<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b71b406b-5c71-44d8-aab5-1d3ed1b63ee1">In response to Ms. Meier’s editorial that appeared on June 15.</a> The need to have greater building efficiency for USD 112 is at the heart of closing a building for the district.

Much has been stated about transporting students, older buildings, utility costs and other factors, but at the end of the day, there are simply not enough students at Wilson Junior Senior High School to continue to support fully staffing a building with certified and classified personnel. 

Last year, Wilson Junior Senior High School had only 63 students for six grade levels. This averages to 10 students per grade level. Those students brought in roughly 305,298 in BASE state aid funding.

However, to educate these students with certified teachers and an administrator, and provide coaches and sponsors for activities the district spent 528,491 in payroll. These payroll figures were obtained from an open record request for district payroll figures for all USD 112 employees.

Rural 1A districts can not afford to financially operate two high schools when payroll expenses are a district’s largest expenditure. For every hundred dollars a public school district brings in for revenue, $90 of that goes back out to pay personnel. This is common to all Kansas school districts large or small, rural or urban. That is why payroll efficiency is important for district financial health and long-term sustainability. 

Moreover, there comes a time when small is too small for students' achievement and growth. The state of Kansas commissioned a study on school size and consolidation from the independent firm of Augenblick and Myers which concluded that the minimum enrollment for a high school to achieve the ideal range of academic programs for students as well as extracurricular offerings was 260.

USD 112 by merging into one high school would come close to achieving this number and being able to offer the highest quality academic and extracurricular offerings for students.

Ms. Meier asked why Covid federal ESSR monies were not used to keep Wilson Junior Senior High School open. These monies can only be used by districts for certain categories such as loss of learning due to the pandemic, improved air quality or school safety. They can not be used to pay salaries of general employees for day-to-day expenses. Moreover, this would only be a band-aid solution as it would do nothing to fix the real problem at Wilson Junior Senior High School of low enrollment that continues to decline.

All Covid monies have to be used in 2024 or they must be returned. Using these funds does not fix the problem after 2024 and would only temporarily keep a building open. Also, Ms. Meier stated the district website and social media sites favor Central Plains over Wilson. Actually, those sites take both Oiler and Dragon mascots and merge them together to show unity as a district. This has been used as the graphic on these pages for several years.

Most egregiously, Ms. Meier stated there are pay inequities for teaching staff in buildings which unfairly target Wilson teachers. Certified teachers are placed on a district salary schedule, which is negotiated by one Wilson teacher and one Central Plains teacher and the Board of Education each year. This negotiated agreement and salary schedule is a legally binding contract. To imply the Board of Education is not following this legally binding contract without offering any proof, is grossly unfair to all parties involved, and borders on libelous content.

Accurate data and factual information are important, please visit unitedusd112.com or Facebook United USD 112. 

RELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ca616ba-d515-45ec-a6db-ff83cd076127">Petition to disorganize USD 112 filed Tuesday morning</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/650866ad-be2b-4d84-8a28-bf21f90d331c">Wilson High School supporters not going down without a fight</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b71b406b-5c71-44d8-aab5-1d3ed1b63ee1">In response to Ms. Meier’s editorial that appeared on June 15.</a> The need to have greater building efficiency for USD 112 is at the heart of closing a building for the district.Much has been stated about transporting students, older buildings, utility costs and other factors, but at the end of the day, there are simply not enough students at Wilson Junior Senior High School to continue to support fully staffing a building with certified and classified personnel. Last year, Wilson Junior Senior High School had only 63 students for six grade levels. This averages to 10 students per grade level. Those students brought in roughly 305,298 in BASE state aid funding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>However, to educate these students with certified teachers and an administrator, and provide coaches and sponsors for activities the district spent 528,491 in payroll. These payroll figures were obtained from an open record request for district payroll figures for all USD 112 employees.Rural 1A districts can not afford to financially operate two high schools when payroll expenses are a district’s largest expenditure. For every hundred dollars a public school district brings in for revenue, $90 of that goes back out to pay personnel. This is common to all Kansas school districts large or small, rural or urban. That is why payroll efficiency is important for district financial health and long-term sustainability. Moreover, there comes a time when small is too small for students' achievement and growth. The state of Kansas commissioned a study on school size and consolidation from the independent firm of Augenblick and Myers which concluded that the minimum enrollment for a high school to achieve the ideal range of academic programs for students as well as extracurricular offerings was 260.USD 112 by merging into one high school would come close to achieving this number and being able to offer the highest quality academic and extracurricular offerings for students.Ms. Meier asked why Covid federal ESSR monies were not used to keep Wilson Junior Senior High School open. These monies can only be used by districts for certain categories such as loss of learning due to the pandemic, improved air quality or school safety. They can not be used to pay salaries of general employees for day-to-day expenses. Moreover, this would only be a band-aid solution as it would do nothing to fix the real problem at Wilson Junior Senior High School of low enrollment that continues to decline.All Covid monies have to be used in 2024 or they must be returned. Using these funds does not fix the problem after 2024 and would only temporarily keep a building open. Also, Ms. Meier stated the district website and social media sites favor Central Plains over Wilson. Actually, those sites take both Oiler and Dragon mascots and merge them together to show unity as a district. This has been used as the graphic on these pages for several years.Most egregiously, Ms. Meier stated there are pay inequities for teaching staff in buildings which unfairly target Wilson teachers. Certified teachers are placed on a district salary schedule, which is negotiated by one Wilson teacher and one Central Plains teacher and the Board of Education each year. This negotiated agreement and salary schedule is a legally binding contract. To imply the Board of Education is not following this legally binding contract without offering any proof, is grossly unfair to all parties involved, and borders on libelous content.Accurate data and factual information are important, please visit unitedusd112.com or Facebook United USD 112. — Denise Schmidt, ClaflinRELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ca616ba-d515-45ec-a6db-ff83cd076127">Petition to disorganize USD 112 filed Tuesday morning</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/650866ad-be2b-4d84-8a28-bf21f90d331c">Wilson High School supporters not going down without a fight</a>

Letter to Editor: Writer offers reasons for Wilson school closing

It’s no fun being between a rock and a hard place, but that’s the spot Kansas public schools are in today.&nbsp; It’s an unfortunate circumstance begging for action by the Legislature and Kansas State Board of Education.

The two major problems facing schools currently are:&nbsp; 1) teacher shortages and 2) low student achievement. Both have plagued Kansas schools for at least 20 years.

Kansas student achievement on the most recent National Assessment of Student Progress reading and math exams declined again—a situation that can’t improve without schools fully staffed with well-prepared teachers.

The rock/hard-place dilemma is that in the past, the answer to increasing the teacher workforce was to relax the rules for qualifying teachers.

Following precedent, Kansas started down the traditional road again last year by creating an emergency substitute teacher license. Instead of requiring a minimum of 60 hours earned college credit, substitute teacher qualifications are now holding a high school diploma and being at least age 18.

To speed national workforce development, the U.S. Department of Labor is offering funding for apprenticeship programs in a range of occupations including teacher preparation.

These apprentice programs pair accelerated on-line post-secondary education with on-site training. The programs are proving effective for technical careers, and so far, 16 states will&nbsp;receive teacher education funding.&nbsp;KSDE is looking into this as well as creating its own teacher apprentice program.

The best programs place teacher candidates who have completed 60 hours college general education into public schools with 15 to 20 hours paid work per week as paraprofessionals, who assist a teacher, usually with small group activities.

Teacher candidates complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree that include practice teaching experiences in multiple classroom levels with in-person teacher candidate evaluation by credentialed supervisors.

The least effective apprenticeship programs allow 18 year-olds to work as paraprofessionals as little as five hours per week or become full-time classroom teachers with little college-level preparation. The apprenticeship can occur in a single classroom for the full four years of college study which may be shortened through accelerated, eight-week, all on-line courses. The apprentices’ classroom teaching may be with small-groups only, in one grade only with candidate teaching evaluation reduced to student-produced, 15-minute videos observed by on-line reviewers.

COVID taught us that “all online, all the time” is not the best way for students to learn and it follows, also not the best for teacher candidates. Pre-service teachers also need experience through research based, faculty-led roundtables to learn the wide-range of student needs, develop problem solving abilities and practice communication skills—all difficult to accomplish in an exclusively online, one class in one school environment.

If properly organized, paid apprenticeship for teacher candidates can reduce their college costs, give pre-service teachers valuable hands-on experience and speed-up preparation without abbreviated, fully online courses or candidate’s teaching skills evaluated remotely.

Kansans might also consider that in 2023, the median teacher starting salary in Kansas is $40,699 while the average starting salary for college graduates nationally is $58,860.

Kansas ranked 36 nationally in public school salaries in 2021.

The median yearly income of one earner in Kansas is $51,957.

The state projects a $3.2 billion cash surplus by June 2024 and nearly $1 billion more in the rainy day fund.&nbsp;

Raising teacher salaries may be the fastest and most effective way to solve the teacher shortage.

Sharon Hartin Iorio is the dean emerita of the Wichita State University College of Education.

Sources used in this report:&nbsp;KSDE standard &amp; Emergency Substitute License Requirements; KSDE Board Meeting June 13, 2023; Apprentice.gov&gt;Education; Emporia State University February 5, 2020, report and news release. U. S.&nbsp;Trustee Program/Dept of Justice: Kansas; Google Search: Kansas budget surplus; Ed Week June 21, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s no fun being between a rock and a hard place, but that’s the spot Kansas public schools are in today.&nbsp; It’s an unfortunate circumstance begging for action by the Legislature and Kansas State Board of Education.The two major problems facing schools currently are:&nbsp; 1) teacher shortages and 2) low student achievement. Both have plagued Kansas schools for at least 20 years.Kansas student achievement on the most recent National Assessment of Student Progress reading and math exams declined again—a situation that can’t improve without schools fully staffed with well-prepared teachers.The rock/hard-place dilemma is that in the past, the answer to increasing the teacher workforce was to relax the rules for qualifying teachers.Following precedent, Kansas started down the traditional road again last year by creating an emergency substitute teacher license. Instead of requiring a minimum of 60 hours earned college credit, substitute teacher qualifications are now holding a high school diploma and being at least age 18.To speed national workforce development, the U.S. Department of Labor is offering funding for apprenticeship programs in a range of occupations including teacher preparation.These apprentice programs pair accelerated on-line post-secondary education with on-site training. The programs are proving effective for technical careers, and so far, 16 states will&nbsp;receive teacher education funding.&nbsp;KSDE is looking into this as well as creating its own teacher apprentice program.The best programs place teacher candidates who have completed 60 hours college general education into public schools with 15 to 20 hours paid work per week as paraprofessionals, who assist a teacher, usually with small group activities.Teacher candidates complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree that include practice teaching experiences in multiple classroom levels with in-person teacher candidate evaluation by credentialed supervisors.The least effective apprenticeship programs allow 18 year-olds to work as paraprofessionals as little as five hours per week or become full-time classroom teachers with little college-level preparation. The apprenticeship can occur in a single classroom for the full four years of college study which may be shortened through accelerated, eight-week, all on-line courses. The apprentices’ classroom teaching may be with small-groups only, in one grade only with candidate teaching evaluation reduced to student-produced, 15-minute videos observed by on-line reviewers.COVID taught us that “all online, all the time” is not the best way for students to learn and it follows, also not the best for teacher candidates. Pre-service teachers also need experience through research based, faculty-led roundtables to learn the wide-range of student needs, develop problem solving abilities and practice communication skills—all difficult to accomplish in an exclusively online, one class in one school environment.If properly organized, paid apprenticeship for teacher candidates can reduce their college costs, give pre-service teachers valuable hands-on experience and speed-up preparation without abbreviated, fully online courses or candidate’s teaching skills evaluated remotely.Kansans might also consider that in 2023, the median teacher starting salary in Kansas is $40,699 while the average starting salary for college graduates nationally is $58,860.Kansas ranked 36 nationally in public school salaries in 2021.The median yearly income of one earner in Kansas is $51,957.The state projects a $3.2 billion cash surplus by June 2024 and nearly $1 billion more in the rainy day fund.&nbsp;Raising teacher salaries may be the fastest and most effective way to solve the teacher shortage.Sharon Hartin Iorio is the dean emerita of the Wichita State University College of Education.Sources used in this report:&nbsp;KSDE standard &amp; Emergency Substitute License Requirements; KSDE Board Meeting June 13, 2023; Apprentice.gov&gt;Education; Emporia State University February 5, 2020, report and news release. U. S.&nbsp;Trustee Program/Dept of Justice: Kansas; Google Search: Kansas budget surplus; Ed Week June 21, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Solving Kansas’ teacher shortage problem

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

There is nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables that come straight to the table from the garden, and often when there is a produce surplus folks turn to processing options such as freezing or canning to make it last throughout the year.

In anticipation of that summer season, I would like to offer tips on how to have a successful canning experience.

First, make sure everything is working properly. 

Canning jars and rings should be free from cracks and no rust on the rings. Handwashing is recommended to keep them from rusting prematurely. Lids, however, cannot be used more than once. 

Next, make sure your canner is in good working order. Dial gauge canners need their valves and gauge checked. Your local extension office can test the gauge for Presto, National, Maid of Honor and Magic Seal canners. 

Check the seal between the pot and lid, looking for cracks or dried rubber. If the seal isn’t good then the canner will not get to the proper pressure. 

The rubber plug can also wear out and sometimes need replaced.

As far as preparing the food, it is recommended to remove the peels to prevent unintended bacteria growth.

After the jars have been processed, they should be placed on a towel on the counter in an isolated place, with no drafts and allowed to cool down naturally.

Finally, write the date the food was canned on the lid before putting them in storage. It is recommended that jars be used within one year and rotate them out for next year’s supply.

And just a reminder about canning recipes. Information about food comes at us from many directions. We might scroll through Facebook, Pinterest or another social media platform and be attracted by a new recipe. Most of the time, recipes for main courses or desserts will not pose food safety risks. Maybe a friend told you about a new canning method. Food preservation recipes that have not been tested for safety could be harmful, or even deadly if the canned food contains the toxin that causes botulism. 

These are some questions to ask yourself:

• Who is the author of the research or publication? The U.S. Department of Agriculture and universities have conducted reputable food preservation research.

• Is the food preservation information based on current scientific research or opinion? Outdated canning recipes should be retired. An exception: if ingredient amounts and processing times are exactly the same as current food preservation recipes, they could be used.

• Where did you find the information? Examine the URL on the website. Does it end with “.edu” (indicating a university or other educational organization) or “.gov” (indicating a government site)? Universities and government sources are credible sources of food preservation information.

Please make sure your canning recipes are from credible sources before trying them. While home canning can be a safe and convenient way to store food, it must be done safely.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522176561.png" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictThere is nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables that come straight to the table from the garden, and often when there is a produce surplus folks turn to processing options such as freezing or canning to make it last throughout the year.In anticipation of that summer season, I would like to offer tips on how to have a successful canning experience.First, make sure everything is working properly. Canning jars and rings should be free from cracks and no rust on the rings. Handwashing is recommended to keep them from rusting prematurely. Lids, however, cannot be used more than once. Next, make sure your canner is in good working order. Dial gauge canners need their valves and gauge checked. Your local extension office can test the gauge for Presto, National, Maid of Honor and Magic Seal canners. Check the seal between the pot and lid, looking for cracks or dried rubber. If the seal isn’t good then the canner will not get to the proper pressure. The rubber plug can also wear out and sometimes need replaced.As far as preparing the food, it is recommended to remove the peels to prevent unintended bacteria growth.After the jars have been processed, they should be placed on a towel on the counter in an isolated place, with no drafts and allowed to cool down naturally.Finally, write the date the food was canned on the lid before putting them in storage. It is recommended that jars be used within one year and rotate them out for next year’s supply.And just a reminder about canning recipes. Information about food comes at us from many directions. We might scroll through Facebook, Pinterest or another social media platform and be attracted by a new recipe. Most of the time, recipes for main courses or desserts will not pose food safety risks. Maybe a friend told you about a new canning method. Food preservation recipes that have not been tested for safety could be harmful, or even deadly if the canned food contains the toxin that causes botulism. These are some questions to ask yourself:• Who is the author of the research or publication? The U.S. Department of Agriculture and universities have conducted reputable food preservation research.• Is the food preservation information based on current scientific research or opinion? Outdated canning recipes should be retired. An exception: if ingredient amounts and processing times are exactly the same as current food preservation recipes, they could be used.• Where did you find the information? Examine the URL on the website. Does it end with “.edu” (indicating a university or other educational organization) or “.gov” (indicating a government site)? Universities and government sources are credible sources of food preservation information.Please make sure your canning recipes are from credible sources before trying them. While home canning can be a safe and convenient way to store food, it must be done safely.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Tips for safe canning

By TISA MASON FHSU President

Fort Hays State University is pleased to welcome its new dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Dr. J. David Macey. Dr. Macey will join us on Monday.

The college Dr. Macey will lead recently began working through a comprehensive reorganization focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, positioning the college to grow, leveraging new academic program opportunities, and creating a collaborative and engaging organizational culture that articulates the value of a liberal arts education.

This appointment is a significant milestone for the university, and we are thrilled to have found someone with such an impressive background and wealth of experience. The new dean brings a fresh perspective to the role, and we are confident that he will lead the college to new heights.

Thus, I am honored to introduce Dr. Macey to our wonderful community via this Heart of a Tiger column.

Like me, David grew up in Massachusetts. His undergraduate degree is from Yale University in Connecticut and his first job after college was as a cook at a storefront soup kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. He later worked as a bank teller and was a Catholic seminarian before earning graduate degrees in English literature at Brown University and Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Macey has served as a faculty member at a small private liberal arts college in Washington state (University of Puget Sound) and a medium-sized public regional comprehensive university in Oklahoma (University of Central Oklahoma). He has also served as an assistant vice president for diversity, inclusion, and globalization and the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Signaling a good fit with Tiger Nation, Dr. Macey’s career is marked by hard work, thoughtfulness, achievement, and demonstrated commitment to an ethic of care. He received several awards from the University of Central Oklahoma, including the Modeling the Way Award, the Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Division of Student Affairs Faculty Adviser of the Year Award. He also received the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice's Oklahoma City Humanitarian Award and the Cimarron Alliance's Torch Award.

On a more personal note, David has lived in Oklahoma City for the past twenty years, where his husband, Thomas Horne, has been an English professor (Oklahoma City Community College). Four cats round out their household: Mildred Pierces (a gray tabby), Burt Lancatster (an orange tuxedo tabby), Elvira Whiskress of the Dark (a Bombay), and Prid E. Kitty (an orange tabby).

“I’ve followed the great work of Fort Hays State University’s students, faculty, and staff for many years and am excited by the spirit and creativity of the Tiger Nation! The university has been on the cutting edge of innovation in transformative teaching and learning, online and international education, and affordability and access – all of which will be critical to the future of public higher education. I was impressed by the warmth&nbsp;and the energy of FHSU’s students, faculty, and staff when I visited campus, and I can’t wait to join the university community,” David said.

David is excited to be moving to Hays and looks forward to becoming involved in the community, stating: “Thomas and I are enjoying learning more about Hays and its cultural activities, its restaurants (we’ve found some great ones already!), and its opportunities for service and civic engagement. We look forward to many happy years in Hays!”

FHSU and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are home to some of the most talented and dedicated faculty members in the country, and we believe that Dean Macey will provide the leadership and vision necessary to build on our success.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is welcoming new leaders to Tiger Nation. So, it is truly a joy for me to celebrate FHSU’s newest senior leader. I am thrilled to welcome David and Thomas to Fort Hays State University as well as to our wonderful Ellis County community. We look forward to working with Dr. Macey as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentFort Hays State University is pleased to welcome its new dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Dr. J. David Macey. Dr. Macey will join us on Monday.The college Dr. Macey will lead recently began working through a comprehensive reorganization focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, positioning the college to grow, leveraging new academic program opportunities, and creating a collaborative and engaging organizational culture that articulates the value of a liberal arts education.This appointment is a significant milestone for the university, and we are thrilled to have found someone with such an impressive background and wealth of experience. The new dean brings a fresh perspective to the role, and we are confident that he will lead the college to new heights.Thus, I am honored to introduce Dr. Macey to our wonderful community via this Heart of a Tiger column.Like me, David grew up in Massachusetts. His undergraduate degree is from Yale University in Connecticut and his first job after college was as a cook at a storefront soup kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. He later worked as a bank teller and was a Catholic seminarian before earning graduate degrees in English literature at Brown University and Vanderbilt University.Dr. Macey has served as a faculty member at a small private liberal arts college in Washington state (University of Puget Sound) and a medium-sized public regional comprehensive university in Oklahoma (University of Central Oklahoma). He has also served as an assistant vice president for diversity, inclusion, and globalization and the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma.Signaling a good fit with Tiger Nation, Dr. Macey’s career is marked by hard work, thoughtfulness, achievement, and demonstrated commitment to an ethic of care. He received several awards from the University of Central Oklahoma, including the Modeling the Way Award, the Neely Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Division of Student Affairs Faculty Adviser of the Year Award. He also received the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice's Oklahoma City Humanitarian Award and the Cimarron Alliance's Torch Award.On a more personal note, David has lived in Oklahoma City for the past twenty years, where his husband, Thomas Horne, has been an English professor (Oklahoma City Community College). Four cats round out their household: Mildred Pierces (a gray tabby), Burt Lancatster (an orange tuxedo tabby), Elvira Whiskress of the Dark (a Bombay), and Prid E. Kitty (an orange tabby).“I’ve followed the great work of Fort Hays State University’s students, faculty, and staff for many years and am excited by the spirit and creativity of the Tiger Nation! The university has been on the cutting edge of innovation in transformative teaching and learning, online and international education, and affordability and access – all of which will be critical to the future of public higher education. I was impressed by the warmth&nbsp;and the energy of FHSU’s students, faculty, and staff when I visited campus, and I can’t wait to join the university community,” David said.David is excited to be moving to Hays and looks forward to becoming involved in the community, stating: “Thomas and I are enjoying learning more about Hays and its cultural activities, its restaurants (we’ve found some great ones already!), and its opportunities for service and civic engagement. We look forward to many happy years in Hays!”FHSU and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences are home to some of the most talented and dedicated faculty members in the country, and we believe that Dean Macey will provide the leadership and vision necessary to build on our success.One of the most rewarding parts of my job is welcoming new leaders to Tiger Nation. So, it is truly a joy for me to celebrate FHSU’s newest senior leader. I am thrilled to welcome David and Thomas to Fort Hays State University as well as to our wonderful Ellis County community. We look forward to working with Dr. Macey as he embarks on this exciting new chapter at Fort Hays State University.

Heart of a Tiger: New leadership for College of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

The USD 112 BOE could’ve averted this disorganization vote.

The following material in quotations, were&nbsp;pulled from the KASB website:&nbsp;"School Board Members’ three primary Roles/Responsibilities," shows how BOE actions drove the district to the point of a disorganization vote:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They did not&nbsp;“foster an environment of collaboration, coordination and communication.”

&nbsp;Don’t believe; watch the&nbsp;USD 112 Board Meetings Livestream:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;@oilers112media2

*Note the&nbsp;“Oilers”&nbsp;name &amp; logo on&nbsp;District News Channel&nbsp;site. Interesting that it’s called “Oilers 112” not “Central Plains 112."

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Advocate for the&nbsp;various stakeholders&nbsp;in the district (students, staff, community members) in pursuit of policies and direction that make the system better for&nbsp;all&nbsp;involved.”

They’ve chosen to advocate for&nbsp;their school choice, Central Plains-Claflin, with little equity or concern for students and staff, especially in regard to benefits and burdens. This is not just a present-day problem but includes other building closures, district office relocation, BOE meeting locations (all moved in January to Claflin) and spending choices/priorities (including charges to Wilson for expenses not used; salary inequities across the district;&nbsp; and the fact that ESSER-Covid money, could be used to keep school buildings open).

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“At the state level, school board members are critical voices in the fight for a strong state-wide public education system.”

What has this BOE done at the state level to fight for keeping schools open?&nbsp;

In the past, there were six community schools in this area. Lorraine and Bushton were unfortunately closed; Dorrance, who lost their school in a fire, made the unselfish sacrifice and partnered with Wilson to build a new modern, efficient building in Wilson in 1998.&nbsp;At this rate, who will be the "last school standing"?

Why was/is this BOE afraid to ask the experienced experts at the state level for help?

We need immediate intervention from our educational leaders in Topeka; Gov. Kelly, KSDE,&nbsp;&nbsp;legislators, and attorney general. Our Legislators need to be informed of the needs for updates or new educational law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe the legislators needed more forewarning, especially on the lack of clarity with the present disorganization statues. The KSBOE is concerned about students and school closures and is ready to help out if only asked. Wilson has asked? Has Central Plains? Why not?

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Make impactful daily and long-term plans for success of students, staff and community members within their districts.”

Wilson’s still waiting for those plans? There are other closer districts that have transition plans.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Seen as leaders in their communities and across the state.”

Wilson and other schools have invited local BOE members and administrators to fight in Topeka for a Small-School Coalition. The BOE didn’t step up or even acknowledge this need. Wilson went and was instrumental in the passage of HB 2138 and almost passing SB 113, all with hopes of preventing Kansas school closures&nbsp;and providing a smoother,&nbsp;transparent process.

Wilson applauds the Senate and House who united, surprisingly quickly, in response to both the need for school closure, checks and balances and for FTE state funding to follow students, immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2024-2025 "open enrollment" will become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers across Kansas should demand that funding follow students immediately, not stay in a district that's not providing services to these students for two years. If this change creates different problems, then let the legislators fix them. They're good at this!

Wilson and Central Plains need a mulligan!&nbsp; Time for the BOE to better&nbsp;"Serve, Advocate &amp; Lead."&nbsp; Time for the laws to catch up with present-day educational needs and delivery options. Can this be done?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The USD 112 BOE could’ve averted this disorganization vote. The following material in quotations, were&nbsp;pulled from the KASB website:&nbsp;"School Board Members’ three primary Roles/Responsibilities," shows how BOE actions drove the district to the point of a disorganization vote: To "Serve, Advocate &amp; Lead"1. Serve:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They did not&nbsp;“foster an environment of collaboration, coordination and communication.”&nbsp;Don’t believe; watch the&nbsp;USD 112 Board Meetings Livestream:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;@oilers112media2*Note the&nbsp;“Oilers”&nbsp;name &amp; logo on&nbsp;District News Channel&nbsp;site. Interesting that it’s called “Oilers 112” not “Central Plains 112."2. Advocate·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Advocate for the&nbsp;various stakeholders&nbsp;in the district (students, staff, community members) in pursuit of policies and direction that make the system better for&nbsp;all&nbsp;involved.”They’ve chosen to advocate for&nbsp;their school choice, Central Plains-Claflin, with little equity or concern for students and staff, especially in regard to benefits and burdens. This is not just a present-day problem but includes other building closures, district office relocation, BOE meeting locations (all moved in January to Claflin) and spending choices/priorities (including charges to Wilson for expenses not used; salary inequities across the district;&nbsp; and the fact that ESSER-Covid money, could be used to keep school buildings open).·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“At the state level, school board members are critical voices in the fight for a strong state-wide public education system.”What has this BOE done at the state level to fight for keeping schools open?&nbsp;In the past, there were six community schools in this area. Lorraine and Bushton were unfortunately closed; Dorrance, who lost their school in a fire, made the unselfish sacrifice and partnered with Wilson to build a new modern, efficient building in Wilson in 1998.&nbsp;At this rate, who will be the "last school standing"?Why was/is this BOE afraid to ask the experienced experts at the state level for help?We need immediate intervention from our educational leaders in Topeka; Gov. Kelly, KSDE,&nbsp;&nbsp;legislators, and attorney general. Our Legislators need to be informed of the needs for updates or new educational law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe the legislators needed more forewarning, especially on the lack of clarity with the present disorganization statues. The KSBOE is concerned about students and school closures and is ready to help out if only asked. Wilson has asked? Has Central Plains? Why not?3. Lead·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Make impactful daily and long-term plans for success of students, staff and community members within their districts.”Wilson’s still waiting for those plans? There are other closer districts that have transition plans.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Seen as leaders in their communities and across the state.”Wilson and other schools have invited local BOE members and administrators to fight in Topeka for a Small-School Coalition. The BOE didn’t step up or even acknowledge this need. Wilson went and was instrumental in the passage of HB 2138 and almost passing SB 113, all with hopes of preventing Kansas school closures&nbsp;and providing a smoother,&nbsp;transparent process.Wilson applauds the Senate and House who united, surprisingly quickly, in response to both the need for school closure, checks and balances and for FTE state funding to follow students, immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2024-2025 "open enrollment" will become law.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxpayers across Kansas should demand that funding follow students immediately, not stay in a district that's not providing services to these students for two years. If this change creates different problems, then let the legislators fix them. They're good at this!Wilson and Central Plains need a mulligan!&nbsp; Time for the BOE to better&nbsp;"Serve, Advocate &amp; Lead."&nbsp; Time for the laws to catch up with present-day educational needs and delivery options. Can this be done? I sure hope so.Roberta Meier RELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1ca616ba-d515-45ec-a6db-ff83cd076127">Petition to disorganize USD 112 filed Tuesday morning</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/650866ad-be2b-4d84-8a28-bf21f90d331c">Wilson High School supporters not going down without a fight</a>

Letter to Editor: Uncharted waters: USD 112 disorganization by patron vote

LAWRENCE — Any parent can tell you that work doesn’t stop when you leave the office and go home. Yet national and international economic statistics only consider the work that happens “at the market,” or outside the home — not caring for children, cooking, cleaning or caring for elders, tasks largely handled by women, in calculating economic statistics like gross domestic product. 

A new study from the University of Kansas argues for including such work, or “girly economics,” for a full understanding of work happening in the country to produce better labor statistics and equitable public policy.

Misty Heggeness saw firsthand how data often overlooked work in the home during her time with the U.S. Census Bureau. Now an associate professor of public affairs &amp; administration and associate research scientist with KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, she has written a study about how care work at home has been traditionally overlooked, how it leads to incomplete economic statistics and how such numbers are necessary for good public policy. Heggeness presented the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pandp.20231108">paper</a>, titled “The Girly Economics of Care Work: Implications for Economic Statistics,” at the American Economic Association annual meeting in January, and it was published in the association’s Papers and Proceedings.

“Women are and have always been economic agents. If we were to collect information about economic activity in a broader sense, what we would find is women are more active than men,” Heggeness said. “The total amount of paid and unpaid economic activity show for people working full-time jobs, women engage in about one additional hour of economic activity per day.”

The study is linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2023/04/17/ku-researcher-leading-project-quantify-care-economy-make-stats-available-central-location">project</a>&nbsp;Heggeness has launched with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Care Board is an effort to gather existing data and statistics on the care economy and make them available in one online location with a dashboard to help researchers, policymakers and others find useful information. The project will generate new statistics on such economic data as well.&nbsp;

Heggeness cites an Institute for Women’s Policy Research study that found among working adults, women average one extra hour per day on unpaid household chores and care work than men. And while an hour per day may not seem significant, over the course of a year, that adds up to 249 additional hours, or 31 days of additional work by women. The consequences of excluding such data have been in place for decades. Heggeness points out that in 1953, the United Nations standardized a system of measurements to determine gross domestic product. One of the most widely used economic statistics in the world, GDP does not include work done inside the home.

The United States does, however, collect data on care work outside the home. Such data shows that roughly 14% of the U.S. labor force is engaged in teaching, janitorial and cleaning services, and child care. That represents 23.4 million people, more than the state of Florida. But with unpaid care work in the home, such as caring for children or other family members, confusion can reign during times of economic crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional stress on parents was widely reported. In addition to their full-time jobs, parents had to ensure kids could take part in online learning from home and saw other domestic tasks increase dramatically as well. 

The concern was that the additional stress would drive many parents, especially mothers, to leave the labor force. But a lack of reliable statistics on unpaid care work left both journalists and economists scrambling to determine just how much additional work was done and carried implications that women’s work in the formal sector of the economy was less important than men’s, Heggeness said.

“There are components about global and national history, whether intentional or not, that have been driven historically by men and that are determined by a monetized wage or price,” Heggeness said. “If we limit ourselves to that, we are blinding ourselves to the realities women contribute to the economy and keeping it going.”

After pointing out how unpaid care activities — what she calls the underbelly of the economy — are not included in official statistics, Heggeness wrote about the urgency of including such data, as the economy would not function without it. 

As a result, researchers, statisticians and economists cannot accurately track economic phenomena like a pandemic, growth or recessions without including all economic activity in primary measures. Similarly, it is difficult to measure how overworked or stressed care workers might be, and policymakers cannot develop effective policy to address such problems without a full slate of information, she wrote.

“To not generate statistics with depth and nuance now is an egregious flaw in the profession. We owe it to society and the generations that come after us to use the rich depth of cumulating administrative and real-time data on our economic lives both within and outside of our homes to generate a more complete picture of the modern caregiver and more accurately estimate their economic contributions to society,” Heggeness wrote.

 “With urgency, we must update national accounting systems and leading economic statistics to capture the modern realities of work, care and the economy and incorporate these statistics into mainstream views of our economy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685723197207.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Any parent can tell you that work doesn’t stop when you leave the office and go home. Yet national and international economic statistics only consider the work that happens “at the market,” or outside the home — not caring for children, cooking, cleaning or caring for elders, tasks largely handled by women, in calculating economic statistics like gross domestic product. A new study from the University of Kansas argues for including such work, or “girly economics,” for a full understanding of work happening in the country to produce better labor statistics and equitable public policy.Misty Heggeness saw firsthand how data often overlooked work in the home during her time with the U.S. Census Bureau. Now an associate professor of public affairs &amp; administration and associate research scientist with KU’s Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research, she has written a study about how care work at home has been traditionally overlooked, how it leads to incomplete economic statistics and how such numbers are necessary for good public policy. Heggeness presented the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pandp.20231108">paper</a>, titled “The Girly Economics of Care Work: Implications for Economic Statistics,” at the American Economic Association annual meeting in January, and it was published in the association’s Papers and Proceedings.“Women are and have always been economic agents. If we were to collect information about economic activity in a broader sense, what we would find is women are more active than men,” Heggeness said. “The total amount of paid and unpaid economic activity show for people working full-time jobs, women engage in about one additional hour of economic activity per day.”The study is linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/2023/04/17/ku-researcher-leading-project-quantify-care-economy-make-stats-available-central-location">project</a>&nbsp;Heggeness has launched with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Care Board is an effort to gather existing data and statistics on the care economy and make them available in one online location with a dashboard to help researchers, policymakers and others find useful information. The project will generate new statistics on such economic data as well.&nbsp;Heggeness cites an Institute for Women’s Policy Research study that found among working adults, women average one extra hour per day on unpaid household chores and care work than men. And while an hour per day may not seem significant, over the course of a year, that adds up to 249 additional hours, or 31 days of additional work by women. The consequences of excluding such data have been in place for decades. Heggeness points out that in 1953, the United Nations standardized a system of measurements to determine gross domestic product. One of the most widely used economic statistics in the world, GDP does not include work done inside the home.The United States does, however, collect data on care work outside the home. Such data shows that roughly 14% of the U.S. labor force is engaged in teaching, janitorial and cleaning services, and child care. That represents 23.4 million people, more than the state of Florida. But with unpaid care work in the home, such as caring for children or other family members, confusion can reign during times of economic crisis.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional stress on parents was widely reported. In addition to their full-time jobs, parents had to ensure kids could take part in online learning from home and saw other domestic tasks increase dramatically as well. The concern was that the additional stress would drive many parents, especially mothers, to leave the labor force. But a lack of reliable statistics on unpaid care work left both journalists and economists scrambling to determine just how much additional work was done and carried implications that women’s work in the formal sector of the economy was less important than men’s, Heggeness said.“There are components about global and national history, whether intentional or not, that have been driven historically by men and that are determined by a monetized wage or price,” Heggeness said. “If we limit ourselves to that, we are blinding ourselves to the realities women contribute to the economy and keeping it going.”After pointing out how unpaid care activities — what she calls the underbelly of the economy — are not included in official statistics, Heggeness wrote about the urgency of including such data, as the economy would not function without it. As a result, researchers, statisticians and economists cannot accurately track economic phenomena like a pandemic, growth or recessions without including all economic activity in primary measures. Similarly, it is difficult to measure how overworked or stressed care workers might be, and policymakers cannot develop effective policy to address such problems without a full slate of information, she wrote.“To not generate statistics with depth and nuance now is an egregious flaw in the profession. We owe it to society and the generations that come after us to use the rich depth of cumulating administrative and real-time data on our economic lives both within and outside of our homes to generate a more complete picture of the modern caregiver and more accurately estimate their economic contributions to society,” Heggeness wrote. “With urgency, we must update national accounting systems and leading economic statistics to capture the modern realities of work, care and the economy and incorporate these statistics into mainstream views of our economy.”

KU study argues 'girly economics' data necessary for full picture of economy

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Wichita State University

Last year Kansas had suddenly found itself as the first test of public opinion on abortion in the new post-Roe world.

The constitutional amendment — the so called “Value Them Both” amendment — failed in a high-turnout election, with 59% of the state’s voters upholding the state’s legal protections for abortion.

The strength of the rejection was quite surprising, given the usual conservativeness of Kansas — Donald Trump had won the state in 2020 by nearly a 15 point margin, and both chambers of the state legislature had veto-proof Republican majorities.

After last August’s staggering turnout many questioned whether the issue of abortion would continue to mobilize Kansas voters even when it wasn’t directly on the ballot.

My colleague Brian Amos, an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University, and I dug into this question in a soon-to-be-published study.

Using publicly available precinct-level election results and individual-level voter registration and history data we were able to find some answers.

We find that the August 2022 primary electorate was younger, more female, and less Republican, and comprised more first-time voters than the average years.

But these demographics were also more likely to skip voting altogether in November’s general election. Only about half of first-time voters from the primary showed up for the general.

The result was an older, more male, and more Republican electorate in November. It undoubtedly impacted the election results, especially in close races like for Attorney General.

However, overall, there was a larger portion of Democrats in the 2022 general electorate than in 2018. But there was also a larger number of Republicans.

Both sides increased their vote share at the expense of unaffiliated voters.

It’s impossible to know if these partisan shifts would have been even larger had there not been the amendment on the primary ballot.

In general, the November election was unable to fully mobilize those primary voters.

In fact, Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the University of Kansas, had lower turnout in the general election than in the primary, which is nearly unheard of in election studies.

Despite these mixed results, our findings have major key implications for future elections.

First, abortion restrictions are a highly mobilizing issue even in a Republican-dominated state like Kansas.

Women, and especially Gen Z women, turned out in droves to vote against the amendment and had a large role in deciding the election results.

The abortion issue even mobilized across party lines. A significant minority of Republican voters bucked the party line and voted against the amendment.

Second, public policies like abortion restrictions can create lasting civic identities.

The primary results show that young women can be a political force to be reckoned with. There is every reason to believe that pro-choice Gen Z women will continue to organize effectively in opposition to restrictive abortion laws.

However, not all civic identities are created equal and abortion is not always an effective policy for creating sustained civic participation.

Understandably, the mobilizing effect is limited when abortion is not directly on the ballot.

In August, those identities were highly salient because citizens could directly vote on the issue. Whereas in November, abortion was only one of many issues competing for voter attention.

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Wichita State UniversityLast year Kansas had suddenly found itself as the first test of public opinion on abortion in the new post-Roe world.The constitutional amendment — the so called “Value Them Both” amendment — failed in a high-turnout election, with 59% of the state’s voters upholding the state’s legal protections for abortion.The strength of the rejection was quite surprising, given the usual conservativeness of Kansas — Donald Trump had won the state in 2020 by nearly a 15 point margin, and both chambers of the state legislature had veto-proof Republican majorities.After last August’s staggering turnout many questioned whether the issue of abortion would continue to mobilize Kansas voters even when it wasn’t directly on the ballot.My colleague Brian Amos, an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University, and I dug into this question in a soon-to-be-published study.Using publicly available precinct-level election results and individual-level voter registration and history data we were able to find some answers.We find that the August 2022 primary electorate was younger, more female, and less Republican, and comprised more first-time voters than the average years.But these demographics were also more likely to skip voting altogether in November’s general election. Only about half of first-time voters from the primary showed up for the general.The result was an older, more male, and more Republican electorate in November. It undoubtedly impacted the election results, especially in close races like for Attorney General.However, overall, there was a larger portion of Democrats in the 2022 general electorate than in 2018. But there was also a larger number of Republicans.Both sides increased their vote share at the expense of unaffiliated voters.It’s impossible to know if these partisan shifts would have been even larger had there not been the amendment on the primary ballot.In general, the November election was unable to fully mobilize those primary voters.In fact, Douglas County, home to Lawrence and the University of Kansas, had lower turnout in the general election than in the primary, which is nearly unheard of in election studies.Despite these mixed results, our findings have major key implications for future elections.First, abortion restrictions are a highly mobilizing issue even in a Republican-dominated state like Kansas.Women, and especially Gen Z women, turned out in droves to vote against the amendment and had a large role in deciding the election results.The abortion issue even mobilized across party lines. A significant minority of Republican voters bucked the party line and voted against the amendment.Second, public policies like abortion restrictions can create lasting civic identities.The primary results show that young women can be a political force to be reckoned with. There is every reason to believe that pro-choice Gen Z women will continue to organize effectively in opposition to restrictive abortion laws.However, not all civic identities are created equal and abortion is not always an effective policy for creating sustained civic participation.Understandably, the mobilizing effect is limited when abortion is not directly on the ballot.In August, those identities were highly salient because citizens could directly vote on the issue. Whereas in November, abortion was only one of many issues competing for voter attention.Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Voter turnout and the 2022 abortion referendum

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

In this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University soil scientist Deann Presley says dry weather in Kansas presents an opportunity to work on farm ponds.

“Many of our ponds need periodic cleaning out of the old sediment that might get brought down by livestock or natural processes,” she said.

She urges landowners to consider draining their ponds, or in many cases if they are already dry. To scrape the bottom and compacting the soil before mother nature fills them up again.

Presley suggests a minimum 30% clay in the soil, though she adds, “40% is even better.” To find out how much clay content is in your pond. You can take some soil samples and bring them into your local K-State Research &amp; Extension Office, to be sent off for a soil texture test. For further information on how to best take these samples, she recommends to contact your local Extension Office for proper sampling instructions.

If a pond is leaking sometimes people think they need to use alternate-products to help seal them. Before taking that more expensive step, first take a soil texture sample to see if you might just need to really compact the soil to prevent the leaking. If compaction is what you need, a sheepsfoot roller is needed.

“The importance of compaction cannot be overstated,” Presley said. “Many people often think, ‘I have enough clay in the soil; I’ll roll on it for a while and it will be okay.’ But the sheepsfoot roller is important” for proper compaction of the soil.

Another tip when cleaning out a pond that folks don’t always consider. Is to put the sediment you clean out of the pond, on the back side of the dam. If you put it around the pond it will eventually slide or erode back into the pond.

This video from K-State Research and Extension is available online at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html</a>.

More information is available in K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy eUpdate or from local extension offices in Kansas. 

To read the full article “Ten commonly asked questions when pondering dry ponds”, type into your internet browser K-State agronomy, eupdate newsletter, or type in this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/"> https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu</a>

To find out the location and phone number of your local K-State Research and Extension statewide offices, <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html</a> or simply type into your internet browser “K-State Research and Extension Statewide Locations”.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District In this video from K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University soil scientist Deann Presley says dry weather in Kansas presents an opportunity to work on farm ponds.<div><iframe width="745" height="419" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mIp_-DzQqj0" title="Pond Restoration" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Many of our ponds need periodic cleaning out of the old sediment that might get brought down by livestock or natural processes,” she said.She urges landowners to consider draining their ponds, or in many cases if they are already dry. To scrape the bottom and compacting the soil before mother nature fills them up again.Presley suggests a minimum 30% clay in the soil, though she adds, “40% is even better.” To find out how much clay content is in your pond. You can take some soil samples and bring them into your local K-State Research &amp; Extension Office, to be sent off for a soil texture test. For further information on how to best take these samples, she recommends to contact your local Extension Office for proper sampling instructions.If a pond is leaking sometimes people think they need to use alternate-products to help seal them. Before taking that more expensive step, first take a soil texture sample to see if you might just need to really compact the soil to prevent the leaking. If compaction is what you need, a sheepsfoot roller is needed.“The importance of compaction cannot be overstated,” Presley said. “Many people often think, ‘I have enough clay in the soil; I’ll roll on it for a while and it will be okay.’ But the sheepsfoot roller is important” for proper compaction of the soil.Another tip when cleaning out a pond that folks don’t always consider. Is to put the sediment you clean out of the pond, on the back side of the dam. If you put it around the pond it will eventually slide or erode back into the pond.This video from K-State Research and Extension is available online at <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2022/04/video-repairing-farm-ponds-presley.html</a>.More information is available in K-State’s Feb. 17 Agronomy eUpdate or from local extension offices in Kansas. To read the full article “Ten commonly asked questions when pondering dry ponds”, type into your internet browser K-State agronomy, eupdate newsletter, or type in this link:&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/"> https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu</a>To find out the location and phone number of your local K-State Research and Extension statewide offices, <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html</a> or simply type into your internet browser “K-State Research and Extension Statewide Locations”.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Dry weather provides chance to clean, compact farm ponds

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

What is blood sugar and why is it important? Blood sugar (glucose) refers to the amount of simple sugar moving through your body at any given time. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream for fuel. When your blood sugar goes up, your pancreas releases the hormone insulin. Think of insulin as a key to let the blood sugar into the cells of your body for energy.

Some people have, or may develop, a chronic and long-lasting health condition called diabetes that affects how their body turns food into fuel. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or can’t use it as well as it should, and too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, serious health problems can develop such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

You have probably heard of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Those who have type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive. Usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly, and no one knows how to prevent it.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common and is usually diagnosed in adults, although now more and more in children, teens, and young adults. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. The key message about type 2 diabetes, is that it can be delayed, or even prevented, with a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and physical activity.

The benefits of physical activity can’t be overstated for people who have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes and other chronic diseases. Exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Added benefits for those with diabetes is that exercise lowers blood sugar levels and boosts your sensitivity to insulin, which helps keep blood sugar within a normal range.

Here are specific recommendations for those with, and at risk for, diabetes:

• Aerobic exercise. Get at least 30 minutes (more is better) of moderate/vigorous exercise — like brisk walking, swimming, biking, or running — on most days for a minimum of 150 minutes/week.

• Include resistance exercises to increase strength, balance, and the ability to maintain an active life. These include lifting weights, stretching, using resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises.

• Limit inactivity. Breaking up bouts of inactivity can help control blood sugar levels. Make sure you stand, walk, or do some light activity every 30 minutes during the day. Use an app or alarm to nudge you to move regularly, stand or move during commercials when watching TV, and take frequent stretch breaks when driving long distances or traveling.

In addition, about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, meaning their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes is real, it is common, and most importantly, it is reversible with simple, proven lifestyle changes. Most people don’t know they have it. Could this be you? 

Learn more about diabetes at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html">www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District What is blood sugar and why is it important? Blood sugar (glucose) refers to the amount of simple sugar moving through your body at any given time. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into glucose and releases it into your bloodstream for fuel. When your blood sugar goes up, your pancreas releases the hormone insulin. Think of insulin as a key to let the blood sugar into the cells of your body for energy.Some people have, or may develop, a chronic and long-lasting health condition called diabetes that affects how their body turns food into fuel. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or can’t use it as well as it should, and too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, serious health problems can develop such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.You have probably heard of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Those who have type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive. Usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly, and no one knows how to prevent it.Type 2 diabetes is the most common and is usually diagnosed in adults, although now more and more in children, teens, and young adults. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. The key message about type 2 diabetes, is that it can be delayed, or even prevented, with a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and physical activity.The benefits of physical activity can’t be overstated for people who have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes and other chronic diseases. Exercise can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Added benefits for those with diabetes is that exercise lowers blood sugar levels and boosts your sensitivity to insulin, which helps keep blood sugar within a normal range.Here are specific recommendations for those with, and at risk for, diabetes:• Aerobic exercise. Get at least 30 minutes (more is better) of moderate/vigorous exercise — like brisk walking, swimming, biking, or running — on most days for a minimum of 150 minutes/week.• Include resistance exercises to increase strength, balance, and the ability to maintain an active life. These include lifting weights, stretching, using resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises.• Limit inactivity. Breaking up bouts of inactivity can help control blood sugar levels. Make sure you stand, walk, or do some light activity every 30 minutes during the day. Use an app or alarm to nudge you to move regularly, stand or move during commercials when watching TV, and take frequent stretch breaks when driving long distances or traveling.In addition, about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, meaning their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes is real, it is common, and most importantly, it is reversible with simple, proven lifestyle changes. Most people don’t know they have it. Could this be you? Learn more about diabetes at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html">www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html</a>.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Exercise and your blood sugar

I am replying to, as well as stating some additional facts, to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">the Opinion Letter written by Grace McCord and Madison Albers in reference to opening a polling site on the Fort Hays State University campus.</a>

When individuals register to vote one of the pieces of information that is needed is your place of residence as this determines your polling location. Hays is made up of wards and precincts. The area that is around the campus area is comprised of Ward 1 Precinct 1 and 2. One big misconception is, and I hope by this letter I will be able to better educate everyone, just because you are student at FHSU does not necessarily mean that you can vote on campus because your poll site is determined by your address.

When the polling location was located just a few blocks from campus (601 Main) it had the lowest number of registered voters (1,338) and the lowest voter turnout for Election Day. I went back to the last 10 elections and the average turnout was 9.65 percent. Students that are not actual residents of Ellis County can get an advance mail ballot from their hometown county clerk so they can vote on candidates and/or questions that are on the ballot in their own hometown. Students that are from Ellis County either live at home so their polling location is determined by their parents’ address or if they don’t live at home, their address would have to be in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2 to vote on campus. For example, McCord nor Albers would be able to vote on campus. McCord’s address is not in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2, and Albers is not a registered voter in Ellis County.

If there would be a polling site on campus that would mean that each and every student that was on campus on Election Day would have to have to live in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2. I retrieved stats from my voter registration system and using the ages of 18-24 and living in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2, I have 242 registered voters. This number doesn’t tell how many of these registrants are students, or if they are an actual resident of Ellis County and do not attend FHSU. It does tell me, however, it is not economically feasible to open a polling location on campus at this time.

I wholeheartedly agree with McCord and Albers that democracy depends on each of us to keep it healthy. Voting is a civic duty we have as citizens of the United States and I firmly believe if anyone, not just students, want to vote they would find a way to vote whether it is in their backyard, or across town.

There are three different ways to vote: Early voting at the Administration Center at 718 Main for two weeks prior to any election. The Administration Center is just a few blocks from campus and anyone can vote there regardless of their address; one can request an advance mail ballot be mailed to them; or they can go to their polling location on Election Day. In fact, in working with McCord and Albers I offered to contact McCord prior to early voting so that she can inform all the students that early voting has commenced and direct them to the Administration Center which is within walking distance of campus.

I plan on continuing to work with McCord and Albers to find ways to bring up the number of registered voters of students and find ways to encourage them to vote so that I can revisit this at another time because the increased numbers would show that it would be economically feasible to open a polling site. If any resident or student in Ellis County has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 785-628-9410, or personally come by the Administration Center at 718 Main Street.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">RELATED STORY: Changes announced to two Hays Voting sites</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I am replying to, as well as stating some additional facts, to <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17997478-c7b3-4601-a433-c8f9623b09da">the Opinion Letter written by Grace McCord and Madison Albers in reference to opening a polling site on the Fort Hays State University campus.</a>When individuals register to vote one of the pieces of information that is needed is your place of residence as this determines your polling location. Hays is made up of wards and precincts. The area that is around the campus area is comprised of Ward 1 Precinct 1 and 2. One big misconception is, and I hope by this letter I will be able to better educate everyone, just because you are student at FHSU does not necessarily mean that you can vote on campus because your poll site is determined by your address.When the polling location was located just a few blocks from campus (601 Main) it had the lowest number of registered voters (1,338) and the lowest voter turnout for Election Day. I went back to the last 10 elections and the average turnout was 9.65 percent. Students that are not actual residents of Ellis County can get an advance mail ballot from their hometown county clerk so they can vote on candidates and/or questions that are on the ballot in their own hometown. Students that are from Ellis County either live at home so their polling location is determined by their parents’ address or if they don’t live at home, their address would have to be in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2 to vote on campus. For example, McCord nor Albers would be able to vote on campus. McCord’s address is not in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2, and Albers is not a registered voter in Ellis County.If there would be a polling site on campus that would mean that each and every student that was on campus on Election Day would have to have to live in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2. I retrieved stats from my voter registration system and using the ages of 18-24 and living in Ward 1 Precinct 1 or 2, I have 242 registered voters. This number doesn’t tell how many of these registrants are students, or if they are an actual resident of Ellis County and do not attend FHSU. It does tell me, however, it is not economically feasible to open a polling location on campus at this time.I wholeheartedly agree with McCord and Albers that democracy depends on each of us to keep it healthy. Voting is a civic duty we have as citizens of the United States and I firmly believe if anyone, not just students, want to vote they would find a way to vote whether it is in their backyard, or across town.There are three different ways to vote: Early voting at the Administration Center at 718 Main for two weeks prior to any election. The Administration Center is just a few blocks from campus and anyone can vote there regardless of their address; one can request an advance mail ballot be mailed to them; or they can go to their polling location on Election Day. In fact, in working with McCord and Albers I offered to contact McCord prior to early voting so that she can inform all the students that early voting has commenced and direct them to the Administration Center which is within walking distance of campus.I plan on continuing to work with McCord and Albers to find ways to bring up the number of registered voters of students and find ways to encourage them to vote so that I can revisit this at another time because the increased numbers would show that it would be economically feasible to open a polling site. If any resident or student in Ellis County has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 785-628-9410, or personally come by the Administration Center at 718 Main Street.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b41ff16d-5ac9-48bb-af4a-8e749624ead3">RELATED STORY: Changes announced to two Hays Voting sites</a>

Letter to editor: Ellis Co. Clerk says FHSU polling site not economically feasible 

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension Agent

This past week I had the opportunity to attend 4-H Discovery Days and chaperone five of our Cottonwood-Barton 4-H youth!

Since 1923, 4-H youth from across the state have traveled to participate in one of the largest Kansas 4-H events. 4-H Discovery Days, formerly know as 4-H Round-Up, is an opportunity for older youth of Kansas to join together as they develop their interests in personal growth, career exploration, leadership and citizenship.

Youth participate in a variety of classes and part of the experience is learning to navigate to different buildings on campus and staying in a dorm. Some of the classes are fun such as ATV Safety and Chuckwagon Cooking while others focus on career paths such as Animal Reproduction, Agronomy, or the Physician’s Assistant Program.

This year also had a focus on the Health as the fourth H in 4-H as community conversations were facilitated about needs and direction of a health curriculum from the nearly 200 youth participants. Additionally, youth completed the Clifton Strengths survey and had an instructor from the Staley School of Leadership at K-State to facilitate a discussion about how they can best leverage their strengths and develop these areas to their best advantage. Many businesses use this for individual and team development so it was neat to see our youth receive an introduction to this program.

For the second year, Emerald Circle was held during Discovery Days. This event celebrated the 2022 State Project Award winners! The winners, their parents, and many thoughtful donors to the Kansas 4-H Foundation enjoyed a banquet and then all of the youth joined them for presentation of the awards and a keynote address by Dan Meers, also known as KC Wolf. One of Dan’s statements that resonated with me is to live each day with character, with purpose, and with passion. I hope that is what I help instill in our 4-H youth every day.

One of my favorite moments was at the end of Discovery Days when I was visiting with one of our administrators and introduced the Cottonwood youth to him. His interest in their futures was evident and he quickly introduced them to several others faculty who may be helpful in their next steps!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension AgentThis past week I had the opportunity to attend 4-H Discovery Days and chaperone five of our Cottonwood-Barton 4-H youth!Since 1923, 4-H youth from across the state have traveled to participate in one of the largest Kansas 4-H events. 4-H Discovery Days, formerly know as 4-H Round-Up, is an opportunity for older youth of Kansas to join together as they develop their interests in personal growth, career exploration, leadership and citizenship.Youth participate in a variety of classes and part of the experience is learning to navigate to different buildings on campus and staying in a dorm. Some of the classes are fun such as ATV Safety and Chuckwagon Cooking while others focus on career paths such as Animal Reproduction, Agronomy, or the Physician’s Assistant Program.This year also had a focus on the Health as the fourth H in 4-H as community conversations were facilitated about needs and direction of a health curriculum from the nearly 200 youth participants. Additionally, youth completed the Clifton Strengths survey and had an instructor from the Staley School of Leadership at K-State to facilitate a discussion about how they can best leverage their strengths and develop these areas to their best advantage. Many businesses use this for individual and team development so it was neat to see our youth receive an introduction to this program.For the second year, Emerald Circle was held during Discovery Days. This event celebrated the 2022 State Project Award winners! The winners, their parents, and many thoughtful donors to the Kansas 4-H Foundation enjoyed a banquet and then all of the youth joined them for presentation of the awards and a keynote address by Dan Meers, also known as KC Wolf. One of Dan’s statements that resonated with me is to live each day with character, with purpose, and with passion. I hope that is what I help instill in our 4-H youth every day.One of my favorite moments was at the end of Discovery Days when I was visiting with one of our administrators and introduced the Cottonwood youth to him. His interest in their futures was evident and he quickly introduced them to several others faculty who may be helpful in their next steps!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: 4-H Discovery Days

Is the Kansas Legislature driving out “undesirables”?&nbsp; It would appear so.

In a recent series on KCUR’s&nbsp;Kansas City Today,&nbsp;reporters documented numerous personal stories of Transgender Kansans and Missourians who no longer feel safe in either state.&nbsp; Some are simply packing up the car and leaving for other states. These include the parents of Trans kids, who no longer feel this is a safe environment for their children.&nbsp; Some said they appreciated their own local community and did not want to leave, but felt they must evacuate before things get even more unsafe at the state level.

Of course, the interviewees were concerned about state laws themselves.&nbsp; For example, Transgender Kansas girls are no longer allowed to play girls’ sports.&nbsp; Trans Kansans will soon be prohibited from changing their sex on drivers’ licenses or other state documents, nor may they use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity.&nbsp; The legislature nearly banned gender-affirming healthcare for Trans youth but failed to override Governor Kelly’s veto.

More thoughtful, carefully-crafted policies had already been in place.&nbsp;

 For example, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) regulations included the requirement that, “Gender identity of the student must be bona fide and not for the purpose of ‘gaining an unfair competitive advantage.’” They also recommended that gender identity on school registration records, medical documentation, and possible unfair advantages of changing gender be reviewed before any decision is made about sports participation.&nbsp; Legislators decided they knew better and replaced these with an inflexible ban.

KCUR’s interviewees expressed just as much concern over the overall climate being created by these bills and debates, as by the laws themselves.&nbsp; Consider the story of one Kansas couple who both identify as gender nonbinary. Instead of relocating, they have each purchased guns and learned how to use them.&nbsp; They no longer have faith in the states to provide even reasonable protections against hate crimes.&nbsp;

Legislators promoting these bills deny this.&nbsp; For example, Rep. Steve Howe of Salina rejected the claim that these bills hurt Trans kids, arguing instead that he was protecting kids from situations in which they change their minds after beginning gender-affirming care, some of which is irreversible.&nbsp; In fact, such occurrences are rare, but they do happen.&nbsp; Sensible guidelines modeled on the KSHSAA ones for athletes would be welcome.&nbsp; Yet Howe and his colleagues chose outright bans instead, stopped only by a veto pen—for now.

These legislators often speak of “parents’ rights.” They seek to ban or create parental exemptions from school curricula acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ persons or promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.&nbsp; What about the rights of parents who support their Trans kids?&nbsp; Like any medical procedure, gender-affirming care requires the consent of a parent or guardian for anyone under 18 unless they have been emancipated, which is rare.&nbsp; Apparently, these parents do not have rights.&nbsp; Some politicians have called them child abusers.&nbsp; In other states, it has been suggested that they lose custody or even face criminal prosecution.&nbsp; Increasingly, parents’ rights are only for the chosen—and politicians do the choosing.

In these changing times, carefully-crafted policies are needed, such as the now-invalidated KSHSAA guidelines.&nbsp; Yet instead, things have reached the point where some Kansans feel they must either move away or arm themselves.&nbsp; In order to change this, we must first acknowledge the painful truth that things really have gotten to this point.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITHIs the Kansas Legislature driving out “undesirables”?&nbsp; It would appear so.In a recent series on KCUR’s&nbsp;Kansas City Today,&nbsp;reporters documented numerous personal stories of Transgender Kansans and Missourians who no longer feel safe in either state.&nbsp; Some are simply packing up the car and leaving for other states. These include the parents of Trans kids, who no longer feel this is a safe environment for their children.&nbsp; Some said they appreciated their own local community and did not want to leave, but felt they must evacuate before things get even more unsafe at the state level.Of course, the interviewees were concerned about state laws themselves.&nbsp; For example, Transgender Kansas girls are no longer allowed to play girls’ sports.&nbsp; Trans Kansans will soon be prohibited from changing their sex on drivers’ licenses or other state documents, nor may they use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity.&nbsp; The legislature nearly banned gender-affirming healthcare for Trans youth but failed to override Governor Kelly’s veto.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>More thoughtful, carefully-crafted policies had already been in place.&nbsp; For example, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) regulations included the requirement that, “Gender identity of the student must be bona fide and not for the purpose of ‘gaining an unfair competitive advantage.’” They also recommended that gender identity on school registration records, medical documentation, and possible unfair advantages of changing gender be reviewed before any decision is made about sports participation.&nbsp; Legislators decided they knew better and replaced these with an inflexible ban.KCUR’s interviewees expressed just as much concern over the overall climate being created by these bills and debates, as by the laws themselves.&nbsp; Consider the story of one Kansas couple who both identify as gender nonbinary. Instead of relocating, they have each purchased guns and learned how to use them.&nbsp; They no longer have faith in the states to provide even reasonable protections against hate crimes.&nbsp;Legislators promoting these bills deny this.&nbsp; For example, Rep. Steve Howe of Salina rejected the claim that these bills hurt Trans kids, arguing instead that he was protecting kids from situations in which they change their minds after beginning gender-affirming care, some of which is irreversible.&nbsp; In fact, such occurrences are rare, but they do happen.&nbsp; Sensible guidelines modeled on the KSHSAA ones for athletes would be welcome.&nbsp; Yet Howe and his colleagues chose outright bans instead, stopped only by a veto pen—for now.These legislators often speak of “parents’ rights.” They seek to ban or create parental exemptions from school curricula acknowledging the existence of LGBTQ persons or promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.&nbsp; What about the rights of parents who support their Trans kids?&nbsp; Like any medical procedure, gender-affirming care requires the consent of a parent or guardian for anyone under 18 unless they have been emancipated, which is rare.&nbsp; Apparently, these parents do not have rights.&nbsp; Some politicians have called them child abusers.&nbsp; In other states, it has been suggested that they lose custody or even face criminal prosecution.&nbsp; Increasingly, parents’ rights are only for the chosen—and politicians do the choosing.In these changing times, carefully-crafted policies are needed, such as the now-invalidated KSHSAA guidelines.&nbsp; Yet instead, things have reached the point where some Kansans feel they must either move away or arm themselves.&nbsp; In order to change this, we must first acknowledge the painful truth that things really have gotten to this point.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: A choice for trans Kansans and their families—move away, or buy a gun?

By TISA MASON FHSU President

Much of what we do at Fort Hays State University can be summed up as the three C's: connections, meaningful conversations, and compassion. That's what I see when I look at our dedicated team of professional advisors who help our students along their journey every day.

Although advisors are very engaged with curriculum and scheduling discussions, advising involves much more than registration. It is the personal connections that advisors build every day that genuinely impact student experiences.

Nikki Brown, assistant director of Academic Advising and Career Exploration and advisor of exploratory students, views advising as a long-term investment in student success.

"Relationship building is critical. It is the relationship that brings the student back to the advisor when they need assistance. This connection can make the difference in a student's ability to persist through challenges and find personalized strategies to help them reach graduation," Nikki said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentMuch of what we do at Fort Hays State University can be summed up as the three C's: connections, meaningful conversations, and compassion. That's what I see when I look at our dedicated team of professional advisors who help our students along their journey every day.Although advisors are very engaged with curriculum and scheduling discussions, advising involves much more than registration. It is the personal connections that advisors build every day that genuinely impact student experiences.Nikki Brown, assistant director of Academic Advising and Career Exploration and advisor of exploratory students, views advising as a long-term investment in student success."Relationship building is critical. It is the relationship that brings the student back to the advisor when they need assistance. This connection can make the difference in a student's ability to persist through challenges and find personalized strategies to help them reach graduation," Nikki said.It's easy to see that Nikki is passionate about her role as an integral part of the FHSU experience. Her office is an inviting space decorated with photos of family, friends, and inspirational art. Her voice is filled with emotion when speaking of her advisees. She enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations with her advisees as they discover and clarify their educational and personal goals."Until a student sits in front of you, you don't know what's going to happen," Nikki said. "What you wanted to discuss might not matter. Instead, you listen as the student works their plan out in front of your eyes.""Professional advisors have the opportunity to support their students by listening to them and helping them create plans and options to achieve their goals. Ultimately, advising is teaching, and that is the work that professional advisors do.""Advising is teaching" is central to how Nikki and other FHSU professional advisors view their role in students' lives."Advising is about everything students don't learn in the classroom," Nikki said. "It is learning how to be an effective and efficient adult. How to manage time, gather information, make educated decisions, and, most importantly, be accountable for their success. Helping students learn how to make meaning in their college experience is important."The move to college-based professional advisors to serve undergraduate students began in 2021. Currently, FHSU employs 23 undergraduate advisors and four graduate advisors. Each student has an assigned professional advisor, and we have started assigning faculty mentors."This built-in support system for students is a huge value and shows that student success is at the heart of decisions made at FHSU," Nikki said.Career exploration is another aspect of advising that can ensure students prepare for a career field that suits them. Nikki pointed out that students often arrive at a career choice with misconceptions about its requirements. Advisors can help students identify information gaps and find resources to lessen major changes. In addition, advisors encourage students to engage with faculty members to build relationships that may result in new opportunities to enrich their educational experience."Academic advisors help students figure out how to make meaning of their experiences, challenge their decision-making and use university resources to help them be successful," Nikki said. "We don't put it together for them, but we help guide the process and make the referrals for them to make the connections."As far as compassion, you can see that in abundance when it comes to FHSU's professional advisors."Compassion is something you will consistently find across the board with all our advisors," Nikki said. "They all have that drive to want to see their students do well. They want to support their advisees however they can to help them get across the finish line.""Students want to know somebody cares. Advisors can often be the person who shows you're not just a number. They can help students feel like Fort Hays is truly invested in them and supporting them to do big things."