are received and counted by the counties.&nbsp;Their ability to process the ballots is critical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some areas, particularly urban counties in other states have a long, difficult history of poorly managed elections and outdated voter rolls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent controversies regarding voting drop boxes in Wyandotte County raise concerns here, but plans are now in the works for additional drop boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, these counties need to be careful to count every eligible ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the long delay in counting ballots in battleground states means that we may need to be patient, given the lack of uniform applications of state law and procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, many states have laws that prevent counting mail-in votes until after polls close, which will produce significant delays. Likewise, the post-election day grace periods for mail-in ballots being received vary from state to state, with Kansas allowing three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can help by casting your ballot as soon as possible.Next time, Kansans should look west.&nbsp;&nbsp;Colorado has become a national benchmark for fair, rigorous, bipartisan, carefully monitored elections, conducted by mail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas and most other states need to catch up.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the meantime, the primary concern this year is ballots being rejected due to minor technicalities or clerical error.&nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence for fraud is minimal to nonexistent.&nbsp;Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Voter fraud, voter suppression or neither?

Les Knoll lives in Victoria and Gilbert, Ariz.

LETTER: Open letter to November voters

I write to you in hopes of generating awareness about a legitimate presidential choice for U.S. voters who are weary of the current two-party political system. Our candidate’s name is Dr. Jo Jorgensen, and she proudly represents the Libertarian Party.

Dr. Jorgensen has seen a massive increase in support nationwide, despite efforts by Facebook and other media to ignore – even censor – publicity about her candidacy. With Americans feeling frustrated and hopeless about the two major parties, Dr. Jo offers a refreshing platform of freedom and peace. She appears on the ballot this Election Day in all 50 states and D.C.

In a time of foreign wars, Dr. Jo intends to make the United States “one giant Switzerland: armed and neutral.”

In a time of staggering national debt, she will work to reduce federal spending without leaving our most vulnerable behind.

In a time of medical strain and uncertainty, she will remove the red tape and bureaucratic regulation so that treatments can reach patients sooner and far less expensively.

Dr. Jo also stands firm on issues of criminal justice reform, education reform, and immigration.

I hope you can help me bring awareness of this exciting ballot option to disgruntled citizens, so that no one has to feel pressured into voting for “the lesser evil” this election cycle.

Read more about Dr. Jo here:&nbsp;<a href="https://jo20.com/about/" target="_blank">https://jo20.com/about/</a>

In liberty, Rusty Hockett, Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I write to you in hopes of generating awareness about a legitimate presidential choice for U.S. voters who are weary of the current two-party political system. Our candidate’s name is Dr. Jo Jorgensen, and she proudly represents the Libertarian Party.Dr. Jorgensen has seen a massive increase in support nationwide, despite efforts by Facebook and other media to ignore – even censor – publicity about her candidacy. With Americans feeling frustrated and hopeless about the two major parties, Dr. Jo offers a refreshing platform of freedom and peace. She appears on the ballot this Election Day in all 50 states and D.C.In a time of foreign wars, Dr. Jo intends to make the United States “one giant Switzerland: armed and neutral.”In a time of staggering national debt, she will work to reduce federal spending without leaving our most vulnerable behind.In a time of medical strain and uncertainty, she will remove the red tape and bureaucratic regulation so that treatments can reach patients sooner and far less expensively.Dr. Jo also stands firm on issues of criminal justice reform, education reform, and immigration.I hope you can help me bring awareness of this exciting ballot option to disgruntled citizens, so that no one has to feel pressured into voting for “the lesser evil” this election cycle.Read more about Dr. Jo here:&nbsp;<a href="https://jo20.com/about/" target="_blank">https://jo20.com/about/</a>In liberty, Rusty Hockett, Hays

LETTER: There is a third choice for the White House

In recent years, when I have written letters about USD 489, often it has been to complain. But not this time. I want to commend the school board and superintendent Wilson for working so well together and in collaboration with school principals, who are making such strenuous efforts daily and weekly to lead teachers and staff in maintaining positive educational settings on behalf of the students in our district. 

One example is the work of Hays High football coach Tony Crough who has joined with Athletic Director Lance Krannawitter and high school Principal Marty Straub to create an ordinary football season in turbulent times and given our youth the opportunity to enjoy what has become an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, with hopefully even a few more games yet to be played and watched and cheered. 

My wife and I are so proud of everyone throughout the district who has contributed to what is already a memorable school year, under difficult circumstances. God bless each employee of USD 489 for your heroic efforts on behalf of the children and youth of Hays, America.

Robb Scott Meribel Osorio Hays

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In recent years, when I have written letters about USD 489, often it has been to complain. But not this time. I want to commend the school board and superintendent Wilson for working so well together and in collaboration with school principals, who are making such strenuous efforts daily and weekly to lead teachers and staff in maintaining positive educational settings on behalf of the students in our district. One example is the work of Hays High football coach Tony Crough who has joined with Athletic Director Lance Krannawitter and high school Principal Marty Straub to create an ordinary football season in turbulent times and given our youth the opportunity to enjoy what has become an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, with hopefully even a few more games yet to be played and watched and cheered. My wife and I are so proud of everyone throughout the district who has contributed to what is already a memorable school year, under difficult circumstances. God bless each employee of USD 489 for your heroic efforts on behalf of the children and youth of Hays, America.Robb Scott Meribel Osorio Hays

LETTER: Kudos to USD 489 board, administration, staff

I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.&nbsp;

Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;

If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;

Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;

Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.&nbsp;

The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I always love the changing of the seasons, especially summer to fall. After the heat of the summer, the cool, crisp mornings and cooler days makes me happy. One of the first signs that I can tell that summer is on its way out is the first leaves on the cottonwood trees starting to turn yellow. The reds and oranges of the maples and oaks quickly follow suite. &nbsp;Although the New England states is the place to view the changing of the seasons, Kansas is no slouch. I found an article this week for you for the Horticulture Department about why trees change the colors they do and how you get the striking colors of fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Part of the allure of fall foliage is color variation. There are trees that turn red, purple, yellow, orange and brown.&nbsp;Specific plant pigments determine individual colors. Foliage derives its normal green color from chlorophyll, the substance that captures the energy of the sun. Other pigments produce fall colors. Reds and purples are caused by anthocyanins, yellows by xanthophylls, and oranges by a combination of carotenes and xanthophylls. Browns are the result of tannins present in the leaf. Most of these substances are present throughout the growing season but are masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins are the exception and are produced after the chlorophyll is destroyed in the fall.&nbsp;If you have ever seen pictures of New England in the fall, you have probably wondered why trees in Kansas usually do not color as well. This difference is partly because of the tree species prevalent in New England. Certain oaks and maples naturally produce good color. Coloring also is influenced by the weather.&nbsp;Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal for good color. The sunny days encourage photosynthesis and, thus, sugar accumulation in the leaves. As fall progresses, each leaf develops an abscission layer at the base of the petiole, or leaf stem, that prevents these sugars from being transported down the trunk to the roots for storage. This high sugar content in the leaves produces more intense colors. Cloudy days and warm nights prevent some of the sugar accumulation in the leaves and results in less vibrant colors.&nbsp;Weather during other parts of the growing season also can have an effect. Heavy rains in the early spring or hot, dry weather during the summer can both have a deleterious effect on fall color.&nbsp;The length of time a tree maintains fall color also depends on weather. Reds, yellows and oranges are short-lived when trees undergo frosts and freezes.&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: A closer look at the colors of fall

Houseplants need varying amounts of water and fertilizer at different times of the year. They need the most during summer when light levels are high and days are long. They need the least during the short days of winter. 

The primary reason for this is light. &nbsp;Light produces the fuel for plant growth. More light allows more growth, which results in a greater demand for water and nutrients. When light is limiting, the need for water and nutrients decreases dramatically. Therefore, it becomes easy to overwater and overfertilize during the winter months. Excess water and fertilizer can harm a plant by damaging the root system. 

Overwatering can suffocate roots by eliminating oxygen and excess fertilizer can burn roots. &nbsp;Therefore, it is best not to fertilize at all during the middle of winter (December-January) and to fertilize sparingly during November and February (maybe 1/4 a normal rate).​It is never wise to water on a set schedule. 

Rather, allow the potting soil to tell you when watering is needed. Check to see if the soil is moist 1-inch deep by inserting your finger into the potting mix. Don't water unless the mix is dry.&nbsp; Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580750915301.jpeg" alt="Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Houseplants need varying amounts of water and fertilizer at different times of the year. They need the most during summer when light levels are high and days are long. They need the least during the short days of winter. The primary reason for this is light. &nbsp;Light produces the fuel for plant growth. More light allows more growth, which results in a greater demand for water and nutrients. When light is limiting, the need for water and nutrients decreases dramatically. Therefore, it becomes easy to overwater and overfertilize during the winter months. Excess water and fertilizer can harm a plant by damaging the root system. Overwatering can suffocate roots by eliminating oxygen and excess fertilizer can burn roots. &nbsp;Therefore, it is best not to fertilize at all during the middle of winter (December-January) and to fertilize sparingly during November and February (maybe 1/4 a normal rate).​It is never wise to water on a set schedule. Rather, allow the potting soil to tell you when watering is needed. Check to see if the soil is moist 1-inch deep by inserting your finger into the potting mix. Don't water unless the mix is dry.&nbsp; Lauren Fick is the Horticulture Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. If you have questions, she can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lfick@k-state.edu">lfick@k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

FICK: Caring for houseplants during the winter months

I can’t think of many things that provide so much joy, build community, improve memory, and help people “tap into” their feelings than music. Music has even been known to reignite memories in Alzheimer’s patients. As a true believer in the power and gift of music, I must say that I have really missed the marching band, the theatre productions, and the many ensemble performances of our student musicians at Fort Hays State University this fall.

Indeed, this year has been hard on our music and theatre department because of COVID-19 concerns.

“The pandemic has changed the way we make music and perform on stage, and has altered how we rehearse with ensembles,” shared Dr. Ivalah Allen, associate professor of music and theatre. “All recitals, concerts, and plays have been canceled for the semester. We have recent graduates who were in the process of auditioning around the country when auditions were put on hold. Some musicians have not had incomes since March. Despite all of this, our music and theatre faculty feel grateful to be able to share their craft with our students.”

Dr. Allen noted that vocalists have had a lot of fear instilled in them. It isn’t safe to sing as they have in “normal” situations of the past. As we learn more about Coronavirus being transmitted mostly through aerosols, this helps musicians better navigate these uncertain times.

For example, we started this semester with all applied voice lessons being taught online. While students typically come in and out of faculty studios many times a day for lessons, now faculty remain alone in their studio space while a student, in another location, sings with his or her phone, IPad, or laptop computer (with masks on).&nbsp;

While it is not ideal, the students are learning that they can still be successful through this new format. They have to rely more on themselves and their ear for intonation and the specific sounds of various languages. Most importantly, Dr. Allen reports that the voice students have made great progress through these different ways of teaching and learning.

To the pleasure of many of us on campus, lessons have also been conducted outdoors. Senior Dannielle Dickerson, a music education major from Riley, feels that the music department is doing its best to rise to the occasion. Danni really enjoys having vocal studio outside as “it has been such a blessing to sing while enjoying the beautiful weather.”

Is it working? Dr. Allen said that every one of her FHSU continuing students (sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students) returned to campus this semester. In addition, she has a large number of freshmen, giving her one of the largest applied voice studios she has ever had as a college voice professor.&nbsp; The department as a whole had very few students who didn’t return to campus this semester. “This is a true testament that musicians just want to make music any way they can,” Dr. Allen said. “Creating music is like breathing air for them – a true necessity.”

Senior music education major Gavin Blehm from Abilene believes that the ways in which the department has responded and adapted to meet the needs of its students is rather remarkable. As a woodwind and brass instrumentalist, Gavin told me that one of the biggest concerns was how those instruments may allow water vapor and air to potentially spread the virus.&nbsp;

Instruments now “wear” bell covers, which prevent any water vapor or air from leaving the instrument uninterrupted or unfiltered. The students wear masks with holes cut in them so that their instruments can contact their faces while limiting the air exhaled. “We are lucky that the department is still allowing us to practice. Like many things these days, there are inconveniences, but the department has adapted and is continuing to provide us with the opportunity to learn and grow as musicians,” Gavin shared.

Strings and orchestra professor Brian Buckstead shared that innovation has become a central part of our musicians’ professional lives. For Brian, that translates to a strings-only orchestra, reduced rehearsal time, social distancing, masks, and a thorough cleaning of music stands and chairs after each rehearsal.&nbsp;

“Even though the format of what I do has been reconfigured and reduced, the essential experience, the communal joy of music making, has remained intact,” Brian said. “Whether that means meeting with students on Zoom for online performances, or in carefully controlled in-person environments, the act of making music supersedes any and all environmental limitations.”

Brian is not only working hard for our students. In order to get community and regional musicians involved, he has created the “Hays Symphony At Home” concert series. During this period of social distancing and canceled concerts, Brian has invited Hays Symphony players to create videos of themselves performing at home. While the musicians cannot perform together as a symphony, his hope is that these individual performances will bring joy and inspiration to our community. This series began in early October and is available on the Hays Symphony Facebook page, as well as hayssymphony.org.

As for theatre, “the show must go on” – just without an audience. “Given the resilient spirit of my colleagues, to have students actively create and produce theatre remains a priority,” shared Director of Theatre Tomme Williams. So, faculty and students will perform Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabbler” in full costume with a set and lights, safely wearing masks, socially distanced, and to an empty room.&nbsp;

“While the wearing of masks and maintaining safe distance from acting partners presents challenges, it also has impacted us in many positive ways,” Tomme said. “Theatre is about human connection – that once-in-a -ifetime moment of exchange. The improvisational spirit of “yes, and” lives as an opportunity to reach out, to create connections despite differences, and to find new ways for our emerging theatre artists all to perform together.”

“More importantly, students will have that chance to socially connect once more. If we can find ways to turn social distancing into social togetherness, then we will have done a great deal.”

I cannot agree more with that sentiment and the spirit with which all of our faculty, staff, and students are embracing the challenges of this academic year: determined to grow, learn, and rise. As Roger Crawford said, “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.”

<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>I can’t think of many things that provide so much joy, build community, improve memory, and help people “tap into” their feelings than music. Music has even been known to reignite memories in Alzheimer’s patients. As a true believer in the power and gift of music, I must say that I have really missed the marching band, the theatre productions, and the many ensemble performances of our student musicians at Fort Hays State University this fall.Indeed, this year has been hard on our music and theatre department because of COVID-19 concerns.“The pandemic has changed the way we make music and perform on stage, and has altered how we rehearse with ensembles,” shared Dr. Ivalah Allen, associate professor of music and theatre. “All recitals, concerts, and plays have been canceled for the semester. We have recent graduates who were in the process of auditioning around the country when auditions were put on hold. Some musicians have not had incomes since March. Despite all of this, our music and theatre faculty feel grateful to be able to share their craft with our students.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603214166415.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Allen noted that vocalists have had a lot of fear instilled in them. It isn’t safe to sing as they have in “normal” situations of the past. As we learn more about Coronavirus being transmitted mostly through aerosols, this helps musicians better navigate these uncertain times.For example, we started this semester with all applied voice lessons being taught online. While students typically come in and out of faculty studios many times a day for lessons, now faculty remain alone in their studio space while a student, in another location, sings with his or her phone, IPad, or laptop computer (with masks on).&nbsp;While it is not ideal, the students are learning that they can still be successful through this new format. They have to rely more on themselves and their ear for intonation and the specific sounds of various languages. Most importantly, Dr. Allen reports that the voice students have made great progress through these different ways of teaching and learning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603214183908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To the pleasure of many of us on campus, lessons have also been conducted outdoors. Senior Dannielle Dickerson, a music education major from Riley, feels that the music department is doing its best to rise to the occasion. Danni really enjoys having vocal studio outside as “it has been such a blessing to sing while enjoying the beautiful weather.”Is it working? Dr. Allen said that every one of her FHSU continuing students (sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students) returned to campus this semester. In addition, she has a large number of freshmen, giving her one of the largest applied voice studios she has ever had as a college voice professor.&nbsp; The department as a whole had very few students who didn’t return to campus this semester. “This is a true testament that musicians just want to make music any way they can,” Dr. Allen said. “Creating music is like breathing air for them – a true necessity.”Senior music education major Gavin Blehm from Abilene believes that the ways in which the department has responded and adapted to meet the needs of its students is rather remarkable. As a woodwind and brass instrumentalist, Gavin told me that one of the biggest concerns was how those instruments may allow water vapor and air to potentially spread the virus.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603214203585.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Instruments now “wear” bell covers, which prevent any water vapor or air from leaving the instrument uninterrupted or unfiltered. The students wear masks with holes cut in them so that their instruments can contact their faces while limiting the air exhaled. “We are lucky that the department is still allowing us to practice. Like many things these days, there are inconveniences, but the department has adapted and is continuing to provide us with the opportunity to learn and grow as musicians,” Gavin shared.Strings and orchestra professor Brian Buckstead shared that innovation has become a central part of our musicians’ professional lives. For Brian, that translates to a strings-only orchestra, reduced rehearsal time, social distancing, masks, and a thorough cleaning of music stands and chairs after each rehearsal.&nbsp;“Even though the format of what I do has been reconfigured and reduced, the essential experience, the communal joy of music making, has remained intact,” Brian said. “Whether that means meeting with students on Zoom for online performances, or in carefully controlled in-person environments, the act of making music supersedes any and all environmental limitations.”Brian is not only working hard for our students. In order to get community and regional musicians involved, he has created the “Hays Symphony At Home” concert series. During this period of social distancing and canceled concerts, Brian has invited Hays Symphony players to create videos of themselves performing at home. While the musicians cannot perform together as a symphony, his hope is that these individual performances will bring joy and inspiration to our community. This series began in early October and is available on the Hays Symphony Facebook page, as well as hayssymphony.org.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603214221293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As for theatre, “the show must go on” – just without an audience. “Given the resilient spirit of my colleagues, to have students actively create and produce theatre remains a priority,” shared Director of Theatre Tomme Williams. So, faculty and students will perform Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabbler” in full costume with a set and lights, safely wearing masks, socially distanced, and to an empty room.&nbsp;“While the wearing of masks and maintaining safe distance from acting partners presents challenges, it also has impacted us in many positive ways,” Tomme said. “Theatre is about human connection – that once-in-a -ifetime moment of exchange. The improvisational spirit of “yes, and” lives as an opportunity to reach out, to create connections despite differences, and to find new ways for our emerging theatre artists all to perform together.”“More importantly, students will have that chance to socially connect once more. If we can find ways to turn social distancing into social togetherness, then we will have done a great deal.”I cannot agree more with that sentiment and the spirit with which all of our faculty, staff, and students are embracing the challenges of this academic year: determined to grow, learn, and rise. As Roger Crawford said, “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.”

MASON: FHSU comes together to make beautiful music

Just four years ago, 3 white Southwest Kansas men, calling themselves “Crusaders,” were arrested by the FBI and charged with domestic terrorism. Why? They planned to blow up four explosive-filled vehicles at an apartment complex filled with Somalian refugees in Garden City, creating untold terror, havoc and bloodshed.&nbsp;

They also planned to sow chaos for the new president.&nbsp;&nbsp;They got 25-30 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tracey Mann, however, encouraged such terrorism and has gone unpunished.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not just unpunished — rewarded.&nbsp; After falsely accusing terrorism victims of being terrorists. &nbsp;&nbsp;

His primary election ad accused opponent Bill Clifford of voting to bring Somalians “from a terrorist country” to Garden City.&nbsp; Yes, the same cheap-labor Somali war-torn refugees the Kansas Legislature voted to bring to Kansas to help our economy.

The black-is-white, up-is-down, Orwellian nature of this charge, is simply, and breathtakingly, racist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet Republicans made him their First District candidate.&nbsp;

Anyone running such ads is unfit for public office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fellow Kansans, we are better than this. Our latest First District Congressmen have been unconscionably and uncritically obedient to unprincipled power.&nbsp;First District Kansans deserve a Representative who will improve our lives and diversify our economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mann will not do that.&nbsp; Kali Barnett will. &nbsp;

Editor's Note: The deadline for letters related to the November general election is noon Oct. 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just four years ago, 3 white Southwest Kansas men, calling themselves “Crusaders,” were arrested by the FBI and charged with domestic terrorism. Why? They planned to blow up four explosive-filled vehicles at an apartment complex filled with Somalian refugees in Garden City, creating untold terror, havoc and bloodshed.&nbsp;They also planned to sow chaos for the new president.&nbsp;&nbsp;They got 25-30 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tracey Mann, however, encouraged such terrorism and has gone unpunished.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not just unpunished — rewarded.&nbsp; After falsely accusing terrorism victims of being terrorists. &nbsp;&nbsp;His primary election ad accused opponent Bill Clifford of voting to bring Somalians “from a terrorist country” to Garden City.&nbsp; Yes, the same cheap-labor Somali war-torn refugees the Kansas Legislature voted to bring to Kansas to help our economy.The black-is-white, up-is-down, Orwellian nature of this charge, is simply, and breathtakingly, racist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet Republicans made him their First District candidate.&nbsp;Anyone running such ads is unfit for public office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fellow Kansans, we are better than this. Our latest First District Congressmen have been unconscionably and uncritically obedient to unprincipled power.&nbsp;First District Kansans deserve a Representative who will improve our lives and diversify our economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mann will not do that.&nbsp; Kali Barnett will. &nbsp;Elect&nbsp;Barnett.&nbsp; &nbsp;David Norlin, SalinaEditor's Note: The deadline for letters related to the November general election is noon Oct. 26.

LETTER: Big First deserves better

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

There’s an old cliché that’s become something of an inside joke among people who follow politics a little too closely, me included.

“It all comes down to turnout.” On the surface, it’s a meaningless tautology, similar to saying the winner of a football game will be the team with the most points.

Dig a little deeper and it captures something reporters know all too well. The number of people voting doesn’t determine winners, rather it’s the types of voters who cast their ballots. Just as importantly, it also includes those who don’t bother to show up. Small shifts in who goes to the polls and who stays home can have lasting impacts.

We’re now less than two weeks away from the 2020 election, and turnout is projected to set records. Good campaigns will lose. Bad ones will win. Weak candidates will surprise strong ones. Ballot measures will succeed or fail. And just like every election you get to play a role in deciding the outcome.

For anyone engaged in agriculture, there’s a lot on the line in this election. Issues in federal races range from trade and taxes to the next Farm Bill and even Endangered Species Act reforms. Taxes, water issues and reapportionment will be big items on the docket in Topeka.

While these issues are near and dear to the hearts (and wallets) of farmers and ranchers, they’re probably not on the list of matters suburban and urban voters are using to make their voting decisions. There’s nothing wrong with that. People living in populated areas have their own issues, their own values.

One need look no further than 2018 to see how a rural-urban divide works when Laura Kelly won the gubernatorial race. She garnered a majority of votes in just six counties and a plurality in three others.

More than 40 percent of registered voters didn’t pull a lever in that election. Boosting turnout just a percentage point or two in the 96 other counties would have easily changed the results of the election. Small shifts would have made a big difference.

The same is going to be true on Nov. 4. It will be easy to look back at who voted, and who didn’t, and identify races that could have gone differently.

Voting is the first step, but there’s more farmers and ranchers can do to amplify their voices, like boosting turnout. Make those personal phone calls, have those in-person conversations and post to social media. Talk with your friends and neighbors. Talk with your cousins in Kansas City or landlord in Wichita. Talk with anyone else who shares your values and make sure they’ll cast a ballot this year.

Like every other election, this one will come down to turnout. Be sure you’re included in the outcome. Your voice and your values are on the ballot.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauThere’s an old cliché that’s become something of an inside joke among people who follow politics a little too closely, me included.“It all comes down to turnout.” On the surface, it’s a meaningless tautology, similar to saying the winner of a football game will be the team with the most points.Dig a little deeper and it captures something reporters know all too well. The number of people voting doesn’t determine winners, rather it’s the types of voters who cast their ballots. Just as importantly, it also includes those who don’t bother to show up. Small shifts in who goes to the polls and who stays home can have lasting impacts.We’re now less than two weeks away from the 2020 election, and turnout is projected to set records. Good campaigns will lose. Bad ones will win. Weak candidates will surprise strong ones. Ballot measures will succeed or fail. And just like every election you get to play a role in deciding the outcome.For anyone engaged in agriculture, there’s a lot on the line in this election. Issues in federal races range from trade and taxes to the next Farm Bill and even Endangered Species Act reforms. Taxes, water issues and reapportionment will be big items on the docket in Topeka.While these issues are near and dear to the hearts (and wallets) of farmers and ranchers, they’re probably not on the list of matters suburban and urban voters are using to make their voting decisions. There’s nothing wrong with that. People living in populated areas have their own issues, their own values.One need look no further than 2018 to see how a rural-urban divide works when Laura Kelly won the gubernatorial race. She garnered a majority of votes in just six counties and a plurality in three others.More than 40 percent of registered voters didn’t pull a lever in that election. Boosting turnout just a percentage point or two in the 96 other counties would have easily changed the results of the election. Small shifts would have made a big difference.The same is going to be true on Nov. 4. It will be easy to look back at who voted, and who didn’t, and identify races that could have gone differently.Voting is the first step, but there’s more farmers and ranchers can do to amplify their voices, like boosting turnout. Make those personal phone calls, have those in-person conversations and post to social media. Talk with your friends and neighbors. Talk with your cousins in Kansas City or landlord in Wichita. Talk with anyone else who shares your values and make sure they’ll cast a ballot this year.Like every other election, this one will come down to turnout. Be sure you’re included in the outcome. Your voice and your values are on the ballot."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Down to turnout

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Weeds can spread in a variety of ways, including on farm equipment. As you move harvest equipment from field to field, be aware of the potential to spread weed seed – especially if uncontrolled weeds are known or suspected to be herbicide resistant. Some steps that can be taken to prevent the spreading weeds when moving harvest equipment from one field to another are listed below.

&nbsp;It is very difficult to completely remove weed seeds from harvest equipment. However, taking a few minutes to reduce the number of seeds on your harvest equipment may ultimately save time, and money in the future.

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 leave a message.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603130102776.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWeeds can spread in a variety of ways, including on farm equipment. As you move harvest equipment from field to field, be aware of the potential to spread weed seed – especially if uncontrolled weeds are known or suspected to be herbicide resistant. Some steps that can be taken to prevent the spreading weeds when moving harvest equipment from one field to another are listed below.<ul>
 <li>Clean purchased used equipment (new-to-you) so someone else’s weeds are not introduced to your farm.</li><li>If possible, harvest fields with excellent weed control first.</li><li>Harvest fields where weeds are the worst or might be herbicide resistant last.</li><li>Harvest around areas with extremely dense weed populations.</li><li>Slow the combine to ‘self clean’ between fields:&nbsp;</li><li>run the unloading auger empty for a minute or two</li><li>open grain elevator doors, rock tramp, and unloading auger sump then run the separator with maximum air flow and suction</li><li>Use an air compressor to remove material remaining in rock trap and grain auger and from the head, feeder house, and straw spreader</li><li>Take half a day to do a deeper cleaning when possible</li><li>Check fall-tillage equipment between fields</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;It is very difficult to completely remove weed seeds from harvest equipment. However, taking a few minutes to reduce the number of seeds on your harvest equipment may ultimately save time, and money in the future.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 leave a message.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Stop spreading weed seed during harvest

The title of a recent Hutchinson News column by Amanda Miller left me scratching my head; until I read it through and realized how spot-on it was pertaining to my time in the outdoors.

The article was entitled” The Power of Low Expectations” and caught me off-guard, because Amanda, as seen through her writing style, seems to be quite bubbly and cheerful. The gist of the article however, was that we often set our selves up for what we see as constant failure, or we miss any enjoyment in the task at hand because we set our expectations unreasonably high.

When I was a kid, an older coworker always used to say “If all else fails, lower your expectations.” Although witty, I disregarded most of what he told me, because this was a man that said he went home each night and tossed his hat in the backdoor; if the hat stayed in, he too went inside, but if it came flying back out, he went away and tried again later. Today, however I can see the value in at least monitoring our expectations as we go.&nbsp;

My wife Joyce is usually the one who maintains the better outlook when we go afield. Listening to the great horned owl call near our deer blind, or watching a group of does and fawns slip silently across the waterway in front of us, or hanging out the open blind window to watch a colorful songbird below as it flits from branch-to-branch all make her just as happy as harvesting a nice buck. Reading a book when the fish aren’t biting brings her just as much joy as if the fish were throwing themselves into the boat. Me, on the other hand, not-so-much.

In my defense, I’m a goal-oriented creature so failing to attain a goal drives me mad. Also, according to my wife, I often shift into “conquer mode” where all that matters is “conquering” what I/we are there to do. While these are not bad qualities for life, they are lousy road-blocks to enjoying the outdoors. When trapping, my expectations are full traps,( after all, isn’t that the point) so when my traps aren’t catching predators, I beat myself up and spend all my time trying to diagnose what I’m doing wrong, when I should stop and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation around me and the beautiful, luxurious fur of the ones I do catch. When we have hunted deer for a couple days and have not yet seen or harvested our annual venison, ( that’s why we’re there isn’t it) I begin to spend my time analyzing every detail to find the flaws in our plan, when I should be hanging out the open blind window to watch the songbird, or listening for the owl. When it has been a spell without a fish biting, I get antsy and am ready to leave (after all we are there to catch fish) when I should be marveling that God created something that breathes under water and lives in huge basins of water called lakes. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>The title of a recent Hutchinson News column by Amanda Miller left me scratching my head; until I read it through and realized how spot-on it was pertaining to my time in the outdoors.The article was entitled” The Power of Low Expectations” and caught me off-guard, because Amanda, as seen through her writing style, seems to be quite bubbly and cheerful. The gist of the article however, was that we often set our selves up for what we see as constant failure, or we miss any enjoyment in the task at hand because we set our expectations unreasonably high.When I was a kid, an older coworker always used to say “If all else fails, lower your expectations.” Although witty, I disregarded most of what he told me, because this was a man that said he went home each night and tossed his hat in the backdoor; if the hat stayed in, he too went inside, but if it came flying back out, he went away and tried again later. Today, however I can see the value in at least monitoring our expectations as we go.&nbsp;My wife Joyce is usually the one who maintains the better outlook when we go afield. Listening to the great horned owl call near our deer blind, or watching a group of does and fawns slip silently across the waterway in front of us, or hanging out the open blind window to watch a colorful songbird below as it flits from branch-to-branch all make her just as happy as harvesting a nice buck. Reading a book when the fish aren’t biting brings her just as much joy as if the fish were throwing themselves into the boat. Me, on the other hand, not-so-much.In my defense, I’m a goal-oriented creature so failing to attain a goal drives me mad. Also, according to my wife, I often shift into “conquer mode” where all that matters is “conquering” what I/we are there to do. While these are not bad qualities for life, they are lousy road-blocks to enjoying the outdoors. When trapping, my expectations are full traps,( after all, isn’t that the point) so when my traps aren’t catching predators, I beat myself up and spend all my time trying to diagnose what I’m doing wrong, when I should stop and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation around me and the beautiful, luxurious fur of the ones I do catch. When we have hunted deer for a couple days and have not yet seen or harvested our annual venison, ( that’s why we’re there isn’t it) I begin to spend my time analyzing every detail to find the flaws in our plan, when I should be hanging out the open blind window to watch the songbird, or listening for the owl. When it has been a spell without a fish biting, I get antsy and am ready to leave (after all we are there to catch fish) when I should be marveling that God created something that breathes under water and lives in huge basins of water called lakes. &nbsp;Maybe I don’t need to lower my expectations as much as alter them to allow for time to appreciate God’s Creation around me. In her column, Amanda goes on to say, “Whether they be unreasonable or maybe even quite reasonable, not all expectations should be grasped too firmly; my contentment should be based on something much firmer than whatever I planned on happening.” Hmmm, good advice as we continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Opinion