By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Living Well Wednesday is a virtual learning series hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals from across the state of Kansas. Webinars will be offered the second Wednesday of most months, from 12:10-1 pm. There is no charge to participate, however, registration is required.

Our next webinar is scheduled for November 13, 2024. Fall Proof Your Life: A Guide to Better Balance will be presented by Erin Martinez, PhD, Extension Adult Development and Aging Specialist. She will help you discover practical tips and exercises to improve your balance, reduce risk of falls, and help you live a more independent and active life. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/ and register for the free Living Well Wednesday webinar series at: bit.ly/3zvWWGQ

All webinars will be recorded and a link, along with supporting resources, will be included on the Living Well Website: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/

Those who register will also receive a follow-up email with the link to the recorded presentation and the supporting resources.

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/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictLiving Well Wednesday is a virtual learning series hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals from across the state of Kansas. Webinars will be offered the second Wednesday of most months, from 12:10-1 pm. There is no charge to participate, however, registration is required.Our next webinar is scheduled for November 13, 2024. Fall Proof Your Life: A Guide to Better Balance will be presented by Erin Martinez, PhD, Extension Adult Development and Aging Specialist. She will help you discover practical tips and exercises to improve your balance, reduce risk of falls, and help you live a more independent and active life. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/ and register for the free Living Well Wednesday webinar series at: bit.ly/3zvWWGQAll webinars will be recorded and a link, along with supporting resources, will be included on the Living Well Website: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/Those who register will also receive a follow-up email with the link to the recorded presentation and the supporting resources.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: Living Well Wednesday

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Our raised deer blind sits on family land just a stone’s throw away from the property line, and each year as I sit and stare over into the neighboring property, I’m reminded of this deer harvest several years back.

The glowing full moon that had bathed the land in orange for two nights in a row was quickly fading and the pink light of morning was struggling to emerge from behind a bank of clouds when the deer began to appear. Like tawny ghosts they silently slipped, one at a time from the tall grass and weeds of the neighbor’s overgrown pasture that concealed them so well. The first two deer to show themselves were mature does, then tagging along were 3 little does we had seen often and figured to be this year’s fawns and maybe even siblings. They were all a little nervous that morning and headed quickly away from our blind toward a nearby open wheat field. Out of the corner of my eye I saw antlers appear from the same spot at the edge of the grassy pasture and a young 6-point buck stepped into view. I should have let him come out a bit farther into the open, but I was afraid he too would be spooky and run, so I put the scope crosshairs just behind his shoulder and shot. He spun and disappeared across the corner of the pasture.

I’ve never put much stock in hunting deer according to moon phases, but I remember that both that day and the day before were rated by the moon phase hunting calendar as “Best” and the previous morning Joyce and I had seen more deer in 5 minutes than in the last 7 days combined; one young buck had even found his way into our freezer via my wife’s invitation, so my interest in the subject was piqued. I still had my tag to fill, so that morning, there I was in the blind, bright and early, awaiting to see what a second day in a row rated as “Best” by the moon sign hunting calendar would offer.

It took only a short while to find my buck, the problem was that the dead deer was completely landlocked because of a deep creek that snaked its way like a tangled garden hose all through the pasture. He had managed to cross the steep-sided creek bed and wound up on the other side. It would be impossible to drag him back across the creek, and going the other direction would mean dragging his carcass a couple hundred yards to a fence I couldn’t get him across when I got there. The landowner has been clearing the trees from the pasture, so stacks of brush and piles of thorny trees and limbs were everywhere. No vehicle of any sort

with rubber tires would stand a chance among all the thorny brush. I cleaned the deer, walked out to my truck and drove around the corner to the landowner’s house in search of options.

Turns out, to help clear the brush, the landowner used a Bobcat skid loader on hard rubber tracks, the perfect tool for “packing-out” my deer. Deer had been playing havoc with his electric fences, so he was glad to help me remove one of his “trouble-makers.” Because of a steep hill and downed tree limbs and brush, it took the farmer awhile to figure a way back to where the deer lay. Once we were past those obstacles, I walked ahead and guided him as he maneuvered the skid loader around stacks of cut trees and limbs, occasionally having to stop long enough to push brush and overhanging limbs from his path. Finally, with the deer laid across the pallet he’d carried in on the forks, we retraced our winding path back and deposited the deer in the back of my truck.

If not for the help of the landowner and his skid loader on tracks, I might still be wondering that overgrown pasture dragging that deer carcass and looking for a way out. A Bobcat skid loader, forks and a pallet; that’s what I call packin’ out a deer Kansas style! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsOur raised deer blind sits on family land just a stone’s throw away from the property line, and each year as I sit and stare over into the neighboring property, I’m reminded of this deer harvest several years back.The glowing full moon that had bathed the land in orange for two nights in a row was quickly fading and the pink light of morning was struggling to emerge from behind a bank of clouds when the deer began to appear. Like tawny ghosts they silently slipped, one at a time from the tall grass and weeds of the neighbor’s overgrown pasture that concealed them so well. The first two deer to show themselves were mature does, then tagging along were 3 little does we had seen often and figured to be this year’s fawns and maybe even siblings. They were all a little nervous that morning and headed quickly away from our blind toward a nearby open wheat field. Out of the corner of my eye I saw antlers appear from the same spot at the edge of the grassy pasture and a young 6-point buck stepped into view. I should have let him come out a bit farther into the open, but I was afraid he too would be spooky and run, so I put the scope crosshairs just behind his shoulder and shot. He spun and disappeared across the corner of the pasture.I’ve never put much stock in hunting deer according to moon phases, but I remember that both that day and the day before were rated by the moon phase hunting calendar as “Best” and the previous morning Joyce and I had seen more deer in 5 minutes than in the last 7 days combined; one young buck had even found his way into our freezer via my wife’s invitation, so my interest in the subject was piqued. I still had my tag to fill, so that morning, there I was in the blind, bright and early, awaiting to see what a second day in a row rated as “Best” by the moon sign hunting calendar would offer.It took only a short while to find my buck, the problem was that the dead deer was completely landlocked because of a deep creek that snaked its way like a tangled garden hose all through the pasture. He had managed to cross the steep-sided creek bed and wound up on the other side. It would be impossible to drag him back across the creek, and going the other direction would mean dragging his carcass a couple hundred yards to a fence I couldn’t get him across when I got there. The landowner has been clearing the trees from the pasture, so stacks of brush and piles of thorny trees and limbs were everywhere. No vehicle of any sortwith rubber tires would stand a chance among all the thorny brush. I cleaned the deer, walked out to my truck and drove around the corner to the landowner’s house in search of options.Turns out, to help clear the brush, the landowner used a Bobcat skid loader on hard rubber tracks, the perfect tool for “packing-out” my deer. Deer had been playing havoc with his electric fences, so he was glad to help me remove one of his “trouble-makers.” Because of a steep hill and downed tree limbs and brush, it took the farmer awhile to figure a way back to where the deer lay. Once we were past those obstacles, I walked ahead and guided him as he maneuvered the skid loader around stacks of cut trees and limbs, occasionally having to stop long enough to push brush and overhanging limbs from his path. Finally, with the deer laid across the pallet he’d carried in on the forks, we retraced our winding path back and deposited the deer in the back of my truck.If not for the help of the landowner and his skid loader on tracks, I might still be wondering that overgrown pasture dragging that deer carcass and looking for a way out. A Bobcat skid loader, forks and a pallet; that’s what I call packin’ out a deer Kansas style! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Packin’ out a deer Kansas style

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

The 2024 election results in Kansas demonstrate that the state’s conservative foundation remains firmly intact, with Republicans holding onto important state and federal offices. However, a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf">survey</a>, Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, shows a more nuanced and complex reality.

Despite recent buzz that the presidential race could be tighter, Republicans held strong up and down the ballot. At the state level, they held onto their supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, giving them considerable influence over key issues like taxes, education, and healthcare. This puts them on a collision course with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who may find it harder to push back against their agenda, as Republicans will likely have enough votes to override any vetoes she might try to use to block their bills.

Interestingly, the Docking Institute’s survey shows that more Kansans approve of Governor Kelly’s job performance than disapprove, creating an interesting dynamic as she navigates working with a legislature that holds such a strong Republican majority.

On the national front, Kansas’s congressional delegation remains predominantly Republican, with the notable exception of Democratic Representative Sharice Davids in the 3rd District. And since no U.S. Senate seats were up for election this year, the state’s U.S. Senate seats will stay in Republican hands.

Economic concerns clearly weighed heavily on voters, according to the survey. Over half of respondents (51.2%) said inflation had greatly affected their families, and nearly 43% expressed concern about economic threats to their well-being.

President Biden’s low approval ratings in the state, coupled with economic frustrations, likely helped Donald Trump, who won Kansas by a wide margin, continuing a long tradition of Republican victories in presidential races here. In fact, Trump’s margin of victory in 2024 closely mirrors his 2020 performance, indicating his electoral fortunes were not hurt despite being embroiled in legal and political scandals over the last four years.

However, when it comes to some social issues, Kansans appear to be moving in a different direction. In the Docking Institute’s survey, 65.4% of respondents agreed that women, not politicians, should decide whether to have an abortion, and over half (54.9%) said the government should not impose any restrictions on abortion access.

This is in line with the decisive vote in August 2022, when Kansans rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed abortion protections. These results suggest that Kansans are willing to break with conservative positions on certain issues, particularly when it comes to personal freedoms.

With a combination of traditional conservative values and an emerging independent streak on key issues, Kansas seems to be heading toward a more dynamic political landscape. While the state’s conservative foundation remains strong, the growing diversity of opinions suggests that Kansas’s political future may be more fluid and open to new perspectives than it has been in the past.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375743023.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasThe 2024 election results in Kansas demonstrate that the state’s conservative foundation remains firmly intact, with Republicans holding onto important state and federal offices. However, a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf">survey</a>, Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, shows a more nuanced and complex reality.Despite recent buzz that the presidential race could be tighter, Republicans held strong up and down the ballot. At the state level, they held onto their supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, giving them considerable influence over key issues like taxes, education, and healthcare. This puts them on a collision course with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who may find it harder to push back against their agenda, as Republicans will likely have enough votes to override any vetoes she might try to use to block their bills.Interestingly, the Docking Institute’s survey shows that more Kansans approve of Governor Kelly’s job performance than disapprove, creating an interesting dynamic as she navigates working with a legislature that holds such a strong Republican majority.On the national front, Kansas’s congressional delegation remains predominantly Republican, with the notable exception of Democratic Representative Sharice Davids in the 3rd District. And since no U.S. Senate seats were up for election this year, the state’s U.S. Senate seats will stay in Republican hands.Economic concerns clearly weighed heavily on voters, according to the survey. Over half of respondents (51.2%) said inflation had greatly affected their families, and nearly 43% expressed concern about economic threats to their well-being.President Biden’s low approval ratings in the state, coupled with economic frustrations, likely helped Donald Trump, who won Kansas by a wide margin, continuing a long tradition of Republican victories in presidential races here. In fact, Trump’s margin of victory in 2024 closely mirrors his 2020 performance, indicating his electoral fortunes were not hurt despite being embroiled in legal and political scandals over the last four years.However, when it comes to some social issues, Kansans appear to be moving in a different direction. In the Docking Institute’s survey, 65.4% of respondents agreed that women, not politicians, should decide whether to have an abortion, and over half (54.9%) said the government should not impose any restrictions on abortion access.This is in line with the decisive vote in August 2022, when Kansans rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed abortion protections. These results suggest that Kansans are willing to break with conservative positions on certain issues, particularly when it comes to personal freedoms.With a combination of traditional conservative values and an emerging independent streak on key issues, Kansas seems to be heading toward a more dynamic political landscape. While the state’s conservative foundation remains strong, the growing diversity of opinions suggests that Kansas’s political future may be more fluid and open to new perspectives than it has been in the past.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The case for same-day voter registration

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Kansas State University agronomists have tapped the powerful world of digital technology to make more than four decades worth of crop information almost instantly available to farmers via their phones or home computers. Cropping systems agronomist Ignacio Ciampitti and the director for research for the Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A), says this new site means that yield and other valuable information may now be available within hours of university researchers harvesting crops from Kansas fields. Farmers decide what hybrids to plant the following year during or right after this year’s harvest. A problem we’ve had in the past is that the results of K-State’s crop performance tests have not been made available for two or three months until data was processed and all publications were printed. There was a need to transform how the data was shared so that the information is available immediately, easier for farmers to digest, and more visual.

The Kansas State University Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, integrated with Dr. Ciampitti’s research lab (led by Pedro Cisdeli), has created a website called Analysis and Visualization of Crop Yield Trials – or AVYield – that will pack 40 years of K-State crop performance tests and other information into easy-to-read formats for farmers. The online tool is located at https://www.avyield.com. Jane Lingenfelser, an assistant agronomist and coordinator of the university’s crop performance tests each year, said she routinely advises producers to research as many data sources as possible when making decisions on crop varieties to plant. But we haven’t provided the tools for them to do that fully until now. There’s no cost or risk to researching all production options. Using this new tool, switching between crops in a specific growing location is very easy. For example, it is possible to immediately see how canola performed overall and which hybrid performed the best in south central Kansas, without devoting the land or expense to a new enterprise.

K-State’s database makes more than 40 years of data available for most crops – including canola, corn, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat. With a few on-screen clicks, farmers can find information based on variety, rainfed versus irrigated production, and geographic location within the state. This online resource is available at no cost to producers and researchers.

K-State canola breeder Mike Stamm has also made available the results of the National Winter Canola Variety trials, which his program coordinates at 30 locations in the United States. The collection dates back to the mid-1990s. “We live in an information-rich society, and we are used

to having the information immediately available,” Stamm said. “Sometimes, some of the most important work we do is not readily available because it takes time to analyze, write, review, and publish. We still need to publish our results, to show progress in our programs…but easier and more immediate access to the results will drive impact on our farms.” Kansas Corn provided funding to build AVYield, in collaboration with the Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, which was introduced in late September during Celebrate Ag Day at K-State’s home football game against Oklahoma State.

“We are one of the first groups in the country to introduce these types of tools,” Ciampitti said. “The beauty of it is that much of the research information we produce related to crop production doesn’t take too long to get to farmers. Now, they can make their final decisions on planting crops based on information and visualization coming from this tool.”

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=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictKansas State University agronomists have tapped the powerful world of digital technology to make more than four decades worth of crop information almost instantly available to farmers via their phones or home computers. Cropping systems agronomist Ignacio Ciampitti and the director for research for the Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A), says this new site means that yield and other valuable information may now be available within hours of university researchers harvesting crops from Kansas fields. Farmers decide what hybrids to plant the following year during or right after this year’s harvest. A problem we’ve had in the past is that the results of K-State’s crop performance tests have not been made available for two or three months until data was processed and all publications were printed. There was a need to transform how the data was shared so that the information is available immediately, easier for farmers to digest, and more visual.The Kansas State University Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, integrated with Dr. Ciampitti’s research lab (led by Pedro Cisdeli), has created a website called Analysis and Visualization of Crop Yield Trials – or AVYield – that will pack 40 years of K-State crop performance tests and other information into easy-to-read formats for farmers. The online tool is located at https://www.avyield.com. Jane Lingenfelser, an assistant agronomist and coordinator of the university’s crop performance tests each year, said she routinely advises producers to research as many data sources as possible when making decisions on crop varieties to plant. But we haven’t provided the tools for them to do that fully until now. There’s no cost or risk to researching all production options. Using this new tool, switching between crops in a specific growing location is very easy. For example, it is possible to immediately see how canola performed overall and which hybrid performed the best in south central Kansas, without devoting the land or expense to a new enterprise.K-State’s database makes more than 40 years of data available for most crops – including canola, corn, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat. With a few on-screen clicks, farmers can find information based on variety, rainfed versus irrigated production, and geographic location within the state. This online resource is available at no cost to producers and researchers.K-State canola breeder Mike Stamm has also made available the results of the National Winter Canola Variety trials, which his program coordinates at 30 locations in the United States. The collection dates back to the mid-1990s. “We live in an information-rich society, and we are usedto having the information immediately available,” Stamm said. “Sometimes, some of the most important work we do is not readily available because it takes time to analyze, write, review, and publish. We still need to publish our results, to show progress in our programs…but easier and more immediate access to the results will drive impact on our farms.” Kansas Corn provided funding to build AVYield, in collaboration with the Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, which was introduced in late September during Celebrate Ag Day at K-State’s home football game against Oklahoma State.“We are one of the first groups in the country to introduce these types of tools,” Ciampitti said. “The beauty of it is that much of the research information we produce related to crop production doesn’t take too long to get to farmers. Now, they can make their final decisions on planting crops based on information and visualization coming from this tool.”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: K-State launches site to make crop performance data more quickly available to farmers

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

On November 8th of each year, college campuses nationwide celebrate the resilience and determination of first-generation college students. The First-Generation College Celebration marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which has helped millions of first-generation students fulfill their dream of earning a college education. Many first-generation students are trailblazers in their families, and one key characteristic of this group of students is the persistence they bring to overcoming challenges, creating their own pathways to knowledge, and seizing control of their destiny.

This year, at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), on November 7th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we hosted a come-and-go event to celebrate our first-generation students, faculty, and staff. Those who stopped received a complimentary FHSU First Gen t-shirt. In addition to snacks, activities included a photo booth, first-gen trivia, and first-gen word search.

Key first-gen recruitment and retention strategies at FHSU center on critical investments, including the Access to Academic Opportunity Grant (AAOG) and the First-to-Finish Living and Learning Community. The AAOG grant aims to navigate the financial barriers that many of these students face. However, the grant is not only about funding; it also emphasizes mentorship. The idea is to create a robust support system where seasoned upper-level students and alumni guide newcomers, sharing insights that could ease their transition to higher education. Stories from last year indicate a rising tide of peer support networks that continue to form within FHSU and the growing sense of community among first-generation students.

First-to-Finish Living and Learning Community (LLC) students live together in Victor E. Village and take classes together. Fall semester classes include a student success class and a leadership class titled Discovering Leadership. The LLC focuses on helping the students grow in their leadership capacity by focusing on the CORE (confidence, optimism, resilience, and engagement) leadership model. The class helps students learn about the knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with their leadership development.

“It has been amazing to watch these students flourish at FHSU. From the welcome weekend until now, you can tell they have the confidence to ask for help when needed, find their stride, and grow in the FHSU pride. I believe this success is due to many faculty and staff at the university supporting these students and helping them find the resources they need to be successful,” shared Jaden Rahe, director of student engagement.

Ashton Dawley is an excellent example of how our first-generation students are making the most of their college experience. He has taken advantage of opportunities in the ceramics department, enabling him to work with renowned artists and practice ceramic techniques that are highly complex. Ashton is exceptionally talented. Given his experience at FHSU thus far, Ashton has decided to become a college professor. He is focused on being the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s and doctorate.

Our student affairs professionals are committed to driving institutional transformation by enhancing academic and co-curricular opportunities for first-generation students. Our team

participates in several state and national events dedicated to advancing the first-generation college student experience.

In the spring, First-to-Finish and first-generation FHSU students get to attend the annual Ad Astra First Generation Conference on a Kansas college campus. This conference brings first-generation students from universities and high schools across Kansas together for a shared experience with the desired outcome of improved persistence to graduation and a better-prepared Kansas workforce.

Another cornerstone element of FHSU’s first-generation college student initiative involves collaborating with NASPA’s FirstGen Forward program. This is a nationwide network dedicated to championing first-generation students. The FirstGen Forward Network features best practices and insights that can help institutions like FHSU better serve their first-gen populations.

The term “first-generation” often sparks conversations about privilege and access, touching on the shifting demographics of students entering higher education. As tuition costs continue to rise and the demand for a skilled workforce grows, the implications of supporting first-generation students have never been more significant. As a regional public university, Fort Hays State University has always focused on access and has a long history of supporting a wide demographic of first-generation students.

Stories from these students reveal a nuanced landscape of aspirations, anxieties, and resilience. These students may not have access to the kind of college guidance many peers take for granted. Yet, they enter the halls of academia with dreams that often depend not just on their success in college but also on the prosperity of their families and communities.

The data surrounding first-generation college success is telling. Research has shown that first-gen students often experience higher dropout rates than their peers. While numerous barriers exist – financial stressors, lack of familial support in navigating college life, and unfamiliarity with the academic culture – universities like FHSU focus on structural changes to improve these metrics. With the launch of the FirstGen Forward initiatives, institutions are equipped to analyze and implement strategies that truly enhance the first-generation college experience, embracing and leveraging the struggles and strengths of these students.

In a world that often emphasizes individual success, the narrative of first-generation college students serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and collective perseverance. Each story unravels a tapestry of hope, determination, and shared dreams, culminating on this special day of recognition on November 8. FHSU students like Ashton and countless others embody the spirit of being first-generation: they challenge the status quo and redefine success for themselves and their families.

Ultimately, the real success of FHSU's endeavors will be seen in our enrollment and job placement numbers, familial pride, and stories we tell about the bright futures that await students like Ashton. Each degree conferred will be more than an institutional data point; it will be a testament to the sacrifices and barriers overcome. As FHSU and similar institutions continue to invest in first-generation initiatives, the vision is clear: create a future where today's first-generation student inspires the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and pioneers to follow their paths to the promise of higher education and a brighter tomorrow.

This commitment to first-generation students is not just about celebrating a demographic but crafting a narrative of success, empowerment, and unwavering support. It’s about the

community that rallies around these students, inspiring hope and igniting dreams that extend far beyond the classroom walls. Together, through targeted first-generation strategies, universities like Fort Hays State are laying the groundwork for an inclusive educational landscape—where every student can thrive and succeed, regardless of their background.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentOn November 8th of each year, college campuses nationwide celebrate the resilience and determination of first-generation college students. The First-Generation College Celebration marks the anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which has helped millions of first-generation students fulfill their dream of earning a college education. Many first-generation students are trailblazers in their families, and one key characteristic of this group of students is the persistence they bring to overcoming challenges, creating their own pathways to knowledge, and seizing control of their destiny.This year, at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), on November 7th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we hosted a come-and-go event to celebrate our first-generation students, faculty, and staff. Those who stopped received a complimentary FHSU First Gen t-shirt. In addition to snacks, activities included a photo booth, first-gen trivia, and first-gen word search.Key first-gen recruitment and retention strategies at FHSU center on critical investments, including the Access to Academic Opportunity Grant (AAOG) and the First-to-Finish Living and Learning Community. The AAOG grant aims to navigate the financial barriers that many of these students face. However, the grant is not only about funding; it also emphasizes mentorship. The idea is to create a robust support system where seasoned upper-level students and alumni guide newcomers, sharing insights that could ease their transition to higher education. Stories from last year indicate a rising tide of peer support networks that continue to form within FHSU and the growing sense of community among first-generation students.First-to-Finish Living and Learning Community (LLC) students live together in Victor E. Village and take classes together. Fall semester classes include a student success class and a leadership class titled Discovering Leadership. The LLC focuses on helping the students grow in their leadership capacity by focusing on the CORE (confidence, optimism, resilience, and engagement) leadership model. The class helps students learn about the knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with their leadership development.“It has been amazing to watch these students flourish at FHSU. From the welcome weekend until now, you can tell they have the confidence to ask for help when needed, find their stride, and grow in the FHSU pride. I believe this success is due to many faculty and staff at the university supporting these students and helping them find the resources they need to be successful,” shared Jaden Rahe, director of student engagement.Ashton Dawley is an excellent example of how our first-generation students are making the most of their college experience. He has taken advantage of opportunities in the ceramics department, enabling him to work with renowned artists and practice ceramic techniques that are highly complex. Ashton is exceptionally talented. Given his experience at FHSU thus far, Ashton has decided to become a college professor. He is focused on being the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s and doctorate.Our student affairs professionals are committed to driving institutional transformation by enhancing academic and co-curricular opportunities for first-generation students. Our teamparticipates in several state and national events dedicated to advancing the first-generation college student experience.In the spring, First-to-Finish and first-generation FHSU students get to attend the annual Ad Astra First Generation Conference on a Kansas college campus. This conference brings first-generation students from universities and high schools across Kansas together for a shared experience with the desired outcome of improved persistence to graduation and a better-prepared Kansas workforce.Another cornerstone element of FHSU’s first-generation college student initiative involves collaborating with NASPA’s FirstGen Forward program. This is a nationwide network dedicated to championing first-generation students. The FirstGen Forward Network features best practices and insights that can help institutions like FHSU better serve their first-gen populations.The term “first-generation” often sparks conversations about privilege and access, touching on the shifting demographics of students entering higher education. As tuition costs continue to rise and the demand for a skilled workforce grows, the implications of supporting first-generation students have never been more significant. As a regional public university, Fort Hays State University has always focused on access and has a long history of supporting a wide demographic of first-generation students.Stories from these students reveal a nuanced landscape of aspirations, anxieties, and resilience. These students may not have access to the kind of college guidance many peers take for granted. Yet, they enter the halls of academia with dreams that often depend not just on their success in college but also on the prosperity of their families and communities.The data surrounding first-generation college success is telling. Research has shown that first-gen students often experience higher dropout rates than their peers. While numerous barriers exist – financial stressors, lack of familial support in navigating college life, and unfamiliarity with the academic culture – universities like FHSU focus on structural changes to improve these metrics. With the launch of the FirstGen Forward initiatives, institutions are equipped to analyze and implement strategies that truly enhance the first-generation college experience, embracing and leveraging the struggles and strengths of these students.In a world that often emphasizes individual success, the narrative of first-generation college students serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and collective perseverance. Each story unravels a tapestry of hope, determination, and shared dreams, culminating on this special day of recognition on November 8. FHSU students like Ashton and countless others embody the spirit of being first-generation: they challenge the status quo and redefine success for themselves and their families.Ultimately, the real success of FHSU's endeavors will be seen in our enrollment and job placement numbers, familial pride, and stories we tell about the bright futures that await students like Ashton. Each degree conferred will be more than an institutional data point; it will be a testament to the sacrifices and barriers overcome. As FHSU and similar institutions continue to invest in first-generation initiatives, the vision is clear: create a future where today's first-generation student inspires the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and pioneers to follow their paths to the promise of higher education and a brighter tomorrow.This commitment to first-generation students is not just about celebrating a demographic but crafting a narrative of success, empowerment, and unwavering support. It’s about thecommunity that rallies around these students, inspiring hope and igniting dreams that extend far beyond the classroom walls. Together, through targeted first-generation strategies, universities like Fort Hays State are laying the groundwork for an inclusive educational landscape—where every student can thrive and succeed, regardless of their background.

Heart of a Tiger: FHSU’s work to enhance the first-generation student experience

From the first time I visited a relative who owned hens and gathered eggs, I wanted to live in the country and raise chickens. That dream came true when I fell in love with a man who also liked rural living and fresh eggs. My mother-in-law gifted us a flock of leghorns, and poof--I was a chicken lady!

Over decades, we’ve raised Easter eggers, Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, and now ISO browns, learning that white-eared chickens lay white eggs, red-eared hens brown, and funny-eared ones pink, blue, and green. Years raising chickens has provided info nuggets about this creature scientists identify as the closest living relative to a T Rex.

Chicken keepers aka tenders know their birds are smart. It’s time others learned too. As a kid, I marveled at a hen at Knott’s Berry Farm playing tunes on a tiny piano. While I never had the patience to teach our girls this trick, they know their daily snack schedule and line up at 8 a.m. for fresh veggies and again at noon for mealy worms. If delivery runs late, they tattle to the neighborhood. They even know when I hunt grasshoppers and wait impatiently to gobble crunchy treats.

I always suspected my chickens had their own language. Research confirms this. They make at least 30 different sounds and combine those for scores of purposes. Though we no longer have broody hens, I loved listening to mommas talking to eggs incubating beneath them and later to their fluffball chicks. Once those peeps matured enough mom could take them on a walkabout, I’d hear her instructing them about where to forage and what to eat. While studying chickens, I learned hens teach their young to drink. Now, I have to figure out what chicken noise means “Salud.”

Not only can chickens talk to one another and their developing chicks, they have better vision than humans. They see more clearly, in more colors, and according to one source, each eye has its own job—the right sees food and near objects while the left focuses on distances and danger. No wonder I can’t sneak up on the wily boogers. Another site stated that they see ultra violet light as well, which aids them in determining chick and egg health. That might explain how hens know to roll bad eggs out of nests. Why waste energy on a defective egg? Several sites state that chickens recognize at least 100 faces. For sure, our girls know who’s who at our house.

They confirmed this recently when the hubs left town on a long hunting trip. They laid their normal number of eggs on day 1 and 2. Production then dwindled from 4 to 3 to 2 and finally to 1 before he returned. Once he delivered their morning greens, we gathered the normal 4 eggs a day. Although I delivered treats on schedule, they missed seeing him!

After spending decades with chickens, I’ve decided a T-Rex for a pet might be okay. If they act anything like their miniature descendants, they’d make us laugh every day. However, those eggs would be doozers. Not sure I own a big enough skillet. As for cleaning the pen—yech!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730912870720.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINFrom the first time I visited a relative who owned hens and gathered eggs, I wanted to live in the country and raise chickens. That dream came true when I fell in love with a man who also liked rural living and fresh eggs. My mother-in-law gifted us a flock of leghorns, and poof--I was a chicken lady!Over decades, we’ve raised Easter eggers, Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, and now ISO browns, learning that white-eared chickens lay white eggs, red-eared hens brown, and funny-eared ones pink, blue, and green. Years raising chickens has provided info nuggets about this creature scientists identify as the closest living relative to a T Rex.Chicken keepers aka tenders know their birds are smart. It’s time others learned too. As a kid, I marveled at a hen at Knott’s Berry Farm playing tunes on a tiny piano. While I never had the patience to teach our girls this trick, they know their daily snack schedule and line up at 8 a.m. for fresh veggies and again at noon for mealy worms. If delivery runs late, they tattle to the neighborhood. They even know when I hunt grasshoppers and wait impatiently to gobble crunchy treats.I always suspected my chickens had their own language. Research confirms this. They make at least 30 different sounds and combine those for scores of purposes. Though we no longer have broody hens, I loved listening to mommas talking to eggs incubating beneath them and later to their fluffball chicks. Once those peeps matured enough mom could take them on a walkabout, I’d hear her instructing them about where to forage and what to eat. While studying chickens, I learned hens teach their young to drink. Now, I have to figure out what chicken noise means “Salud.”Not only can chickens talk to one another and their developing chicks, they have better vision than humans. They see more clearly, in more colors, and according to one source, each eye has its own job—the right sees food and near objects while the left focuses on distances and danger. No wonder I can’t sneak up on the wily boogers. Another site stated that they see ultra violet light as well, which aids them in determining chick and egg health. That might explain how hens know to roll bad eggs out of nests. Why waste energy on a defective egg? Several sites state that chickens recognize at least 100 faces. For sure, our girls know who’s who at our house.They confirmed this recently when the hubs left town on a long hunting trip. They laid their normal number of eggs on day 1 and 2. Production then dwindled from 4 to 3 to 2 and finally to 1 before he returned. Once he delivered their morning greens, we gathered the normal 4 eggs a day. Although I delivered treats on schedule, they missed seeing him!After spending decades with chickens, I’ve decided a T-Rex for a pet might be okay. If they act anything like their miniature descendants, they’d make us laugh every day. However, those eggs would be doozers. Not sure I own a big enough skillet. As for cleaning the pen—yech!

MADORIN: Chicken nuggets

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Fall is a wonderful season for agriculture and a time to, hopefully, reap the bounty of the year’s production. If producers have access to crop residue fields following grain harvest, then preparing to turn cattle out to graze such acres is one task that deserves to be near the top of the priority list. Grain sorghum represents an excellent opportunity to extend the grazing season. However, there are several important management considerations that need to be kept in mind with grazing sorghum residue.

Understandably, the absence of fences and water sources is one of the biggest limitations for residue grazing. Many acres are grown in rain-fed systems in which sourcing water from an irrigation well is not possible. Likewise, hauling water long distances is usually not practical. However, if water can be supplied and temporary fences put up, then grazing sorghum residues is usually economical. A single strand of electric fence can work quite well for keeping cows contained, while 2 or more strands may be needed for small calves.

Unlike actively growing forages, both the quantity and quality of residue available for grazing will be highest immediately following harvest and will steadily decline over time due to weathering, trampling, and consumption by cattle. Regarding forage quantity, field data indicate about 2.5 to 3.0 tons of residue per acre on average is produced following harvest. If accounting for 50% of the total residue on the field as available for grazing and of that amount 50% was utilized, then one acre would supply enough forage for one gestating cow for approximately 50 to 60 days.

High amounts of grain on the surface of the field pose a risk of acidosis, particularly for animals with experience grazing residue fields. Cattle selectively graze and will seek out and consume any grain present first. The degree to which grain in the field poses a risk is dependent on many factors, but levels greater than 10 to 15 bushels per acre generally require additional caution. Avoiding turning hungry animals directly on to fields by filling them up on forage, strip grazing to reduce the amount grain available per animal, supplementing low amounts of grain initially before turning them out, and feeding sodium bicarbonate as a rumen buffer are all strategies that may be used to decrease risk of acidosis.

Nitrate and prussic acid toxicity are both conditions that increase in prevalence due to plant stress and cause asphyxiation in the animal, yet are distinctly independent from each other. Nitrates accumulate in the base of the stalk or stem, and while issues associated with nitrate toxicity are generally less common in grazing situations as compared to when cattle are fed a diet, for this reason it is critical to manage stocking rate so that cattle are not forced to consume the lower 1/3rd of the stalk or stem. Prussic acid can occur in plant species within the broader sorghum family, and primarily accumulates in young, rapidly growing plant tissue. Therefore, avoiding grazing sorghum residue around a frost event and for the first 7 days following a killing freeze is a sound practice. Just as with harvested forages, representative samples of standing forage can be collected for analysis of nitrate and prussic acid to determine risk levels and guide management decisions.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictFall is a wonderful season for agriculture and a time to, hopefully, reap the bounty of the year’s production. If producers have access to crop residue fields following grain harvest, then preparing to turn cattle out to graze such acres is one task that deserves to be near the top of the priority list. Grain sorghum represents an excellent opportunity to extend the grazing season. However, there are several important management considerations that need to be kept in mind with grazing sorghum residue.Understandably, the absence of fences and water sources is one of the biggest limitations for residue grazing. Many acres are grown in rain-fed systems in which sourcing water from an irrigation well is not possible. Likewise, hauling water long distances is usually not practical. However, if water can be supplied and temporary fences put up, then grazing sorghum residues is usually economical. A single strand of electric fence can work quite well for keeping cows contained, while 2 or more strands may be needed for small calves.Unlike actively growing forages, both the quantity and quality of residue available for grazing will be highest immediately following harvest and will steadily decline over time due to weathering, trampling, and consumption by cattle. Regarding forage quantity, field data indicate about 2.5 to 3.0 tons of residue per acre on average is produced following harvest. If accounting for 50% of the total residue on the field as available for grazing and of that amount 50% was utilized, then one acre would supply enough forage for one gestating cow for approximately 50 to 60 days.High amounts of grain on the surface of the field pose a risk of acidosis, particularly for animals with experience grazing residue fields. Cattle selectively graze and will seek out and consume any grain present first. The degree to which grain in the field poses a risk is dependent on many factors, but levels greater than 10 to 15 bushels per acre generally require additional caution. Avoiding turning hungry animals directly on to fields by filling them up on forage, strip grazing to reduce the amount grain available per animal, supplementing low amounts of grain initially before turning them out, and feeding sodium bicarbonate as a rumen buffer are all strategies that may be used to decrease risk of acidosis.Nitrate and prussic acid toxicity are both conditions that increase in prevalence due to plant stress and cause asphyxiation in the animal, yet are distinctly independent from each other. Nitrates accumulate in the base of the stalk or stem, and while issues associated with nitrate toxicity are generally less common in grazing situations as compared to when cattle are fed a diet, for this reason it is critical to manage stocking rate so that cattle are not forced to consume the lower 1/3rd of the stalk or stem. Prussic acid can occur in plant species within the broader sorghum family, and primarily accumulates in young, rapidly growing plant tissue. Therefore, avoiding grazing sorghum residue around a frost event and for the first 7 days following a killing freeze is a sound practice. Just as with harvested forages, representative samples of standing forage can be collected for analysis of nitrate and prussic acid to determine risk levels and guide management decisions.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Grazing sorghum residues

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Cool fall days have arrived which means we are spending more time indoors. This change increases our exposure to bacteria and viruses that can lead to illness. The good news is that if we are aware of our habits, we can help prevent getting sick.

One key habit is proper handwashing because it reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%. There are promising results from handwashing, and if we teach children good hand- hygiene, we can further reduce the spread of disease! Here are a few simple tips to share with your kids:

1. Wash your hands multiple times throughout the day. This includes before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

2. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum “Happy Birthday” twice through to make sure you scrub long enough.

3. Lather with soap and water. Soap is a detergent that removes bacteria and dirt when it is lathered, so using enough soap is key in removing germs.

4. Scrub every part of your hand. If you don’t think about it, it is easy to miss the tops of your hands, under your nails, and between your fingers. Bacteria will build up if you don’t reach every part!

5. In public places, many objects are in constant use such as door handles and water fountains. Using your paper towel to access these areas after you’ve washed can help to reduce exposure to germs.

6. At home, change out cloth hand towels often to limit the build-up of dirt and bacteria. This will keep your hands clean for longer.

7. Consider hanging small posters above sinks to remind kids of proper handwashing techniques.

Staying healthy throughout the fall is challenging, so get a head start with proper handwashing to reduce your family’s risk of getting sick.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictCool fall days have arrived which means we are spending more time indoors. This change increases our exposure to bacteria and viruses that can lead to illness. The good news is that if we are aware of our habits, we can help prevent getting sick.One key habit is proper handwashing because it reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%. There are promising results from handwashing, and if we teach children good hand- hygiene, we can further reduce the spread of disease! Here are a few simple tips to share with your kids:1. Wash your hands multiple times throughout the day. This includes before and after eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.2. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum “Happy Birthday” twice through to make sure you scrub long enough.3. Lather with soap and water. Soap is a detergent that removes bacteria and dirt when it is lathered, so using enough soap is key in removing germs.4. Scrub every part of your hand. If you don’t think about it, it is easy to miss the tops of your hands, under your nails, and between your fingers. Bacteria will build up if you don’t reach every part!5. In public places, many objects are in constant use such as door handles and water fountains. Using your paper towel to access these areas after you’ve washed can help to reduce exposure to germs.6. At home, change out cloth hand towels often to limit the build-up of dirt and bacteria. This will keep your hands clean for longer.7. Consider hanging small posters above sinks to remind kids of proper handwashing techniques.Staying healthy throughout the fall is challenging, so get a head start with proper handwashing to reduce your family’s risk of getting sick.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Habits to stay healthy-handwashing

Over the past several decades, researchers across the country have recognized the strong correlation between parents’ and caregivers’ educational attainment and children’s educational outcomes. We know that families thrive when they learn together.

Back in 1994, the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) worked with Congress to designate November 1 as National Family Literacy Day®. Each year for the past 29 years, we have joined libraries, schools, and educational programs across the country to celebrate National Family Literacy Month throughout each November.

Encouraging families to read and giving them the resources to read to their children every day is so important for a young child’s development and success in school. Reading to my children was one of my favorite things to do with them when they were young and even as they got older. I have fond memories of attending library story time as well as snuggling on the couch to read a good book. This is one of those times that parents can use to touch base with their child and maybe help them wind down for nap or bedtime. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, finding a time to read in your routine is what is important.

Not only is reading an important skill for school but it also helps children with other developmental skills as well. Exposing children to books from birth or even prenatally is a great way to aid their development. Books not only aid literacy skills but they also help little fingers develop. As they learn to turn pages of a book, they strengthen their fingers and fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are important to develop now so when they get to school they can hold pencils, crayons, and scissors.

Often times parents think they have to read a book from beginning to end, not skipping any pages. However, research from the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch Up (ABC) program at the University of Delaware, actually promotes following your child’s lead with reading and play. If a child is looking at or chewing on a book on their own that’s okay! Talk to them about what they are doing. If they bring you a book, allow them to turn the pages and talk to them about what is on the page. This can put the child in charge and allow them time to explore on their own terms which aids their social emotional development by making them feel important and that they can have an effect on their world.

While libraries are great and offer many programs to get children involved with books and reading, sometimes it’s nice to start building a library at home as well. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been integral in getting books into the hands of children and their parents. Once you sign up, books are mailed to the child every month from birth to age five. They are sent directly to the child so it’s exciting for them to get mail and the books are age appropriate also. The program is available both in Ellis and Barton County. Contact information is below.

Fax: 785-623-2432 Email: burban@usd489.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictOver the past several decades, researchers across the country have recognized the strong correlation between parents’ and caregivers’ educational attainment and children’s educational outcomes. We know that families thrive when they learn together.Back in 1994, the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) worked with Congress to designate November 1 as National Family Literacy Day®. Each year for the past 29 years, we have joined libraries, schools, and educational programs across the country to celebrate National Family Literacy Month throughout each November.Encouraging families to read and giving them the resources to read to their children every day is so important for a young child’s development and success in school. Reading to my children was one of my favorite things to do with them when they were young and even as they got older. I have fond memories of attending library story time as well as snuggling on the couch to read a good book. This is one of those times that parents can use to touch base with their child and maybe help them wind down for nap or bedtime. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, finding a time to read in your routine is what is important.Not only is reading an important skill for school but it also helps children with other developmental skills as well. Exposing children to books from birth or even prenatally is a great way to aid their development. Books not only aid literacy skills but they also help little fingers develop. As they learn to turn pages of a book, they strengthen their fingers and fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are important to develop now so when they get to school they can hold pencils, crayons, and scissors.Often times parents think they have to read a book from beginning to end, not skipping any pages. However, research from the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch Up (ABC) program at the University of Delaware, actually promotes following your child’s lead with reading and play. If a child is looking at or chewing on a book on their own that’s okay! Talk to them about what they are doing. If they bring you a book, allow them to turn the pages and talk to them about what is on the page. This can put the child in charge and allow them time to explore on their own terms which aids their social emotional development by making them feel important and that they can have an effect on their world.While libraries are great and offer many programs to get children involved with books and reading, sometimes it’s nice to start building a library at home as well. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been integral in getting books into the hands of children and their parents. Once you sign up, books are mailed to the child every month from birth to age five. They are sent directly to the child so it’s exciting for them to get mail and the books are age appropriate also. The program is available both in Ellis and Barton County. Contact information is below.United Way of Central Kansas1409 WILLIAMS STGREAT BEND KS 67530Contact: Ken MarstonPhone: 620-792-2409Fax: Email: kmarston@greatbendpl.infoEllis County Imagination Library2501 E 13TH STHAYS KS 67601Contact: Brenda UrbanPhone: 785-623-2430Fax: 785-623-2432 Email: burban@usd489.comMonique 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: November-National Family Literacy Month

So, I woke up this morning to the strangest sound. It’s like a constant “pattering” sound of some sort on the roof. Oh wait, it’s raining, almost forgot what that sounded like! As I sat here contemplating this week’s column, the soothing sound of the rain and the dark morning brought back memories of this deer hunt years ago on a morning just like this.

Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morn. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit of an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. so, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand built from an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath the floor of the raised blind and got comfortable in a camp chair.

The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not totally water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We’d always heard a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and that morning I also got to watch them as they wound down from a nights hunting and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see. Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.

Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.

In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower as it crawled across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.

Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsSo, I woke up this morning to the strangest sound. It’s like a constant “pattering” sound of some sort on the roof. Oh wait, it’s raining, almost forgot what that sounded like! As I sat here contemplating this week’s column, the soothing sound of the rain and the dark morning brought back memories of this deer hunt years ago on a morning just like this.Naturally, after the driest summer on record, it started to rain when deer hunting and trapping seasons arrived. It had rained most of Friday night and was still drizzling at the crack of dawn Saturday morn. Ever the macho deer hunter, I still crawled from beneath my electric blanket at zero dark thirty to brave the elements. The problem was that either a lengthy drive or a long walk was required to get to all our stand spots but one, and after the amount of rain we had gotten, walking was the only option. Again, being the macho deer hunter, I’m not against a bit of an early morning walk, but I know each boot would have accumulated five pounds of mud and I’d have been soaked once I arrived. so, I drove to that one stand where I could park in an old farm yard and walk just behind the buildings to a nice raised stand built from an old fuel tank support. That took care of the mud part, but it was still raining, so instead of setting on top, I crawled beneath the floor of the raised blind and got comfortable in a camp chair.The floor of the stand was about two feet above me and not totally water tight, but an occasional drip sure trumped sitting in the rain. We’d always heard a pair of great horned owls at this old farmstead, and that morning I also got to watch them as they wound down from a nights hunting and geared up to snooze the day away. The first owl sat on a power pole a couple hundred yards in front of me and called to its mate that I could hear but not yet see. Soon the mate silently flew to the top of a tall cedar so that they were just a stone’s throw away from each other. I had no idea which owl was the male and which was the female, but the calls were very different. Both calls used the same number of syllables, but one call was higher pitched like a woman’s alto tone, and the other was more of a baritone pitch. After awhile, one owl flew off, then the other and the woods was quiet again except for the slow staccato of the drizzling rain and the “plop” made by the occasional drop dripping through the “roof” onto my vinyl vest.Then came the blackbirds; probably numbering into the tens of thousands, the flying horde actually made a low, muffled roar like the wind blowing through the trees. They landed in the wheat some ways away, but like waves in a living sea of black lapping against the shore, the huge swarm was constantly on the move. Birds from one end would fly up and move to a different spot so that the assemblage appeared to crawl slowly across the field like a giant ameba. Once in the air again, the monstrous flock swirled and twirled like a Kansas twister marching across the plains.In the distance I began again to hear a muffled roar like the wind slowly picking up. “Was it more blackbirds” I wondered? No, this time it was a rain shower as it crawled across the field. The drone became louder and louder until it encompassed the deer stand and the occasional drip became a constant stream. I waited it out and when it had subsided some, I put my hood up and headed for the dry safety of the pickup.Maybe these sorts of things seem to you like odd topics to write about, but not to me. I know I get so caught up and focused on shooting the deer or catching the fish that I totally miss everything around me. So, the next time you’re sitting in a deer stand or rocking with the waves on a boat in the lake, concentrate on seeing things you usually miss, then close your eyes for awhile and just listen to nature around you and learn to experience God’s marvelous creation in its entirety. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Sights and sounds from beneath a deer stand

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

Election Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.

Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.

Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.

As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.

An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.

Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.

Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.

As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.

Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.

First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.

Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.

Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.

The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.

In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.

Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.

This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!

These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.

Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!

Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.

Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also be

returned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.

______________________________________________________________________

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasElection Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.Make sure you get out and vote!Need voting information?Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also bereturned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.______________________________________________________________________Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Election preview from a political scientist

K-State Research and Extension and the Northwest/North Central Extension Districts are hosting two Crop Pest Management Schools in mid-November. 

The first one is set for Nov. 19 in Beloit at the Beloit Methodist Church, and the second one will take place on Nov. 20 in Dighton at the United Methodist Church. 

Both events will begin at 7:45 a.m. with registration and conclude at 5:00 p.m.

Join us in person to learn how to control the latest pests – weeds, insects, and diseases – affecting all crops in central and western Kansas!

7:45 Registration 8:05 Welcome 8:15 Weed research update for western KS - Jeremie Kouame, Weed Scientist at Hays 9:10 Row crop disease that should be on your radar – Rodrigo Onofre, Row Crop Pathologist 10:05 Break 10:20 A new corn disease that should be on your radar – Anthony Zukoff, Entomologist, Garden City 11:15 Insect outlook for 2025 – Anthony Zukoff 12:10 Lunch 12:50 Drones in agronomic pest management – Deepak Joshi, Precision Ag Specialist 1:45 Recipe for tank mixing successfully – Sarah Lancaster, Weed Science Specialist 2:40 Break 2:55 Wheat diseases to watch for next spring – Jeanne Falk Jones, Craig Dinkel, Sandra Wick 3:50 Kansas Regulation (Core Hour) – Kansas Dept. of Ag 4:45 Questions/Adjourn

Commercial Applicators will earn 1 Core Hour &amp; 7 Hours for 1A, certified by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. 

Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) will also earn 8 Pest Management Credits. 

These schools would also be an excellent educational opportunity for producers.

The cost to participate is $50 if registered by November 11; after that date, the fee is $75. To register, go to https://www.wkrec.org/events/crop-pest-management-school.html. 

You can also scan the QR code below. If you register at the door, cash and checks will be accepted. We are unable to accept credit/debit cards at the door. If inclement weather occurs, the program will be held at a later date in an online format.

For questions, please contact Jeanne Falk-Jones, Multi-County Agronomist, at 785-462-6281 or Sandra Wick, Post Rock District Crop Production Agent, at 785-282-6823.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension and the Northwest/North Central Extension Districts are hosting two Crop Pest Management Schools in mid-November. The first one is set for Nov. 19 in Beloit at the Beloit Methodist Church, and the second one will take place on Nov. 20 in Dighton at the United Methodist Church. Both events will begin at 7:45 a.m. with registration and conclude at 5:00 p.m.Join us in person to learn how to control the latest pests – weeds, insects, and diseases – affecting all crops in central and western Kansas!Event Schedule:7:45 Registration 8:05 Welcome 8:15 Weed research update for western KS - Jeremie Kouame, Weed Scientist at Hays 9:10 Row crop disease that should be on your radar – Rodrigo Onofre, Row Crop Pathologist 10:05 Break 10:20 A new corn disease that should be on your radar – Anthony Zukoff, Entomologist, Garden City 11:15 Insect outlook for 2025 – Anthony Zukoff 12:10 Lunch 12:50 Drones in agronomic pest management – Deepak Joshi, Precision Ag Specialist 1:45 Recipe for tank mixing successfully – Sarah Lancaster, Weed Science Specialist 2:40 Break 2:55 Wheat diseases to watch for next spring – Jeanne Falk Jones, Craig Dinkel, Sandra Wick 3:50 Kansas Regulation (Core Hour) – Kansas Dept. of Ag 4:45 Questions/AdjournCommercial Applicators will earn 1 Core Hour &amp; 7 Hours for 1A, certified by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) will also earn 8 Pest Management Credits. These schools would also be an excellent educational opportunity for producers.The cost to participate is $50 if registered by November 11; after that date, the fee is $75. To register, go to https://www.wkrec.org/events/crop-pest-management-school.html. You can also scan the QR code below. If you register at the door, cash and checks will be accepted. We are unable to accept credit/debit cards at the door. If inclement weather occurs, the program will be held at a later date in an online format.For questions, please contact Jeanne Falk-Jones, Multi-County Agronomist, at 785-462-6281 or Sandra Wick, Post Rock District Crop Production Agent, at 785-282-6823.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: 2024 K-State crop pest management schools set for Nov. 19-20

I have never given much thought to the position of the County Clerk until I received another flyer (3rd) from the Kansas Union Civil Liberties (KUCL), so I figured I would do my own research rather than having an organization do it for me.

On the flyers the KUCL says they are not endorsing or opposing either candidate. I found it interesting that Allen said yes to all the questions, and Dreiling had no response. With their answers being so far apart, I was curious as to what both candidates were asked, and what form these questions were asked in.

I went to their website KansansUnited.org and read the questions they were both asked. This was the moment of clarity and I realized that the KUCL seems to be somewhat biased against Dreiling despite their claim of neither endorsing or opposing either candidate.

The flyer states Allen pledged Yes, she would put polling places that are more “conveniently located” in Ellis County? The actual question was: “Do you pledge to put a polling location on FHSU campus in 2025?” I found the question and what was stated on the flyer was very deceiving. I have to only guess that Allen is okay with this misinformation as it is well known FHSU campus is only convenient for the students and not everyone in Ellis County. I would think this will cost tax payers more money for the election budget.

The next question that Allen pledged Yes to was making polling locations more accessible to the disabled and elderly. Dreiling had no response. I understand why Dreiling would not respond to this because all the polling sites are already ADA compliant. I wonder if Allen is considering additional changes to these places that will cost the taxpayers more money since by law Dreiling is already doing what she has to with the polling places.

A question that Allen pledged Yes to but did not make it on the flyer; but since I did my research, I’ll share it with you: She pledged Yes that there will be Spanish materials available for elections starting in 2025. I called County Clerk Dreiling to ask her about this. Clerk Dreiling said the Secretary of State would mandate any county when they meet the requirements, and then they would then be required to supply Spanish ballots. Dreiling also mentioned this will come with a big price tag and the election budget would have to be increased. As of now Ellis County does not meet those required mandates. Again it seems as Allen is wanting to spend more tax dollars on something that is not needed.

What I finally garnered from the flyers is candidate Allen can’t wait to spend our tax dollars . My decision will be based on how my tax dollars are being currently used by Dreiling, and not what Allen, if elected, intends to do in 2025. If you are concerned about your taxes, I hope that you do your own research and make the right decision.

I have never given much thought to the position of the County Clerk until I received another flyer (3rd) from the Kansas Union Civil Liberties (KUCL), so I figured I would do my own research rather than having an organization do it for me.On the flyers the KUCL says they are not endorsing or opposing either candidate. I found it interesting that Allen said yes to all the questions, and Dreiling had no response. With their answers being so far apart, I was curious as to what both candidates were asked, and what form these questions were asked in.I went to their website KansansUnited.org and read the questions they were both asked. This was the moment of clarity and I realized that the KUCL seems to be somewhat biased against Dreiling despite their claim of neither endorsing or opposing either candidate.The flyer states Allen pledged Yes, she would put polling places that are more “conveniently located” in Ellis County? The actual question was: “Do you pledge to put a polling location on FHSU campus in 2025?” I found the question and what was stated on the flyer was very deceiving. I have to only guess that Allen is okay with this misinformation as it is well known FHSU campus is only convenient for the students and not everyone in Ellis County. I would think this will cost tax payers more money for the election budget.The next question that Allen pledged Yes to was making polling locations more accessible to the disabled and elderly. Dreiling had no response. I understand why Dreiling would not respond to this because all the polling sites are already ADA compliant. I wonder if Allen is considering additional changes to these places that will cost the taxpayers more money since by law Dreiling is already doing what she has to with the polling places.A question that Allen pledged Yes to but did not make it on the flyer; but since I did my research, I’ll share it with you: She pledged Yes that there will be Spanish materials available for elections starting in 2025. I called County Clerk Dreiling to ask her about this. Clerk Dreiling said the Secretary of State would mandate any county when they meet the requirements, and then they would then be required to supply Spanish ballots. Dreiling also mentioned this will come with a big price tag and the election budget would have to be increased. As of now Ellis County does not meet those required mandates. Again it seems as Allen is wanting to spend more tax dollars on something that is not needed.What I finally garnered from the flyers is candidate Allen can’t wait to spend our tax dollars . My decision will be based on how my tax dollars are being currently used by Dreiling, and not what Allen, if elected, intends to do in 2025. If you are concerned about your taxes, I hope that you do your own research and make the right decision.— Rick Pfannenstiel

LETTER: Writer questions flyer on Ellis County Clerk race

By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/31/a-stupefying-poll-shows-harris-breathing-down-trumps-neck-in-kansas-heres-what-that-means/">Kansas Reflector</a>

You want to talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state? OK, let’s talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state.

The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;from the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University showed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris a mere&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/28/survey-reveals-potential-tapering-of-kansas-gap-between-gop-democratic-presidential-candidates/">five points behind</a>&nbsp;Republican candidate Donald Trump. Given that the survey covers traditionally conservative Kansas, political pundits pounced.

“BREAKING: Trump only winning by 5 In KANSAS,” wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TristanSnell/status/1851120567262298528" target="_blank">legal commentator Tristan Snell</a>.

“If Harris is only down 5 to Trump in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;– election night is going to be very good for Democrats,” added Obama campaign and administration&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TimFullerton/status/1850981599556616491" target="_blank">alumnus Tim Fullerton</a>.

“…holy sh*t?” exclaimed&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SethAbramson/status/1851092122004300089" target="_blank">journalist and lawyer Seth Abramson</a>.

Let’s step back from excited progressive reactions for a moment and actually talk about the poll, what it means and whether Harris has a shot in Kansas. (Spoiler alert, she&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/17/electoral-college-will-incinerate-a-half-million-kansas-votes-for-kamala-thats-a-problem/">almost certainly does not</a>). We found a great person to help us break things down:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/sociology/faculty/zollinger/" target="_blank">Brett Zollinger</a>, director of the Docking Institute itself. He sat down with Kansas Reflector staff on Tuesday afternoon to give background on those surprising results.

First off, we should understand that the data presented comes from a survey, not a poll. Kansas Speaks primarily tracks public opinion on issues rather than candidates. It gathers a representative panel of Kansans and collects information from them via a carefully designed survey online.

“The presidential election is a very minor focus for us in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks</a>,” he said. “We are far more focused on policies, issues that are going to be relevant to Kansans, likely to come up in the legislative session, that sort of thing. But every four years, we get this unique opportunity to see what our survey methodology bears out in terms of some actual voter decisions in the state in the presidential election. So in 2020, we were within 0.2% actually, in the spread between Trump and Biden with our survey panel methodology.”

<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/20elec/2020_General_Official_Vote_Totals.pdf" target="_blank">For reference</a>, in 2020 Trump finished at 56.2% in Kansas, while President Joe Biden reached 41.6%, a 14.6 percentage point gap.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2020-kansas-speaks-report-v7.pdf" target="_blank">The 2020 Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;found 52% support for Trump and 37.6% for Biden, a 14.4 percentage point gap.

That earlier accuracy was much remarked upon by online commentors. But Zollinger wanted Kansas Reflector readers to understand that the modeling and weighting decisions made for the Kansas Speaks survey are not necessarily the same ones made by political polling firms. They’re playing different games.

“If we were actually trying to measure, with a lot of predictive ability, the presidential vote turnout, we would probably engage in a fuller methodology common to the survey industry, especially the presidential polling industry,” Zollinger said. “We don’t. But we do winnow it down to registered voters who say that they plan to vote, which is not a bad methodology necessarily for doing that. And the survey panel is what it is. These are folks who have opted in to be surveyed. It’s not uncommon to use these today. Pew Research has its own big one. Gallup has one.”

Researchers looked at various demographic factors, he said, “and we did pretty much a simple proportionate weighting.” (You can dig into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">crosstabs on page 96</a>.) They did the same with their 2020 results.

“We took the proportion in the sample who fit a certain age profile, and we adjusted it to the state’s age profile of adults, same with gender, same with education. … We believe it is the most reasonable approach to trying to make up for some underrepresentation by some age groups in the panel and some underrepresentation by certain education levels,” Zollinger said.

Which brings us all down to the basic question: Do we believe the survey results?

Kansas has changed. In the eight years&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/23/want-to-make-kansas-a-better-place-for-new-opinion-editor-that-means-raising-our-voices-for-change/">since I returned</a>&nbsp;to the state, I’ve watched as a motley mix of Republicans, Democrats and independents have rejected Trump and extreme ideologies. I’ve watched a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the Legislature to ban abortion fail by an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">18-point margin</a>. I’ve watched voters twice elect Democrat Laura Kelly as governor. I’ve also heard, over and and over, and read, in repeated email messages, that Kansans don’t like the current political atmosphere.

Now, that doesn’t turn us into an immediate swing state. It doesn’t guarantee a Democratic Legislature anytime soon. But it does, at least from my perspective, suggest that Republicans can’t count on a blank check from Kansas voters.

Trump will almost certainly win Kansas. But that margin will matter.

Alex Middlewood, a political scientist at Wichita State, weighed in on the survey results&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/alexmiddlewood/status/1851403069684072824" target="_blank">via a Tweet thread</a>. She said the results showed that Trump has been losing ground in Kansas over the past eight years.

“His vote share in 2020 was lower than it was in 2016, and 2024 is very likely going to be even lower. Make no mistake, Trump is going to win Kansas,” she wrote. “However, any shift in the margins, like we’re seeing from these results, will likely have major impact on the state legislature races. Ds are working hard (and spending lots of money) to break the R supermajority. These results should give them hope.”

I’ve been keeping track of interesting presidential endorsements in Kansas news outlets over the past couple of weeks. You might not be able to read an endorsement from the Washington Post, but these plucky Kansans have a lot to say.

“<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eadd4e4e-bed9-4d2c-81d5-f67355e1840f" target="_blank">Rep. Steven Howe reflects on voting for Trump after earlier criticism</a>,” by Steven Howe, Salina Post, Oct. 26.

“<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article294546054.html" target="_blank">My fellow conservatives, we have to split the ticket to save the US Constitution</a>,” by David Mastio, Kansas City Star, Oct. 29.

“<a href="https://kaninfo.com/opinion/oops-i-voted-for-hitler-again/" target="_blank">Oops, I voted for Hitler…again</a>,” by Dane Hicks, Kansas Informer, Oct. 30.

“<a href="https://www.iolaregister.com/opinion/columnists/being-a-republican-is-not-a-loyalty-test" target="_blank">Kamala Harris has what it takes</a>,” by Susan Lynn, The Iola Register, Oct. 25.

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/31/a-stupefying-poll-shows-harris-breathing-down-trumps-neck-in-kansas-heres-what-that-means/">Kansas Reflector</a>You want to talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state? OK, let’s talk about that new poll showing Kansas as a potential swing state.The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;from the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University showed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris a mere&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/28/survey-reveals-potential-tapering-of-kansas-gap-between-gop-democratic-presidential-candidates/">five points behind</a>&nbsp;Republican candidate Donald Trump. Given that the survey covers traditionally conservative Kansas, political pundits pounced.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730413570584.jpeg" alt=" Brett Zollinger, director of the Docking Institute, talks to reporters about the Kansas Speaks survey during an Oct. 29, 2024, interview at the Kansas Reflector office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Brett Zollinger, director of the Docking Institute, talks to reporters about the Kansas Speaks survey during an Oct. 29, 2024, interview at the Kansas Reflector office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“BREAKING: Trump only winning by 5 In KANSAS,” wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TristanSnell/status/1851120567262298528" target="_blank">legal commentator Tristan Snell</a>.“If Harris is only down 5 to Trump in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;– election night is going to be very good for Democrats,” added Obama campaign and administration&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TimFullerton/status/1850981599556616491" target="_blank">alumnus Tim Fullerton</a>.“…holy sh*t?” exclaimed&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SethAbramson/status/1851092122004300089" target="_blank">journalist and lawyer Seth Abramson</a>.Let’s step back from excited progressive reactions for a moment and actually talk about the poll, what it means and whether Harris has a shot in Kansas. (Spoiler alert, she&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/17/electoral-college-will-incinerate-a-half-million-kansas-votes-for-kamala-thats-a-problem/">almost certainly does not</a>). We found a great person to help us break things down:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/sociology/faculty/zollinger/" target="_blank">Brett Zollinger</a>, director of the Docking Institute itself. He sat down with Kansas Reflector staff on Tuesday afternoon to give background on those surprising results.First off, we should understand that the data presented comes from a survey, not a poll. Kansas Speaks primarily tracks public opinion on issues rather than candidates. It gathers a representative panel of Kansans and collects information from them via a carefully designed survey online.“The presidential election is a very minor focus for us in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/" target="_blank">Kansas Speaks</a>,” he said. “We are far more focused on policies, issues that are going to be relevant to Kansans, likely to come up in the legislative session, that sort of thing. But every four years, we get this unique opportunity to see what our survey methodology bears out in terms of some actual voter decisions in the state in the presidential election. So in 2020, we were within 0.2% actually, in the spread between Trump and Biden with our survey panel methodology.”<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/20elec/2020_General_Official_Vote_Totals.pdf" target="_blank">For reference</a>, in 2020 Trump finished at 56.2% in Kansas, while President Joe Biden reached 41.6%, a 14.6 percentage point gap.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2020-kansas-speaks-report-v7.pdf" target="_blank">The 2020 Kansas Speaks survey</a>&nbsp;found 52% support for Trump and 37.6% for Biden, a 14.4 percentage point gap.That earlier accuracy was much remarked upon by online commentors. But Zollinger wanted Kansas Reflector readers to understand that the modeling and weighting decisions made for the Kansas Speaks survey are not necessarily the same ones made by political polling firms. They’re playing different games.“If we were actually trying to measure, with a lot of predictive ability, the presidential vote turnout, we would probably engage in a fuller methodology common to the survey industry, especially the presidential polling industry,” Zollinger said. “We don’t. But we do winnow it down to registered voters who say that they plan to vote, which is not a bad methodology necessarily for doing that. And the survey panel is what it is. These are folks who have opted in to be surveyed. It’s not uncommon to use these today. Pew Research has its own big one. Gallup has one.”Researchers looked at various demographic factors, he said, “and we did pretty much a simple proportionate weighting.” (You can dig into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-final.10.28.24.v3-corrected-final-bullet-in-exec-sum-to-now-compare-2024-and-2023-results2.pdf" target="_blank">crosstabs on page 96</a>.) They did the same with their 2020 results.“We took the proportion in the sample who fit a certain age profile, and we adjusted it to the state’s age profile of adults, same with gender, same with education. … We believe it is the most reasonable approach to trying to make up for some underrepresentation by some age groups in the panel and some underrepresentation by certain education levels,” Zollinger said.Which brings us all down to the basic question: Do we believe the survey results?I do, with caveats.Kansas has changed. In the eight years&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/23/want-to-make-kansas-a-better-place-for-new-opinion-editor-that-means-raising-our-voices-for-change/">since I returned</a>&nbsp;to the state, I’ve watched as a motley mix of Republicans, Democrats and independents have rejected Trump and extreme ideologies. I’ve watched a constitutional amendment that would have allowed the Legislature to ban abortion fail by an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">18-point margin</a>. I’ve watched voters twice elect Democrat Laura Kelly as governor. I’ve also heard, over and and over, and read, in repeated email messages, that Kansans don’t like the current political atmosphere.Now, that doesn’t turn us into an immediate swing state. It doesn’t guarantee a Democratic Legislature anytime soon. But it does, at least from my perspective, suggest that Republicans can’t count on a blank check from Kansas voters.Trump will almost certainly win Kansas. But that margin will matter.Alex Middlewood, a political scientist at Wichita State, weighed in on the survey results&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/alexmiddlewood/status/1851403069684072824" target="_blank">via a Tweet thread</a>. She said the results showed that Trump has been losing ground in Kansas over the past eight years.“His vote share in 2020 was lower than it was in 2016, and 2024 is very likely going to be even lower. Make no mistake, Trump is going to win Kansas,” she wrote. “However, any shift in the margins, like we’re seeing from these results, will likely have major impact on the state legislature races. Ds are working hard (and spending lots of money) to break the R supermajority. These results should give them hope.”<h2>More Kansans speak</h2>I’ve been keeping track of interesting presidential endorsements in Kansas news outlets over the past couple of weeks. You might not be able to read an endorsement from the Washington Post, but these plucky Kansans have a lot to say.“<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/eadd4e4e-bed9-4d2c-81d5-f67355e1840f" target="_blank">Rep. Steven Howe reflects on voting for Trump after earlier criticism</a>,” by Steven Howe, Salina Post, Oct. 26.“<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article294546054.html" target="_blank">My fellow conservatives, we have to split the ticket to save the US Constitution</a>,” by David Mastio, Kansas City Star, Oct. 29.“<a href="https://kaninfo.com/opinion/oops-i-voted-for-hitler-again/" target="_blank">Oops, I voted for Hitler…again</a>,” by Dane Hicks, Kansas Informer, Oct. 30.“<a href="https://www.iolaregister.com/opinion/columnists/being-a-republican-is-not-a-loyalty-test" target="_blank">Kamala Harris has what it takes</a>,” by Susan Lynn, The Iola Register, Oct. 25.Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

OPINION: A stupefying poll shows Harris breathing down Trump’s neck in Kansas. Here’s what that means.

I attended the forum for the position of Ellis County Clerk with the two candidates, Bobbie Dreiling and Laura Allen and decided Bobbie is definitely the person we want in that position.

I found Bobbie to be an honest and sincere person and good steward of our taxpayer dollars!

Bobbie praised her staff , which were present to support her. Obviously they all have a good working relationship and friendship. To me that is a sign of a great &nbsp;leader and that is important when getting things done.

Bobbie comes with years of experience and she does her homework. She did check out a polling place on campus and discovered it wasn’t feasible. There are 1,650 students living on campus and only 69 registered to vote. The numbers just aren’t there. It’s common sense.

Ms. Allen seems to think college kids aren’t capable of knowing where and how to register to vote and to vote. These are young adults pursuing a higher education, I’m sure they can figure it out. Ms Allen seems to be focused on this one issue, voting poll on campus. I question if she truly understands what the position entails.

Bobbie doesn’t need several misleading flyers sent to our homes to get votes. Her record and job performance speaks for itself. In my opinion Bobbie deserves another 4 years, she’s proven it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

— Ellis County Citizen, Ruth Legleiter

I attended the forum for the position of Ellis County Clerk with the two candidates, Bobbie Dreiling and Laura Allen and decided Bobbie is definitely the person we want in that position.I found Bobbie to be an honest and sincere person and good steward of our taxpayer dollars!Bobbie praised her staff , which were present to support her. Obviously they all have a good working relationship and friendship. To me that is a sign of a great &nbsp;leader and that is important when getting things done.Bobbie comes with years of experience and she does her homework. She did check out a polling place on campus and discovered it wasn’t feasible. There are 1,650 students living on campus and only 69 registered to vote. The numbers just aren’t there. It’s common sense.Ms. Allen seems to think college kids aren’t capable of knowing where and how to register to vote and to vote. These are young adults pursuing a higher education, I’m sure they can figure it out. Ms Allen seems to be focused on this one issue, voting poll on campus. I question if she truly understands what the position entails.Bobbie doesn’t need several misleading flyers sent to our homes to get votes. Her record and job performance speaks for itself. In my opinion Bobbie deserves another 4 years, she’s proven it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; — Ellis County Citizen, Ruth Legleiter

Letter: Dreiling's record as Ellis County Clerk speaks for itself

Normally, someone referring to hot fingers makes me think of thievery. After a recent jalapeño popper- making session, scorched fingers now come to mind.

I thought I’d learned this lesson years ago when I canned jalapeños. That time, I picked a two-gallon bucket full of the searing torches and did NOT wear gloves to deseed or defiber them. Holy cow, my hands sizzled for three solid days. I washed them repeatedly. I used high quality hand lotion. I soaked them in milk. I soaked them in baking soda. I soaked them in vinegar. Nothing alleviated that pain. The fiery sensation prevented sleep, leaving me contentious as a momma bear.

This time, I only cleaned 24 freshly-harvested peppers to make poppers, dices, and slices. Because of past experience, I wore gloves while removing seeds and internal fibers. Once I’d cut them in half, I parboiled them before filling with cream cheese and wrapping with par-cooked bacon to reduce baking time later.

I filled those little dugouts with the cream cheese, garlic, and cheddar mixture. Then I wrapped each one in a half slice of bacon, skewered with a toothpick. Again. no issues. Latex protected my fingers.

What triggered the melt-down involved 6 leftover deseeded peppers. For those who make their own poppers, you know we can’t waste a perfectly good, cleaned jalapeño. I decided to dice half and slice decorative rings from the rest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730127838287.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINNormally, someone referring to hot fingers makes me think of thievery. After a recent jalapeño popper- making session, scorched fingers now come to mind.I thought I’d learned this lesson years ago when I canned jalapeños. That time, I picked a two-gallon bucket full of the searing torches and did NOT wear gloves to deseed or defiber them. Holy cow, my hands sizzled for three solid days. I washed them repeatedly. I used high quality hand lotion. I soaked them in milk. I soaked them in baking soda. I soaked them in vinegar. Nothing alleviated that pain. The fiery sensation prevented sleep, leaving me contentious as a momma bear.This time, I only cleaned 24 freshly-harvested peppers to make poppers, dices, and slices. Because of past experience, I wore gloves while removing seeds and internal fibers. Once I’d cut them in half, I parboiled them before filling with cream cheese and wrapping with par-cooked bacon to reduce baking time later.I filled those little dugouts with the cream cheese, garlic, and cheddar mixture. Then I wrapped each one in a half slice of bacon, skewered with a toothpick. Again. no issues. Latex protected my fingers.What triggered the melt-down involved 6 leftover deseeded peppers. For those who make their own poppers, you know we can’t waste a perfectly good, cleaned jalapeño. I decided to dice half and slice decorative rings from the rest.Using gloves to finely dice something is difficult, so I tugged them off. After all, I’d removed scorching seeds and combustible guts. Surely, I was safe. Yeah, right….Acting like the queen of cutting boards and sharp knives, I slivered those babies and diced them into tiny bits to toss into soups and casseroles this winter. So finely chopped, it took a while to collect the bits into a container, but my nerve cells remained calm for that moment.Once I got the slivered bits in the bag, nerve receptors hit the alert button, which I ignored. What the heck? I’d washed ‘em and set out cleaned, whole peppers for decorative slicing. While I didn’t think I’d contacted innards, sensory detectors disagreed. Suddenly, a three-alarm fire nipped at every finger-tip on both hands. I had to finish the job, so I worked through the pain and stored those pretty little rings to garnish winter meals.After tucking those fiery treasures into the freezer, I washed and washed and washed agonized flesh. I coated it with lanoline-based creams. That helped for a minute or two before jalapeño capsaicin re-activated. Clearly, pepper flesh contains chemical enough to trigger nerve endings even when seeds and stringy flesh are removed.While six of those poppers roasted enticingly in the oven, I continued washing with soap and water over and over and over. Frankly, I didn’t expect relief after that three-day marathon of burning flesh a few decades ago. The good news is this time wearing gloves prevented that. I may have gotten a reminder of that experience, but soap and water finally did the trick, letting nerve endings calm.Lesson learned. No matter how awkward it is to wear gloves while dicing jalapeños, do it anyway. The poppers tasted great, by the way. I think I’ll throw on a pair of gloves and make a second batch to carry us through coming cold days.

Opinion