By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

I have been getting some calls from farmers asking if their grain sorghum has sugarcane aphids in it? After going and looking I am glad to report that they are not sugarcane aphids. It is an aphid.

The corn leaf aphid,&nbsp;frequently infests sorghum at the whorl stage. This aphid ranges in color primarily from dark-green or bluish. Key identifying features are the dark legs and cornicles, relatively short antennae, and feeding on the upper leaf surfaces almost exclusively, preferring the upper parts of the plant.&nbsp;

Sugarcane aphids (SCA) on the other hand feed on the underside of leaves. They can be confused with other aphids especially when the aphids are young. They are pale yellow and have light colored legs with dark feet. They have dark colored, short cornicles (tail pipes) with no shading at the base of them as on the corn leaf aphid. &nbsp;

Both aphids do produce a sticky honeydew substance, for that matter any aphid or greenbug does, because they all have piercing-sucking mouth parts and are sucking the plant juices for nourishment. Corn leaf aphids do not have such a high reproductive rate as sugarcane aphids and therefore are not considered an economic treat to sorghum. Any aphid will attract beneficial species that will feed on them. The corn leaf aphid is rarely a cause for concern on sorghum unless larger numbers persist into heading and migrate up into about 50% or more of the heads to continue feeding.&nbsp;

Corn leaf aphids do attract beneficial insects, such as the lady beetle that will feed on them and currently I am seeing significant numbers of lady beetles and other aphid natural enemies that contribute to their control!&nbsp;

A good resource to have or refer to is the “Sorghum Insect Management Guide” by K-State Research &amp; Extension, it can be found on our web site at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or simply type into your internet browser - sorghum insect management guide, ksu.&nbsp;

If you have any questions, please give me a call or email me.&nbsp;

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597164324186.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictI have been getting some calls from farmers asking if their grain sorghum has sugarcane aphids in it? After going and looking I am glad to report that they are not sugarcane aphids. It is an aphid.The corn leaf aphid,&nbsp;frequently infests sorghum at the whorl stage. This aphid ranges in color primarily from dark-green or bluish. Key identifying features are the dark legs and cornicles, relatively short antennae, and feeding on the upper leaf surfaces almost exclusively, preferring the upper parts of the plant.&nbsp;Sugarcane aphids (SCA) on the other hand feed on the underside of leaves. They can be confused with other aphids especially when the aphids are young. They are pale yellow and have light colored legs with dark feet. They have dark colored, short cornicles (tail pipes) with no shading at the base of them as on the corn leaf aphid. &nbsp;Both aphids do produce a sticky honeydew substance, for that matter any aphid or greenbug does, because they all have piercing-sucking mouth parts and are sucking the plant juices for nourishment. Corn leaf aphids do not have such a high reproductive rate as sugarcane aphids and therefore are not considered an economic treat to sorghum. Any aphid will attract beneficial species that will feed on them. The corn leaf aphid is rarely a cause for concern on sorghum unless larger numbers persist into heading and migrate up into about 50% or more of the heads to continue feeding.&nbsp;Corn leaf aphids do attract beneficial insects, such as the lady beetle that will feed on them and currently I am seeing significant numbers of lady beetles and other aphid natural enemies that contribute to their control!&nbsp;A good resource to have or refer to is the “Sorghum Insect Management Guide” by K-State Research &amp; Extension, it can be found on our web site at <a href="http://www.cottonwood.ksu.edu">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a> or simply type into your internet browser - sorghum insect management guide, ksu.&nbsp;If you have any questions, please give me a call or email me.&nbsp;Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Corn leaf aphids in sorghum 

By DOROTHY BARNETT <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a>

With 110,000 jobless 
Kansans, it’s more important than ever for policymakers and Gov. Laura 
Kelly to address rising electricity costs while also protecting our 
health and environment.

Technology has enabled 
homeowners and businesses to improve the efficiency of their electric 
systems to lower their utility costs and energy usage, but Kansas 
policies prevent too many people from taking advantage of these 
opportunities.

While our neighbors in 
other states enjoy a menu of options related to energy efficiency 
programs, solar panel installations on homes and businesses, and 
electric vehicle integration, Kansas has failed to advance policies that
 enable these choices. This hurts everyone who pays for electricity.

That’s why the Climate + Energy Project has long advocated for a state energy plan, ideally facilitated from the <a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/kansas-energy-office">State Energy Office</a>.

In more than 40 states, 
state energy plans have been created to capitalize on energy as a key 
resource and area of strategic importance to these states’ economies and
 economic development efforts. The rapidly changing energy sector is, 
and will continue to be, a challenge for policymakers if we don’t plan 
for its future now.

How is Kansas preparing to
 use our state’s sunshine resource? We have more sunny days here than in
 Florida, yet less than 1% of our energy is produced by the sun. We’ve 
made significant strides in integrating wind in our energy mix — what’s 
next?

What role does energy 
efficiency play in our energy future, especially as our Missouri 
neighbors capitalize on energy efficiency programs supported by their 
regulatory agency, while in Kansas, Evergy has not filed a new <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S20160406164954.pdf?Id=eb9da91f-0a53-4a50-b894-f549ba3929ae">portfolio of efficiency programs</a> for more than four years?

How can we expect to 
recruit and retain businesses when electricity prices have increased by 
more than 70% over a decade in some parts of the state?

There are definitely things we can do. The first step is to craft a plan.

A plan that prioritizes 
advanced energy and conservation would address energy supply and demand 
challenges, ensure more reliable and affordable energy, determine 
potential ways to minimize costs and maximize production benefits, while
 also supporting economic development.

Further, it would identify
 and design a pathway for a prosperous and resilient future using Kansas
 resources, infrastructure and workforce talent to promote economic 
competitiveness and a healthy environment. Simply put, this leads to job
 creation.

Energy use and generation 
are profoundly changing, and if we’re going to give Kansans the 
opportunity to take advantage of emerging technologies, have greater 
control over the cost of their electricity, and ensure we’re providing 
competitive energy options to schools, hospitals and businesses, we must
 embrace the rapidly changing energy transition.

Failure to plan for this 
change only weakens our economic competitiveness. Kansas can’t afford to
 keep playing defense on energy.

Earlier this year, in <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S20200108144309.pdf?Id=1a3a31e5-e38d-4445-aada-1cd0170a7b85">a study commissioned by the legislature</a>,
 London Economics Inc. included the establishment of a state energy plan
 as one of the top priorities the state should embark on to help achieve
 regionally competitive electricity rates over time.

Over the past two years, the <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a>
 has gathered information about state energy plans from national 
experts, including the Building Performance Association, Midwest Energy 
Efficiency Alliance and the National Association of State Energy 
Officials.

We have met with experts 
who’ve created different plans to learn from their pitfalls and 
successes. We’ve shared information and received input from our 
environmental, clean energy, conservation, agriculture and faith 
partners, along with the <a href="http://curb.kansas.gov/">Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board</a>, to discuss and gather support for a Kansas energy plan.

We support a plan because 
we think it’s essential to review the studies commissioned by the 
Legislature to understand how our bills came to be the highest in the 
region over a decade.

There is broad interest in
 a state energy plan for Kansas and potentially widespread divergence in
 the plan’s shape. That’s why the Legislature needs to commit to a 
robust stakeholder engagement process, including public comment. Ongoing
 engagement around implementation and measurements of success annually 
are necessary.

There’s no question that a wide-ranging collaboration among stakeholders to plan for our energy future is important. <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Sign up for our mailing list</a>&nbsp;to stay up to date on opportunities to support a state energy plan.

We urge policymakers and the governor to waste no time convening stakeholders to begin the planning process.

Dorothy Barnett is executive director of the <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597343830225.jpeg" alt="Kansans held a climate rally on WEALTH (Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation and Health) Day at the Kansas Capitol in February 2020. (Submitted by the Climate + Energy Project to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansans held a climate rally on WEALTH (Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation and Health) Day at the Kansas Capitol in February 2020. (Submitted by the Climate + Energy Project to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DOROTHY BARNETT <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a>With 110,000 jobless 
Kansans, it’s more important than ever for policymakers and Gov. Laura 
Kelly to address rising electricity costs while also protecting our 
health and environment.Technology has enabled 
homeowners and businesses to improve the efficiency of their electric 
systems to lower their utility costs and energy usage, but Kansas 
policies prevent too many people from taking advantage of these 
opportunities.While our neighbors in 
other states enjoy a menu of options related to energy efficiency 
programs, solar panel installations on homes and businesses, and 
electric vehicle integration, Kansas has failed to advance policies that
 enable these choices. This hurts everyone who pays for electricity.That’s why the Climate + Energy Project has long advocated for a state energy plan, ideally facilitated from the <a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/kansas-energy-office">State Energy Office</a>.In more than 40 states, 
state energy plans have been created to capitalize on energy as a key 
resource and area of strategic importance to these states’ economies and
 economic development efforts. The rapidly changing energy sector is, 
and will continue to be, a challenge for policymakers if we don’t plan 
for its future now.How is Kansas preparing to
 use our state’s sunshine resource? We have more sunny days here than in
 Florida, yet less than 1% of our energy is produced by the sun. We’ve 
made significant strides in integrating wind in our energy mix — what’s 
next?What role does energy 
efficiency play in our energy future, especially as our Missouri 
neighbors capitalize on energy efficiency programs supported by their 
regulatory agency, while in Kansas, Evergy has not filed a new <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S20160406164954.pdf?Id=eb9da91f-0a53-4a50-b894-f549ba3929ae">portfolio of efficiency programs</a> for more than four years?How can we expect to 
recruit and retain businesses when electricity prices have increased by 
more than 70% over a decade in some parts of the state?There are definitely things we can do. The first step is to craft a plan.A plan that prioritizes 
advanced energy and conservation would address energy supply and demand 
challenges, ensure more reliable and affordable energy, determine 
potential ways to minimize costs and maximize production benefits, while
 also supporting economic development.Further, it would identify
 and design a pathway for a prosperous and resilient future using Kansas
 resources, infrastructure and workforce talent to promote economic 
competitiveness and a healthy environment. Simply put, this leads to job
 creation.Energy use and generation 
are profoundly changing, and if we’re going to give Kansans the 
opportunity to take advantage of emerging technologies, have greater 
control over the cost of their electricity, and ensure we’re providing 
competitive energy options to schools, hospitals and businesses, we must
 embrace the rapidly changing energy transition.Failure to plan for this 
change only weakens our economic competitiveness. Kansas can’t afford to
 keep playing defense on energy.Earlier this year, in <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S20200108144309.pdf?Id=1a3a31e5-e38d-4445-aada-1cd0170a7b85">a study commissioned by the legislature</a>,
 London Economics Inc. included the establishment of a state energy plan
 as one of the top priorities the state should embark on to help achieve
 regionally competitive electricity rates over time.Over the past two years, the <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a>
 has gathered information about state energy plans from national 
experts, including the Building Performance Association, Midwest Energy 
Efficiency Alliance and the National Association of State Energy 
Officials.We have met with experts 
who’ve created different plans to learn from their pitfalls and 
successes. We’ve shared information and received input from our 
environmental, clean energy, conservation, agriculture and faith 
partners, along with the <a href="http://curb.kansas.gov/">Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board</a>, to discuss and gather support for a Kansas energy plan.We support a plan because 
we think it’s essential to review the studies commissioned by the 
Legislature to understand how our bills came to be the highest in the 
region over a decade.And now it’s time to take action.There is broad interest in
 a state energy plan for Kansas and potentially widespread divergence in
 the plan’s shape. That’s why the Legislature needs to commit to a 
robust stakeholder engagement process, including public comment. Ongoing
 engagement around implementation and measurements of success annually 
are necessary.There’s no question that a wide-ranging collaboration among stakeholders to plan for our energy future is important. <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Sign up for our mailing list</a>&nbsp;to stay up to date on opportunities to support a state energy plan.We urge policymakers and the governor to waste no time convening stakeholders to begin the planning process.Dorothy Barnett is executive director of the <a href="http://www.climateandenergy.org/">Climate + Energy Project</a>.

OPINION: Kansas doesn’t have an energy plan. It needs one.

It goes without saying that this summer looks and feels different than those in the past. While we try to make health and safety decisions on behalf of our communities –&nbsp; in a swirl of constantly emerging expert information – one thing that has remained constant is the vitality of Fort Hays State University. Our purpose, people, and place continue to not only remain relevant, but to thrive. Here are just a few of the many success stories to celebrate from the past two months.

Driving forward our mission of creating engaged global citizen-leaders, and a cause for celebration, was the official accreditation approval this summer from the Council on Social Work Education for our online bachelor’s degree. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, and Fort Hays State University continues to find ways to reach students studying for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Fort Hays State is one of only a handful of universities in the United States – and the only one in Kansas – to offer the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) online. FHSU also is the only university in the state to offer the MSW online.

Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn., this spring, our Criminal Justice chair, Dr. Tamara Lynn, wanted to make a difference by creating a culture that emphasizes de-escalation to benefit students pursuing careers in corrections, probation and parole, juvenile services, and other positions where situations may escalate quickly. Toward that end, we recently signed a preliminary agreement for our Criminal Justice and University Police departments to explore the opportunity to establish a regional training center for the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) on the FHSU campus. The NDTC is located at Wayne State University in Detroit and facilitates innovation, research, and development of best practices in law enforcement de-escalation training.

These two powerful examples are some of the many ways we have been relentlessly pursuing our mission. We have also been focused on taking care of our place.&nbsp;

Have you been on campus lately? It is beautiful! Our grounds crew in particular has been nurturing and caring for our physical campus in Hays, America. I often walk the campus with my dog, Gracie, and bask in the beauty of the many flowers, plants, trees, and well-cared-for grounds. I hold deep admiration and gratitude for the many colleagues who work hard during the hot, muggy, and often windy, summer months to create such a beautiful environment for all us to enjoy.

While our grounds colleagues toil over the land, our facilities planning team has been equally busy “keeping our house in order.” In addition to the building of the new Fishli Wills Center for Student Success, progress this summer includes renovation to the Black and Gold Room in the Memorial Union, and a roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and new carpeting for Martin Allen Hall.&nbsp;

Sheridan Hall got a bath, so to speak, with masonry cleaning and sealing. I love how well our team takes care of our beautiful campus limestone. Meanwhile, our team completed Phase 6 of our exterior lighting project: replacing street, pedestrian, and building lighting with LED fixtures. Gustad Bridge also got a “facelift” with repairs to concrete columns and the redesigning of metal guard rail attachments. Albertson Hall also received updates to its roof.

Saving the best – our people – for last, many of our colleagues received accolades over the summer. Fort Hays State University senior Anna Deal was awarded the prestigious American Advertising Federation of Kansas City Foundation scholarship. This is a big deal (pun intended). Anna, a communication studies major from Hutchinson, was one of only 17 students from universities across Kansas and Missouri to be selected as a recipient. We are so proud of her!

Faculty and staff have spent countless hours this summer working through the redevelopment of courses for new delivery methods,&nbsp;incorporating the use of existing and new technology, and overall preparation for the deployment of fall courses at FHSU.&nbsp;I am so thankful for their care for the students’ experiences in the classroom – whether that be online, on campus, or through our international partnerships.

Meanwhile, our alumni have been investing in their alma mater in partnership with the FHSU Foundation by establishing new scholarships. For example, alumni and retired faculty Gary and Ila Hulett established a scholarship in support of students studying chemistry. The scholarship is in honor of Ila, a long-time professor of chemistry, who was known for helping students no matter what time of day. In my book, Gary and Ila are a power couple as they continue to fuel the success of this university in so many ways.

Another power couple, Merrill Milham, retired research physicist, and Dr. Ann Davidoff, a retired professor, created the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Mathematics Scholarship and the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Physics Scholarship. They join so many others who have provided for the future of students and our world and demonstrate on a very personal level how every gift matters.

As we hunker down and reshape our plans in a COVID world, our Journey capital campaign is rapidly approaching the finish line and continues to push toward its goal of $100 million by Fall 2021. To date, the Foundation has received more than 65,000 campaign gifts from nearly 23,000 donors. That is called extraordinary generosity.&nbsp;

At Fort Hays State, resilience reigns and success endures. And even in these uncertain times, ones of a nature that none us of have experienced before, I can be certain of one thing – as a colleague of mine said recently, not everything is about COVID-19!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>It goes without saying that this summer looks and feels different than those in the past. While we try to make health and safety decisions on behalf of our communities –&nbsp; in a swirl of constantly emerging expert information – one thing that has remained constant is the vitality of Fort Hays State University. Our purpose, people, and place continue to not only remain relevant, but to thrive. Here are just a few of the many success stories to celebrate from the past two months.Driving forward our mission of creating engaged global citizen-leaders, and a cause for celebration, was the official accreditation approval this summer from the Council on Social Work Education for our online bachelor’s degree. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country, and Fort Hays State University continues to find ways to reach students studying for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Fort Hays State is one of only a handful of universities in the United States – and the only one in Kansas – to offer the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) online. FHSU also is the only university in the state to offer the MSW online.Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn., this spring, our Criminal Justice chair, Dr. Tamara Lynn, wanted to make a difference by creating a culture that emphasizes de-escalation to benefit students pursuing careers in corrections, probation and parole, juvenile services, and other positions where situations may escalate quickly. Toward that end, we recently signed a preliminary agreement for our Criminal Justice and University Police departments to explore the opportunity to establish a regional training center for the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) on the FHSU campus. The NDTC is located at Wayne State University in Detroit and facilitates innovation, research, and development of best practices in law enforcement de-escalation training.These two powerful examples are some of the many ways we have been relentlessly pursuing our mission. We have also been focused on taking care of our place.&nbsp;Have you been on campus lately? It is beautiful! Our grounds crew in particular has been nurturing and caring for our physical campus in Hays, America. I often walk the campus with my dog, Gracie, and bask in the beauty of the many flowers, plants, trees, and well-cared-for grounds. I hold deep admiration and gratitude for the many colleagues who work hard during the hot, muggy, and often windy, summer months to create such a beautiful environment for all us to enjoy.While our grounds colleagues toil over the land, our facilities planning team has been equally busy “keeping our house in order.” In addition to the building of the new Fishli Wills Center for Student Success, progress this summer includes renovation to the Black and Gold Room in the Memorial Union, and a roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, and new carpeting for Martin Allen Hall.&nbsp;Sheridan Hall got a bath, so to speak, with masonry cleaning and sealing. I love how well our team takes care of our beautiful campus limestone. Meanwhile, our team completed Phase 6 of our exterior lighting project: replacing street, pedestrian, and building lighting with LED fixtures. Gustad Bridge also got a “facelift” with repairs to concrete columns and the redesigning of metal guard rail attachments. Albertson Hall also received updates to its roof.Saving the best – our people – for last, many of our colleagues received accolades over the summer. Fort Hays State University senior Anna Deal was awarded the prestigious American Advertising Federation of Kansas City Foundation scholarship. This is a big deal (pun intended). Anna, a communication studies major from Hutchinson, was one of only 17 students from universities across Kansas and Missouri to be selected as a recipient. We are so proud of her!Faculty and staff have spent countless hours this summer working through the redevelopment of courses for new delivery methods,&nbsp;incorporating the use of existing and new technology, and overall preparation for the deployment of fall courses at FHSU.&nbsp;I am so thankful for their care for the students’ experiences in the classroom – whether that be online, on campus, or through our international partnerships.Meanwhile, our alumni have been investing in their alma mater in partnership with the FHSU Foundation by establishing new scholarships. For example, alumni and retired faculty Gary and Ila Hulett established a scholarship in support of students studying chemistry. The scholarship is in honor of Ila, a long-time professor of chemistry, who was known for helping students no matter what time of day. In my book, Gary and Ila are a power couple as they continue to fuel the success of this university in so many ways.Another power couple, Merrill Milham, retired research physicist, and Dr. Ann Davidoff, a retired professor, created the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Mathematics Scholarship and the Milham-Wasinger-Davidoff Physics Scholarship. They join so many others who have provided for the future of students and our world and demonstrate on a very personal level how every gift matters.As we hunker down and reshape our plans in a COVID world, our Journey capital campaign is rapidly approaching the finish line and continues to push toward its goal of $100 million by Fall 2021. To date, the Foundation has received more than 65,000 campaign gifts from nearly 23,000 donors. That is called extraordinary generosity.&nbsp;At Fort Hays State, resilience reigns and success endures. And even in these uncertain times, ones of a nature that none us of have experienced before, I can be certain of one thing – as a colleague of mine said recently, not everything is about COVID-19!

MASON: Not everything is about COVID-19!

We are sunflower fans and routinely have a few growing in our spring and summer flower gardens. We grow our tomatoes in raised garden beds, and this year when one rogue sunflower, (evidently compliments of the squirrels or birds) appeared at the end of one garden bed, we thought “What the heck, we’ll let it grow.” 

Now the crazy thing has a stalk the size of my arm, is at least 12 feet tall and when I tried counting the blooms, I lost count at 70. We have nicknamed it “Overachiever.” To help with drainage issues in our back yard along the alley, we have a water-retention pond that stays dry and ugly until after big rains. This year we bought a half-dozen packets of different sunflower seeds, mixed them together and planted them around the rim of the retention pond to add a little “wow” to the back yard. Now we have a crescent-shaped row of beautiful sunflowers from 3 to 6 feet tall with blooms from bright yellow to almost orange.&nbsp; &nbsp;

If your faith has taken a hit over the past 4 months and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and will offer a boost to your spirits. &nbsp;

Sunflowers were cultivated in North America as far back as 3000 BC and were introduced to the rest of the world by Spanish Conquistadors in 1500. Peter the Great fell in love with sunflowers he found in the Netherlands and took them back with him to Russia. They became popular there when people discovered sunflower oil was not banned during Lent by the Russian Orthodox Church like most other oils. By the 19th century, Russia was growing 2 million acres of sunflowers annually. Around that time, Russian immigrants brought with them to the US highly developed sunflower seeds capable of producing much bigger blooms. That sparked renewed interest in sunflowers as a commercial crop here in the states.&nbsp;

Sunflowers use a behavior called “heliotropism” that causes young, developing sunflower heads to face eastward in the morning, then follow the sun around to the west during the day. As the heads mature, become heavier and droop, they remain facing predominately east, possibly as a defense mechanism to protect the seeds from the hot afternoon sun. Each sunflower head is actually comprised of many smaller flowers called “florets.” Florets in the middle that produce the seeds are both male and female, so each floret self-pollinates to produce a seed.&nbsp;

In 2019, South Dakota farmers produced the most sunflower seeds in the US to the tune of 831.6 million pounds. They were followed by North Dakota, Minnesota, California, Colorado and Kansas. 2019 commercial production in the United States was about 2 billion pounds grown on 1.4 million acres; 2019 production in Kansas was just under 54 million pounds from 45, 000 acres.

The sunflower became the state flower of Kansas in 1903. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. Morehouse was so moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.” 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>We are sunflower fans and routinely have a few growing in our spring and summer flower gardens. We grow our tomatoes in raised garden beds, and this year when one rogue sunflower, (evidently compliments of the squirrels or birds) appeared at the end of one garden bed, we thought “What the heck, we’ll let it grow.” Now the crazy thing has a stalk the size of my arm, is at least 12 feet tall and when I tried counting the blooms, I lost count at 70. We have nicknamed it “Overachiever.” To help with drainage issues in our back yard along the alley, we have a water-retention pond that stays dry and ugly until after big rains. This year we bought a half-dozen packets of different sunflower seeds, mixed them together and planted them around the rim of the retention pond to add a little “wow” to the back yard. Now we have a crescent-shaped row of beautiful sunflowers from 3 to 6 feet tall with blooms from bright yellow to almost orange.&nbsp; &nbsp;If your faith has taken a hit over the past 4 months and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and will offer a boost to your spirits. &nbsp;Sunflowers were cultivated in North America as far back as 3000 BC and were introduced to the rest of the world by Spanish Conquistadors in 1500. Peter the Great fell in love with sunflowers he found in the Netherlands and took them back with him to Russia. They became popular there when people discovered sunflower oil was not banned during Lent by the Russian Orthodox Church like most other oils. By the 19th century, Russia was growing 2 million acres of sunflowers annually. Around that time, Russian immigrants brought with them to the US highly developed sunflower seeds capable of producing much bigger blooms. That sparked renewed interest in sunflowers as a commercial crop here in the states.&nbsp;Sunflowers use a behavior called “heliotropism” that causes young, developing sunflower heads to face eastward in the morning, then follow the sun around to the west during the day. As the heads mature, become heavier and droop, they remain facing predominately east, possibly as a defense mechanism to protect the seeds from the hot afternoon sun. Each sunflower head is actually comprised of many smaller flowers called “florets.” Florets in the middle that produce the seeds are both male and female, so each floret self-pollinates to produce a seed.&nbsp;In 2019, South Dakota farmers produced the most sunflower seeds in the US to the tune of 831.6 million pounds. They were followed by North Dakota, Minnesota, California, Colorado and Kansas. 2019 commercial production in the United States was about 2 billion pounds grown on 1.4 million acres; 2019 production in Kansas was just under 54 million pounds from 45, 000 acres.The sunflower became the state flower of Kansas in 1903. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. Morehouse was so moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.” Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Oh, those bloomin’ sunflowers

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

Voters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends, also known as VOTE FBF, scored perfect marks in federal races during the primary earlier this month. Three endorsements, three wins, three candidates who understand agriculture moving on to November’s general election.

Dr. Roger Marshall came out on top of a competitive and crowded field to win the GOP nomination to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Pat Robert’s retirement.

Tracey Mann, who is the odds on favorite to take over Marshall’s seat in the U.S. House, secured the Republican nomination in the race to represent the Big First. And Jake LaTurner upset an incumbent in his bid for the second congressional district.

This hattrick of victories isn’t an aberration for VOTE FBF, which has seen a success rate topping 90 percent since its inception nearly three decades ago. The secret to the success? A grassroots process that ensures endorsements come from the bottom up, rather than the top down.

As a relatively new face at Kansas Farm Bureau, this was my first time seeing the process unfold up close. Each of the state’s 105 counties had the opportunity to hear from candidates and make recommendations to the VOTE FBF board, which pooled the feedback from counties to make its endorsements.

The decisions are political, but they’re not partisan. The goal isn’t to elect candidates our members will always agree with, its mission is simply to elect ones who understand and value the work Kansas farmers and ranchers do each and every day.

Of course, despite eschewing partisanship, it wouldn’t be politics without a few snide remarks as seen on KFB’s Facebook page. Throughout the primary process I learned Kansas Farm Bureau “doesn’t represent real farmers,” and our endorsed candidates “weren’t real conservatives,” “were too conservative” or some variation in the runup to the election.

At its core, VOTE FBF is successful because of its pragmatism. Counties and the VOTE FBF board don’t feel the need to make endorsements just for the heck of it. If no candidate in a race has earned the confidence of members or there’s more than one acceptable challenger, making no endorsement is an option.

In short, securing a Kansas Farm Bureau endorsement is similar to a candidate securing an individual’s vote. And the endorsement carries value beyond any possible monetary contribution VOTE FBF may decide to make.

Contrary to what some believe about Kansas Farm Bureau not representing “real farmers (and ranchers),” we’re the state’s largest general farm organization. The grassroots process employed by VOTE FBF has been part of the organization for more than 100 years, and it’s representative of not only our members, but the view of Kansans at large as the recent election results show.

While those results are still fresh, they’re also only the halfway point for this cycle. Advance voting in person and by mail begins Oct. 14 and Election Day is Nov. 3. If you turn 18 before then or sat out the primary because you weren’t registered, you have until Oct. 13 to do so.

Even if we don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, I encourage you to cast an informed vote for the candidate of your choice. Because the leadership of our country, state and counties relies on the same grassroots support Kansas Farm Bureau uses in all its decision making.

"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 BureauVoters Organized to Elect Farm Bureau Friends, also known as VOTE FBF, scored perfect marks in federal races during the primary earlier this month. Three endorsements, three wins, three candidates who understand agriculture moving on to November’s general election.Dr. Roger Marshall came out on top of a competitive and crowded field to win the GOP nomination to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Pat Robert’s retirement.Tracey Mann, who is the odds on favorite to take over Marshall’s seat in the U.S. House, secured the Republican nomination in the race to represent the Big First. And Jake LaTurner upset an incumbent in his bid for the second congressional district.This hattrick of victories isn’t an aberration for VOTE FBF, which has seen a success rate topping 90 percent since its inception nearly three decades ago. The secret to the success? A grassroots process that ensures endorsements come from the bottom up, rather than the top down.As a relatively new face at Kansas Farm Bureau, this was my first time seeing the process unfold up close. Each of the state’s 105 counties had the opportunity to hear from candidates and make recommendations to the VOTE FBF board, which pooled the feedback from counties to make its endorsements.The decisions are political, but they’re not partisan. The goal isn’t to elect candidates our members will always agree with, its mission is simply to elect ones who understand and value the work Kansas farmers and ranchers do each and every day.Of course, despite eschewing partisanship, it wouldn’t be politics without a few snide remarks as seen on KFB’s Facebook page. Throughout the primary process I learned Kansas Farm Bureau “doesn’t represent real farmers,” and our endorsed candidates “weren’t real conservatives,” “were too conservative” or some variation in the runup to the election.At its core, VOTE FBF is successful because of its pragmatism. Counties and the VOTE FBF board don’t feel the need to make endorsements just for the heck of it. If no candidate in a race has earned the confidence of members or there’s more than one acceptable challenger, making no endorsement is an option.In short, securing a Kansas Farm Bureau endorsement is similar to a candidate securing an individual’s vote. And the endorsement carries value beyond any possible monetary contribution VOTE FBF may decide to make.Contrary to what some believe about Kansas Farm Bureau not representing “real farmers (and ranchers),” we’re the state’s largest general farm organization. The grassroots process employed by VOTE FBF has been part of the organization for more than 100 years, and it’s representative of not only our members, but the view of Kansans at large as the recent election results show.While those results are still fresh, they’re also only the halfway point for this cycle. Advance voting in person and by mail begins Oct. 14 and Election Day is Nov. 3. If you turn 18 before then or sat out the primary because you weren’t registered, you have until Oct. 13 to do so.Even if we don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, I encourage you to cast an informed vote for the candidate of your choice. Because the leadership of our country, state and counties relies on the same grassroots support Kansas Farm Bureau uses in all its decision making."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: Election perfection

OK, not all the primary election votes are counted yet, and there may be a surprise or two by the time everything is final, but the name that wasn’t on your ballot has clearly lost.

Gov. Laura Kelly, the Democrat who is mid-term and has two years of living in public housing at Cedar Crest, a nice home to be driven to by security agents every night after wrestling or at least negotiating with members of the Kansas Senate, which took a hard right turn based on yet uncertain primary votes.

What’s the deal? Well, it appears that at the primary election the State Senate is going from a 29-vote majority by party label to an actual 27-plus votes to override Kelly vetoes of bills.

That’s going from a theoretical “veto-proof” majority to an actual, read the votes, veto proof majority.

A handful of moderate Republicans lost their primary elections, and if their defeaters manage to make it through the general election, Kelly likely won’t see her vetoes sustained.

Kelly wasn’t overridden during the 2020 session—when she vetoed two tax-cut bills. She was overridden just once during the 2019 session, her first year in office after moving from the Senate to the governorship—a line-item veto that included $50 million to repay the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System money that was borrowed from it during the cash-crunched former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback administration.

At least three, maybe four or more relatively moderate Republicans have been defeated by more conservative candidates for the upcoming general election, which unless Democrats can pick up a significant number of seats above their current 11, the Senate will be veto-proof.

The House? It appears to be growing a little more conservative, but it is the Senate where the real partisan scrapping has been occurring in the past two years, which has been the “ground zero”&nbsp; for battles with the governor over such issues as expansion of Medicaid to more than 100,000 Kansans and paring the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision that abortion is a constitutionally protected right.

And the budget? That’s where the real fights are likely, and where the final veto-proof majority comes into play on less sensational issues for most Kansans.

Have you seen the campaign brochure touting hiring more public health nurses by the state? Didn’t think so. Or…do most voters base their decisions on small spending issues like staffing for the Department of Administration? Didn’t think so, either.&nbsp;

It appears no candidates are campaigning on the budget except the generic “conservative spending” or “downsize government.”&nbsp; Nobody talks “downsizing” to explain why you spend more time waiting for a driver’s license renewal, or trying to get through on the phone to the Labor department to check on unemployment insurance checks…

Of course, we’re not going to know until about 2 p.m. Jan. 11, when the 2021 legislative session officially opens—and when the first bills are introduced—just where the session is going to go with the confidence on the 3rd&nbsp;floor of the Statehouse that nearly anything it can pass can’t be vetoed by the 2nd&nbsp;floor.

And, how do Democrats campaign on the issue that the state’s elected governor will lose most of her authority to direct the state if voters in generally Republican Senate districts vote for whomever has the “R” behind their name on the ballot?

Yes, we’re wondering just what that brochure or 30-second TV ad is going to look like when it focuses on preserving the leadership authority of a governor who has a “D” behind her name?

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592848178110.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>OK, not all the primary election votes are counted yet, and there may be a surprise or two by the time everything is final, but the name that wasn’t on your ballot has clearly lost.That name?Gov. Laura Kelly, the Democrat who is mid-term and has two years of living in public housing at Cedar Crest, a nice home to be driven to by security agents every night after wrestling or at least negotiating with members of the Kansas Senate, which took a hard right turn based on yet uncertain primary votes.What’s the deal? Well, it appears that at the primary election the State Senate is going from a 29-vote majority by party label to an actual 27-plus votes to override Kelly vetoes of bills.That’s going from a theoretical “veto-proof” majority to an actual, read the votes, veto proof majority.A handful of moderate Republicans lost their primary elections, and if their defeaters manage to make it through the general election, Kelly likely won’t see her vetoes sustained.Kelly wasn’t overridden during the 2020 session—when she vetoed two tax-cut bills. She was overridden just once during the 2019 session, her first year in office after moving from the Senate to the governorship—a line-item veto that included $50 million to repay the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System money that was borrowed from it during the cash-crunched former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback administration.At least three, maybe four or more relatively moderate Republicans have been defeated by more conservative candidates for the upcoming general election, which unless Democrats can pick up a significant number of seats above their current 11, the Senate will be veto-proof.The House? It appears to be growing a little more conservative, but it is the Senate where the real partisan scrapping has been occurring in the past two years, which has been the “ground zero”&nbsp; for battles with the governor over such issues as expansion of Medicaid to more than 100,000 Kansans and paring the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision that abortion is a constitutionally protected right.And the budget? That’s where the real fights are likely, and where the final veto-proof majority comes into play on less sensational issues for most Kansans.Have you seen the campaign brochure touting hiring more public health nurses by the state? Didn’t think so. Or…do most voters base their decisions on small spending issues like staffing for the Department of Administration? Didn’t think so, either.&nbsp;It appears no candidates are campaigning on the budget except the generic “conservative spending” or “downsize government.”&nbsp; Nobody talks “downsizing” to explain why you spend more time waiting for a driver’s license renewal, or trying to get through on the phone to the Labor department to check on unemployment insurance checks…Of course, we’re not going to know until about 2 p.m. Jan. 11, when the 2021 legislative session officially opens—and when the first bills are introduced—just where the session is going to go with the confidence on the 3rd&nbsp;floor of the Statehouse that nearly anything it can pass can’t be vetoed by the 2nd&nbsp;floor.And, how do Democrats campaign on the issue that the state’s elected governor will lose most of her authority to direct the state if voters in generally Republican Senate districts vote for whomever has the “R” behind their name on the ballot?Yes, we’re wondering just what that brochure or 30-second TV ad is going to look like when it focuses on preserving the leadership authority of a governor who has a “D” behind her name?Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: Kan. primary deals a blow to Gov. Kelly

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $31.50 per barrel after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Current prices are down a dollar from the first of the month, and are about twenty dollars a barrel less than at the first of the year. AAA says Americans are enjoying the cheapest summer gasoline prices in more than a decade, averaging $2.14 per gallon over the last two months. The auto club says the national average Thursday ($2.18 per gallon) was nearly a penny cheaper than a week earlier, and half a dollar cheaper than a year ago. The statewide average of $1.96 once again placed Kansas among just 13 states below two dollars a gallon. Filling up a 15-gallon tank will cost you more than a dollar less than six months ago, and you'll save more than five dollars compared to a year ago. The government says U.S. crude-oil production in May dropped by the biggest percentage since at least 1980.&nbsp; National output dropped nearly two million barrels per day from April to May, according to the Monthly Production Report from the Energy Information Administration. EIA says Texas, which produces about 41% of U.S. crude, &nbsp;saw a nearly 15% drop, down roughly 764,000 barrels per day. Production in Kansas was down 12% to 66,000 barrels per day. Baker Hughes reported 247 active drilling rigs across the U.S. last week, marking a decline of four oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported two active drilling rigs east of Wichita, up one, and eight in Western Kansas, which is up two on the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved just six new drilling permits last week, one in the eastern half of the state, and one west of Wichita. Kansas operators completed 12 wells last week, five of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County.&nbsp; The government says oil and related product markets continue to be affected by efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. But a new report from the Energy Information Administration shows that gasoline demand increased month-over-month in May as many states began to relax stay-at-home orders. EIA says demand for jet fuel plummeted for the third straight week, because of reduced commercial air travel. Jet fuel demand dropped by more than one million barrels per day from April to May, a 67% decrease, to reach its lowest level since 1968. Oil-by-rail shipments continue to lag behind last year's record pace, according to the Association of American Railroads. For the week ending August 1st, operators moved 10,070 tanker cars hauling petroleum, down more than seven percent on the week, and nearly 20% lower than a year ago. Monthly numbers from the AAR show total freight traffic in July was down more than 17% from a year earlier. They say coal and other energy-related rail commodities continue to struggle more than most. The world’s five largest oil companies slashed production rates and collectively cut the value of their assets by nearly $50 billion in the second quarter, as the coronavirus pandemic caused a drastic fall in fuel prices and demand. BP was the hardest hit, taking a $17 billion hit. The five majors also cut capital expenditures by a combined $25 billion.&nbsp; The Trump administration is seeking to ease a slew of Obama Administration rules for oil and gas drilling. One of the latest proposals could save energy companies more than $130 million over the next decade. But critics say that by relaxing requirements for measuring and reporting production on federal lands, the policy leaves open the possibility that taxpayers won't get their fair share of royalties. The proposal will be subject to public comment after being published in the federal register, which officials say has not been scheduled yet. The administration is also once again trying to get rid of rules for methane emissions in the oil patch. The Wall Street Journal reports the EPA wants to end requirements that producers have systems and procedures to detect methane leaks. Those new rules would apply to new wells and those drilled since 2016. They would also remove the largest pipelines, storage sites and other infrastructure from EPA emissions oversight. The administration has been trying to make such changes since 2017, but challenges from Congress and in the courts have, so far, stymied those efforts. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. inventories dropped 7.4 million barrels last week, and are now about 16% above the five-year average for this time of year. EIA reported a down-tick in U.S. crude-oil production, which dropped by more than 100,000 barrels per day to just over 11.3 million [["eleven point three million"]].Imports were up 900,000 barrels per day. EIA says the four-week average imports are about 18% less than the same four-week period last year. An appeals panel sided with the operators of the Dakota Access Pipeline, saying it's up to the Trump administration whether the pipe can continue to operate while a more robust environmental review is conducted. A judge in July ordered the pipeline shut down for the review, a move that rocked the industry. But the court of appeals is blocking that order until the Army Corps of Engineers can clarify in court whether the agency thinks the pipeline must shut down for the review.&nbsp; There's another pipeline shutdown in the headlines in North Dakota. This time, a federal agency says an oil pipeline is in fact "trespassing" on tribal land. The Bismarck Tribune reports an easement expired seven years ago. That easement allowed the Tesoro High Plains Pipeline to cross part of the Fort Berthold Reservation on its way to Marathon Petroleum's Mandan Refinery.&nbsp; The Bureau of Indian Affairs ordered the shutdown and is demanding $187 million in damages.&nbsp; Marathon has vowed to appeal the BIA’s order, which requires that the company “immediately cease and desist” using the segment deemed to be trespassing. The line remains operational according to an online statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $31.50 per barrel after dropping 75 cents on Friday. Current prices are down a dollar from the first of the month, and are about twenty dollars a barrel less than at the first of the year. AAA says Americans are enjoying the cheapest summer gasoline prices in more than a decade, averaging $2.14 per gallon over the last two months. The auto club says the national average Thursday ($2.18 per gallon) was nearly a penny cheaper than a week earlier, and half a dollar cheaper than a year ago. The statewide average of $1.96 once again placed Kansas among just 13 states below two dollars a gallon. Filling up a 15-gallon tank will cost you more than a dollar less than six months ago, and you'll save more than five dollars compared to a year ago. The government says U.S. crude-oil production in May dropped by the biggest percentage since at least 1980.&nbsp; National output dropped nearly two million barrels per day from April to May, according to the Monthly Production Report from the Energy Information Administration. EIA says Texas, which produces about 41% of U.S. crude, &nbsp;saw a nearly 15% drop, down roughly 764,000 barrels per day. Production in Kansas was down 12% to 66,000 barrels per day. Baker Hughes reported 247 active drilling rigs across the U.S. last week, marking a decline of four oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reported two active drilling rigs east of Wichita, up one, and eight in Western Kansas, which is up two on the week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Stafford County.&nbsp; Kansas regulators approved just six new drilling permits last week, one in the eastern half of the state, and one west of Wichita. Kansas operators completed 12 wells last week, five of them east of Wichita and seven in Western Kansas, including one in Stafford County.&nbsp; The government says oil and related product markets continue to be affected by efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. But a new report from the Energy Information Administration shows that gasoline demand increased month-over-month in May as many states began to relax stay-at-home orders. EIA says demand for jet fuel plummeted for the third straight week, because of reduced commercial air travel. Jet fuel demand dropped by more than one million barrels per day from April to May, a 67% decrease, to reach its lowest level since 1968. Oil-by-rail shipments continue to lag behind last year's record pace, according to the Association of American Railroads. For the week ending August 1st, operators moved 10,070 tanker cars hauling petroleum, down more than seven percent on the week, and nearly 20% lower than a year ago. Monthly numbers from the AAR show total freight traffic in July was down more than 17% from a year earlier. They say coal and other energy-related rail commodities continue to struggle more than most. The world’s five largest oil companies slashed production rates and collectively cut the value of their assets by nearly $50 billion in the second quarter, as the coronavirus pandemic caused a drastic fall in fuel prices and demand. BP was the hardest hit, taking a $17 billion hit. The five majors also cut capital expenditures by a combined $25 billion.&nbsp; The Trump administration is seeking to ease a slew of Obama Administration rules for oil and gas drilling. One of the latest proposals could save energy companies more than $130 million over the next decade. But critics say that by relaxing requirements for measuring and reporting production on federal lands, the policy leaves open the possibility that taxpayers won't get their fair share of royalties. The proposal will be subject to public comment after being published in the federal register, which officials say has not been scheduled yet. The administration is also once again trying to get rid of rules for methane emissions in the oil patch. The Wall Street Journal reports the EPA wants to end requirements that producers have systems and procedures to detect methane leaks. Those new rules would apply to new wells and those drilled since 2016. They would also remove the largest pipelines, storage sites and other infrastructure from EPA emissions oversight. The administration has been trying to make such changes since 2017, but challenges from Congress and in the courts have, so far, stymied those efforts. The Energy Information Administration says U.S. inventories dropped 7.4 million barrels last week, and are now about 16% above the five-year average for this time of year. EIA reported a down-tick in U.S. crude-oil production, which dropped by more than 100,000 barrels per day to just over 11.3 million [["eleven point three million"]].Imports were up 900,000 barrels per day. EIA says the four-week average imports are about 18% less than the same four-week period last year. An appeals panel sided with the operators of the Dakota Access Pipeline, saying it's up to the Trump administration whether the pipe can continue to operate while a more robust environmental review is conducted. A judge in July ordered the pipeline shut down for the review, a move that rocked the industry. But the court of appeals is blocking that order until the Army Corps of Engineers can clarify in court whether the agency thinks the pipeline must shut down for the review.&nbsp; There's another pipeline shutdown in the headlines in North Dakota. This time, a federal agency says an oil pipeline is in fact "trespassing" on tribal land. The Bismarck Tribune reports an easement expired seven years ago. That easement allowed the Tesoro High Plains Pipeline to cross part of the Fort Berthold Reservation on its way to Marathon Petroleum's Mandan Refinery.&nbsp; The Bureau of Indian Affairs ordered the shutdown and is demanding $187 million in damages.&nbsp; Marathon has vowed to appeal the BIA’s order, which requires that the company “immediately cease and desist” using the segment deemed to be trespassing. The line remains operational according to an online statement.

News From the Oil Patch: U.S. crude production plummets

BY C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/10/what-kansas-legislators-could-learn-from-winfields-national-teacher-of-the-year/">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kasb.org/kansas-tabatha-rosproy-named-2020-national-teacher-of-the-year/">Tabatha Rosproy</a> was making Kansas proud.

It was May 21. On “<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2020-national-teacher-of-the-year-tabatha-rosproy/">CBS This Morning</a>,” an adorable segment announced that Rosproy, 33, had been named the National Teacher of the Year.

Rosproy teaches preschool 
in a Winfied retirement community and nursing home. On a split screen, 
she watched for nearly seven minutes as 4-year-olds and elderly nursing 
home residents made it obvious how well she does her job.

One kid, asked to name her favorite activity in Rosproy’s classroom, thought before concluding, “That’s a good question.”

An old man with a gravelly voice lauded “all of the aspects of learning that she has shown: equality, love, respect.”

What’s so beautiful about Rosproy’s program at <a href="https://cumbernauldvillage.com/">Cumbernauld Village</a>
 is how it affirms the broadest definition of family. The preschoolers 
call the residents who are their volunteer teachers “grandmas and 
grandpas.”

For those elders, Rosproy 
told me, “It really provides purpose and meaning in their lives in 
retirement, in their time where they thought what they were contributing
 was over — those are their words, that’s what they say to me. Now, 
every day when they wake up, they get to spend time with children. They 
read together, discover, go fishing, play bingo, stomp in puddles — 
anything we can get them involved in.”

It works both ways. 
Grandmas and grandpas invite the kids to their evening activities around
 the nursing home and to special performances by outside groups, like 
when people from the zoo come to visit.

This interaction, Rosproy said, helps her young students grow socially, emotionally and academically.

Thanks to individual 
attention like one-on-one reading time with the grandmas and grandpas, 
she notes, the kids “have grown to be so much more empathetic” than what
 she’s observed in other preschool students.

“They can relate to people who are different from them,” she said. “It’s really incredible.”

It’s tempting to make a 
joke, here, about members of the Kansas Legislature needing the kind of 
education Rosproy’s preschoolers get. But there’s nothing funny about 
what some senators and representatives were doing at the Capitol on the 
same day as Rosproy was on national television making Kansas proud.

On May 21, the last day of this year’s session, legislators <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/year2/measures/reports/laws_fr/">accomplished little</a>.
 Most notably, considering the ongoing public health disaster that 
followed, they failed to expand Medicaid even after Gov. Laura Kelly <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-senate-majority-leader-announce-compromise-proposal-to-lower-healthcare-costs-for-kansas-families/">worked out a compromise</a> with Republican Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning. The loudest politicians spent 24 hours in a<a href="https://www.mcphersonsentinel.com/news/20200521/protesters-fire-up-political-rhetoric-as-kansas-legislators-struggle-on-sessionrsquos-final-day"> display of partisan poop-flinging</a>. To call them whiny babies would be an insult to whiny babies.

Rosproy’s experience of 
Kansas is a striking contrast to what we often see in the Statehouse. 
People in Cowley County invested in the greater good, funding early 
childhood education for<a href="https://www.publicprek.com/co/ks-cowley"> every kid</a>.

“Any 4-year-old goes to school for free,” Rosproy said.

Rosproy graduated from 
Winfield’s Southwestern College in 2009 and taught in a Head Start 
program in Salina before coming back to the Winfield Early Learning 
Center in 2014. Now she’s working on her master’s in education from Fort
 Hays State University.

She’s watched over the past decade as Kansas failed to fully fund its public schools. The state is now in the early phases of a <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190404/kansas-lawmakers-adopt-school-funding-plan-hope-for-court-approval">court-approved school funding plan</a>.

“Even with an education-friendly governor in office,” Rosproy said, “it’s still a battle getting the support we need.”

Lawmakers could fund 
universal preschool across the state, she suggested, but “there’s always
 this tit-for-tat sort of thing: ‘This is our money — what are we 
getting if we put it into this.’ I don’t think there’s anything you can 
invest in and get a better return than the education of a child.”

These days she’s fielding 
lots of questions about re-opening schools. She wouldn’t have been back 
at Cumbernauld Village for the next year anyway because of her National 
Teacher of the Year duties, but her pre-school kids will be learning 
separately from the old folks until it’s safe for everyone to be back 
together.

“When the state Board of Education says to make those decisions based on <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/22/kansas-board-of-education-blocks-gov-laura-kellys-plan-to-delay-k-12-classes/">what’s happening in local communities</a>,”
 she noted, “they forget in that the numbers in rural Kansas are so low 
because we’re spread out.” But school is a mass gathering. If people 
aren’t spread out, the numbers won’t stay low.

Rosproy has a national 
platform now. She doesn’t use it to tell people who to vote for. 
Instead, she says, “I think we need to look at what is good for 
everybody — not just what is best for me and mine, but how we can help 
everyone in our communities.”

Some Kansas politicians would call that socialism. I’d call it being the adult in the room.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597083960721.jpeg" alt="Tabatha Rosproy, of Winfield, was named 2020 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. (Kaydee Riggs Johnson)" />
 <figcaption>Tabatha Rosproy, of Winfield, was named 2020 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. (Kaydee Riggs Johnson)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY C.J. JANOVY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/08/10/what-kansas-legislators-could-learn-from-winfields-national-teacher-of-the-year/">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kasb.org/kansas-tabatha-rosproy-named-2020-national-teacher-of-the-year/">Tabatha Rosproy</a> was making Kansas proud.It was May 21. On “<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2020-national-teacher-of-the-year-tabatha-rosproy/">CBS This Morning</a>,” an adorable segment announced that Rosproy, 33, had been named the National Teacher of the Year.Rosproy teaches preschool 
in a Winfied retirement community and nursing home. On a split screen, 
she watched for nearly seven minutes as 4-year-olds and elderly nursing 
home residents made it obvious how well she does her job.One kid, asked to name her favorite activity in Rosproy’s classroom, thought before concluding, “That’s a good question.”An old man with a gravelly voice lauded “all of the aspects of learning that she has shown: equality, love, respect.”<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l9aReAcNHrg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What’s so beautiful about Rosproy’s program at <a href="https://cumbernauldvillage.com/">Cumbernauld Village</a>
 is how it affirms the broadest definition of family. The preschoolers 
call the residents who are their volunteer teachers “grandmas and 
grandpas.”For those elders, Rosproy 
told me, “It really provides purpose and meaning in their lives in 
retirement, in their time where they thought what they were contributing
 was over — those are their words, that’s what they say to me. Now, 
every day when they wake up, they get to spend time with children. They 
read together, discover, go fishing, play bingo, stomp in puddles — 
anything we can get them involved in.”It works both ways. 
Grandmas and grandpas invite the kids to their evening activities around
 the nursing home and to special performances by outside groups, like 
when people from the zoo come to visit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597084042843.jpeg" alt="2020 Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy with her students and their “grandmas” at the Cumbernauld Village retirement communith. (Suzanne Lawrence)" />
 <figcaption>2020 Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy with her students and their “grandmas” at the Cumbernauld Village retirement communith. (Suzanne Lawrence)</figcaption>
 </figure>This interaction, Rosproy said, helps her young students grow socially, emotionally and academically.Thanks to individual 
attention like one-on-one reading time with the grandmas and grandpas, 
she notes, the kids “have grown to be so much more empathetic” than what
 she’s observed in other preschool students.“They can relate to people who are different from them,” she said. “It’s really incredible.”It’s tempting to make a 
joke, here, about members of the Kansas Legislature needing the kind of 
education Rosproy’s preschoolers get. But there’s nothing funny about 
what some senators and representatives were doing at the Capitol on the 
same day as Rosproy was on national television making Kansas proud.On May 21, the last day of this year’s session, legislators <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/year2/measures/reports/laws_fr/">accomplished little</a>.
 Most notably, considering the ongoing public health disaster that 
followed, they failed to expand Medicaid even after Gov. Laura Kelly <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-senate-majority-leader-announce-compromise-proposal-to-lower-healthcare-costs-for-kansas-families/">worked out a compromise</a> with Republican Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning. The loudest politicians spent 24 hours in a<a href="https://www.mcphersonsentinel.com/news/20200521/protesters-fire-up-political-rhetoric-as-kansas-legislators-struggle-on-sessionrsquos-final-day"> display of partisan poop-flinging</a>. To call them whiny babies would be an insult to whiny babies.Rosproy’s experience of 
Kansas is a striking contrast to what we often see in the Statehouse. 
People in Cowley County invested in the greater good, funding early 
childhood education for<a href="https://www.publicprek.com/co/ks-cowley"> every kid</a>.“Any 4-year-old goes to school for free,” Rosproy said.Rosproy graduated from 
Winfield’s Southwestern College in 2009 and taught in a Head Start 
program in Salina before coming back to the Winfield Early Learning 
Center in 2014. Now she’s working on her master’s in education from Fort
 Hays State University.She’s watched over the past decade as Kansas failed to fully fund its public schools. The state is now in the early phases of a <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190404/kansas-lawmakers-adopt-school-funding-plan-hope-for-court-approval">court-approved school funding plan</a>.“Even with an education-friendly governor in office,” Rosproy said, “it’s still a battle getting the support we need.”Lawmakers could fund 
universal preschool across the state, she suggested, but “there’s always
 this tit-for-tat sort of thing: ‘This is our money — what are we 
getting if we put it into this.’ I don’t think there’s anything you can 
invest in and get a better return than the education of a child.”These days she’s fielding 
lots of questions about re-opening schools. She wouldn’t have been back 
at Cumbernauld Village for the next year anyway because of her National 
Teacher of the Year duties, but her pre-school kids will be learning 
separately from the old folks until it’s safe for everyone to be back 
together.“When the state Board of Education says to make those decisions based on <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/22/kansas-board-of-education-blocks-gov-laura-kellys-plan-to-delay-k-12-classes/">what’s happening in local communities</a>,”
 she noted, “they forget in that the numbers in rural Kansas are so low 
because we’re spread out.” But school is a mass gathering. If people 
aren’t spread out, the numbers won’t stay low.Rosproy has a national 
platform now. She doesn’t use it to tell people who to vote for. 
Instead, she says, “I think we need to look at what is good for 
everybody — not just what is best for me and mine, but how we can help 
everyone in our communities.”Some Kansas politicians would call that socialism. I’d call it being the adult in the room.C.J. Janovy is a veteran journalist with deep roots in the Midwest. Before joining the Kansas Reflector, she was an editor and reporter at Kansas City’s NPR affiliate, KCUR. Before that, she edited the city’s alt-weekly newspaper, The Pitch.

OPINION: What Kan. legislators could learn from national teacher of the year

Last week, I spoke (virtually, of course) with a&nbsp;group of journalism 
students about how the First Amendment relates to, and protects, the 
work they’ll soon be doing. I walked them through the major legal 
doctrines that protect freedom of expression in this country:

It’s a lecture I’ve given many times over the past few years, but 
afterwards, one of the students asked me a question I’d never been asked
 before. “Who makes sure the government isn’t doing any of the things it
 can’t be doing? Is there an agency that ensures compliance with the 
First Amendment?”

“For the most part, it’s just us,” I replied and made some sort of 
expansive hand gesture in an effort to let&nbsp;the student&nbsp;know that “us” 
encompassed her, me, the other 20 people on the Zoom call and the 
American people as a whole.

It was an off-the-cuff answer, and if I’d had more time and my Wi-Fi 
connection had been less laggy, I might have said that it’s the courts 
that strike down unconstitutional laws and government actions, although 
executive agencies like the Department of Justice and&nbsp;legislative bodies
 like Congress can certainly play a role by pushing for and implementing
 further safeguards for free expression. But my original answer still 
stands. Courts hear cases when lawsuits are brought by people&nbsp;whose 
rights have been violated. The executive and legislative branches 
respond to demands from their constituents. And the public learns about 
the government’s transgressions&nbsp;through the press.

One of the most interesting things about the press is that&nbsp;despite 
being the only profession actually named in the Constitution, 
journalists themselves are not defined by any legal document or ordained
 by any government body. <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2016/05/03/lets-celebrate-our-world-press-freedom-day-today/" target="_blank">As my colleague Gene Policinski wrote&nbsp;</a>on
 World Press Freedom Day a few years back,&nbsp;“In&nbsp;the larger sense, we’re 
all ‘press’ every time we post, tweet or blog — whether we want that 
title or not. Media critics and advocates alike are fond of noting ‘the 
press’&nbsp;has no more and no less privilege under the First Amendment than 
any other U.S. citizen.”

This is as true for the&nbsp;<a href="https://pressfreedomtracker.us/george-floyd-protests/" target="_blank">professional journalists who covered the recent Black Lives Matter protests</a>&nbsp;as it is for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/teen-who-shot-video-of-george-floyd-wasn-t-looking-to-be-a-hero-her-lawyer-says/571192352/" target="_blank">Minneapolis teenager who recorded the killing of George Floyd</a>,
 which sparked those protests in the first place. Anyone who cares 
enough to expose wrongdoing&nbsp;people&nbsp;in power is&nbsp;serving as a watchdog. 
Anyone who wants to make truth known to the public at large&nbsp;wields the 
power of the press.

But the fact that anyone can do this doesn’t detract from its significance, or the risks that it might entail.

Next week, it will have been eight years since Austin Tice
 went missing. Austin was a Georgetown law student and former U.S. 
Marine Corps officer who went to Syria as a freelance journalist in 
2012. He was also one of the only Western journalists on the ground 
while the Syrian conflict was unfolding and he made it his mission to 
report on the impact the conflict was having on civilians. On July 25, 
2012,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/austin-tice-its-nice-and-all-but-please-quit-telling-me-to-be-safe/2012/08/23/984488ba-ed4b-11e1-a80b-9f898562d010_story.html" target="_blank">he posted this on his Facebook page</a>,
 responding to those who told him he was crazy to try to report what was
 happening in Syria: “We kill ourselves every day with McDonald’s and 
alcohol and a thousand other drugs, but we’ve lost the sense that there 
actually are things out there worth dying for. We’ve given away our 
freedoms piecemeal to robber barons, but we’re too complacent to do much
 but criticize those few who try to point out the obvious.”

On Aug. 14, 2012, three days after his 31st birthday, Austin Tice was
 taken captive as he was preparing to travel from Daraya, near Damascus,
 Syria, to Beirut, Lebanon. Diverse credible sources report that he is 
still alive. Austin’s&nbsp;parents, who have unrelentingly advocated for his 
return, recently published an&nbsp;<a href="https://s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw/?trackId=596c9749ae7e8a44e7f5c1d4&amp;s=5f281e5dfe1ff65e11745d6b&amp;linknum=1&amp;linktot=108" target="_blank">open letter&nbsp;</a>in The Washington Post’s Press Freedom Partnership newsletter that included this heartbreaking message:

“Each year around Austin’s birthday and the date of his capture, 
there’s a brief moment of renewed attention and media coverage.&nbsp;Our son 
is imprisoned every single day.&nbsp;Every single day Austin needs his 
colleagues in journalism to ask questions about what is being done to 
bring him home, to dig for answers when they meet with obfuscation and 
to hold U.S. government officials accountable for their actions or lack 
thereof.”

Advocating for Austin and other journalists who have been 
unjustly&nbsp;targeted or detained is in our hands. So is safeguarding 
our&nbsp;First Amendment freedoms. As Austin pointed out, we can’t afford to 
be complacent.

Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at <a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579206978168.png" alt="Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Last week, I spoke (virtually, of course) with a&nbsp;group of journalism 
students about how the First Amendment relates to, and protects, the 
work they’ll soon be doing. I walked them through the major legal 
doctrines that protect freedom of expression in this country:<ul>
 <li>The government can’t create laws that censor or punish people for 
their speech, unless there’s a compelling purpose behind them and those 
laws are the least restrictive way to achieve them;</li><li>It can’t apply laws or take actions&nbsp;in a manner that&nbsp;discriminates against people based on the point of view they’re expressing;</li><li>It can’t engage in prior restraint — prevent something from being 
published — unless it can prove that that publication would cause 
immediate and irreparable harm to the United States.</li>
 </ul>It’s a lecture I’ve given many times over the past few years, but 
afterwards, one of the students asked me a question I’d never been asked
 before. “Who makes sure the government isn’t doing any of the things it
 can’t be doing? Is there an agency that ensures compliance with the 
First Amendment?”“For the most part, it’s just us,” I replied and made some sort of 
expansive hand gesture in an effort to let&nbsp;the student&nbsp;know that “us” 
encompassed her, me, the other 20 people on the Zoom call and the 
American people as a whole.It was an off-the-cuff answer, and if I’d had more time and my Wi-Fi 
connection had been less laggy, I might have said that it’s the courts 
that strike down unconstitutional laws and government actions, although 
executive agencies like the Department of Justice and&nbsp;legislative bodies
 like Congress can certainly play a role by pushing for and implementing
 further safeguards for free expression. But my original answer still 
stands. Courts hear cases when lawsuits are brought by people&nbsp;whose 
rights have been violated. The executive and legislative branches 
respond to demands from their constituents. And the public learns about 
the government’s transgressions&nbsp;through the press.One of the most interesting things about the press is that&nbsp;despite 
being the only profession actually named in the Constitution, 
journalists themselves are not defined by any legal document or ordained
 by any government body. <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2016/05/03/lets-celebrate-our-world-press-freedom-day-today/" target="_blank">As my colleague Gene Policinski wrote&nbsp;</a>on
 World Press Freedom Day a few years back,&nbsp;“In&nbsp;the larger sense, we’re 
all ‘press’ every time we post, tweet or blog — whether we want that 
title or not. Media critics and advocates alike are fond of noting ‘the 
press’&nbsp;has no more and no less privilege under the First Amendment than 
any other U.S. citizen.”This is as true for the&nbsp;<a href="https://pressfreedomtracker.us/george-floyd-protests/" target="_blank">professional journalists who covered the recent Black Lives Matter protests</a>&nbsp;as it is for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/teen-who-shot-video-of-george-floyd-wasn-t-looking-to-be-a-hero-her-lawyer-says/571192352/" target="_blank">Minneapolis teenager who recorded the killing of George Floyd</a>,
 which sparked those protests in the first place. Anyone who cares 
enough to expose wrongdoing&nbsp;people&nbsp;in power is&nbsp;serving as a watchdog. 
Anyone who wants to make truth known to the public at large&nbsp;wields the 
power of the press.But the fact that anyone can do this doesn’t detract from its significance, or the risks that it might entail.Next week, it will have been eight years since Austin Tice
 went missing. Austin was a Georgetown law student and former U.S. 
Marine Corps officer who went to Syria as a freelance journalist in 
2012. He was also one of the only Western journalists on the ground 
while the Syrian conflict was unfolding and he made it his mission to 
report on the impact the conflict was having on civilians. On July 25, 
2012,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/austin-tice-its-nice-and-all-but-please-quit-telling-me-to-be-safe/2012/08/23/984488ba-ed4b-11e1-a80b-9f898562d010_story.html" target="_blank">he posted this on his Facebook page</a>,
 responding to those who told him he was crazy to try to report what was
 happening in Syria: “We kill ourselves every day with McDonald’s and 
alcohol and a thousand other drugs, but we’ve lost the sense that there 
actually are things out there worth dying for. We’ve given away our 
freedoms piecemeal to robber barons, but we’re too complacent to do much
 but criticize those few who try to point out the obvious.”On Aug. 14, 2012, three days after his 31st birthday, Austin Tice was
 taken captive as he was preparing to travel from Daraya, near Damascus,
 Syria, to Beirut, Lebanon. Diverse credible sources report that he is 
still alive. Austin’s&nbsp;parents, who have unrelentingly advocated for his 
return, recently published an&nbsp;<a href="https://s2.washingtonpost.com/camp-rw/?trackId=596c9749ae7e8a44e7f5c1d4&amp;s=5f281e5dfe1ff65e11745d6b&amp;linknum=1&amp;linktot=108" target="_blank">open letter&nbsp;</a>in The Washington Post’s Press Freedom Partnership newsletter that included this heartbreaking message:“Each year around Austin’s birthday and the date of his capture, 
there’s a brief moment of renewed attention and media coverage.&nbsp;Our son 
is imprisoned every single day.&nbsp;Every single day Austin needs his 
colleagues in journalism to ask questions about what is being done to 
bring him home, to dig for answers when they meet with obfuscation and 
to hold U.S. government officials accountable for their actions or lack 
thereof.”Advocating for Austin and other journalists who have been 
unjustly&nbsp;targeted or detained is in our hands. So is safeguarding 
our&nbsp;First Amendment freedoms. As Austin pointed out, we can’t afford to 
be complacent.Lata Nott is a Freedom Forum Fellow. Contact her via email at <a href="mailto:lnott@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">lnott@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow her on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/latanott" target="_blank">@LataNott</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Standing up for the First Amendment – and Austin Tice

My name is Eric Norris, I am the State Librarian of Kansas, and this is a response to <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/opinion/20200729/letter-to-editor-we-need-to-lean-on-libraries">Keri Strahler’s letter to the editor</a>&nbsp;printed on Thursday, July 30, in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

The State Library of Kansas, located on the third floor of the Capitol Building, is an agency of the Governor’s Office and though we are one of the oldest library organizations in the state, it is sometimes difficult to inform and educate the public about our work. Not to let a great opportunity go to waste, the following is a very brief and partial overview of a few services we provide at no cost to you, our patron.

The State Library makes available to all residents an extremely wide range of resources for work, life, and leisure. These include research databases covering a multitude of topics and disciplines through magazine, periodical and news coverage, encyclopedia and critical analysis, video, photos, statistical data, activities, and games.&nbsp;

Our skill-building collection includes language learning (non-English and ESL courses), resume, career, and job-seeking skills, literacy and reading skills, business and computer training, parenting and family information, crafts and hobbies, real estate, self-help, pet training, and much more.

The collection of digital books, in audio and ebook formats, circulated over 680,000 titles last year, and in our continued effort to meet current demand, popular and literary fiction along with timely non-fiction titles are featured and added constantly.

Since most digital books circulate from reader to reader, one check out at time, just like books off the shelf, an individual account is necessary to request and check out a title. The Kansas Library eCard is not a traditional library card. Rather it is an account that lets readers borrow from any of our digital book providers.&nbsp;

The research and skill building collections generally don't have this requirement, so for most Kansans, they are available and usable right from our website. When this doesn't work (for Kansans traveling, attending school or in military service outside the state), the eCard also lets you take your library with you, by providing alternate access to the same online materials available in-state.

During this current time of isolation and difficulty, it should be recognized that some of our content partners like Encyclopedia Britannica, EBSCO and Tumblebooks are providing all Kansans with new and expanded book and research resources at no additional cost to the State Library.&nbsp;

Another service of the State Library is the Talking Books of Kansas. Just this month, Talking Books celebrated 50 years of providing personalized support and materials specific to Kansans who are blind, have physical impairments, or are otherwise print disabled. Accessible audio and braille reading materials are available via mail at no cost to the patron or by direct download, to all qualifying Kansas residents of any age.&nbsp;

Through the pandemic, our dedicated staff have continued to engage and work with our Talking Book patrons through daily phone and email contact, providing themed reading lists and quarterly phone book discussions, and facilitating a yearlong Youth Reading Club.

Public libraries across the state are staying engaged with their communities online through so many exciting and imaginative ways – interactive story times, book clubs, trivia nights, author talks, photography clubs, writing workshops, cooking classes, genealogy groups, just to name a few that I have seen on Facebook alone. For those of us in Shawnee County, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all that the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library has to offer by visiting <a href="https://tscpl.org/events">https://tscpl.org/events</a>.&nbsp;

Editor's Note: The Hays Public Library's activities page can be found <a href="https://hayslibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar">HERE</a>.

Undoubtedly, this is an unprecedented time of stress, we are unsure about almost all aspects of our lives and the immediate future. Everything feels strange, and temporary, and unstable, and frightening –but through all of this, the State Library of Kansas and your local public library have been stalwart in our dedication to serving our communities.&nbsp;

It might not look the same as it did at the beginning of the year, it might not be what you would have imagined, but every librarian in Kansas is working out how to keep providing the same access to informational, educational, and recreational materials and programs you would normally expect.

Ms. Strahler’s letter was titled “We need to lean on libraries” and I couldn’t agree more. If I have learned anything in almost 15-years of working with and for public libraries in Kansas – we are here for you and, to paraphrase the late Bill Withers, we can help you carry on.

More information about the State Library of Kansas and contact information can be found at our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/">https://kslib.info/</a>&nbsp;

Eric Norris is a native Kansan who received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, MA from Fort Hays State University, and MLS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prior to joining the State Library in 2018, he served as the Adult Department Librarian and Director of the Hays Public Library. He has also worked as a Director of Human Resources and a newspaper reporter.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596738441444.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris is Fort Hays State University alum and former director of the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris is Fort Hays State University alum and former director of the Hays Public Library.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>My name is Eric Norris, I am the State Librarian of Kansas, and this is a response to <a href="https://www.cjonline.com/opinion/20200729/letter-to-editor-we-need-to-lean-on-libraries">Keri Strahler’s letter to the editor</a>&nbsp;printed on Thursday, July 30, in the Topeka Capital-Journal.The State Library of Kansas, located on the third floor of the Capitol Building, is an agency of the Governor’s Office and though we are one of the oldest library organizations in the state, it is sometimes difficult to inform and educate the public about our work. Not to let a great opportunity go to waste, the following is a very brief and partial overview of a few services we provide at no cost to you, our patron.The State Library makes available to all residents an extremely wide range of resources for work, life, and leisure. These include research databases covering a multitude of topics and disciplines through magazine, periodical and news coverage, encyclopedia and critical analysis, video, photos, statistical data, activities, and games.&nbsp;Our skill-building collection includes language learning (non-English and ESL courses), resume, career, and job-seeking skills, literacy and reading skills, business and computer training, parenting and family information, crafts and hobbies, real estate, self-help, pet training, and much more.The collection of digital books, in audio and ebook formats, circulated over 680,000 titles last year, and in our continued effort to meet current demand, popular and literary fiction along with timely non-fiction titles are featured and added constantly.Since most digital books circulate from reader to reader, one check out at time, just like books off the shelf, an individual account is necessary to request and check out a title. The Kansas Library eCard is not a traditional library card. Rather it is an account that lets readers borrow from any of our digital book providers.&nbsp;The research and skill building collections generally don't have this requirement, so for most Kansans, they are available and usable right from our website. When this doesn't work (for Kansans traveling, attending school or in military service outside the state), the eCard also lets you take your library with you, by providing alternate access to the same online materials available in-state.During this current time of isolation and difficulty, it should be recognized that some of our content partners like Encyclopedia Britannica, EBSCO and Tumblebooks are providing all Kansans with new and expanded book and research resources at no additional cost to the State Library.&nbsp;Another service of the State Library is the Talking Books of Kansas. Just this month, Talking Books celebrated 50 years of providing personalized support and materials specific to Kansans who are blind, have physical impairments, or are otherwise print disabled. Accessible audio and braille reading materials are available via mail at no cost to the patron or by direct download, to all qualifying Kansas residents of any age.&nbsp;Through the pandemic, our dedicated staff have continued to engage and work with our Talking Book patrons through daily phone and email contact, providing themed reading lists and quarterly phone book discussions, and facilitating a yearlong Youth Reading Club.Public libraries across the state are staying engaged with their communities online through so many exciting and imaginative ways – interactive story times, book clubs, trivia nights, author talks, photography clubs, writing workshops, cooking classes, genealogy groups, just to name a few that I have seen on Facebook alone. For those of us in Shawnee County, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all that the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library has to offer by visiting <a href="https://tscpl.org/events">https://tscpl.org/events</a>.&nbsp;Editor's Note: The Hays Public Library's activities page can be found <a href="https://hayslibrary.evanced.info/signup/Calendar">HERE</a>.Undoubtedly, this is an unprecedented time of stress, we are unsure about almost all aspects of our lives and the immediate future. Everything feels strange, and temporary, and unstable, and frightening –but through all of this, the State Library of Kansas and your local public library have been stalwart in our dedication to serving our communities.&nbsp;It might not look the same as it did at the beginning of the year, it might not be what you would have imagined, but every librarian in Kansas is working out how to keep providing the same access to informational, educational, and recreational materials and programs you would normally expect.Ms. Strahler’s letter was titled “We need to lean on libraries” and I couldn’t agree more. If I have learned anything in almost 15-years of working with and for public libraries in Kansas – we are here for you and, to paraphrase the late Bill Withers, we can help you carry on.More information about the State Library of Kansas and contact information can be found at our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://kslib.info/">https://kslib.info/</a>&nbsp;Eric Norris is a native Kansan who received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, MA from Fort Hays State University, and MLS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prior to joining the State Library in 2018, he served as the Adult Department Librarian and Director of the Hays Public Library. He has also worked as a Director of Human Resources and a newspaper reporter.&nbsp;

NORRIS: Kansas State Library a key resource — especially now

	When we turned the calendar to August it can mean only one thing; school bells will be ringing soon. The challenges that COVID19 has brought to our school boards and administrators are many, but in the end, children need to continue learning in whichever format is available. With the start of another school year, it is the perfect time to call a family meeting and get everyone on board with the new routine.

	Research shows that kids ages 3 to 6 need ten to twelve hours of sleep each day. As youngsters begin pre-school or the early grades it is important to have a set bedtime with a routine that encourages success. Perhaps you want to target 8 p.m. as bedtime. If so you will want to begin the wind down process around 7. Perhaps a warm bath and bed time story would help your child to relax. Planning what will be worn the next day or eaten for breakfast also encourages a less hectic morning when the alarm goes off. Whatever you want to adopt as a routine, now is a good time to start working toward your final goal. If the summer schedule has been lax, start moving the bedtime up a few minutes each day until your target is reached. That should help make the first day of school a success.

	As families strive to get the school year off to a good start, the morning rush can create a huge obstacle. Whether your kids catch an early morning bus, if you provide the ride, or if they bike or walk to school, make sure time is set aside to eat a healthy breakfast. It has long been reported that eating breakfast is a good thing – first by moms, and then backed up by numerous research studies. Nutrition educators have shown that eating breakfast is important to weight control. It also helps youngsters perform better in school.

	If you live close enough to school, perhaps your child can walk or bike safely to school. Research shows that starting your day with some physical activity (i.e. walking to school) encourages better concentration and behavior in the classroom. If your schedule allows it, do a trial run with your child; either walking or biking on a safe route to the front door of the school.&nbsp;

	Here’s hoping your school year gets off to a great start!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593016082485.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>	When we turned the calendar to August it can mean only one thing; school bells will be ringing soon. The challenges that COVID19 has brought to our school boards and administrators are many, but in the end, children need to continue learning in whichever format is available. With the start of another school year, it is the perfect time to call a family meeting and get everyone on board with the new routine.	Research shows that kids ages 3 to 6 need ten to twelve hours of sleep each day. As youngsters begin pre-school or the early grades it is important to have a set bedtime with a routine that encourages success. Perhaps you want to target 8 p.m. as bedtime. If so you will want to begin the wind down process around 7. Perhaps a warm bath and bed time story would help your child to relax. Planning what will be worn the next day or eaten for breakfast also encourages a less hectic morning when the alarm goes off. Whatever you want to adopt as a routine, now is a good time to start working toward your final goal. If the summer schedule has been lax, start moving the bedtime up a few minutes each day until your target is reached. That should help make the first day of school a success.	As families strive to get the school year off to a good start, the morning rush can create a huge obstacle. Whether your kids catch an early morning bus, if you provide the ride, or if they bike or walk to school, make sure time is set aside to eat a healthy breakfast. It has long been reported that eating breakfast is a good thing – first by moms, and then backed up by numerous research studies. Nutrition educators have shown that eating breakfast is important to weight control. It also helps youngsters perform better in school.	If you live close enough to school, perhaps your child can walk or bike safely to school. Research shows that starting your day with some physical activity (i.e. walking to school) encourages better concentration and behavior in the classroom. If your schedule allows it, do a trial run with your child; either walking or biking on a safe route to the front door of the school.&nbsp;	Here’s hoping your school year gets off to a great start!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Settling in to the school routine

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

“Let’s go one lap around.” That sounds easy. But what if that one lap didn’t refer to the local walking track? What if it referred to one lap – around the entire globe? This week, we’ll meet a young Kansas couple who took on the amazing goal of circumnavigating the globe by themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring are the remarkable young couple who made this amazing journey. Heidi grew up near Dallas. Kale grew up at St. Francis, Kansas. He studied information technology at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, a rural community of 4,489 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

After graduation, Kale’s IT career took him to Phoenix where he met Heidi. The two shared lots of interests, including nutrition, coffee and travel. They had an incredible idea: What if they could travel around the world on a shoestring budget?&nbsp;&nbsp;

They got married, prepared their travel plans, finished up their jobs and sold their belongings. On May 17, 2011, they left to visit family in Kansas and Texas before flying to New York for the transcontinental flight to Ireland.&nbsp;

This trip would ultimately include the proverbial planes, trains and automobiles, plus buses, boats, bicycles, scooters, hitch-hiking, rickshaws and even camels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Ireland, they did sight-seeing around Dublin, Cork and Killarney. They found that the private hotel room which they had booked online was no longer available, so they ended up sharing a room with another couple – who snored. Later conditions would be much worse. They did see magnificent cathedrals, beautiful countryside, lots of sheep, and fascinating people.&nbsp;

They took the ferry to Wales and stayed in London for a month, sightseeing and traveling to Scotland.&nbsp;

From London, they flew to Luxor, Egypt. They spent a week in Cairo, saw the pyramids and walked along the Nile River before flying to Mumbai. They stayed on the beach and then moved to the Himalayan region.&nbsp;

Kale suggested they find some sort of volunteer service which they could perform while in the country. They found such an opportunity through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.workaway.info/">www.workaway.info</a>. On this site, they learned about a remote school near the Himalayas where they could teach classes for room and board. Heidi taught English, and Kale taught math and science to kids ages four to 10. The students were from very poor, rural families. Heidi and Kale would teach there for about a month.&nbsp;

Heidi wrote in their blog: “This experience makes me think of how fortunate our kids (are) in America and other western societies as a whole … . The kids here got extremely excited when we brought out a basketball during playtime. Even though there was no hoop, just the chance at kicking or throwing a ball around was pure happiness to them. They are so grateful for such simple offerings … for every drawing we make, for every game we play, for every song we sing and for every word we teach them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

One day while at a coffee shop in Pushkar, India, Kale and Heidi got to talking about having a coffee roastery of their own. One thing led to another, and they learned about an abandoned building which was for sale in Kale’s hometown. It could serve as a site for their motorcycle shop and apartment as well as a base for their coffee roastery trailer. They bought the building sight unseen and made plans to return to the United States.&nbsp;

First, they went to Nepal and flew over Mount Everest before stopping in Bangkok and having a layover in Japan on their way home. By the date of Heidi’s birthday in December 2011, they were back in the USA.&nbsp;

They went one lap around – not just the track, but around the world. We commend Kale Dankenbring and Heidi Plumb for making a difference by teaching in an impoverished region of the world. As Heidi wrote of her students: “Their confidence, happy smiles and genuine laughter is proof that the school is changing these children’s lives for the better and expanding their opportunities by providing an excellent education.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

And there’s more. What about that roastery back home? We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596633654531.png" alt="Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring" />
 <figcaption>Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“Let’s go one lap around.” That sounds easy. But what if that one lap didn’t refer to the local walking track? What if it referred to one lap – around the entire globe? This week, we’ll meet a young Kansas couple who took on the amazing goal of circumnavigating the globe by themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heidi Plumb and Kale Dankenbring are the remarkable young couple who made this amazing journey. Heidi grew up near Dallas. Kale grew up at St. Francis, Kansas. He studied information technology at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, a rural community of 4,489 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;After graduation, Kale’s IT career took him to Phoenix where he met Heidi. The two shared lots of interests, including nutrition, coffee and travel. They had an incredible idea: What if they could travel around the world on a shoestring budget?&nbsp;&nbsp;They made it happen.&nbsp;They got married, prepared their travel plans, finished up their jobs and sold their belongings. On May 17, 2011, they left to visit family in Kansas and Texas before flying to New York for the transcontinental flight to Ireland.&nbsp;This trip would ultimately include the proverbial planes, trains and automobiles, plus buses, boats, bicycles, scooters, hitch-hiking, rickshaws and even camels.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In Ireland, they did sight-seeing around Dublin, Cork and Killarney. They found that the private hotel room which they had booked online was no longer available, so they ended up sharing a room with another couple – who snored. Later conditions would be much worse. They did see magnificent cathedrals, beautiful countryside, lots of sheep, and fascinating people.&nbsp;They took the ferry to Wales and stayed in London for a month, sightseeing and traveling to Scotland.&nbsp;From London, they flew to Luxor, Egypt. They spent a week in Cairo, saw the pyramids and walked along the Nile River before flying to Mumbai. They stayed on the beach and then moved to the Himalayan region.&nbsp;Kale suggested they find some sort of volunteer service which they could perform while in the country. They found such an opportunity through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.workaway.info/">www.workaway.info</a>. On this site, they learned about a remote school near the Himalayas where they could teach classes for room and board. Heidi taught English, and Kale taught math and science to kids ages four to 10. The students were from very poor, rural families. Heidi and Kale would teach there for about a month.&nbsp;Heidi wrote in their blog: “This experience makes me think of how fortunate our kids (are) in America and other western societies as a whole … . The kids here got extremely excited when we brought out a basketball during playtime. Even though there was no hoop, just the chance at kicking or throwing a ball around was pure happiness to them. They are so grateful for such simple offerings … for every drawing we make, for every game we play, for every song we sing and for every word we teach them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;One day while at a coffee shop in Pushkar, India, Kale and Heidi got to talking about having a coffee roastery of their own. One thing led to another, and they learned about an abandoned building which was for sale in Kale’s hometown. It could serve as a site for their motorcycle shop and apartment as well as a base for their coffee roastery trailer. They bought the building sight unseen and made plans to return to the United States.&nbsp;First, they went to Nepal and flew over Mount Everest before stopping in Bangkok and having a layover in Japan on their way home. By the date of Heidi’s birthday in December 2011, they were back in the USA.&nbsp;They went one lap around – not just the track, but around the world. We commend Kale Dankenbring and Heidi Plumb for making a difference by teaching in an impoverished region of the world. As Heidi wrote of her students: “Their confidence, happy smiles and genuine laughter is proof that the school is changing these children’s lives for the better and expanding their opportunities by providing an excellent education.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And there’s more. What about that roastery back home? We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Kale Dankenbring and Heidi Plumb, Part 1

Reopening Kansas schools this fall is a gamble.&nbsp; The COVID-19 new infections rate and death rate are still rising at this writing.&nbsp; Will returning to school-site learning be safe?&nbsp; Will it increase the spread of COVID-19?&nbsp;

The only thing we know for certain is that school is scheduled to begin across Kansas within the coming month.&nbsp; Answers are not coming from national, state or local education leaders.&nbsp; None of these entities, alone or in concert, has the power or ability to bring school safety and learning to our children until there is an effective, widely-distributed vaccine. Thus, returning to full-time, on-site schooling is “rolling the dice.”

A recent review by science writer Laurie Garrett found that school risk reflects the larger coronavirus prevalence in a community.&nbsp; Therefore, Kansas counties with fewer than 10 recorded cases of COVID-19 automatically have a better chance for a safe school reopening than schools in urban and suburban counties with more than 1,000 confirmed cases.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, hot-spots develop quickly, so there’s no real confidence that schools can reopen safely even in sparsely populated, rural Kansas.&nbsp;

Regardless of a school’s location, there is concern over the level of danger to children and their teachers.&nbsp; Unless a school allows only for gatherings of 15 or fewer, CDC guidelines warn of increased spread through repeated contact across classrooms, food service areas, sports, other activities and school buses.&nbsp;

As for the children, COVID-19 infection seems relatively rare but, in those infected, it can be severe.&nbsp; Research studies show a gradient of infection downward with age—younger children are less likely to test positive and less likely to pass the virus to others—however, teenagers, if infected, may pass the virus to others more often while having no or less severe symptoms than adults. But even the most optimistic scientists aren’t saying that almost all&nbsp;students will avoid serious infections, and we don’t know if the rate of infection will grow due to the impact of student interactions over time.

The challenge for school employees is the sheer volume of traffic and tight quarters in many school environments which make social distancing a significant problem.&nbsp; Moreover, reports from both the Kaiser Health Foundation and the American Association of Retired Persons estimate that teachers mirror the general population of workers in that about 25 percent have a condition that puts them a higher risk of serious illness or other health complications from COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite concerns, on-campus learning appears to be the choice of most students and families.&nbsp;&nbsp; In San Diego area where COVID-19 continues to rage, a survey within one large school district found on-campus learning was the choice of 65 percent of parents with 30 percent opting to start the year with remote schooling.&nbsp;

The odds for a COVID-19 controlled school start aren’t favorable notwithstanding widespread, public support for traditional school as the best overall learning environment.

Fortunately, it’s possible to hedge the odds by mitigating the school reopening risk, if all:

Community commitment will go a long way toward increasing the chances of a safe school restart.

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>Reopening Kansas schools this fall is a gamble.&nbsp; The COVID-19 new infections rate and death rate are still rising at this writing.&nbsp; Will returning to school-site learning be safe?&nbsp; Will it increase the spread of COVID-19?&nbsp;The only thing we know for certain is that school is scheduled to begin across Kansas within the coming month.&nbsp; Answers are not coming from national, state or local education leaders.&nbsp; None of these entities, alone or in concert, has the power or ability to bring school safety and learning to our children until there is an effective, widely-distributed vaccine. Thus, returning to full-time, on-site schooling is “rolling the dice.”A recent review by science writer Laurie Garrett found that school risk reflects the larger coronavirus prevalence in a community.&nbsp; Therefore, Kansas counties with fewer than 10 recorded cases of COVID-19 automatically have a better chance for a safe school reopening than schools in urban and suburban counties with more than 1,000 confirmed cases.&nbsp;Nevertheless, hot-spots develop quickly, so there’s no real confidence that schools can reopen safely even in sparsely populated, rural Kansas.&nbsp;Regardless of a school’s location, there is concern over the level of danger to children and their teachers.&nbsp; Unless a school allows only for gatherings of 15 or fewer, CDC guidelines warn of increased spread through repeated contact across classrooms, food service areas, sports, other activities and school buses.&nbsp;As for the children, COVID-19 infection seems relatively rare but, in those infected, it can be severe.&nbsp; Research studies show a gradient of infection downward with age—younger children are less likely to test positive and less likely to pass the virus to others—however, teenagers, if infected, may pass the virus to others more often while having no or less severe symptoms than adults. But even the most optimistic scientists aren’t saying that almost all&nbsp;students will avoid serious infections, and we don’t know if the rate of infection will grow due to the impact of student interactions over time.The challenge for school employees is the sheer volume of traffic and tight quarters in many school environments which make social distancing a significant problem.&nbsp; Moreover, reports from both the Kaiser Health Foundation and the American Association of Retired Persons estimate that teachers mirror the general population of workers in that about 25 percent have a condition that puts them a higher risk of serious illness or other health complications from COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite concerns, on-campus learning appears to be the choice of most students and families.&nbsp;&nbsp; In San Diego area where COVID-19 continues to rage, a survey within one large school district found on-campus learning was the choice of 65 percent of parents with 30 percent opting to start the year with remote schooling.&nbsp;The odds for a COVID-19 controlled school start aren’t favorable notwithstanding widespread, public support for traditional school as the best overall learning environment.Fortunately, it’s possible to hedge the odds by mitigating the school reopening risk, if all:<ul>
 <li>Kansans wear masks and follow safety guidelines,</li><li>Schools follow safety guidelines on school sites and off campus activities,</li><li>Students who choose to learn remotely have the technology to do so and</li><li>Voters urged their federal legislators to include state-level safety funding in the proposed new stimulus bill.</li>
 </ul>Community commitment will go a long way toward increasing the chances of a safe school restart.Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: How to make school reopening safer

When I am stressed, I can’t stop moving. I clean, do yardwork, exercise and take myself to exhaustion most days. When my son is anxious, he wakes up in the middle of the night and asks me to tuck him in again. When I notice he is waking up several nights in a row, I tend to be more attentive and spend extra time with him. I try to help him deal with his anxiety in positive ways such as exercise and just talking about it, but when I find myself unable to slow down, I usually ignore it until I can’t ignore it anymore.

2020 has been one for the history books when it comes to stress and uncertainty. There is very little in our lives that can be considered normal and that has taken a toll on our minds, bodies, and overall health. What can you do about all of this excess worry? Everyone handles anxiety in their own way. I show how our family is coping to illustrate that point. When I am stressed, I typically try to ignore it, soldier through, and hope it gets better. When I notice my son is getting stressed, I do everything in my power to help him handle it in a healthy way. Lately though, I am trying to do better for myself because I know how important mental health is in all aspects of our lives.

So how can we handle stress in a healthy manner? The single most important thing that you can do is self-care. I am sure that you have heard all of the adages, but you truly can’t pour from an empty pitcher. Find a way that you personally can relax and recharge. Take a walk, listen to music, meditate. Some may enjoy fishing, gardening, watching a movie, reading, the list goes on. Think to yourself, what do you like to do that you have not had enough time to do? In our current state of affairs, it is a good idea to make the time.

We also typically look out for others before ourselves. Right now, it is a good idea to check in on your friends. If someone you know is not acting like themselves, just asking them how they are doing can go a long way. Actively listening (listening to hear, and not listening to respond) is very important as it ensures that the person you are talking to is being heard. Although it is very hard to do sometimes, if you think someone may be suicidal, ask them out right. Studies show that talking about suicide does not make a person commit suicide. It does help them more that it doesn’t. Thought that conversation may be difficult, is much easier to have than a eulogy to deliver.&nbsp;

For more information about handling stress in a healthy way, Cottonwood Extension and K-State Research and Extension has some excellent resources available. You can always call 620-793-1910, or e-mail at <a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>. We are also blessed to have&nbsp; The Center for Counseling and Consultation where help is available locally.&nbsp; The national suicide prevention hotline is 800-273-8255 or you can text HOME to 741741 if you prefer. Dealing with our present situation can feel overwhelming, but help is out there. Reach out, talk. People need you. Now more than ever we need to take care of ourselves and each other.

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 aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>When I am stressed, I can’t stop moving. I clean, do yardwork, exercise and take myself to exhaustion most days. When my son is anxious, he wakes up in the middle of the night and asks me to tuck him in again. When I notice he is waking up several nights in a row, I tend to be more attentive and spend extra time with him. I try to help him deal with his anxiety in positive ways such as exercise and just talking about it, but when I find myself unable to slow down, I usually ignore it until I can’t ignore it anymore.2020 has been one for the history books when it comes to stress and uncertainty. There is very little in our lives that can be considered normal and that has taken a toll on our minds, bodies, and overall health. What can you do about all of this excess worry? Everyone handles anxiety in their own way. I show how our family is coping to illustrate that point. When I am stressed, I typically try to ignore it, soldier through, and hope it gets better. When I notice my son is getting stressed, I do everything in my power to help him handle it in a healthy way. Lately though, I am trying to do better for myself because I know how important mental health is in all aspects of our lives.So how can we handle stress in a healthy manner? The single most important thing that you can do is self-care. I am sure that you have heard all of the adages, but you truly can’t pour from an empty pitcher. Find a way that you personally can relax and recharge. Take a walk, listen to music, meditate. Some may enjoy fishing, gardening, watching a movie, reading, the list goes on. Think to yourself, what do you like to do that you have not had enough time to do? In our current state of affairs, it is a good idea to make the time.We also typically look out for others before ourselves. Right now, it is a good idea to check in on your friends. If someone you know is not acting like themselves, just asking them how they are doing can go a long way. Actively listening (listening to hear, and not listening to respond) is very important as it ensures that the person you are talking to is being heard. Although it is very hard to do sometimes, if you think someone may be suicidal, ask them out right. Studies show that talking about suicide does not make a person commit suicide. It does help them more that it doesn’t. Thought that conversation may be difficult, is much easier to have than a eulogy to deliver.&nbsp;For more information about handling stress in a healthy way, Cottonwood Extension and K-State Research and Extension has some excellent resources available. You can always call 620-793-1910, or e-mail at <a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>. We are also blessed to have&nbsp; The Center for Counseling and Consultation where help is available locally.&nbsp; The national suicide prevention hotline is 800-273-8255 or you can text HOME to 741741 if you prefer. Dealing with our present situation can feel overwhelming, but help is out there. Reach out, talk. People need you. Now more than ever we need to take care of ourselves and each other.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 aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

Opinion