June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month so this is the perfect time to add some color to your meals. Many of the early garden crops are showcased at our local farmer’s markets that most likely opened this weekend. More and more choices and varieties will show up as the summer progresses.&nbsp;

It is important to include five to nine fruits and vegetables in your diet every day. For some that is not a difficult task but for many families that is not an easy task due to various reasons. In addition to fresh, fruits and vegetables can be purchased in many ways – canned, frozen and even dried. I have always liked to buy frozen because I can take out the amount that I need and return the bag to the freezer. The very best option is to grow fruits and vegetables yourself. If you have questions about getting your garden growing, don’t hesitate to call the Extension Office and we have Master Gardeners who would be happy to give you a call and give you some encouragement.&nbsp;

I often hear that fresh fruits and vegetables are too expensive. When all the options are compared, they usually cost the least when they are purchased in their fresh form. Prices can vary a lot depending on many factors such as the season, the store and the package size. Sometimes it will seem more expensive to buy a whole melon rather than a cut melon, but your cost per serving will usually end up being lower when you buy the whole melon. Fresh does have more of a risk of spoilage, so be sure to eat it all before it spoils.&nbsp;

If we compare the nutritional value, fruits and vegetables may be the most nutrient dense food of all of the foods in your grocery cart. If we compare a bag of apples to a bag of potato chips there is absolutely no comparison. I think everyone will agree that even if you have to pay a little more for a bag of apples, it is a win-win when nutrition is compared.&nbsp;

From avocados and apples to zucchini and watermelon there are so many fruits and vegetables to choose from. My favorite activity when I visit schools or a summer program is to write the ABC’s on a poster and have the students try to find a fruit or vegetable for every letter of the alphabet. We often have some very creative answers including quiche made with vegetables. Whether you have them as a snack, on a salad or in a smoothie, they will provide your body with the necessary vitamins and fiber. Make it a goal for your family to get at least five fruits and vegetables every day this next week.

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>June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month so this is the perfect time to add some color to your meals. Many of the early garden crops are showcased at our local farmer’s markets that most likely opened this weekend. More and more choices and varieties will show up as the summer progresses.&nbsp;It is important to include five to nine fruits and vegetables in your diet every day. For some that is not a difficult task but for many families that is not an easy task due to various reasons. In addition to fresh, fruits and vegetables can be purchased in many ways – canned, frozen and even dried. I have always liked to buy frozen because I can take out the amount that I need and return the bag to the freezer. The very best option is to grow fruits and vegetables yourself. If you have questions about getting your garden growing, don’t hesitate to call the Extension Office and we have Master Gardeners who would be happy to give you a call and give you some encouragement.&nbsp;I often hear that fresh fruits and vegetables are too expensive. When all the options are compared, they usually cost the least when they are purchased in their fresh form. Prices can vary a lot depending on many factors such as the season, the store and the package size. Sometimes it will seem more expensive to buy a whole melon rather than a cut melon, but your cost per serving will usually end up being lower when you buy the whole melon. Fresh does have more of a risk of spoilage, so be sure to eat it all before it spoils.&nbsp;If we compare the nutritional value, fruits and vegetables may be the most nutrient dense food of all of the foods in your grocery cart. If we compare a bag of apples to a bag of potato chips there is absolutely no comparison. I think everyone will agree that even if you have to pay a little more for a bag of apples, it is a win-win when nutrition is compared.&nbsp;From avocados and apples to zucchini and watermelon there are so many fruits and vegetables to choose from. My favorite activity when I visit schools or a summer program is to write the ABC’s on a poster and have the students try to find a fruit or vegetable for every letter of the alphabet. We often have some very creative answers including quiche made with vegetables. Whether you have them as a snack, on a salad or in a smoothie, they will provide your body with the necessary vitamins and fiber. Make it a goal for your family to get at least five fruits and vegetables every day this next week.	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: National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

Help is on its way, but reopening Kansas schools won’t be easy.&nbsp; With the state’s economy in free fall and Kansas COVID-19 cases still on the rise, educators are meeting in school districts across Kansas to plan for reopening schools this fall even though start-up dates remain uncertain.

Planning help is available from Center for Disease Control guidelines, and federal legislation is ready to provide funds for school health safety and broadband technology.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, an Oklahoma state representative announced through his weekly report that the legislature’s budget reduction for the coming year “protected” schools because federal relief funds would fully offset Oklahoma’s three percent K-12 school funding reduction. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Before “creative budgeting” gains a foothold in Kansas, let’s remember that federal relief funds are for costs incurred by the virus and may not cover all those costs.&nbsp; New routines will likely require additional consumable supplies and equipment for school sanitation.&nbsp;&nbsp; Food service changes and individual health checks such as temperature-taking will continue indefinitely.&nbsp;

The anticipated broadband technology funding cannot provide computers/tablets for each student or ongoing upgrades.

School health safety and technology requirements will increase the workload and could require more teachers as well as increase operating costs.&nbsp; Despite this, offering remote learning for each school’s students will be necessary to address possible future outbreaks of COVID-19 or new emergencies that may require students to remain at home.

The virus taught us that fully online access for students is necessary, but it can’t replace traditional schooling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our virus lockdown renewed our sense that human connection is fundamental and crucial to the full experience of individual learning, teamwork and community building that traditional public schools bring.&nbsp;

Consequently, the return to school means creating two systems—remote and traditional—because we can’t ignore a future need to learn from home and because in-person school is essential both to learning and getting Kansans back to work.&nbsp;

Each school district is responsible to find its own way to meet the challenges working within three CDC guidelines “where feasible.” &nbsp;Each option is costly and problematic.&nbsp; They are:

Traditional school.&nbsp; The problem is all health safety guidelines published in fall would need to be met because no school would accept the moral or legal responsibility of reopening with even one child in danger of infection.&nbsp; Providing classrooms, cafeterias and buses with six-foot social distancing would be expensive.

All remote.&nbsp; This option is probably the least added expense to schools and safest for students and educators but costly to families who would have to provide home support for children.&nbsp; Moreover, its effectiveness is questioned by parents and researchers.

Blended.&nbsp;&nbsp;This option is some combination of remote and traditional.&nbsp; Proposals include traditional school for elementary students using high school space for separation while middle and high school students study online. Other suggestions are a longer school day with half of students attending in the morning and half in the afternoon; or having students alternate two days in school and two online with academically challenged students attending school a third day each week.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Given current tax revenue projections, schools may face a state budget cut. But before we take a hatchet to K-12 school funding, we need to take a realistic look at the considerable added expense of restarting our schools and provide ways to “come back better” for Kansas students.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576185211786.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Help is on its way, but reopening Kansas schools won’t be easy.&nbsp; With the state’s economy in free fall and Kansas COVID-19 cases still on the rise, educators are meeting in school districts across Kansas to plan for reopening schools this fall even though start-up dates remain uncertain.Planning help is available from Center for Disease Control guidelines, and federal legislation is ready to provide funds for school health safety and broadband technology.&nbsp;Meanwhile, an Oklahoma state representative announced through his weekly report that the legislature’s budget reduction for the coming year “protected” schools because federal relief funds would fully offset Oklahoma’s three percent K-12 school funding reduction. &nbsp;&nbsp;Before “creative budgeting” gains a foothold in Kansas, let’s remember that federal relief funds are for costs incurred by the virus and may not cover all those costs.&nbsp; New routines will likely require additional consumable supplies and equipment for school sanitation.&nbsp;&nbsp; Food service changes and individual health checks such as temperature-taking will continue indefinitely.&nbsp;The anticipated broadband technology funding cannot provide computers/tablets for each student or ongoing upgrades.School health safety and technology requirements will increase the workload and could require more teachers as well as increase operating costs.&nbsp; Despite this, offering remote learning for each school’s students will be necessary to address possible future outbreaks of COVID-19 or new emergencies that may require students to remain at home.The virus taught us that fully online access for students is necessary, but it can’t replace traditional schooling.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our virus lockdown renewed our sense that human connection is fundamental and crucial to the full experience of individual learning, teamwork and community building that traditional public schools bring.&nbsp;Consequently, the return to school means creating two systems—remote and traditional—because we can’t ignore a future need to learn from home and because in-person school is essential both to learning and getting Kansans back to work.&nbsp;Each school district is responsible to find its own way to meet the challenges working within three CDC guidelines “where feasible.” &nbsp;Each option is costly and problematic.&nbsp; They are:Traditional school.&nbsp; The problem is all health safety guidelines published in fall would need to be met because no school would accept the moral or legal responsibility of reopening with even one child in danger of infection.&nbsp; Providing classrooms, cafeterias and buses with six-foot social distancing would be expensive.All remote.&nbsp; This option is probably the least added expense to schools and safest for students and educators but costly to families who would have to provide home support for children.&nbsp; Moreover, its effectiveness is questioned by parents and researchers.Blended.&nbsp;&nbsp;This option is some combination of remote and traditional.&nbsp; Proposals include traditional school for elementary students using high school space for separation while middle and high school students study online. Other suggestions are a longer school day with half of students attending in the morning and half in the afternoon; or having students alternate two days in school and two online with academically challenged students attending school a third day each week.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given current tax revenue projections, schools may face a state budget cut. But before we take a hatchet to K-12 school funding, we need to take a realistic look at the considerable added expense of restarting our schools and provide ways to “come back better” for Kansas students.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Educators plan for an uncertain future

I just noticed that May was designated as Older Americans Month, so I’ll take advantage of the last day of the month to share some information from Erin Yelland, our Adult Development and Aging specialist at KSU. We are hearing a lot these days about how our seniors may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Let’s take a closer look and share some ways to combat this.

Loneliness is a feeling or experience that some people might have. It can occur when you do not have as much social interaction as you would like or even after a major life transition – such as divorce, death, a move, or even quarantine due to COVID19. Social isolation is when someone has little contact with other people on a regular basis. &nbsp;

So, what are some ways to combat loneliness and social isolation?&nbsp;

Connecting can be difficult during COVID19 but here are some easy ideas. Pick up the phone and call your friends, step outside and chat with neighbors, mail a letter, connect via video calls, send silly pictures, and try to have fun from afar.

Give me a call for some excellent fact sheets from our Keys to Embracing Aging resources. I am happy to share.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I just noticed that May was designated as Older Americans Month, so I’ll take advantage of the last day of the month to share some information from Erin Yelland, our Adult Development and Aging specialist at KSU. We are hearing a lot these days about how our seniors may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Let’s take a closer look and share some ways to combat this.Loneliness is a feeling or experience that some people might have. It can occur when you do not have as much social interaction as you would like or even after a major life transition – such as divorce, death, a move, or even quarantine due to COVID19. Social isolation is when someone has little contact with other people on a regular basis. &nbsp;So, what are some ways to combat loneliness and social isolation?&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Focus on your sense of purpose</li><li>Maintain your sense of belonging</li><li>Connect with community groups, family members and friends.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Connecting can be difficult during COVID19 but here are some easy ideas. Pick up the phone and call your friends, step outside and chat with neighbors, mail a letter, connect via video calls, send silly pictures, and try to have fun from afar.Give me a call for some excellent fact sheets from our Keys to Embracing Aging resources. I am happy to share.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KRUG: Happy Older Americans month

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“I cannot see, but I have a vision.” That statement from a blind educator in Ethiopia might introduce a visionary program through which rural Kansans are helping encourage literacy halfway around the globe.

LeAnn and Stan Clark and Laurie Curtis shared the story of this innovative nonprofit organization known as Ethiopia Reads. They told about Jane Kurtz, the co-founder of Ethiopia Reads, who had grown up in Ethiopia where her father was a missionary pilot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jane moved back to the United States, married a Presbyterian minister, and became a children’s book writer. Several of her books drew on her years growing up in Ethiopia.

An Ethiopian refugee in the U.S. came across her books and was touched. He contacted Jane and encouraged her to develop literacy in Ethiopia and send children’s books there. That was the beginning of Ethiopia Reads.

Jane Kurtz received a grant from North Dakota Presbyterian churches to gather books and send them to Ethiopia. She and her husband later moved to be near his parents at Moundridge, where they met LeAnn Clark.

LeAnn had grown up in Chapman, where she met her future husband Stan. They both went on to K-State. He was an agricultural engineer, and LeAnn became a teacher in the rural community of Hesston, population 3,709 people. Now, that’s rural.

In 2004, LeAnn was president of the Kansas Reading Association. She wanted her organization to take on an international project. She found such a project when she met Jane and learned about Ethiopia Reads.

Laurie Curtis also joined in this effort. At the time, she was director of the Reading Specialist program in the College of Education at K-State. She is an international expert on literacy and early childhood education. Now retired, she serves on the board of Ethiopia Reads.

“Early literacy is almost nonexistent in Ethiopia,” Curtis said. “They need books to read in order to learn.” LeAnn and Stan Clark took on the task of gathering books to send to Ethiopia. They received donations of children’s books from schools, libraries, and individuals. They sorted and packaged the books. The organization raised funds to send a shipping container of books to Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, Curtis’ colleague, Jackie Spears wrote a grant to bring U.S. teachers to Ethiopia to teach reading skills. They found that the needs in Ethiopia were immense.

Children’s books were almost never present in homes. In the few libraries that existed, the librarian’s typical role was to be a gatekeeper to protect the books rather than helping kids read them. For example, the Americans stopped at one library in Ethiopia and asked where the children’s section was located. “Oh, we don’t have a children’s section,” was the response. “If we did, children might come in.”

Curtis set out to change that mindset and help people in Ethiopia enhance their children’s lives by developing a librarian training curriculum. LeAnn and Stan Clark continued to volunteer to gather, sort, label and ship books.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To date, Ethiopia Reads has started 80 public-, school- and mobile libraries serving 100,000 children annually. The organization has trained 450 librarians and teachers and has donated and distributed 200,000 Ethiopian- and English-language books to more than 350 schools in every region of Ethiopia. In the remote regions, the mobile libraries literally consist of horses carrying books in saddlebags or a book cart pulled by a donkey.

“Training of librarians is so important,” Curtis said. Ethiopia Reads has hosted several training conferences in Addis Ababa. In March 2020, some 170 people attended the Children’s Reading Summit. “A small but energetic Ethiopian staff manages all the Ethiopia Reads programs within the country,” Curtis said.

“We’ve met some amazing people, and we’ve had great community support,” LeAnn said. “We’re accepting books as well as monetary donations. I’m so proud of the way this organization works.”

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ethiopiareads.org/">www.ethiopiareads.org</a>.

We commend LeAnn and Stan Clark, Laurie Curtis, and all those involved with Ethiopia Reads who are making a difference by changing lives through childhood literacy. Their vision is coming true.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590586807143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“I cannot see, but I have a vision.” That statement from a blind educator in Ethiopia might introduce a visionary program through which rural Kansans are helping encourage literacy halfway around the globe.LeAnn and Stan Clark and Laurie Curtis shared the story of this innovative nonprofit organization known as Ethiopia Reads. They told about Jane Kurtz, the co-founder of Ethiopia Reads, who had grown up in Ethiopia where her father was a missionary pilot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jane moved back to the United States, married a Presbyterian minister, and became a children’s book writer. Several of her books drew on her years growing up in Ethiopia.An Ethiopian refugee in the U.S. came across her books and was touched. He contacted Jane and encouraged her to develop literacy in Ethiopia and send children’s books there. That was the beginning of Ethiopia Reads.Jane Kurtz received a grant from North Dakota Presbyterian churches to gather books and send them to Ethiopia. She and her husband later moved to be near his parents at Moundridge, where they met LeAnn Clark.LeAnn had grown up in Chapman, where she met her future husband Stan. They both went on to K-State. He was an agricultural engineer, and LeAnn became a teacher in the rural community of Hesston, population 3,709 people. Now, that’s rural.In 2004, LeAnn was president of the Kansas Reading Association. She wanted her organization to take on an international project. She found such a project when she met Jane and learned about Ethiopia Reads.Laurie Curtis also joined in this effort. At the time, she was director of the Reading Specialist program in the College of Education at K-State. She is an international expert on literacy and early childhood education. Now retired, she serves on the board of Ethiopia Reads.“Early literacy is almost nonexistent in Ethiopia,” Curtis said. “They need books to read in order to learn.” LeAnn and Stan Clark took on the task of gathering books to send to Ethiopia. They received donations of children’s books from schools, libraries, and individuals. They sorted and packaged the books. The organization raised funds to send a shipping container of books to Ethiopia.Meanwhile, Curtis’ colleague, Jackie Spears wrote a grant to bring U.S. teachers to Ethiopia to teach reading skills. They found that the needs in Ethiopia were immense.Children’s books were almost never present in homes. In the few libraries that existed, the librarian’s typical role was to be a gatekeeper to protect the books rather than helping kids read them. For example, the Americans stopped at one library in Ethiopia and asked where the children’s section was located. “Oh, we don’t have a children’s section,” was the response. “If we did, children might come in.”Curtis set out to change that mindset and help people in Ethiopia enhance their children’s lives by developing a librarian training curriculum. LeAnn and Stan Clark continued to volunteer to gather, sort, label and ship books.&nbsp;&nbsp;To date, Ethiopia Reads has started 80 public-, school- and mobile libraries serving 100,000 children annually. The organization has trained 450 librarians and teachers and has donated and distributed 200,000 Ethiopian- and English-language books to more than 350 schools in every region of Ethiopia. In the remote regions, the mobile libraries literally consist of horses carrying books in saddlebags or a book cart pulled by a donkey.“Training of librarians is so important,” Curtis said. Ethiopia Reads has hosted several training conferences in Addis Ababa. In March 2020, some 170 people attended the Children’s Reading Summit. “A small but energetic Ethiopian staff manages all the Ethiopia Reads programs within the country,” Curtis said.“We’ve met some amazing people, and we’ve had great community support,” LeAnn said. “We’re accepting books as well as monetary donations. I’m so proud of the way this organization works.”For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ethiopiareads.org/">www.ethiopiareads.org</a>.We commend LeAnn and Stan Clark, Laurie Curtis, and all those involved with Ethiopia Reads who are making a difference by changing lives through childhood literacy. Their vision is coming true.

Now That’s Rural: LeAnn Clark/Laurie Curtis, Ethiopia Reads

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

Throughout the uncertainty of the last two and a half months, I have tried to focus on the blessings in my life. Our home is perfectly remote for social distancing. Without children, we don’t have the added pressures of home schooling. Both of our incomes are dependent on an essential industry. I count myself lucky and am thankful for all we have.

However, human nature always finds a way to plant the seeds of desire for something more. Some people might call it ambition; I prefer to think of it as hope.

When these ideas take root, my mind is filled with what ifs and thoughts of how life could be better. When my desires get a little overly zealous, my partner Marc is always ready to help ground me with a gentle reminder, “wants are unlimited.” This is our way of taking a moment to reset and appreciate what we have right here and now.

Two weeks ago, my wish list was fuller than I realized.

I was waiting somewhat impatiently to start the first real upgrades we have done to our house and increase our level of creature comfort. Last Memorial Day straight-line winds broke several windows on our porch and house. Since we were bringing in someone to work on the house, we decided to refinish our old, splintered hardwood floors and modernize our bathroom to include a shower-tub combo.

My body was in almost constant pain because of an injury to my lower back. I dreamed of what life would be like when I could just get it fixed.

Living 800 miles away from my childhood home, I always miss my family and am constantly dreaming of reasons to visit home or get them to Kansas for a visit.

Even at work, I had dreams about how much I would be able to accomplish over the summer when my new intern started.

Like I said, my wish list was full, and you can probably guess where this is going. The cliché, “be careful what you wish for,” has summed up my life in the last two weeks.

First, I received a fast-tracked approval from the insurance company for back surgery. One of the tradeoffs for the procedure meant I had to stop taking anti-inflammatory medicine a week before the procedure.

We got a surprise call from our contractor, the day before this cut-off, letting us know he could get us in early and wanted to start in two days. This meant moving all our possessions out of two-thirds of our home, without the comforts of medicine.

The day before surgery, I welcomed my summer intern and informed her she would have a chance to prove her independence and initiative right off the bat because I would be out for a week.

Additionally, my parents offered to come spend the week after my surgery helping care for me and working on some smaller projects around the house to compliment the construction crew’s efforts.

The last two weeks have been full of activity, painful at times, and a great reminder that life rarely works out in a convenient or easy manner. However, if you can weather the storms and get through all the chaos, things typically work out in the end … or at least you have a good story to tell.

A good sense of humor and a healthy amount of gratitude may be the secret to a life well-lived. 

"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/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherThroughout the uncertainty of the last two and a half months, I have tried to focus on the blessings in my life. Our home is perfectly remote for social distancing. Without children, we don’t have the added pressures of home schooling. Both of our incomes are dependent on an essential industry. I count myself lucky and am thankful for all we have.However, human nature always finds a way to plant the seeds of desire for something more. Some people might call it ambition; I prefer to think of it as hope.When these ideas take root, my mind is filled with what ifs and thoughts of how life could be better. When my desires get a little overly zealous, my partner Marc is always ready to help ground me with a gentle reminder, “wants are unlimited.” This is our way of taking a moment to reset and appreciate what we have right here and now.Two weeks ago, my wish list was fuller than I realized.I was waiting somewhat impatiently to start the first real upgrades we have done to our house and increase our level of creature comfort. Last Memorial Day straight-line winds broke several windows on our porch and house. Since we were bringing in someone to work on the house, we decided to refinish our old, splintered hardwood floors and modernize our bathroom to include a shower-tub combo.My body was in almost constant pain because of an injury to my lower back. I dreamed of what life would be like when I could just get it fixed.Living 800 miles away from my childhood home, I always miss my family and am constantly dreaming of reasons to visit home or get them to Kansas for a visit.Even at work, I had dreams about how much I would be able to accomplish over the summer when my new intern started.Like I said, my wish list was full, and you can probably guess where this is going. The cliché, “be careful what you wish for,” has summed up my life in the last two weeks.It has been a perfect storm so to speak.First, I received a fast-tracked approval from the insurance company for back surgery. One of the tradeoffs for the procedure meant I had to stop taking anti-inflammatory medicine a week before the procedure.We got a surprise call from our contractor, the day before this cut-off, letting us know he could get us in early and wanted to start in two days. This meant moving all our possessions out of two-thirds of our home, without the comforts of medicine.The day before surgery, I welcomed my summer intern and informed her she would have a chance to prove her independence and initiative right off the bat because I would be out for a week.Additionally, my parents offered to come spend the week after my surgery helping care for me and working on some smaller projects around the house to compliment the construction crew’s efforts.The last two weeks have been full of activity, painful at times, and a great reminder that life rarely works out in a convenient or easy manner. However, if you can weather the storms and get through all the chaos, things typically work out in the end … or at least you have a good story to tell.A good sense of humor and a healthy amount of gratitude may be the secret to a life well-lived. "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: A perfect storm

A while back, one of the greeters at church whose daughter was getting married was telling me about the excursion to buy his suit for the wedding. When asked why he was not wearing a tux’ for the occasion, he replied “I think it’s on my bucket list that I will never wear a tuxedo for anything.” That got me to thinking; there are numerous things that I too will never do, so why not come up with “an inverse bucket list” of things in the outdoors that I simply never want to do. Bear in mind, the items on this list reflect only my opinion, are listed in no particular order and are possibly subject to change given the circumstances.

Pure skunk essence is in high demand by trapping lure manufacturers, and is also used in minute amounts as a carrier in perfume to hold the scent and help it last longer. Lots of trappers extract the essence from skunks they catch by inserting a small hypodermic needle into the scent glands and carefully sucking out the essence, then depositing it into some sort of sealed glass container. I thoroughly admire trappers who do this as they are going the extra mile to harvest and use all parts of those amazing critters, but I’ll probably never do it myself. I’m often like a bull-in-a-china-closet and in looking at the process of extracting the essence from a skunk, all I see are endless possibilities for the entire adventure to go south.

Big, strong and built like aquatic tanks with scales, carp are possibly second only to wipers as the hardest fighting fish found in Kansas waters, and avid carp fisherman would probably argue with that. I found the International Carp Fishing Association, the American Carp Fishing Association and various other state organizations, all dedicated to the sport of catch-and-release carp tournament fishing. The guys and gals of these clubs are as infatuated with carp fishing as any bass or walleye tournament fishermen.&nbsp; Once again, I thoroughly respect these folks for their appreciation of a creature that’s often known as a trash fish and has over the years been the brunt of more jokes and ridicule than congress. However, given the number of other fine-eating fish found in Kansas, I’ll probably never keep one for dinner. We just got home after spending three days fishing Lake Waconda at Glen Elder, and now have numerous meals of crappie and walleye in the freezer…I rest my case.

I have tasted numerous kinds of wild game meat, including bear, beaver, raccoon and bobcat, and most taste amazingly good, though bear and raccoon are slightly greasy.&nbsp; I guess opossum is also edible and in fact is considered classy cuisine in some parts of the country. In response to the suggestion of eating possum, I once heard someone say “No I will never eat possum; I’ve seen too many of them crawl out of a rotting carcass of some sort.” My sentiments exactly; possums are four legged vultures and to me eating one would be no different than eating a vulture. So no, I will never eat possum!... Likewise with grubs; I watch the survival shows and see the guys fishing big fat grubs out of trees and rotten logs, hear them tell how tasty and crunchy they are roasted over an open fire, and listen to them rave about all the protein and nutrients they provide a hungry person. Sorry, but I think I’d rather chew off my left foot! If God had wanted me to eat grubs, He would have given me feathers or a white stripe down my back.&nbsp;

I will never spend another winter night in a tiny camping trailer.

When I was just a kid, probably in my early twenties, I accepted an older coworker’s invitation to go deer hunting with him in Pennsylvania. We were staying in his tiny camping trailer in some deserted state park, and early the first morning we stepped out into ten or so inches of fresh snow and absolutely miserable freezing temperatures.&nbsp; We walked up and down hills and through pine trees all day long and were absolutely beat by days end as I remember. We decided to go to a little tavern out in the middle of nowhere to get a hot evening meal, and my friend had a beer or two with his meal. On the counter, as in many old country taverns back then was a glass gallon jar of pickled hard-boiled eggs, and my friend began eating those eggs along with his beer and dinner. Back then I had no idea what a potent combination beer and pickled boiled eggs could be. That night I would rather have slept out in the snow than in that tiny trailer with him.&nbsp;

These are just a few of the things on my “inverse bucket list” and I hope they gave you a chuckle or two. But as I think about it, who knows, in our world today maybe it’s just as important for us to know what we WILL NOT do as it is to know what we will; continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696138742.jpeg" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>A while back, one of the greeters at church whose daughter was getting married was telling me about the excursion to buy his suit for the wedding. When asked why he was not wearing a tux’ for the occasion, he replied “I think it’s on my bucket list that I will never wear a tuxedo for anything.” That got me to thinking; there are numerous things that I too will never do, so why not come up with “an inverse bucket list” of things in the outdoors that I simply never want to do. Bear in mind, the items on this list reflect only my opinion, are listed in no particular order and are possibly subject to change given the circumstances.I will never milk a skunk!&nbsp;Pure skunk essence is in high demand by trapping lure manufacturers, and is also used in minute amounts as a carrier in perfume to hold the scent and help it last longer. Lots of trappers extract the essence from skunks they catch by inserting a small hypodermic needle into the scent glands and carefully sucking out the essence, then depositing it into some sort of sealed glass container. I thoroughly admire trappers who do this as they are going the extra mile to harvest and use all parts of those amazing critters, but I’ll probably never do it myself. I’m often like a bull-in-a-china-closet and in looking at the process of extracting the essence from a skunk, all I see are endless possibilities for the entire adventure to go south.I will never keep a carp for table fare.Big, strong and built like aquatic tanks with scales, carp are possibly second only to wipers as the hardest fighting fish found in Kansas waters, and avid carp fisherman would probably argue with that. I found the International Carp Fishing Association, the American Carp Fishing Association and various other state organizations, all dedicated to the sport of catch-and-release carp tournament fishing. The guys and gals of these clubs are as infatuated with carp fishing as any bass or walleye tournament fishermen.&nbsp; Once again, I thoroughly respect these folks for their appreciation of a creature that’s often known as a trash fish and has over the years been the brunt of more jokes and ridicule than congress. However, given the number of other fine-eating fish found in Kansas, I’ll probably never keep one for dinner. We just got home after spending three days fishing Lake Waconda at Glen Elder, and now have numerous meals of crappie and walleye in the freezer…I rest my case.I will never eat possum or grubs.I have tasted numerous kinds of wild game meat, including bear, beaver, raccoon and bobcat, and most taste amazingly good, though bear and raccoon are slightly greasy.&nbsp; I guess opossum is also edible and in fact is considered classy cuisine in some parts of the country. In response to the suggestion of eating possum, I once heard someone say “No I will never eat possum; I’ve seen too many of them crawl out of a rotting carcass of some sort.” My sentiments exactly; possums are four legged vultures and to me eating one would be no different than eating a vulture. So no, I will never eat possum!... Likewise with grubs; I watch the survival shows and see the guys fishing big fat grubs out of trees and rotten logs, hear them tell how tasty and crunchy they are roasted over an open fire, and listen to them rave about all the protein and nutrients they provide a hungry person. Sorry, but I think I’d rather chew off my left foot! If God had wanted me to eat grubs, He would have given me feathers or a white stripe down my back.&nbsp;I will never spend another winter night in a tiny camping trailer.When I was just a kid, probably in my early twenties, I accepted an older coworker’s invitation to go deer hunting with him in Pennsylvania. We were staying in his tiny camping trailer in some deserted state park, and early the first morning we stepped out into ten or so inches of fresh snow and absolutely miserable freezing temperatures.&nbsp; We walked up and down hills and through pine trees all day long and were absolutely beat by days end as I remember. We decided to go to a little tavern out in the middle of nowhere to get a hot evening meal, and my friend had a beer or two with his meal. On the counter, as in many old country taverns back then was a glass gallon jar of pickled hard-boiled eggs, and my friend began eating those eggs along with his beer and dinner. Back then I had no idea what a potent combination beer and pickled boiled eggs could be. That night I would rather have slept out in the snow than in that tiny trailer with him.&nbsp;These are just a few of the things on my “inverse bucket list” and I hope they gave you a chuckle or two. But as I think about it, who knows, in our world today maybe it’s just as important for us to know what we WILL NOT do as it is to know what we will; continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kansas: Inverse bucket list

Spring branding and processing day is often a time when community members and families join together to administer vaccinations, castrate, implant calves and apply hide identification before summer pasture turnout.

But this spring’s COVID-19 pandemic may require some changes, said experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. “It is critical to have the right labor on hand to help on processing day,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson, adding that families may need to manage that differently this year because of the COVID-19 human health challenge.

“This COVID-19 spring means that we may need to organize our labor into family groups to promote social distance between folks who don’t live together,” Larson said.

He also said that it is important for cow-calf producers to involve help that know how to best move around the animals.

“A few people that handle cattle well are way more helpful than a bunch of folks who don’t know what they are doing,” Larson said.

One way that cattle producers can inform themselves on good animal handling protocols is to complete the National Cattlemen’s Association’s Beef Quality Assurance trainings, said Brad White, K-State veterinarian and BCI director.

Bob Weaber, a beef cattle specialist with K-State Research and Extension, added that the training helps producers understand biological products and protocols,

“For example, modified live vaccines need to be protected from sunlight, so you’ll want to have a cooler for storage when you are working the calves,” Weaber said. “Also syringe maintenance is important. If you are using an automated syringe, make sure the tubes and gaskets are clean and in good shape.”

He also said this is the time to implant the calves.

“We know that through implanting there is an improved efficiency of gain and performance of calves and that is really valuable going into this fall with so much uncertainty in the markets,” Weaber said.

White added that while the calves are gathered up, go ahead and castrate the bulls to make them steers.

White added a note of caution:&nbsp;“As always, it is important to work with your veterinarian to come up with the right plan to fit the needs of your operation.”

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Spring branding and processing day is often a time when community members and families join together to administer vaccinations, castrate, implant calves and apply hide identification before summer pasture turnout.But this spring’s COVID-19 pandemic may require some changes, said experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. “It is critical to have the right labor on hand to help on processing day,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson, adding that families may need to manage that differently this year because of the COVID-19 human health challenge.“This COVID-19 spring means that we may need to organize our labor into family groups to promote social distance between folks who don’t live together,” Larson said.He also said that it is important for cow-calf producers to involve help that know how to best move around the animals.“A few people that handle cattle well are way more helpful than a bunch of folks who don’t know what they are doing,” Larson said.One way that cattle producers can inform themselves on good animal handling protocols is to complete the National Cattlemen’s Association’s Beef Quality Assurance trainings, said Brad White, K-State veterinarian and BCI director.Bob Weaber, a beef cattle specialist with K-State Research and Extension, added that the training helps producers understand biological products and protocols,“For example, modified live vaccines need to be protected from sunlight, so you’ll want to have a cooler for storage when you are working the calves,” Weaber said. “Also syringe maintenance is important. If you are using an automated syringe, make sure the tubes and gaskets are clean and in good shape.”He also said this is the time to implant the calves.“We know that through implanting there is an improved efficiency of gain and performance of calves and that is really valuable going into this fall with so much uncertainty in the markets,” Weaber said.White added that while the calves are gathered up, go ahead and castrate the bulls to make them steers.White added a note of caution:&nbsp;“As always, it is important to work with your veterinarian to come up with the right plan to fit the needs of your operation.”Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Working the cattle amid COVID-19

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $23.50 a barrel after topping $20 for the first time in two months last week. Kansas prices are up from just $10 a barrel at the beginning of the month, but are down by more than half from the beginning of the year.

Efforts to ease the worldwide crude-oil glut appear to be working. EIA points out Baker Hughes reported the lowest weekly rig count in the history of the company, down 56% since March. U.S. shale operators are shutting down wells at an unprecedented clip. By next month, the OPEC-Plus agreement will remove from the market as much as 17 million barrels of crude oil per day, which Bloomberg says mark the deepest and fastest cuts on record. As a result, prices are up more than 70% in New York since the start of May.

Baker Hughes reported another big drop in its weekly Rotary Rig Count Friday, down 21 oil rigs nationwide to 318 active rigs.  Texas was down 12, New Mexico was down three and North Dakota was down by two rigs.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the Kansas rig count was unchanged last week, with seven rigs west of Wichita and none in the eastern half of the state. Operators are preparing to spud a new well on a lease in Ellis County.

There are five new drilling permits in Kansas this week, 187 year-to-date, compared to 358 at this time last year. 

Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports 16 new well-completions across the state, two east of Wichita, and 14 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Kansas operators have completed 376 wells so far this year.

Declines in oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. outpaced the downturn across the entire rail/freight industry. Operators originated 9,787 rail tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending May 16. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 25.7% from the same week a year ago. AAR says total rail traffic declined 22%.

U.S. crude inventories dropped last week, but remain about ten percent above the five year seasonal average. EIA reports domestic stockpiles dropped five million barrels, to nearly 527 million barrels. The government reports a drop in production as well. Operators pumped more than eleven and a half million barrels of crude oil per day last week, down more than 100,000 barrels per day. Imports dropped nearly 200,000 barrels per day. The four-week average is down 25% from a year ago.

Despite sitting atop the largest oil reserves in the world, gasoline is a precious commodity in Venezuela because of U.S. and international sanctions. This week the first of five tankers arrived in Venezuela from Iran, another oil nation targeted by sanctions. The U.S. State Department told the New York Times that Venezuela's government is a criminal organization that used illegally obtained gold to buy fuel from Tehran. There's no word if the U.S. would try to block future shipments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $23.50 a barrel after topping $20 for the first time in two months last week. Kansas prices are up from just $10 a barrel at the beginning of the month, but are down by more than half from the beginning of the year.Efforts to ease the worldwide crude-oil glut appear to be working. EIA points out Baker Hughes reported the lowest weekly rig count in the history of the company, down 56% since March. U.S. shale operators are shutting down wells at an unprecedented clip. By next month, the OPEC-Plus agreement will remove from the market as much as 17 million barrels of crude oil per day, which Bloomberg says mark the deepest and fastest cuts on record. As a result, prices are up more than 70% in New York since the start of May.Baker Hughes reported another big drop in its weekly Rotary Rig Count Friday, down 21 oil rigs nationwide to 318 active rigs. Texas was down 12, New Mexico was down three and North Dakota was down by two rigs.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports the Kansas rig count was unchanged last week, with seven rigs west of Wichita and none in the eastern half of the state. Operators are preparing to spud a new well on a lease in Ellis County.There are five new drilling permits in Kansas this week, 187 year-to-date, compared to 358 at this time last year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas reports 16 new well-completions across the state, two east of Wichita, and 14 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Kansas operators have completed 376 wells so far this year.Declines in oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. outpaced the downturn across the entire rail/freight industry. Operators originated 9,787 rail tanker cars hauling petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending May 16. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 25.7% from the same week a year ago. AAR says total rail traffic declined 22%.U.S. crude inventories dropped last week, but remain about ten percent above the five year seasonal average. EIA reports domestic stockpiles dropped five million barrels, to nearly 527 million barrels. The government reports a drop in production as well. Operators pumped more than eleven and a half million barrels of crude oil per day last week, down more than 100,000 barrels per day. Imports dropped nearly 200,000 barrels per day. The four-week average is down 25% from a year ago.Despite sitting atop the largest oil reserves in the world, gasoline is a precious commodity in Venezuela because of U.S. and international sanctions. This week the first of five tankers arrived in Venezuela from Iran, another oil nation targeted by sanctions. The U.S. State Department told the New York Times that Venezuela's government is a criminal organization that used illegally obtained gold to buy fuel from Tehran. There's no word if the U.S. would try to block future shipments.

News From the Oil Patch: OPEC supply cuts looming

Well, they’re back among us now, members of the Kansas Legislature who finally managed to gavel to a close the election-year 2020 session with angst, argument, and sometimes not particularly good manners.

It was nearly a round-the-clock (twice) prize fight, and it was unlike any closing-day session we’ve seen in the past 40-plus years, and one that clearly pitted a Republican-dominated Legislature against a Democrat governor in the Statehouse, a building that was closed to the public in the midst of a pandemic.

Oh, and don’t forget, it was held just days before the filing deadline for members of the Legislature who want to return to life under the Dome. And those lawmakers -- some social-distancing, some wearing masks, but none shaking hands – are going to have an interesting number of choices ahead as they campaign on their experience and power in shaping the state for their constituents.

While the session stuttered from conference committees to the floor for debates, back to conference committees, and again to the floor, most Kansans are going to be confused and bewildered by the session and its effects on their lives.

What was interesting? Well, it could have been that instead of a three-day session which Senate leaders sought with time for committees to consider bills and make sure they knew what they did, instead it was a one-day session. The House’s insistence on a one-day session meant cramming a handful of bills that at least one chamber might – or might not – have considered good public policy and passed into one bill for consideration by both chambers.

Oh, and that means that once a conference committee report is assembled by a panel of three House and three Senate members (by the way, the GOP tilt in the Legislature means each of those legislative assembly lines has four Republicans and two Democrats, the full Legislature then votes yes or no, no amendments possible.

That’s why there were just a dozen of those bulk measures considered, and practically if four bills were assembled into one package, and one of them contains provisions that aren’t what your constituents want, well, legislators gulp and vote for the measure with issues they favor while trying not to dwell on those they don’t.

Makes passing bills simple. Put provisions that Democrats oppose into a conference committee report that contains some important provisions, and, well, it passes to the governor.

Best example, of course, is the COVID-19 response bill, which restricts the governor’s authority to take the extreme step of closing down businesses and bars and swimming pools and cancelling sporting events and gatherings of more than 15 people…with social-distancing, of course, to deter the spread of the fatal disease through the state.

Now, there are counties with no reported cases of coronavirus, and they don’t want the governor stepping into their way of life, closing their restaurants and swimming pools. And, they don’t want the same restrictions that heavily populated counties, with many coronavirus cases – and deaths – have under the same rules.

It was the conference committee system that made it possible for lawmakers to send the governor a bill that produces more local control and reduces her authority for restrictions…spiced with provisions that everyone likes, such as support for tele-medicine, increased testing, maintaining expanded unemployment compensation provisions, and allowing you to get important documents notarized over the Internet so you can actually sell that car or finance that house. Nice mix? Hmmm…

But that was the procedure, and we’re going to see the other side…will the governor sign into law a bill with provisions she doesn’t like in order to get provisions she wants or needs?

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/2019/11/1573141234707.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>Well, they’re back among us now, members of the Kansas Legislature who finally managed to gavel to a close the election-year 2020 session with angst, argument, and sometimes not particularly good manners.It was nearly a round-the-clock (twice) prize fight, and it was unlike any closing-day session we’ve seen in the past 40-plus years, and one that clearly pitted a Republican-dominated Legislature against a Democrat governor in the Statehouse, a building that was closed to the public in the midst of a pandemic.Oh, and don’t forget, it was held just days before the filing deadline for members of the Legislature who want to return to life under the Dome. And those lawmakers -- some social-distancing, some wearing masks, but none shaking hands – are going to have an interesting number of choices ahead as they campaign on their experience and power in shaping the state for their constituents.While the session stuttered from conference committees to the floor for debates, back to conference committees, and again to the floor, most Kansans are going to be confused and bewildered by the session and its effects on their lives.What was interesting? Well, it could have been that instead of a three-day session which Senate leaders sought with time for committees to consider bills and make sure they knew what they did, instead it was a one-day session. The House’s insistence on a one-day session meant cramming a handful of bills that at least one chamber might – or might not – have considered good public policy and passed into one bill for consideration by both chambers.Oh, and that means that once a conference committee report is assembled by a panel of three House and three Senate members (by the way, the GOP tilt in the Legislature means each of those legislative assembly lines has four Republicans and two Democrats, the full Legislature then votes yes or no, no amendments possible.That’s why there were just a dozen of those bulk measures considered, and practically if four bills were assembled into one package, and one of them contains provisions that aren’t what your constituents want, well, legislators gulp and vote for the measure with issues they favor while trying not to dwell on those they don’t.Makes passing bills simple. Put provisions that Democrats oppose into a conference committee report that contains some important provisions, and, well, it passes to the governor.Best example, of course, is the COVID-19 response bill, which restricts the governor’s authority to take the extreme step of closing down businesses and bars and swimming pools and cancelling sporting events and gatherings of more than 15 people…with social-distancing, of course, to deter the spread of the fatal disease through the state.Now, there are counties with no reported cases of coronavirus, and they don’t want the governor stepping into their way of life, closing their restaurants and swimming pools. And, they don’t want the same restrictions that heavily populated counties, with many coronavirus cases – and deaths – have under the same rules.It was the conference committee system that made it possible for lawmakers to send the governor a bill that produces more local control and reduces her authority for restrictions…spiced with provisions that everyone likes, such as support for tele-medicine, increased testing, maintaining expanded unemployment compensation provisions, and allowing you to get important documents notarized over the Internet so you can actually sell that car or finance that house. Nice mix? Hmmm…But that was the procedure, and we’re going to see the other side…will the governor sign into law a bill with provisions she doesn’t like in order to get provisions she wants or needs?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: Legislature's final day evolves into campaign season

All fertilizers are salts and can cause germination problems if too much is placed with the seed. Too much fertilizer may inhibit germination completely, which results in a loss of stand. In other instances, too much fertilizer placed with the seed may simply delay germination, or it may result in weak seedlings with poorly developed root systems. In either case, the affected seedlings will be at a competitive disadvantage and a loss of yield potential may result.

Several points should be kept in mind when evaluating seed-placed fertilizer.

Remember that these maximum amounts assume you’re not including any potash. If you are adding potash, the maximum amounts in the chart below would be reduced.

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/2020/1/1578070143255.png" alt="Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>All fertilizers are salts and can cause germination problems if too much is placed with the seed. Too much fertilizer may inhibit germination completely, which results in a loss of stand. In other instances, too much fertilizer placed with the seed may simply delay germination, or it may result in weak seedlings with poorly developed root systems. In either case, the affected seedlings will be at a competitive disadvantage and a loss of yield potential may result.Several points should be kept in mind when evaluating seed-placed fertilizer.<ol>
 <li>Soil between the seed and the fertilizer band provides a buffer.</li><li>The potential for injury from seed-applied fertilizer is greater for sandy and/or dry soils.</li><li>Certain types of fertilizers should never be applied with the seed, even at low rates. No urea-containing fertilizer (urea, UAN solution) should be placed in direct seed contact. The hydrolysis of urea to ammonia can result in ammonia toxicity to seedlings.</li><li>We suggest no seed placed fertilizer for soybeans, sunflowers, or dry beans.</li>
 </ol>Remember that these maximum amounts assume you’re not including any potash. If you are adding potash, the maximum amounts in the chart below would be reduced.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590081941507.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: How much fertilizer can safely be placed with seed?

Money Management is a skill that is learned at an early age. Parents play an important role in teaching children how to manage money. The best teacher is a parent who sets a good example. Take time during this summer break to do activities that will help children understand that family spending depends on your own family’s income, obligations, and values, not on what friends or neighbors spend.&nbsp;

Even pre-school aged children can begin to learn basic concepts about money. Here are some tips to help reinforce their learning.

As children get older, (6 to 12 year olds, you can add these learning opportunities.

And then there are the teenage years when you need to remind kids that money does not grow on a tree in the back yard.

I do have some great resources at the Extension Office that can help reinforce these money management practices. Give me a call or e-mail me and I will be happy to share!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574802720194.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Money Management is a skill that is learned at an early age. Parents play an important role in teaching children how to manage money. The best teacher is a parent who sets a good example. Take time during this summer break to do activities that will help children understand that family spending depends on your own family’s income, obligations, and values, not on what friends or neighbors spend.&nbsp;Even pre-school aged children can begin to learn basic concepts about money. Here are some tips to help reinforce their learning.<ol>
 <li>Play store with your children. Let them buy and sell toys, food, or “pretend” items. You can use play money for this activity.</li><li>Help children understand that family members work to pay for family needs like housing, food, clothes, etc. A visit to the workplace helps children know what you do and why you have to be away from home.&nbsp;</li><li>Explain why they can’t buy everything. Talk about the difference between what people want and what they need.&nbsp;</li><li>Encourage children to buy some things to share with others – food, games, puzzles, balls, crayons, etc.</li><li>Introduce children to coins when they are old enough to count to 10. Talk about what different coins can buy.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>As children get older, (6 to 12 year olds, you can add these learning opportunities.<ol>
 <li>Give children a chance to make shopping decisions. Show them how to comparison shop.</li><li>Get children involved with family money management by making out monthly checks and addressing envelopes. Let them gather information before a major family purchase.</li><li>Provide opportunities for children to earn money.</li>
 </ol>And then there are the teenage years when you need to remind kids that money does not grow on a tree in the back yard.<ol>
 <li>Let teenagers manage their own money. Have them be responsible for paying many of their personal expenses, especially if they are “wants.”</li><li>Encourage teens to earn money by working at a part-time job. Make sure the number of hours worked still allows enough time for studying and social time with friends.&nbsp;</li><li>This is a great time to help young people understand when to use cash and when to use credit.</li><li>Encourage long-range planning related to education, career and the future.</li>
 </ol>I do have some great resources at the Extension Office that can help reinforce these money management practices. Give me a call or e-mail me and I will be happy to share!Donna Krug is the Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent and District Director in the Cottonwood Extension District. You may contact her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.&nbsp;

KRUG: Kids and cash

The Topeka Capital-Journal published a stunning story this week on foster care in Kansas. It begs the question: Why hasn’t the legislature prioritized foster care oversight and reform in the last decade?

From 2016 to 2018 under Governors Sam Brownback and Jeff Colyer, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) “secretly withheld” millions of dollars from private foster care contractors. Those nonprofits suffered significant financial strain, which negatively impacted children in state custody.

These facts are just now becoming public since the contractors had been “bound by a state-imposed nondisclosure agreement[s].” Governor Laura Kelly resolved the issue after assuming office.

Problems with foster care in Kansas are nothing new. You might remember missing children, kids sleeping in contractor offices, and archaic DCF technology, among others. This new revelation is another sad wrinkle.

The key quote in the article comes from Sen. Richard Hilderbrand of Cherokee County: “It infuriates me that that was our mode of operation instead of doing what’s right. The kids are in such a traumatic state anyway, and then we put them through that.”

He’s right. These actions are infuriating, falling somewhere between petty bureaucratic politics and state-sanctioned child neglect.&nbsp;

Foremost, “we” is Brownback, Colyer, and their administration officials. Their shortchanging of foster care should define their moral legacy.

However, the buck doesn’t stop there. “We” is also the Kansas legislature.&nbsp;

There are unanswered questions about the role of the legislature here, especially leaders of the two chambers and relevant committee chairs—the folks with the real institutional power, some of whom still serve in Topeka. What did you know and when? If you didn’t know what was happening, why?&nbsp;

Basically, where was the oversight that could have stopped or prevented this? Where was the enthusiasm to check executive power back then?

During those years, the major legislative innovation on foster care was establishing the Child Welfare System Task Force in 2017 to suggest legislation and regulatory changes. Basically, a study committee. Its 2019 report to the legislature is available online.

As media have since reported, the legislature has largely ignored the Task Force’s recommendations. The Governor also lacks the power to fully implement them herself because many require legislation.&nbsp;

Why spend money to create the Task Force, and then ignore its work? Disagreement with its recommendations? Low interest? Low political payoff, especially compared to recent tax and abortion debates that commanded legislative attention but yielded nothing? Money, of lack thereof? That’s always a rationale for avoidance, especially now with Kansas facing a budget shortfall.&nbsp;

To Topeka’s credit, the Family First Prevention Services Act became law in 2018 to capitalize on federal dollars focused on prevention strategies, but it pre-dates the still dangling Task Force report.&nbsp;

Yes, some legislators have promoted better foster care oversight and policy, most notably Representative Jarrod Ousley and former Representative Linda Gallagher, both of Johnson County. Others have assuredly devoted their attention. Governor Kelly also campaigned in 2018 on better foster care management, and has enacted some reforms. &nbsp;

Fully addressing these problems requires the legislature to invest attention and caring, and work with the Governor. If the legislature is an absent governing partner, that resigns Kansas to limited and possibly less effective foster care reform. The ultimate political losers of that are vulnerable Kansas children.

Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Topeka Capital-Journal published a stunning story this week on foster care in Kansas. It begs the question: Why hasn’t the legislature prioritized foster care oversight and reform in the last decade?From 2016 to 2018 under Governors Sam Brownback and Jeff Colyer, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) “secretly withheld” millions of dollars from private foster care contractors. Those nonprofits suffered significant financial strain, which negatively impacted children in state custody.These facts are just now becoming public since the contractors had been “bound by a state-imposed nondisclosure agreement[s].” Governor Laura Kelly resolved the issue after assuming office.Problems with foster care in Kansas are nothing new. You might remember missing children, kids sleeping in contractor offices, and archaic DCF technology, among others. This new revelation is another sad wrinkle.The key quote in the article comes from Sen. Richard Hilderbrand of Cherokee County: “It infuriates me that that was our mode of operation instead of doing what’s right. The kids are in such a traumatic state anyway, and then we put them through that.”He’s right. These actions are infuriating, falling somewhere between petty bureaucratic politics and state-sanctioned child neglect.&nbsp;But, who is ‘we” in his quote?Foremost, “we” is Brownback, Colyer, and their administration officials. Their shortchanging of foster care should define their moral legacy.However, the buck doesn’t stop there. “We” is also the Kansas legislature.&nbsp;There are unanswered questions about the role of the legislature here, especially leaders of the two chambers and relevant committee chairs—the folks with the real institutional power, some of whom still serve in Topeka. What did you know and when? If you didn’t know what was happening, why?&nbsp;Basically, where was the oversight that could have stopped or prevented this? Where was the enthusiasm to check executive power back then?During those years, the major legislative innovation on foster care was establishing the Child Welfare System Task Force in 2017 to suggest legislation and regulatory changes. Basically, a study committee. Its 2019 report to the legislature is available online.As media have since reported, the legislature has largely ignored the Task Force’s recommendations. The Governor also lacks the power to fully implement them herself because many require legislation.&nbsp;Why spend money to create the Task Force, and then ignore its work? Disagreement with its recommendations? Low interest? Low political payoff, especially compared to recent tax and abortion debates that commanded legislative attention but yielded nothing? Money, of lack thereof? That’s always a rationale for avoidance, especially now with Kansas facing a budget shortfall.&nbsp;To Topeka’s credit, the Family First Prevention Services Act became law in 2018 to capitalize on federal dollars focused on prevention strategies, but it pre-dates the still dangling Task Force report.&nbsp;Yes, some legislators have promoted better foster care oversight and policy, most notably Representative Jarrod Ousley and former Representative Linda Gallagher, both of Johnson County. Others have assuredly devoted their attention. Governor Kelly also campaigned in 2018 on better foster care management, and has enacted some reforms. &nbsp;Fully addressing these problems requires the legislature to invest attention and caring, and work with the Governor. If the legislature is an absent governing partner, that resigns Kansas to limited and possibly less effective foster care reform. The ultimate political losers of that are vulnerable Kansas children.Patrick R. Miller is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Kansas.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Foster care revelations raise political, policy questions

Kansas crude prices topped $20 a barrel for the first time in two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained $2.25 Monday to $22 a barrel.

New numbers from the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) confirm crude-oil production dropping in most of the counties in Kansas last year. One exception in our area is Stafford County, which increased production over the year before by more than 21,000 barrels. Barton County reports total production last year dropped more than 64,000 barrels from the year before. Ellis County's total dropped more than 76,000 barrels last year. 2019 production in Russell County was down 58,000 from the year before.&nbsp;

KGS this week also released county production totals for the month of January, with the entire state and most counties reporting declines compared to January of last year. But Stafford County outproduced its total from a year earlier by about 4,000 barrels.&nbsp;

Kansas regulators approved just three new drilling permits last week, two in Ellis County and one in Greeley County. That's 182 permits for drilling at new locations so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports just nine new well completions for the week, eight of them in Western Kansas. That's 360 completions so far this year.

Baker Hughes reported its sixth weekly decline in the U.S. Rotary Rig Count. Since the second week in March, the national count has dropped more than half, down 454 rigs. For the week ending May 15, the total was 339 active rigs, down 34 oil rigs and one gas rig. Texas reported just 150 active rigs, down 23 for the week. New Mexico and North Dakota were each down four.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports just seven active rigs across Kansas. The count east of Wichita dropped to zero, down two rigs. In Western Kansas the count is down one to seven rigs. Drilling was underway on one lease in Ellis County last week.

The Energy Information Administration reported a slight draw-down in U.S. crude-oil inventories for the week ending May 8. That contradicts predictions earlier from S&amp;P Global Platts and the American Petroleum Institute, which both predicted inventory increases. EIA said stockpiles were down 700,000 barrels to 531.5 million barrels.

The government said crude-oil imports dropped more than five percent, with the four-week average more than 26% below the same figure a year ago.

The government said weekly production in the U.S. dropped by more than 300,000 barrels per day to just over eleven point six million barrels per day.

A closely-watched government report predicts continuing decreases in liquid fuels demand for the first half of this year, because of travel restrictions and other disruptions to economic activity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts prices this year will average just over half of the average last year. In its Short Term Energy Outlook, EIA predicts global demand will drop by more than eight million barrels per day this year, after dropping six percent in the first quarter. The report predicts continuing declines in U.S. production and continuing growth in global inventories.

Another state is considering intervention to reduce crude oil production, asking operators if producing oil at substantially reduced prices is wasting an important natural resource. Oklahoma has allowed such a declaration to protect leaseholders who shut down production. But in North Dakota, oil-patch representatives fear the state could move to curtail production. The industry overwhelmingly opposed the waste declaration, which could enable the state to order production cuts. The Grand Forks Herald reports there are a few companies that support the proposal, including Continental Resources, the biggest producer in the state.

March crude production in North Dakota dropped another 30,000 barrels a day. The Department of Mineral Resources reports monthly output of just over 1.4 million barrels per day. The state set a record for the captured volume of natural gas produced at oil wells, at two point seven million million-cubic-feet-per-day.

The government predicts a continuing decline in domestic shale-oil production. EIA says total U.S. shale output is now expected to drop by 197,000 barrels per day from May to June, after dropping 183,000 barrels per day the month before.

It appears current prices are high enough to alleviate many concerns over crude-oil storage. The government says storage use has flattened out, after a run on supertankers and inland storage facilities last month. EIA says our current net stockpiles represent 62% of working storage capacity for the week ending May 8. That's unchanged from the week before, but remains 16% higher than at the first of the year. Storage usage at Cushing, Oklahoma actually went down four percent.

Oil-by-rail in the U.S. dropped to 9,554 rail tanker cars last week, down nearly 27% compared to a year earlier. Total freight train traffic is down more than 22%.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude prices topped $20 a barrel for the first time in two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained $2.25 Monday to $22 a barrel.New numbers from the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) confirm crude-oil production dropping in most of the counties in Kansas last year. One exception in our area is Stafford County, which increased production over the year before by more than 21,000 barrels. Barton County reports total production last year dropped more than 64,000 barrels from the year before. Ellis County's total dropped more than 76,000 barrels last year. 2019 production in Russell County was down 58,000 from the year before.&nbsp;KGS this week also released county production totals for the month of January, with the entire state and most counties reporting declines compared to January of last year. But Stafford County outproduced its total from a year earlier by about 4,000 barrels.&nbsp;Kansas regulators approved just three new drilling permits last week, two in Ellis County and one in Greeley County. That's 182 permits for drilling at new locations so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports just nine new well completions for the week, eight of them in Western Kansas. That's 360 completions so far this year.Baker Hughes reported its sixth weekly decline in the U.S. Rotary Rig Count. Since the second week in March, the national count has dropped more than half, down 454 rigs. For the week ending May 15, the total was 339 active rigs, down 34 oil rigs and one gas rig. Texas reported just 150 active rigs, down 23 for the week. New Mexico and North Dakota were each down four.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports just seven active rigs across Kansas. The count east of Wichita dropped to zero, down two rigs. In Western Kansas the count is down one to seven rigs. Drilling was underway on one lease in Ellis County last week.The Energy Information Administration reported a slight draw-down in U.S. crude-oil inventories for the week ending May 8. That contradicts predictions earlier from S&amp;P Global Platts and the American Petroleum Institute, which both predicted inventory increases. EIA said stockpiles were down 700,000 barrels to 531.5 million barrels.The government said crude-oil imports dropped more than five percent, with the four-week average more than 26% below the same figure a year ago.The government said weekly production in the U.S. dropped by more than 300,000 barrels per day to just over eleven point six million barrels per day.A closely-watched government report predicts continuing decreases in liquid fuels demand for the first half of this year, because of travel restrictions and other disruptions to economic activity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts prices this year will average just over half of the average last year. In its Short Term Energy Outlook, EIA predicts global demand will drop by more than eight million barrels per day this year, after dropping six percent in the first quarter. The report predicts continuing declines in U.S. production and continuing growth in global inventories.Another state is considering intervention to reduce crude oil production, asking operators if producing oil at substantially reduced prices is wasting an important natural resource. Oklahoma has allowed such a declaration to protect leaseholders who shut down production. But in North Dakota, oil-patch representatives fear the state could move to curtail production. The industry overwhelmingly opposed the waste declaration, which could enable the state to order production cuts. The Grand Forks Herald reports there are a few companies that support the proposal, including Continental Resources, the biggest producer in the state.March crude production in North Dakota dropped another 30,000 barrels a day. The Department of Mineral Resources reports monthly output of just over 1.4 million barrels per day. The state set a record for the captured volume of natural gas produced at oil wells, at two point seven million million-cubic-feet-per-day.The government predicts a continuing decline in domestic shale-oil production. EIA says total U.S. shale output is now expected to drop by 197,000 barrels per day from May to June, after dropping 183,000 barrels per day the month before.It appears current prices are high enough to alleviate many concerns over crude-oil storage. The government says storage use has flattened out, after a run on supertankers and inland storage facilities last month. EIA says our current net stockpiles represent 62% of working storage capacity for the week ending May 8. That's unchanged from the week before, but remains 16% higher than at the first of the year. Storage usage at Cushing, Oklahoma actually went down four percent.Oil-by-rail in the U.S. dropped to 9,554 rail tanker cars last week, down nearly 27% compared to a year earlier. Total freight train traffic is down more than 22%.

News From the Oil Patch: Kan. crude tops $20 a barrel

The pandemic is a difficult 
experience for all of us. The longer it goes on, the harder it gets to 
stay disciplined. The good news is that we are making progress in 
limiting the impact of the virus and communities are starting to relax 
restrictions in phases. This does not mean that we have reached the 
finish line. The medical experts warn that we are a long way from 
defeating this disease. The most important thing now is to maintain our 
discipline. This is tough as we are all tired of living in a world where
 we can"t have the social interaction we desire.

It is our 
individual discipline that has gotten us to where we are today. If we 
lose self-regulation, we risk going backward and winding up in a more 
restrictive situation. Just what we don't want. I have often seen this 
in my 40-year military career, where given life or death situations, or 
with mission accomplishment on the line, some did not have the 
discipline or willpower to continue doing what had kept them and their 
colleagues safe. When discipline broke down in these situations, the 
outcome was predictable and dire.

Our ultimate success is also a 
measure of our own compassion. Noted columnist and author David Brooks 
stated on "PBS NewsHour" on April 17 the way to overcome this pandemic 
is to exhibit social solidarity and surrender to the common good. This 
is not easy in America, where our individualism is prized. But when we 
are all challenged by a complex virus, we have to come together in ways 
that we have not had to do for most of our lives. We have to follow 
state and community guidelines. Yes, it is tough, but it is the&nbsp;only 
rational choice.

Kansas State University has an important mission.
 It is critical to individual success and the economic health of our 
nation. We want to return to in-person classes as soon as possible. 
Please be a part of the solution by staying mentally tough and 
disciplined. We are only as strong as our weakest link — none of us want
 to be the weak link that pushes us back to greater restrictions.

We
 started early in the pandemic urging our students, faculty and staff to
 be "K-State Strong." Their resiliency has been amazing.&nbsp;Now is the time
 for all of us to stay disciplined&nbsp;and strong for the sake of each 
other.

Richard B. Myers is the president of Kansas State University.&nbsp;From
 2001-2005, he served as the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 
and was the principal military adviser to the U.S. president, secretary 
of defense and the National Security Council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590064827869.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University President Richard B. Myers. Photo courtesy Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University President Richard B. Myers. Photo courtesy Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICHARD B. MYERSThe pandemic is a difficult 
experience for all of us. The longer it goes on, the harder it gets to 
stay disciplined. The good news is that we are making progress in 
limiting the impact of the virus and communities are starting to relax 
restrictions in phases. This does not mean that we have reached the 
finish line. The medical experts warn that we are a long way from 
defeating this disease. The most important thing now is to maintain our 
discipline. This is tough as we are all tired of living in a world where
 we can"t have the social interaction we desire.It is our 
individual discipline that has gotten us to where we are today. If we 
lose self-regulation, we risk going backward and winding up in a more 
restrictive situation. Just what we don't want. I have often seen this 
in my 40-year military career, where given life or death situations, or 
with mission accomplishment on the line, some did not have the 
discipline or willpower to continue doing what had kept them and their 
colleagues safe. When discipline broke down in these situations, the 
outcome was predictable and dire.Our ultimate success is also a 
measure of our own compassion. Noted columnist and author David Brooks 
stated on "PBS NewsHour" on April 17 the way to overcome this pandemic 
is to exhibit social solidarity and surrender to the common good. This 
is not easy in America, where our individualism is prized. But when we 
are all challenged by a complex virus, we have to come together in ways 
that we have not had to do for most of our lives. We have to follow 
state and community guidelines. Yes, it is tough, but it is the&nbsp;only 
rational choice.Kansas State University has an important mission.
 It is critical to individual success and the economic health of our 
nation. We want to return to in-person classes as soon as possible. 
Please be a part of the solution by staying mentally tough and 
disciplined. We are only as strong as our weakest link — none of us want
 to be the weak link that pushes us back to greater restrictions.We
 started early in the pandemic urging our students, faculty and staff to
 be "K-State Strong." Their resiliency has been amazing.&nbsp;Now is the time
 for all of us to stay disciplined&nbsp;and strong for the sake of each 
other.. . .Richard B. Myers is the president of Kansas State University.&nbsp;From
 2001-2005, he served as the 15th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 
and was the principal military adviser to the U.S. president, secretary 
of defense and the National Security Council.

OPINION: Discipline and strength required to vanquish pandemic foe

This past weekend should have been our commencement ceremonies. During the weekend I took the opportunity to pause and reflect – to silently express my gratitude for the students who choose to make FHSU their alma mater and for the faculty who ensured our graduates were absolutely prepared for their next adventure.

I also thought about the letter I sent to our graduates earlier this year, which read in part: “Dear Students – I consider the commencement ceremonies we host each year to be among the most important and cherished traditions of this university. Commencement is the celebration of a life-changing and singular achievement – one that has been years and even decades in the making. Every student will tell a different story about the journey to their degree, and every student will remember their graduation day.”&nbsp;

The letter went on to explain our celebratory plans. Each student will receive a regalia kit containing a gown, a hood (for graduate students, mortarboard, tassel, commencement program and diploma in an official Fort Hays State University diploma case. Our hope is that our graduates will use this kit to celebrate their achievements with the family and friends who have helped them throughout their academic careers. The university will also build social media events to supplement the kit and honor our students. Though not ideal – heartfelt.&nbsp;

I am so proud of our students. And yet that lack of celebration not only creates a void for them but for me as well. So, I did what I love to do: checked-in with some of our students.&nbsp;

Deja Brewer, Lenexa, is a student employee in the Geosciences Department and the president of the Black Student Union. Deja majored in general studies with a concentration in elementary education. She loves photography and baking. Next fall she plans on attending culinary school to become a chef. Deja and I have become very close over the years – ever since she came to visit me to complain about my decision not to cancel classes one wintry day. I truly miss seeing her on campus. Regarding commencement plans, Deja said: “Due to the postponed graduation for seniors, my family will be putting on a ceremony at home in my grandpa's backyard for me. My family is my biggest supporter, and I am the first to graduate from college, so this is a big accomplishment for my family and me.”

Nia Vasquez-Ward, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the youngest of three children and the only girl. She is also the first to go to college in her family. She earned a degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. Her dream is to become a probation officer. Nia has an amazing smile, and I bet her friendliness and graciousness will be welcomed by those with whom she will work. According to Nia, “Once my commencement kit comes in, my family has already planned a photoshoot with me in my cap and gown. This is exciting because I was going to have to do photos on my own in Hays, but now I can have my family in the photos, which will allow me to keep hold of special memories. I am still going to decorate my cap and save it for the new commencement date. Once this all passes, we will celebrate with a party.”&nbsp;

Becky Windholz, WaKeeney, put college on hold to pursue other opportunities after graduating high school, then began her FHSU studies in the summer of 2013. On Sept. 13 of that year, her son lost his father in a tragic vehicle accident. As much as she did not want to put college on hold again, she knew her son, who was only 9 years old at that time, needed his mother, so she stepped out for another four years. This spring, Becky completes an elementary education degree with a minor in special education. She is looking forward to a very impactful career at Trego County USD 208 as a middle school special education teacher. Becky’s thoughts on commencement: “With the unprecedented times in our lives, I do not know when I will be walking across the stage to get my diploma. However, I do plan to take my cap and gown from my commencement kit and have a fun photoshoot with my family to celebrate this life-long goal of mine. It wouldn’t have been possible without their support, so we will celebrate this accomplishment together, as a family. Thank you, Fort Hays. You will always have a spot in my heart!”

Hearing the resiliency and pride through the voices of our students reaffirms for me the power of a Fort Hays State University education. For it is indeed a special privilege, one to be cherished. I truly hope that the commencement weekend left students feeling not the sadness of a missed ceremony, but the pride and the love we, the faculty and staff, feel for them. We look forward to their future successes and strong connections to the Fort.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>This past weekend should have been our commencement ceremonies. During the weekend I took the opportunity to pause and reflect – to silently express my gratitude for the students who choose to make FHSU their alma mater and for the faculty who ensured our graduates were absolutely prepared for their next adventure.I also thought about the letter I sent to our graduates earlier this year, which read in part: “Dear Students – I consider the commencement ceremonies we host each year to be among the most important and cherished traditions of this university. Commencement is the celebration of a life-changing and singular achievement – one that has been years and even decades in the making. Every student will tell a different story about the journey to their degree, and every student will remember their graduation day.”&nbsp;The letter went on to explain our celebratory plans. Each student will receive a regalia kit containing a gown, a hood (for graduate students, mortarboard, tassel, commencement program and diploma in an official Fort Hays State University diploma case. Our hope is that our graduates will use this kit to celebrate their achievements with the family and friends who have helped them throughout their academic careers. The university will also build social media events to supplement the kit and honor our students. Though not ideal – heartfelt.&nbsp;I am so proud of our students. And yet that lack of celebration not only creates a void for them but for me as well. So, I did what I love to do: checked-in with some of our students.&nbsp;Deja Brewer, Lenexa, is a student employee in the Geosciences Department and the president of the Black Student Union. Deja majored in general studies with a concentration in elementary education. She loves photography and baking. Next fall she plans on attending culinary school to become a chef. Deja and I have become very close over the years – ever since she came to visit me to complain about my decision not to cancel classes one wintry day. I truly miss seeing her on campus. Regarding commencement plans, Deja said: “Due to the postponed graduation for seniors, my family will be putting on a ceremony at home in my grandpa's backyard for me. My family is my biggest supporter, and I am the first to graduate from college, so this is a big accomplishment for my family and me.”Nia Vasquez-Ward, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the youngest of three children and the only girl. She is also the first to go to college in her family. She earned a degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. Her dream is to become a probation officer. Nia has an amazing smile, and I bet her friendliness and graciousness will be welcomed by those with whom she will work. According to Nia, “Once my commencement kit comes in, my family has already planned a photoshoot with me in my cap and gown. This is exciting because I was going to have to do photos on my own in Hays, but now I can have my family in the photos, which will allow me to keep hold of special memories. I am still going to decorate my cap and save it for the new commencement date. Once this all passes, we will celebrate with a party.”&nbsp;Becky Windholz, WaKeeney, put college on hold to pursue other opportunities after graduating high school, then began her FHSU studies in the summer of 2013. On Sept. 13 of that year, her son lost his father in a tragic vehicle accident. As much as she did not want to put college on hold again, she knew her son, who was only 9 years old at that time, needed his mother, so she stepped out for another four years. This spring, Becky completes an elementary education degree with a minor in special education. She is looking forward to a very impactful career at Trego County USD 208 as a middle school special education teacher. Becky’s thoughts on commencement: “With the unprecedented times in our lives, I do not know when I will be walking across the stage to get my diploma. However, I do plan to take my cap and gown from my commencement kit and have a fun photoshoot with my family to celebrate this life-long goal of mine. It wouldn’t have been possible without their support, so we will celebrate this accomplishment together, as a family. Thank you, Fort Hays. You will always have a spot in my heart!”Hearing the resiliency and pride through the voices of our students reaffirms for me the power of a Fort Hays State University education. For it is indeed a special privilege, one to be cherished. I truly hope that the commencement weekend left students feeling not the sadness of a missed ceremony, but the pride and the love we, the faculty and staff, feel for them. We look forward to their future successes and strong connections to the Fort.Congratulations graduates!

MASON: Distance doesn’t dim graduates’ joy of achievement 

&nbsp;To the citizens of Ellis County, I would like to spend a few moments introducing myself as I announce I will be running for re-election as your Treasurer on August 4. My professional background includes several years of work experience in Higher Education, physical fitness, the banking industry, and more. During my undergraduate education, I was in the top 2% of students at FHSU in the College of Business and Leadership, and was nominated for the Torch Award when I graduated. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies, and I earned my Master’s degree from KU, where I graduated with Honors in 2011.

After earning my degrees and learning more about the world through full-time work and travel, I became certain I wanted to make my home in Kansas. My hobbies include spending time with my family and pets, and doing physical fitness, hiking, and gardening. Having grown up in Ellis County, a farmer’s daughter, I feel a great affinity for the people and the environs of Kansas. I was born in this place for a reason, and I want to stay here to contribute my efforts and talents to Ellis County, the place my family has called home since my ancestors came to the U.S. in the late 1800s.&nbsp; I have spent 17 years of my professional working life in Kansas, and feel compelled to make my work benefit every single citizen of this county. I like to serve the community with my work.&nbsp;

We are at a time in history that is especially poignant regarding taking our individual power and duty to weigh-in as citizens on how our cities, counties, and nations run. If we do not take up the yoke of civic duty, our great democracy will fail and fail fast. Our city, county, and nation need to pick leaders with integrity and courage to make tough decisions, as we move thoughtfully onward.&nbsp; We as citizens need to take the time and effort to watch, learn, and get engaged in the democratic process.&nbsp;

I have said this all before, and it is even more true today.&nbsp; Since you elected me in 2016, I have brought the Treasury unprecedented success both economically and managerially. As I have outlined in my semi-annual newsletters, I have implemented new collection practices, negotiated strong investment and procurement contracts, and tidied-up the budget to match my frugal nature, while still getting even more things done and done better. It has been a record-setting performance for a 4-year term as Treasurer.&nbsp;

Back when I joined the county, I focused on how I could bring all kinds of new practices (as I have done, but I also mentioned working in spirit of togetherness with other county officials to strengthen and unite our county. The thing about togetherness, is it has to be desired by two or more people in a group. I cannot enter the county and say I want to get along and cooperate, and be pressured to capitulate for several years, and when I do not capitulate to keeping failures or corruption hush-hush, and instead choose to calmly and consciously bring things to the table to discuss, be attacked, slandered, and shunned by other people in power to keep me quiet.&nbsp;

Togetherness takes multiple willing people. The thing is, even with the political pressure since 2017, I have still managed to share what I felt needed to be shared with Ellis County citizens; I have still managed to bring prosperity to the treasury, and effective management of staff, and I have still maintained a civil and respectful atmosphere to other county elected officials with my conduct. Just because they refuse to respect the office of Treasurer does not mean I will lose my integrity. The Treasury is still operating as good as it ever has, even with all the drama directed at us by current commissioners.&nbsp;

My independent judgement is what makes me the Treasurer you want. You do not want further nepotism in one of the three others running for my position who are two spouses and one parent of current county employees. I will not give up hope or silence my voice to protect special interests. I will cooperate, but I will not capitulate or pretend the Treasurer’s office is subject to the Commission. We are equal on the hierarchy of Counties.

As your incumbent, I understand the Kansas statutes as they apply to the taxation process. I know how to interface effectively with other government officials and taxpayers, as well as manage a staff of various specialists, while working to implement statutes in a way that advocates for constituents.&nbsp; My leadership degree taught me how to keep an eye on the big picture while attending to the details and providing training in effective interaction with all sectors of the community.

I will not give up on my vision for this county. It has grown me as a person to work for you as Treasurer, and it has greatly prospered your Treasury, having me managing the staff and the monies of Ellis County. Let’s make it a win-win, and pick me again in 2020. Since I have primary opponents, if you want me to be your Treasurer you must vote on AUGUST 4. You will then have to vote again on November 3 as well. If you pick me, you can count on me to perform the duties of Treasurer with excellence and integrity, as I have for the past several years. You can count on me to tell you about what matters, and trust that I will not waste your time with trivial matters, but will inform you of what I know is truly important and worth citizens being aware of.&nbsp;

Lisa Schlegel, Ellis County Treasurer&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584719419709.png" alt="Ellis County Treasurer Lisa Schlegel" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Treasurer Lisa Schlegel</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;To the citizens of Ellis County, I would like to spend a few moments introducing myself as I announce I will be running for re-election as your Treasurer on August 4. My professional background includes several years of work experience in Higher Education, physical fitness, the banking industry, and more. During my undergraduate education, I was in the top 2% of students at FHSU in the College of Business and Leadership, and was nominated for the Torch Award when I graduated. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies, and I earned my Master’s degree from KU, where I graduated with Honors in 2011.After earning my degrees and learning more about the world through full-time work and travel, I became certain I wanted to make my home in Kansas. My hobbies include spending time with my family and pets, and doing physical fitness, hiking, and gardening. Having grown up in Ellis County, a farmer’s daughter, I feel a great affinity for the people and the environs of Kansas. I was born in this place for a reason, and I want to stay here to contribute my efforts and talents to Ellis County, the place my family has called home since my ancestors came to the U.S. in the late 1800s.&nbsp; I have spent 17 years of my professional working life in Kansas, and feel compelled to make my work benefit every single citizen of this county. I like to serve the community with my work.&nbsp;We are at a time in history that is especially poignant regarding taking our individual power and duty to weigh-in as citizens on how our cities, counties, and nations run. If we do not take up the yoke of civic duty, our great democracy will fail and fail fast. Our city, county, and nation need to pick leaders with integrity and courage to make tough decisions, as we move thoughtfully onward.&nbsp; We as citizens need to take the time and effort to watch, learn, and get engaged in the democratic process.&nbsp;I have said this all before, and it is even more true today.&nbsp; Since you elected me in 2016, I have brought the Treasury unprecedented success both economically and managerially. As I have outlined in my semi-annual newsletters, I have implemented new collection practices, negotiated strong investment and procurement contracts, and tidied-up the budget to match my frugal nature, while still getting even more things done and done better. It has been a record-setting performance for a 4-year term as Treasurer.&nbsp;Back when I joined the county, I focused on how I could bring all kinds of new practices (as I have done, but I also mentioned working in spirit of togetherness with other county officials to strengthen and unite our county. The thing about togetherness, is it has to be desired by two or more people in a group. I cannot enter the county and say I want to get along and cooperate, and be pressured to capitulate for several years, and when I do not capitulate to keeping failures or corruption hush-hush, and instead choose to calmly and consciously bring things to the table to discuss, be attacked, slandered, and shunned by other people in power to keep me quiet.&nbsp;Togetherness takes multiple willing people. The thing is, even with the political pressure since 2017, I have still managed to share what I felt needed to be shared with Ellis County citizens; I have still managed to bring prosperity to the treasury, and effective management of staff, and I have still maintained a civil and respectful atmosphere to other county elected officials with my conduct. Just because they refuse to respect the office of Treasurer does not mean I will lose my integrity. The Treasury is still operating as good as it ever has, even with all the drama directed at us by current commissioners.&nbsp;My independent judgement is what makes me the Treasurer you want. You do not want further nepotism in one of the three others running for my position who are two spouses and one parent of current county employees. I will not give up hope or silence my voice to protect special interests. I will cooperate, but I will not capitulate or pretend the Treasurer’s office is subject to the Commission. We are equal on the hierarchy of Counties.As your incumbent, I understand the Kansas statutes as they apply to the taxation process. I know how to interface effectively with other government officials and taxpayers, as well as manage a staff of various specialists, while working to implement statutes in a way that advocates for constituents.&nbsp; My leadership degree taught me how to keep an eye on the big picture while attending to the details and providing training in effective interaction with all sectors of the community.I will not give up on my vision for this county. It has grown me as a person to work for you as Treasurer, and it has greatly prospered your Treasury, having me managing the staff and the monies of Ellis County. Let’s make it a win-win, and pick me again in 2020. Since I have primary opponents, if you want me to be your Treasurer you must vote on AUGUST 4. You will then have to vote again on November 3 as well. If you pick me, you can count on me to perform the duties of Treasurer with excellence and integrity, as I have for the past several years. You can count on me to tell you about what matters, and trust that I will not waste your time with trivial matters, but will inform you of what I know is truly important and worth citizens being aware of.&nbsp;Lisa Schlegel, Ellis County Treasurer&nbsp;

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