Perspective is the most important thing that people can bring to a situation. It’s why we seek diversity in groups and encourage others to tell us their opinions when trying to problem solve. Different perspectives are critical to balance in organizations and why I would encourage anyone to always surround yourself with people from different backgrounds. 
 
A different perspective is what I have brought to the Ellis County Commission. A perspective of a small business owner, first time home buyer, new husband and father, and most importantly to the residents of Ellis County a businessman. 
 
My businessman's perspective has yielded us some great results, including fiscal budget tightening, balanced budgets, over 7 million dollars in grant funding, the Northwest Business Corridor Project, and little to zero loss in services offered by the county. 
 
We still offer the absolute top level of EMS service available in the entire country, we are investing in over 15 million dollars worth of road infrastructure projects over the next 5 years, and we've been able to maintain staffing and tighten budgets throughout county government.&nbsp; 
 
The future is important for me. I'm investing in businesses and concentrating on what Ellis County will look like for my family’s future. I hope to continue to do that as a commissioner and leader. I ask for your vote in the August 4th primary. The best perspective for the future is a businessman who is ready to build a better future for Ellis County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Perspective is the most important thing that people can bring to a situation. It’s why we seek diversity in groups and encourage others to tell us their opinions when trying to problem solve. Different perspectives are critical to balance in organizations and why I would encourage anyone to always surround yourself with people from different backgrounds. 
 
A different perspective is what I have brought to the Ellis County Commission. A perspective of a small business owner, first time home buyer, new husband and father, and most importantly to the residents of Ellis County a businessman. 
 
My businessman's perspective has yielded us some great results, including fiscal budget tightening, balanced budgets, over 7 million dollars in grant funding, the Northwest Business Corridor Project, and little to zero loss in services offered by the county. 
 
We still offer the absolute top level of EMS service available in the entire country, we are investing in over 15 million dollars worth of road infrastructure projects over the next 5 years, and we've been able to maintain staffing and tighten budgets throughout county government.&nbsp; 
 
The future is important for me. I'm investing in businesses and concentrating on what Ellis County will look like for my family’s future. I hope to continue to do that as a commissioner and leader. I ask for your vote in the August 4th primary. The best perspective for the future is a businessman who is ready to build a better future for Ellis County. Dustin Roths, Ellis County commission

LETTER: Roths seeks re-election to Ellis Co. Commission

While uprooted trees and downed power lines caused a lot of damage in the Father’s Day storm that hit Great Bend, it could have been so much worse. I must admit it was a little scary sitting at the dining room table watching significant sized tree limbs fall from our previously well-shaped locust tree. Our power was just off a couple of hours which is a real testament to the power company workers who jumped into high gear and worked tirelessly to restore service.&nbsp;

Not everyone had their power restored so quickly so today I want to share some tips related to food safety during power outages. The temperature and sanitation of food storage areas is crucial to preventing bacterial growth, and severe weather and other emergencies can compromise this. Knowing what to do in these instances can minimize the need to throw away food and the risk of getting sick.

Before the power goes out, have coolers and frozen gel packs or ice on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours. When the power goes out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).

After the power returns, you will need to evaluate each item separately. When in doubt, throw it out. With frozen food, check for ice crystals. The food in your freezer that partially or completely thaws may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture, or feels warm to the touch. Never taste a food to determine its safety. Realize too, that while re-freezing foods that still contain ice crystals may be safe to consume, often times the quality of the food product is reduced.

There is an excellent website, Foodsafety.gov that has a list of common foods stored in the refrigerator and freezer with specific guidelines. It would be handy to print it off and keep it close by for the next time the power goes off.

As households get back to normal following the last round of severe weather, remember we’re right in the middle of summer storm season. The neatest thing I saw happen following last weeks’ storm was the number of neighbors helping neighbors with the cleaning up and hauling off of tree debris. So during this time of so much uncertainty, it is good to see the spirit of our Central Kansas communities is stronger than ever!&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578680101176.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>While uprooted trees and downed power lines caused a lot of damage in the Father’s Day storm that hit Great Bend, it could have been so much worse. I must admit it was a little scary sitting at the dining room table watching significant sized tree limbs fall from our previously well-shaped locust tree. Our power was just off a couple of hours which is a real testament to the power company workers who jumped into high gear and worked tirelessly to restore service.&nbsp;Not everyone had their power restored so quickly so today I want to share some tips related to food safety during power outages. The temperature and sanitation of food storage areas is crucial to preventing bacterial growth, and severe weather and other emergencies can compromise this. Knowing what to do in these instances can minimize the need to throw away food and the risk of getting sick.Before the power goes out, have coolers and frozen gel packs or ice on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours. When the power goes out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).After the power returns, you will need to evaluate each item separately. When in doubt, throw it out. With frozen food, check for ice crystals. The food in your freezer that partially or completely thaws may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture, or feels warm to the touch. Never taste a food to determine its safety. Realize too, that while re-freezing foods that still contain ice crystals may be safe to consume, often times the quality of the food product is reduced.There is an excellent website, Foodsafety.gov that has a list of common foods stored in the refrigerator and freezer with specific guidelines. It would be handy to print it off and keep it close by for the next time the power goes off.As households get back to normal following the last round of severe weather, remember we’re right in the middle of summer storm season. The neatest thing I saw happen following last weeks’ storm was the number of neighbors helping neighbors with the cleaning up and hauling off of tree debris. So during this time of so much uncertainty, it is good to see the spirit of our Central Kansas communities is stronger than ever!&nbsp;Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>.

KRUG: Food safety following a power outage

This past weekend while driving to Kansas City, I noticed two highway patrolman sitting in the median and I wondered how difficult their job is now. 

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page (<a href="http://odmp.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">odmp.org</a>), across the country 48 officers were shot and killed in the line of duty in 2019. I don’t know how many were injured. So far this year, 47 have died from COVID, 23 have been fatally shot, another eight were struck by a vehicle sometimes intentionally in their role of keeping us safe.

Yet all we hear from the press is how bad they are based on the actions of a few. After considerable thought and windshield time, I was compelled to stop at the next highway patrolman to share with him how grateful I am that he is still on the job keeping me safe. Ten miles later, I had my chance. He was also parked in the median. I changed lanes and then came to a rather abrupt stop next to the patrolman. 

My perceived aggressive action caused him alarm...swinging the cop car 180 degrees, turning on his lights and, when I exited the vehicle, he forcefully shouted&nbsp; for me to get back in the truck. After a very cautious approach to my vehicle, I apologize to him for my careless and threatening behavior. 

The officer reacted to my poor behavior not based on my truck's color&nbsp; but instead my threatening action. He explained given the current events which has emboldened criminals, all law enforcement are now on hyper alert. After again apologizing profusely for my thoughtless and careless behavior, I explained how grateful I was he is willing to daily put his life on the line for me. He was very encouraged by our conversation and my thoughtfulness to share my opinion; as this was the first time anyone has stopped on the highway to tell him how happy they were that he was there.

After our meeting, I resolved that I will&nbsp; take the time to thank every police officer, highway patrol, National Guard and military personnel for their service and their willingness to put their lives at risk to allow me freedom and security. They are the ones at risk keeping us safe from the predators and thugs that are ruling the streets in some of our larger cities. 

It saddens me to see leaders in our country take a knee in solidarity against the police because of the actions of a few bad actors. Unfortunately, not all officers do what’s right but the vast majority are protecting us from the very dangerous element that exists in our society. Clearly, we need reforms to eliminate and fully prosecute those bad officers but to eliminate, defund and disrespect the entire force?&nbsp; If you share my opinions in this post, I would encourage you to personally share your opinions with law enforcement.&nbsp;

However, I would not ever recommend stopping on the highway to share your opinion with a highway patrol officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This past weekend while driving to Kansas City, I noticed two highway patrolman sitting in the median and I wondered how difficult their job is now. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page (<a href="http://odmp.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">odmp.org</a>), across the country 48 officers were shot and killed in the line of duty in 2019. I don’t know how many were injured. So far this year, 47 have died from COVID, 23 have been fatally shot, another eight were struck by a vehicle sometimes intentionally in their role of keeping us safe. Yet all we hear from the press is how bad they are based on the actions of a few. After considerable thought and windshield time, I was compelled to stop at the next highway patrolman to share with him how grateful I am that he is still on the job keeping me safe. Ten miles later, I had my chance. He was also parked in the median. I changed lanes and then came to a rather abrupt stop next to the patrolman. My perceived aggressive action caused him alarm...swinging the cop car 180 degrees, turning on his lights and, when I exited the vehicle, he forcefully shouted&nbsp; for me to get back in the truck. After a very cautious approach to my vehicle, I apologize to him for my careless and threatening behavior. The officer reacted to my poor behavior not based on my truck's color&nbsp; but instead my threatening action. He explained given the current events which has emboldened criminals, all law enforcement are now on hyper alert. After again apologizing profusely for my thoughtless and careless behavior, I explained how grateful I was he is willing to daily put his life on the line for me. He was very encouraged by our conversation and my thoughtfulness to share my opinion; as this was the first time anyone has stopped on the highway to tell him how happy they were that he was there.After our meeting, I resolved that I will&nbsp; take the time to thank every police officer, highway patrol, National Guard and military personnel for their service and their willingness to put their lives at risk to allow me freedom and security. They are the ones at risk keeping us safe from the predators and thugs that are ruling the streets in some of our larger cities. It saddens me to see leaders in our country take a knee in solidarity against the police because of the actions of a few bad actors. Unfortunately, not all officers do what’s right but the vast majority are protecting us from the very dangerous element that exists in our society. Clearly, we need reforms to eliminate and fully prosecute those bad officers but to eliminate, defund and disrespect the entire force?&nbsp; If you share my opinions in this post, I would encourage you to personally share your opinions with law enforcement.&nbsp;However, I would not ever recommend stopping on the highway to share your opinion with a highway patrol officer.Don&nbsp; Tillman, Hays

LETTER: The right way to thank law enforcement

“If it looks like we were scared to death Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other You should've seen it in color. A picture’s worth a thousand words But you can’t see what those shades of gray keep covered You should've seen it in color” -- Jamey Johnson, “In Color”

By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

If you are from the Plains region, your social media feed is probably filled with wheat harvest photos right now.

Hot, dry winds roll across fields of golden waving wheat. Friends and family come together to drive combines, grain trucks, “the old wheat truck” and “the new semi” late into the night to bring in the crop. Famous home-cooked meals are served out of the back of SUVs. Heavenly displays of color created by the dust-filled air as the sun sets over the heart of America.

However, the country song “In Color” is spot on that “seeing it in color” by living through an event is so much more powerful. A picture can’t quite capture an air of excitement, comradery of families and communities working together, or pride in an honest day’s work. No picture, black and white or color, can capture the true heart of the experience.

In recent years, farmers and ranchers have become frustrated with “city people” who have never been on a real farm because they can’t seem understand that even though farming is truly a passion it is full of challenges.

For example, harvest is such a whirlwind because farmers are terrified if they don’t get wheat out of the field hail, fire or bugs could destroy it. An entire year’s income is tied up in each field and farmers aren’t actually rich, they just have larger bills than most other people. It’s not uncommon to go days or weeks without tucking their kids into bed, a proper night’s sleep or a moment of downtime. The seeds, chemicals and other scientifically developed farming practices we use are what we believe to be the best, safest tools to grow healthy food.

A city person scrolling through social media probably doesn’t appreciate (or maybe even care about) all my feelings about wheat harvest. Pictures are informative and can help tell a story, but they can’t provide context, background and first-hand feelings created by seeing the true colors of an experience with your own eyes.

Our national conversation is consumed with Black Lives Matter, protests, race and injustice. I see these stories and feel like an outsider looking at another family’s photo album. I can see what is happening and the emotions of the participants, but I can only guess at what they feel  and have no understanding of each snapshots’ value. I am not part of their experience.

No matter how much I want to understand, I can’t wrap my brain around what it is like to be a black man living in America. However, I do understand some of their emotions: helplessness, frustration, fear and anger.

It’s OK if you aren’t a vocal participant in the national conversation. It is actually very appropriate if you lack experience with the topics. But please, do not dismiss these conversations. They are happening for a reason.

The world is not black and white. Taking a color-blind approach and ignoring race hides so many valuable things in the shades of gray. Our world is full of color and colorful people for a reason.

We have an opportunity to make it better. A moment to ask genuine questions and have uncomfortable conversations, raise our voices against injustice and show compassion for others’ struggles, and seek to understand the cultures of our fellow humans.

Don’t experience life scrolling through other people’s photos. Go see it in color.

"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. 

“If it looks like we were scared to death Like a couple of kids just trying to save each other You should've seen it in color. A picture’s worth a thousand words But you can’t see what those shades of gray keep covered You should've seen it in color” -- Jamey Johnson, “In Color”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592834709793.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancherIf you are from the Plains region, your social media feed is probably filled with wheat harvest photos right now.Hot, dry winds roll across fields of golden waving wheat. Friends and family come together to drive combines, grain trucks, “the old wheat truck” and “the new semi” late into the night to bring in the crop. Famous home-cooked meals are served out of the back of SUVs. Heavenly displays of color created by the dust-filled air as the sun sets over the heart of America.However, the country song “In Color” is spot on that “seeing it in color” by living through an event is so much more powerful. A picture can’t quite capture an air of excitement, comradery of families and communities working together, or pride in an honest day’s work. No picture, black and white or color, can capture the true heart of the experience.In recent years, farmers and ranchers have become frustrated with “city people” who have never been on a real farm because they can’t seem understand that even though farming is truly a passion it is full of challenges.For example, harvest is such a whirlwind because farmers are terrified if they don’t get wheat out of the field hail, fire or bugs could destroy it. An entire year’s income is tied up in each field and farmers aren’t actually rich, they just have larger bills than most other people. It’s not uncommon to go days or weeks without tucking their kids into bed, a proper night’s sleep or a moment of downtime. The seeds, chemicals and other scientifically developed farming practices we use are what we believe to be the best, safest tools to grow healthy food.A city person scrolling through social media probably doesn’t appreciate (or maybe even care about) all my feelings about wheat harvest. Pictures are informative and can help tell a story, but they can’t provide context, background and first-hand feelings created by seeing the true colors of an experience with your own eyes.Our national conversation is consumed with Black Lives Matter, protests, race and injustice. I see these stories and feel like an outsider looking at another family’s photo album. I can see what is happening and the emotions of the participants, but I can only guess at what they feel and have no understanding of each snapshots’ value. I am not part of their experience.No matter how much I want to understand, I can’t wrap my brain around what it is like to be a black man living in America. However, I do understand some of their emotions: helplessness, frustration, fear and anger.It’s OK if you aren’t a vocal participant in the national conversation. It is actually very appropriate if you lack experience with the topics. But please, do not dismiss these conversations. They are happening for a reason.The world is not black and white. Taking a color-blind approach and ignoring race hides so many valuable things in the shades of gray. Our world is full of color and colorful people for a reason.We have an opportunity to make it better. A moment to ask genuine questions and have uncomfortable conversations, raise our voices against injustice and show compassion for others’ struggles, and seek to understand the cultures of our fellow humans.Don’t experience life scrolling through other people’s photos. Go see it in color."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: See it in color

Some of them are creepy and crawly. Others can be vicious blood-suckers. Still others slowly whittle away at the wood in your home. But one thing homeowners know about all of the pests they may find is they would rather do without them.

This time of year, that’s nearly impossible, said Kansas State University entomologist Jeff Whitworth, who notes that many of the most common household pests become more active after March each year.

“Arthropods – insects, mites, spiders and others – are our No. 1 competitors for food and fiber, including wooden structures,” Whitworth said. “So, it behooves all of us to know as much as possible about these competitors so that we know which one’s are pests, which one’s are helping us, and the vast majority of which just occupy ecological niches that do not affect us.”

Whitworth is a co-author of the K-State Research and Extension publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3291.pdf">Household Pests of Kansas</a>, a 112-page guide to the most common pests in the Sunflower State.

“This book will help folks identify pests, or identify that the bug they have found is not a pest,” Whitworth said. “If it is a pest to be concerned about, they can read a little about what to expect and how to best get rid of them or keep them out of the house.”

Termites are one of the most worrisome insects for homeowners.

“It’s been said that every wooden structure has had, has, or will have an infestation of these wood-destroying insects,” said Whitworth, noting that termites have “swarmed a little later this year than usual.”

He added that&nbsp;Household Pests in Kansas&nbsp;includes a good description of how to tell the difference between termites and ants, and a recommendation to call a pest control professional as soon as you realize you have termites.

Some of the many pests that Whitworth said homeowners should be aware of include:

Most household pests are inactive from October through March, Whitworth said, though a few “pantry pests” stay active during that time because they feed on stored foods that are generally kept at temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. “Cockroaches and bed bugs can certainly be active year-round, anywhere that temperatures are above 50 F,” he said.

In addition to his publication, Whitworth said two other books –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S131.pdf">Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S152.pdf">Crop Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;– will help homeowners identify pests.

“Your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local extension office</a>&nbsp;can also help,” he said. “Take the best, close-up photos you can, from several angles, and place something beside the specimen so the person making the identification can get an idea of size. You can also take the actual specimen in as good of condition as possible to the local extension office.”

When pest control measures are warranted, Whitworth recommended contacting an established company. “Get several estimates and each company’s tactic to manage your problem,” he said. “They will be different, but they will probably be happy to provide a free estimate. Don’t forget to get a warranty or guarantee, because they should provide these.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Some of them are creepy and crawly. Others can be vicious blood-suckers. Still others slowly whittle away at the wood in your home. But one thing homeowners know about all of the pests they may find is they would rather do without them.This time of year, that’s nearly impossible, said Kansas State University entomologist Jeff Whitworth, who notes that many of the most common household pests become more active after March each year.“Arthropods – insects, mites, spiders and others – are our No. 1 competitors for food and fiber, including wooden structures,” Whitworth said. “So, it behooves all of us to know as much as possible about these competitors so that we know which one’s are pests, which one’s are helping us, and the vast majority of which just occupy ecological niches that do not affect us.”Whitworth is a co-author of the K-State Research and Extension publication,&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3291.pdf">Household Pests of Kansas</a>, a 112-page guide to the most common pests in the Sunflower State.“This book will help folks identify pests, or identify that the bug they have found is not a pest,” Whitworth said. “If it is a pest to be concerned about, they can read a little about what to expect and how to best get rid of them or keep them out of the house.”Termites are one of the most worrisome insects for homeowners.“It’s been said that every wooden structure has had, has, or will have an infestation of these wood-destroying insects,” said Whitworth, noting that termites have “swarmed a little later this year than usual.”He added that&nbsp;Household Pests in Kansas&nbsp;includes a good description of how to tell the difference between termites and ants, and a recommendation to call a pest control professional as soon as you realize you have termites.Some of the many pests that Whitworth said homeowners should be aware of include:<ul>
 <li>Mosquitos and ticks.&nbsp;Aside from being blood-sucking nuisances, both can vector diseases.</li><li>Spiders.&nbsp;Most are harmless, but often scare homeowners. All spiders are poisonous but only two – the black widow and brown recluse – may require medical attention for both animals and humans.</li><li>Ants.&nbsp;They are mostly just a nuisance, constantly on the search for food scraps. The exception is the carpenter ant, which may start living in soft woods, insulation or other areas.</li><li>Carpenter bees.&nbsp;These are “always” a nuisance in late June to mid-July, Whitworth said. They don’t eat wood, but do tunnel and nest in it. The males have a habit of “dive-bombing” humans who approach their nests before the females have mated.</li>
 </ul>Most household pests are inactive from October through March, Whitworth said, though a few “pantry pests” stay active during that time because they feed on stored foods that are generally kept at temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. “Cockroaches and bed bugs can certainly be active year-round, anywhere that temperatures are above 50 F,” he said.In addition to his publication, Whitworth said two other books –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S131.pdf">Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/S152.pdf">Crop Insects in Kansas</a>&nbsp;– will help homeowners identify pests.“Your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local extension office</a>&nbsp;can also help,” he said. “Take the best, close-up photos you can, from several angles, and place something beside the specimen so the person making the identification can get an idea of size. You can also take the actual specimen in as good of condition as possible to the local extension office.”When pest control measures are warranted, Whitworth recommended contacting an established company. “Get several estimates and each company’s tactic to manage your problem,” he said. “They will be different, but they will probably be happy to provide a free estimate. Don’t forget to get a warranty or guarantee, because they should provide these.”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: Troublesome pests crawling out of the woodwork

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained a dollar a barrel Friday to start the week at $30. That's up more than three dollars from last week, up more than four dollars from the first of the month, but down more than $21 from the first of the year. Baker Hughes reports 266 active drilling rigs nationwide, a decline of ten oil rigs and three gas rigs. The count in New Mexico was down five. Texas was down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight dip in drilling activity in Kansas after a slight increase last week. The Rig Count in Kansas shows two active rigs east of Wichita, which is unchanged from a week ago, and seven in Western Kansas, down two.&nbsp; Regulators approved four permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas last week, 210 so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 25 newly-completed wells during the last week, 492 so far this year. There were 15 completions in eastern Kansas, and ten west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and two in Ellis County. The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named two new oil and gas fields. They are the Buffalo Plains Northwest field in Cheyenne County, and the Lunt East field in Pratt County. The government reported its 15th consecutive weekly decline in U.S. crude-oil production. Average output for the week ending June 12 dropped nearly 600,000 barrels compared to the week before, to 10.46 million barrels per day. The weekly total from a year ago was over 12.1 million barrels per day. Weekly production in the U.S. topped 13 million barrels per day twice, back in February and March. Crude oil inventories increased another 1.2 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about 15% above the five-year seasonal average. EIA reports imports of 6.6 million barrels per day last week, down more than 200,000 barrels per day compared to a week earlier. The four-week average is down ten percent from the same period last year. U.S. freight traffic is down 15% compared to last year. But oil-by-rail is off by 26% from last year, dropping 236 tanker cars from a week ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,436 tankers moved petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending June 13.&nbsp; EIA says gasoline demand has increased 18% since mid-may, pumping up pump-prices by 13% in that time. The national average gasoline price ticked up another half cent Thursday to just over $2.11 per gallon. That's three cents higher on the week, nearly a quarter higher than a month ago, but still more than half a dollar less than last year at this time. Kansas is one of 15 states where the average is below two dollars ($1.92 Monday).&nbsp; Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony has been named to serve his sixth straight term on the National Petroleum Council, a group that advises the Secretary of Energy on matters related to U.S. oil and gas policy. He is one of 8 Oklahoma residents named to the NPC this year, giving Oklahoma the most of any state. The State of North Dakota has confiscated at least 239 "orphaned," or abandoned oil wells and is taking bids to plug those wells thanks to the CARES Act. The Bismarck Tribune says reclamation work starts in July. Regulators plan to use $66 million in federal coronavirus aid, and hope to return 2,200 acres of land to agricultural use, mainly in the state's older, northern oil fields.&nbsp; Federal regulators sided against the state of Washington in a dispute about oil tanker pressure that arose after a string of oil-by-rail accidents. The state will not be allowed to impose its own, stricter vapor-pressure limits on crude oil loading or unloading within its borders. Lawyers for the states of North Dakota and Montana argued that allowing the Washington regs would block their crude from the Pacific Northwest and drive down its value without any proven safety benefit. The government ruled that federal law governs the transport of hazardous materials, preempting stricter regulations imposed by the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592847975802.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained a dollar a barrel Friday to start the week at $30. That's up more than three dollars from last week, up more than four dollars from the first of the month, but down more than $21 from the first of the year. Baker Hughes reports 266 active drilling rigs nationwide, a decline of ten oil rigs and three gas rigs. The count in New Mexico was down five. Texas was down three. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports a slight dip in drilling activity in Kansas after a slight increase last week. The Rig Count in Kansas shows two active rigs east of Wichita, which is unchanged from a week ago, and seven in Western Kansas, down two.&nbsp; Regulators approved four permits for drilling at new locations across Kansas last week, 210 so far this year. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 25 newly-completed wells during the last week, 492 so far this year. There were 15 completions in eastern Kansas, and ten west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and two in Ellis County. The Kansas Geological Society recognized and named two new oil and gas fields. They are the Buffalo Plains Northwest field in Cheyenne County, and the Lunt East field in Pratt County. The government reported its 15th consecutive weekly decline in U.S. crude-oil production. Average output for the week ending June 12 dropped nearly 600,000 barrels compared to the week before, to 10.46 million barrels per day. The weekly total from a year ago was over 12.1 million barrels per day. Weekly production in the U.S. topped 13 million barrels per day twice, back in February and March. Crude oil inventories increased another 1.2 million barrels last week. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about 15% above the five-year seasonal average. EIA reports imports of 6.6 million barrels per day last week, down more than 200,000 barrels per day compared to a week earlier. The four-week average is down ten percent from the same period last year. U.S. freight traffic is down 15% compared to last year. But oil-by-rail is off by 26% from last year, dropping 236 tanker cars from a week ago. The Association of American Railroads reports 9,436 tankers moved petroleum and petroleum products during the week ending June 13.&nbsp; EIA says gasoline demand has increased 18% since mid-may, pumping up pump-prices by 13% in that time. The national average gasoline price ticked up another half cent Thursday to just over $2.11 per gallon. That's three cents higher on the week, nearly a quarter higher than a month ago, but still more than half a dollar less than last year at this time. Kansas is one of 15 states where the average is below two dollars ($1.92 Monday).&nbsp; Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony has been named to serve his sixth straight term on the National Petroleum Council, a group that advises the Secretary of Energy on matters related to U.S. oil and gas policy. He is one of 8 Oklahoma residents named to the NPC this year, giving Oklahoma the most of any state. The State of North Dakota has confiscated at least 239 "orphaned," or abandoned oil wells and is taking bids to plug those wells thanks to the CARES Act. The Bismarck Tribune says reclamation work starts in July. Regulators plan to use $66 million in federal coronavirus aid, and hope to return 2,200 acres of land to agricultural use, mainly in the state's older, northern oil fields.&nbsp; Federal regulators sided against the state of Washington in a dispute about oil tanker pressure that arose after a string of oil-by-rail accidents. The state will not be allowed to impose its own, stricter vapor-pressure limits on crude oil loading or unloading within its borders. Lawyers for the states of North Dakota and Montana argued that allowing the Washington regs would block their crude from the Pacific Northwest and drive down its value without any proven safety benefit. The government ruled that federal law governs the transport of hazardous materials, preempting stricter regulations imposed by the state.

News From the Oil Patch: Production down for 15th straight week

Well, the out-of-session Legislature watched last week as the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force doled out an even $400 million to Kansas counties to help them meet the costs they’ve seen due to the COVID-19 pandemic effects that have swept the world, nation and…well, Kansas…

Legislators, most of whom want to continue spending winters in Topeka, and even those who have had enough and will retire, are wondering just what that money is going to buy. And…if there’s a political upside for them in, well, while not actually having voted for that money for locals, waving as the money went to their home districts.

And, they’re also going to be watching to see just how the county commissions in each of the state’s 105 courthouses divide that money up, since its allocation a few days ago, between cities, townships, rural water districts, school districts…you name it, nearly any outfit that can assert to commissioners that the virus and its stay-home and stay-closed orders have shaken those small local economies.

Problem, of course, is that most legislators, and most Kansans, don’t have any idea of just what the shut-downs, the overtime for some workers, the expenses of working at home and even those face masks actually cost. And, whether those county commissioners are going to distribute their county’s apportionment to real needs or try to find ways to use it to boost their local budgets.

Lots unknown about this initial SPARK federal money distribution, and lots of money going to courthouses to spread across public and private operations.

Did the closure of schools, the shutdown of parts of water districts and of township water departments, the additional security at public buildings, all that moving of COVID-19 testing materials, the actual test specimens and Personal Protection Equipment cost local units of government much money? How much?

Amounts awarded varied, including $340,000 in Comanche County and $25 million in Douglas County. Where is that money to go, and will it stay in just the county budgets or will it be spread to reduce the financial impact on the local schools, hospitals, police and fire departments and everything else we expect government to pay for with our tax money?

Yes, isolating those pandemic-related additional costs is going to be tricky for nearly every local unit of government. Oh, and will counties spread that money to private businesses which suffered economic hardship due to the disease?

It’s all out in the counties, but count on it, legislators are going to want to win some credit—and votes?—for at least being at the top of the chain that sent those checks to local units of government.

Don’t forget that the money has to be directly tied to additional expenses which are linked to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, at the state level and at some point when the federal government auditors start thumbing through the check stubs to see whether this was actually a pandemic-related cost that counties are distributing money to solve or maybe just some new police and sheriff’s cars that are easier to keep clean—and avoid spreading the disease to the public.

Also, remember that the county commissioners are going to want political credit for dispersing that money within the county lines, whether it’s helping defray the cost of those six-foot social distance reminders we see on the floors of nearly every store we’ve entered, or those stacks of facemasks and jugs of hand sanitizer near the doors of those stores and businesses and schools and government offices.

Next step, finding out whether those SPARK dollars cause future problems for local units of government. We’ll wait for the auditors to tell us, won’t we…

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592848178110.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>Well, the out-of-session Legislature watched last week as the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force doled out an even $400 million to Kansas counties to help them meet the costs they’ve seen due to the COVID-19 pandemic effects that have swept the world, nation and…well, Kansas…Legislators, most of whom want to continue spending winters in Topeka, and even those who have had enough and will retire, are wondering just what that money is going to buy. And…if there’s a political upside for them in, well, while not actually having voted for that money for locals, waving as the money went to their home districts.And, they’re also going to be watching to see just how the county commissions in each of the state’s 105 courthouses divide that money up, since its allocation a few days ago, between cities, townships, rural water districts, school districts…you name it, nearly any outfit that can assert to commissioners that the virus and its stay-home and stay-closed orders have shaken those small local economies.Problem, of course, is that most legislators, and most Kansans, don’t have any idea of just what the shut-downs, the overtime for some workers, the expenses of working at home and even those face masks actually cost. And, whether those county commissioners are going to distribute their county’s apportionment to real needs or try to find ways to use it to boost their local budgets.Lots unknown about this initial SPARK federal money distribution, and lots of money going to courthouses to spread across public and private operations.Did the closure of schools, the shutdown of parts of water districts and of township water departments, the additional security at public buildings, all that moving of COVID-19 testing materials, the actual test specimens and Personal Protection Equipment cost local units of government much money? How much?Amounts awarded varied, including $340,000 in Comanche County and $25 million in Douglas County. Where is that money to go, and will it stay in just the county budgets or will it be spread to reduce the financial impact on the local schools, hospitals, police and fire departments and everything else we expect government to pay for with our tax money?Yes, isolating those pandemic-related additional costs is going to be tricky for nearly every local unit of government. Oh, and will counties spread that money to private businesses which suffered economic hardship due to the disease?It’s all out in the counties, but count on it, legislators are going to want to win some credit—and votes?—for at least being at the top of the chain that sent those checks to local units of government.Don’t forget that the money has to be directly tied to additional expenses which are linked to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, at the state level and at some point when the federal government auditors start thumbing through the check stubs to see whether this was actually a pandemic-related cost that counties are distributing money to solve or maybe just some new police and sheriff’s cars that are easier to keep clean—and avoid spreading the disease to the public.Also, remember that the county commissioners are going to want political credit for dispersing that money within the county lines, whether it’s helping defray the cost of those six-foot social distance reminders we see on the floors of nearly every store we’ve entered, or those stacks of facemasks and jugs of hand sanitizer near the doors of those stores and businesses and schools and government offices.Next step, finding out whether those SPARK dollars cause future problems for local units of government. We’ll wait for the auditors to tell us, won’t we…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: Many unknowns as relief is sent to counties

Dane G. Hansen Foundation Trustees

The task at hand sounds straight-forward – counting each person (only once) and recording where they live. It is something that has been done in our country every 10 years since President George Washington was in the White House.

But this year, that simple task must be completed in the face of unprecedented challenges. In the midst of a global pandemic, taking a few minutes to participate in the U.S. Census may not seem important right now. But that thinking is wrong.

Getting a complete and accurate count of the people living in Northwest Kansas may be more important now than ever. There aren’t as many of us here as there used to be. We can’t afford to have anyone go uncounted.

Why does it matter?&nbsp;Census results are used in determining the distribution of federal funding.&nbsp;The Counting for Dollars 2020 Project completed by the George Washington University Institute of Public Policy shows that Kansas receives more than $6 billion a year in funding through the 55 largest federal spending programs for infrastructure and services. Health clinics, housing, schools, senior services, fire stations, job training, veterans’ programs and hundreds of other services and programs receive federal funding.

If only 1 percent of the population of Kansas goes uncounted, the state could miss receiving nearly $604 million in federal funding over the next decade, according to a Kansas Counts estimate.

At this point, we are much more than 1 percent short on the count. According to a Kansas Counts estimate, if the census were to stop where it was in mid-June, Kansas – which was at about 65 percent in its response rate – stood to lose $2.2 billion&nbsp;every year&nbsp;for programs that improve the quality of life for all of us.&nbsp;For each person not counted, Kansas loses more than $20,000 in government funding over the coming decade.

And it’s not just about money. There’s also the original purpose of the Founding Fathers when they mandated in the Constitution that a census be taken every 10 years. Census population figures are used to set the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the number of electoral votes for each state during a presidential election.

The Big 1st&nbsp;Congressional District, which includes Northwest Kansas, already covers more than half the state. A count that is not complete could needlessly cause the district to grow even more, diluting our representation in Congress.

Data is also used for community planning and business development.

The good news is, it’s not too late to do something about it. Census deadlines have been extended. If you can still find those census letters in the stack of things you thought you would get to later, pull one of them out and go online to&nbsp;<a href="http://2020census.gov/">2020Census.gov</a>&nbsp;and respond. If you received a letter but can’t find it, you can still respond online. If you have a post office box address, and a census worker left information on the door of your house, use that to respond.&nbsp;

If you aren’t comfortable responding online, you can either fill out the paper form you should have received in the mail or call, 1-844-330-2020 or for Spanish language, 1-844-468-2020.

If you have a neighbor or friend you think might need help responding to the census, ask if you can help them.&nbsp;By law, information collected is CONFIDENTIAL and only used for statistics. It cannot be shared in any way that could identify you.

For more than 56 years, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has been working to address the needs of Northwest Kansas, just as Mr. Hansen did during his lifetime.&nbsp; Mr. Hansen was a business and civic leader. He would recognize the importance of participating in the census. As trustees of his foundation, we also believe it is important, and we urge you to participate.

For the good of Northwest Kansas, please make sure to participate in the U.S. Census. Every one of us count. Let’s make sure we are all counted.

Dane G. Hansen Foundation Trustees Doug Albin, Wakeeney; Carol Bales, Logan; Warren Gfeller, Russell; Robert Hartman, Hays; Cy Moyer, Phillipsburg; Brien Stockman, Logan

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dane G. Hansen Foundation TrusteesThe task at hand sounds straight-forward – counting each person (only once) and recording where they live. It is something that has been done in our country every 10 years since President George Washington was in the White House.But this year, that simple task must be completed in the face of unprecedented challenges. In the midst of a global pandemic, taking a few minutes to participate in the U.S. Census may not seem important right now. But that thinking is wrong.Getting a complete and accurate count of the people living in Northwest Kansas may be more important now than ever. There aren’t as many of us here as there used to be. We can’t afford to have anyone go uncounted.Why does it matter?&nbsp;Census results are used in determining the distribution of federal funding.&nbsp;The Counting for Dollars 2020 Project completed by the George Washington University Institute of Public Policy shows that Kansas receives more than $6 billion a year in funding through the 55 largest federal spending programs for infrastructure and services. Health clinics, housing, schools, senior services, fire stations, job training, veterans’ programs and hundreds of other services and programs receive federal funding.If only 1 percent of the population of Kansas goes uncounted, the state could miss receiving nearly $604 million in federal funding over the next decade, according to a Kansas Counts estimate.At this point, we are much more than 1 percent short on the count. According to a Kansas Counts estimate, if the census were to stop where it was in mid-June, Kansas – which was at about 65 percent in its response rate – stood to lose $2.2 billion&nbsp;every year&nbsp;for programs that improve the quality of life for all of us.&nbsp;For each person not counted, Kansas loses more than $20,000 in government funding over the coming decade.And it’s not just about money. There’s also the original purpose of the Founding Fathers when they mandated in the Constitution that a census be taken every 10 years. Census population figures are used to set the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the number of electoral votes for each state during a presidential election.The Big 1st&nbsp;Congressional District, which includes Northwest Kansas, already covers more than half the state. A count that is not complete could needlessly cause the district to grow even more, diluting our representation in Congress.Data is also used for community planning and business development.The good news is, it’s not too late to do something about it. Census deadlines have been extended. If you can still find those census letters in the stack of things you thought you would get to later, pull one of them out and go online to&nbsp;<a href="http://2020census.gov/">2020Census.gov</a>&nbsp;and respond. If you received a letter but can’t find it, you can still respond online. If you have a post office box address, and a census worker left information on the door of your house, use that to respond.&nbsp;If you aren’t comfortable responding online, you can either fill out the paper form you should have received in the mail or call, 1-844-330-2020 or for Spanish language, 1-844-468-2020.If you have a neighbor or friend you think might need help responding to the census, ask if you can help them.&nbsp;By law, information collected is CONFIDENTIAL and only used for statistics. It cannot be shared in any way that could identify you.For more than 56 years, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation has been working to address the needs of Northwest Kansas, just as Mr. Hansen did during his lifetime.&nbsp; Mr. Hansen was a business and civic leader. He would recognize the importance of participating in the census. As trustees of his foundation, we also believe it is important, and we urge you to participate.For the good of Northwest Kansas, please make sure to participate in the U.S. Census. Every one of us count. Let’s make sure we are all counted.Dane G. Hansen Foundation Trustees Doug Albin, Wakeeney; Carol Bales, Logan; Warren Gfeller, Russell; Robert Hartman, Hays; Cy Moyer, Phillipsburg; Brien Stockman, Logan

HANSEN: Census a civic responsibility as important as voting

The winter of 2019-2020 was not as harsh as the previous winter, but there were still conditions that resulted in negative impacts on cattle, particularly calves. One indication of the winter weather impacts was the number of requests for Mesonet data to document losses under the Livestock Indemnity Program.

The switch from cool spring conditions to very warm temperatures brings up the other side of stress to cattle. A comprehensive tool on the weather impacts should prove useful for future events. Besides cold weather stress, this tool also helps assess the response to excessive heat and humidity.

Actual animal response to temperature stress will be dependent on a number of factors not accounted for in the index. Those include, but are not limited to: age, hair coat (winter vs summer; wet vs dry, health, body condition, micro-environment, and acclimatization.

Users can access this tool from either the main Mesonet page by selecting from the drop down menu, Agriculture, and then Comfort Index; or directly from:&nbsp;<a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/</a>

Understanding the Comfort Index

Building on the Comprehensive Comfort Index, produced at University of Nebraska, this tool illustrates the impact of both extremes of hot and cold. The index is unique in that it includes, in addition to air temperature and relative humidity, effects of wind speed and solar radiation. Development and validation of the index used data from beef and dairy cattle. The map indicates where current conditions fit on the scale.&nbsp;

On the “About” page, there is a description of the values on the scale and their potential impact. There is also a link to the publications used to produce the page. For more information on navigating this resource, users can select a page tour from the main animal comfort page located at the top of the featured map.

A particularly useful resource is the chart feature. This allows you to monitor how conditions have fluctuated over the past week.&nbsp; Since stress impacts can be cumulative, having this feature allows producers to evaluate management requirements.

The current heat trend that we have been experiencing can be hard on your livestock. By using the comfort index tool, you can have a good idea of the stress they are under to better monitor the risks and be prepared. For any assistance with the tool, you can contact me at the office in Great Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The winter of 2019-2020 was not as harsh as the previous winter, but there were still conditions that resulted in negative impacts on cattle, particularly calves. One indication of the winter weather impacts was the number of requests for Mesonet data to document losses under the Livestock Indemnity Program.The switch from cool spring conditions to very warm temperatures brings up the other side of stress to cattle. A comprehensive tool on the weather impacts should prove useful for future events. Besides cold weather stress, this tool also helps assess the response to excessive heat and humidity.Actual animal response to temperature stress will be dependent on a number of factors not accounted for in the index. Those include, but are not limited to: age, hair coat (winter vs summer; wet vs dry, health, body condition, micro-environment, and acclimatization.Users can access this tool from either the main Mesonet page by selecting from the drop down menu, Agriculture, and then Comfort Index; or directly from:&nbsp;<a href="http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">http://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/</a>Understanding the Comfort IndexBuilding on the Comprehensive Comfort Index, produced at University of Nebraska, this tool illustrates the impact of both extremes of hot and cold. The index is unique in that it includes, in addition to air temperature and relative humidity, effects of wind speed and solar radiation. Development and validation of the index used data from beef and dairy cattle. The map indicates where current conditions fit on the scale.&nbsp;On the “About” page, there is a description of the values on the scale and their potential impact. There is also a link to the publications used to produce the page. For more information on navigating this resource, users can select a page tour from the main animal comfort page located at the top of the featured map.Tracking conditionsA particularly useful resource is the chart feature. This allows you to monitor how conditions have fluctuated over the past week.&nbsp; Since stress impacts can be cumulative, having this feature allows producers to evaluate management requirements.The current heat trend that we have been experiencing can be hard on your livestock. By using the comfort index tool, you can have a good idea of the stress they are under to better monitor the risks and be prepared. For any assistance with the tool, you can contact me at the office in Great Bend.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: Cattle comfort index

It’s been around 100 days since the covid-19 pandemic officially arrived in Kansas, bringing fears both physical and economic to every corner of the state. What have we learned? On the positive side, we know that the dramatic precautions of closing businesses and schools likely made a big difference: the number of Kansas’s coronavirus-related deaths and active cases are less than many were worryingly predicting back in mid-March. But on the negative side, we also know that our elected leaders did not fully rise to meet the divisiveness and confusion which the pandemic brought with it. Instead, the past three months saw many in Topeka, for different reasons, either acquiescing to a distrust in the democratic process–or in some unfortunate cases, actively promoting it. Consider Gov. Laura Kelly. She initially took dramatic action to prevent the spread of possible sources of contagion. Her regular communications with voters and legislators, patient commitment to scientific evidence, and carefully designed re-opening plans received wide praise. But Kelly also failed to engage the conspiratorial drumbeats that have grown deafening in the more rural parts of the state, where case numbers are low. Her effort to ensure that restrictions on public gatherings applied to churches was a political backfire. Rather than working to encourage the legislature to continue to meet remotely and move forward, she watched as some legislators abandoned all pretense of governing, committing themselves solely to limiting her power. After vetoing a clumsy effort by the Republican-led state legislature to restrict her authority, Kelly called an emergency session and, without debate, agreed to a compromise that left public health decisions almost solely in the hands of local county commissions. Now she is looking at the varied trajectories of cases across the state (the numbers from Sedgwick County are particularly worrisome), watching some of her good work become undone. Kelly’s failure to challenge the panicked distrust in legislative debate that often characterized Topeka this spring was bad; Kansas State Senate President Susan Wagle’s embrace of it, though, was worse. Determined to make the jump from the legislature to the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, Wagle decided that rallying pro-life voters, through putting an anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution on the August primary ballot, was her ticket. She kept that determination in front of everything else, preventing productive debate not just over Medicaid expansion but a dozen other issues as well, as the pandemic broke and raged through the state.&nbsp; In the end, this encouraged unwillingness of enough of our legislators to demand real discussion and proper votes in the face of the coronavirus threat backfired, killing Wagle’s hopes for the proposed amendment. Worse, it left the state of Kansas without a clear path forward. Will the covid numbers we are currently seeing require yet another emergency clash between the governor and the legislature? If so, how might that one go, given the precedent which was set this spring? None of Kansas’s legislators could have anticipated the challenging responsibilities the pandemic has forced upon them. Still, the responsibilities are theirs; such is our representative system. We can only hope the irresponsible lessons of this spring will be forgotten in the summer to come. Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure> It’s been around 100 days since the covid-19 pandemic officially arrived in Kansas, bringing fears both physical and economic to every corner of the state. What have we learned? On the positive side, we know that the dramatic precautions of closing businesses and schools likely made a big difference: the number of Kansas’s coronavirus-related deaths and active cases are less than many were worryingly predicting back in mid-March. But on the negative side, we also know that our elected leaders did not fully rise to meet the divisiveness and confusion which the pandemic brought with it. Instead, the past three months saw many in Topeka, for different reasons, either acquiescing to a distrust in the democratic process–or in some unfortunate cases, actively promoting it. Consider Gov. Laura Kelly. She initially took dramatic action to prevent the spread of possible sources of contagion. Her regular communications with voters and legislators, patient commitment to scientific evidence, and carefully designed re-opening plans received wide praise. But Kelly also failed to engage the conspiratorial drumbeats that have grown deafening in the more rural parts of the state, where case numbers are low. Her effort to ensure that restrictions on public gatherings applied to churches was a political backfire. Rather than working to encourage the legislature to continue to meet remotely and move forward, she watched as some legislators abandoned all pretense of governing, committing themselves solely to limiting her power. After vetoing a clumsy effort by the Republican-led state legislature to restrict her authority, Kelly called an emergency session and, without debate, agreed to a compromise that left public health decisions almost solely in the hands of local county commissions. Now she is looking at the varied trajectories of cases across the state (the numbers from Sedgwick County are particularly worrisome), watching some of her good work become undone. Kelly’s failure to challenge the panicked distrust in legislative debate that often characterized Topeka this spring was bad; Kansas State Senate President Susan Wagle’s embrace of it, though, was worse. Determined to make the jump from the legislature to the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, Wagle decided that rallying pro-life voters, through putting an anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution on the August primary ballot, was her ticket. She kept that determination in front of everything else, preventing productive debate not just over Medicaid expansion but a dozen other issues as well, as the pandemic broke and raged through the state.&nbsp; In the end, this encouraged unwillingness of enough of our legislators to demand real discussion and proper votes in the face of the coronavirus threat backfired, killing Wagle’s hopes for the proposed amendment. Worse, it left the state of Kansas without a clear path forward. Will the covid numbers we are currently seeing require yet another emergency clash between the governor and the legislature? If so, how might that one go, given the precedent which was set this spring? None of Kansas’s legislators could have anticipated the challenging responsibilities the pandemic has forced upon them. Still, the responsibilities are theirs; such is our representative system. We can only hope the irresponsible lessons of this spring will be forgotten in the summer to come. Professor Russell Arben Fox directs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The democratic costs of Covid-19 in Kansas

June 19 marks a turning point in American history.

It is <a href="https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm" target="_blank">Juneteenth</a>, the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery nationwide.

We are at another turning point in our nation’s history, and people 
of good faith want to be part of that change. This week, the Freedom 
Forum’s Power Shift Project hosted a webinar titled Do You Qualify As An
 Ally? (Especially Now). Nearly 400 people, most of them journalists, 
tuned in.

So are polls. <a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/documents/monmouthpoll_us_060220.pdf/" target="_blank">Monmouth University</a>
 reported a robust, remarkable jump in the number of people agreeing 
that racism and ethnic discrimination is a big problem in the United 
States. From 51 percent five years ago, to 76 percent (including 71 
percent of whites) today.

People want to change systems that are inherently biased.

But they also know they have to change themselves, too.

They want to take responsibility for being “a trusted force for good,” which is how The Power Shift Project describes allies.

People want to do the right thing, the right way.

From the very first Power Shift Summit in 2018, launched in the wake 
of the #MeToo scandals in media, we learned that harassment and 
discrimination are inseparable. So, as we tackled the cultural change 
needed to produce equitable workplaces for women, we didn’t focus on 
their challenges alone.

We took on marginalization, discrimination, harassment and bias affecting all who are underrepresented in journalism.

We listened to expert voices, learned from research and bore witness to open wounds.

But even as we developed a curriculum to upgrade workplace cultures, 
we heard repeatedly from people who wanted to do more – as individuals.

That’s why we launched “Do You Qualify as an Ally?” a year ago.

Before COVID-19 and its disproportionate effect on women and people of color.

Before Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks lost their lives.

Before marches that filled our streets and our screens with clarion calls for change.

We knew it was time to update our Ally teaching; to build on what we started and match this moment.

And so do people of good will – people who are more ready than ever to learn.

The hundreds who joined us took in 10 (of many) ways to qualify as an ally, with practical of examples of each point:

And we told them that most of all, to do all of those things without expectation of credit or profit.

Be like the university professor who teaches his students how 
unconscious bias causes female professors to get lower evaluations from 
students – on the week they turn in those evaluations.

Be like the TV station group leadership team that sent a memo to 
employees, stating that as a journalism organization, they’ve 
traditionally refrained from commenting on political issues – but that 
racism isn’t political and employees have the right to speak out against
 it.

Be like the young NFL social media producer who “<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-video-roger-goodell-racism-black-lives-matter-players-employees-110927703.html" target="_blank">went rogue,”</a> working behind the scenes with players to create their “Black Lives Matter” video, calling for change in the NFL.

Be like the media organizations that monitor their own progress on 
diversity – or lack of it, who create databases of diverse sources – and
 <a href="https://sources.npr.org/" target="_blank">share them</a>.

Be like the newsrooms that listened to the <a href="https://www.nabj.org/news/512370/NABJ-Statement-on-Capitalizing-Black-and-Other-Racial-Identifiers.htm" target="_blank">National Association of Black journalists</a>, tossed out the AP Stylebook guidance, and have turned “black Americans” into “Black Americans” out of respect.

That’s a taste of what those 395 participants learned about for one 
hour on a Monday afternoon, on their journey to qualify as allies.

You’re welcome to take a look at the recorded version <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS1ZBCk9sqs" target="_blank">here</a> – along with all of our <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/initiatives/power-shift-project/do-you-qualify-as-an-ally/" target="_blank">Power Shift resources</a>.

Better yet, join us for the next “Do You Qualify?” <a href="https://bit.ly/3hwPGwk" target="_blank">webinar on July 15</a>.

Imagine how allies, as trusted forces for good, might be part of positive change.

Jill Geisler is Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership and Bill Plante Chair in Leadership &amp; Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:jill@jillgeisler.com" target="_blank">jill@jillgeisler.com</a> or follow her on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/JillGeisler?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@JillGeisler</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592499962211.jpeg" alt="Jill Geisler" />
 <figcaption>Jill Geisler</figcaption>
 </figure>June 19 marks a turning point in American history.It is <a href="https://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm" target="_blank">Juneteenth</a>, the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery nationwide.We are at another turning point in our nation’s history, and people 
of good faith want to be part of that change. This week, the Freedom 
Forum’s Power Shift Project hosted a webinar titled Do You Qualify As An
 Ally? (Especially Now). Nearly 400 people, most of them journalists, 
tuned in.What was behind that remarkable turnout?A turning point. A push for change.Protests are evidence.So are polls. <a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/documents/monmouthpoll_us_060220.pdf/" target="_blank">Monmouth University</a>
 reported a robust, remarkable jump in the number of people agreeing 
that racism and ethnic discrimination is a big problem in the United 
States. From 51 percent five years ago, to 76 percent (including 71 
percent of whites) today.People want to change systems that are inherently biased.But they also know they have to change themselves, too.They want to take responsibility for being “a trusted force for good,” which is how The Power Shift Project describes allies.People want to do the right thing, the right way.That’s been our goal, too.From the very first Power Shift Summit in 2018, launched in the wake 
of the #MeToo scandals in media, we learned that harassment and 
discrimination are inseparable. So, as we tackled the cultural change 
needed to produce equitable workplaces for women, we didn’t focus on 
their challenges alone.We took on marginalization, discrimination, harassment and bias affecting all who are underrepresented in journalism.We listened to expert voices, learned from research and bore witness to open wounds.But even as we developed a curriculum to upgrade workplace cultures, 
we heard repeatedly from people who wanted to do more – as individuals.That’s why we launched “Do You Qualify as an Ally?” a year ago.Before COVID-19 and its disproportionate effect on women and people of color.Before Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks lost their lives.Before marches that filled our streets and our screens with clarion calls for change.We knew it was time to update our Ally teaching; to build on what we started and match this moment.The news demands it.And so do people of good will – people who are more ready than ever to learn.The hundreds who joined us took in 10 (of many) ways to qualify as an ally, with practical of examples of each point:<ol>
 <li>Understand that power affects our perspectives.</li><li>Recognize the realities and risks of unconscious bias.</li><li>Be a learner, but don’t expect anyone is obligated to be your teacher.</li><li>Recognize, relieve and reward the “invisible work” done by underrepresented employees.</li><li>Understand the meaning and impact of microaggressions.</li><li>Find a voice for courageous conversations.</li><li>Challenge systems, traditions, practices and assumptions that foster inequity.</li><li>Measure what matters.</li><li>Be more than a mentor; be a sponsor.</li><li>Be more than an ally; be an amplifier, an accomplice, an advocate and an ally to other allies when they step up.</li>
 </ol>And we told them that most of all, to do all of those things without expectation of credit or profit.Be like the university professor who teaches his students how 
unconscious bias causes female professors to get lower evaluations from 
students – on the week they turn in those evaluations.Be like the TV station group leadership team that sent a memo to 
employees, stating that as a journalism organization, they’ve 
traditionally refrained from commenting on political issues – but that 
racism isn’t political and employees have the right to speak out against
 it.Be like the young NFL social media producer who “<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-video-roger-goodell-racism-black-lives-matter-players-employees-110927703.html" target="_blank">went rogue,”</a> working behind the scenes with players to create their “Black Lives Matter” video, calling for change in the NFL.Be like the media organizations that monitor their own progress on 
diversity – or lack of it, who create databases of diverse sources – and
 <a href="https://sources.npr.org/" target="_blank">share them</a>.Be like the newsrooms that listened to the <a href="https://www.nabj.org/news/512370/NABJ-Statement-on-Capitalizing-Black-and-Other-Racial-Identifiers.htm" target="_blank">National Association of Black journalists</a>, tossed out the AP Stylebook guidance, and have turned “black Americans” into “Black Americans” out of respect.That’s a taste of what those 395 participants learned about for one 
hour on a Monday afternoon, on their journey to qualify as allies.You’re welcome to take a look at the recorded version <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS1ZBCk9sqs" target="_blank">here</a> – along with all of our <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/initiatives/power-shift-project/do-you-qualify-as-an-ally/" target="_blank">Power Shift resources</a>.Better yet, join us for the next “Do You Qualify?” <a href="https://bit.ly/3hwPGwk" target="_blank">webinar on July 15</a>.Imagine how allies, as trusted forces for good, might be part of positive change.Jill Geisler is Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership and Bill Plante Chair in Leadership &amp; Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:jill@jillgeisler.com" target="_blank">jill@jillgeisler.com</a> or follow her on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/JillGeisler?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">@JillGeisler</a>.&nbsp;

FIRST FIVE: A moment for change

Perhaps you are thinking that spring commencement ceremonies have come and gone. Well if you enjoy the delight of celebrating the accomplishments of your friends and loved ones, you will want to pay special attention to the university’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/forthaysstate">Facebook page</a> and social media tomorrow (June 19).

Traditionally, students walk across the commencement stage in May and receive an empty diploma cover. Following the ceremonies, faculty and staff hang up their regalia, finish grading papers and exams, post grades, certify degree completions, and then order the significant pieces of paper that officially declare one is a graduate.&nbsp;

The lack of a 2020 commencement ceremony this past month was clearly a huge disappointment. It weighed heavy on my heart. So many disappointed graduates and families felt the loss of not being able to gather in Gross Memorial Coliseum and take that victorious walk across the stage amidst the love of family and friends and the pride of our faculty and staff. We were, however, well equipped with many accolades and social media posts to declare “well done” during the month of May.

At Fort Hays State, we wanted to go the extra mile to really commemorate the delivery of the diploma. So, for the past several weeks, 90-plus faculty and staff gathered to pack a special care package for each of our approximately 1,800 graduates.

Each box – white, with custom FHSU logo shipping tape and a Tiger sticker – contains a student’s official cap and gown (and hood for master’s and doctoral grads, a commencement program and, of course, the coveted diploma. It is a celebration kit in a box – each personalized and packed in black and gold tissue paper with love and admiration for our graduates.

To aid in a proper exhibition of Tiger pride, each box also comes with a Tiger decal for sticking on something prominent and an enameled metal Tiger pin for wearing.

To aid in a proper celebration, each box contains confetti for throwing and a horn for blowing.

I cannot wait for the students to open their care packages!

Tomorrow will be the official second round of congratulations to honor our spring and summer 2020 graduates – a well-deserved encore. Our goal is to capture the energy and joy that families share during a typical commencement and create a reprise of memorable social media posts and, most importantly, family celebrations.

And with reopening plans expanding throughout the country – there are even more opportunities to make the day a big family celebration.&nbsp;

Please join us to celebrate our newest alumni. Graduates and their families have been encouraged to post videos of their personal celebrations between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. using the event hashtag – #TigerGrad. The Alumni Association, faculty, and staff have posted images, video congratulations and encouragement messages. A friend of mine even built a stage in her backyard so her niece could wear her cap and gown and walk across a stage. I love it!

I encourage families to feel free to deliver their own commencement speeches to acknowledge the hard work it took for their graduates to earn their degrees and to wish them well in the future. And of course – don’t forget the balloons, flowers, and cake!

Congratulations, class of 2020! We cannot say it enough. We are proud of you. We look forward to seeing your future successes and to forging strong ties between you and this university. Enjoy your FHSU Commencement celebration packages. Remember, as you move forward and start something new, we will always be ready to cheer you on and help in any way possible, and we will always be with you.

<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>Perhaps you are thinking that spring commencement ceremonies have come and gone. Well if you enjoy the delight of celebrating the accomplishments of your friends and loved ones, you will want to pay special attention to the university’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/forthaysstate">Facebook page</a> and social media tomorrow (June 19).Traditionally, students walk across the commencement stage in May and receive an empty diploma cover. Following the ceremonies, faculty and staff hang up their regalia, finish grading papers and exams, post grades, certify degree completions, and then order the significant pieces of paper that officially declare one is a graduate.&nbsp;The lack of a 2020 commencement ceremony this past month was clearly a huge disappointment. It weighed heavy on my heart. So many disappointed graduates and families felt the loss of not being able to gather in Gross Memorial Coliseum and take that victorious walk across the stage amidst the love of family and friends and the pride of our faculty and staff. We were, however, well equipped with many accolades and social media posts to declare “well done” during the month of May.But we are not yet done.At Fort Hays State, we wanted to go the extra mile to really commemorate the delivery of the diploma. So, for the past several weeks, 90-plus faculty and staff gathered to pack a special care package for each of our approximately 1,800 graduates.Each box – white, with custom FHSU logo shipping tape and a Tiger sticker – contains a student’s official cap and gown (and hood for master’s and doctoral grads, a commencement program and, of course, the coveted diploma. It is a celebration kit in a box – each personalized and packed in black and gold tissue paper with love and admiration for our graduates.To aid in a proper exhibition of Tiger pride, each box also comes with a Tiger decal for sticking on something prominent and an enameled metal Tiger pin for wearing.To aid in a proper celebration, each box contains confetti for throwing and a horn for blowing.I cannot wait for the students to open their care packages!Tomorrow will be the official second round of congratulations to honor our spring and summer 2020 graduates – a well-deserved encore. Our goal is to capture the energy and joy that families share during a typical commencement and create a reprise of memorable social media posts and, most importantly, family celebrations.And with reopening plans expanding throughout the country – there are even more opportunities to make the day a big family celebration.&nbsp;Please join us to celebrate our newest alumni. Graduates and their families have been encouraged to post videos of their personal celebrations between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. using the event hashtag – #TigerGrad. The Alumni Association, faculty, and staff have posted images, video congratulations and encouragement messages. A friend of mine even built a stage in her backyard so her niece could wear her cap and gown and walk across a stage. I love it!I encourage families to feel free to deliver their own commencement speeches to acknowledge the hard work it took for their graduates to earn their degrees and to wish them well in the future. And of course – don’t forget the balloons, flowers, and cake!Congratulations, class of 2020! We cannot say it enough. We are proud of you. We look forward to seeing your future successes and to forging strong ties between you and this university. Enjoy your FHSU Commencement celebration packages. Remember, as you move forward and start something new, we will always be ready to cheer you on and help in any way possible, and we will always be with you.

MASON: Graduating Tigers, families, friends invited to hashtag celebration

BY GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

Wow, we blew right through spring and are bearing down on summer, and in the Farm Bureau world that means annual meeting time is right around the corner. Annual meetings are vital in the life of our organization and something many members look forward to. It is a time to conduct the business of our organization but also a time to fellowship with our neighbors and friends.

Just like our policy positions, the decision on each county’s annual meeting is left up to the grassroots level and your local board is deciding what your meeting will look like this year.

Some may decide the risk is low in their county and continue with their traditional annual meeting, and that is fine. However, many of our local boards will decide a different mode of annual meeting needs to happen this year. It may be a business only meeting, meant to lessen the time we spend together and therefore lower the risk of passing a virus on. I suppose some may take the route of a ”virtual” annual meeting utilizing the technology available to us. That is the lowest risk option and may be the best in some areas.

No matter what type of meeting your county decides to have, you can rest assured  the board did it with the health and wellbeing of their fellow farmers and ranchers in mind. It may not look like the annual meeting we are used to, and that may be a cause of disappointment. Hopefully it will be a one-time measure. You can rest assured that the decision was made after a great deal of thought and planning with the best interest of everyone in mind.

On a similar note, continue to check in with us on news about Kansas Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. That seems like a long way down the road, but I am sure that December will be here before we know it. Just know your state staff and board members are also watching the situation closely and developing alternate plans with the hope they’re not needed. I promise you when a decision is made, it will be just like the one at your county level and have the best interest and safety of all members in mind.

We have never done anything like this before because we have never seen anything like this before. Patience is a virtue, and we want to make sure that all members are safe and healthy. Hang in there, take the proper precautions and we will all make it through this healthy and happy and ready for annual meetings in 2021. It will be worth it.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574091484634.jpeg" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>BY GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherWow, we blew right through spring and are bearing down on summer, and in the Farm Bureau world that means annual meeting time is right around the corner. Annual meetings are vital in the life of our organization and something many members look forward to. It is a time to conduct the business of our organization but also a time to fellowship with our neighbors and friends.Just like our policy positions, the decision on each county’s annual meeting is left up to the grassroots level and your local board is deciding what your meeting will look like this year.Some may decide the risk is low in their county and continue with their traditional annual meeting, and that is fine. However, many of our local boards will decide a different mode of annual meeting needs to happen this year. It may be a business only meeting, meant to lessen the time we spend together and therefore lower the risk of passing a virus on. I suppose some may take the route of a ”virtual” annual meeting utilizing the technology available to us. That is the lowest risk option and may be the best in some areas.No matter what type of meeting your county decides to have, you can rest assured the board did it with the health and wellbeing of their fellow farmers and ranchers in mind. It may not look like the annual meeting we are used to, and that may be a cause of disappointment. Hopefully it will be a one-time measure. You can rest assured that the decision was made after a great deal of thought and planning with the best interest of everyone in mind.On a similar note, continue to check in with us on news about Kansas Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. That seems like a long way down the road, but I am sure that December will be here before we know it. Just know your state staff and board members are also watching the situation closely and developing alternate plans with the hope they’re not needed. I promise you when a decision is made, it will be just like the one at your county level and have the best interest and safety of all members in mind.We have never done anything like this before because we have never seen anything like this before. Patience is a virtue, and we want to make sure that all members are safe and healthy. Hang in there, take the proper precautions and we will all make it through this healthy and happy and ready for annual meetings in 2021. It will be worth it."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: Patience and precaution

While most Kansans are getting ready for summer, considering just where it might be relatively safe to take a few days off for a vacation and considering whether you are actually going to open the front door to hear from candidates for the Legislature, there is some big news coming up…for some of us.

For that small group of Kansans who spend their summer in the Statehouse watching government at work, this is the week that we’ll see just how legislative leaders respond to about $400 million in transfers of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money to 103 of the state’s 105 counties.

And we’ll find out whether this initial distribution of that federal money turns out to be a routine funds transfer or a political issue that will show up in Republican and Democrat legislative primary elections. Will the governor get to make this first relatively non-controversial transfer of federal aid to counties, and how will candidates for the Legislature characterize it?

Basically it is designed to take some pressure off of counties and cities and other small governmental units which have seen their operating costs increase because of the time off, the stay-home order, the closure of businesses that possibly on a state- or nation-wide level aren’t “essential” but which are essential to their owners and the employees who work there.

That initial $400 million is expected to be relatively non-controversial, except if you are running for the Legislature and want to publicly support it or publicly assert that you want the public to dissect each of those counties’ receipts to learn whether the first months of the pandemic actually cost each of those 103 counties $194 in in extra costs for each resident.

That $194? Well, it’s tricky, but Sedgwick and Johnson counties, which aren’t part of the $400 million pool because they are big enough (population 500,000 or more) to receive direct payments from the federal government, figured that their direct aid will pencil out to about $194 per resident. And that has become the floor for state distribution of the initial $400 million to the rest of the state’s counties.

Because, by this time unless you are closely following COVID-19, most of us are starting to enjoy the weather and not spending as much time worrying about masks and gowns for the people who shield us from the pandemic. That’s not good, but many Kansans are getting tired of the pandemic.

Running for the House from, say, Thomas County, or Cowley County? Want to tell your potential voters that they’ll get less of that federal money because, well, they aren’t Sedgwick or Johnson County? Tell a voter that, and you better back off of their porch so you can make sure they don’t push you off their property.

This week’s first round of disbursing those federal funds – about $600 million remain to be dispersed through the state in two separate actions more narrowly focused on economic recovery—may spawn issues for the upcoming primary elections. And that means what in non-pandemic times would be widely characterized as a bonanza for counties, instead will be high-publicity millions of dollars that most of us won’t characterize as any real boost in prosperity.&nbsp;

You’ll notice, of course, that there wasn’t much in the way of money coming out of the Statehouse to Kansans or their local governments this session. No income or property tax relief, and not even much in the way of transparency which some candidates believe is also a popular campaign verb.

We’ll see&nbsp; how this works out, and how candidates manage to use it as a campaign issue…

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>While most Kansans are getting ready for summer, considering just where it might be relatively safe to take a few days off for a vacation and considering whether you are actually going to open the front door to hear from candidates for the Legislature, there is some big news coming up…for some of us.For that small group of Kansans who spend their summer in the Statehouse watching government at work, this is the week that we’ll see just how legislative leaders respond to about $400 million in transfers of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money to 103 of the state’s 105 counties.And we’ll find out whether this initial distribution of that federal money turns out to be a routine funds transfer or a political issue that will show up in Republican and Democrat legislative primary elections. Will the governor get to make this first relatively non-controversial transfer of federal aid to counties, and how will candidates for the Legislature characterize it?Basically it is designed to take some pressure off of counties and cities and other small governmental units which have seen their operating costs increase because of the time off, the stay-home order, the closure of businesses that possibly on a state- or nation-wide level aren’t “essential” but which are essential to their owners and the employees who work there.That initial $400 million is expected to be relatively non-controversial, except if you are running for the Legislature and want to publicly support it or publicly assert that you want the public to dissect each of those counties’ receipts to learn whether the first months of the pandemic actually cost each of those 103 counties $194 in in extra costs for each resident.That $194? Well, it’s tricky, but Sedgwick and Johnson counties, which aren’t part of the $400 million pool because they are big enough (population 500,000 or more) to receive direct payments from the federal government, figured that their direct aid will pencil out to about $194 per resident. And that has become the floor for state distribution of the initial $400 million to the rest of the state’s counties.Because, by this time unless you are closely following COVID-19, most of us are starting to enjoy the weather and not spending as much time worrying about masks and gowns for the people who shield us from the pandemic. That’s not good, but many Kansans are getting tired of the pandemic.Running for the House from, say, Thomas County, or Cowley County? Want to tell your potential voters that they’ll get less of that federal money because, well, they aren’t Sedgwick or Johnson County? Tell a voter that, and you better back off of their porch so you can make sure they don’t push you off their property.This week’s first round of disbursing those federal funds – about $600 million remain to be dispersed through the state in two separate actions more narrowly focused on economic recovery—may spawn issues for the upcoming primary elections. And that means what in non-pandemic times would be widely characterized as a bonanza for counties, instead will be high-publicity millions of dollars that most of us won’t characterize as any real boost in prosperity.&nbsp;You’ll notice, of course, that there wasn’t much in the way of money coming out of the Statehouse to Kansans or their local governments this session. No income or property tax relief, and not even much in the way of transparency which some candidates believe is also a popular campaign verb.We’ll see&nbsp; how this works out, and how candidates manage to use it as a campaign issue…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: Virus relief payments, costs could become election issue

At the upcoming Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Commissioner’s virtual meeting on June 25th, a new proposal will be discussed that, if passed, would allow coyotes to be hunted at night using lights, night vision and thermal imaging gear. Coyotes can presently be hunted at night year-round, but without lights or any other equipment. KDWPT furbearer biologist Matt Peak says “Most other Midwest states allow this activity in some form with apparently no more legal or safety issues than other types of hunting, and pressure from hunters, and in some cases livestock producers for us to allow this has really grown in recent years.” The proposal will include the following options:

For a complete June 25 meeting agenda and specific instructions on how to participate virtually in that meeting visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commision/Past-and-Future-Meetings/June-25-2020. If this proposal interests or concerns you, please try to participate in the virtual meeting and make your opinion heard.

We all love acronyms, abbreviations used to identify things; heck the world practically runs on acronyms. Well, here’s your Kansas Outdoors acronym for the week; “HABs,” short for Harmful Algae Blooms. Yup, as the long, hot days of summer besiege us again, its Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas. Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas unfortunately contains the three holidays when our lakes are used the most, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.&nbsp;

When KDHE receives notice from anyone that a harmful algae bloom is noticed or suspected, they take water samples at the most frequently used locations at the site, such as swim beaches and boat docks. The samples are analyzed, and according to the density of the algae found, either a Public Health Watch or a Public Health Warning is issued for that water impoundment.&nbsp;

Currently only Public Health Watches, meaning conditions are right for harmful algae blooms to occur, are in effect at the following:

Cheney Lake in Reno, Kingman and Sedgewick counties, the Gathering Pond at Milford in Geary County, Kanapolis Lake in Ellsworth county, Marion County Lake in Marion County, Perry Lake Zone “D” in Jefferson County and the Rock Garden pond in Shawnee County. These Public Health Watches mean direct contact with the water at these locations is discouraged.

&nbsp;Health effects can occur when surface scum or water containing high levels of blue-green algal toxins are swallowed or have contacted the skin, or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled while swimming, boating or skiing. Most people report the effects as “allergic” type reactions like intestinal or respiratory problems or skin irritations. Animal reactions may range from general weakness and lethargy, to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or even convulsion.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sorry to say that health warnings at area lakes because of toxic algae blooms will probably get more numerous before they get better. So, I guess your options are to sell the boat, skis and fishing poles, or just drive a little farther to a lake where no warnings exist, and continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve&nbsp;Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve&nbsp;Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>At the upcoming Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Commissioner’s virtual meeting on June 25th, a new proposal will be discussed that, if passed, would allow coyotes to be hunted at night using lights, night vision and thermal imaging gear. Coyotes can presently be hunted at night year-round, but without lights or any other equipment. KDWPT furbearer biologist Matt Peak says “Most other Midwest states allow this activity in some form with apparently no more legal or safety issues than other types of hunting, and pressure from hunters, and in some cases livestock producers for us to allow this has really grown in recent years.” The proposal will include the following options:<ol>
 <li>Allowing the use of artificial lights, night vision and thermal imaging equipment for hunting coyotes ONLY, no other furbearers like bobcats and fox.</li><li>Season dates for use of this equipment would be January 1 – March 31.</li><li>Use of this equipment would not be allowed from a vehicle.</li><li>Use of this equipment would be prohibited on department lands and waters, including Walk-In Hunting (WIHA) properties.</li><li>A $2.50 permit would be required initially so the department can learn more about the demand and frequency of use.</li>
 </ol>For a complete June 25 meeting agenda and specific instructions on how to participate virtually in that meeting visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commision/Past-and-Future-Meetings/June-25-2020. If this proposal interests or concerns you, please try to participate in the virtual meeting and make your opinion heard.• • •We all love acronyms, abbreviations used to identify things; heck the world practically runs on acronyms. Well, here’s your Kansas Outdoors acronym for the week; “HABs,” short for Harmful Algae Blooms. Yup, as the long, hot days of summer besiege us again, its Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas. Blue / Green Algae season in Kansas unfortunately contains the three holidays when our lakes are used the most, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.&nbsp;When KDHE receives notice from anyone that a harmful algae bloom is noticed or suspected, they take water samples at the most frequently used locations at the site, such as swim beaches and boat docks. The samples are analyzed, and according to the density of the algae found, either a Public Health Watch or a Public Health Warning is issued for that water impoundment.&nbsp;Currently only Public Health Watches, meaning conditions are right for harmful algae blooms to occur, are in effect at the following:Cheney Lake in Reno, Kingman and Sedgewick counties, the Gathering Pond at Milford in Geary County, Kanapolis Lake in Ellsworth county, Marion County Lake in Marion County, Perry Lake Zone “D” in Jefferson County and the Rock Garden pond in Shawnee County. These Public Health Watches mean direct contact with the water at these locations is discouraged.&nbsp;Health effects can occur when surface scum or water containing high levels of blue-green algal toxins are swallowed or have contacted the skin, or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled while swimming, boating or skiing. Most people report the effects as “allergic” type reactions like intestinal or respiratory problems or skin irritations. Animal reactions may range from general weakness and lethargy, to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or even convulsion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry to say that health warnings at area lakes because of toxic algae blooms will probably get more numerous before they get better. So, I guess your options are to sell the boat, skis and fishing poles, or just drive a little farther to a lake where no warnings exist, and continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Outdoors Kan.: Coyote hunting changes and algae season

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

The Los Angeles Rams are unveiling their new uniforms, as designed and produced by Nike, Inc. There is lots of excitement about seeing the new uniforms. This unveiling is an especially exciting moment for Nike’s lead project designer, who happens to come from rural Kansas.

Jason Wright is a lead product designer with Nike, Inc., in Oregon. That’s halfway across the continent from where Jason grew up near Garnett in Anderson County, Kansas.

“My dad was an engineer at Wolf Creek, but he also had a metal and wood shop at home,” Jason said. “Dad (also) restored an old ’72 Chevy pickup.

“I grew up with the expectation that, if you’re not doing something else, you’re out there doing something creative,” Jason said. “I owe a big debt to my dad.”

Jason helped his dad in the shop and worked on designing things of his own. He found he especially enjoyed drawing. “I loved basketball, and Kobe Bryant was my guy,” Jason said. Kobe was the most famous player in the NBA, and kids around the world were admiring Kobe Bryant’s shoes as made by Nike. “I tried drawing what my own ‘Kobes’ would look like,” Jason said. He drew sketches of logos and wheels and shoes.

He even entered some of his drawings in an online competition for amateur shoe designers. By his sophomore year in high school at Garnett, he won that competition. That caused him to receive an email from a designer at one of the Nike companies, encouraging him to pursue his talent.

Jason went on to K-State and earned a degree in graphic design. After graduation, he married a young woman from Topeka and went to work for a firm in Kansas City.

One day out of the blue, he got a call from a Nike staffer who had seen Jason’s work on a website and was interested in recruiting him to work for Nike. “We loved Kansas City, but we couldn’t turn down this opportunity,” Jason said. He estimated that Nike gets thousands of designer applications each month.

Jason went to Oregon for the interview and ultimately accepted a position with Nike in 2015. “I think my appreciation of graphics for sports fans gave me an edge,” Jason said.

Today, he is a senior designer with Nike, with responsibility for collegiate and professional sports products. His work has taken him to stadiums, arenas and cities all over the world, including the most recent Super Bowl game, for example. “I’ve traveled to so many college towns,” Jason said. He still believes Manhattan is a special place.

“We’ve been involved with designing uniforms for all the Division I Nike schools,” Jason said. Imagine designing uniforms for schools such as Ohio State and LSU, and seeing those uniforms being worn on to the field in those classic stadiums.&nbsp;Jason especially appreciated the opportunity to design the throwback basketball uniforms for his alma mater, Kansas State University. “My goal is to design uniforms that make players feel really good and help them perform at a high level,” Jason said.&nbsp;

The Los Angeles Rams of the NFL are preparing to move into their new stadium in L.A., complete with a new logo and new uniforms. Jason worked on the new logo and uniforms for Nike. “That’s probably the most high-profile project I’ve been responsible for,” Jason said.

His work has taken him around the globe. “I’ve been to factories all over the world,” Jason said. “It’s been a cool opportunity for a small-town kid from Kansas.” After all, Jason grew up in a rural area between Garnett, population 3,415, and Westphalia, population 163 people. Now, that’s rural.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591794294800.png" alt="Jason Wright / K-State Extension courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jason Wright / K-State Extension courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;The Los Angeles Rams are unveiling their new uniforms, as designed and produced by Nike, Inc. There is lots of excitement about seeing the new uniforms. This unveiling is an especially exciting moment for Nike’s lead project designer, who happens to come from rural Kansas.Jason Wright is a lead product designer with Nike, Inc., in Oregon. That’s halfway across the continent from where Jason grew up near Garnett in Anderson County, Kansas.“My dad was an engineer at Wolf Creek, but he also had a metal and wood shop at home,” Jason said. “Dad (also) restored an old ’72 Chevy pickup.“I grew up with the expectation that, if you’re not doing something else, you’re out there doing something creative,” Jason said. “I owe a big debt to my dad.”Jason helped his dad in the shop and worked on designing things of his own. He found he especially enjoyed drawing. “I loved basketball, and Kobe Bryant was my guy,” Jason said. Kobe was the most famous player in the NBA, and kids around the world were admiring Kobe Bryant’s shoes as made by Nike. “I tried drawing what my own ‘Kobes’ would look like,” Jason said. He drew sketches of logos and wheels and shoes.He even entered some of his drawings in an online competition for amateur shoe designers. By his sophomore year in high school at Garnett, he won that competition. That caused him to receive an email from a designer at one of the Nike companies, encouraging him to pursue his talent.Jason went on to K-State and earned a degree in graphic design. After graduation, he married a young woman from Topeka and went to work for a firm in Kansas City.One day out of the blue, he got a call from a Nike staffer who had seen Jason’s work on a website and was interested in recruiting him to work for Nike. “We loved Kansas City, but we couldn’t turn down this opportunity,” Jason said. He estimated that Nike gets thousands of designer applications each month.Jason went to Oregon for the interview and ultimately accepted a position with Nike in 2015. “I think my appreciation of graphics for sports fans gave me an edge,” Jason said.Today, he is a senior designer with Nike, with responsibility for collegiate and professional sports products. His work has taken him to stadiums, arenas and cities all over the world, including the most recent Super Bowl game, for example. “I’ve traveled to so many college towns,” Jason said. He still believes Manhattan is a special place.“We’ve been involved with designing uniforms for all the Division I Nike schools,” Jason said. Imagine designing uniforms for schools such as Ohio State and LSU, and seeing those uniforms being worn on to the field in those classic stadiums.&nbsp;Jason especially appreciated the opportunity to design the throwback basketball uniforms for his alma mater, Kansas State University. “My goal is to design uniforms that make players feel really good and help them perform at a high level,” Jason said.&nbsp;The Los Angeles Rams of the NFL are preparing to move into their new stadium in L.A., complete with a new logo and new uniforms. Jason worked on the new logo and uniforms for Nike. “That’s probably the most high-profile project I’ve been responsible for,” Jason said.His work has taken him around the globe. “I’ve been to factories all over the world,” Jason said. “It’s been a cool opportunity for a small-town kid from Kansas.” After all, Jason grew up in a rural area between Garnett, population 3,415, and Westphalia, population 163 people. Now, that’s rural.“I appreciate the environment I grew up in,” Jason said.It’s time to say goodbye to Los Angeles, where a new logo and uniforms were unveiled as designed by a designer who is originally from rural Kansas. We commend Jason Wright for making a difference by putting his creativity into action. From small town Kansas to an NFL franchise, it’s a type of dream career – just the way I would design it.

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