American Red Cross blood drives held in counties served by the Central and Western Kansas Red Cross Chapter provide lifesaving blood to nearly 70 area hospitals, making sure blood is available for patients in need. Volunteer Blood Drive Ambassadors play a vital role at these blood drives – engaging with donors, enhancing the donation experience and helping to create long-time blood donors.

Right now, there are not enough Blood Drive Ambassadors to cover all area drives. If you have a few hours each month, you could be helping by taking temperatures, guiding blood donors through the donation process and making a difference for your community like Jackie Nichols, from the Garden City area.

In addition to serving with the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services and as a disaster volunteer Jackie spent 20 years as chairperson for her church’s blood drive. While retiring from the chairperson position in 2012, she continues to volunteer at drives. “I believe you should never pass up an opportunity to show kindness to someone,” said Jackie. “This is what the Red Cross and its volunteers do every day. Whether it’s at some type of disaster or helping so there is always a safe supply of blood when needed.”

If you’d like to be a volunteer blood drive ambassador like Jackie in the Ellis, Barton and Saline counties, please contact Sherry Dryden, executive director, Red Cross Kansas/Oklahoma Region at 785-259-0956 or online at redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

Sherry Dryden, Executive Director, Kansas/Oklahoma Region, serving Central and Western Kansas, American Red Cross

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586216031348.jpeg" alt="Sherry Dryden" />
 <figcaption>Sherry Dryden</figcaption>
 </figure>American Red Cross blood drives held in counties served by the Central and Western Kansas Red Cross Chapter provide lifesaving blood to nearly 70 area hospitals, making sure blood is available for patients in need. Volunteer Blood Drive Ambassadors play a vital role at these blood drives – engaging with donors, enhancing the donation experience and helping to create long-time blood donors.Right now, there are not enough Blood Drive Ambassadors to cover all area drives. If you have a few hours each month, you could be helping by taking temperatures, guiding blood donors through the donation process and making a difference for your community like Jackie Nichols, from the Garden City area.In addition to serving with the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services and as a disaster volunteer Jackie spent 20 years as chairperson for her church’s blood drive. While retiring from the chairperson position in 2012, she continues to volunteer at drives. “I believe you should never pass up an opportunity to show kindness to someone,” said Jackie. “This is what the Red Cross and its volunteers do every day. Whether it’s at some type of disaster or helping so there is always a safe supply of blood when needed.”If you’d like to be a volunteer blood drive ambassador like Jackie in the Ellis, Barton and Saline counties, please contact Sherry Dryden, executive director, Red Cross Kansas/Oklahoma Region at 785-259-0956 or online at redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.Sherry Dryden, Executive Director, Kansas/Oklahoma Region, serving Central and Western Kansas, American Red Cross

RED CROSS: Volunteers needed for critical roles

By RICK BILLINGER 40th District Kansas State Senator

The 2020 Census is a very important event for all Americans and all Kansans. It is a paramount civic duty that not only shapes the future of our state but our local communities as well.&nbsp;

As we approach mid-September, I am encouraging all Kansans to participate in the 2020 Census. I urge anyone who has not filled out their Census form to please do so by; filing electronically, by phone, by using a paper form or by responding to a census enumerator.&nbsp;

Please file BEFORE September 30th. There are only 10 short and easy to answer questions. The impact that registering has on our state and the 40th Senate District are immense. Our census numbers determine how many congressional seats our state will have and determines how many federal dollars Kansas receives and where they are distributed. Your census responses are confidential and are only done every ten years. I encourage all family members, neighbors and friends to fill out their census forms. YOU MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES COUNT. The census can be completed by logging into <a href="http://www.kansascounts.org">www.kansascounts.org</a> or by phone at 844-330-2020.

Times are different, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but I hope to see many of the people in the 40th District as I campaign for re-election. If you are interested in helping with my campaign or would be willing to put a yard sign out, please contact me by email <a href="mailto:rb_rick@hotmail.com">rb_rick@hotmail.com</a> or text me at 785-899-4700.

Thank you in advance for helping to ensure that our local communities count and our voices are heard.

It is an honor and a pleasure to represent you and the 40th Senate District and I welcome your phone calls or emails.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576518921995.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RICK BILLINGER 40th District Kansas State SenatorThe 2020 Census is a very important event for all Americans and all Kansans. It is a paramount civic duty that not only shapes the future of our state but our local communities as well.&nbsp;As we approach mid-September, I am encouraging all Kansans to participate in the 2020 Census. I urge anyone who has not filled out their Census form to please do so by; filing electronically, by phone, by using a paper form or by responding to a census enumerator.&nbsp;Please file BEFORE September 30th. There are only 10 short and easy to answer questions. The impact that registering has on our state and the 40th Senate District are immense. Our census numbers determine how many congressional seats our state will have and determines how many federal dollars Kansas receives and where they are distributed. Your census responses are confidential and are only done every ten years. I encourage all family members, neighbors and friends to fill out their census forms. YOU MAKE OUR COMMUNITIES COUNT. The census can be completed by logging into <a href="http://www.kansascounts.org">www.kansascounts.org</a> or by phone at 844-330-2020.Times are different, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but I hope to see many of the people in the 40th District as I campaign for re-election. If you are interested in helping with my campaign or would be willing to put a yard sign out, please contact me by email <a href="mailto:rb_rick@hotmail.com">rb_rick@hotmail.com</a> or text me at 785-899-4700.Thank you in advance for helping to ensure that our local communities count and our voices are heard.It is an honor and a pleasure to represent you and the 40th Senate District and I welcome your phone calls or emails.

BILLINGER: Completing Census critical for NW Kan.

One of the best ways to keep your body and mind functioning at their best is to exercise. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density, which prevents frailty and osteoporosis.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an 8-week strengthening exercise program that meets twice a week for 1-hour. A class is scheduled to start Sept. 22 in Ellis at the old High School Gym. Participants will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am until Nov. 12. Before participating in the class, members must complete a consent form and a questionnaire about their health status. A physician authorization form may be required.&nbsp; The cost is $20 for all 16 sessions. No special clothes or equipment needed.&nbsp;

During the program, you will learn exercises to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.&nbsp;

The program’s goal is to improve your health and quality of life.&nbsp; This class is in cooperation with the Ellis Recreation Commission. Contact Berny Unruh at the Extension Office 785-628-9430 if there are further questions.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the best ways to keep your body and mind functioning at their best is to exercise. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density, which prevents frailty and osteoporosis.Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an 8-week strengthening exercise program that meets twice a week for 1-hour. A class is scheduled to start Sept. 22 in Ellis at the old High School Gym. Participants will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 am until Nov. 12. Before participating in the class, members must complete a consent form and a questionnaire about their health status. A physician authorization form may be required.&nbsp; The cost is $20 for all 16 sessions. No special clothes or equipment needed.&nbsp;Each hour-long class includes:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Warm-up exercises&nbsp;</li><li>Easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights&nbsp;</li><li>Cool-down stretches&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>During the program, you will learn exercises to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.&nbsp;The program’s goal is to improve your health and quality of life.&nbsp; This class is in cooperation with the Ellis Recreation Commission. Contact Berny Unruh at the Extension Office 785-628-9430 if there are further questions.&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Stay Strong Stay Healthy in Ellis

BY STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

The latest USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress and Condition report for Kansas on August 6th classified 53% of the corn crop as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ condition. Overall, 31% of Kansas’ corn is mature with 4% harvested.

The weather conditions experienced from late July to end of August are critical for corn as related to the grain-filling rate and determining final grain weight. In the month of August temperature and precipitation have split across the state, with cooler-than-normal conditions in the south central and southeast, while warmer conditions have dominated in the west. Most of the state had below-normal precipitation, despite isolated pockets of heaver precipitation.

In recent years, a common question from producers around the state, relates to the dry down rate for corn when approaching the end of the season. Based on previous information, the average dry down rate depends on the weather, primarily temperature and moisture conditions – but it might range from 1% in late August to less than 0.5% per day in October.

The weather outlook in early September calls for an increased chance of cooler-than-normal temperatures with chances for below-normal precipitation for all but the southeastern corner of the state.

Grain water loss occurs at different rates but with two distinct phases: 1) before “black layer” or maturity, and 2) after black layer.&nbsp;

To properly address questions from many producers on the rate of dry down, a study by K-State Research &amp; Extension agronomy is underway to investigate the grain dry down rate from the moment of “black layer” until commercial harvest grain moisture was reached. For the conditions experienced in 2017 and 2018 seasons (from late August until mid-September), the overall dry down rate was around 1% per day (from 36-35% to 15-17% grain moisture) – taking an overall period between 18-to-21 days.

&nbsp;*Note: It is desired to reach harvest with 15.5% grain moisture to maximize the final grain volume to be sold, thus the importance of timing harvest with the right grain moisture content.

It is expected that the dry down rate will decrease to &lt;0.5% per day for late-planted corn entering reproductive stages later in the growing season. Expect a similar decrease for corn that was exposed to late-season stress conditions (e.g., drought, heat). Under these conditions, maturity may be reached with high grain water content and the last stages after black layer formation could face lower temperatures and higher humidity. These main factors should be considered when the time comes to schedule corn harvest. You can track temperature and humidity levels on the Kansas Mesonet web site at <a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/</a> by selecting the station and time period of interest.

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/2020/9/1600113157064.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe latest USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress and Condition report for Kansas on August 6th classified 53% of the corn crop as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ condition. Overall, 31% of Kansas’ corn is mature with 4% harvested.The weather conditions experienced from late July to end of August are critical for corn as related to the grain-filling rate and determining final grain weight. In the month of August temperature and precipitation have split across the state, with cooler-than-normal conditions in the south central and southeast, while warmer conditions have dominated in the west. Most of the state had below-normal precipitation, despite isolated pockets of heaver precipitation.In recent years, a common question from producers around the state, relates to the dry down rate for corn when approaching the end of the season. Based on previous information, the average dry down rate depends on the weather, primarily temperature and moisture conditions – but it might range from 1% in late August to less than 0.5% per day in October.The weather outlook in early September calls for an increased chance of cooler-than-normal temperatures with chances for below-normal precipitation for all but the southeastern corner of the state.Grain water loss occurs at different rates but with two distinct phases: 1) before “black layer” or maturity, and 2) after black layer.&nbsp;To properly address questions from many producers on the rate of dry down, a study by K-State Research &amp; Extension agronomy is underway to investigate the grain dry down rate from the moment of “black layer” until commercial harvest grain moisture was reached. For the conditions experienced in 2017 and 2018 seasons (from late August until mid-September), the overall dry down rate was around 1% per day (from 36-35% to 15-17% grain moisture) – taking an overall period between 18-to-21 days.&nbsp;*Note: It is desired to reach harvest with 15.5% grain moisture to maximize the final grain volume to be sold, thus the importance of timing harvest with the right grain moisture content.The dry down process can be delayed by:<ol>
 <li>Low temperatures</li><li>High humidity</li><li>High grain moisture content at black layer (38-40%)</li>
 </ol>It is expected that the dry down rate will decrease to &lt;0.5% per day for late-planted corn entering reproductive stages later in the growing season. Expect a similar decrease for corn that was exposed to late-season stress conditions (e.g., drought, heat). Under these conditions, maturity may be reached with high grain water content and the last stages after black layer formation could face lower temperatures and higher humidity. These main factors should be considered when the time comes to schedule corn harvest. You can track temperature and humidity levels on the Kansas Mesonet web site at <a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/weather/historical/</a> by selecting the station and time period of interest.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/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="Stacy Campbell" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell</figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: Rate of dry down in corn before harvest

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

September is the bridge between summer and fall. The sun’s angle is still high enough to provide plenty of warmth, but its light fades faster in the evening. Cottonwoods are already dropping golden leaves. Football seasons are underway even if tailgating is on hiatus for the year. And across Kansas, September is when fall harvest starts in earnest.

For those of us not working in the fields, the most visible sign of harvest will be combines, tractors, grain carts and other slow-moving implements on the road. Remember to be on the lookout for these vehicles. Take your time and pass only when it’s safe. Like you, farmers are anxious to be off the road and at their destination.

But for the next few weeks, the roads will be busy because unlike the mad dash to bring in wheat in early summer, fall harvest is a marathon.

Harvest started for Haskell County farmer Paige Clawson in August when corn silage was chopped. Clawson says they wrapped up their dryland corn harvest about a week before cold, wet weather brought everything to a halt.

“We’re hoping to get back in the field (this) week,” she says of the wait for irrigated corn to ripen. “The past few years we’ve had pretty phenomenal dryland corn, and I think this dryland corn would be an average to below average western Kansas dryland corn crop. Nothing to write home about.”

Clawson says she hasn’t seen the numbers on the final yields. “It was lower than I’d like to see but isn’t that always the answer.”

In south central Kansas, Stafford County farmer Justin Vosburgh took advantage of the rain to prep his machinery to be in the fields in a week or so.

“I’m actually excited for this fall harvest,” Vosburgh says. “I think it’s one of the best dryland crops we will cut in Stafford, Edwards, Pawnee and Pratt counties in a long time. Irrigated looks good, too.”

Weather permitting, Vosburgh says he hopes to start harvest by mid-September and will spend the next six to eight weeks hauling in corn, milo and soybeans and planting next year’s wheat crop.

“Mother Nature plays a huge role,” he says. “Basically, from the 15th of September to the 31st of October, we’ll either be in the harvest field or we’ll be drilling wheat. It’s probably the busiest time of the year for us. A lot will happen.”

While the recent rains didn’t come in time to boost Clawson’s dryland corn, it did perk up the milo.

“You can tell where you rotated milo and had summer fallow and where you didn’t,” she says. “I think a couple recent rains have saved the crop that was going backward faster than we’d like to see.”

Both Vosburgh and Clawson say they haven’t really felt the effects of the pandemic on their farms.

“Probably my biggest fear right now is will COVID-19 cause us a problem,” Vosburgh says. “Will it cause us a problem at an elevator? Will they have employees get sick? Will we get shorthanded? Those are issues you think about.”

Clawson says the only difference she’s noticed is curbside pickup for parts and a few items on backorder.

“We’re just trying to stay on the farm and not go to town as often as we normally would,” she says.

The pandemic is just another in a long line of uncertainties in farming. Yet farmers and ranchers somehow always find a silver lining. With harvest delayed by rain, Clawson was already looking toward the future.

“It will be nice to put wheat into moisture after not putting it into moisture last year,” she says.

"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 BureauSeptember is the bridge between summer and fall. The sun’s angle is still high enough to provide plenty of warmth, but its light fades faster in the evening. Cottonwoods are already dropping golden leaves. Football seasons are underway even if tailgating is on hiatus for the year. And across Kansas, September is when fall harvest starts in earnest.For those of us not working in the fields, the most visible sign of harvest will be combines, tractors, grain carts and other slow-moving implements on the road. Remember to be on the lookout for these vehicles. Take your time and pass only when it’s safe. Like you, farmers are anxious to be off the road and at their destination.But for the next few weeks, the roads will be busy because unlike the mad dash to bring in wheat in early summer, fall harvest is a marathon.Harvest started for Haskell County farmer Paige Clawson in August when corn silage was chopped. Clawson says they wrapped up their dryland corn harvest about a week before cold, wet weather brought everything to a halt.“We’re hoping to get back in the field (this) week,” she says of the wait for irrigated corn to ripen. “The past few years we’ve had pretty phenomenal dryland corn, and I think this dryland corn would be an average to below average western Kansas dryland corn crop. Nothing to write home about.”Clawson says she hasn’t seen the numbers on the final yields. “It was lower than I’d like to see but isn’t that always the answer.”In south central Kansas, Stafford County farmer Justin Vosburgh took advantage of the rain to prep his machinery to be in the fields in a week or so.“I’m actually excited for this fall harvest,” Vosburgh says. “I think it’s one of the best dryland crops we will cut in Stafford, Edwards, Pawnee and Pratt counties in a long time. Irrigated looks good, too.”Weather permitting, Vosburgh says he hopes to start harvest by mid-September and will spend the next six to eight weeks hauling in corn, milo and soybeans and planting next year’s wheat crop.“Mother Nature plays a huge role,” he says. “Basically, from the 15th of September to the 31st of October, we’ll either be in the harvest field or we’ll be drilling wheat. It’s probably the busiest time of the year for us. A lot will happen.”While the recent rains didn’t come in time to boost Clawson’s dryland corn, it did perk up the milo.“You can tell where you rotated milo and had summer fallow and where you didn’t,” she says. “I think a couple recent rains have saved the crop that was going backward faster than we’d like to see.”Both Vosburgh and Clawson say they haven’t really felt the effects of the pandemic on their farms.“Probably my biggest fear right now is will COVID-19 cause us a problem,” Vosburgh says. “Will it cause us a problem at an elevator? Will they have employees get sick? Will we get shorthanded? Those are issues you think about.”Clawson says the only difference she’s noticed is curbside pickup for parts and a few items on backorder.“We’re just trying to stay on the farm and not go to town as often as we normally would,” she says.The pandemic is just another in a long line of uncertainties in farming. Yet farmers and ranchers somehow always find a silver lining. With harvest delayed by rain, Clawson was already looking toward the future.“It will be nice to put wheat into moisture after not putting it into moisture last year,” she says."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: The start of fall harvest

In 1974, challenger Bill Roy gave Bob Dole the closest contest of his Senate career, possibly only losing on account of dirty tricks by the Dole campaign, which put flyers with fetus images into nearly every mailbox in the city of Wichita. 

Early in the 1988 Republican primary season, with a moderate Dole, strengthened by an endorsement from Alexander Haig, he himself fell victim to dirty tricks from the George Bush campaign in New Hampshire, prompting Dole to proclaim, "I want him to stop lying about my record," considered an overly defensive flash of anger in that bygone era of greater comity and decorum in our national politics. 

Today I found in my mailbox an anti-Bollier flyer featuring a sonogram image of a fetus and implying that she favors late-term abortions. Nearly 50 years later, I see this not only as an echo of those tactics used against Bill Roy, but also as evidence of the lack of ingenuity in our current highly aggressive political climate. Nobody is in favor of abortions. Bollier and many other women — and men — support the right of a woman to make her own choice regarding her own body. Playing the abortion card misses the most relevant aspect of this debate. 

Society, in our schools, in our legislatures, and in our courts, should be providing a network of support for women of all ages, to ensure higher rates of healthy conception, prenatal care, and early childhood nutrition, all of which would protect the sanctity of life. But I don't expect that to happen any time soon, since it is so much easier to paint a distorted picture of an election opponent by associating him or her with extreme positions on a divisive issues. 

I think of it as a legacy left over from the Dole-Roy contest and it cheapens all of us.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In 1974, challenger Bill Roy gave Bob Dole the closest contest of his Senate career, possibly only losing on account of dirty tricks by the Dole campaign, which put flyers with fetus images into nearly every mailbox in the city of Wichita. Early in the 1988 Republican primary season, with a moderate Dole, strengthened by an endorsement from Alexander Haig, he himself fell victim to dirty tricks from the George Bush campaign in New Hampshire, prompting Dole to proclaim, "I want him to stop lying about my record," considered an overly defensive flash of anger in that bygone era of greater comity and decorum in our national politics. Today I found in my mailbox an anti-Bollier flyer featuring a sonogram image of a fetus and implying that she favors late-term abortions. Nearly 50 years later, I see this not only as an echo of those tactics used against Bill Roy, but also as evidence of the lack of ingenuity in our current highly aggressive political climate. Nobody is in favor of abortions. Bollier and many other women — and men — support the right of a woman to make her own choice regarding her own body. Playing the abortion card misses the most relevant aspect of this debate. Society, in our schools, in our legislatures, and in our courts, should be providing a network of support for women of all ages, to ensure higher rates of healthy conception, prenatal care, and early childhood nutrition, all of which would protect the sanctity of life. But I don't expect that to happen any time soon, since it is so much easier to paint a distorted picture of an election opponent by associating him or her with extreme positions on a divisive issues. I think of it as a legacy left over from the Dole-Roy contest and it cheapens all of us.Sincerely, Robb Scott Hays

LETTER: Using divisive issues for political gain

NOTE: The KIOGA Webinar featuring U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been rescheduled. The new date is 2 p.m. Sept. 24. For more information and to register, contact Kelly at 316-263-7297 or by E-mail:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kelly@kioga.org">kelly@kioga.org</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson started the week at $27.50 per barrel, down $2.50/bbl from a week ago, and nearly six dollars less than the price at the first of the month.

Triple-A says as summer fades away, cheaper gas is here to stay. The national average pump price on Thursday was just under $2.21 per gallon, down two cents from last week. The statewide average in Kansas is once again below $2. We spotted $1.99 in Great Bend, and $1.94 in Hays.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas Friday, which is unchanged from last week, and seven west of Wichita, which is down one. Baker Hughes reported 254 active drilling rigs nationwide. The counts in Texas and New Mexico were each down one, while Oklahoma was up one.

Regulators approved 13 permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas last week, eight of them in the eastern half of the state, and five west of Wichita, including two in Ellis County. So far this year, there are 298 new drilling permits in Kansas.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators completed 15 new wells last week in Kansas, 11 of them east of Wichita and four in Western Kansas. Operators have completed 633 wells so far this year.

The government said Thursday U.S. crude-oil production rose nearly 300,000 barrels per day last week, up three percent over the week before. But output remains below 10 million barrels per day for the second week in a row.

The Energy Information Administration reported a big increase in domestic crude oil inventories. Stockpiles increased two million barrels, and remain about 14% over the five year average for this time of year. U.S. crude imports increased by half a million barrels per day last week, but the four-week average remains nearly 18% below the same four-week period a year ago.

U.S. oil-by-rail totals are down slightly from last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,056 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products for the week ending September 5. That's nearly 14% lower than the same week a year ago. The running total so far this year is down more than 12 percent from last year at this time.

Regulators in Colorado voiced support for increasing the buffers between oil and gas drilling and homes in the state. The newly-reconstituted Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission held five days of hearings on the subject. According to the Denver Post, all but one member voiced support for setbacks of 2,000 feet. That's significantly larger than the setbacks proposed by commission staff, but smaller than the setbacks rejected by voters two years ago. The commission won’t vote on the regulation until it has completed hearings on all the proposed rules, expected in late October.

The Energy Information Administration says total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions will drop by ten percent this year. The agency's Short Term Energy Outlook for September says we're consuming 18% less coal and nearly 12% less petroleum. The government predicts an increase in monthly Brent crude prices, to an average $44 per barrel during the fourth quarter of this year, and possibly up to $49 per barrel next year.&nbsp;

An activist investment group plans to push for Noble Energy to abandon its plans to sell itself to Chevron, arguing the deal undervalues the oil and gas producer because of low oil prices. A New York-based hedge fund asserts the takeover was done at the wrong time for the wrong reasons. Elliott Management believes the company is better positioned than most firms to benefit from a recovery in oil prices. Elliott believes members of Noble’s management stand to make about $88 million in various forms of compensation from the deal, including $60 million for senior managers.

Husky Energy announced last week it will review and possibly cancel a major offshore drilling project in the Canadian Atlantic. The province of Newfoundland was relying on the "West White Rose" project for jobs and economic stimulus. Husky officials said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a minimum one-year delay for the project to produce its first barrel of oil. CEO Rob Peabody said the company will undertake a full review of this project and any future operations in the Canadian Atlantic.&nbsp;

The Energy Information Administration's Drilling Productivity Report suggests that total shale production will drop to 7.6 million barrels per day next month, down 68,000 barrels per day from September. Only the Permian Basin of New Mexico and West Texas is expected to show an increase in production next month.

In a closely-watched report, the International Energy Agency trimmed its outlook for worldwide oil demand to 91.7 million barrels per day. That marks a contraction of 8.4 million barrels per day year-over-year. The OPEC cartel predicts a slightly bigger decline in global demand. The cartel's Monthly Monthly Oil Market Report says global oil demand will drop to just over 90-million barrels per day. The report confirms production spikes in June in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, despite tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico. The report suggests production declines are on the way through the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARNOTE: The KIOGA Webinar featuring U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been rescheduled. The new date is 2 p.m. Sept. 24. For more information and to register, contact Kelly at 316-263-7297 or by E-mail:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kelly@kioga.org">kelly@kioga.org</a>.&nbsp;Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson started the week at $27.50 per barrel, down $2.50/bbl from a week ago, and nearly six dollars less than the price at the first of the month.Triple-A says as summer fades away, cheaper gas is here to stay. The national average pump price on Thursday was just under $2.21 per gallon, down two cents from last week. The statewide average in Kansas is once again below $2. We spotted $1.99 in Great Bend, and $1.94 in Hays.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas Friday, which is unchanged from last week, and seven west of Wichita, which is down one. Baker Hughes reported 254 active drilling rigs nationwide. The counts in Texas and New Mexico were each down one, while Oklahoma was up one.Regulators approved 13 permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas last week, eight of them in the eastern half of the state, and five west of Wichita, including two in Ellis County. So far this year, there are 298 new drilling permits in Kansas.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators completed 15 new wells last week in Kansas, 11 of them east of Wichita and four in Western Kansas. Operators have completed 633 wells so far this year.The government said Thursday U.S. crude-oil production rose nearly 300,000 barrels per day last week, up three percent over the week before. But output remains below 10 million barrels per day for the second week in a row.The Energy Information Administration reported a big increase in domestic crude oil inventories. Stockpiles increased two million barrels, and remain about 14% over the five year average for this time of year. U.S. crude imports increased by half a million barrels per day last week, but the four-week average remains nearly 18% below the same four-week period a year ago.U.S. oil-by-rail totals are down slightly from last week. The Association of American Railroads reports 10,056 tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products for the week ending September 5. That's nearly 14% lower than the same week a year ago. The running total so far this year is down more than 12 percent from last year at this time.Regulators in Colorado voiced support for increasing the buffers between oil and gas drilling and homes in the state. The newly-reconstituted Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission held five days of hearings on the subject. According to the Denver Post, all but one member voiced support for setbacks of 2,000 feet. That's significantly larger than the setbacks proposed by commission staff, but smaller than the setbacks rejected by voters two years ago. The commission won’t vote on the regulation until it has completed hearings on all the proposed rules, expected in late October.The Energy Information Administration says total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions will drop by ten percent this year. The agency's Short Term Energy Outlook for September says we're consuming 18% less coal and nearly 12% less petroleum. The government predicts an increase in monthly Brent crude prices, to an average $44 per barrel during the fourth quarter of this year, and possibly up to $49 per barrel next year.&nbsp;An activist investment group plans to push for Noble Energy to abandon its plans to sell itself to Chevron, arguing the deal undervalues the oil and gas producer because of low oil prices. A New York-based hedge fund asserts the takeover was done at the wrong time for the wrong reasons. Elliott Management believes the company is better positioned than most firms to benefit from a recovery in oil prices. Elliott believes members of Noble’s management stand to make about $88 million in various forms of compensation from the deal, including $60 million for senior managers.Husky Energy announced last week it will review and possibly cancel a major offshore drilling project in the Canadian Atlantic. The province of Newfoundland was relying on the "West White Rose" project for jobs and economic stimulus. Husky officials said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a minimum one-year delay for the project to produce its first barrel of oil. CEO Rob Peabody said the company will undertake a full review of this project and any future operations in the Canadian Atlantic.&nbsp;The Energy Information Administration's Drilling Productivity Report suggests that total shale production will drop to 7.6 million barrels per day next month, down 68,000 barrels per day from September. Only the Permian Basin of New Mexico and West Texas is expected to show an increase in production next month.In a closely-watched report, the International Energy Agency trimmed its outlook for worldwide oil demand to 91.7 million barrels per day. That marks a contraction of 8.4 million barrels per day year-over-year. The OPEC cartel predicts a slightly bigger decline in global demand. The cartel's Monthly Monthly Oil Market Report says global oil demand will drop to just over 90-million barrels per day. The report confirms production spikes in June in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, despite tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico. The report suggests production declines are on the way through the end of the year.

News From the Oil Patch: Fewer than 300 new drilling permits in 2020

I’ve been asked many times by friends, family, and members of the community what it is like being back at school with students in the midst of a pandemic.

It is difficult to speak on behalf of all teachers because each building, classroom, teacher has a unique set of circumstances.

That is what poses such a challenge for our District in providing plans and procedures that meet the needs of everyone.

At the end of the day, we have to protect our most vulnerable populations of students and staff so that we can continue to deliver instruction on-site in our classrooms.

It is our position that the District has made every effort to make decisions based on the most reliable information they have at a given time and the needs of our community.

This summer Hays-NEA negotiated several items into a Memorandum of Understanding to include safety precautions in a formal agreement with the District.

Some of those precautions include the wearing of proper masks by all who enter our school buildings, provision of sanitizing and disinfecting productions, and guidance on leave if teachers contract COVID-19 or have to quarantine.&nbsp; This alleviated some of the fear and apprehension some felt heading into the school year.

Our teacher population certainly includes those considered at high risk for experiencing complications if they contract COVID-19.

Teachers worry about getting sick and spreading the virus to family members who are at higher risk for developing complications from COVID-19.

Our greatest challenge in our buildings is dealing with the new demands of an already demanding job while providing as much normalcy for our students as possible.

Teachers and support staff are instructing and students are learning in new ways.

While we are back in the classroom with students, we are also managing online students simultaneously.&nbsp; Teaching and learning online is not and should not be approached as if it is face-to-face.

Research-based best practices tell us that is ineffective and teachers are sensitive to that.

The work load of teachers and staff has doubled in order to accommodate the competing demands of our new school day.

The strategies and pedagogical practices teachers have spent years learning and perfecting have had to shift overnight.

Finally, we are concerned for our students' and their families' well-being. These are challenging times to navigate and our schools have an important role to play in supporting our students and their families.&nbsp;

Teachers are glad to be back with students despite the challenges, changes, risks, and uncertainty inherent in our current situation.

Even during a pandemic, there is no other place a teacher wants to be than in the classroom with their students.&nbsp;&nbsp;We ask that everyone in our community commit to taking basic precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus and ultimately keep our children in school.

By ABBY GILLAN, Hays NEAI’ve been asked many times by friends, family, and members of the community what it is like being back at school with students in the midst of a pandemic.It is difficult to speak on behalf of all teachers because each building, classroom, teacher has a unique set of circumstances.That is what poses such a challenge for our District in providing plans and procedures that meet the needs of everyone.At the end of the day, we have to protect our most vulnerable populations of students and staff so that we can continue to deliver instruction on-site in our classrooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It is our position that the District has made every effort to make decisions based on the most reliable information they have at a given time and the needs of our community.This summer Hays-NEA negotiated several items into a Memorandum of Understanding to include safety precautions in a formal agreement with the District.Some of those precautions include the wearing of proper masks by all who enter our school buildings, provision of sanitizing and disinfecting productions, and guidance on leave if teachers contract COVID-19 or have to quarantine.&nbsp; This alleviated some of the fear and apprehension some felt heading into the school year.Our teacher population certainly includes those considered at high risk for experiencing complications if they contract COVID-19.Teachers worry about getting sick and spreading the virus to family members who are at higher risk for developing complications from COVID-19.Our greatest challenge in our buildings is dealing with the new demands of an already demanding job while providing as much normalcy for our students as possible.Teachers and support staff are instructing and students are learning in new ways.While we are back in the classroom with students, we are also managing online students simultaneously.&nbsp; Teaching and learning online is not and should not be approached as if it is face-to-face.Research-based best practices tell us that is ineffective and teachers are sensitive to that.The work load of teachers and staff has doubled in order to accommodate the competing demands of our new school day.The strategies and pedagogical practices teachers have spent years learning and perfecting have had to shift overnight.Finally, we are concerned for our students' and their families' well-being. These are challenging times to navigate and our schools have an important role to play in supporting our students and their families.&nbsp;Teachers are glad to be back with students despite the challenges, changes, risks, and uncertainty inherent in our current situation.Even during a pandemic, there is no other place a teacher wants to be than in the classroom with their students.&nbsp;&nbsp;We ask that everyone in our community commit to taking basic precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus and ultimately keep our children in school.— Abby Gillan, Hays NEA<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AClvlGge52U"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Sponsored</figcaption>
 </figure>

LETTER: Hays teacher addresses COVID concerns as schools reopen

Look back at the three hours of theatrics that led to the essential approval of the continuation of Gov. Laura Kelly’s COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration by the State Finance Council, and what words might come to mind? Maybe “acting out.”

It was entertaining for a time, but depending on how long you want a Republican candidate for the House or Senate standing on your doorstep or shouting through his/her mask from the sidewalk in front of your home that they have “saved” your job or schools or health, it probably lasted a little longer than necessary.

The issue last week, just days before expiration of the governor’s declaration of an emergency that enables the state to receive federal funds to battle the pandemic and for the governor to issue executive orders to reduce the spread of the deadly disease, she was forced to say she doesn’t intend to close businesses in the state to reduce transmission of the disease.

Hmmm… It came down to the governor adding language to the extension of her executive order that says…well, that she doesn’t want to close businesses. Now, of course, neither does anyone, but Republicans sought that language that is pretty much implicit in life in Kansas.

It’s a little like having the governor — in order to respond to the pandemic – being forced to say she sure hopes that business closures won’t be necessary to prevent more deaths from the disease.

But Republican legislative leaders wanted to hear her affirm it and see it written down in an official state document (filed with the Secretary of State) that is notarized. That way, they can say that they have forced the governor to declare she doesn’t want to close businesses, with the ensuing loss of jobs, paychecks and such.

The leaders wouldn’t settle for Kelly stating that intention not to close businesses in a press release, or at press conferences. They wanted to see it in that new executive order. Nope, legislative leaders didn’t demand that the governor’s intent not to close businesses be printed in bold face type in that new order, just that it be printed there above her signature. They might require it be printed in bold face type on Oct. 15, when the just-approved order expires and has to be renewed.

Practically, when Kelly this spring issued the executive order that closed all “nonessential” businesses and gatherings, she wasn’t happy about it. In June, the Legislature passed a law which allows county commissions to overturn provisions, such as business closings, in Kelly’s executive orders. But her overall pandemic executive orders are vital, because with no emergency, well, there are no federal funds to help Kansas respond to the pandemic. It essentially turns a deadly virus into a mere “inconvenience.”

After the Finance Council meeting, Republicans touted that they had forced the governor to officially hope she doesn’t have to close businesses again. Democrats? They basically said, of course, that they were shocked and offended that Republicans forced that concession by the governor, likely for political purposes—meanwhile, Republicans said the power to close businesses is a political power.

We’re now going to be listening to see how thrilled voters are as Republicans campaign for election and re-election in the next couple months. Will that change your vote? Would you vote for a candidate who doesn’t want the governor to shut down businesses if they become dangerous locations for the spread of the pandemic?&nbsp; Or who doesn’t say she is disappointed that she may have to?

And…do those Republicans remember that if they don’t continue to approve the governor’s emergency powers that her executive orders under the emergency go away? Like the one that permits drive-through purchase of margaritas as long as there is an emergency?

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>Look back at the three hours of theatrics that led to the essential approval of the continuation of Gov. Laura Kelly’s COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration by the State Finance Council, and what words might come to mind? Maybe “acting out.”It was entertaining for a time, but depending on how long you want a Republican candidate for the House or Senate standing on your doorstep or shouting through his/her mask from the sidewalk in front of your home that they have “saved” your job or schools or health, it probably lasted a little longer than necessary.The issue last week, just days before expiration of the governor’s declaration of an emergency that enables the state to receive federal funds to battle the pandemic and for the governor to issue executive orders to reduce the spread of the deadly disease, she was forced to say she doesn’t intend to close businesses in the state to reduce transmission of the disease.Hmmm… It came down to the governor adding language to the extension of her executive order that says…well, that she doesn’t want to close businesses. Now, of course, neither does anyone, but Republicans sought that language that is pretty much implicit in life in Kansas.It’s a little like having the governor — in order to respond to the pandemic – being forced to say she sure hopes that business closures won’t be necessary to prevent more deaths from the disease.But Republican legislative leaders wanted to hear her affirm it and see it written down in an official state document (filed with the Secretary of State) that is notarized. That way, they can say that they have forced the governor to declare she doesn’t want to close businesses, with the ensuing loss of jobs, paychecks and such.The leaders wouldn’t settle for Kelly stating that intention not to close businesses in a press release, or at press conferences. They wanted to see it in that new executive order. Nope, legislative leaders didn’t demand that the governor’s intent not to close businesses be printed in bold face type in that new order, just that it be printed there above her signature. They might require it be printed in bold face type on Oct. 15, when the just-approved order expires and has to be renewed.Practically, when Kelly this spring issued the executive order that closed all “nonessential” businesses and gatherings, she wasn’t happy about it. In June, the Legislature passed a law which allows county commissions to overturn provisions, such as business closings, in Kelly’s executive orders. But her overall pandemic executive orders are vital, because with no emergency, well, there are no federal funds to help Kansas respond to the pandemic. It essentially turns a deadly virus into a mere “inconvenience.”After the Finance Council meeting, Republicans touted that they had forced the governor to officially hope she doesn’t have to close businesses again. Democrats? They basically said, of course, that they were shocked and offended that Republicans forced that concession by the governor, likely for political purposes—meanwhile, Republicans said the power to close businesses is a political power.We’re now going to be listening to see how thrilled voters are as Republicans campaign for election and re-election in the next couple months. Will that change your vote? Would you vote for a candidate who doesn’t want the governor to shut down businesses if they become dangerous locations for the spread of the pandemic?&nbsp; Or who doesn’t say she is disappointed that she may have to?And…do those Republicans remember that if they don’t continue to approve the governor’s emergency powers that her executive orders under the emergency go away? Like the one that permits drive-through purchase of margaritas as long as there is an emergency?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: The theatrics of  Kan. emergency declaration

By DAVID CALLAWAY <a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/educators/the-georgia-3rs-project/">Georgia 3Rs Project</a>

The next time you are with a group of friends or colleagues, ask them
 this piece of trivia: “What freedoms are all Americans guaranteed by 
the First Amendment?”

Some may even be surprised “freedoms” is plural. If your friends and 
colleagues are like most Americans, they will likely correctly state 
“free speech” as one such freedom. In 2019, the Freedom Forum’s <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/state-of-the-first-amendment/" target="_blank">State of the First Amendment Survey</a>
 found 64 percent of U.S. adults could name freedom of speech as a 
guaranteed right of the First Amendment. The next most-often named right
 was religious freedom at only 29 percent, followed by freedom of the 
press (22 percent), assembly (12 percent) and petition (4 percent).

We should not be surprised. The last decade has seen several “free 
speech” debates rise to national prominence. Notable examples include 
the <a href="https://firstamendmentwatch.org/deep-dive/are-professional-sports-players-protected-by-the-first-amendment-when-they-engage-in-political-protest-on-the-field/#tab-history-legal-cases" target="_blank">many athletes</a>, most famously Colin Kaepernick, who have peacefully protested for the rights of people of color, concerns about censorship on <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/06/free-speech-crisis-campus-isnt-real/591394/" target="_blank">college campuses</a> like Middlebury and University of California, Berkeley and disagreements about the role and impact <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/02/06/focus-on-when-the-first-amendment-protects-and-doesnt/" target="_blank">social media</a> sites play in our national discourse. In 2019, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook chief executive officer, found “free speech” a valuable Trojan horse when he used a Georgetown University <a href="https://www.vox.com/2019/10/17/20919505/mark-zuckerberg-georgetown-free-speech-facebook" target="_blank">speaking engagement</a> to rewrite his company’s origin as a dating site, claiming it was instead founded to give voice to opponents of the Iraq War.

I use quotation marks for “free speech” above because many such 
debates are not truly First Amendment or constitutional issues, however 
the rhetoric and discussion around them is often framed by a guaranteed 
right to free speech. While many believe freedom of speech is a natural 
right — not one that can be given or taken away by a government — 
confusion about what is and what is not protected by the constitution 
has produced a rise in free speech absolutism, or the ideology that 
speech of any kind — hateful, derogatory, or even violence inciting — 
should never be censored. Proponents use compelling language like 
“marketplace of ideas” to imply that only the “best” and “good” ideas 
will multiply and take root. Ignoring the obvious question — “‘Good’ and
 ‘best’ for whom?” — any cursory look at your social media feeds will 
quickly show that often divisive, angry voices win out over calls for 
understanding and peace.

In this race to protect free speech for all, we have forgotten what 
history can teach us. Two hundred years ago, in the wake of the 
Revolutionary War, Americans were in the process of conceptualizing and 
codifying how their nation would be different from those that came 
before. This process produced the U.S. Constitution in 1787, but debates
 continued about which freedoms Americans possessed and from which 
governments (state or federal) or supernatural entities they flowed. 
Originally against a “Bill of Rights,” James Madison fought for a series
 of constitutional amendments to combat self “interest and passion” that
 could lead to another constitutional convention. Madison proposed 12 
amendments — two regarding the composition of congress that have 
interesting histories for another time and 10 amendments that laid out 
rights every American is guaranteed. Those 10 amendments became known as
 the “Bill of Rights” and, while they went through several revisions, 
freedom of speech was never the first right protected.

What always came before free speech? Freedom of conscience. The first
 congressional delegates thought that the right to believe our deepest 
beliefs was chief among all others and originally separated what we 
think of as the First Amendment in two: We would first be guaranteed the
 right to believe and exercise our conscience, then a second amendment 
would cover speech, press, assembly and petition. When the drafters 
thought it best to combine those freedoms in one article, religious 
freedom retained its primacy, where it is still the first right 
Americans are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. That is a lesson that 
seems lost on us today.

The ardor to protect the act of free speech has entirely skipped past
 the inherent value and dignity of the speaker. The religious freedom 
clauses of the First Amendment served then, as today, as <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/07/29/a-first-amendment-framework-for-effective-dialogue-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">a civic framework for living together with our deepest differences</a>.
 They help us find common ground and see each other as full Americans, 
deserving of every protection that we enjoy ourselves. When we begin by 
acknowledging the humanity of the speaker, differences of taste or 
politics or religion or sports team can be tempered by mutual 
understanding and respect. This is especially important when we consider
 the immediacy of speech in the digital age and its ability to impact 
far more people at a far faster rate than in any other time in our 
country’s history. That ability to spread our speech is inversely 
proportional to our ability to understand how that speech impacts 
others, and thus, promoting free speech without the context of freedom 
of conscience imbalances these debates in favor of self-interest and 
passion James Madison feared. The First Amendment does not require 
civility, however, when taken in full, it can be a framework for living 
civilly in a diverse democracy.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599745128387.jpeg" alt="David Callaway" />
 <figcaption>David Callaway</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CALLAWAY <a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/educators/the-georgia-3rs-project/">Georgia 3Rs Project</a>The next time you are with a group of friends or colleagues, ask them
 this piece of trivia: “What freedoms are all Americans guaranteed by 
the First Amendment?”Do you know?Some may even be surprised “freedoms” is plural. If your friends and 
colleagues are like most Americans, they will likely correctly state 
“free speech” as one such freedom. In 2019, the Freedom Forum’s <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/state-of-the-first-amendment/" target="_blank">State of the First Amendment Survey</a>
 found 64 percent of U.S. adults could name freedom of speech as a 
guaranteed right of the First Amendment. The next most-often named right
 was religious freedom at only 29 percent, followed by freedom of the 
press (22 percent), assembly (12 percent) and petition (4 percent).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We should not be surprised. The last decade has seen several “free 
speech” debates rise to national prominence. Notable examples include 
the <a href="https://firstamendmentwatch.org/deep-dive/are-professional-sports-players-protected-by-the-first-amendment-when-they-engage-in-political-protest-on-the-field/#tab-history-legal-cases" target="_blank">many athletes</a>, most famously Colin Kaepernick, who have peacefully protested for the rights of people of color, concerns about censorship on <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/06/free-speech-crisis-campus-isnt-real/591394/" target="_blank">college campuses</a> like Middlebury and University of California, Berkeley and disagreements about the role and impact <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/02/06/focus-on-when-the-first-amendment-protects-and-doesnt/" target="_blank">social media</a> sites play in our national discourse. In 2019, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook chief executive officer, found “free speech” a valuable Trojan horse when he used a Georgetown University <a href="https://www.vox.com/2019/10/17/20919505/mark-zuckerberg-georgetown-free-speech-facebook" target="_blank">speaking engagement</a> to rewrite his company’s origin as a dating site, claiming it was instead founded to give voice to opponents of the Iraq War.I use quotation marks for “free speech” above because many such 
debates are not truly First Amendment or constitutional issues, however 
the rhetoric and discussion around them is often framed by a guaranteed 
right to free speech. While many believe freedom of speech is a natural 
right — not one that can be given or taken away by a government — 
confusion about what is and what is not protected by the constitution 
has produced a rise in free speech absolutism, or the ideology that 
speech of any kind — hateful, derogatory, or even violence inciting — 
should never be censored. Proponents use compelling language like 
“marketplace of ideas” to imply that only the “best” and “good” ideas 
will multiply and take root. Ignoring the obvious question — “‘Good’ and
 ‘best’ for whom?” — any cursory look at your social media feeds will 
quickly show that often divisive, angry voices win out over calls for 
understanding and peace.In this race to protect free speech for all, we have forgotten what 
history can teach us. Two hundred years ago, in the wake of the 
Revolutionary War, Americans were in the process of conceptualizing and 
codifying how their nation would be different from those that came 
before. This process produced the U.S. Constitution in 1787, but debates
 continued about which freedoms Americans possessed and from which 
governments (state or federal) or supernatural entities they flowed. 
Originally against a “Bill of Rights,” James Madison fought for a series
 of constitutional amendments to combat self “interest and passion” that
 could lead to another constitutional convention. Madison proposed 12 
amendments — two regarding the composition of congress that have 
interesting histories for another time and 10 amendments that laid out 
rights every American is guaranteed. Those 10 amendments became known as
 the “Bill of Rights” and, while they went through several revisions, 
freedom of speech was never the first right protected.What always came before free speech? Freedom of conscience. The first
 congressional delegates thought that the right to believe our deepest 
beliefs was chief among all others and originally separated what we 
think of as the First Amendment in two: We would first be guaranteed the
 right to believe and exercise our conscience, then a second amendment 
would cover speech, press, assembly and petition. When the drafters 
thought it best to combine those freedoms in one article, religious 
freedom retained its primacy, where it is still the first right 
Americans are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. That is a lesson that 
seems lost on us today.The ardor to protect the act of free speech has entirely skipped past
 the inherent value and dignity of the speaker. The religious freedom 
clauses of the First Amendment served then, as today, as <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/07/29/a-first-amendment-framework-for-effective-dialogue-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">a civic framework for living together with our deepest differences</a>.
 They help us find common ground and see each other as full Americans, 
deserving of every protection that we enjoy ourselves. When we begin by 
acknowledging the humanity of the speaker, differences of taste or 
politics or religion or sports team can be tempered by mutual 
understanding and respect. This is especially important when we consider
 the immediacy of speech in the digital age and its ability to impact 
far more people at a far faster rate than in any other time in our 
country’s history. That ability to spread our speech is inversely 
proportional to our ability to understand how that speech impacts 
others, and thus, promoting free speech without the context of freedom 
of conscience imbalances these debates in favor of self-interest and 
passion James Madison feared. The First Amendment does not require 
civility, however, when taken in full, it can be a framework for living 
civilly in a diverse democracy.David Callaway is the project manager of the Georgia Rights, 
Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the 
Religious Freedom Center. His email address is: <a href="mailto:dcallaway@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">dcallaway@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: ‘What comes before freedom of speech?’

This time of year reminds me of childhood trips to Missouri to visit my Aunt and Uncle. We always passed through Wathena, in the northeast corner of Kansas where fruit stands had an abundant supply of Jonathon apples. Later on, when our three kids were little, I remember chaperoning pre-school apple picking field trips to the Converse apple orchard off of Radium Road. Just last year, on our fall trip to upstate New York, we found the apples from our friends’ backyard tree to be delicious. Nothing beats biting in to a crisp, juicy, maybe even a little bit tart, apple that is grown locally and in season.

I’m sure you have all heard the old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” An article I came across recently cited research done at The Ohio State University. Their studies showed that eating an apple each day could contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. Researchers compared eating apples with taking a capsule of polyphenol extract which are present in apples. For their study they recruited non-smoking adults aged 40-60 years old. They had no history of eating apples more than twice a month prior to participating in the study. They also had no prior cardiovascular issues and did not consume phytochemical supplements.&nbsp;

Participants were divided into three groups. One group ate an apple each day, the second group took a polyphenol capsule, and the third took a placebo. Results showed the apples and the polyphenol capsules decrease LDL cholesterol levels. The apples, however, gave a larger decrease in LDL cholesterol. Apples prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.&nbsp;

I hope I have created enough evidence about the nutritional benefits of eating apples that you will add them to your next grocery list. Apples are, what I refer to as, nutrient dense foods. A medium apple, approximately 3 inches in diameter, has just 95 calories. When eaten with the skin on, that same apple will provide 4.3 grams of fiber. So, the next time you take a bite out of an apple, think of all of the great nutrients you are adding to your diet!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578680101176.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>This time of year reminds me of childhood trips to Missouri to visit my Aunt and Uncle. We always passed through Wathena, in the northeast corner of Kansas where fruit stands had an abundant supply of Jonathon apples. Later on, when our three kids were little, I remember chaperoning pre-school apple picking field trips to the Converse apple orchard off of Radium Road. Just last year, on our fall trip to upstate New York, we found the apples from our friends’ backyard tree to be delicious. Nothing beats biting in to a crisp, juicy, maybe even a little bit tart, apple that is grown locally and in season.I’m sure you have all heard the old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” An article I came across recently cited research done at The Ohio State University. Their studies showed that eating an apple each day could contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. Researchers compared eating apples with taking a capsule of polyphenol extract which are present in apples. For their study they recruited non-smoking adults aged 40-60 years old. They had no history of eating apples more than twice a month prior to participating in the study. They also had no prior cardiovascular issues and did not consume phytochemical supplements.&nbsp;Participants were divided into three groups. One group ate an apple each day, the second group took a polyphenol capsule, and the third took a placebo. Results showed the apples and the polyphenol capsules decrease LDL cholesterol levels. The apples, however, gave a larger decrease in LDL cholesterol. Apples prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.&nbsp;I hope I have created enough evidence about the nutritional benefits of eating apples that you will add them to your next grocery list. Apples are, what I refer to as, nutrient dense foods. A medium apple, approximately 3 inches in diameter, has just 95 calories. When eaten with the skin on, that same apple will provide 4.3 grams of fiber. So, the next time you take a bite out of an apple, think of all of the great nutrients you are adding to your diet!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:&nbsp; (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. &nbsp;

KRUG: 'An apple a day' is still good advice

Depending on the definitions you use, the residents of Kansas’s rural counties and small towns make up less than a third, and perhaps as little as a quarter, of the state’s total population. Despite our reputation as a rural farming state, Kansas is surprisingly urban.

For this reason, it’s important to do what hasn’t been done often enough, and think seriously about the fate of Kansas’s cites, both their limitations and their strengths.

Chase Billingham, a professor of sociology at Wichita State University, recently reviewed the effects covid-19 has had on cities across America, focusing on matters of particular concern to Kansans. Foremost among them is that our largest cities are in many ways both overbuilt and underfunded, making them more susceptible to the current financial crises than they ought to be.

That the pandemic has hit cities hard isn’t anything new–that’s where the people are, after all. But the economic importance of those cities isn’t simply because people are there: rather, it is because the people there can work and create and play in heterogeneous mixings which some scholars have seen as the root of the “creative class” economy. Entrepreneurship, investment, and experimentation in financial, technological, and service sectors, rather an manufacturing, is what has built most urban wealth over the past 30 years, and what continues to make cities attractive.

Obviously, social distancing rules, restrictions on large gatherings, and people choosing not to commute and working from home has halted much of that mixing. While some of it will likely return, much may not, especially since the tax revenues that paid for the services and amenities which enabled that mixing in the first place have been severely reduced.

Some speculate that the cities best positioned to adapt to the post-pandemic world will be small or mid-sized ones, since they might be able to re-create urban mixing in a safer context, and thus appeal to those who are doing their creative work remotely anyway. (Billingham mentioned Tulsa, OK, as an example; potentially Topeka or Lawrence could be the same.)

But that re-creation will depend upon having the resources to do so, and that will depend upon not having been overly burdened by financial liabilities–such as massive infrastructure and public works projects, which almost always increase in costs and almost never pay for themselves.

In Kansas’s two largest urban areas, Kansas City and Wichita, activists have long warned about the costs of the “just build something” mentality. Whether it be the Northland Sports Complex in KC or the Riverfront Legacy Plan in Wichita, both cities have grand–and incredibly expensive–ideas for attracting and holding onto “creatives.” Whatever the arguments for those plans, though, the debate over them has been happening while the governments of these same cities have been forced to re-allocate, delay, or just plain cut from the budget money for all sorts of urban basics--road maintenance, sewer repair, public transportation, and more

The solutions to these problems aren’t obvious. Charting alternative paths is difficult even in the best of times. But being serious about what can be achieved in Kansas’s cities today–by focusing on incremental and sustainable growth, rather than grand, top-down plans–is essential. We owe it to one another to not let the unique post-pandemic possibilities of Kansas’s small and mid-sized cities slip away from us, all because we were blind to the financial facts before our eyes.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Depending on the definitions you use, the residents of Kansas’s rural counties and small towns make up less than a third, and perhaps as little as a quarter, of the state’s total population. Despite our reputation as a rural farming state, Kansas is surprisingly urban.For this reason, it’s important to do what hasn’t been done often enough, and think seriously about the fate of Kansas’s cites, both their limitations and their strengths.Chase Billingham, a professor of sociology at Wichita State University, recently reviewed the effects covid-19 has had on cities across America, focusing on matters of particular concern to Kansans. Foremost among them is that our largest cities are in many ways both overbuilt and underfunded, making them more susceptible to the current financial crises than they ought to be.That the pandemic has hit cities hard isn’t anything new–that’s where the people are, after all. But the economic importance of those cities isn’t simply because people are there: rather, it is because the people there can work and create and play in heterogeneous mixings which some scholars have seen as the root of the “creative class” economy. Entrepreneurship, investment, and experimentation in financial, technological, and service sectors, rather an manufacturing, is what has built most urban wealth over the past 30 years, and what continues to make cities attractive.Obviously, social distancing rules, restrictions on large gatherings, and people choosing not to commute and working from home has halted much of that mixing. While some of it will likely return, much may not, especially since the tax revenues that paid for the services and amenities which enabled that mixing in the first place have been severely reduced.Some speculate that the cities best positioned to adapt to the post-pandemic world will be small or mid-sized ones, since they might be able to re-create urban mixing in a safer context, and thus appeal to those who are doing their creative work remotely anyway. (Billingham mentioned Tulsa, OK, as an example; potentially Topeka or Lawrence could be the same.)But that re-creation will depend upon having the resources to do so, and that will depend upon not having been overly burdened by financial liabilities–such as massive infrastructure and public works projects, which almost always increase in costs and almost never pay for themselves.In Kansas’s two largest urban areas, Kansas City and Wichita, activists have long warned about the costs of the “just build something” mentality. Whether it be the Northland Sports Complex in KC or the Riverfront Legacy Plan in Wichita, both cities have grand–and incredibly expensive–ideas for attracting and holding onto “creatives.” Whatever the arguments for those plans, though, the debate over them has been happening while the governments of these same cities have been forced to re-allocate, delay, or just plain cut from the budget money for all sorts of urban basics--road maintenance, sewer repair, public transportation, and moreThe solutions to these problems aren’t obvious. Charting alternative paths is difficult even in the best of times. But being serious about what can be achieved in Kansas’s cities today–by focusing on incremental and sustainable growth, rather than grand, top-down plans–is essential. We owe it to one another to not let the unique post-pandemic possibilities of Kansas’s small and mid-sized cities slip away from us, all because we were blind to the financial facts before our eyes.&nbsp;Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Facing financial facts about urban Kansas

There is nothing like a new baby to put smiles on the faces of family and strangers alike. They are so darned cute. Their cherub faces immediately fill us with a moment of joy.&nbsp;

Tiger Nation is excited to announce yet another partnership with Hays Medical Center (we have many). Each beautiful baby delivered at HaysMed will now be sent home in the loving care of their parents with a Fort Hays State University onesie.

The program started this summer after HaysMed CEO Eddie Herrman approached FHSU Foundation CEO Jason Williby about the onesie idea.

“It seemed like a great way to give back to our community while building upon the strong ties of partnership between HaysMed and FHSU,” Williby said.

Over 100 babies have been sent home with their FHSU “Born to be a Tiger” onesie in the first month. The onesies are placed in a basket with a meal-to-go for Mom and Dad, another fantastic gesture from the HaysMed staff.&nbsp;

“Parents love the meal-to-go they receive on the day of discharge and have commented numerous times how great it is to go home and not have to worry about what’s for dinner,” said Kristy Schlaefli, director of Women Infant Care at HaysMed.

Nurses report that parents are loving the newly added FHSU onesie. Second-time parents have even commented how much they like the onesie and that they would have loved one when their first baby was born. The nurses are especially enjoying the HaysMed-delivered babies sporting their Tiger gear on social media – and so are we!

To our great delight, one such social media rock star is Drake Pilkington, son of FHSU softball coach Adrian Pilkington and her husband, Blake. Drake wore his FHSU onesie on his way home from the hospital – an extra special treat given that both Adrian and Blake graduated from FHSU.

"We were so excited&nbsp;to receive our FHSU onesie upon departure from HaysMed,” Adrian said. “Blake and I are both FHSU alumni so it was an awesome surprise and a great way to introduce our son, Drake, as the newest member to Tiger Nation."

“We often refer to FHSU as a community – or a family. When a member of the family has a baby, you send a baby gift,” Williby said. “It is never too early to begin recruiting the future freshman class of Tigers.”

A special thank you to Tiger alum Nate Meder of Redeem Designs for designing and executing Herrman’s idea. I would also like to thank Nate, a 2003 graduate, and his family for their commitment and generosity to the university. The “Born to be a Tiger” onsies are available for other Tiger fans to purchase at <a href="https://fhsutigeronesies.itemorder.com">https://fhsutigeronesies.itemorder.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>There is nothing like a new baby to put smiles on the faces of family and strangers alike. They are so darned cute. Their cherub faces immediately fill us with a moment of joy.&nbsp;Tiger Nation is excited to announce yet another partnership with Hays Medical Center (we have many). Each beautiful baby delivered at HaysMed will now be sent home in the loving care of their parents with a Fort Hays State University onesie.The program started this summer after HaysMed CEO Eddie Herrman approached FHSU Foundation CEO Jason Williby about the onesie idea.“It seemed like a great way to give back to our community while building upon the strong ties of partnership between HaysMed and FHSU,” Williby said.Over 100 babies have been sent home with their FHSU “Born to be a Tiger” onesie in the first month. The onesies are placed in a basket with a meal-to-go for Mom and Dad, another fantastic gesture from the HaysMed staff.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599246168011.jpeg" alt="Drake Pilkington" />
 <figcaption>Drake Pilkington</figcaption>
 </figure>“Parents love the meal-to-go they receive on the day of discharge and have commented numerous times how great it is to go home and not have to worry about what’s for dinner,” said Kristy Schlaefli, director of Women Infant Care at HaysMed.Nurses report that parents are loving the newly added FHSU onesie. Second-time parents have even commented how much they like the onesie and that they would have loved one when their first baby was born. The nurses are especially enjoying the HaysMed-delivered babies sporting their Tiger gear on social media – and so are we!To our great delight, one such social media rock star is Drake Pilkington, son of FHSU softball coach Adrian Pilkington and her husband, Blake. Drake wore his FHSU onesie on his way home from the hospital – an extra special treat given that both Adrian and Blake graduated from FHSU."We were so excited&nbsp;to receive our FHSU onesie upon departure from HaysMed,” Adrian said. “Blake and I are both FHSU alumni so it was an awesome surprise and a great way to introduce our son, Drake, as the newest member to Tiger Nation."“We often refer to FHSU as a community – or a family. When a member of the family has a baby, you send a baby gift,” Williby said. “It is never too early to begin recruiting the future freshman class of Tigers.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599246196955.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I love this program. &nbsp;A special thank you to Tiger alum Nate Meder of Redeem Designs for designing and executing Herrman’s idea. I would also like to thank Nate, a 2003 graduate, and his family for their commitment and generosity to the university. The “Born to be a Tiger” onsies are available for other Tiger fans to purchase at <a href="https://fhsutigeronesies.itemorder.com">https://fhsutigeronesies.itemorder.com</a>.&nbsp;Go Tigers!

MASON: A one(sie) welcome for our littlest Tigers

Wheat is considered a highly responsive crop to band-applied fertilizers, particularly phosphorus (P). Application of P as starter fertilizer can be an effective method for part or all the P needs. Wheat plants typically show a significant increase in fall tillers and better root development with the use of starter fertilizer (P and N). Winterkill can also be reduced with the use of starter fertilizers, particularly in low P testing soils.

Phosphorus fertilizer application can be done through the drill with the seed. In-furrow fertilizer can be applied, depending on the soil test and recommended application rate, either in addition to or instead of, any pre-plant P applications. The use of dry fertilizer sources with air seeders is a very popular and practical option. However, other P sources (including liquid) are agronomically equivalent and decisions should be based on cost and adaptability for each operation.

When applying fertilizer with the seed, rates should be limited to avoid potential toxicity to the seedlings. Most fertilizer sources contain salts which can be toxic to seedlings. However, phosphorus (P) fertilizer contains little if any salt, conversely Nitrogen (N) &amp; Potassium (K2O) fertilizers contain salts. When placing fertilizer in direct contact with wheat seed, producers should use the guidelines listed below.&nbsp;

Suggested maximum rates of fertilizer in pounds (lbs.) per acre Nitrogen N + Potassium K2O to apply directly with the wheat seed (No urea containing fertilizers).

15-inch row spacing, medium-to-fine soil textures,16 lbs. on course textures or dry soils 11 lbs.&nbsp;

10-inch row spacing, medium-to-fine soil textures 24 lbs. on course textures or dry soils 17 lbs.

6-8-inch row spacing, medium-to-fine soil textures 30 lbs. on course textures or dry soils 21 lbs.&nbsp;

Air seeders that place the starter fertilizer and seed in a 1- to 2-inch band, rather than a narrow seed slot, provide some margin of safety because the concentration of the fertilizer and seed is lower in these diffuse bands. In this scenario, adding a little extra N fertilizer to the starter is less likely to injure the seed - but it is still a risk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599599869236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wheat is considered a highly responsive crop to band-applied fertilizers, particularly phosphorus (P). Application of P as starter fertilizer can be an effective method for part or all the P needs. Wheat plants typically show a significant increase in fall tillers and better root development with the use of starter fertilizer (P and N). Winterkill can also be reduced with the use of starter fertilizers, particularly in low P testing soils.Phosphorus fertilizer application can be done through the drill with the seed. In-furrow fertilizer can be applied, depending on the soil test and recommended application rate, either in addition to or instead of, any pre-plant P applications. The use of dry fertilizer sources with air seeders is a very popular and practical option. However, other P sources (including liquid) are agronomically equivalent and decisions should be based on cost and adaptability for each operation.When applying fertilizer with the seed, rates should be limited to avoid potential toxicity to the seedlings. Most fertilizer sources contain salts which can be toxic to seedlings. However, phosphorus (P) fertilizer contains little if any salt, conversely Nitrogen (N) &amp; Potassium (K2O) fertilizers contain salts. When placing fertilizer in direct contact with wheat seed, producers should use the guidelines listed below.&nbsp;Suggested maximum rates of fertilizer in pounds (lbs.) per acre Nitrogen N + Potassium K2O to apply directly with the wheat seed (No urea containing fertilizers).15-inch row spacing, medium-to-fine soil textures,16 lbs. on course textures or dry soils 11 lbs.&nbsp;10-inch row spacing, medium-to-fine soil textures 24 lbs. on course textures or dry soils 17 lbs.6-8-inch row spacing, medium-to-fine soil textures 30 lbs. on course textures or dry soils 21 lbs.&nbsp;Air seeders that place the starter fertilizer and seed in a 1- to 2-inch band, rather than a narrow seed slot, provide some margin of safety because the concentration of the fertilizer and seed is lower in these diffuse bands. In this scenario, adding a little extra N fertilizer to the starter is less likely to injure the seed - but it is still a risk.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/2020/1/1578070283981.png" alt="Stacy Campbell&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

CAMPBELL: In-furrow fertilizer for wheat 

By midday Tuesday, U.S. crude prices were down more than eight percent on the day, dropping to $36.38 per barrel. London Brent was down six percent. Oil on the Nymex closed below $40 a barrel Friday for the first time in weeks. The summer driving season came to a close over the Labor Day holiday, and that signals a big drop-off in demand. Refineries typically schedule required maintenance at this time of year. Kansas crude prices followed the national trends, with CHS in McPherson dropping prices by a dollar and a half on Friday. Kansas Common starts the week at $30 a barrel, but that could drop even more in response to national and international trading Tuesday. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one for the week, and eight west of Wichita, an increase of three rigs. Baker Hughes reports 256 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of one oil rig. The count in New Mexico was up one while Texas and North Dakota were each down one. Regulators approved 13 new drilling permits across Kansas last week, with two in the eastern half of the state and eleven in Western Kansas. That includes two new permits in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; There are 285 new permits on file so far this year, compared to nearly 650 by the end of August last year. Operators completed six new wells in Kansas last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two new completions in eastern Kansas and four west of Wichita. Year-to-date that's 618 newly-completed wells, compared to 964 at this time last year. Regulators report one new intent-to-drill notice in Ellis County this month and one in Russell County. Statewide, the Kansas Corporation Commission reports a slight uptick to 38 new intents filed in August. That's down from 94 in August of last year. So far this year, operators have filed 343 new intents statewide, compared to 735 by this time last year.&nbsp; U.S. crude inventories dropped more than nine million barrels. At over 498 million barrels, American stockpiles are about 14% above the five-year seasonal average. For the sixth week in a row, average crude-oil production in the U.S. dropped below ten million barrels per day last week. That's the first time that's happened since January. The Energy Information Administration says output for the week ending August 28 dropped to about 9.7 million barrels per day, down from 10.8 million a week earlier. U.S. production is down nearly three million barrels per day from a year ago. The government says domestic crude-oil imports dropped to 4.9 million barrels per day last week, down a million barrels per day from the week before. EIA says the four-week rolling average is down more than 20% from the same period last year. A new federal report shows U.S. and Kansas crude production increased in June, but remain well below pre-pandemic levels. The Energy Information Administration reports Kansas output increased more than 200,000 barrels over the month before, to over 2.2 million barrels. That's over 73,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Total U.S. production in June increased 300,000 barrels over the May total to 313 million barrels (10.43 million barrels per day). The Kansas Geological Survey released county production totals through May. Barton County operators in the first five months of the year pumped over 545,000 barrels of crude oil, down from over 679,000 barrels a year earlier. Ellis County produced more than 833,000 barrels, compared to over one million barrels a year ago. Russell County pumped just over half a million barrels, down from 625,000. And, operators in Stafford County produced over 373,000 barrels of crude oil through May, down from nearly 429,000 through May of last year. Saudi Arabia cut pricing for oil sales to Asia and the U.S. for October shipments. Bloomberg called that a sign that the world’s biggest exporter may see fuel demand wavering amid flare-ups in the coronavirus.&nbsp; Venezuelan crude exports have dropped to an average 270,000 barrels per day in the last three months, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence. That's about half the levels seen in May, just before the U.S. sanctioned four Greek tankers. Greek-owned tankers are still shipping Venezuelan crude, but in much smaller amounts, and only to specific refineries as part of diesel-for-crude swaps.&nbsp; The state treasury in Oklahoma has seen better days. The Tulsa World reports the state's August oil and gas production taxes fell by nearly half. Collections have dropped year-over-year in each of the past 12 months, as oil and gas revenue dropped by $430 million during that period. The State Treasurer said total tax collections for August in the Sooner State are down nearly five percent from a year ago.&nbsp; A railroad trade group reports U.S. freight deliveries dropped again in August, down 13 percent from July and nearly six percent lower than in August of last year. Rail shipments of petroleum and petroleum products dropped 14% last month, compared to a year earlier. By way of contrast, grain and other farm products both saw increases. The Association of American Railroads says the weekly total for oil-by-rail was down 17 percent year on year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARBy midday Tuesday, U.S. crude prices were down more than eight percent on the day, dropping to $36.38 per barrel. London Brent was down six percent. Oil on the Nymex closed below $40 a barrel Friday for the first time in weeks. The summer driving season came to a close over the Labor Day holiday, and that signals a big drop-off in demand. Refineries typically schedule required maintenance at this time of year. Kansas crude prices followed the national trends, with CHS in McPherson dropping prices by a dollar and a half on Friday. Kansas Common starts the week at $30 a barrel, but that could drop even more in response to national and international trading Tuesday. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports four active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one for the week, and eight west of Wichita, an increase of three rigs. Baker Hughes reports 256 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of one oil rig. The count in New Mexico was up one while Texas and North Dakota were each down one. Regulators approved 13 new drilling permits across Kansas last week, with two in the eastern half of the state and eleven in Western Kansas. That includes two new permits in Ellis County and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; There are 285 new permits on file so far this year, compared to nearly 650 by the end of August last year. Operators completed six new wells in Kansas last week. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports two new completions in eastern Kansas and four west of Wichita. Year-to-date that's 618 newly-completed wells, compared to 964 at this time last year. Regulators report one new intent-to-drill notice in Ellis County this month and one in Russell County. Statewide, the Kansas Corporation Commission reports a slight uptick to 38 new intents filed in August. That's down from 94 in August of last year. So far this year, operators have filed 343 new intents statewide, compared to 735 by this time last year.&nbsp; U.S. crude inventories dropped more than nine million barrels. At over 498 million barrels, American stockpiles are about 14% above the five-year seasonal average. For the sixth week in a row, average crude-oil production in the U.S. dropped below ten million barrels per day last week. That's the first time that's happened since January. The Energy Information Administration says output for the week ending August 28 dropped to about 9.7 million barrels per day, down from 10.8 million a week earlier. U.S. production is down nearly three million barrels per day from a year ago. The government says domestic crude-oil imports dropped to 4.9 million barrels per day last week, down a million barrels per day from the week before. EIA says the four-week rolling average is down more than 20% from the same period last year. A new federal report shows U.S. and Kansas crude production increased in June, but remain well below pre-pandemic levels. The Energy Information Administration reports Kansas output increased more than 200,000 barrels over the month before, to over 2.2 million barrels. That's over 73,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Total U.S. production in June increased 300,000 barrels over the May total to 313 million barrels (10.43 million barrels per day). The Kansas Geological Survey released county production totals through May. Barton County operators in the first five months of the year pumped over 545,000 barrels of crude oil, down from over 679,000 barrels a year earlier. Ellis County produced more than 833,000 barrels, compared to over one million barrels a year ago. Russell County pumped just over half a million barrels, down from 625,000. And, operators in Stafford County produced over 373,000 barrels of crude oil through May, down from nearly 429,000 through May of last year. Saudi Arabia cut pricing for oil sales to Asia and the U.S. for October shipments. Bloomberg called that a sign that the world’s biggest exporter may see fuel demand wavering amid flare-ups in the coronavirus.&nbsp; Venezuelan crude exports have dropped to an average 270,000 barrels per day in the last three months, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence. That's about half the levels seen in May, just before the U.S. sanctioned four Greek tankers. Greek-owned tankers are still shipping Venezuelan crude, but in much smaller amounts, and only to specific refineries as part of diesel-for-crude swaps.&nbsp; The state treasury in Oklahoma has seen better days. The Tulsa World reports the state's August oil and gas production taxes fell by nearly half. Collections have dropped year-over-year in each of the past 12 months, as oil and gas revenue dropped by $430 million during that period. The State Treasurer said total tax collections for August in the Sooner State are down nearly five percent from a year ago.&nbsp; A railroad trade group reports U.S. freight deliveries dropped again in August, down 13 percent from July and nearly six percent lower than in August of last year. Rail shipments of petroleum and petroleum products dropped 14% last month, compared to a year earlier. By way of contrast, grain and other farm products both saw increases. The Association of American Railroads says the weekly total for oil-by-rail was down 17 percent year on year.

News From the Oil Patch: Drop in demand takes toll on prices

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As the summer begins to wind down, the fall crops filling the fields are slowly transitioning into their displays of color. For my family, the corn and soybeans that exhibited lush greens throughout the summer months have hit their peak in regard to their place on a color wheel and are beginning to dry down in time to gather the grain. While these two crops nearing harvest possess a beauty within the rich warm colors of fall, they are currently being outdone by two of our other crops. &nbsp; Our grain sorghum has transitioned into a sea of warm brick-red heads of grain. The berries have truly made it a photographer’s dream to capture the rich, warm colors of autumn. It’s no wonder many families in my area plan their Christmas card pictures around this time as the colors show a special beauty similar to the days leading up to ripened wheat. &nbsp; Earlier this summer, after wheat harvest ended, my husband Adam went back into the fields combines had just run through and planted fall crops. In our area, it’s known as double-cropping. When my husband double-crops, he generally plants either soybeans or grain sorghum to be harvested this fall.&nbsp;This year, however, he added another crop into the double-cropping plan: sunflowers! And boy, oh, boy are they showcasing their fall beauty right now. &nbsp; This is the first year since I’ve lived in Kansas sunflowers have been planted anywhere on our farm. It’s taken 10 years for me to experience the anticipation and excitement associated with a field of sunflowers blooming.&nbsp; &nbsp; For weeks I have stopped by this field to see how close the crop was to blooming. For days I have peeked at the sunflower heads to see if I could identify hints of yellow appearing. This crop has been a definite tease for me. There have been days I have wondered if the flower heads would ever bloom. In fact, I have caught myself talking to this field aloud asking things like, “Are you guys ever going to bloom this year?” &nbsp; But overnight, the field of green plants have now blossomed into a bright and wonderful yellow that absolutely, without a doubt catches one’s attention. These sunflowers have become the belle of the ball this fall. &nbsp; I can’t help but stop my car and get out to walk into the field of these “sunnies.” It’s as if you are surrounded by thousands of smiles that instantly brighten your day. &nbsp; I know these beautiful blooms are temporary and will soon begin to dry down, but I will enjoy these fall flowers in all of their beauty for the time they have. Yes, while they only showcase their welcoming warmth for all to enjoy for a brief period, I will remember the magic and beauty of this crop long after their colors fade.

"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.&nbsp;

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 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher As the summer begins to wind down, the fall crops filling the fields are slowly transitioning into their displays of color. For my family, the corn and soybeans that exhibited lush greens throughout the summer months have hit their peak in regard to their place on a color wheel and are beginning to dry down in time to gather the grain. While these two crops nearing harvest possess a beauty within the rich warm colors of fall, they are currently being outdone by two of our other crops. &nbsp; Our grain sorghum has transitioned into a sea of warm brick-red heads of grain. The berries have truly made it a photographer’s dream to capture the rich, warm colors of autumn. It’s no wonder many families in my area plan their Christmas card pictures around this time as the colors show a special beauty similar to the days leading up to ripened wheat. &nbsp; Earlier this summer, after wheat harvest ended, my husband Adam went back into the fields combines had just run through and planted fall crops. In our area, it’s known as double-cropping. When my husband double-crops, he generally plants either soybeans or grain sorghum to be harvested this fall.&nbsp;This year, however, he added another crop into the double-cropping plan: sunflowers! And boy, oh, boy are they showcasing their fall beauty right now. &nbsp; This is the first year since I’ve lived in Kansas sunflowers have been planted anywhere on our farm. It’s taken 10 years for me to experience the anticipation and excitement associated with a field of sunflowers blooming.&nbsp; &nbsp; For weeks I have stopped by this field to see how close the crop was to blooming. For days I have peeked at the sunflower heads to see if I could identify hints of yellow appearing. This crop has been a definite tease for me. There have been days I have wondered if the flower heads would ever bloom. In fact, I have caught myself talking to this field aloud asking things like, “Are you guys ever going to bloom this year?” &nbsp; But overnight, the field of green plants have now blossomed into a bright and wonderful yellow that absolutely, without a doubt catches one’s attention. These sunflowers have become the belle of the ball this fall. &nbsp; I can’t help but stop my car and get out to walk into the field of these “sunnies.” It’s as if you are surrounded by thousands of smiles that instantly brighten your day. &nbsp; I know these beautiful blooms are temporary and will soon begin to dry down, but I will enjoy these fall flowers in all of their beauty for the time they have. Yes, while they only showcase their welcoming warmth for all to enjoy for a brief period, I will remember the magic and beauty of this crop long after their colors fade."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.&nbsp;

Kan. Farm Bureau Insight: Fall flowers on the farm

While most Kansans were looking forward to the three-day Labor Day weekend, a small group of legislators last week in a quiet committee room on the 5th&nbsp;floor of the Statehouse moved forward with a plan to spend $5 million to bring nearly 2,500 new jobs to Kansas.

Those new jobs, and new buildings and such – and the taxes that will be paid by those businesses and their workers – are what fuel the Kansas economy that makes us all more prosperous.

That meeting? It was the Legislative Budget Committee, and it approved and will now urge the Legislative Coordinating Council to send $5 million in coronavirus recovery funds to the Kansas Department of Commerce to close deals that will bring $243 million of investment and construction and those jobs which are expected to pay an average of $48,000 a year to the state.

Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland told the panel that his agency is about out of money in its Job Creation Fund, which it uses to lure businesses and their positive effect on the Kansas economy to the state.

Most of us don’t think about the Department of Commerce much, and there are no support groups or GoFundMe accounts that provide the agency with the last few bucks, the little incidental costs to locating a business in Kansas, that close deals for new development and jobs.

That $5 million will help the state close those deals and provide jobs across the state. Mostly in central and eastern Kansas, though one deal that is in the air is in western Kansas. Nope, Toland isn’t naming those close-to-done deals for fear of competition from other states which also want new jobs and businesses, but they are getting close.

And, Toland said, Commerce access to that closing-the-deal money adds to the near sudden increase in interest by many companies to move facilities to Kansas, partly for its center-of-the-nation location and highway system which make the state a convenient and economic place to put down a plant or warehouse for national marketing.

Oh, and there are also those smart, reliable, and dedicated workers – that would be Kansans – who populate the state.

Now, the Legislature has been a little protective of the money it has appropriated to itself for response to wide ranges of COVID-19 effects, such as assistance to existing businesses struck by the pandemic, job losses, and the need to generate more jobs for Kansans.

Seem like a good use for the legislature’s rebuild-the-economy and protect Kansans money, doesn’t it?

Toland said that Kansas now has eco-devo prospectors on both coasts to urge businesses to relocate here. The nature of American commerce has changed through the pandemic with more on-line shopping that can be served from relatively low-cost mid-continent facilities. It’s the change from being a “fly over” state to one that has economic advantages for a wide range of companies for which Kansas can be a money-saver and profit-boosting place to put a business.

It’s just that little Job Creation Fund that can provide the services or few additional bucks to close those deals, which is where Toland and most Kansans want us to be.

Look for the Legislature to OK the money, and&nbsp; then we’ll see just what new businesses are coming to the state…and whether it means the kids can find work close to home instead of moving to the coast…

<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>While most Kansans were looking forward to the three-day Labor Day weekend, a small group of legislators last week in a quiet committee room on the 5th&nbsp;floor of the Statehouse moved forward with a plan to spend $5 million to bring nearly 2,500 new jobs to Kansas.Those new jobs, and new buildings and such – and the taxes that will be paid by those businesses and their workers – are what fuel the Kansas economy that makes us all more prosperous.That meeting? It was the Legislative Budget Committee, and it approved and will now urge the Legislative Coordinating Council to send $5 million in coronavirus recovery funds to the Kansas Department of Commerce to close deals that will bring $243 million of investment and construction and those jobs which are expected to pay an average of $48,000 a year to the state.Not a bad investment, is it?Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland told the panel that his agency is about out of money in its Job Creation Fund, which it uses to lure businesses and their positive effect on the Kansas economy to the state.Most of us don’t think about the Department of Commerce much, and there are no support groups or GoFundMe accounts that provide the agency with the last few bucks, the little incidental costs to locating a business in Kansas, that close deals for new development and jobs.That $5 million will help the state close those deals and provide jobs across the state. Mostly in central and eastern Kansas, though one deal that is in the air is in western Kansas. Nope, Toland isn’t naming those close-to-done deals for fear of competition from other states which also want new jobs and businesses, but they are getting close.And, Toland said, Commerce access to that closing-the-deal money adds to the near sudden increase in interest by many companies to move facilities to Kansas, partly for its center-of-the-nation location and highway system which make the state a convenient and economic place to put down a plant or warehouse for national marketing.Oh, and there are also those smart, reliable, and dedicated workers – that would be Kansans – who populate the state.Now, the Legislature has been a little protective of the money it has appropriated to itself for response to wide ranges of COVID-19 effects, such as assistance to existing businesses struck by the pandemic, job losses, and the need to generate more jobs for Kansans.Seem like a good use for the legislature’s rebuild-the-economy and protect Kansans money, doesn’t it?Toland said that Kansas now has eco-devo prospectors on both coasts to urge businesses to relocate here. The nature of American commerce has changed through the pandemic with more on-line shopping that can be served from relatively low-cost mid-continent facilities. It’s the change from being a “fly over” state to one that has economic advantages for a wide range of companies for which Kansas can be a money-saver and profit-boosting place to put a business.It’s just that little Job Creation Fund that can provide the services or few additional bucks to close those deals, which is where Toland and most Kansans want us to be.Look for the Legislature to OK the money, and&nbsp; then we’ll see just what new businesses are coming to the state…and whether it means the kids can find work close to home instead of moving to the coast…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: 'Closing the deal' on economic development

&nbsp;It seems September 1st is the magic date when Kansas hunting seasons begin to flourish. Dove season is perhaps the best known and most popular, but Sept 1 also ushers in various archery, muzzle loader and special disabled hunting seasons for antelope, elk and deer; too many to list here, but view the whole lineup at the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, <a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.

There are myriads of acres of sunflowers, both domestically grown and wild in which to hunt doves here in Kansas. A very popular and effective strategy employed by many hunters is to set up early-morning or late-evening near water sources that are in or around sunflower fields and patches, as birds will stop there to drink prior to and after feeding. When the countryside is dry like it has been around here recently, that works well, as those remaining water sources become choke points where doves congregate from miles around.&nbsp;

You may recall a recent column where I talked about a proposal to allow artificial lights, night vision and thermal imaging gear to be used when hunting coyotes. On June 25th, the commission voted in favor of that proposal. At that time, KDWPT Furbearer Biologist Matt Peak said that “Most other Midwest states already allow this activity in some form, with apparently no more legal or safety issues than other types of hunting, and pressure from hunters and livestock producers for us to allow this has really grown in recent years.” The regulation will be implemented to begin in 2021, and will require a special $2.50 Night Vision Equipment Permit allowing hunters to use artificial light, scopes and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal -imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night. The following restrictions will apply:

Use of this gear will be permitted from January 1 to March 1 only.

Use of this equipment will be allowed for hunting coyotes only.

Vehicles will not be allowed when using this gear.

Use of this equipment will NOT be allowed on KDWPT owned or managed lands or waters, including WIHA (walk-in hunting areas.)

Now before you do cartwheels down your driveway and begin planning late night coyote hunts, you better do some research on this equipment, some of which can cost the price of a good used car.

So, despite COVID, a so called “Pandemic,” big cities throughout the country seemingly self-destructing and on-fire, and people becoming increasingly afraid of their own shadows, Kansas hunting seasons will begin as usual, and what better place to be safe from a “Pandemic” than the Kansas Outdoors…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;It seems September 1st is the magic date when Kansas hunting seasons begin to flourish. Dove season is perhaps the best known and most popular, but Sept 1 also ushers in various archery, muzzle loader and special disabled hunting seasons for antelope, elk and deer; too many to list here, but view the whole lineup at the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, <a href="http://www.ksoutdoors.com">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.There are myriads of acres of sunflowers, both domestically grown and wild in which to hunt doves here in Kansas. A very popular and effective strategy employed by many hunters is to set up early-morning or late-evening near water sources that are in or around sunflower fields and patches, as birds will stop there to drink prior to and after feeding. When the countryside is dry like it has been around here recently, that works well, as those remaining water sources become choke points where doves congregate from miles around.&nbsp;---------You may recall a recent column where I talked about a proposal to allow artificial lights, night vision and thermal imaging gear to be used when hunting coyotes. On June 25th, the commission voted in favor of that proposal. At that time, KDWPT Furbearer Biologist Matt Peak said that “Most other Midwest states already allow this activity in some form, with apparently no more legal or safety issues than other types of hunting, and pressure from hunters and livestock producers for us to allow this has really grown in recent years.” The regulation will be implemented to begin in 2021, and will require a special $2.50 Night Vision Equipment Permit allowing hunters to use artificial light, scopes and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal -imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night. The following restrictions will apply:Use of this gear will be permitted from January 1 to March 1 only.Use of this equipment will be allowed for hunting coyotes only.Vehicles will not be allowed when using this gear.Use of this equipment will NOT be allowed on KDWPT owned or managed lands or waters, including WIHA (walk-in hunting areas.)Now before you do cartwheels down your driveway and begin planning late night coyote hunts, you better do some research on this equipment, some of which can cost the price of a good used car.So, despite COVID, a so called “Pandemic,” big cities throughout the country seemingly self-destructing and on-fire, and people becoming increasingly afraid of their own shadows, Kansas hunting seasons will begin as usual, and what better place to be safe from a “Pandemic” than the Kansas Outdoors…continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.&nbsp;

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