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;

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.

<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.

Exploring Outdoors Kan.: If all else fails, lower your expectations?

Weekly reports show an increase in drilling activity across the country and across Kansas. Baker Hughes reports an increase in the active drilling rig count for Oct. 16. There are 282 active rigs, an increase of 12 oil rigs over the week before. The count in Texas was up seven rigs. Utah was up three and Oklahoma gained two. Rig Counts in Kansas were up 44%. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports five active rigs in eastern Kansas, up three for the week, and eight west of Wichita, which is up one. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators approved twenty new drilling permits last week, eight of them east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton and Ellis counties. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four newly-completed wells across the state, 680 so far this year. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $31.25 per barrel. That's a half dollar more than a week ago and more than two dollars higher than at the first of the month. Kansas crude-oil production has plummeted alongside the national numbers because of the pandemic-related price plunge. The Kansas Geological Survey reports statewide output through June averaged 76,000 barrels per day (bpd). That's down 16,000 bpd, or about 17%, compared to the same period last year. Barton, Ellis and Russell counties all showed declines through the first half of the year of more than 17%, but output in Stafford County was up more than four percent from the first-half total last year. Operators in Barton County pumped 3,718 bpd through the end of June. Ellis County produced 5727 bpd. Output in Russell County was 3,408 bpd, and Stafford County notched 2,511 bpd. The Energy Information Administration said domestic crude inventories dropped by nearly four million barrels last week, but remain about 11% above the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude-oil production totals declined half a million barrels per day last week. Current U.S. output is 10.45 million [["ten point four five million"]] barrels per day, That's down more than two million barrels per day from a year ago, a decline of about 17%. The government said U.S. crude imports averaged 5.3 million barrels per day last week, down nearly half a million from the week before. The four-week average is down more than 15% from a year ago. Most motorists are seeing stability at the gas pump. The auto club AAA says weekly statewide averages held steady in 45 of the 50 states. At $2.17 a gallon, the national average is down a penny from a month ago, while the average in Kansas is four cents lower than last month at $1.94 per gallon.&nbsp; You can find it for $1.92 at several stations in Hays, but it's up to $1.99 in Great Bend. Oil-by-rail traffic remains nearly 20% behind last year even as grain shipments help bring total rail traffic out of its long downturn. Grain shipments are up 31% year-over-year, while total traffic is up two percent. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,259 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products during the week ending October 10, down 169 cars from the week before.&nbsp; August crude oil production in the nation's second biggest producing state increased in August, jumping 120,000 barrels per day over the final July totals. The Department of Mineral Resources reports total output in North Dakota increased to more than 36 million barrels, or 1.16 million [["one point one six million"]] barrels per day. That's down nearly half a million barrels per day from the all-time high reached last November. The downturn in North Dakota production has brought the state within its anti-flaring goals, which had been out of reach a year ago. Regulators said operators there were able to capture 92% of the natural gas produced by its oil wells in August. That's well within the state's goals which will expand to 91% next month. Goldman Sachs offers a surprising perspective on the presidential election. According to the Houston Chronicle, a research note released Sunday says a Blue Wave in the election would be a positive catalyst for the oil patch. The note says tougher regulations on hydraulic fracturing would likely reduce production, and thus raise prices. Newspapers across Texas, including the Chronicle, have been documenting some dramatic steps being taken in the Texas oil patch to hedge against a win by Democrats. The Russian oil pipeline monopoly and that country's biggest producer have reached a settlement with the French oil firm Total over dirty crude supplies. Upwards of 35 million barrels of crude contaminated with organic chlorides were sent to a German refinery last year. The amount of the settlement was not announced.&nbsp; Libya took a major step toward reviving its battered oil industry by reopening its biggest field. Libya’s state energy company lifted restrictions and expects upwards of 300,000 barrels per day by next week, nearly doubling Libya's output. The reopening follows a truce in Libya’s long-running civil war that’s already led to many oil fields and ports in the east starting up after an almost total shutdown since January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARWeekly reports show an increase in drilling activity across the country and across Kansas. Baker Hughes reports an increase in the active drilling rig count for Oct. 16. There are 282 active rigs, an increase of 12 oil rigs over the week before. The count in Texas was up seven rigs. Utah was up three and Oklahoma gained two. Rig Counts in Kansas were up 44%. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports five active rigs in eastern Kansas, up three for the week, and eight west of Wichita, which is up one. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators approved twenty new drilling permits last week, eight of them east of Wichita and 12 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton and Ellis counties. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four newly-completed wells across the state, 680 so far this year. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $31.25 per barrel. That's a half dollar more than a week ago and more than two dollars higher than at the first of the month. Kansas crude-oil production has plummeted alongside the national numbers because of the pandemic-related price plunge. The Kansas Geological Survey reports statewide output through June averaged 76,000 barrels per day (bpd). That's down 16,000 bpd, or about 17%, compared to the same period last year. Barton, Ellis and Russell counties all showed declines through the first half of the year of more than 17%, but output in Stafford County was up more than four percent from the first-half total last year. Operators in Barton County pumped 3,718 bpd through the end of June. Ellis County produced 5727 bpd. Output in Russell County was 3,408 bpd, and Stafford County notched 2,511 bpd. The Energy Information Administration said domestic crude inventories dropped by nearly four million barrels last week, but remain about 11% above the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude-oil production totals declined half a million barrels per day last week. Current U.S. output is 10.45 million [["ten point four five million"]] barrels per day, That's down more than two million barrels per day from a year ago, a decline of about 17%. The government said U.S. crude imports averaged 5.3 million barrels per day last week, down nearly half a million from the week before. The four-week average is down more than 15% from a year ago. Most motorists are seeing stability at the gas pump. The auto club AAA says weekly statewide averages held steady in 45 of the 50 states. At $2.17 a gallon, the national average is down a penny from a month ago, while the average in Kansas is four cents lower than last month at $1.94 per gallon.&nbsp; You can find it for $1.92 at several stations in Hays, but it's up to $1.99 in Great Bend. Oil-by-rail traffic remains nearly 20% behind last year even as grain shipments help bring total rail traffic out of its long downturn. Grain shipments are up 31% year-over-year, while total traffic is up two percent. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,259 tanker cars hauling petroleum or petroleum products during the week ending October 10, down 169 cars from the week before.&nbsp; August crude oil production in the nation's second biggest producing state increased in August, jumping 120,000 barrels per day over the final July totals. The Department of Mineral Resources reports total output in North Dakota increased to more than 36 million barrels, or 1.16 million [["one point one six million"]] barrels per day. That's down nearly half a million barrels per day from the all-time high reached last November. The downturn in North Dakota production has brought the state within its anti-flaring goals, which had been out of reach a year ago. Regulators said operators there were able to capture 92% of the natural gas produced by its oil wells in August. That's well within the state's goals which will expand to 91% next month. Goldman Sachs offers a surprising perspective on the presidential election. According to the Houston Chronicle, a research note released Sunday says a Blue Wave in the election would be a positive catalyst for the oil patch. The note says tougher regulations on hydraulic fracturing would likely reduce production, and thus raise prices. Newspapers across Texas, including the Chronicle, have been documenting some dramatic steps being taken in the Texas oil patch to hedge against a win by Democrats. The Russian oil pipeline monopoly and that country's biggest producer have reached a settlement with the French oil firm Total over dirty crude supplies. Upwards of 35 million barrels of crude contaminated with organic chlorides were sent to a German refinery last year. The amount of the settlement was not announced.&nbsp; Libya took a major step toward reviving its battered oil industry by reopening its biggest field. Libya’s state energy company lifted restrictions and expects upwards of 300,000 barrels per day by next week, nearly doubling Libya's output. The reopening follows a truce in Libya’s long-running civil war that’s already led to many oil fields and ports in the east starting up after an almost total shutdown since January.

News From the Oil Patch: Drilling activity on the rise

Donna Krug, Cottonwood District Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent from the Great Bend office in the will be in Hays on Thursday, October 22nd&nbsp;at 5:30 pm to present “Taking a New Look at Fermented Foods”.&nbsp;

The process of fermenting foods – to preserve them and make them more digestible and more nutritious is as old as humanity. Fermented foods are a powerful aid to digestion and a protection against disease. There is an increased interest today to learn the basics of fermentation and how adding more fermented food to the diet can impact health. Join Donna Krug on Thursday, the 22nd&nbsp;as she shares the basic process of fermenting foods in a wide mouth canning jar. Tested recipes will be shared. By following the simple steps outlined in Donna’s fact sheet you will have the tools to safely experiment with fermenting foods in your own kitchen.&nbsp;

The program will be held in the large meeting room at the back of the Extension office in Hays and social distancing will be practiced. An RSVP to the Extension Office 785-628-9430 or completing the survey at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/FermentFoodsHays">https://tinyurl.com/FermentFoodsHays</a>&nbsp;would be greatly appreciated.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Krug, Cottonwood District Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent from the Great Bend office in the will be in Hays on Thursday, October 22nd&nbsp;at 5:30 pm to present “Taking a New Look at Fermented Foods”.&nbsp;The process of fermenting foods – to preserve them and make them more digestible and more nutritious is as old as humanity. Fermented foods are a powerful aid to digestion and a protection against disease. There is an increased interest today to learn the basics of fermentation and how adding more fermented food to the diet can impact health. Join Donna Krug on Thursday, the 22nd&nbsp;as she shares the basic process of fermenting foods in a wide mouth canning jar. Tested recipes will be shared. By following the simple steps outlined in Donna’s fact sheet you will have the tools to safely experiment with fermenting foods in your own kitchen.&nbsp;The program will be held in the large meeting room at the back of the Extension office in Hays and social distancing will be practiced. An RSVP to the Extension Office 785-628-9430 or completing the survey at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/FermentFoodsHays">https://tinyurl.com/FermentFoodsHays</a>&nbsp;would be greatly appreciated.&nbsp;Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;&nbsp;She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Taking a new look at fermented foods

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

When my family would go on a car trip, we usually would begin by asking, “Kids, have you gone to the bathroom?”&nbsp;

Now we ask, “Kids, have you gotten your masks?”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mask-wearing has become important due to the pandemic and the requirements of many stores and municipalities. One Kansas woman has helped respond to the need for masks in her community and beyond, earning her recognition as an Ag Hero from the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Keri Harris has been the district manager for the Franklin County Conservation District since 2001. On her own time, she has become a prolific mask-maker.&nbsp;

Keri comes from the town of Reserve in Brown County originally. Her family moved to Derby, where she grew up and went to college. A job opportunity took her to Lawrence where she met her husband, and they now live on his family farm east of Overbrook and have two children.&nbsp;

“Our nine-year-old daughter is in the sewing project in 4-H,” Keri said. “When the pandemic first hit, our local extension office sent out an email that the local care home was needing masks. I thought it might be a good, simple sewing project for my daughter.”&nbsp;

Keri and her daughter picked out a design, used some leftover fabric that they had on hand, and sewed several masks which for the care home.&nbsp;

“I posted a picture of her helping me sew on Facebook,” Keri said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“People said, `Oh, if you have any extra, we could sure use them.’” So, Keri and her daughter sewed some more and gave them away.&nbsp;

“She helped me with about the first 50 before she lost interest,” Keri said. However, people were still asking for masks so Keri continued sewing them. “I had done quilting before the kids were born. It was fun to do this. We were using miscellaneous leftover fabric that we had on hand, so we would sew them and give them away.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

After she started buying fabric, people volunteered to pay for the masks. She told them they could donate money to buy more fabric. K-State, Chiefs, and Royals prints have been popular.&nbsp;

Keri and her daughter made masks for every teacher at her daughter’s school. They even made masks with a clear vinyl window, which was important for the speech teacher and reading specialist.&nbsp;

“I’m fortunate that there are quilt stores in Overbrook and Pomona,” Keri said. When the local shops ran out of elastic for a time, Keri used hair tie elastics for the ear bands.&nbsp;

At the time that Keri was nominated as an Ag Hero, she had made 400 masks.&nbsp;&nbsp;As of this writing, she’s at 850 – and counting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Keri also serves as president-elect of the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education. “I believe strongly in what they do,” she said.&nbsp;

Keri works with numerous Franklin County landowners, including one who now lives in New York City.&nbsp;“They were hit so hard and couldn’t get masks, so I sent her 20 of them,” Keri said. Another 20 went to a friend in Virginia Beach.&nbsp;

Janae McNally is a 4-H youth development agent with the K-State Research and Extension Frontier District, including Franklin County. “Keri Harris is a fantastic volunteer,” Janae said. “She volunteers many hours helping her local club, the Osage County shooting sports program and the county fairs.&nbsp;She is the kind of volunteer everyone wants to have when helping teach life skills and developing tomorrow’s leaders.”&nbsp;

It’s high praise for a young woman who came from the rural community of Reserve, population 84 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

On family trips, we used to ask our kids if they had gone to the bathroom. Now we ask if they have their masks. This demonstrates the importance of masks in our current times.&nbsp;&nbsp;We salute Keri Harris for making a difference by providing masks for hundreds of people. Her project is an unmasked success.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602681185094.png" alt="Keri Harris" />
 <figcaption>Keri Harris</figcaption>
 </figure>BY RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;When my family would go on a car trip, we usually would begin by asking, “Kids, have you gone to the bathroom?”&nbsp;Now we ask, “Kids, have you gotten your masks?”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mask-wearing has become important due to the pandemic and the requirements of many stores and municipalities. One Kansas woman has helped respond to the need for masks in her community and beyond, earning her recognition as an Ag Hero from the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the 2020 Ag Growth Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keri Harris has been the district manager for the Franklin County Conservation District since 2001. On her own time, she has become a prolific mask-maker.&nbsp;Keri comes from the town of Reserve in Brown County originally. Her family moved to Derby, where she grew up and went to college. A job opportunity took her to Lawrence where she met her husband, and they now live on his family farm east of Overbrook and have two children.&nbsp;“Our nine-year-old daughter is in the sewing project in 4-H,” Keri said. “When the pandemic first hit, our local extension office sent out an email that the local care home was needing masks. I thought it might be a good, simple sewing project for my daughter.”&nbsp;Keri and her daughter picked out a design, used some leftover fabric that they had on hand, and sewed several masks which for the care home.&nbsp;“I posted a picture of her helping me sew on Facebook,” Keri said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“People said, `Oh, if you have any extra, we could sure use them.’” So, Keri and her daughter sewed some more and gave them away.&nbsp;“She helped me with about the first 50 before she lost interest,” Keri said. However, people were still asking for masks so Keri continued sewing them. “I had done quilting before the kids were born. It was fun to do this. We were using miscellaneous leftover fabric that we had on hand, so we would sew them and give them away.”&nbsp;&nbsp;After she started buying fabric, people volunteered to pay for the masks. She told them they could donate money to buy more fabric. K-State, Chiefs, and Royals prints have been popular.&nbsp;Keri and her daughter made masks for every teacher at her daughter’s school. They even made masks with a clear vinyl window, which was important for the speech teacher and reading specialist.&nbsp;“I’m fortunate that there are quilt stores in Overbrook and Pomona,” Keri said. When the local shops ran out of elastic for a time, Keri used hair tie elastics for the ear bands.&nbsp;At the time that Keri was nominated as an Ag Hero, she had made 400 masks.&nbsp;&nbsp;As of this writing, she’s at 850 – and counting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Keri also serves as president-elect of the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education. “I believe strongly in what they do,” she said.&nbsp;Keri works with numerous Franklin County landowners, including one who now lives in New York City.&nbsp;“They were hit so hard and couldn’t get masks, so I sent her 20 of them,” Keri said. Another 20 went to a friend in Virginia Beach.&nbsp;Janae McNally is a 4-H youth development agent with the K-State Research and Extension Frontier District, including Franklin County. “Keri Harris is a fantastic volunteer,” Janae said. “She volunteers many hours helping her local club, the Osage County shooting sports program and the county fairs.&nbsp;She is the kind of volunteer everyone wants to have when helping teach life skills and developing tomorrow’s leaders.”&nbsp;It’s high praise for a young woman who came from the rural community of Reserve, population 84 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;On family trips, we used to ask our kids if they had gone to the bathroom. Now we ask if they have their masks. This demonstrates the importance of masks in our current times.&nbsp;&nbsp;We salute Keri Harris for making a difference by providing masks for hundreds of people. Her project is an unmasked success.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Keri Harris, volunteer mask-maker 

The 2020 election is no laughing matter — except that it is, in the 
great American tradition of humor and satire that has marked virtually 
every election.

This time around: Jim Carey’s nascent “Joe Biden” and Alec Baldwin’s long-running “Donald Trump;” the late-nightly salvoes of Stephen Colbert
 and the daily — sometimes hourly — haranguing tweets from Trump 
himself; conservative talk radio’s sharp-edged verbal darts and the 
Lincoln Project’s wickedly humorous videos.

As it has since the 1970s, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” again steps 
into the role of the nation’s satirist, continuing a tradition that 
stretches back nearly 250 years, into the colonial era with its biting 
print depictions of King George III and frequent effigies burned or hung from trees in public squares.

The First Amendment’s protection of free speech shelters those who 
poke, prod and even anger those in power — via satire and parody — and 
elections bring out those efforts tenfold.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams 
tossed insults and satirized images of each other in competing 
newspapers in the 1800 presidential race. Blunt, single-sheet cartoons 
were hung in taverns and homes depicting Andrew Jackson
 as a ruthless authoritarian. One, published in 1830, showed him dressed
 as a king, complete with crown, trampling on the U.S. Constitution.

“Political satire has been used throughout American history as a more gentle way of commentary,” says Alison Dagnes,
 a Shippensburg University political science professor and author of the
 book “A Conservative Walks Into a Bar: The Politics of Political 
Humor.”

One recurring question: Why there are more liberal political 
satirists than conservatives, both today and in the past? Dagnes writes 
that “conservatism supports institutions and satire aims to take those 
institutions down a peg … the very nature of satire mandates challenges 
to the power structure.”

Two modern-day comedians exemplify those who have swum against that liberal tide: Dennis Miller,
 who pivoted to a conservative view after the Sept. 11 attacks, who said
 of his political views that he found “liberalism is like a nude beach —
 it sounds great until you get there.” And self-described “libertarian 
conservative” P.J. O’Rourke, who said the Obama administration was simply “the Carter administration in better sweaters” and supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 over Trump, saying “She’s wrong about absolutely everything, but she’s wrong within normal parameters.”

How effective can satirists be in shaping events in the real world? William “Boss” Tweed,
 whose crime syndicate in the 1870s stole or extorted more than $2 
billion dollars (today’s value) in public funds, was the target of Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast.
 Nast drew the corpulent Tweed as a bulgingly fat character with a money
 bag in place of his head and historians often credit Nast as fueling 
the charge to bring Tweed to justice.

Another Nast cartoon of note, as seen to the left, from the Newseum 
collection, “The Only Thing They Respect or Fear,” shows Tweed doffing 
his hat to a row of hangman nooses, as his cronies cringe in fear.

Political cartoonists are credited with helping Abraham Lincoln win reelection in 1864 and a century later, The Washington Post’s Herblock (Herbert Block)
 was viewed by critics and admirers as a major reason the Watergate 
scandal remained in public view even as the administration worked to 
downplay it.

Block relished his work, writing that it was “an irreverent form of 
expression, and one particularly suited to scoffing at the high and the 
mighty. If the prime role of a free press is to serve as critic of 
government, cartooning is often the cutting edge of that criticism.”

Social media often focuses on the “cut” in cutting edge: When Trump 
returned to the White House from treatment for COVID-19, satirists 
immediately posted their own version of his purposeful balcony 
appearance and maskless salute — from titling single images as “Benito 
Trumpolini” (after a similar pose by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini)
 to a Lincoln Project video, “Covita,” parodying the lyrics from 
Broadway showtune “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” as “Don’t Cry For Me, 
White House Staffers.”

Trump has done his own part on social media to carry satire forward 
in history, with memorable tweeted nicknames such as “Sleepy Joe” 
(Biden), “Crooked Hillary” (Clinton), “Little Marco” (Rubio) and “Lyin’ 
Ted” (Cruz).

Mark Twain, often called the father of modern 
American satire, wrote such classics as “Huckleberry Finn” and “A 
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” using exaggeration and irony 
to make fun of closed-minded, corrupt officeholders and religious 
hypocrites.

A direct Twain descendant-in-humor, early radio celebrity and newspaper columnist Will Rogers
 used homespun language to jab politics in general. “I don’t belong to 
any organized political party,” he once said. “I’m a Democrat.” Another 
line from Rogers: “The trouble with practical jokes is that very often 
they get elected.”

“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and “The Daily Show,” with comedians Jon Stewart and now Trevor Noah, have set the tone for modern political satire.

Each election cycle for more than 40 years, SNL has produced memorable political parody — from Chevy Chase’s devasting portrayals of Gerald Ford (actually an accomplished athlete) as a bumbler, to Phil Hartman’s cheeseburger-guzzling Bill Clinton, to Tina Fey’s remarkable and transformative skewering of 2008 GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Stewart’s prominence in political satire from 1999 to 2015 produced a
 unique form of praise: Some credited him and his program as a new form 
of journalism. While his staff of writers and researchers included 
former journalists as fact-checkers to ensure accuracy, Stewart 
consistently said he put comedy first. Still, as my Freedom Forum 
colleague Patty Rhule said of Stewart and his program in a New York Times
 interview about the show as centerpiece of the Newseum’s 2019 
“Seriously Funny” exhibit: “For a generation, he was their voice of the 
news.”

Stewart was the latest iteration of post-World War II comedians 
willing to take on social mores, censors and sometimes the courts: Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce
 both mocked powerful political figures of their era — with Bruce 
famously being prosecuted for using so-called “blue” language that today
 is a common feature across cable TV comedy specials.

For two seasons in the late 1960s, brothers Tommy and Dick Smothers used satire via a prime-time CBS variety show — prompting President Lyndon B. Johnson to make an angry late-night call to network President William S. Paley. The show later was canceled over fights with network censors.

“Doonesbury” cartoons have made fun of presidents and politicians and
 found humor and targets across American culture since the 1970s. But 
writing in 2015 in The Atlantic, cartoonist Gary Trudeau reflected on whether there are lines not to be crossed in satire.

In 2015, terrorists angered at French magazine Charlie Hebdo’s criticism of Islam and reprinting of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that had originally appeared in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, attacked the magazine’s Paris office, killing 11 staffers and a security officer.

“Traditionally, satire has comforted the afflicted while afflicting 
the comfortable. Satire punches up, against authority of all kinds, the 
little guy against the powerful,” Trudeau wrote. “By punching downward, 
by attacking a powerless, disenfranchised minority with crude, vulgar 
drawings closer to graffiti than cartoons, Charlie wandered into the realm of hate speech.” Trudeau called the resulting violence a “bitter harvest.”

Whether they entertain or enrage, inspire or infuriate, comfort or 
inflame, humor and satire in a political setting often serve to bring 
out truths. From the subtle to the complex, satire focuses us on facts 
that otherwise might be lost in the daily horserace reporting that 
dominates modern-day election reporting.

As that 21st-century sage Homer Simpson once observed, and was quoted in a different Newseum exhibit, First Amendment freedoms of speech, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/petition/" target="_blank">petition</a>
 and assembly do not exist to protect “burping” — they are there to 
allow us to speak to our fellow citizens about matters of public 
importance.

Satire and parody provide information, a release from the seriousness
 of much of politics and are a means to express ideas that might not 
find audiences in other settings.

Humor with an edge has been part of American political life as long 
as there was life in American politics. There’s no requirement that we 
be polite, respectful or even tasteful in doing it — and there’s also no
 barrier to getting a laugh at the same time we make a point.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593729871227.png" alt="Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>The 2020 election is no laughing matter — except that it is, in the 
great American tradition of humor and satire that has marked virtually 
every election.This time around: Jim Carey’s nascent “Joe Biden” and Alec Baldwin’s long-running “Donald Trump;” the late-nightly salvoes of Stephen Colbert
 and the daily — sometimes hourly — haranguing tweets from Trump 
himself; conservative talk radio’s sharp-edged verbal darts and the 
Lincoln Project’s wickedly humorous videos.As it has since the 1970s, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” again steps 
into the role of the nation’s satirist, continuing a tradition that 
stretches back nearly 250 years, into the colonial era with its biting 
print depictions of King George III and frequent effigies burned or hung from trees in public squares.The First Amendment’s protection of free speech shelters those who 
poke, prod and even anger those in power — via satire and parody — and 
elections bring out those efforts tenfold.Thomas Jefferson and John Adams 
tossed insults and satirized images of each other in competing 
newspapers in the 1800 presidential race. Blunt, single-sheet cartoons 
were hung in taverns and homes depicting Andrew Jackson
 as a ruthless authoritarian. One, published in 1830, showed him dressed
 as a king, complete with crown, trampling on the U.S. Constitution.“Political satire has been used throughout American history as a more gentle way of commentary,” says Alison Dagnes,
 a Shippensburg University political science professor and author of the
 book “A Conservative Walks Into a Bar: The Politics of Political 
Humor.”One recurring question: Why there are more liberal political 
satirists than conservatives, both today and in the past? Dagnes writes 
that “conservatism supports institutions and satire aims to take those 
institutions down a peg … the very nature of satire mandates challenges 
to the power structure.”Two modern-day comedians exemplify those who have swum against that liberal tide: Dennis Miller,
 who pivoted to a conservative view after the Sept. 11 attacks, who said
 of his political views that he found “liberalism is like a nude beach —
 it sounds great until you get there.” And self-described “libertarian 
conservative” P.J. O’Rourke, who said the Obama administration was simply “the Carter administration in better sweaters” and supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 over Trump, saying “She’s wrong about absolutely everything, but she’s wrong within normal parameters.”How effective can satirists be in shaping events in the real world? William “Boss” Tweed,
 whose crime syndicate in the 1870s stole or extorted more than $2 
billion dollars (today’s value) in public funds, was the target of Harper’s Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast.
 Nast drew the corpulent Tweed as a bulgingly fat character with a money
 bag in place of his head and historians often credit Nast as fueling 
the charge to bring Tweed to justice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602770181643.jpeg" alt="Credit: Newseum Collection" />
 <figcaption>Credit: Newseum Collection</figcaption>
 </figure>Another Nast cartoon of note, as seen to the left, from the Newseum 
collection, “The Only Thing They Respect or Fear,” shows Tweed doffing 
his hat to a row of hangman nooses, as his cronies cringe in fear.Political cartoonists are credited with helping Abraham Lincoln win reelection in 1864 and a century later, The Washington Post’s Herblock (Herbert Block)
 was viewed by critics and admirers as a major reason the Watergate 
scandal remained in public view even as the administration worked to 
downplay it.Block relished his work, writing that it was “an irreverent form of 
expression, and one particularly suited to scoffing at the high and the 
mighty. If the prime role of a free press is to serve as critic of 
government, cartooning is often the cutting edge of that criticism.”Social media often focuses on the “cut” in cutting edge: When Trump 
returned to the White House from treatment for COVID-19, satirists 
immediately posted their own version of his purposeful balcony 
appearance and maskless salute — from titling single images as “Benito 
Trumpolini” (after a similar pose by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini)
 to a Lincoln Project video, “Covita,” parodying the lyrics from 
Broadway showtune “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” as “Don’t Cry For Me, 
White House Staffers.”Trump has done his own part on social media to carry satire forward 
in history, with memorable tweeted nicknames such as “Sleepy Joe” 
(Biden), “Crooked Hillary” (Clinton), “Little Marco” (Rubio) and “Lyin’ 
Ted” (Cruz).Mark Twain, often called the father of modern 
American satire, wrote such classics as “Huckleberry Finn” and “A 
Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” using exaggeration and irony 
to make fun of closed-minded, corrupt officeholders and religious 
hypocrites.A direct Twain descendant-in-humor, early radio celebrity and newspaper columnist Will Rogers
 used homespun language to jab politics in general. “I don’t belong to 
any organized political party,” he once said. “I’m a Democrat.” Another 
line from Rogers: “The trouble with practical jokes is that very often 
they get elected.”“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and “The Daily Show,” with comedians Jon Stewart and now Trevor Noah, have set the tone for modern political satire.Each election cycle for more than 40 years, SNL has produced memorable political parody — from Chevy Chase’s devasting portrayals of Gerald Ford (actually an accomplished athlete) as a bumbler, to Phil Hartman’s cheeseburger-guzzling Bill Clinton, to Tina Fey’s remarkable and transformative skewering of 2008 GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.Stewart’s prominence in political satire from 1999 to 2015 produced a
 unique form of praise: Some credited him and his program as a new form 
of journalism. While his staff of writers and researchers included 
former journalists as fact-checkers to ensure accuracy, Stewart 
consistently said he put comedy first. Still, as my Freedom Forum 
colleague Patty Rhule said of Stewart and his program in a New York Times
 interview about the show as centerpiece of the Newseum’s 2019 
“Seriously Funny” exhibit: “For a generation, he was their voice of the 
news.”Stewart was the latest iteration of post-World War II comedians 
willing to take on social mores, censors and sometimes the courts: Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce
 both mocked powerful political figures of their era — with Bruce 
famously being prosecuted for using so-called “blue” language that today
 is a common feature across cable TV comedy specials.For two seasons in the late 1960s, brothers Tommy and Dick Smothers used satire via a prime-time CBS variety show — prompting President Lyndon B. Johnson to make an angry late-night call to network President William S. Paley. The show later was canceled over fights with network censors.“Doonesbury” cartoons have made fun of presidents and politicians and
 found humor and targets across American culture since the 1970s. But 
writing in 2015 in The Atlantic, cartoonist Gary Trudeau reflected on whether there are lines not to be crossed in satire.In 2015, terrorists angered at French magazine Charlie Hebdo’s criticism of Islam and reprinting of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that had originally appeared in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, attacked the magazine’s Paris office, killing 11 staffers and a security officer.“Traditionally, satire has comforted the afflicted while afflicting 
the comfortable. Satire punches up, against authority of all kinds, the 
little guy against the powerful,” Trudeau wrote. “By punching downward, 
by attacking a powerless, disenfranchised minority with crude, vulgar 
drawings closer to graffiti than cartoons, Charlie wandered into the realm of hate speech.” Trudeau called the resulting violence a “bitter harvest.”Whether they entertain or enrage, inspire or infuriate, comfort or 
inflame, humor and satire in a political setting often serve to bring 
out truths. From the subtle to the complex, satire focuses us on facts 
that otherwise might be lost in the daily horserace reporting that 
dominates modern-day election reporting.As that 21st-century sage Homer Simpson once observed, and was quoted in a different Newseum exhibit, First Amendment freedoms of speech, <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/petition/" target="_blank">petition</a>
 and assembly do not exist to protect “burping” — they are there to 
allow us to speak to our fellow citizens about matters of public 
importance.Satire and parody provide information, a release from the seriousness
 of much of politics and are a means to express ideas that might not 
find audiences in other settings.Humor with an edge has been part of American political life as long 
as there was life in American politics. There’s no requirement that we 
be polite, respectful or even tasteful in doing it — and there’s also no
 barrier to getting a laugh at the same time we make a point.Gene Policinski is a senior fellow for the First Amendment at the
 Freedom Forum, and president and chief operating officer of the Freedom
 Forum Institute. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Making the political ‘cut,’ from our earliest days

By LAURA ALLEN Write-in candidate for Ellis County Clerk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laura Allen, write-in candidate, Ellis County Clerk

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

LETTER: Ballot errors call into question election integrity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By EDWARD CROSS Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CROSS: A consequential moment is at hand

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

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

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

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

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

FICK: Controlling broadleaf weeds in lawns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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